Imperial Master of the Ming Dynasty

Hu Guang held the thick memorial. The more he looked down, the colder his heart became.

Dao Yan wrote, based on the study, understanding and summary of the sage's teachings, he recommended Emperor Yongle to implement the eight strategies of reform.

The first strategy is to promote the examination method and rectify the administration of officials on a large scale.

The second strategy is to restore Xunzi's status as the Five Sages of Confucianism and adjust the content of the imperial examination.

The third strategy is to completely re-clear the land and expand the promotion of land use and chemical fertilizers.

The fourth strategy is to reform the tax system and establish tax guards.

The fifth strategy is to propagate the theory of the Holy King and establish the concept of a nation-state.

The sixth strategy is to expand the scale of government bond issuance and rebuild the credit of banknotes.

The seventh strategy is to expand the scale of Qin Tian Jian and monitor astronomical phenomena.

The eighth strategy is to increase the authority of the Ministry of Rites and reshape the vassal system.

"Which saint did you learn these things from?"

If old monk Dao Yan hadn't been in front of him, Hu Guangzhen couldn't help but ask.

Isn’t the study of saints that we learn the same thing?

Didn’t they all study "Great Learning", "The Doctrine of the Mean", "The Analects of Confucius", "Mencius", "The Book of Songs", "Shang Shu", "Book of Rites", "Book of Changes", and "Spring and Autumn"?

Have you learned anything else?

Are you an authentic saint?

There was too much content, and Hu Guang didn't have time to read it one by one, but just after reading the first test method, Hu Guang knew that this was serious business.

In the memorial, Daoyan suggested that Emperor Yongle should strengthen the management of various ministries of the imperial court through the examination method. In the capital, he required each department to respond within a few days once it received the imperial edict, or set a deadline for replying.

If any yamen in the capital feel that they have objections, they should quickly come up with a clear explanation.

Ok? why not? How?

Then, based on the answers from the six departments, the Sixth Section will supervise the relevant matters, register them, and cancel them until the matter is completed. If an imperial edict is received and a clear answer is not given within the time limit, then the crime will be severely punished.

Moreover, officials are evaluated based on their efficiency in completing tasks.

In addition, Dao Yan also categorically quoted the so-called sage's learning and came up with the eight-character formula "In crisis of superiority and inferiority, use stop to become imperial", which was used to tailor the examination goals of each department.

Hu Guang thought about it for a while, and actually found out that Dao Yan's so-called eight-character formula from the sage's study makes a lot of sense?

It is clear and easy to learn, highlighting the simplicity and ease of use.

Among the eight policies of the reform, Hu Guang knew about things such as farm labor, chemical fertilizers, Ming Dynasty national debt, and increasing the powers of the Ministry of Rites.

But Hu Guang didn't understand the rest, such as adjusting the contents of the imperial examinations, promoting changes in the tax system, the study of sage kings, and the concept of nation-states.

Zhu Gaochi cleared his throat, and Hu Guang didn't have time to take a closer look. He flipped through the content at the back and hurriedly handed it to Yang Rong behind him.

After everyone had circulated it, the top-secret memorial returned to Zhu Di's hands.

Zhu Di held the thick memorial in one hand, patted the palm of the other hand, and then asked: "Since you have all read it, why don't you give me your suggestions?"

"Chi'er, you make a start for them."

Zhu Gaochi's heart skipped a beat. He originally thought that his father would not force him to express his position, but he did not expect that his father's conversation would directly turn to him.

Zhu Gaochi couldn't help but sigh in his heart - this kind of thing doesn't need to be discussed at all!

Zhu Gaochi knew very well that he was not suitable to participate in this matter, because it not only involved the foundation of the country, but also offended a large number of his potential temple supporters, that is, the gentry class.

Generally speaking, things like reforming will not end well. The final result may be that both the reforming faction and the conservative faction will suffer losses, and even the vitality of the country will be seriously damaged.

Zhu Gaochi's sense of smell was sharp enough. In fact, after Zhu Gaochi listened to every class, he already knew that the change was inevitable.

Of course. Many de facto reform actions, including the reduction of labor into households, the national debt of the Ming Dynasty, and the increase in the authority of the Ministry of Rites, have already been carried out, but they have not been given the name of reform in a big way, nor have they been organized into a systematic Change your thinking.

Moreover, this matter is destined to become more urgent as Jiang Xinghuo's release from prison approaches.

But Zhu Gaochi never expected that Dao Yan would act so hastily.

Even before Jiang Xinghuo's last class, Dao Yan was already ready to give a memorial to his father.

Logically speaking, shouldn't Jiang Xinghuo have to confront his father after Jiang Xinghuo is released from prison?

But Zhu Gaochi quickly woke up.

There is another possibility here, that is, Dao Yan believes that Jiang Xinghuo's qualifications, age, and ability in the court are not enough to serve as a standard-bearer for Genghua. It may be better to command from behind the scenes. I don't mean to look down on Jiang Xinghuo here. But speaking objectively and realistically, Jiang Xinghuo's current temple conditions in the eyes of the world are indeed worse than "a hundred million points".

In terms of age, he is in his early twenties and a young boy. Most people at this age are still taking the imperial examinations and have not yet crossed the threshold to enter politics.

Ahem, Jiang Sheng's imperial examination results were not ideal either.

The scholar took the exam twice and has not passed the exam yet.

In terms of qualifications, there are no qualifications to speak of. He has never entered the imperial court, nor participated in the Jingnan War. He has neither civil servants nor nobles.

In terms of abilities, so far, although Jiang Xinghuo has various abilities that are beyond ordinary people and almost magical, such as predicting the future, insight into everything, and vast knowledge, he has not yet shown any ability in temple struggles and administrative affairs.

Therefore, Zhu Gaochi has every reason to believe that Dao Yan did this not because he wanted to take advantage of God's merits, but to use Jiang Xinghuo's knowledge and theories as his temple capital.

But Dao Yan believes that Jiang Xinghuo's current image in front of the world may not be enough to become the leader of the Genghua Sect.

In other words, Dao Yan plans to carry the banner of the Genghua faction that attracts the most hatred for Jiang Xinghuo!

"how?"

At this time, Zhu Di stared at the lost Zhu Gaochi and asked: "Do you think I have made it difficult for you?"

Zhu Gaochi was suddenly startled. He quickly came to his senses and shook his head: "My son, I never meant this."

Zhu Di frowned and said, "Then why don't you express your opinion?"

"this"

Zhu Gaochi was at a loss for a moment. He knew his position and embarrassment very well. Not to mention that as the eldest prince, he should not express his position. Even if he did express his position, he should not make suggestions on this occasion. Couldn't the father and son discuss it privately? ?

After all, no matter how he expresses his position, it will have an impact on the status of Zhu Gaochi, the executive deputy emperor who actually presides over cabinet work, in the hearts of cabinet members.

But Zhu Gaochi still had temple acumen after all, and he noticed some clues. The meaning of his father's words was that he wanted to use this to shock the mountain and shock the tiger, and let the cabinet members know his attitude through his own words.

Thinking of this, Zhu Gaochi felt bitter in his heart. Could it be that he had really been spotted by his father and would be manipulated by civil servants in the future? So now you have to push yourself?

Zhu Gaochi couldn't think of a very appropriate answer, but at this time, Zhu Gaochi certainly wouldn't talk stupidly, because Zhu Gaochi knew that if he said something wrong, he might immediately be opposed by the cabinet members or his father. negation.

It’s really hard to be the eldest prince who is not the crown prince!

Zhu Gaochi's thoughts were spinning rapidly in his mind, and suddenly he had an idea and simply followed his father's words.

"I think that the Eight Strategies for Reform proposed by Master Daoyan are indeed excellent, and that it is good to strengthen the country and enrich the people. However, I feel that it is best to ask the court about this matter later. I would like to ask for your opinion. At the very least, you should ask the six ministers for their opinion first and let them know to avoid any misunderstanding."

Zhu Gaochi's words were watertight. They not only showed his humility and obedience, but also tactfully reminded his father that he could not act rashly now and had to wait for at least six ministers to express their opinions before making a decision.

To put it bluntly, these young talents in the cabinet do not yet have the say in the civil service system of the Ming Empire.

When Yang Shiqi heard this, he immediately showed admiration and said with a smile: "Your Majesty, I also agree with His Highness the First Prince's opinion."

Xie Jin's eyes flickered, and the expression on his face was a little stiff.

He was usually arrogant, but today it was clear that something of vital interest was involved, but he was intimidated.

Jie Jin glanced at Hu Guang, who had his head lowered, and vaguely felt that this scene seemed to have happened a few months ago?

Huang Huai, a senior Jinshi from the Hongwu Dynasty who was second only to Xie Jin in the cabinet, admonished: "Your Majesty, I am stupid and can't understand many things just by reading the memorial. If Your Majesty wants me to put forward some suggestions, As a practical suggestion, why not ask Master Daoyan to come to the palace?"

Zhu Di glanced at Huang Huai, but did not refute anything. He just waved his hand and ordered the third prince Zhu Gaosui next to him to announce the edict: "Pass on my oral instructions, announce that Master Daoyan will come to the palace for an audience, and the six ministers will come to the palace for an audience."

"Yes, Father!"

The third prince Zhu Gaosui took the order and retreated.

Hu Guang breathed a sigh of relief and thought to himself: "Fortunately, the eldest prince and Huang Huai are smart. This not only delayed the situation for a while to think about the countermeasures, but also attracted the six ministers and other temple bosses to share the pressure."

But at this time, everyone in the cabinet, who originally thought they could calm down for a while, was surprised to find that a person who should least have spoken out had expressed his stance.

Hu Yan, who was always considered "honest and honest", slowly walked up to Zhu Di, knelt down and said, "Your Majesty, I think this matter is inappropriate."

"Oh?" Zhu Di raised his eyebrows and his eyes fell on Hu Yan.

Hu Yan, a native of Nanchang, has a general knowledge of astronomy, geography, laws and calendars, divination, etc., and is especially knowledgeable in astronomy and latitude. He never competes with others, has a somewhat straightforward temperament, and is recognized as an honest person.

And compared to the position of an administrative bureaucrat, as a scholar in the palace, he seems to be more suitable to be an academic official. After all, in terms of his Chinese studies foundation, I am afraid that even the talented Jie Jin cannot compare with Hu Yan. So solid.

"Hu Qing might as well tell you." Zhu Di didn't expect Hu Yan to really have any feasible suggestions.

After all, among the cabinet members at the scene, Hu Yan was almost always ranked last in terms of quick wit and planning. Even Hu Guang, the weakling, could be said to be better than Hu Yan in these aspects.

In the hearts of everyone, Hu Yan is an honest man who is well-read in poetry and books.

But when Hu Yan, an honest man, opened his mouth, he was shocked.

"I think that changes in the sky are enough to scare me, my ancestors are enough to teach me, and people's words are enough to sympathize with me."

Hu Yan's tone was extremely calm, as if he was calmly discussing the meaning of classics with his colleagues in the Imperial Academy.

But this can't help but frighten everyone in the cabinet. The emperor asked you to say that it was polite, but you really dare to say it!