King Luhuang of the Ming Dynasty: My father, Ming Taizu

Chapter 117 Reform the imperial examination system! Are Mr. Zhu and Mr. Zhu still bargaining?

Zhu Tan heard Zhu Yuanzhang's question and said loudly: "Go back to the emperor! I think that only the Four Books and Five Classics are tested in the imperial examination, which is harming the country and the people, and must be reformed!"

Zhu Yuanzhang heard this.

Everyone was confused.

Although you are now keen on studying internal affairs, we are very pleased that you are finally going in the right direction.

But now, is it a bit too much?

You are new to the imperial examination, are you going to start making reforms?
  How embarrassing is this?
  Could it be that all the scholars in this dynasty are not as understanding as you, a sixteen-year-old boy?
  Zhu Yuanzhang frowned and said: "Tan'er! You're a young boy and you've only read a few books? Don't talk nonsense! We won't tell you anything about this!"

When Zhu Tan heard Zhu Yuanzhang's words, he frowned and said: "Father! The imperial examination is related to the country and the country! You can't just listen to these scholars so casually!"

In fact.

Zhu Tan now stood up and clamored for the reform of the imperial examination, and he had no choice but to do so.

Fourteen years have passed since the scientific examination was stopped in the fourth year of Hongwu.

After Hongwu reopened the imperial examination in 17 years, it can be said that the imperial examination is now a brand new thing.

If drastic reforms are to be carried out at this time, it is still not too late.

Otherwise, wait until the current imperial examination takes shape.

Next, all the country's educational resources and people's attention will be focused on the Four Books and Five Classics.

This is true from the enlightened children to the middle-aged scribes!
  When the time comes to reform examination subjects and add examination items, the cost of reinvestment will be very high!

By then, the resistance to reform will be even greater!

After all, the imperial examination involves education and officialdom, which is one of the core interests of the upper class in ancient China.

If the system is not designed well at the beginning, subsequent reform costs will be very high.

To put it simply, the officials of later generations all came from the imperial examinations, and they all had a vested interest in studying the Four Books and Five Classics!
  They will definitely safeguard the status of the Four Books and Five Classics in the imperial examination.

When the time comes, I can't imitate Lao Zhu and kill all the civil servants of the dynasty, right?
  Zhu Tan felt that since he had done so many great things, his status in Lao Zhu's mind should be high enough.

At least for this imperial examination, if you say something yourself, even if your words are extreme, you should not be punished.

at this time.

Zhu Yuanzhang simply didn't care about Zhu Tan anymore.

"Master Song! What King Lu said today is purely a child's opinion! Don't pay attention to him!"

Although Song Ne and others looked embarrassed, as ministers, they still had to observe court etiquette.

He didn't really argue with Zhu Tan.

They were just surprised at His Majesty's tolerance of Zhu Tan.

Normally, even the prince would not dare to contradict His Majesty all the time.

He would only make a few comments at most and then say nothing.

Now Zhu Tan has been arguing with His Majesty!

however.

His Majesty was not angry, but simply told everyone to ignore Zhu Tan!

Zhu Biao walked to Zhu Tan and whispered: "Tenth brother! If anything happens, tell your father later! How will they deal with business when you are like this? Follow me to the back first and listen!"

talking.

Zhu Biao said with some difficulty: "I have heard this all these years!"

Zhu Tan glanced at Zhu Biao sympathetically.

Later generations said that Zhu Biao was favored.

But in Zhu Tan's eyes, Zhu Biao was also quite pitiful.

He has a strategy but no real power.

Be generous and kind, but want to be Lao Zhu's sword.

Obviously, being in your thirties or forties is the most mature and peak state of life, but you still have to listen to the words and deeds of Lao Zhu every day.

Until his death, he never made any decisions!

Zhu Tan felt tired just thinking about the physical and mental torture involved.

On the contrary, it was Zhu Gaochi, the crown prince of Emperor Yongle, who had remained anonymous all his life, but truly held real power.

The country's military, financial, and personnel power are all in its hands.

Even those whom Zhu Di deposed, Zhu Gaochi dared to recall and re-employ him.

After the death of Zhu Di's Queen Renxiao, the person in charge of the harem turned out to be Crown Princess Zhang.

Although Zhu Gaochi only served as emperor for ten months, before that, he was considered to be more than half an emperor.

Zhu Tan said seriously to Zhu Biao: "Brother! If you advise me on other matters, I will definitely listen! But the imperial examination system is related to our Ming Dynasty for generations to come! We must not give in!"

Zhu Biao saw that Zhu Tan was so stubborn and couldn't help but said angrily: "Why are you so ignorant of the general situation! There are still foreign ministers here. Why are you anxious about this? Aren't you afraid of angering my father?"

Zhu Tan listened to Zhu Biao's voice rising.

Suddenly a sentence came to mind.

If he said it now, Lao Zhu wouldn't blame himself no matter what, right?
  Subsequently.

Zhu Tan said this in a very loud voice.

"If you want to benefit the country whether you live or die, how can you avoid it because of misfortunes and blessings! Brother! Today's matter must be justified and I must fight for it. I must not allow the imperial examination system to be settled like this!"

The voice fell.

Everyone in the house was shocked!

Song Ne, Wu Bozong, and Wu Chen looked at each other.

His face was filled with astonishment.

Zhu Tan's words fell on their ears.

Suddenly it makes people feel creepy all over!

all of a sudden.

The image of King Lu in their minds grew taller!
  Song Ne couldn't help but his eyes were moist, his heart was surging, and he couldn't restrain his emotions. Tears filled his eyes and he said with a trembling voice: "Your Highness's words are exactly what a gentleman should do. For the benefit of the country, you can sacrifice your life for righteousness. This is the best word for a loyal minister." also!
  We should encourage each other and do our best for the prosperity of our country! "

After saying this, he bowed deeply to show his respect.

Wu Bozong said with emotion: "His Highness's words are really enlightening! Even if I had any opinions on the way of saints before, I am willing to listen to them!"

Wu Chen let out a long breath and wiped the cold sweat from his forehead.

He sighed: "I'm enlightened! I'm enlightened! Your Highness's poem is really a model for our generation! It can be passed down through the ages!"

talking.

Wu Chen bowed deeply to Zhu Tan.

"Been taught a lesson!"

More than just three ministers.

Even Zhu Yuanzhang seemed to be hit instantly when he heard this.

Feeling numb all over.

After slowly coming back to his senses, Zhu Yuanzhang licked these words.

"If you only care about the country's life and death, how can you avoid it because of misfortunes and blessings?"

Then, he suddenly looked at Zhu Tan, his eyes shining.

"Tan'er! What an ambition! Since you said so, we will give you a chance! You said that the imperial examination cannot only test the four books and five classics, then tell me what should be tested, and we will allow you to speak freely today! If you say something wrong, you will not be blamed!"

Zhu Biao was speechless when Zhu Tan retorted.

Finally, he said to Zhu Tan: "What a good brother! I have learned a lesson from you!"

Zhu Tan let out a sigh of relief in his heart. He thought that this poem wouldn't be able to suppress you, but he didn't expect that it would still have an effect.

in fact.

Zhu Tan's worries were completely unnecessary.

The Chinese cultural context has a long history.

No matter when this ancient saying is spoken, it will have a shocking effect in China of any era.

In particular, the feelings of family and country are the root and soul engraved in the blood of the Chinese people.

Seeing that everyone was looking at him, Zhu Tan was ready to listen to his speech, and said slowly: "I thank my father for his grace!"

talking.

Zhu Tan looked at everyone and talked eloquently.

"I believe that the imperial examination should keep pace with the times and broaden its scope!

Not only the Four Books and Five Classics, but also mathematics, physics, chemistry, law, medicine, military and other knowledge!

This move is to select truly comprehensive talents with practical ability to govern the country.

If we only stick to the classics, we will probably cultivate a group of people who only know how to write books but have no practical talents. "

Although Song Ne, Wu Bozong, and Wu Chen had a good impression of Zhu Tan just now, they even admired him.

But now, after hearing Zhu Tan's words, his face suddenly turned ugly.

Just now, Zhu Tan looked down on these scholars for not understanding practical affairs.

Now, the words are even more explicit, simply saying that these scholars have no practical talents!

but.

Seeing Zhu Yuanzhang's calm expression, the three of them did not dare to refute immediately.

He had no choice but to listen to Zhu Tan's continued words.

Zhu Tan said calmly: "I believe that the imperial examination should include additional subjects! Such as mathematics, miscellaneous studies, military affairs, law, and medicine!
  And they were awarded official positions based on their test scores, and their status was equivalent to those who took the exam for the Four Books and Five Classics!
  From this, we can select talents who are proficient in practical matters, which is crucial to the long-term development of the country! They are also the pillars of the country. If the selection of talents is limited to those who have read the Four Books and Five Classics, it will be a pity that there are pearls left in the ocean! "

Song Ne frowned when he heard this.

It's just that he has a very good skill in cultivating his qi, and he can't do anything to interrupt others, so he can only continue to listen.

Zhu Tan continued: "I think it would be a big mistake if the imperial examination only focused on the Four Books and Five Classics!
  This method will lead to the rigid thinking of scholars, who will only focus on form and ignore practicality, thus making future officials less literal and less effective!
  Although the teachings of Confucius and Mencius have their value, times have changed. If you still stick to the old system and do not think about making progress, it will definitely become a shackles!

Scholars in ancient times broadened their knowledge in the six arts. How can today's scholars be limited to the study of classics and history?

Only by changing the old system according to the needs of the times can our Ming Dynasty continue to prosper! "

Speaking of it.

Zhu Yuanzhang understood what he heard.

I even feel the same way!
  After all, the quality of the batch of Jinshi selected by Hongwu in the fourth year was not very good.

In the end, Zhu Yuanzhang canceled the imperial examination.

Today, the imperial examination is re-introduced.

It's just because too many officials were killed, demoted, and exiled.

If we don't add fresh ones, it won't be enough.

And the officials elected through the inspection and examination system began to be unable to serve their purpose.

The most typical example is that in the thirteenth year of Hongwu, Zhu Yuanzhang selected six auxiliary officials based on official recommendations, such as Confucian scholars Wang Ben and Du You.

But Zhu Yuanzhang found that they could do some writing and writing as minor officials.

But it’s a mess in practice.

Only rhetoric.

Then they were quickly dismissed and all were released back to their hometowns.

Without any choice.

Zhu Yuanzhang then picked up the tool of imperial examination again, thinking about recruiting a new group of talents.

But now, the old problems still arise.

That is because Lao Zhu has not read the book!

I don’t know what the previous imperial examinations were like.

Whatever the scholar says, so be it!

From multiple examination subjects, it has become what it is now. Only the Four Books and Five Classics are supreme!
  Of course, the effect is actually good.

After all, this confines everyone's thoughts.

Everyone regards "the king as the guide for his ministers and the father as the guide for his sons" as their life creed, which reduces the possibility of rebellion.

But the consequences are also very serious.

Even if a government-watching system was later established, allowing successful Jinshi scholars to examine and study government affairs before being sent to the lower levels as officials, there would still be widespread cases of incompetence!

but.

Zhu Yuanzhang has not expressed his position now.

He just looked at the three bachelors in front of him, whose faces were bloodshot and already a little angry.

"King Lu? Are you done? Now that you're done, let these three gentlemen refute you! I think they're also frustrated!"

The words fell before Zhu Tan could speak.

"Your Majesty! I have something to say!"

"Your Majesty! His Highness King Lu's words are absurd!"

"Your Majesty! Saints should not be insulted lightly! I am a disciple of a saint and I can no longer listen to you."

Song Ne, Wu Bozong, and Wu Chen actually started talking at the same time!
  finally.

The three of them looked at each other.

Wu Bozong and Wu Chen still respect their superiors.

Decided to let Song Ne speak.

Song Ne frowned and looked at Zhu Tan, and couldn't help but said: "Your Highness!" The Four Books and Five Classics are the foundation of Confucianism and the outline of governing the country! The so-called teaching the people of the world the way of Confucius and Mencius is not just words.

This classic contains not only words, but also the crystallization of thousands of years of wisdom of sages. For example, Confucius's "benevolence" and Mencius's "righteousness" are both the foundation for establishing a person and a country!

The Four Books and Five Classics are vast, profound and all-encompassing. They are indeed the grand canon of governing the country!

The "Study of Things" in "Great Learning", "The Perfect Morality" in "The Doctrine of the Mean", "Benevolence, Righteousness, Properity and Wisdom" in "The Analects of Confucius", and "The Theory of Good Nature" in "Mencius" all contain the principles of heaven and earth and life, and it is difficult to study them in a lifetime. Exhausted!

Although other sciences, such as mathematics, medicine, and law, also have their uses, they are ultimately just technical skills. Compared with the way of the saint, they are really small ways.

If we discard the basics and pursue the practical skills, we will probably miss more than just a few centimeters and go a long way!
  Our ministers, the first priority is to cultivate their moral integrity, manage their families, govern the country, and bring peace to the world. Morality comes first, and talents come second. Only with both morality and talent can one achieve governance.

If you abandon this high road and follow the small road, you may harm the country and the people!
  The imperial examinations of the Ming Dynasty should be based on the Four Books and Five Classics. This is the way to ensure the longevity of the country's foundation! "

Zhu Tan sneered and said: "So that's it! All other knowledge are minor ways, and only Confucian classics are the great way? In my opinion! The Four Books and Five Classics of Confucianism are also a bunch of bullshit! How can they be profound and profound? It's ridiculous!"

The words fell.

Zhu Yuanzhang could no longer listen no matter how tolerant he was.

He couldn't help frowning and scolding: "King Lu! Don't talk nonsense! Are you the one who can talk nonsense about the way of a saint?"

Zhu Tan couldn't help but rolled his eyes.

I just said nonsense, and you changed it!

Eighty-five items were deleted: "The people are the most valuable, the country is the second most important, and the king is the least important." "When Jie and Zhou lost the world, they lost their people. Those who lost their people also lost their hearts." Eighty-five items were deleted!

Even Master Meng, the Yasheng, was invited out of the Confucius Temple.

Not long ago I was allowed to return to the Confucius Temple.

When Song Ne heard this, he was so angry that he trembled all over and said: "Your Highness! You also read the books of sages when you were young! You are also a famous scribe prince in Yingtian Mansion!

Why has it become so unreasonable now?

Zhao Pu, the prime minister of the Song Dynasty, once said that half of the Analects rules the world!

Even half of the Analects can govern the world. Okay, isn't the knowledge in these four books and five classics profound enough?
  You said that this knowledge is simple, so I would like to invite Your Highness to join the examination together with all the students!

Let’s see what score we can get!

Does Your Highness dare to agree? "

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled bitterly and waved his hands: "Scholar Song, Zhu Tan is just an ignorant child! Why are you so angry with him?"

Let Zhu Tan take the imperial examination, let alone the Jinshi examination. If there is still a provincial examination now, he will have trouble even passing the examination!
  Now I can have the title of a superior prince, isn’t it because I was born well?
  Zhu Tan sneered.

"Imperial examination? How difficult is that? But I am too lazy to take the exam!
  But I can select a group of distinguished children to be my disciples!
  Also take the exam!
  Let me teach you how difficult this imperial examination is!
  Even if they are only able to read and write, in a few months, I can turn them into exam-taking masters! "

The words fell.

Zhu Yuanzhang frowned.

"The more you talk, the more nonsense you are getting! The imperial examination will start in half a month, so how many months do you have to teach your disciples?
  What's more, if you can't pass the exam yourself, why are you teaching an apprentice? What a nonsense! "

Song Ne also smiled slightly.

Isn't this what a young man says in anger?

How could the imperial examination be postponed!

What's more, if you choose a disciple, then choose a top talent.

When the time comes to take the imperial examination, even if you get the top prize, you won't be able to prove anything!

You are just a teacher in name only, but you have gone through hard study in advance!
  Zhu Tan looked at Song Ne, Wu Bozong and Wu Chen.

The eyes are bright.

"Three bachelors, you are all presiding over this imperial examination! How dare you make a bet with me!
  This time the imperial examination is postponed for half a year!
  During this period, Prince Lu’s Mansion paid for the food and lodging expenses of the scholars who came to Beijing!
  At the same time, the king will select fifty noble disciples to take part in the imperial examination!

Don’t worry, I definitely won’t choose someone with a background in reading!

At that time, we might as well see if 80% of these fifty people can pass the Jinshi exam!

If it is less than 80%, I will be considered a loser! "

Hear this.

Zhu Yuanzhang, Zhu Biao, and even the three bachelors were all stunned!

Everyone is just talking, are you serious?

Zhu Tan's words were obviously not a joke!

Even things are settled!
  Because the examination was postponed and the scholars were stranded in Yingtian Mansion, Prince Lu's Mansion will pay for it!

At the same time, the candidates for recruitment were also decided.

They are all noble sons!
  Everyone knows what kind of qualities these noble disciples are!
  Except for those children of civil servant families, they still have some foundation in the imperial examination.

The children of military generals' families basically go to the military service.

Some can still read and recognize, and some even cannot read a single Chinese character at all. They practice martial arts all day long!

Even if you select those who have read and read among these people, it will be extremely difficult to get results if you want to take part in the imperial examination!
  Zhu Tan can select disciples from among these people. Not to mention that the training is only half a year, even if he teaches for three to five years, he will be successful!
  What I mean here is to be promising, not to pass the Jinshi exam, but to pass the Provincial Examination, which is considered a big deal even if you pass the exam!
  At that time, everyone knew that in order to pass the examination, one must first pass the county examination and the prefecture examination before being eligible to participate in the provincial examination!

The probability of passing the provincial examination and passing the examination is 100 to 3 out of 4 people, which is considered to be a lot.

Just rely on those noble children who have been pampered since childhood?
  Don't even think about it!
  Then you think this way of a saint is too simple!
  Zhu Yuanzhang frowned and said: "King Lu! Stop fooling around, how can you bet on national affairs?

What's more, the things you mentioned are inappropriate!
  How can our Ming Dynasty be so unruly! "

Song Ne also smiled slightly.

Your Majesty today, the most important thing is the rules and regulations, how can you change them again and again!

Is this no longer a child's play?

This King Lu has the temper of a child after all!

That's it!

Soothe him.

Song Ne said with a smile: "His Royal Highness King Lu! Did you hear what His Majesty said?

It's not that I don't want to bet with you, but His Majesty has an order and you can't disobey it easily!
  National affairs cannot be changed day by day according to one's temper! "

Zhu Biao also advised: "Tenth brother! This imperial examination is related to talent selection! It is a major event that attracts national attention!
  What's more, there are so many students who have been studying hard for many years, and they are all looking forward to the day when you can stop acting like a child!
  My father always meant what he said and his heart was as strong as iron!
  Just stop talking. "

Zhu Tan looked at Zhu Yuanzhang and said, "One million taels of silver!"

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Zhu Tan.

His eyebrows were raised slightly.

Sneered.

"One million taels? This imperial examination is a major national event for selecting talents! You and I have successfully prepared for so long, and there are so many students waiting for the exam! Do you want to postpone such an important matter? Do you still want to do that? Isn’t it even more against the rules to take the imperial examination together with many people who have never taken similar exams?”

Hear this.

Song Ne, Wu Bozong and Wu Chen were all smiling.

What a joke!
  Although one million taels of silver is a lot of money, it is far from the importance of the imperial examination!

How can your Majesty agree to your nonsense just because of this?
  Zhu Biao also shook his head.

This tenth brother is also crazy. How can everything in this world be solved with money?

He even wanted to bribe his father!

Zhu Tan looked at Zhu Yuanzhang and said, "What do you think our father should do?"

Zhu Yuanzhang said: "We have to add more money!"

The words fell.

Song Ne and the other three were trembling with fright!

What?
  What did your Majesty just say?
  Add.Add money?

Zhu Biao also looked at Zhu Yuanzhang with wide eyes.

His face was full of disbelief!

Add money?

Zhu Tan frowned and said, "It's just an extension of half a year. How much more money do you want? Is 150 million taels enough?"

The eyes of Song Ne and the other two people jumped when they heard this!

On the one hand, it’s because Mr. Zhu and Mr. Zhu actually bargained over the price of the country’s talent promotion ceremony!

On the other hand, I couldn’t help but complain in my heart, why do I just need to add more money!
  150 million taels of silver was said so easily, and Qq. was paid so casually!

Why would God let a person like Zhu Tan, who doesn't respect saints, earn so much money?
  Zhu Yuanzhang sneered and said: "50 taels and 50 taels of extra land? Is this how courageous Prince Lu of our Ming Dynasty is? Anyway, we can't stand it! Even if you say it, it's shabby! Disgraceful!"
  Let’s talk about the number!

1000 million taels of silver!

If you can pay so much money to the court next year, we will allow you to do whatever you want this time! "

Hear this.

Song Ne and others finally relaxed.

1000 million taels of silver?

What is that concept?
  The Ming Dynasty's annual fiscal revenue was only this amount. How could a mere Lu Prince's Mansion be able to get it?
  Although everyone knew that Zhu Tan was in the salt business and might be able to earn a lot of money, a large part of that money still had to be handed over to the court.

No matter what, he couldn't come up with 1000 million taels of silver!

Then there is only one truth. Your Majesty is teasing King Lu!
  Zhu Tan said angrily: "Two million taels of silver! Father! Don't go too far!
  You have to leave some money for your sons and daughters to make some money!
  If everything is handed over to you, there will be no more opportunities to make money in the future! "

Zhu Yuanzhang frowned and said: "You kid, you keep a secret in everything. We don't believe you! 300 million taels! If you don't hand it over, forget about the bet!"

Everyone looked at the two of them with blank faces.

How can we bargain on such a serious matter?

Zhu Tan sighed.

"Forget it! It's only 200 million taels! I have no money! I'm resigning!"

Song Ne and others let out a long sigh.

Fortunately.
  If this matter is really settled.

The emperor actually spent millions of taels of silver to change the system of a talent ceremony such as the imperial examination, and also extended the deadline. This is really unseemly!
  Zhu Biao also looked at Zhu Tan with a wry smile.

This tenth brother.
  If you do something accidentally, you can do something amazing.

Being with him every day is really scary.

Look at how stable I have been over the years!
  Just when everyone breathed a sigh of relief and prepared to watch Zhu Tan leave.

Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly frowned and said, "Wait a minute! The deal is done for 200 million taels!"

　The current order is 1100, thank you all for your support! The author has always had this idea and planned to open a book club. On the one hand, I accept everyone's opinions and suggestions. On the other hand, the number of updates every day is 674185268 or . For a part-time job, it is indeed quite intensive, and it is inevitable that there will be typos. Sorry for affecting everyone’s reading experience! I also want to ask everyone to help catch bugs. If you see any mistakes in the book, just point them out and the author will correct them as soon as possible! The group number is , there will be regular feedback activities! Thank you all!

　　
  　
  (End of this chapter)