Rebirth of Zhu Di's son

Chapter 101 Jinling Women’s Hall
"Your Highness, not long after Emperor Taizu founded the country, he heard that there was a village woman in Changli County, Ma Pengying, who was proficient in calculus and astronomy. She often helped the villagers solve problems, such as improving farm tools and designing new waterwheels. He sent someone to commend the woman and give her a He conscripted her into the imperial court as an official, and ordered the Changli County government to subsidize the girl's salary of sixty dan per year."

"If I remember correctly, Ma Pengying should still be serving as minister in the palace. It can be seen that there is a precedent in this dynasty for the imperial court to recruit women as officials."

"Therefore, even if there is a woman who is both good in character and academics, I still think that she cannot be recruited into Jinling Academy. Because the status of a student and a professor are different, and Zheng Xiaojun is old, loves clever things, and has a rough body. She is in the academy. Being a professor of geophysics will definitely not cause criticism."

Fang Xiaoru still insisted on his objection and spoke sincerely.

Zhu Gaoxu couldn't help but fell into silence after hearing Fang Xiaoru's frank words.

In fact, he knew very well that in this era, if he wanted to open a school for both men and women, the pressure from public opinion would be extremely huge.

It can be said that in extreme cases, it may even shake his status as prince!

Just imagine, if male and female students get along day and night, how can they not develop feelings?

And some men and women can't help but have a baby when they can't help themselves.

If this kind of thing happens in Jinling Academy, how can Prince Zhu Gaoxu lose his face as the dean of the academy?

Those officials who are dissatisfied with Zhu Gaoxu will inevitably take the opportunity to cause trouble and create public opinion that is not favorable to him.

"The students who were disciplined by His Majesty the Crown Prince actually behaved in a shady manner in school? Could it be that they learned from the Crown Prince?"

At that time, such filthy words will only spring up like mushrooms after rain and spread throughout the entire Jinling Imperial City overnight.

Thinking of this, Zhu Gaoxu decided to change his mind and said, "Dr. Fang's words are reasonable. It is indeed inappropriate to admit women to Jinling Academy."

He changed the topic and said: "I would like to ask my father to build another women's hall near Jinling Changke Academy to specifically recruit women to study and teach the moral teachings of saints. What do you think of Dr. Fang?"

Fang Xiaoru had read poetry and books, so he naturally knew the attitudes towards women's education in the past dynasties.

The Han Dynasty inherited the tradition of clan studies from the Zhou Dynasty and placed relatively great emphasis on women’s education.

In order to improve the quality of the descendants of the clan, Deng Sui, the empress of Emperor An of the Han Dynasty during the Later Han Dynasty, opened an official residence school in the sixth year of Emperor An of the Han Dynasty. They all went to school to study, and she even supervised the exams herself.

Influenced by his teacher Ban Zhao, Deng Sui advocated that adult women should read like men, so he "ordered officials and ministers to read scriptures in Dongguan, teach the palace people, recite them left and right, and help them day and night." He opened the door for women in the palace. equal access to education with men.

As far as Fang Xiaoru knows, this kind of clan learning has disappeared after the Han Dynasty.

The women's school Zhu Gaoxu mentioned was not a school for the clan, but a women's school for ordinary families.

"Back to Your Highness, this matter is of great importance and I dare not speak nonsense."

Fang Xiaoru thought for a moment, then bowed and saluted.

Zhu Gaoxu was unwilling to let Fang Xiaoru go, and continued: "Whether it's right or wrong, you are allowed to give me a try."

"Sir, obey."

Fang Xiaoru had to say respectfully: "In ancient times, there were no more than three ways for women to study. One was mostly taught by their fathers and brothers, the other was taught by masters and apprentices in Qin Lou Chu Hall, and the third was taught by nuns and Taoist nuns in Buddhist temples and Taoist temples. Teach them to their teachers and so on.”

"As for this dynasty, it is different from previous dynasties. As far as I know, since the founding of the Ming Dynasty, women's studies have mostly been completed at home, or they have been selected into the palace to serve as maids and then continued to study."

When Zhu Gaoxu heard this, he asked curiously: "Why is this?"

Although he was familiar with the historical trend of the early Ming Dynasty, he did not know the details of women's learning in the Ming Dynasty.

"Reporting to Your Highness, although Taoism (i.e. Neo-Confucianism) does not approve of the cultural education of women, it does not object to the moral education of women. It is the moral education that the maids of this dynasty accept."

Fang Xiaoru replied respectfully.

"For example, Emperor Taizu ordered Mr. Fenglin (Zhu Sheng) to compile the "Women's Commandments" and the "Inner Training" compiled by Empress Xiaocigao both advocated the teaching of women's virtues. But if you want to teach women's virtues, you must let The concubines and palace maids were required to read and understand Chinese characters so that they could read and understand the books on women’s education. This is the reason why the palace maids went to school.”

Zhu Gaoxu remembered that Empress Xu was compiling "Internal Instructions" and "Book of Encouragement", which were also books promoting women's moral education.

In fact, the literature and art education of women in Ming Dynasty families were quite developed compared to previous dynasties.

Women in the Ming Dynasty made great achievements in poetry, lyrics, music, rhymes, and prose, especially poetry, and a number of female writers emerged.

The reason is due to the internal logic of "what is good above is bound to be bad below".

"Taizu Xiaoci and Empress Gao were particularly good at poetry and calligraphy, and the present queen is the eldest daughter of the King of Zhongshan. She inherited the teachings of her parents when she was young, reciting the classics of "Poems" and "Books", and when she grew up, she studied classics and historical books, and became knowledgeable. Register."

"If a folk family wants to send their daughter to the palace, they must first teach her literacy and ask her husband to teach her the skills of piano, chess, calligraphy and painting. Just because this dynasty's draft attaches great importance to the assessment of the pre-draft girls' literacy and hyphenation skills, this is The reason why women study at home.”

Fang Xiaoru continued.

When Zhu Gaoxu heard this, his face showed surprise.

He knew that after such a woman entered the palace, her words, deeds, and personal charm would definitely have an impact on other women in the palace.

Moreover, in order to gain the favor of the emperor and stand out from the many beauties in the harem, concubines and maids must also learn cultural knowledge and artistic skills.

Fang Xiaoru finally concluded: "Therefore, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince wants to build a women's pavilion to teach women the virtues of saints. I have no reason to object. However, this matter has far-reaching implications and is of great concern. Your Highness is the deputy governor of the country. I have many concerns and cannot Dare to speak up."

"Dr. Fang is indeed a great scholar in the world. I have benefited a lot from these words and gained a lot of insights. I will carefully consider the matter of building a new women's hall."

Zhu Gaoxu said sincerely.

After a pause, he saw that the sunlight outside the window was very dazzling. It was probably past lunch time, so he shouted to the door: "Kang Ping!"

Kang Ping quickly stepped inside, bowed and saluted, "My servant, I pay my respects to Your Highness."

Zhu Gaoxu ordered: "You personally take people to the Shangshan Prison, and I will leave the two doctors to eat in the side room."

"Your Highness, I don't dare!"

Mei Yin and Fang Xiaoru hurriedly bowed and said in unison.

"The imperial court implemented the new policy of imperial examinations, and Yingtian Mansion was the first to bear the brunt. Jinling Changke Academy attracted the attention of people all over the world. During this period, the two doctors were busy with the affairs of the academy and worked tirelessly. They often stayed in the academy for a whole day and night. .”

Zhu Gaoxu said something first, and then changed his address and said: "What's the matter, I'm leaving these two gentlemen to have a simple meal? Could it be that the two gentlemen feel that the food cooked by Master Shang is not as delicious as the food at home?"

"I have no such intention." Fang and Mei said in unison.

"In that case, gentlemen, please follow me to the side room and wait."

Zhu Gaoxu stood up, walked around the desk, and walked straight out of the room.

The Ming Emperor's catering service consisted of three yamen, namely Guanglu Temple in the outer court, Shangshan Supervisor and Shangshi Bureau in the inner court.

These three yamen each have their own focus and work division of labor to jointly complete the catering service function for the emperor and members of the royal family.Among them, Guanglu Temple is mainly responsible for the purchase of daily ingredients, raw materials, and seasonings, the summary and recording of relevant accounts, as well as the planning and implementation of sacrifices to the Ancestral Temple, major banquets, and the hospitality of foreign envoys, etc.

The Shangshan Supervisor is responsible for the specific cooking of the emperor's royal meals, while the Shangshi Bureau is responsible for presenting the royal meals, serving the emperor's meals, serving and removing dishes in a timely manner, etc.

After half an hour.

Kang Ping led the servants from Shangshi Bureau, carrying various tableware and lunch, to the side room where Zhu Gaoxu, Fang Xiaoru and Mei Yin were.

After lunch was served, Zhu Gaoxu saw three meals, one tea, seven dishes and one soup.

The three meals are chopstick noodles, fragrant rice, and bean soup, and the first tea is bubble tea.

The seven dishes include stir-fried mutton, pan-fried goose, stir-fried pork with yellow vegetables, steamed pork tripe, two-cooked pan-fried fresh fish, Nanlu duck, vegetarian soup with clear sauce, and the first soup is soft chicken soup.

It can be said that this lunch is very sumptuous, including chicken, duck, fish, pig, sheep and geese.

"I would like to thank Your Highness for the reward!"

Fang Xiaoru and Mei Yin knelt down and kowtowed one after another before Zhu Gaoxu moved his chopsticks.

"You two gentlemen, there is no need to be like this. Please get up quickly."

Zhu Gaoxu raised his hand to support him.

Two hours later.

Kunning Palace.

Zhu Gaoxu met with Empress Xu and then expressed his plan to build a new women's pavilion.

After Zhu Di officially held the coronation ceremony, he appointed Princess Xu as queen. Soon Queen Xu moved from Changning Palace to Kunning Palace.

"Have you told your father about your plan?" Queen Xu asked.

Zhu Gaoxu said: "As I said, dad asked me to ask mom for your opinion."

Before coming to Kunning Palace, he first went to the Wenhua Palace to meet Zhu Di. At that time, Zhu Di was reviewing the memorial. After hearing his plan, he asked him to discuss with Queen Xu.

Zhu Gaoxu knew that the reason why Zhu Di did this was to give Queen Xu some sense of presence, so as to demonstrate Queen Xu's benevolence.

Because once the Women's Hall is established, it will have a profound impact on the entire world of scholars. If this is controlled and guided, a very good public opinion will be formed.

This will bring great honor and fame to the person who initiated the construction of the women's pavilion.

Zhu Gaoxu is Zhu Di's son, and Empress Xu is Zhu Di's wife. The increased prestige of mother and son will naturally be more beneficial to Zhu Di's father, who is already the Ming Emperor.

Those officials who supported Zhu Di would shout "Your Majesty is wise", "Your Majesty has a good prince", "Your Majesty has a good queen" and so on.

"Do you know about the Later Han Dynasty woman Shi Banzhao?" Queen Xu asked.

Zhu Gaoxu replied: "Ban Zhao has a good academic background and is very good at literary talent. When he was 14 years old, he married Cao Shishu, a native of the same county. Later, Cao Shishu passed away. She abided by women's rules, behaved according to etiquette, and had very good integrity and conduct. People at the time called her 'Cao Shishu'. Everyone'. Later, he was often called into the palace to teach the queen and other nobles how to recite scriptures and history, and respected him as their teacher. His works "Ode to the Eastern Expedition" and "Nv's Commandments" are world-famous."

Queen Xu asked again: "Then do you know Cai Yan?"

"Cai Yan's father, Cai Yong, was a famous official in the Later Han Dynasty. This daughter had been influenced by her ears and eyes since she was a child. She was erudite and literary. She was also good at poetry and rhyme, and was good at debate. Her handed down works include "Eighteen Beats of Hujia" and "Poetry of Sorrow and Indignation." Zhu Gaoxu replied.

"After the founding of the Ming Dynasty, your imperial grandfather established and perfected the system of female officials to manage the affairs of the harem. Do you know the significance of your imperial grandfather's doing so?"

Empress Xu first asked Zhu Gaoxu about two famous women in history, but she did not express her opinions against or in favor of the construction of the women's pavilion. Then she raised a question related to the female official system of this dynasty.

Zhu Gaoxu naturally knew the answer to this question, but there were many maids and chamberlains on duty in the palace where he and Empress Xu were, and some words could not be spoken directly.

Seeing Zhu Gaoxu's hesitation, Empress Xu waved her hand to the maids and attendants in the palace to retreat.

Zhu Gaoxu glanced around to make sure there was no one else around, and then said slowly: "In view of the lessons learned from eunuchs in the Han and Tang Dynasties about political interference and dictatorship, the emperor used female officials to divide the eunuchs' power."

There were six bureaus and one department for female officials in the imperial court of the Ming Dynasty, namely, Shang Gong Bureau, Shang Yi Bureau, Shang Fu Bureau, Shang Food Bureau, Shang Sleeping Bureau, Shang Gong Bureau, and Gong Zhengsi, all ranked in the sixth rank.

Each bureau has four divisions, and there are four of them twenty. Among them, the head office of the Shanggong Bureau handles matters in the six bureaus, and the Gong Zhengsi is in charge of the command and punishment.

"Yes, your emperor stipulated that eunuchs should not be literate and should only be used to control envoys. This is the source of Du Qianzheng. He also replaced the eunuchs with female officials, who were responsible for recording the documents in the palace, such as the registration of wealth and silk, the management of treasure seals and pictures, and the recording of merits and demerits. And if we want to achieve this goal, the female officials must be selected from educated court ladies.”

Queen Xu continued.

Zhu Gaoxu already understood what Queen Xu meant.

According to Zhu Yuanzhang's vision, if female officials were to be used to divide the eunuchs' power, the palace maids must be educated.

This is also the reason why Zhu Yuanzhang established a girls' school in the palace and appointed educated female officials as teachers to teach the palace ladies. Otherwise, he would not have recruited village woman Ma Pengying to become an official in the palace.

Historically, starting from the mid-Ming Dynasty, several emperors successively appointed educated eunuchs and female officials to teach the palace maids in turn, gradually forming a relatively complete education mechanism for the palace maids.

"In addition to female officials, the concubine sometimes personally teaches other concubines and palace maids how to read and write. The purpose of writing "Internal Instructions" and "Book of Encouragement" for the mother is to educate women on women's morals. This can help you to some extent. Dad shares some of the burden of governing the world."

Queen Xu added.

Zhu Gaoxu bowed and said, "My mother cares about the world, and I admire you very much."

"Having said so much for my mother, you should understand the great significance and far-reaching influence of the Women's Pavilion. Therefore, you must be very careful when building the Women's Pavilion."

Empress Xu said seriously: "Be sure to be fully prepared before taking action."

"Don't worry, mother, I know what to do." Zhu Gaoxu said respectfully.

Queen Xu nodded and said, "What name do you want to give to this new women's pavilion?"

Zhu Gaoxu said hurriedly: "Please give me a name for the female pavilion."

"Let's call it the Jinling Women's Pavilion. What do you think?" Queen Xu said with a smile.

Zhu Gaoxu smiled brightly and said: "The name chosen by my mother is naturally a good one. I dare you to ask your mother to give me a piece of calligraphy so that it can be framed and used as a plaque in the women's hall."

"You!"

Queen Xu raised her hand and tapped Zhu Gaoxu's forehead, pretending to be displeased and said: "You really have planned everything for me!"

PS: For the sake of continuity, this chapter is a two-in-one chapter and has not been split into chapters. I hope veterans will continue to support this book and vote for recommendations and monthly votes!
(End of this chapter)