Daming: My boss Zhu Yuanzhang

Wu Chen glanced at them with a trace of ridicule on his face.

The note Li Wei gave him not only proposed this good strategy, but also clearly explained the benefits of this good strategy to Ming Dynasty. He was now confident of victory and did not care about the objections of Zhou Zijian and others.

"Your Majesty, I think that seizing soldiers and dividing them between the north and the south is not only harmless, but will also be of great benefit to the Ming Dynasty!" Wu Chen said.

Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes narrowed slightly: "Oh? What's the explanation?"

"Your Majesty, your Majesty," Wu Chen raised his hand in a leisurely manner, "Since the establishment of Yannan Crossing, the north has been ruled by Jin and Yuan for hundreds of years. After years of war, the population has been cut off. Although the imperial court moved some people after the founding of the country, In the past, the population was still sparse, and it was far less wealthy than the south of the Yangtze River. This was also the main reason for the poor performance of northern scholars in this imperial examination. "

Wu Chen said slowly.

When Zhu Yuanzhang heard these words, he couldn't help but nodded slightly, and his attitude towards Wu Chen also changed greatly.

"If the imperial examination results were divided into north and south, it would be easy for the north to ascend to the top, and the resistance of the gentry and nobles to the northward migration would be greatly reduced. Some people would even take the initiative to travel to the north to study and participate in the imperial examinations as northern scholars. This would strengthen exchanges between the north and the south. , so that the people of Ming Dynasty can truly integrate into one body, regardless of north or south..."

Wu Chen listed the benefits of ranking list one by one, and Wu Bozong nodded lightly. This was indeed a good strategy.

Liu Sanwu, Zhou Zijian and others were even more surprised. Although they didn't want to admit it, they admired his insights in their hearts.

In fact, this kind of ranking is somewhat similar to the college entrance examination system of later generations. The college entrance examination in provinces with large populations is simply hellish, while in less populated areas, especially ethnic minorities, it is much easier. Some people will indeed consider moving for the college entrance examination. Household registration.

Zhu Yuanzhang also nodded lightly after hearing this, but he looked at Wu Chen suspiciously.

Wu Chen's performance in the past was mediocre, but this time he had such a unique insight into this matter, which surprised him.

"Well, what you said makes sense. This will not only solve the imperial examination fraud this time, but will also be of great benefit to the Ming Dynasty in the future." Zhu Yuanzhang said softly.

Wu Chen was secretly happy, but on the surface he remained humble and bowed his head respectfully.

Zhu Yuanzhang glanced at him and asked: "You are still in the Hanlin Academy now, right?"

"Yes, Your Majesty, I am now serving as a reviewer in the Hanlin Academy."

"Yeah." Zhu Yuanzhang paused and said, "Well, the Ministry of Rites is short of people, so you can return to the Ministry of Rites and serve as the acting minister."

When Wu Chen heard this, he was overjoyed and bowed down excitedly: "Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty. I will do my best to live up to His Majesty's expectations!"

It turned out that he was just a minister. This time he not only returned to the Ministry of Rites, but also directly reached the top of the civil service. How could he not be excited!

While thanking Zhu Yuanzhang, he was even more grateful to Li Wei. In the final analysis, Li Wei gave him all this!

"Get up."

Zhu Yuanzhang said lightly, then turned to look at Zhou Zijian, Liu Sanwu and others, and scolded: "Humph, they are a bunch of trash, they have a thousand words but no plan!"

Zhou Zijian and others were shocked and quickly bowed their heads, not daring to say anything.

With Wu Chen's suggestions, the imperial examination fraud was finally solved, and Zhu Yuanzhang no longer hesitated and directly issued an edict to make the matter of re-opening the Northern Examinations public.

When the scholars in the north saw this edict, they completely calmed down and were also extremely surprised.

Now, not only did they no longer have to worry about cheating, but there were also fewer southern scholars competing with them, and their chances of passing the exam were greatly increased.

After Wu Chen left the palace, he immediately went to see Li Wei and informed him in detail about what happened in Zuotian Palace.

"Thanks to my uncle's support this time, I can take a step further. I will remember this great kindness in my heart. If my uncle gives me instructions in the future, I will go through fire and water without hesitation!"

After Wu Chen reported the grading, he once again expressed his loyalty to Li Wei.

"Haha, we are all serving the imperial court and loyal to His Majesty. Master Wu does not need to be so polite."

Li Wei smiled and said, maybe he didn't realize it himself, but he looked just like those hypocrites in the court who were well versed in power and conspiracy.

"Yes, the Duke is right. He is loyal, self-denying and dedicated to the public, which makes his subordinates admire him..."

Wu Chen was worthy of being from the Han Dynasty, and his literary talent was outstanding. Although Li Wei didn't like these flattery, he didn't feel disgusted by it.

After he spoke for a moment, Li Wei interrupted him and reminded: "By the way, after these northern scholars ascend to the throne, you must also take more care of them. After all, this is the opportunity we are fighting for them. As the saying goes, help people to the end.”

Wu Chen was stunned for a moment, then understood and nodded repeatedly: "The Duke is right, I understand."

This opportunity for the northern scholars to retake the exam is all due to his good advice. With this kind of kindness, if these people know how to repay their kindness, they will definitely be able to use it for him in the future.

Of course, it is also used by Li Wei.

Zhu Yuanzhang used Zheng Zhihua's remarks to attract a lot of hatred for him, which greatly weakened his influence in the court. However, as his students and these northern scholars entered the court, his power will surely expand again.

After bearing in mind Duke Han's instructions, Wu Chen said goodbye and left. Now that Zhao Mao has been imprisoned, he has returned to the Ministry of Etiquette to take charge of ministry affairs. Naturally, he needs to handle the matter of opening the Beibang again. He will be very busy during this period.

This time it may be because Wu Chen offered his advice too early and the matter was resolved. Zhu Yuanzhang did not go on a killing spree to quell public anger like in history. However, Zhao Hao and others were not well off either. Although they were not killed, they were sent away. After guarding the border, it is not certain whether he will survive, and there is no chance of returning to the center of power of the Ming Dynasty.

On the surface, it seems that the biggest beneficiary of this incident is Wu Chen, but the officials in the court are not stupid. If you think about it a little deeper, you will know that Wu Chen's attitude towards Li Wei at this time is actually the ultimate benefit of this incident. The person is the treacherous Duke Han in their mouth.

Of course Zhu Yuanzhang also noticed this, but he was not worried. These scholars who were new to the official career still had a long way to go before they could be promoted to the center of power in the imperial court, so there was no need to worry yet.

The civil servants were temporarily stabilized, with the sword of "gentry and gentry receiving food from one body" hanging over their heads. The ministers in the court were always the sworn enemies of Li's party. Even with the support of people like Wu Bozong and Han Yike, Li Wei was still in power. North Korea and China do not have an advantage.

In the morning, Wu Chen first reported the matter of opening the Beibang. Now this matter is a top priority and a top priority.

"Your Majesty, the Ministry of Etiquette is already making preparations for the re-examination. In addition, some northern scholars have only recently arrived in the capital due to the hardships during the journey. They thought they had missed the scientific examination. When I heard that your majesty will hold the northern examination again, they all praised you highly. Kindness..."

Wu Chen’s detailed report.

These northern scholars who were secretly delayed by Li Wei's people could be considered a blessing in disguise. Although they arrived late, they were just in time to open the Northern List again.

Of course, after these people heard the specific story of the matter, they were also very grateful to Wu Chen, the Minister of Rites, who recommended the opening of the Northern List, and Wu Chen also reminded them overtly and covertly that everything was due to Duke Han.

After hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly: "Well, let's prepare quickly. The number of soldiers from the North List must be consistent with the number from the South List."

"Yes!"

Wu Chen respectfully agreed, and when he saw that Zhu Yuanzhang had no other instructions, he withdrew from the court.

Zhan Hui glanced at him and cursed the treacherous minister in his heart, and then went out to make trouble.

"Your Majesty, regarding the arrangements for the Jinshi in Nanbang, the Ministry of Civil Affairs has initially planned to appoint the first-level officer as a foreign minister, Zheng Zhihua to the Ministry of Industry, Lu Xiu to the Ministry of War, Ye Qing to the Ministry of Etiquette, and the top two candidates will be awarded the title of chief, or the governor of the imperial court or the five temples. , Sixth Section and other equivalent positions, the rest will be assigned to various departments to observe the administration and be promoted." Zhu Yuanzhang frowned slightly when he heard this, and the expressions of Wu Chen, Wang Jie and others changed.

There seems to be no problem with Zhan Hui's arrangement, but the arrangements for Zheng Zhihua and the three of them are obviously unkind.

During the imperial examination, Zheng Zhihua proposed taxation, Lu Xiu proposed water conservancy, and Ye Qingyun proposed population, farming and military affairs. According to their respective talents, Zheng Zhihua should be assigned to the Ministry of Household Affairs, and Lu Xiu to the Ministry of War. As for Ye Qingyun, the matters he mentioned involved a lot, but they had nothing to do with the Ministry of Rites, so he should not be arranged to go to the Ministry of Rites.

"Your Majesty, I think this matter is inappropriate. The officials are burying talents by making such arrangements!"

Wu Chen was the first to come out of the class to perform the sermon.

These three people are all Li Wei's favorite students. As the core figure of Li's party, of course he has to do his best to protect them.

"I second the proposal!" Wang Jie also followed.

Zhu Yuanzhang naturally knew in his heart that he would immediately order Zhan Hui's subordinates.

However, at this moment, Han Yike also came out and said: "Your Majesty, I also agree that the arrangement of the officials is very inappropriate!"

Zhu Yuanzhang was surprised and looked at him. Han Yike rarely spoke. Why was he so active this time?
He couldn't help but feel a sinking feeling in his heart when he thought that Wu Bozong and Han Yike were also there when Jin Yiwei reported that Li Wei had summoned everyone a few days ago.

It seems that these two ministers, who have never participated in party disputes, failed to maintain a neutral position after all and fell to Li Party!
Thinking of this, Zhu Yuanzhang's face suddenly became a little ugly, and he swallowed back the words he was about to say, looking at a few people with faint eyes.

"Your Majesty, I think there is no problem with the arrangements of the staff. I think Wu Chen and others are under the command of Duke Han, and they want to find a higher position for his disciples, right?"

Li Shu followed him out of class.

"We are discussing state affairs now, what does it have to do with the Duke of Han? The Duke of Han has always been self-denial and devoted to the public, how dare you speak out and slander the Duke?" Wu Chen shouted.

"Humph, everyone knows that Party Li is a treacherous person. You don't have to show off here!" Li Shu snorted coldly.

Wang Jie immediately refuted: "Nonsense! Who is the traitor? What evidence do you have? If you criticize the prince of the dynasty without any evidence, you are committing the following crime!"

"You are guilty of forming a clique for personal gain. Your Majesty, I impeach the Duke of Han, Li Wei, for being arrogant and domineering and abusing power for personal gain!"

Zhan Hui followed and pointed the finger at Li Wei, the leader of the Li Party.

Li Shu agreed.

However, after the two men finished speaking, the officials in the court did not rush to impeach Li Wei as before.

He Li's position was somewhat wavering because of the issue of "the gentry receiving food from one body".

Zheng Kexin, who was born in Zhan Shifu like Zhao Mao, had a faint fear of Li Wei after Zhao Mao was sent to guard the border, and he did not dare to say anything at this time.

Some of the other censorship officials spoke out about impeachment, especially the right deputy censor Tang Yougong, who was second only to Han Yike, was even more active. However, Han Yike and Dao Tong were suppressing him. Not many people spoke out.

The two parties were arguing for a while. Zhu Yuanzhang glanced around with a sharp light in his eyes. After a moment, he suddenly asked Yu Xu: "Yu Xu, what do you think?"

Yu Xun, who was silent at first because the matter had nothing to do with him, was startled when his name was suddenly called. He quickly left and handed over his hands: "Your Majesty, I... I feel..."

Yu Heng's mind was racing and he was hesitant. Wu Chen, Wang Jie, Zhan Hui, Li Shu and others also focused their attention on him. The huge pressure made him break out in cold sweat.

He didn't want to offend either side, especially Wu Chen and others. Li Wei had won the final result of several battles in the past, which made him quite afraid of Duke Han.

When Zhu Yuanzhang saw that his minister had not said anything for a long time, he was furious: "You can't even make up your mind about this matter. How did you become the Minister of the Ministry of Civil Affairs?"

Yu Xu trembled all over and quickly prostrated: "I know that I am guilty, please punish me!"

"Huh, waste! We don't think you need to be a minister anymore. Go home and farm!" Zhu Yuanzhang shouted coldly.

When Yu Ji heard this, not only was he not disappointed, but he breathed a sigh of relief. He had no longer wanted to be the minister.

"I obey the decree." Yu Heng kowtowed.

Zhu Yuanzhang snorted coldly, then looked away from him, and turned to Zhan Huidao: "From now on, you will be in charge of the staff."

Zhan Hui was overjoyed when he heard this, and quickly thanked him: "Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty, I will live up to your expectations!"

Wu Chen, Wang Jie and others couldn't help but change their expressions slightly when they saw this.

Originally, with the power of Li Wei and the strong support of several of them, Li Dang could still hold on in the court, but now His Majesty suddenly promoted Zhan Hui to become the Heavenly Official of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, which put some pressure on them. .

However, this was not the end. As long as Zhu Yuanzhang waved away Zhan Hui, he looked at Tang Yougong of the Du Zongyuan and said: "Since the Duke of Korea returned to the hospital, the chief officer of the Du Zongyuan has been vacant. You can take over for now.”

Hearing Zhu Yuanzhang's words, Tang Yougong was even more surprised than Zhan Hui.

He is only the right deputy censor of the capital, and Han Yike is still above him. According to the ranking, Han Yike should be promoted to the left deputy censor first, and he can be promoted to the right deputy censor at most, but Now Zhu Yuanzhang directly bypassed Han Yike and promoted him to Zuodu Yushi. This is really an unexpected surprise!

"Thank you, Your Majesty! From now on, I will definitely serve the public with integrity and do my best to serve Your Majesty and the imperial court!"

Tang Yougong thanked him excitedly.

When Wu Chen, Wang Jie and others saw this, their hearts sank even more.

Zhu Yuanzhang's attitude has been very obvious. He is promoting their enemies and suppressing them!

Seeing this, the other ministers in the main hall also became excited.

However, thinking of the fact that the Li Party had been suppressed and resurrected several times before, and the officials who targeted the Li Party were either killed or sent into exile, they could not help but feel a little afraid and did not dare to express their attitude easily.

But now that people like Zhan Hui and Tang Yougong are taking the lead in the opposition, the Li party is already at a disadvantage. Unless Li Wei can come to the court again and show off his power like last time, and maybe it can be reversed, otherwise Wu Chen and others alone will be I can no longer suppress the ministers in the court.

After Zhu Yuanzhang promoted the two men, he returned to the topic and said: "Although these scholars are quite good, they also lack political experience. Let them enter the Hanlin Academy first. The first-level students will be taught compilation and the second-level editor will be taught. Repair and review, and the rest will be sent to various departments to observe the administration and be reserved for later use.”

"Yes, I obey your order!"

Zhan Hui answered first.

Wu Chen and others also followed suit.

Regardless of this arrangement, the Hanlin Academy is the talent reserve institution of the imperial court. If you go here to raise your talents, your future will be brighter when you enter the imperial court in the future. (End of chapter)