Ming Dynasty, starting from the empty seal case

Chapter 108 Su Guiyuan, are you angry with us too?
Nowadays, when selecting officials in the dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang tried an imperial examination in the third year of Hongwu and immediately abolished it.

Thereafter, the selection criteria were divided into eight subjects: intelligence and integrity, virtuous and upright, filial piety and integrity, Confucian scholars, scholars, talents, senior citizens (elderly people), filial piety and filial piety (filial piety to parents, filial piety to the monarch) loyalty, social relations, work ability).

These are not adjectives, but real evaluation criteria. As long as you meet one subject, you can be an official.

However, this kind of recommendation was not tried out for long before it was abolished again. The reason was that judging from the selection criteria, personal subjective consciousness occupied too much. And those who can rise to the top have no other qualities, but their age will bring them advantages.

Therefore, Zhu Yuanzhang quickly changed the eight subjects into six subjects: Jing Ming Xing Xiu, Li Li Xi Jin, logical speech, good management, staying up all night to write, and good character.

All selected talents who can satisfy more than three of these conditions can be officials.

If there are less than three types, they will be listed as alternatives.

In the beginning, this official selection system did produce some talents. For example, in the current court, many young officials entered official careers because of this.

However, as Song Lian said at this moment, no matter how fanciful the recommendations are, in the final analysis, the judging criteria are still in the hands of officials.

Personal preference is definitely greater than the actual talent of the person selected.

Liu Sanwu said angrily: "You are also a scholar!"

"Now that the Ming Dynasty has pacified the four directions, as you said, the people in all directions are still in peace and order, especially since the wars in the Song Dynasty and the late Yuan Dynasty."

"Are there more scholars in the northwest? Or are there more scholars in the southeast?"

"Your Majesty!" At this time, beside Song Lian, Liu Sanwu stood up.

"Now that our Ming Dynasty is re-establishing the Han Dynasty, we should learn from the lessons of the previous dynasties, take the essence and discard the dross, so that our Ming Dynasty can be like the sun and the moon forever."

Zhu Yuanzhang looked down and had another argument, and he had a headache.

After finishing speaking, his words stopped.

"It has been ten years since the founding of the Ming Dynasty. In these ten years, His Majesty has vigorously promoted education and opened up official schools and social schools. Even if other places are slightly behind, many people with real talents and practical knowledge have been accumulated."

"In the two Song dynasties, gradually poor people from all over the world were able to enter this central temple. Even if the military preparations in the two Song dynasties were weakened, the merits of civil administration could not be wiped out!"

"Officials present, honestly speaking, how long can the recommendation system currently implemented in our Ming Dynasty last? Ten years? Fifty years? Or a hundred years?"

"Unbridled! To deceive people's minds, is it possible that, as you said, if we reopen the imperial examination and test the meaning of scriptures, there will be no rotten diseases?"

"enough!"

And what Song Lian just said: Among the tens of millions of people of the Ming Dynasty, who is the virtuous one? Who is not virtuous? We must give everyone in the world a fair choice, rather than just being reduced to the promotion hand of one person.

It is self-evident who the spearhead of this sentence is aimed at.

"Although the imperial examination is good, it must also pay attention to the truth. Zhao Kuo and his like who can only talk on paper should not come to this court. They will not only miss the government affairs, but also miss the people of the world!"

Zhu Yuanzhang sat on the throne.

But this Song Lian, could it be that he was teaching in Dabentang and was confused, and he still wanted to cause chaos in the court?

Unexpectedly, at this moment, he remained silent and looked at the two prime ministers indifferently.

"The recommendations implemented by the imperial court now are also expedient measures. We know what Master Song wants to say, and we also know what our imperial censor is saying."

"Can scholars from Shaanxi pass the examinations of scholars from Zhejiang and Zhejiang? Or are there more scholars in Shanxi than in Suzhou and Hangzhou?"

But now he just feels bored. Fortunately, the civil and military officials of the Manchu Dynasty still have two views on the imperial examination, so he doesn't need to bother to deal with it.

The situation at the meeting immediately relaxed.

"Master Song, it's not that the imperial court has never held imperial examinations, but how talented and practical are the people selected? Where are they from? People who can read may not be able to govern the people! People in the world don't know, you Isn’t it clear?”

In an instant, everyone felt a subtle feeling in the hall, and many people even focused their attention on the two prime ministers in front of them.

"It is about regardless of the poor, high or low, using talent as the main assessment, and not selecting talents based on personal preferences. The imperial examination was started in the Sui and Tang Dynasties. The first selections were from the noble families. Although it was said that the imperial bureau would open the door wide and recruit talents from all over the world. But in the final analysis, the ascending channel is still controlled by the powerful families, and the Tang Dynasty only has the name of imperial examination, but not the reality of imperial examination."

Zhu Yuanzhang's tone was calm, but he did not relax at all on this matter.

"Only what Mr. Song said: The virtuous and unvirtuous are only judged by one person's hand..."

With the Holy Spirit’s affirmation.

"I am not a rotten disease!"

"How can there be anything unworthy? They are all virtuous ministers!" Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly said, "What's more, you are all serving the country. We also see the talents selected over the years."

"Today we are not talking about the imperial examination. We will consider what you have said."

now.

There was a slight pause in his tone.

"What's more, what Master Song said is not just to select talents from one place, as the minister said."

"Why did the military preparations in the two Song Dynasties weaken? They valued literature over military affairs! Are those gentry who only know how to study for imperial examinations not suffering from rotten and stubborn diseases? In our current Ming Dynasty, don't we have such rotten and stubborn diseases!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Chen Ning, the censor doctor, was furious.

The person who spoke was not Zhu Yuanzhang, but Shen Ming, the left minister of the Ministry of Personnel.

Song Lian looked unwilling and was about to speak.

He was full of interest just now, and when he talked about the Northern Expedition, he was very motivated.

Having said this, Liu Sanwu first looked at Zhu Yuanzhang, and then looked at the officials of the country again.

"Forgive me for speaking frankly, I am afraid that in fifty years time, my Ming Dynasty will have deep-rooted, rotten and stubborn diseases, which will be difficult to cure by miracle doctors!"

Hu Weiyong finally spoke, "Your Majesty, I feel that some things still need to be explained clearly."

"I am now the left prime minister, who is favored by His Majesty and is in charge of government affairs. The right prime minister is in charge of personnel affairs, not to mention that the right prime minister also serves as the right censor."

"Who in the current government dares to say that the virtuous and unvirtuous can all be judged by one person?"

"As for what Master Song said..."

It just so happened.

As he said that, Hu Weiyong looked aside.

Soon, a minister shouted angrily: "Your Majesty, I know why Mr. Song is applying for the imperial examination today. I am afraid it is because his son Song Zhen and his grandson Song Shen are still serving as officials outside and are idle in Beijing."

"He wants to reopen the imperial examination, and it is clear that he wants to find a good official position for his descendants."

His voice just fell.

Song Lian was immediately shocked on the spot, before he could speak.

But the voice sounded again, "But Old Master Song, as you care about your children and grandchildren, there is no need to frame others. What's more, the Prime Minister has already submitted a letter, and now the position of the central minister is still vacant. Song Can can do it for the central government." Shusheren.”

"If it is true, as you say, that officials are selected based solely on personal preferences, how can the Prime Minister submit a letter to your son to be the Secretary of the Middle School? Who knows that this is a noble position and needs to assist the Prime Minister. Aren't you satisfied with this position? ?”

"You..." Song Lian's eyes widened angrily, and his body was shaking with anger.

He was honest throughout his life and had disciples all over the court. He also taught the princes and grandsons in the main hall, and was the prince's tutor.

In the early years, when the Holy Emperor was dealing with government affairs, he had some questions and asked him for advice.

But even so, he has never been framed like this before.

I was immediately out of breath.

"How can I do it for personal gain?"

"That's my fault." The one who spoke was Li You, the doctor in charge of Zuo Si of Zhongshu Province.

"But Master Song is also from Liangzhe. Once the imperial examination starts, Master Song, Master Liu and other highly respected gentlemen in the country will probably have to ask questions, right?"

"At that time, it is not due to the selfish motives of Master Song and others, but no matter what, the disciples of several masters who are old and studying in the southeast will always take a lot of advantage."

"Everyone in the officialdom works for His Majesty."

"What are selfishness and publicity? It's so obvious!"

Li You's words were like an extremely sharp arrow, instantly making the expressions of the entire court officials extremely serious.

But Song Lian, who had been so righteous just now and was seeking to open the door to the imperial examination for students all over the world, seemed to be suddenly turned into a selfish person.

"you……"

Song Lian was so angry that he couldn't say a word. Finally, he looked at His Majesty, his face flushed.

Simply kneel down.

"Your Majesty! I am already old and I am afraid that I am not qualified for the position of tutor to the prince. Please allow me to take up my official post!"

In an instant, all the ministers hurriedly advised each other. Liu Sanwu and others on the side also stood blankly.

They never imagined how things could reach this point.

"Master Song, get up. If you really want to become an official, we will agree to it."

Who knows.

Zhu Yuanzhang's answer shocked the hearts of the officials even more. You must know that according to the rules, His Majesty should retain him at this time.

But His Majesty's direct agreement seemed to indicate that His Majesty was not happy with his behavior just now.

This is the Holy Will!
Song Lian immediately lowered his head, "Old minister, now..."

"But..." Unexpectedly, Zhu Yuanzhang added: "During this period, the princes such as King Qin and King Jin will leave the capital. They still need your teachings. Please wait for a while."

Song Lian stood up slowly, but sighed and could only agree reluctantly.

After this incident, he also understood that he alone could not move the Sacred Heart.

Now, as long as Prime Minister Hu is present in the court, the imperial examination will definitely not be carried out smoothly.

"All right!"

"Today's court meeting ends here..."

When things progressed to this point, Zhu Yuanzhang was also tired. The Northern Expedition he just talked about was interrupted by these people. If he continues to talk about it now, I am afraid someone will come up with other reasons.

But you still have to prepare.

The general direction of the meeting is set out in the meeting, but the real decision on affairs is always the Wenhua Palace where ministers are summoned in private!

Thinking like this, he looked at Su Guiyuan again.

"We will reward you for your merits. Before the new banknotes are issued, the banknote collection department needs to be reorganized!"

As soon as these words came out.

Nothing is shocking news.

Hu Weiyong looked at Su Guiyuan again, one step too late, one step too late!

Once upon a time, there was no such thing as the so-called Ninth Grade Examination in his eyes. Even if he was promoted, he would not be able to enter the door of his Zhongshu Province.

What he has always cared about is the child Su Xian who can directly meet the three future princes of the Ming Dynasty in the main hall, and even have the opportunity to meet the Holy Emperor. He really has the ability to change the situation!

But now.

That's all for the little boy, but his father also wants to fly up a branch?

Zhu Yuanzhang didn't care what his ministers thought.

He just continued to ask: "When will the new banknotes be officially issued?"

What he sees now is just the layout. It is estimated that there are still many processes required before it is actually printed. Su Guiyuan needs to tell him all of this.

"Reporting to Your Majesty, it should be officially released around May this year."

"It takes too long!" Zhu Yuanzhang refused directly.

"It won't be until mid-April at the latest."

Su Guiyuan continued: "Because we need to prepare a large amount of new banknotes. Once the new banknotes are issued, I am afraid that the number of old banknotes exchanged will be far greater than the amount of printing in a year."

"What's more, counterfeit banknotes of old private banknotes must also be investigated and cracked down. When the new banknotes are exchanged later, banks must be stable."

"And the old banknotes that are recovered must be checked by a special person to prevent counterfeit banknotes from being converted into real ones..."

Su Guiyuan explained these things in an orderly manner.

Zhu Yuanzhang heard that it made sense, but he was really worried.

Just when he was about to nod in agreement.

But Su Guiyuan said again: "There are a few more things, please allow your majesty."

"Say!"

"The face value of the new banknotes is too large, and the daily needs of the people are basically copper coins. Therefore, the copper coin casting of Baoyuan Bureau and Baoquan Bureau in various places should also be moderately liberalized. But as for the amount of casting, it must correspond to the treasure banknote collection department. Otherwise, once there is a conflict between the two parties..."

Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand and said, "We also want to say this."

"It turned out that a bank was established under the Baochao Promotion Department. After that, all the errands of Baoyuan Bureau, Baoquan Bureau, and the Ministry of Industry and the Ministry of Household were immediately divided and merged into the Baochao Promotion Department!"

In an instant, all the officials from the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Works were shocked.

Although they had already guessed, they didn't expect that the Holy One would really reset the Baoqian Lifting Department so soon. Why would he split them up?

Hu Weiyong closed his eyes. There were so many things going on today.

"These will be discussed later in the Wenhua Palace."

"You have merit, and your Su Xian has merit too. We will never fail to reward you."

Zhu Yuanzhang decided on this matter and was ready to go to court.

Because the delay was indeed long enough, Biao'er's heart was not here anymore.

"And one more thing!"

Unexpectedly, Su Guiyuan seemed to have become a mother-in-law at this moment.

"I don't know whether to talk or not."

Zhu Yuanzhang said helplessly: "Say!"

"But it is about the Imperial Hospital just now, and during this period of time, Wei Chen wants to let the common people use treasure banknotes as soon as possible."

"There is even the imperial examination that Confucius Song mentioned just now..."

Suddenly.

Hu Weiyong looked at Su Guiyuan again, it's not over yet, right?

Even Zhu Yuanzhang was a little annoyed. Su Guiyuan, are you here to make me angry?

Song Lian and Liu Sanwu looked shocked, and even the officials looked strange.

It seemed that he didn't notice the change in everyone's expressions.

Su Guiyuan said seriously:

"Your Majesty founded the country and designated four households, namely farmers, craftsmen, merchants, and military households."

"Besides these four households, there is also a place like Tai Hospital, where father and son inherit and the family inherits the system."

"This method corresponds to the four types of people, scholars, peasants, industry and merchants, solidifying identity and delineating status."

Su Guiyuan thought for a moment, and then said: "But treasure banknotes must be circulated. If the people's classification is too rigid, the treasure banknotes will only circulate in the hands of some people."

"Solidification will lead to rigidity. Rigidity will lead to inaction like those three imperial doctors today, and they will shirk their duties and act without scruples."

"The same applies to the imperial examination. Treasures need to be circulated, and talents also need to be circulated."

"Mediocre people are inferior, capable people are superior!"

"In this way, I, the Ming Dynasty, am the living water, accepting tributaries from all over the world and rushing to the sea, boundless as far as the eye can see!"

"But if it's locked up, it's stagnant water."

"This is true for treasure notes, and so is the imperial examination. Don't turn living water into stagnant water!"

Seeing the other person want to continue talking.

Zhu Yuanzhang immediately stopped and said: "That's enough!" "

"You think our court is not lively enough, so you want to participate in it yourself?"

"Take care of your money! Whether it is talent or mediocrity, living water or stagnant water! The four people and household registration, no matter how solid and rigid they are, are not something you can talk about."

As he spoke, he looked down at the court where the atmosphere had changed.

Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hands angrily again!

"You are not yet the Minister of Civil Affairs of the Ming Dynasty!"

(End of this chapter)