King Xiang of the Red Chamber

Chapter 799: Practice and System

It was no secret among officials in Beijing that the emperor was going to make personnel adjustments.

Those who are capable are trying to get a piece of the pie in this change. After all, there are only a few official positions in the court, and it is rare to have a large-scale change.

As of the 25th day of the first lunar month, a total of eight officials (third rank and above) from the six ministries, the Censorate, and the Supreme Court Temple voluntarily retired.

Among them, there are four with the highest positions, namely the Minister of Personnel, the Minister of Revenue, the Minister of Punishment and the Left Censor-in-Chief.

With so many important vacancies, all the ministers and secretaries in office want to compete for them, and are willing to try even if the hope is slim.

Normally, the appointment of senior officials would go through a court process, and the cabinet is fully prepared for this and has come up with a preliminary discussion plan.

Of course, the proposed plan they put forward has already sought the opinions of various ministries and agencies, which can be regarded as an informal court recommendation, which also reflects the significance of "running around".

In addition to the officials of various ministries and departments, the vacancies this time also include the heads of the three local departments. The latter are actually also high-ranking officials, and in the past they would have fought over them to the bitter end.

In addition to this matter, there is another important thing to prepare for right now, which is the Spring Examination that the students are looking forward to.

The Spring Examination, or the Imperial Examination, is known as the grand ceremony for selecting talents, and it is by no means a simple matter of organizing people to take the examination.

The preliminary preparations have been going on since the twelfth month of last year, such as the preparation for the selection of examination officials, who are divided into the officials who receive the papers, the officials who seal the papers, the officials who transcribe the papers, and the officials who read the papers.

In addition, 780 students (i.e., scholars) were selected from the capital and several neighboring provinces to be responsible for the specific copying work.

Of course, the most important chief examiner and deputy chief examiner of the imperial examination have not yet been finalized.

The Ministry of Rites had submitted a memorial for this matter as early as the eleventh day of the first lunar month, but it was kept by Zhu Jinghong, which means that it had been read but not replied to.

What was placed in front of Zhu Jinghong at this moment was the question book submitted again by the Ministry of Rites, which was still about the selection of the chief examiner and the deputy chief examiner. The cabinet's proposal on this was to "request imperial decree."

This was the first imperial examination after Zhu Jinghong ascended the throne, and its significance was naturally extraordinary, so it was only natural that the chief and deputy examiners were selected by the emperor.

According to convention, the chief examiner was a cabinet minister, and the deputy examiners were selected from the Hanlin Academy and departmental officials, a total of twenty people.

Putting away the question book, Zhu Jinghong handed it to Yu Hai beside him and ordered: "Stay in the middle!"

Although he was surprised, Yu Hai still responded: "Yes!"

In a blink of an eye, a few days passed and it was the first day of February, the day for the grand court meeting.

The grand court meeting was held outside the Fengtian Gate, which is the so-called imperial hearing. The relevant agenda had already been drafted by the Ministry of Rites.

The question papers for the Spring Examination were kept twice, so this time the Ministry of Rites simply listed the selection of chief and deputy examiners as one of the agenda items. They were really forced into a corner.

The imperial examination begins on February 9th. There are only eight days left, but the examiners have not been decided yet. It is really outrageous.

At eight o'clock in the morning, Zhu Jinghong took the seat outside the Fengtian Gate and accepted the worship of court officials before the court meeting began.

But before the scheduled meeting began, Zhu Jinghong ordered Yu Hai to announce the decree.

The imperial edict was issued directly without being proposed by the cabinet, which is called the imperial edict.

The emperor’s oral instructions and imperial decrees on weekdays can also be considered as “imperial edicts” to a certain extent, but they involve minor matters so have little impact and the officials will not have any objections.

But the decree that Yu Hai read out now was about the selection of the Minister of Personnel, the Minister of Revenue, and the Left Censor-in-Chief, which was a top-notch court event, which made the officials on the scene feel uncomfortable.

The decree said a lot at the beginning, and finally it fell on Zheng Xianlin, He Gujin and Wang Pei'an. They accounted for three of the four missing senior officials.

"Appreciate this!"

After Yu Hai finished reading the decree, he took two steps back, and there was already a commotion among the officials below.

Although the court recommendation procedure was already underway, the emperor appointed three senior officials at one time, which indeed made most officials very dissatisfied.

But even though they were dissatisfied, none of these officials came out to oppose it, because everyone knew that it would most likely lead to their own death.

Since Emperor Taizu, imperial power has been gradually concentrated. This is not just talk, especially since the current emperor is Zhu Jinghong.

Perhaps sending officials to death was a bit too serious, but the emperor seemed very interested in and eager to send them to Southeast Asia to open up wasteland.

Under the suppression of the Censor and the officials of the Honglu Temple, the commotion on the scene was quickly suppressed and order was quickly restored.

"Your Majesty, I accept your order and thank you. Long live your Majesty!"

The three appointed persons came out to the Imperial Road and paid their respects to the Emperor on the throne.

Although being promoted directly by the emperor's order would be criticized by colleagues, it is indeed a rare opportunity.

"My three beloved ministers, please stand up!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

After the three of them stood up, they returned to their trains. Zheng and He were especially delighted, while Wang Pei'an looked calm.

"Let's start the meeting!" Zhu Jinghong said.

Then the meeting procedure began. First, a doctor from the Ministry of Rites came out to present the matter of appointing the chief and deputy examiners.

"The Spring Examination is a matter of great importance to the country. The chief and deputy examiners should be extremely cautious..."

Hearing this, all the officials in the Ministry of Rites were speechless. If you really took it very seriously, why would you have kept the memorial in the palace for two consecutive times? Why would they be forced to speak at the grand court meeting?

"According to convention, four examiners are required. Since the Ministry of Rites asked about this today, I will decide on it directly!"

"The cabinet's chief minister Zhao, the second minister, the minister of personnel, and the left censor-in-chief!"

"What do you think, sir?"

What do you think? Of course, the ministers thought it was ridiculous, because it was a huge violation of the rules.

According to the custom in this world, the four chief examiners of the imperial examinations over the years were all three cabinet ministers and the Minister of Rites. If there was a vacancy among the cabinet ministers, the Minister of Revenue and the Minister of Justice would fill in the vacancies.

As for the Minister of Personnel, due to his great power throughout the Ming Dynasty, he basically only served as the chief examiner a few times, while the position of Left Censor-in-Chief was unheard of.

At the same time, another convention is involved here, that is, the deputy examiner must be a Jinshi of the second class or above, and the chief examiner must have the resume of a Hanlin Academy Shujishi.

Although Zheng Xianlin was ranked second that year, he was ranked relatively low so he did not enter the Hanlin Academy. As for Wang Pei'an, he entered the officialdom as a juren, which was even more unconventional.

The scene was silent. Zhu Jinghong stared at the huge crowd below, waiting for someone to jump out and give advice. He also knew that he had really made a big move this time.

Everyone can understand that the new emperor appoints people based on personal connections to the throne, but if he wants to break the official precedent, everyone will be reluctant, especially those who enjoy the benefits of the convention.

However, Zhu Jinghong was not an ordinary emperor after all, and he was not afraid of challenges.

Of course, this was also his last time to charge into battle personally. After all, after this personnel adjustment, there were his "direct subordinates" in the six departments, and these people should be the ones to charge into battle.

After waiting for a while, just when Zhu Jinghong thought that things could be done easily, a loud voice rang out at the scene.

"The Minister of Military Affairs is reporting to the Chinese side Chengjun!"

Zhu Jinghong smiled, then moved his fingers, and Yu Haifang shouted, "Permit the emperor to advance!"

So, this man who was once ranked fourth in the second class, a graduate of the Hanlin Academy and currently serving as the military official, Zhong Fang Chengjun, came out of the class holding a tablet and came under the Danbi.

After kneeling, Fang Chengjun said: "Your Majesty, according to the court system, the chief examiner of the Spring Examination should be the Grand Secretary of the Cabinet, and the officials of the Ministry of Rites, Ministry of Revenue, Ministry of Punishment, and Ministry of Works in that order, and the chief examiner must have experience as a Hanlin Academy Scholar..."

"Your Majesty has appointed Zheng Xianlin and Wang Pei'an as the chief examiners. I think this is inappropriate. It is a small matter if such an arrangement causes the court officials to make irresponsible comments. However, it is a big matter if the system is not followed and the dignity of the court is damaged!"

"I hope Your Majesty will think twice and deal with it carefully to ensure peace in the world!"

When Zhu Jinghong was thinking about this suggestion, three more people came out to second it. This was not a good sign.

Fortunately, in the past two years, since Zhu Jinghong became the crown prince, Zhu Xianming has been paving the way for him, and he has many supporters among the officials in Beijing.

At this time, another person stepped out of the class and refuted after being allowed to do so: "Your Majesty is the ruler of all people and all things in the world. You speak the law of heaven and follow the law. You are seeking fame and reputation but neglecting your duty as a minister. You are flattering and disrespectful to your king and father. You are really treacherous!"

"Your Majesty, I think... this beast should be severely punished in order to maintain the order of the court and protect the dignity of the emperor and father!" In the past, the grand court meetings were all about trivial matters. Zhu Jinghong had not yet truly felt how strong he was, but now he felt a great harvest.

"I second the proposal..."

"I second the proposal..."

Zhu Jinghong sat upright on the throne, looking calm. Now he could finally relax a little.

At this moment, another voice sounded: "Your Majesty, I, Wang Pei'an of the Censorate, present a report!"

Strictly speaking, Wang Pei'an had not yet been officially appointed, so he was still the Deputy Chief Censor. However, since the imperial edict had already been issued, it was not appropriate for him to call himself the Deputy Chief Censor.

So, it was somewhat inappropriate for him to call himself this at the moment.

"Okay!" Zhu Jinghong spoke personally.

"Your Majesty, I have a question and would like to consult Fang Jieshizhong!"

"Yes!" Zhu Jinghong said again.

Afterwards, Wang Pei'an turned to Fang Chengjun, which made the latter feel under great pressure. Everyone knew how powerful Wang Pei'an was.

"Fang Jieshizhong, the appointment and dismissal of the chief examiners for the Spring Examination that you just mentioned is a court system... I want to ask you, is it a system or a convention?"

Fang Chengjun was about to reply, but then he shut up and couldn't say a word, because this was indeed just a court practice, not the system he was talking about.

Afterwards, Wang Pei'an looked at the current Minister of Rites Luo Guangde, who was of the same kind as the Prime Minister Zhao Yushan.

"Lord Luo, you are the Minister of Rites. Can you please tell His Majesty what Fang Jieshizhong said... is it a custom or a system?"

At this moment, Luo Guangde just wanted to curse. As the Minister of Rites, it was a very losing status for him to quarrel with others in the grand court meeting.

It was only during small meetings that these assistant ministers and chancellors would speak and argue with each other, and they would always argue about important matters, such as the court recommendations for the selection of high-ranking officials.

Wang Pei'an's question was very simple, but the answer was so hateful that Luo Guangde naturally didn't want to answer it, even though he was the Minister of Rites who was supposed to maintain "decency".

But at this moment, since it was the Chief Censor who asked the question in front of the emperor, Luo Guangde had to step out and answer.

"Your Majesty, as far as I know, what Fang Jieshizhong said... is just a convention, not a system!"

If he didn't answer like that, it would be deceiving the emperor, and Luo Guangde would be doomed.

Even if he didn't want to be this official, he had to do it because he had a dirty job and he was afraid that the emperor would retaliate.

Either become the Minister of Personnel, or go to Southeast Asia with your whole family to open up wasteland. The choice is self-evident.

Of course, Luo Guangde already hated Wang Peian at this moment, but there were many people in the world who hated Wang Peian, but he was not one of them.

Wang Pei'an didn't know about this, but of course it wouldn't matter even if he knew. At this moment, he had already turned his gaze to Fang Chengjun.

"Fang Jieshizhong, what crime should you be charged for making false statements to the emperor? And what crime should you be charged for threatening the emperor and father by claiming to protect the imperial order?"

Some things are not serious at all, but now that Wang Pei'an has blown them out of proportion, they are truly unforgivable sins.

Fang Chengjun broke out in a cold sweat. Before he made his speech, he had been prepared for someone to refute him. When someone accused him of seeking fame, he had already thought of how to refute him.

But Wang Pei'an's move really left him speechless. Even though he had racked his brains at this moment, he still didn't know how to respond.

He is very nervous now, and there are two other people at the scene who are worried, namely the remaining two officials (assistant ministers) of the Ministry of Justice.

But before he could reply, the newly promoted Minister of Revenue, He Gujin, a veteran of criminal justice with thirty years' experience, spoke without caring about his official status.

"I, your humble servant, will make a solemn report!"

Zhu Jinghong said: "Speak!"

"Your Majesty, this man has committed the crime of deceiving and forcing the emperor. I think he should be put in jail and tried as a warning to others!"

"Otherwise, if everyone in the world follows his example, slandering the emperor and father and causing chaos in the government, then our Ming Dynasty will no longer be a country!"

"I second the proposal..."

"I second the proposal..."

He Gujin has been an official for decades, so he naturally has students and old friends. He has promoted many of his own people in the past two years in Beijing, so they will naturally charge forward with him at this moment.

"Fang Qing, do you have anything to say?"

It is easy to deal with a small official, but killing him and destroying his heart is undoubtedly more effective, so Zhu Jinghong asked this question.

Of course, this also gives Fang Chengjun a chance, unless he really wants to be beheaded and then have his entire family go to Southeast Asia to open up wasteland and farm.

"Your Majesty, I was wrong in my words and deceived you. This is unforgivable. I hope Your Majesty will punish me severely!"

"I was careless and impulsive, and I offended the king and father. Your Majesty, please punish me!"

The first sentence was said by Fang Chengjun, and the second sentence was said by several officials who seconded him. This was considered as them admitting their mistakes in advance, which somewhat saved them some dignity.

It would be more interesting to be an emperor this way... Looking at the people kneeling below, Zhu Jinghong was already laughing in his heart.

Letting them admit their mistakes voluntarily is more effective than directly convicting them, and it can directly warn the officials on the scene.

At this time, Zhu Jinghong didn't mind showing a little mercy. It could be regarded as a way of giving a sweet reward after a beating. Only by having a proper balance between relaxation and tension could he better control his ministers.

He only said: "Deceiving the emperor and offending superiors is a capital crime..."

Just this one sentence made Fang Chengjun and the others so nervous that they almost fainted. At this moment, they deeply regretted their just behavior.

Someone just said that the emperor holds the power of heaven and his words are followed by laws... All the officials know this, but it is now engraved in Fang Chengjun and others' minds.

After a pause, Zhu Jing continued, "At the beginning of the new dynasty, I will govern the country with leniency and benevolence, so there is no need to confiscate property and exterminate clans!"

"The Nanyang Branch has been established, but there is still a big shortage of officials. You guys should go and gain some experience. After you have tempered your temper, you will naturally know the limits!"

Although he was spared the death penalty, Fang Chengjun was not happy. However, he did not dare to hesitate at all and immediately kowtowed to thank Zhu Jinghong.

The few people who seconded the motion with him were also in tears at this moment. With just three words, they were sent thousands of miles overseas.

Fortunately, they were going to serve as officials instead of reclaiming wasteland like those criminal officials, and their families and clansmen were safe. Thinking of this, they felt more at ease.

The court meeting continued, and the next topic of discussion was simple, lasting only about half an hour before it ended.

Zhu Jinghong returned to the Qianqing Palace and had to use the morning time to read all the memorials so as not to delay his afternoon rest.

The cabinet office is located in Wenyuan Pavilion, and Yu Hai arrived here that afternoon.

"Your Majesty, the Cabinet is ordered to work with the six ministries and nine officials to select the officials of the various ministries and the three local government offices at Chongzheng Hall at 12:00 am tomorrow. This is my decree!"

In the central hall of Wenyuan Pavilion, three cabinet ministers kowtowed and accepted the emperor's edict.

The long-awaited imperial recommendation has finally been realized.

"I'm waiting for the order!"

Then the three cabinet ministers kowtowed, and Yu Hai personally stepped forward to help Zhao Yushan up.

Just as Yu Hai was about to leave, he heard Zhao Yushan ask, "Eunuch Yu, I have something to ask you to report to His Majesty. The deputy chief examiner for the Spring Examination has not yet been decided. This..."

There are four chief examiners, and they have been decided at today's grand court meeting, but there are still sixteen deputy chief examiners, and it is not a good thing to keep the positions vacant.

"Oh...you don't have to worry about this matter, my Lord. The Lord said that we will postpone it to tomorrow to discuss it together!" Yu Hai replied with a smile.

Zhao Yushan also laughed, and then said to Zheng Zhiqing and the others: "Your Majesty is wise, and it is us old men who are worrying about nothing!"

(End of this chapter)