Ming Dynasty, starting from the empty seal case

Chapter 111 Seeking truth from facts is not as good as talking on paper?

Confucianism? New to learn?
Zhu Yuanzhang knew what Confucianism was, but he did not know what New Learning was.

So he looked at Su Xian in confusion. He couldn't think of anything new you could tell us.
"Boy, just talking about the imperial examination, it has gone through the rise and fall of many dynasties, so it was improved on the basis of Confucianism."

"The new learning you are talking about? Did it jump out of thin air? Or are you planning to dig it out for us yourself?"

Speaking of this, Zhu Yuanzhang felt a little funny even in the peaceful East Palace.

The Crown Princess was fine. The imperial court didn't have to focus on choosing a new Crown Princess, and he didn't have to watch Biao'er lose his mind and feel depressed, so he and Su Xian could talk freely here.

Besides, some of what the other party said did make sense, but he still found it a bit absurd to speak so brazenly and in a "newly learned" tone.

Su Xian raised his head and learned something new?
It was impossible for him to explain this to Emperor Hongwu with the understanding and vision of later generations.

Therefore, the only answer is to be realistic and current.

"What does Your Majesty want to solve? And the answer you got is Xinxue!"

"In other words, the talents that Ming Dynasty needs cannot be allowed to show what they have learned. Then there will be no one to supervise and report corrupt officials, gentry and landlords everywhere!"

"But our Ming Dynasty needs merchants, so it's very simple..."

"Hmph! Farmers are the cornerstone of the Ming Dynasty. As you said before, if no one is willing to open up wasteland and cultivate the land. If they see merchants making money and start doing business, then the world will be over sooner or later."

Having said this, Su Xian paused and continued:
"Your Majesty was born in the late Yuan Dynasty. Your Majesty knows the system of the Yuan Dynasty very well. As long as the local government can pay taxes and grain to the Yuan Dynasty court, it doesn't matter how the place is governed."

"The essence of the imperial examination is that the imperial court collects talented people from all over the world and then uses them to govern the place, investigate corrupt officials, and benefit the people of that area."

"So, if there is no imperial examination, then find a new way that can also achieve the same goal... that is new learning!"

Zhu Yuanzhang was a little confused by this answer.

"Boy, where did you come up with all these bluffing words?"

His idea was actually very simple. In the first imperial examination after the end of the Yuan Dynasty, it was hard to bear to look at the selected candidates who were strong but weak.

"And the troubles are getting bigger and bigger. At the last glance, the world is uneasy and the people are complaining! Someone climbs up and shouts, and the mountain is covered with red scarves!"

If you push too hard, we will end up in the end, don't regret it?
Zhu Yuanzhang thought for a long time this time, and Su Xian even saw him clenching his hands.

With such great power, what would he be allowed to do?
Isn't it just to compete with Hu Weiyong?

Zhu Yuanzhang thought of his painful memories again and said without hesitation: "Such people should be placed at the lowest level. They want to be distinguished in front of others, but we just don't let them do what they want! Hey, I ordered them not to wear silk. It’s absolutely impossible to be glamorous in front of others!”

Not only did he give him the position of right minister, he also made him serve as the right censor!

"The military household is the foundation of our Ming Dynasty. We still need Ming Dynasty soldiers to fight in all directions, so we must not move! You should give up this idea as soon as possible."

What he said makes sense. Ming Dynasty really needs a fair talent selection method.

In the end, he had no choice but to pinch his nose and appoint some old Yuanting ministers in order to stabilize the court situation and allow the people to resume farming as soon as possible.

"Over time, corruption breeds all evils. The solidified environment does not make the people of the Ming Dynasty truly stable, but instead aggravates the disaster! It may even become the source of unrest in the world."

"As for farmers and craftsmen... they work hard and create sharp tools! This is the cornerstone of the Ming Dynasty, and our Ming Dynasty also needs to give these people a way to rise."

"As for farmers, craftsmen, and merchants."

Originally, three years later from Hongwu.

This time, this guy really "doesn't forget his original intention". After all, why is he still registered in the same place? Four people?

Swish!
Zhu Yuanzhang's expression turned solemn. He was still leisurely just now, but now he stood up suddenly.

"We have to suppress them forever. If one person is engaged in business, the whole family should not enter the court, otherwise they will become a den of snakes and rats again!"

At least with the recommendation system, once an official is recommended to the court and something goes wrong, he can immediately target his comrades and kill them all!
But now, in the imperial court, the situation regarding official selection has reached a time when it has to be moved.

Thinking of this, he couldn't help but want to scold someone.

Zhu Yuanzhang became more and more fluent as he spoke, and finally looked at Su Xian, "After much thought, it seems that there is only the imperial examination, so don't blame me for it. Let's talk about the new study you think."

Did he discuss it with his father to trick us into this matter?
But then again.

The results of it? He indulges in sex all day long, drinks and sleeps!
So that the chaos in the government seems to force him to end again?
Hurrah!

He saw all the actions of the ministers below. The so-called selection of officials today is only in the hands of one person. Who is this person? He knows even better!

As for recommendation, after a restructuring, the selected talents are indeed usable in his opinion, but there is indeed a risk of forming a party for personal gain. But then again, wouldn’t the imperial examination form cliques for personal gain? The relationship between teachers, students, and colleagues is sometimes even more complicated than the relationship between recommendation and recommendation.

"Businessmen are so unjust when they see profits that they are willing to betray their country. In the chaos at the end of the Yuan Dynasty, rich families were stinking of wine and meat! Most of them are such people! They colluded with the wealthy gentry and harmed the people! They deserve to be damned!"

"The same is true for the identity of the people. The more solidified it is, the more it will decay. If talents cannot reach the center, they will get rich in the local area."

After Su Xian gave a simple explanation, he immediately changed the topic.

After saying this, Zhu Yuanzhang obviously fell into deep thought.

Wang Guangyang!
This man's ability to govern the people was really good, but as soon as he arrived at Zhongshu Province, he completely forgot about his "expectations".

Su Xian simply did not show off, but continued:
"As I said just now, the Ming Dynasty must select officials fairly so that every citizen of the Ming Dynasty can realize that they have a path to advancement."

He was a little surprised. Could it be that he mentioned the sadness of the emperor?
But soon, Su Xian felt that she had thought too much.

"Don't tell us so much. I'll tell you clearly now."

"Consolidating household registration and restricting one place may seem to stabilize the place in a short period of time, but what about the long term? The tide of history has always been forward, and I have never seen it go backwards."

"We also told them not to take the imperial examination. If they like to make money, don't come to our Ming Dynasty Hall!"

Su Xian knew that he could get His Majesty to give up the restriction on household registration just by relying on his own dictation? It's just a fool's errand.

but……

"Your Majesty thinks that by restricting merchants, does it mean that there are no people who exploit the people?"

"If a merchant joins the gentry and joins forces with them. The merchant will use the power of the gentry, and the gentry will ask the merchant to make money for him..."

"This is a conspiracy. When the time comes to embezzle people's property and even force them to sell their fields and grain, it will be nothing more than another historical cycle..."

Zhu Yuanzhang shouted: "That's why we need official governance! That's why we have to raise the butcher's knife!"

"Anyone who dares to do this will kill one, or a pair of them. If the situation is serious, if one commits the crime, the whole clan will suffer!"

"If you embezzle sixty taels of silver, no matter how big or small your official position is, once verified, you will be executed immediately. This is an iron rule!"

"What's more, this kind of thing is a person's selfish desire. Even if the household registration restriction is lifted, it can't interfere in the slightest."

"Boy, you are still too young. What you just said has exposed you. It is just empty talk, but there is no theory of worldly affairs."

"There is no perfect measure in this world. Only relying on rules can only restrict those who follow the rules!"

"And the only thing that is useful to everyone is the butcher knife raised high!"

After Zhu Yuanzhang finished speaking, he waved his sleeves, seeming to end the conversation just now.

Su Xian sighed helplessly.

As Zhu Yuanzhang said, if it extends further downward, it will be very large. This cannot be restricted by simple regulations.

But having said that, precisely because I have said this, the conditions for the emergence of new learning are already sufficient.

Thinking of this, Su Xian said:
"In fact, what Your Majesty just said, the concerns, the trade-offs, and even the need to have both, are exactly the necessary conditions for the emergence of new learning."

"Huh?" Zhu Yuanzhang was puzzled.

Su Xian concluded:
"1. The imperial examination based on the 'Four Books and Five Classics' is to win the hearts and minds of the people in the north and south who have been separated for hundreds of years!"

"Second, military households are military households and cannot be abolished now. However, it does not say that they must be restricted from promotion. There should be an alternative method other than military merit. After all... the Ming Dynasty will never be in endless battles. "

As soon as these words came out, Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slowly, and Zhu Biao and Queen Ma also silently approved.

Su Xian could see that military households were Zhu Yuanzhang's bottom line, and there were many things involved. In addition to marching and fighting, in fact, more importantly, it was the fastest way to recruit soldiers who were good at fighting.

The military household system, at the beginning of the Ming Dynasty, was undoubtedly the most adaptable to the current situation.

But in another ten or twenty years, it won’t necessarily be the case.

So Su Xian was not prepared to pick on this bad guy.

And he continued:

"3. Farmers and craftsmen are the cornerstone of the world, and they cannot be abolished rashly. They need to cultivate land, forge tools, cultivate food, and improve efficiency. But similarly, they cannot be solidified and restrict their upward access."

"Yes! That's exactly what we mean." Zhu Yuanzhang nodded.

"Four. Merchants..."

Su Xian clearly felt that Zhu Yuanzhang's face wrinkled when he said this, but he continued:
"Merchant cannot enter the court as an official. This is an iron rule! But it does not say that they cannot travel around to make the Ming Dynasty's market prosperous and provide tax revenue!"

"Actually, once the bank is settled this time, the government and businessmen will not be able to take care of the transaction with Xifan. Private businessmen will still need to go there. Because only private businessmen can tap the greatest potential!" This does not require Su Xian. Say more.

Because Zhu Yuanzhang also knew this. Officials and merchants, such as salt transport envoys, tea department officials, etc., were working for the government. They used authority and tyranny, and they would not be able to do their best.

Only private traders who make money for themselves can risk everything.

And this is what he looks down upon the most, because it is these people who put their interests above all else, and when necessary, they can even liaise with foreign enemies for their own selfish interests!
But then again, what about officials?

Su Xian didn't know what Zhu Yuanzhang was thinking, but continued:
"Synthesizing the above four conditions into one, then the emergence of new learning will appear on the paper!"

Zhu Yuanzhang turned his head in surprise and simply abandoned all the complicated thoughts just now.

After all, those are redundant branches and vines, and this method of selecting materials is the main focus of this discussion!
"you are right?"

At this moment, even Zhu Biao and Queen Ma couldn't help but look curiously.

"Don't show off!" Zhu Yuanzhang's tone was urgent, making it clear that he couldn't wait any longer.

"He who no longer seeks for anything is just a false reputation for trivial words and great righteousness."

"But we have to be pragmatic and combine reality with reality... all kinds of craftsmanship will inevitably fail to benefit the people!"

Looking at the few people, they became more and more surprised, and even had some understanding in their eyes.

Su Xian continued:
""Book of Rites: University" says: To know, you need to examine things, and then you will know!"

After a short pause, the last few words were blurted out.

"Study things to gain knowledge!"

"Gewu Xue!"

As soon as these three words came out, Zhu Yuanzhang was stunned on the spot.

Zhu Biao and Queen Ma were even dumbfounded.

Everyone's eyes, including Lu's, were dull, but then she seemed to think of something and almost blurted out a sneer!

"Gewu?"

At this time, Zhu Yuanzhang also reflected.

"You mean... let those craftsmen not pass the imperial examination? Whoever has the better skills will be able to become an official in the court?"

Before Su Xian could say anything, Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand immediately.

"No way!"

Zhu Biao also shook his head.

Queen Ma sighed:

"You have to know, what are you challenging when you say something?"

"As you said before, scholars, farmers, industry and commerce have been deeply rooted in people's hearts for thousands of years."

"This heart is not only mine, but also the hundreds of officials in the court, who have passed down the Confucian classics for countless years, and even taught it to your master in the palace!"

"There are even students from all over the world who are studying in social studies and official studies."

Queen Ma finished speaking.

Zhu Biao also said: "Even if it is the recommendation system implemented by my father, most of the talents selected are actually selected from these Confucian disciples."

"But according to what you said, what is shaken is the traditional status of scholars, farmers, industry and commerce."

"How can everyone in the world obey?"

Zhu Yuanzhang even said: "The way to govern a country is not to rely on the good skills of a few people to manage the people!"

"We don't agree to abolish household registration, so you just talk about this new study of things?"

"This is a new learning! Isn't our limited household registration in name only?"

"But..." Su Xian didn't expect that they would object so quickly.

Looking at how they looked before, weren't you quite looking forward to it?

Moreover, although what I said was not meticulous, it was comprehensive enough.

Can take all four points into consideration.

"Every official in the current dynasty is a scholar. Even your father has a reputation as a scholar!"

"As for those who have recently become officials in the court, they are either selected by the official schools in various places, or they are the students who came out of Guozixue!"

"If we were to suddenly do something like this... wouldn't it mean that a blacksmith who was still forging iron before would be able to join the Ministry of Works as an official?"

"Farmers who were still farming before have suddenly transformed themselves into leaders of these students without having to study. Can they still join the Ministry of Household Affairs as an official?"

"Yes! Let's talk about military households. According to what you said about gewu, if it is not based on military merit, how can gewu convince the soldiers?"

"And the most important thing... believe it or not, as long as we reveal the slightest clue about this object, all the officials in the court will give us a round of admonishment!"

Su Xian knew they were wrong.

Then he explained again: "What I said does not necessarily mean joining the dynasty as an official. Since it is the selection of officials by the dynasty! Shouldn't it be about selecting various talents?"

"Your Majesty restricts household registration. The son of a blacksmith can only be a blacksmith. What if he is not interested in blacksmithing but likes water conservancy? The son of a stonemason does not want to deal with stones every day. What if he wants to be interested in killing chickens and cows? Can’t you become a butcher?”

"As for students who study classics and meanings, they can still have the possibility of entering the court and becoming officials."

"The imperial court is once again opening the door wider. Those who are talented and virtuous in the world are no longer limited to those who can read. Others can also be called talents!"

Watching Su Xian argue.

Zhu Yuanzhang refused again.

"After we became the emperor of the Ming Dynasty from a commoner, how could we not know that there are also great talents among the people?"

"But what you said still makes our household registration chaotic. How can we govern the world?"

"Also, although our Ming Dynasty does not have any examples of people who are called heroes in Donghuamen, it must be that studying is the most valuable thing."

"This case must not be changed!"

Seeing that Su Xian wanted to continue talking.

At this moment, even Queen Ma spoke up, "You are still too young. Once what you just said is actually implemented, it will not be a simple matter of selecting officials, but will shake the foundation of the country!"

In an instant, as soon as the words "shake the country" came out, the atmosphere here became quiet.

It was Zhu Biao who broke the silence, "Do you know that when these words are spoken, the first ones to object are the gentlemen from the main hall..."

Zhu Biao's words seemed to remind Zhu Yuanzhang.

His tone was even teasing, "It just so happens that during this period, they asked me to restart the imperial examination and sing along with your father."

"It is openly said in the court! This is almost the clarion call for a fight, and the other side will not give up. Your father will also be involved in this vortex, and you will come too, so you must first get past your gentlemen. close."

Zhu Yuanzhang said, and then added: "These masters among the officials are all well-established. If you raise your arms, you will have thousands of students!"

"If the Qingliu forces in the court are really serious, even we will have a headache."

Speaking of this, Zhu Yuanzhang himself seemed to be looking forward to it.

He asked Wang Guangyang to fight with someone in the ring and restrict his behavior, but the latter became obsessed with sex?
On the contrary, Song Lian and others, who had been teaching in the main hall, directly said in the court that "the selection of officials in the country cannot be in the hands of one person"!
Even Su Guiyuan took advantage of this.

Su Xian even said as much today.

"That's fine. Since everyone is so enthusiastic, it has hindered our confidence in the Northern Expedition. Huh! I'll simply set the stage for you myself."

"It's better to choose a day than to hit it. Just these few days."

Just as he was thinking this, he saw that at this moment, Su Xian was already looking over, seeming to accept the challenge.

"Do you mean to convince them?"

Zhu Biao also seemed to have thought of something and said: "Although gentlemen can be deceived, Master Song, Master Liu, and Mr. Li are aloof in character and regard Confucianism as orthodox, but how can they bow to the skills of hundreds of craftsmen?"

He wanted to continue talking, but he saw that Su Xian seemed to be really serious.

He just shouted: "Studying things to achieve knowledge is also Confucianism. It is not empty talk, but the truth."

“Is it really better to work diligently and seek truth from facts than to talk loudly and talk on paper?”

(End of this chapter)