Jingming

Chapter 513: Competition for jobs?

Zhu Houcong knew about the discussion in Beijing.

In the Xianling Mausoleum, in the Xian'en Hall, the tablets of Zhu Houcong's parents are located here.

The festival is over, and the emperor wants to stay here alone for a while.

Zhu Houcong looked at the words on the tablet of the God Lord, and after a long time he sighed.

"It's time for my son to worry about the children..."

At the beginning, that position belonged to him.

Now, it is clear that he has repeatedly asked the prince to supervise the country, but if the dust has not settled for a day, the prince will still want to do everything possible to eliminate the threat.

It has to be said that at least he already has a "qualified" emperor's thinking.

What makes Zhu Houcong feel a little sad is that during this period of time when he was asked to supervise the country, his attention was focused on these things, which meant that he still could not be like his father.

Maybe it was mentioned in the memorials and letters of some ministers, maybe it was for other reasons.

"Get off and go back to Beijing!"

Zhu Houcong stood up and left the Hall of En'en.

There are still a lot of things to do about national and family affairs.

Tang Shunzhi did not stop him, and Yan Song pushed the boat along with the current.

Lu Bing has never been a strict person. Since he is such a person, he will naturally not hesitate to form a good relationship.

……

But anyway, the people under the emperor's personal care are not bad.

The third time point was when Tang Shunzhi returned to Beijing from Hetao. Zhu Houcong believed that the time had come and some things that should be done should be done while he was young and energetic. Then, Korea, Ryukyu, Japan, Beibei... Ming's war machine has not stopped yet.

Now, the examination is in progress, and Zhu Houcong is walking and chatting with his son in the imperial garden.

So now, Zhu Houcong has returned to Huguang, and there are new changes.

This year was supposed to be the 26th year of Jiajing, which was called AD 2388 under the new calendar.

It may become a problem, but it cannot shake his future position.

The impression is from this era. Since he has this talent, why let him study it on his own? Isn’t it good for officials who specialize in this direction?
Lu Bing had stayed with Zhu Houcong for so long, and he was not surprised that a stranger's name would appear in the emperor's mouth.

Strong empires often collapse from within.

So Li Shizhen really won the exam and came to take the test.

"Just make Cochin solid soil. Have you considered the pros and cons?"

"Now that my son is gone, I'm afraid he will never come back to pay homage in person."

At nearly forty years old, he would not be able to enjoy the rest of his life freely.

Yang Shen and Huang Zuo were already keenly aware that the time after this day might not be very peaceful.

After witnessing the slow pace of change in ordinary places and receiving news from the capital, Zhu Houcong sighed and knelt down to worship his late father and mother.

Zhu Zaiyi answered cautiously: "I have consulted with all the advisers and discussed it. I think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages."

Zhang Juzheng, Li Chunfang, Wang Shizhen... many people still waited until this year to take the examination.

Li Shizhen, who was born into a medical family, had a talent for learning that was higher than ordinary people, but not outstanding.

At the age of fourteen, he passed the exam to become a scholar, but it was not easy to pass the examination. What's more, he also liked medical skills and devoted himself to studying.

If it can win over the people of Ming Dynasty, any other possible threats will have no foundation.

After a thousand years of hard work, now it’s just cleaning the yard and laying the foundation.

This time, a generation after the new academic viewpoints such as the Three Principles of Nature, Things, and Human Beings, Praxis, and Dialectics were fully implemented, it is time for the new academic system and new examination syllabus to come to fruition.

The relationship between the emperor and the prince, the relationship between the prince and the princes, and the heads of the vassal states...

The first step was naturally to succeed as emperor. At that time, everything was done to stabilize power. Although he wanted to try out new laws, it was also part of maintaining authority.

Did he think his father had already finished the work?

In later generations, this subject was known as the first in the Ming Dynasty. Although it is not as bright as the stars who topped the list of the Millennium Imperial Examination in the second year of Jiayou's reign, it is still no small matter.

Historically, it was during Zhang Cong's auxiliary period that he raised the admission threshold for government schools, strictly assessed teachers, and upheld pragmatism, which allowed Ming Dynasty's cultural education to blossom and bear fruit a generation later.

Therefore, among the candidates who took the examination, there was also an "unknown" Li Shizhen who was only thirty years old.

In history, the Ming Dynasty plowed the Jurchens seven times, but what happened in the end? When the Ming Dynasty fell, was the opponent really too strong?

In the past half of his life, there were three important points in time that caused him to change three times.

But now that the examinations have begun to select candidates by subject, Zhu Houcong also thought of him when he returned to Huguang, and casually asked Lu Bing to check it out.

It's nothing more than torturing yourself.

Returning to the Forbidden City, Zhu Zaiyi's brief period of supervising the country ended.

Zhu Houcong no longer cares about these little things.

The second point in time was during the Huguang Rebellion and the Southern Inspection. After that, whether he was conquering the northern border or promoting new laws and learning, Zhu Houcong always defended and counterattacked, appointed talents, and cultivated strength.

"Where's North Korea?" Zhu Houcong didn't look back and walked forward slowly, looking at the plum blossoms blooming in the imperial garden. "The King of Liao is still young. When he gets old, North Korea will face the problem of whether to turn into a solid state. By then, At that time, it’s probably your turn to take action. So, at the same time, you have to do the work of converting the land into solid soil in North Korea and Cochin. Which one is more important?”

Zhu Zaiyi was slightly frightened, and followed closely: "It is convenient for officials and people to aid Korea, and I think it is enough to proceed step by step. On the other hand, Jiaozhi is a major strategic area in Nanyang, and it is also a granary. If it is managed carefully, it will be of great use to Nanyang in the future. .”

"Now that the Khanate is destroyed and the Jurchens are plowed, the grasslands, the northeast, and the new Khanate may no longer be a threat. There are many things to do to divide, appease, and accept the people's goodwill towards the Ming Dynasty."

Zhu Zaiyi pursed his lips, hesitated and asked frankly: "Did your father say... is it better to just set Jiaozhi as a vassal state first? My eldest brother will naturally manage the business carefully, but according to the strategy agreed upon by my father before, In the future, Cochin and Burma will still be accepted as real territory. When the time comes, I will seize the country of my eldest brother’s descendants..."

Zhu Houcong stopped and raised his hand.

Zhu Zaiyi felt a chill in his heart and stood still behind him.

Zhu Houcong just raised his hand to twist a bunch of plum branches, and then said: "I divided the clan into vassal states, not to let them enjoy the wealth and prestige of the king, but to let them work hard for the Ming Dynasty's eternal achievements. When the time comes, accept them. Whether it is necessary for the sake of peace, and whether your brothers, nephews, and nephews are willing to do it, all depends on what you think."

Zhu Zaiyi gritted his teeth and thought about it carefully, thinking that there was no need to hide too much in front of his father, and he couldn't hide it.

So he said: "My son is worried about hidden dangers in the future. One more thing to worry about is naturally better than one less thing to worry about."

"Look at the problem from the perspective of development. Now, I can win new territory for you. In the future, why can't you continue to fight for them? The world is so big, and the Ming Dynasty only has one out of ten fertile lands." Zhu Houcong let go of his hand. , turned around and looked at him, "It is easy to establish a province in Jiaozhi, but it is difficult to become a part of Ming Dynasty's strength. From father to you, to your son, how can Ming Dynasty's strength continue to become stronger and always the strongest, and even more difficult ."

"...My son has been taught a lesson." "The territory my father left to you is larger and there are more people, so you must have a broader mind than my father." Zhu Houcong sighed softly, "I haven't arrived yet. Forty, you still have to wait. This time, Burma, Jiaozhi, North Korea, Jurchen, and Nan'ao are all over, and then father and son, brothers, and clans will still have the day to meet each other. The things I can't finish, I need you and your children. Just keep doing it.”

"...Father?"

Zhu Houcong stared at him: "It is absolutely impossible to eradicate all the alien races in the world, and they should not be eradicated. The more long-term and effective way than force is to treat them as ordinary people in the future and let them live a better life. Integrate into one. This cause is bigger than who will sit on the throne of the Ming Dynasty. Of course, as long as the Ming Dynasty is the strongest, before the Ming Dynasty cannot go to heaven and earth, the actual land of the Ming Dynasty cannot be much larger than it is today."

The words were so straightforward that Zhu Zaiyi didn't know how to answer for a moment.

He could only tell what he thought was the answer: "I understand. Just as my father said, I should focus on taking North Korea as a solid land first. The capital is in the north, the grasslands, Northeast, and North Korea are safe and sound, and the capital is stable. Since the capital city is stable, there will be no major turmoil in the Ming Dynasty. As for Burma, Jiaozhi, and Nanyang, it is a century-old plan that can be planned slowly."

"Do not."

Zhu Houcong's answer made him stunned.

Zhu Zaiyi raised his head in astonishment and listened to his father say: "Your idea makes me think of another approach. Treating the people of foreign vassals as your own people and managing with heart, you also need to set an example. The most important thing is, This ambition must be rooted in your heart. And if you want to govern the Ming Dynasty in the future, it is better to start with one province."

"...What do you mean, Father?"

"When the affairs of Cochin are over, North Cochin will establish the North Vietnam Province, and let your eldest brother gain a foothold in South Cochin. You take Yang Shen, Huang Zuo, and Zhang Juzheng to educate the people of Vietnam. Your eldest brother's future is in Siam."

Zhu Zaiyi was shocked and looked at his father in disbelief.

Zhu Houcong's expression was very calm: "In the future, we will always have to deal with these relationships, so let's deal with them as close as possible. In the future, we will always have to govern the country, and we must first govern a province. If you show kindness to the people of North Vietnam, in the end, North Vietnam will not be the same. I will rebel again; if you can help your elder brother take Siam, you won’t have to worry about the problems of South Cochin in the future."

Zhu Zaiyi lowered his head, looking very depressed: "I understand..."

Zhu Houcong turned around and continued to move forward: "Even if we have to guard against it, we must guard against it in the open. North Vietnam is both a province and a border area. We have to put down possible rebellions in the future, and there will be no shortage of generals. There is no other place better than there. , and can train you into a truly powerful imperial monarch! When you go there, it is called a province, but it is actually a country. Whatever you want, I will not lack you. For twenty years, if Vietnam succeeds, you I feel relieved to be back!"

Zhu Zaiyi stayed where he was. After a long time, he slowly knelt down and saluted.

When he raised his head, his eyes were firm.

Compared with the "ruthlessness" and "coldness" of his father's decision, he preferred the frankness and trust in the communication between father and son this time.

When I went to Jiaozhi, it was an absolutely dangerous place.

The prince will stay in a very clear place for a long time. Will anyone among his eldest brother, other princes and their confidants take risks?
All is lost when people die. No matter how angry the emperor is, the Ming Dynasty will always need a successor in the future.

But indeed, his father left him a different Ming Dynasty.

When you go to Jiaozhi, there will be no shortage of talents in Jiaozhi, including relatives, descendants of officials, and young scholars who are interested in becoming heroes in Qiandi.

After going to Jiaozhi, he had to face the sect-vassal relationship that he would have to deal with in the future. He first tried to have a good relationship with the leader of the vassal country next door, his eldest brother.

After going to Jiaozhi, internal affairs, border defense, culture and education... these are all things that you need to be familiar with as the king of a country in the future.

Went to Jiaozhi... Twenty years later, there was another legitimate son in the palace?

What is most closely related to his future status is, after all, the relationship between father and son.

In the second half of his father's reign, whether he can trust his father, and whether his father still regards him as the prince who will succeed him in the future, there are really many things that can be speculated in this decision.

……

Li Shizhen won the imperial examination, and King Rui was still studying bacteria.

Zhu Houcong was in his prime, and his sons were gradually growing up.

In today's situation, a mediocre successor would be a disaster for the governance of the empire.

Once there is more reliance on the ministers of the National Policy Council and the State Palace, once the emperor becomes emperor, he will inevitably have to compete with them for monarchical power in the future.

In Zhu Houcong's private heart, he still hopes to cultivate a successor above the standard and not to enter the state of virtual king too early.

I have trained this prince for many years, but now the results are not great.

After all, what he learned on paper is shallow. Let him face the problem head on, and he may be able to remember what he taught in the past.

Then when he came back, he would pay more attention to technology, education, and people's livelihood, and he would know how to control the officials.

Zhu Zaiyi is the heir to his position, and Zhang Juzheng is his ideal heir.

The emperor's decision shocked Yan Song and others, thinking that the emperor was dissatisfied with their previous discussions.

No, the prince is going to be "exiled to the border", which seems to be a bit of a "competition to choose the best".

Although the war in Cochin is not over yet, everything is kept secret.

Therefore, Zhang Juzheng did not win the first prize, but it seemed that the ministers were not so eager to join the prince's team.

Zhu Houcong summoned Zhang Juzheng alone again.

Zhu Houcong looked at him, "Uncle, do you still remember what I said on Jingshan Mountain?"

"I remember. Your Majesty is so angry that he wants to achieve great unity in the world."

"What I say more importantly is that the true foundation of world unity started with me and is accomplished by you."

The young Jinshi raised his head and looked at the emperor.

"Half of those who walk a hundred miles are ninety. If we really want to achieve such great things, you are more crucial than the current monarchs and ministers." Zhu Houcong said with sincerity, "But you are still too young, and you don't have a deep understanding of many things. Things. Only those who have experienced it will not know the difficulties. This time, I will carefully lay a good foundation for the prince in Jiaozhi, protect him, and help him understand the gist."

"...Your Majesty, I am young and have such a big responsibility..."

"I will naturally explain to others. I will also explain to the prince." Zhu Houcong only looked at him, "I value you, and I cannot realize all the true aspirations in my heart. Therefore, the future monarchs and ministers of the Ming Dynasty cannot I forgot my original intention and went astray."

"I pray and listen to the holy instructions!"

"Development is the greatest principle. Wherever the sun and moon shine, there are people of the Ming Dynasty. Before all nations in the world are united in the culture and standards of the Ming Dynasty, those who forget about development and progress but indulge in power and internal fighting are the sinners of China. !”

Zhang Juzheng, who had just turned twenty, finally became a Jinshi and put on the official robe of the Ming Dynasty.

Now, as a new official, he bowed before the emperor.

This is both his king and his teacher.

"I will remember your Majesty's teachings!"

Wherever the sun and moon shine, there are people of the Ming Dynasty. Do all nations in the world admire the culture of the Ming Dynasty and implement the standards of the Ming Dynasty?

It is indeed a long road, so much so that the emperor has to instruct the next generation and even the next generation.

No one dares to bet on the emperor's true thoughts.

Before this goal, the princes each exerted their strength in the original vassal country. Do they really have no intention of competing for choices?

This is not the first time he has broken through the ancestral system.

(End of this chapter)