Early Ming Dynasty: Turning Clouds and Rains into New Learning Saints

Chapter 196: Going down to Xiangshan on a business trip

In the lobby of Xiangshan County Popular Literature Starting Point Club, Zhang Yifan sat in the main seat and looked at the people in front of him.

Of course Luo Guanzhong was there. He wrote a letter and summoned friends, Shi Yancai, the second brother of his master Shi Naian, and Shi Wenyu, the grandson of Shi Naian.

The Shi family is actually a "speaking" family, and it is passed down from generation to generation through "speaking".

What is speaking?
In fact, it is the storytelling of later generations. Legend has it that King Zhouzhuang was the originator of it, which arose in the Tang Dynasty. He initially commented on Buddhist scriptures, and later changed to telling popular stories.

In fact, "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms" and "Water Margin" were both spoken scripts at the beginning.Among them, the version of "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms" is "Quan Xiang Ping Hua Chronicle of the Three Kingdoms", while the version of "Water Margin" is "The Drunkard's Talk".

Needless to say, both Shi Yancai and Shi Wenyu can "talk", and their levels are not that different.However, as far as writing is concerned, he is definitely not as good as Luo Guanzhong.

Even someone as powerful as Luo Guanzhong was starving to death when writing books at the end of the Yuan Dynasty and the beginning of the Ming Dynasty, let alone the two of them.

The two of them were still a little uneasy about being able to join the popular literature starting point club in Xiangshan County and become a part of it.

No, not long after I arrived, I saw the prince-in-law and the princess coming over to have a meeting seriously, so I felt a little nervous. I was sitting there with my buttocks only halfway up.

Zhang Yifan saw all this and said with a smile: "I came here today mainly because I feel that the two newcomers have not used their talents. Therefore, I want to reorganize the Xiangshan County Popular Literature Starting Point Society." .”

Upon hearing this, Shi Yancai and Shi Wenyu's faces turned pale, revealing a hint of despair.

The treatment here is really good for them.Not only do you have to worry about food and clothing, but if you write well, you can still save money.Not to mention, after living here for a year, he became a non-farmer household in Xiangshan County.

But they also know that even Luo Guanzhong is likely to cause Qidian Club to lose money, let alone them.

Who is responsible for losing money?

Luo Guanzhong felt uneasy after hearing this. Just when he was about to speak, he saw Zhang Yifan smiling and gesturing with his hands, saying: "Guys, please listen to what I have to say first!"

After hearing this, several people had no choice but to say nothing.In fact, even Zhu Jingjing was dragged here without knowing what Zhang Yifan was going to do.

So she listened with curiosity.

I just heard Zhang Yifan continue to say: "Under Qidian Club, I plan to set up an author department and a rap department. This rap department is the kind of talk, but the specific form needs to be changed, so..."

Upon hearing this, the two Shi family members were relieved. This is their specialty, and they are not afraid of changes in the form.

Zhang Yifan talked and personally demonstrated a plot from "Three Heroes and Five Righteousness" and how to tell stories.

At this time, "speaking" was also combined with folk arts such as playing, playing, playing and singing. The actual founder of storytelling was Liu Jingting in the late Ming and early Qing Dynasties. Initially it was just a part of the art of singing and singing, called "Xianzi Shu". At that time, it was the kind of Tian family.

As far as Zhang Yifan is concerned, he feels that storytelling is just storytelling, mainly storytelling, with the addition of playing and singing, which is a bit overwhelming.

Perhaps it is for this reason that storytelling eventually evolved into storytelling in later generations.

At this time, Zhang Yifan looked at the two people of the Shi family and said: "You two, let's see if you can tell stories like the one I just demonstrated. For the time being, we will mainly focus on "The Popular Romance of the Three Kingdoms" and "Three Heroes and Five Righteousnesses" , go to Xiangshan to stay and tell stories."

He was a boss even more than the bosses of later generations. How could the Shi family dare to object? They nodded quickly.Shi Wenyu, who was younger among them, was fine, but Shi Yancai, who was older, said after hesitating for a moment: "My son-in-law, this kind of work of showing up and singing can be done by a villain. He is still young, and our Shi family wants to do it." Thinking about... thinking about whether he can one day..."

Zhang Yifan recognized it as soon as he heard it, and immediately said with a smile: "Don't worry, in Xiangshan County, this kind of status is not cheap. If you can win the recognition of the audience, and the more people recognize it, the more likely it will be in the future." Get an official position!"

When Shi Yancai heard this, he was dumbfounded and said with disbelief: "How is that possible?"

Luo Guanzhong also didn't believe it, because in other parts of the Ming Dynasty, these were considered lowly.

Zhang Yifan saw that they didn't quite believe it, so he smiled and said to them: "Think about it, as long as the stories you tell are positive, stories of loyalty to the emperor, serving the country, and stories of heroes and chivalry, what is this, encouragement?" It’s a good thing that people’s hearts are kind! It’s also what the court needs!”

Having said this, he paused and then said: "I mentioned similar matters to the prince and the emperor last year. Although there has been no movement now, I believe that the court will definitely pay attention to it in the future and even set up special official positions. Come do this.”

When Zhang Yifan mentioned the matter of controlling public opinion, it came after the promotion of education for all.In fact, the problem of food and clothing must be solved first, and then the pursuit of spirituality.

Here in Xiangshan County, there is definitely no problem with food and clothing, so there will be a need to control public opinion earlier than the court.

What Zhang Yifan wants to do is to guide people's morals through storytelling stories that everyone, whether illiterate or not, can understand and avoid problems with the morals of Xiangshan County in the process of rapid economic development.

"The Popular Romance of the Three Kingdoms" is about loyalty and loyalty to the emperor and serving the country; "Three Heroes and Five Righteousness" is about chivalry, protecting the public and punishing corrupt officials and bullies.

After Zhang Yifan explained this to them in detail, he said in a positive tone: "As long as you do a good job, I can recommend you to the emperor. Even if this is far away, let's be realistic, Xiangshanju will give you an appearance fee. , one hundred coins at a time, 30 days a month, two games in the morning and evening, that’s six coins, and then split it [-]-[-] with Qidian Society, how about it?”

Six dollars a month, even if it is divided between two people, still has to be paid to Qidian Society, but after working so hard for one or two years, I can buy a nice house in Xiangshan County.

Therefore, when he heard the price, Shi Wenyu didn't wait for his uncle to say anything. He stood up directly and said to Zhang Yifan in surprise: "Prince-in-law, I will do it, I will do it!"

Shi Yancai didn't object anymore.

On the contrary, Luo Guanzhong was a little uneasy. He stood up and said to Zhang Yifan: "Prince-in-law, we have already cost you money by eating and living here for free. If you continue to pay like this, we...we..."

"Hahaha..." Zhang Yifan immediately laughed out loud and said, "Old Luo, do you think I will lose money by doing this?"

Luo Guanzhong heard this and did not answer. He just looked at Zhang Yifan and said nothing.However, his expression clearly showed that the Prince Consort was losing money.

The book he wrote before has already been printed and sold in bookstores. He himself has squatted there, and found that no one cares about it.

Over at the Library, some people borrowed it to read, but there was no one who made the books written by the Prince Consort more popular.

Therefore, Luo Guanzhong knew very well that the consort was still supporting him with his own money.Now that the mentor's family is included, it becomes even more expensive.

Soon there was an appearance fee of [-] Wen per time. I don’t know if this was taken care of!
For a prime-age laborer, the upper limit for a day's work in Xiangshan County is only thirty cash, and for ordinary workers, it is only fifteen to twenty cash.

The two Shi family members thought they had a good relationship with their consort.But Luo Guanzhong himself knew that he and the consort were strangers and had never met before.

This kind of kindness made him feel a little unable to repay it.

At this time, Zhang Yifan looked at his expression and explained with a smile: "I have confidence in our two books. After the lecture is given in Xiangshanju, it will definitely attract customers there to eat under the same conditions, increasing the passenger flow. There should even be people who choose Xiangshanju to eat just to listen to storytelling, so that Xiangshanju can make more money. This is the credit of storytelling."

At this point, he paused and then said: "In addition, many people can't wait to hear the story behind it. If they are literate, they will buy the book and read it. In this way, the sales of our books will also increase. . It is equivalent to saying that when the Shi family talks about storytelling, it gives our book an opportunity to be widely publicized. Look, will I spend money? I will make money, right?"

Luo Guanzhong: "..."

The two members of the Shi family: "..." They have never seen it before, but the son-in-law actually spoke so many truths from an ordinary matter, which gave them a feeling of enlightenment: So it can be like this?

If it were Zhu Biao or Zhu Di, they would be surprised.Because they have heard it too much and are numb, even if Zhang Yifan says that he can transform a living person, they will not be too surprised.

By the way, there is another person who is also immune, that is Zhu Jingjing.No, she was listening there with a smile, not surprised at all.

Zhang Yifan looked at them, and continued: "I want to run this popular literature starting point for a long time and pass it on to future generations. Therefore, it is unrealistic for me to subsidize the money all the time, so if you want the starting point society to make money, you should work hard. Even if there are no results from my father's side, I will run this Qidian Society well and give you a wealth that can be passed down to your family."

He really thinks so. With Luo Guanzhong and him here, what classic works are there without him?From now on, this popular literature starting point society will operate as a joint-stock company, wouldn’t it?

It was also for this reason that he did not designate the Qidian Club as a government-run company.

When Zhang Yifan said this, he turned to look at his wife and said, "From now on, you will be in charge of this Qidian club. Manage it like those government-run factories and keep accounts. You can recruit some female workers with good voices and belong to the rap department. Make up some popular songs to sing and promote our popular literature starting point club and the content that the county government needs to promote."

After Zhu Jingjing heard this, her eyes suddenly lit up and she said, "Is this the way you sing sometimes?"

She heard Zhang Yifan sing songs from time to time, and there were all kinds of songs. She followed along and learned it well.Now that Zhang Yifan said this, she immediately understood. It was a popular song. No wonder it was so easy to understand and sing. It was different from what she had heard before.

Zhang Yifan listened, nodded and said, "Yes, that's the kind. I'll teach you later, and you can leave it to the female workers."

At this point, he glanced at the two Shi family members, and then continued: "There are also a few men. Once you practice, you can make money from the county government next month!"

Zhu Jingjing: "..."

The county government's money is not decided by the husband.

………………

A little earlier, Zhu Yuanzhang in Nanjing decreed that officials should be selected regardless of qualifications.

He said: "The imperial court provides titles and salaries to the people of the world, and the qualifications are set for the permanent flow. If there are talents, how can we stick to this. From now on, if the common officials have talents and are in lower positions, they should be promoted without restriction. qualifications."

The reason for this was that there were too few talents, which made Zhu Yuanzhang a little anxious. He had to declare clearly that as long as he has talents, he should not stick to qualifications or anything like that. He should recommend them quickly. Those who should be reused will be reused.

Perhaps based on this, Zhu Yuanzhang decided on the revised version of "Hongwu Zhengyun" earlier than the original history.

In the Wenhua Hall of the Forbidden City, Zhu Yuanzhang sat on the dragon chair, and beside him stood Prince Zhu Biao.

Underneath, stood a large group of people. The person at the head was Li Shanchang, the most important figure in the founding of the Ming Dynasty and the Duke of South Korea.In addition, there are Hanlin bachelors who carry out the imperial edict, Zhizhi Gao Song Lian, Guozi Siye Le Shaofeng, as well as Wang Xun, Li Shuyun, Zhu You, Zhao Xun, Zhu Lian, Qu Zhuang, Zou Mengda, Sun Fan, Da Lu, etc.

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at them and said seriously: "There is news from Xiangshan County that the number of registered residents in Xiangshan County has reached 15, and there are more than 30 people. The population of Xiangshan County is nearly [-]. It's really It’s unbelievable. I’m looking forward to what will happen when the three-year agreement expires. Therefore, although I really want to bring my consort back, I still have to wait until the three-year agreement expires!”

Li Shanchang and others listened and wondered what the emperor meant by this.
At the beginning, Li Shanchang found that the people behind him were the officials who compiled the latest version of "Hongwu Zhengyun". He thought it was related to "Hongwu Zhengyun", but he didn't expect the emperor to talk about Xiangshan County.

Xiangshan County, with a population of 30, is indeed a bit shocking if it is true.

In the past, people in the capital did not believe the rumors about Xiangshan County, but since the prince made a trip last year, he has endorsed Xiangshan County.But this time, it was even more exaggerated.

Li Shanchang thought about this, and couldn't help but wonder. Could it be that the emperor wanted to send someone to verify, so he summoned him?

But when he thought about it again, he felt something was wrong, because although the emperor's words sounded shocked, there was no questioning.

With this thought in his mind, he remained calm, stood with his hands down, and continued to be a listener.

Zhu Yuanzhang glanced at the ministers below, and then continued: "Last year, the prince-in-law proposed a proposal to make the people of Ming Dynasty read and write, and implemented it in Xiangshan County first. I strongly support this move to educate the world. Therefore. …”

Having said this, he paused and did not speak immediately. Instead, he glanced at the people below again and said: "I will first send your ministers to Xiangshan County to observe and see how the implementation of enlightenment in Xiangshan County is going? By the way, also Let's discuss with the Prince Consort how to educate the world more simply and conveniently so that my people can read and write. There are two things that I need to do in Xiangshan County."

"First, add phonetic notation and interpretation to Chinese characters; second, simplify Chinese characters to facilitate literacy and writing. These two matters are both proposed by the son-in-law, and you will discuss them after you go. At least the first draft must be finalized before returning to the capital."

When Zhu Yuanzhang said this, he looked at Li Shanchang and said in a friendly tone: "Li Qing is the arm that I value most. Such important events are related to the Ming Dynasty, the country, and future generations, so you must watch over them."

Hearing this, Li Shanchang finally understood. It turned out that what the emperor said so much meant that it was inconvenient for his son-in-law to come to the capital and asked him to take these officials to Xiangshan County so far away to discuss matters with the prince-in-law!

To be honest, Li Shanchang was very reluctant.

He is the most important figure in the founding of the Ming Dynasty, and he is very old. It is unreasonable to not let that young boy come over, but to ask him to lead the team there!

However, he could only say this in his heart.

But at the same time, Li Shanchang was also curious, did Xiangshan County really become so prosperous?Even though his cronies had confirmed it, he still couldn't believe it.

In this case, take this opportunity to check it out, at least seeing is believing!
If the prince-in-law exaggerates his political achievements, he can't hide it from others. At least Li Shanchang has this confidence. As for the boy from Liujia Village, don't think he can hide it from his eyes.

If this achievement is actually a fake...

Li Shanchang couldn't help but sneered when he thought of this.Because he knew that what the emperor in front of him hated most was that someone lied to him!
Even if it is his son-in-law, a popular consort, if the emperor confirms that this consort has lied to him, he will never give him good luck!

Thinking about it this way, Li Shanchang was looking forward to it. Maybe he should really go to Xiangshan County for a visit!
With this thought in his mind, he respectfully replied: "Old minister, I accept the order!"

After hearing this, the officials behind Li Shanchang, except for Song Lian, all had the same idea. They could take this opportunity to go on a business trip to see what the legendary Xiangshan County was like.

Therefore, they all followed the instructions together.

So, three days later, Li Shanchang led such a large group of officials and headed south to Xiangshan County.

This is completely different from the previous prince's trip south to "visit relatives", which was considered a private matter, but this is a public matter, and it is also the first time that the imperial court has officially sent officials to Xiangshan County.

It has to be said that Xiangshan County has once again attracted the attention of the world.Not only people inside and outside the court, but also ordinary people began to eat melons from Xiangshan County.

Among the people, most people still don't believe in the legends of Xiangshan County.There are also local officials who, based on their own understanding, also do not believe that Xiangshan County will undergo such big changes.

At the same time, some people were also led south to Xiangshan County to see the situation.

Xiangshan County is becoming more and more famous!

Before Li Shanchang's team set off, Fang Xiaoru had already set off one step ahead of them, and was ordered to go to Xiangshan County to obey the order of the son-in-law.By the way, I am going to assist the son-in-law to receive this huge team of officials.

(End of this chapter)