Imperial Master of the Ming Dynasty

"You are Yu Qian."

Jiang Xinghuo looked at the child in front of him and was a little distracted for a moment.

This sense of confusion will become particularly strong when the character's historical line is completely changed and intertwined with reality.

"It's the grass people."

Yu Qian responded politely, his face still expressionless, as if he didn't know how much trouble his words would cause.

"Children's words are unforgivable."

Zhu Di revealed the matter easily with one sentence, and everyone in the main hall breathed a sigh of relief.

Zhu Difu said again: "You are truly innocent. When I visited the West Lake last year, I felt that your baby was unusual. As for your doubts about why Jin Yiwei brought you here, it is because there are rules in the country, and the princes and grandsons must have certain qualifications to study. The handsome folk companion, food, accommodation, books, paper and pen, clothing, etc. are all free of charge. You chose it according to this rule."

At this time, Zhu Di had come out of his previous state of contemplation and returned to his former majesty. He spoke calmly and put a lot of pressure on Yu Qian.

Of course Yu Qian recognized Zhu Di and fat Zhu Gaochi, the two people who had pretended to be wealthy businessmen and guards last year. Now that he had completely determined the reason for coming to the capital this time, he made some determination.

Yu Qian looked up at Jiang Xinghuo and saw the world-famous Imperial Master of the Ming Dynasty looking at him with complicated eyes.

"Yu Qian, this is Yu Qian, will you be the one to inherit my ideals?"

Just when Jiang Xinghuo was still thinking about it, if it were another young man, he might not dare to speak again because of fear of the powerful and other reasons, but for Qian, it was completely the opposite. After he pondered for a few seconds, he slowly shook his head. : "Please, Your Majesty, allow me to return to my hometown."

"Um?"

After hearing this answer, the main hall became quiet again.

Zhu Di frowned.

He originally thought that the other person would immediately accept the kindness he showed.

After all, children of Yu Qian's age are most likely to be satisfied with wealth, wealth and fine food and clothing. They eat the same food as the princes and grandsons, wear silks and satins, and only need to study with them. Their classmates are all children of rich families, and they will never lack a share in the future. Why not enjoy a good future?

"Although I am young and have never been taught by a famous teacher, I still have a general understanding of the principles of heaven and earth."

"If a fly sticks to you, you will be successful if you are quick, and you will be ashamed of being left behind; if you stick to the pines, you will be taller if you are taller, and you will feel the shame of climbing up."

Zhu Gaochi glanced at Zhu Gaosui, who squinted his eyes as if he was looking deeply, and said angrily: "Young man, you're so presumptuous!"

However, to everyone's surprise, Yu Qian did not flinch. Facing everyone's surprised gazes, he calmly explained: "It is called the root of disaster, and desire is the medium of loose ambition. What I learned here may not be suitable for me. I would rather I hope that I can learn from the saints and spread them all over the world to benefit the world."

There was silence in the main hall. As Yu Qian spoke clearly one word after another, everyone fell into brief contemplation.

At this moment, everyone suddenly understood why His Majesty personally ordered Jin Yiwei to take the child to the capital and then sent him to the main hall.

Unlike other children, they are all today's princes and nobles. Even if they have no merit, they can still be protected by their blood. But Yu Qian is different. Yu Qian is just an ordinary family. Although his grandfather was the director of the Ministry of Industry during the Hongwu period, for these From a human perspective, it can still be said to have no background at all.

Today, while facing huge temptations, he still has not lost his original intention and sticks to his own beliefs. This character is really rare.

However, Yu Qian's uprightness obviously offended some powerful people and made them feel unhappy.

Why, are you the only one who understands the truth? You think it's embarrassing to cling to powerful people, so why should I like you?

At this moment, Jiang Xinghuo spoke.

"To build a career and make meritorious deeds, everything must be based on reality. If you don't admire the sravakas too much, you will have false results. Principles belong to principles, and knowledge belongs to knowledge. You can stay and study science with me for a period of time. If you feel it is not suitable, your majesty will give it to you. Give it back to your hometown."

Yu Qian asked in confusion: "May I ask the Imperial Master, what is science?"

"The so-called science is the empirical study of specific things and their objective laws."

"The method used by the National Master to pray for rain is science?"

"yes."

As the two asked and answered, Yu Qian was a little moved.

Science is a concept that he has never imagined, but the most intuitive power caused by science makes him want to understand it.

"In that case, I am willing to learn."

After hesitating for a few breaths, Yu Qian nodded in agreement.

"good."

Jiang Xinghuo nodded.

Yu Qian is a smart child, and he will be able to understand quickly with just a little hint.

After the brief twists and turns passed, Jiang Xinghuo continued to test the children's talents and talents, and then ended the first lesson of the school year.

Zhu Gaochi also patted Yu Qian on the shoulder and said, "Read hard."

Yu Qian responded seriously and watched Zhu Di leave with the others.

After the crowd dissipated, Yu Qian turned around and sat down again according to Jiang Xinghuo's permission. His eyes fell on a pile of books and scrolls stored in the main hall, and his eyes gradually focused.

He reached out and picked up a book on the bottom floor, flipped through it, and his eyes quickly became immersed in it.

In the main hall, the sun was setting, and Yu Qian's figure was elongated.

He was immersed in the ocean of knowledge, forgetting all worries and worries, and was not even aware of the passage of time.

Until a burst of rapid footsteps broke the silence, and a eunuch wearing a blue robe hurried over.

"The Imperial Master invites you to speak in front of the Wenhua Hall."

Hearing the eunuch's voice, Yu Qian came back to his senses and his eyes flickered.

What does the national master want to do with me?

He was confused, but he immediately got up and followed the eunuch towards the Wenhua Palace.

Outside the Wenhua Palace, Jiang Xinghuo was looking at the scenery with his hands folded. The officials in scarlet robes passing by were not surprised. Compared with them, Jiang Xinghuo, who was dressed in a green shirt, simply stood out.

Of course, Jiang Xinghuo had just finished handling the day's affairs. The president's reform affairs office had also done a good job when he left Beijing. Old Man Zhuo was extremely capable, and Guo Jing and Chai Che had not slacked off either. Therefore, they took the staged results of the examination into law. There were also some other things that were reported to Emperor Yongle.

Yu Qian saluted respectfully: "I have seen the Imperial Master."

Jiang Xinghuo asked, looking at the sweat on Yu Qian's forehead.

"Why are you sweating?"

"The Zhongguan's pace is too fast and I can't keep up. I heard there are rules in the palace. You can't run. You can only follow small steps."

"Rules are made by people."

Yu Qian didn't understand Jiang Xinghuo's words for the time being, but he should understand them soon.

"Where will you stay tonight? Have you arranged a dormitory?"

Of course, like Zhu Zhanji, he could not live in the palace. In fact, even the palace gates outside the harem had to be locked at night.

And Yu Qian is the only one who has this kind of "folk handsomeness". Maybe the relevant yamen has arranged it, maybe not. Yu Qian can't say for sure. Anyway, he hasn't received any notification yet.

"really do not know."

Jiang Xinghuo was not surprised, nodded and asked.

"Do you have any money on you?"

Yu Qian was startled and said honestly: "Before leaving, my mother stuffed some treasure notes and sewed them into the inner lining."

"oh."

Jiang Xinghuo took out a Ba Si Ba Wen silver coin from his sleeve, the one Li Jinglong left for him, and then threw it into the air.

Yu Qian reached out to catch it and held it in his palm.

"Give me."

Yu Qian handed it over obediently, and Jiang Xinghuo put it back in his sleeve.

"After paying the tuition and becoming a teacher, come back and live with me."

Well, of course Jiang Xinghuo's own mansion was still being renovated, so he was generous to others and made the decision directly for the old monk.

A little gray horse was brought over. Jiang Xinghuo first threw Yu Qian in front of the saddle and sat firmly, then he got on the horse and rode slowly through the palace at sunset.

The surrounding palace people were still walking in small steps, and Yu Qian finally understood what Jiang Xinghuo meant when he said, "The rules are set by people."

Yu Qian's gaze fell into the distance, looking at the eaves and brackets under the setting sun, as if he saw another scene, a scene that he couldn't see when he originally saw adults only seeing their waists -

"Is this the palace?" He seemed to be in a dream.

"Yes, it is the center of the entire world and the center of all peoples."

Yu Qian sat upright on the horse and said after a while: "Did I say the wrong thing today?"

Jiang Xinghuo patted his shoulder, indicating that he shouldn't be so nervous: "I didn't say anything wrong. Even if I said something wrong, it doesn't matter. It's normal for people to say wrong things and do wrong things. Practice - reflect - then Only through practice can you do things right. He who does everything right is a saint. How can there be a saint in the world?"

"I heard someone say that the Imperial Master is a banished immortal."

"Um."

"What was it like that day?"

"Sun Wukong eats bananas every day without peeling them off, and Roaring Dog urinates at Nantianmen every night."

"."

Duke Rong's mansion is not far from the imperial city. In fact, the residences of all the top nobles are in this area, so the little gray horse arrived not long after.

The old monk who mysteriously disappeared has not returned yet. The unsupervised two real people, Zhang and Yuan, were originally discussing chemistry (alchemy) issues enthusiastically. However, with the visit of Xu Miaojin and his two nieces from the Duke of Wei next door, the two of them... After accidentally learning what happened in the main hall today, we turned to the issue of "fairness".

Xu Miaojin was about to put Shu Xiu down and go back to the next door, when she met Jiang Xinghuo who was carrying Yu Qian back.

Xu Miaojin's slender fingers gently held the cloud gauze shawl. She was wearing a light yellow Luo Shang. The skirt was embellished with flying satin flowers, which made her look dignified and gorgeous. Her eyes were clear and bright, revealing her fair and slender neck, and she looked at the man in front of her: "Mr. Jiang .”

Jiang Xinghuo was not interested in vulgar love tricks, but when someone said hello, it was hard to ignore them.

"Miss Xu."

Jiang Xinghuo maintained a fake smile as gentle as jade on his face: "Why are you here?"

Xian'er and Rong'er curiously looked at Yu Qian who was standing in front of Jiang Xinghuo. It was the first time they saw their new classmate acting a little embarrassed.

"I'm here to see you off, Mr. Jiang. These are the gifts for my Xian'er and Ronger."

After meeting several times, Xu Miaojin was not shy at all. He handed over the dried meat and said generously.

Shuxiu means salted pork jerky. It means that when students or their parents meet their teachers for the first time, they must first give gifts to show their respect. This is the apprenticeship ceremony stipulated by Confucius.

"Zhu Zi Yu Lei" makes this clear, "The ancients refused to meet each other empty-handed. Shuxiu is worthless, and lambs and geese are more valuable. (Song Dynasty) Zhenzong, when giving a banquet, said this: Sages teach people. Want money.”

Therefore, it's not that the Duke of Wei can't afford the apprenticeship ceremony and can only fool him with bacon, but there is an ancient ceremony here.

Of course, you have to give a gift in return after receiving Shu Xiu. The importance of the gift is not the importance, but the presence or absence of it.

But Jiang Xinghuo naturally had nothing to gain. He glanced around and saw that Yuan Gong and Zhang Yuchu, two experienced experts, were hiding far away and looking at him with gloating. There might be some secret dragon spirit in these two people. Tiger elixirs, talismans and seals to ward off evil spirits and protect others are not easy to reciprocate.

"..."

Jiang Xinghuo was silent for a few moments, then stretched out his hand to catch the oil paper bag handed over by Xu Miaojin, and said, "Thank you very much, Miss Xu."

After that, he lifted his feet and walked inside, his steps steady and calm, his posture as graceful as a feather in the wind, which is unforgettable.

Xu Miaojin looked at the other person's back as he left gracefully, with a worried expression. It seemed that he did not expect Jiang Xinghuo to suddenly accept Shu Xiu, and she did not expect that he would treat her so calmly.

Thinking of this, Xu Miaojin felt an inexplicable sense of loss in her heart. She sighed slightly and prepared to turn around and leave with her two nieces.

"Wait a moment."

A male voice came from behind, with a touch of unnoticeable tension.

Xu Miaojin turned around in surprise and saw Jiang Xinghuo, who had left, returning with a pot of leeks in his hand.

"Shang Shu·Xia Xiaozheng" says: "There are leeks in the vegetable garden of the first lunar month." The cultivation of leeks in China has a long history, but it is still quite rare to use them as gifts.

"The new type of compound fertilizer is still in the experimental stage. It is given to children to cultivate scientific spirit. Please keep it confidential."

After saying that, Jiang Xinghuo also weighed a pamphlet in his hand.

——"Introduction to Basic Chemistry Principles·1"

"Can be used to stir-fry meat!"

"You can let the cat hide in it!"

Xu Miaojin glared at the two chirping little nieces, and then took the lush pot of leeks.

"Then, thanks, thank you, Jiang, sir."

Xu Miaojin was obviously irritated by the pot of leeks, and there was a strange tone in her words.

Although Jiang Xinghuo left a good impression on her, by lowering her posture like this and only getting a pot of leeks, the other party was obviously looking down on her, and even exceeded the standard of courtesy and superficial courtesy. Xu Miaojin was inevitably disappointed. Somewhat angry.

Jiang Xinghuo didn't seem to hear it at all.

"You're welcome, you should."

Then he clapped his hands and led Yu Qian in. Two old and disrespectful Taoist priests were sitting on chairs laughing together.

Jiang Xinghuo's mouth twitched: "What were you talking about just now?"

"What this little kid said in the main hall is fair."

Xian'er's voice came: "Eh? What's the use of fairness?"

Jiang Xinghuo was startled for a moment, but Xu Miaojin did not leave with her two little nieces, but followed him in angrily, carrying the pot of leeks.

Rong'er was smarter and made an excuse for her sister-in-law: "We have to study!"

"Yes! We want to discuss it with the new classmates!" Xian'er responded.

If Jiang Xinghuo had been polite and given some normal gifts, he would have gone directly to the next door, but Jiang Xinghuo's actions completely made Xu Miaojin let go of Tianhuang's dignity. If you don't drive me away, I won't.

In fact, Xu Miaojin just broke her guard. Girls, the less they are taken seriously, the more they want to struggle.

In the past, she acted like a noble lady and always followed etiquette in everything. How could she still stay as a guest?

However, students have to study, and Jiang Xinghuo can't refuse. It's just the time for his favorite lecture. They probably don't understand it, so they can just listen. If they get bored, they will probably leave. .

But now that it's meal time, it's really time to eat.

"Jiang Xuan!"

The cousin who was hiding and snickering was also caught by Jiang Xinghuo: "Stop hiding, can you please cook and fry two dishes?"

In addition to studying in Duke Rong's mansion, Jiang Xuan consciously took up the job of a cook. Aunt Jiang Xinghuo told her that even if she had the care of her cousin in the city, she had to make some contributions within her ability. We must not be idle and idle, and eat and drink for free.

Jiang Xuan came over: "Okay, what can we eat? The old monk refused to eat meat even after he returned to secular life. Fortunately, he is not here, so we can finally eat meat."

Jiang Xinghuo handed over a bundle of dried meat in his hand, and Xu Miaojin handed over a pot of leeks angrily.

Old Yuan and Fatty Zhang swallowed their saliva.

Jiang Xuan went to cook in person, and the guests of honor and guests took their seats.

Jiang Xinghuo took a sip of tea. The tea was good tea. It was a specialty of the tea tree on the cliff of the Qing Palace in Longhu Mountain. It only produced a few taels a year. But for Jiang Xinghuo, it was just a taste.

Looking at the little girl next to Xu Miaojin, Jiang Xinghuo lit a tea cup: "What's the point of asking about fairness just now?"

"Actually, for the vast majority of people, it is useless because the world is unfair."

"but."

“The world is unfair, even though it may never be fair, but that doesn’t mean we have to stop working to transform the world into a relatively fair one.”

Xian'er frowned and muttered: "I don't agree, this is unfair, I don't want to wear the same skirt as other girls!"

"You see, this is fairness in the eyes of children. It is very narrow, but also very intuitive."

Jiang Xinghuo continued to drink tea. Emperor Yongle didn't take care of the food at night, and he didn't feel embarrassed to eat more in front of everyone in the main hall at noon. Now he could only drink tea.

"So, is it fair to enjoy the same things as others? If we put it this way, if everyone shares the land equally, will it be fair?"

He eats more salt than the children here eat rice. Yuan Gong naturally has a deeper opinion: "Not necessarily, it depends on how the word 'fair' is defined."

Xu Miaojin looked at this scene curiously. This was a scene that had never appeared in the Xu family. The Xu family usually did not discuss such mysterious-sounding issues. They would only talk about who led the troops out again and where. What properties have been purchased, who has married a daughter/wife, etc. are all topics that are of vital importance in aristocratic circles.

As for fairness? The existence of nobles, especially the founding nobles of Hongwu, is one of the biggest injustices in the Ming Dynasty. How could the Xu family use their brains to think about such a topic that goes against their own butts.

So not only Xian'er and Rong'er listened with interest, but even Xu Miaojin became slightly fascinated.

"For example, a certain person committed all kinds of evil in the village, beat people to the point of serious injury and paralysis, and was imprisoned. However, under the amnesty of the Yuan Dynasty, he returned to his hometown in glory and continued to live in a fish and meat village. Is it fair?"

"Another example is the matter regarding the Northern and Southern Examinations during the Hongwu period. Scholars in the South had higher imperial examination standards, but the quotas were allocated according to the Chief Envoy. Is it fair to see those northern scholars who were not as good as them pass the examination?"

"Perhaps you will have your own choices about these things, but the answer should be relatively unified, that is, prisoners who have committed all kinds of crimes are pardoned, which is in line with the Ming Law, but it is unfair to the paralyzed villagers; the court wanted to take care of Hu Hua The north, which is severely disadvantaged in culture and education, has been given quotas based on the Chief Envoy, which is unfair to the southern scholars, but it is good for the long-term development of the Ming Dynasty."

Jiang Xinghuo smiled: "Then you have to choose the answer."

"For another example, Zhang Zhenren's horse was frightened. He was riding a big horse on the street, unable to slow down. In front of him were 10 children on the left and 5 on the right. To choose one of the two, he had to choose a direction to hit him. , you choose.”

Zhang Yuchu and Yuan Gong were silent. They realized the trap in the topic almost instantly.

Yu Qian was lost in thought. He used to think that fairness meant taking care of the weak, and measuring it according to the scale in his mind was like dividing fish. But now it seems that his understanding of fairness is not profound, but just primitive. Moral fairness.

If it were a discussion about classics, metaphysics, or Taoism, Xu Miaojin might not be able to intervene, but this topic is so far away and so close to reality that Xu Miaojin, who was still angry just now, couldn't help but say: "Of course, choose the direction with fewer people. , avoid crowded directions.”

"Yeah." Jiang Xinghuo smiled half-smilingly: "Then what if I tell you that the 10 children on the left are all illiterate and stupid peasants, and the 5 children on the right are all students who will be able to take the imperial examination and work in government to benefit the people in the future. Seeds, how do you choose this time?”

Zhang Yuchu suddenly realized: "This is not about fairness at all, but the difference between justice and benefit! From a moral point of view, if five lives are compared with ten lives, ten lives must be saved; if from a profit point of view, lives are not equivalent. But they all have their own value.”

Jiang Xinghuo said noncommittally: "Utility, or whether the value of an individual person can be measured by mathematics, is a fair measurement model."

"The way you think just now is which choice can maximize utility, in other words, maximize the benefits of the entire world. The reason why some of you choose to save five children who will be 'more useful' in the future is because you think that saving These children, the overall interests of the world will become greater, think about it carefully, right?"

"No, no, there is still a problem here."

Yu Qian bit his nails so hard that he felt like his little head was going to explode.

Ronger said timidly: "Mr. Jiang, your hair will fall out if you think about these problems every day. We still want to eat delicious food later."

This question is indeed too brain-burning for children, but for Xu Miaojin, it is not difficult to appreciate its meaning.

"So, this rude Jiang Xinghuo, is he thinking about these things every day? Aren't you tired?"

Xu Miaojin looked at the man in front of him who was drinking tea with his head down. For the first time, he felt as if he had gone from "just acquaintance" to "a little understanding" of him.

Jiang Xinghuo's next words made her feel a little touched in her heart.

"I can't eat much lately."

Yes, reform and innovation put such a heavy burden on our shoulders, like Mount Tai, how can we bear it?

"It's so hot."

Xu Miaojin withdrew her previous touch.

After Jiang Xinghuo made a joke, he asked Yu Qian seriously: "Can you figure out what the problem is?"

"It's just a little bit close! It's just a little bit close!"

Jiang Xinghuo nodded, took Yu Qian's fingernail-gnawing hand and put it on his knee to hold it down.

"What if one of these five people is you? What do you think is fair now?"

Yu Qian was stunned as if he was struck by lightning.

He finally figured out what the problem was.

If you look at it from the objective perspective of a bystander, then all fairness and unfairness in the world can be measured by standards such as utility and benefit, but it is difficult to bring yourself into it.

How is it fair to sacrifice yourself, who has a better future and is destined to make great contributions to the country and the people, to save a few peasants who may only be able to dig in the soil for their whole lives and are of no importance to the Ming Dynasty?

Yu Qian did not answer rashly, because he could speak beautifully, but he could not get over the hurdle in his heart.

He is very smart, but he is still too young and has had too little experience, so that he does not yet have the courage to die alone with a clear conscience in the future.

"What choice will Mr. Jiang make?"

Yu Qian suddenly asked out of nowhere.

Yes, what choice would Jiang Xinghuo make to achieve the fairness in his heart?

Xu Miaojin also looked at him. Xu Miaojin wanted to know what this man who seemed to be seeking to change the world with a sincere heart would do.

Jiang Xinghuo said frankly: "Choose the right side."

Xu Miaojin was a little disappointed. This was not the answer she was expecting. She originally subconsciously thought that Jiang Xinghuo would say that she would make self-sacrifice.

"So Mr. Jiang believes that in the debate between justice and benefit, benefit outweighs justice?"

Jiang Xinghuo shook his head and said: "It's not that benefits outweigh justice, but I think that safeguarding the interests of more important groups outweighs the 'righteousness' given by morality. It is for this reason that I will promote the reform." , I want to maintain fairness on a larger scale. For this fairness, I can break all the concepts of 'ancestral law', 'benevolence and morality', and 'heavenly kingship'. Those conservatives who oppose the reform also have their own thoughts in their hearts. The 'profit' they insist on is just that they believe that the so-called 'interests of the more important group' are the gentry and themselves."

Everyone is a little confused. This statement is very much like whitewashing one's behavior. It is saying that one's own life is beneficial to more people in the world. Maybe this is true, but it always makes people feel that the final answer to this question is not enough. Comfortable, because this can also explain the unfairness between people based on various factors.

A general of a certain Fifth Army Governor's Mansion or a minister of a certain ministry or temple, they can make more contributions to the world, so they don't deserve to die? But if that's the case, when Zhu Gaoxu kills a famous Confederate general on the battlefield, the handle of the sword doesn't care how much contribution you can make.

Jiang Xinghuo naturally understood everyone's dilemma. He took the last sip of tea and put the tea cup on the table. Yu Qian, who was not as high as the table, wanted to pour him tea. He said respectfully, but he stopped Jiang Xinghuo. What Xinghuo hates the most is asking the teacher to pour tea during meetings, as if the tea is not poured out and becomes some high-end technology.

Jiang Xinghuo looked at them and asked calmly: "Do you think I chose myself?"

"Is not it?"

Jiang Xinghuo stood up and took a globe covered with black cloth from behind.

He uncovered the black cloth, pointed to the land in the east and said, "I chose the Ming Dynasty."

"You think that the Ming Dynasty is very big and has a large population, but in this world, even in the world known to the Mongols, the total population far exceeds the Ming Dynasty. How can we safeguard the interests of China, a more important group, in this world? ?How can we stand on top of the world? Naturally, we need to strengthen ourselves. Only when we are strong, we must at some point no longer abide by the 'laws of our ancestors', be less 'moral', and less care about the 'face of the heaven' .”

“Do you think it’s too utilitarian, do you think you’re being domineering and lose your royal rights, do you think it’s not ethical enough?”

Jiang Xinghuo smiled: "So, this is where Cheng-Zhu Neo-Confucianism's principles of morality are so powerful. I'm not saying that morality is useless, nor am I denying the positive role of morality. What I mean is that things like morality and the human heart cannot Everyone has a dark side. Why did you feel so unhappy just now? To put it bluntly, your starting point for evaluating morality is still considering what someone else has done. How should I condemn him from the moral high ground? "

"Don't understand? To put it bluntly, you choose the left or the right. From the moment you make a choice, morality will let you turn the casualties on one side into why you chose this side. This is morality. The inner vigilance effect is also the result of Confucianism’s emphasis on ‘self-examination’.”

The two little girls had given up thinking, while Xu Miaojin fell into a tangled inner state.

She was like a domesticated kitten, who had been kept in a cage by invisible things such as "identity, status, family, ethics, and morality." Until today, she inadvertently glimpsed that someone actually stepped out of these restrictions and stood in a Thinking from a broader perspective, in his eyes, it seemed that everything that seemed indestructible in the old world could be broken.

For the first time, she had a glimpse of the true inner thoughts of this man who was rumored to be a man who wanted to use legalism and practical learning to change the law and become stronger, and who only valued profit and did not talk about benevolence and righteousness.

He wants profit, but what he wants is not personal profit, but the benefit of all people, and even the benefit of all generations!

But these instinctively made Xu Miaojin feel alert, and subconsciously wanted to stay away, yes, stay away.

A noble daughter from a rich family was born superior to others, and was born with endless wealth and wealth. Her father was a prince, her brother was a duke, her nephew was about to become a duke, her sister was a queen, and her brother-in-law was an emperor. How could she betray herself? Are we going to work for the benefit of all people and the benefit of all ages?

But when the thought of leaving almost rose like a raging flame in Xu Miaojin's heart, a word he recalled suddenly extinguished it.

"What I want is not a good match, but someone who is on the same journey."

At this moment, Xu Miaojin understood the meaning of Jiang Xinghuo's words.

What Jiang Xinghuo wants is someone who can work with him to make a living for the people and create peace for all generations. This road is doomed to be extremely lonely, full of bloodshed, and if the will is slightly weak, they will part ways.

"So, will I be this kind of person?"

Xu Miaojin asked herself, but the result she got was quite disappointing. She couldn't do this. Of course she was not to blame. No girl who had lived in this environment for twenty years would immediately betray her own class. This is true human nature.

But Xu Miaojin was still unwilling to give in. She asked, "What does Mr. Jiang think is fair? In other words, what does Mr. Jiang want to change the world into?"

"When everyone makes a choice and doesn't know whether they will be on the left, on the right, or on the sidelines, the principle of choice they recognize is fairness. This kind of fairness is what I call the 'veil of ignorance.'"

In fact, this is an important theory in Jiang Xinghuo's "A Theory of Justice" by political philosopher John Rawls in his previous life.

The 'veil of ignorance', as Jiang Xinghuo said, refers to when people discuss the proper treatment to be given to members of different roles in a society or an organization, the ideal way is to gather everyone under a curtain and agree on the proper treatment for each member. No one knows what role they will play in the organization after stepping out of this curtain, and then everyone discusses how everyone should treat a certain role.

The "fairness" under this social order is because everyone will not consider their own vested interests and give unfair opinions, which can avoid the situation of "the butt determines the head" because everyone does not know their future position. , so decisions made under this process can generally ensure that the most vulnerable characters are best protected in the future.

Yu Qian seemed to have realized something. This was the same truth as when he was dividing the fish by the West Lake, or in other words, it was a deeper truth.

If there really was such a 'veil of ignorance', then there would be no situation where a strong child would snatch the fish from a weak child.

Fairness under the 'veil of ignorance' has a color of procedural justice. The talks behind the veil of ignorance reflect the game of various social groups in real society. The gap between rich and poor is inevitable. The gap itself does not mean unfairness. The key is See if there is a system of redistribution that benefits the most disadvantaged in society.

However, the 'veil of ignorance' can completely guarantee that the choices made by participants will not be distorted by their special interests and benefits, and can enable them to determine principles fairly and objectively. In other words, only when everyone is subject to no social differences. Fairness comes when you treat.

Jiang Xinghuo continued: “As for the world I want to transform, firstly, it can provide all people with the most basic equal choices, there will no longer be various restrictions, and everyone can receive equal opportunities for education and medical care; secondly, in There is a relatively fair system based on the principle of difference in terms of social status and economic level.”

In this era, female school teachers and female doctors are undoubtedly extremely rare. Xu Miaojin thought for a while and asked: "Can even a woman from an ordinary family receive education, engage in education, or engage in medicine?"

"certainly."

Jiang Xinghuo replied firmly: "And if you have the opportunity to go to Jiangnan, you will clearly see that with the large-scale rise of handmade workshops in the cotton textile industry, women who earn their own wages have their own advantages in all aspects. Obvious changes. Women accounted for more than half of the Ming Dynasty's population (due to the decrease in men due to the war). The reform must benefit this group. I do not advocate radical fairness. Every era has its limitations, but it can promote Social changes in manufacturing power bring about changes in social status and economic level, and the fairness of this difference principle actually exists."

In fact, the difference principle recognizes the differences between individuals. Some people are smart and some people are strong.

This is also inevitable at the biological level. In a fair society, talented people often win more praise and earn more benefits than people with dull talents. This is not called unfair under the principle of difference. .

In other words, what "A Theory of Justice" pursues is to protect vulnerable groups based on the "veil of ignorance" while ensuring basic fairness and equality in education, medical care and other conditions, while recognizing the principle of difference.

Xu Miaojin nodded. She was not in a hurry to make any decision, because another well-known saying Jiang Xinghuo said on Taiping Street was also at work.

"Bold assumptions, careful verification, only through practice can you get true knowledge."

Why not go to Jiangnan and see it for yourself? I just had the opportunity to go with the Japanese princess (prince in law) to see how Jiang Xinghuo actually changed the world, and whether he could really be moved by it.

The talk about "fairness" and "righteousness" soon came to an abrupt end when the meal was ready.

After having a good meal, Xu Miaojin took her two little nieces to say goodbye and went back to the Duke of Wei's house next door. Before leaving, she took back the clay pot with the leeks. The leeks had grown once, but they could still grow again.

"Sister-in-law, I want to be a female private school teacher in the future! I can hit other people's palms!"

"I want to be a female doctor. If anyone offends me, I will prescribe coptis every day!"

"alright, I got it."

Xu Miaojin was perfunctory absentmindedly.

"Sister-in-law, what do you want to do in the future?"

Ronger's soul critical attack made Xu Miaojin suddenly stay in place.

"When I was Xian'er Ronger's age, I seemed to want to be a painter, but then I forgot about this dream."

——————

Not far away, Xie Jin's mansion.

"When Jiang Xinghuo returns to Beijing this time, I'm afraid he will be involved in another bloody storm. I advise the gentleman (Xie Jin) not to get involved."

"Yongle Dadian" Vice President Wang Yan (cheng Yi, pronounced the same as 'shu') warned: "Nowadays, there are constant battles between the DPRK and China. I heard that during this period, the reformers and the conservatives were in tit-for-tat, and even because of this matter, there were even Alarmed the Holy Master."

Jie Jin picked up the wine glass and took a sip, sighing softly: "I would like to stay out of the matter, but I'm afraid this matter is not up to me!"

"oh?"

Wang He was surprised and said: "What do you mean by this? Isn't it enough to just sit on the mountain and watch the tigers fight?"

"Haha, to put it bluntly, I have nothing but the title of president of "Yongle Dadian" and "Taizu Records"."

A trace of bitterness appeared on Jie Jin's face: "Although I don't know who is behind this fight, but no matter what, my honor and disgrace are tied to the eldest prince, and the reform is a major event that overshadows everything else. His Highness the eldest prince wants to To become a prince, you cannot fail to express your stance and take action.”

This means that a few days ago, the memorial of King Zhou was published.

The King of Zhou petitioned for the establishment of a crown prince, and Emperor Yongle gave him a letter in reply, saying: "Chu Er is so great that the foundation of the country is determined by the people's hearts, and his responsibility is not light. The civil and military ministers have expressed their invitations again and again, but none of them have listened. Today, The wise brother said it again. The wise brother is worried about the long-term future of the country. Although the eldest son of Gu has benevolent talents, his intelligence is not full and his career is not broad. I will seek out the wise and live together with him to nurture him. Virtue, enhance their knowledge, make the sun match the moon, and finally achieve success, and then it is not too late to correct the name.

"Asking for wise men" is asking for a wise man? Who does "living with" mean living in harmony with? What does “gaining knowledge” mean? "It's not too late to correct the name." These answers are all on his face.

Emperor Yongle clearly responded to King Zhou's memorial and told the eldest prince that he should learn more closely from the imperial master and live in harmony. If you learn clearly and achieve something, then your name can be rectified.

Of course, there is a high probability that this is a pie in the sky.

But again, if Zhu Di dares to draw, do you, Zhu Gaochi, dare not believe it?

As he spoke, Jie Jin's expression darkened: "It's a pity that Jiang Xinghuo has skyrocketed to ninety thousand miles like a Kunpeng, and I'm still doing these grueling tasks."

With that said, Xie Jin raised his glass and took a swig.

"Zi~"

The strong drink went down my throat, scalding hot.

For a moment, Xie Jin felt hot all over.

"Brother Wang, you. Please drink some with me. It's been a long time since I drank."

Xie Jin said: "You are the only person I can talk to about the civil and military affairs of the entire dynasty."

Yes, ever since Xie Jin, Wang Gen, and Hu Jing gathered at Wu Pu's home and agreed to die for the country if the city was captured, but Xie Jin was the first to surrender to Zhu Di and gained a bright future, he really didn't have many friends. .

Who dares to have a heart-to-heart with him?

Wang Kai hesitated for a moment, and finally picked up the wine bottle.

The two poured wine, the glasses collided, and they drank one gulp.

With the drink in his stomach, Jie Jin's cheeks turned red and he was in a drunken state.

"Brother Wang, you and I have known each other since the 23rd year of Hongwu. It has been more than ten years now. We have always treated each other with sincerity. Tell me, what am I like as a person?"

Wang Yan thought for a while and said seriously: "Brother Xie is eight dozen talents high, and he is the greatest talent in the world."

Jie Jin smiled and nodded, then shook his head.

"Why am I, an outstanding person, excluded from the road to heaven?" Jie Jin smiled bitterly.

When Wang Yan heard this, he took a deep breath, his eyes flickered, and he suddenly said: "Brother Xie, I want to ask you something. If I tell you now, I can help you realize your wish, and even make your career better." Stay far away and don’t have to worry about being impeached. Are you willing to listen?”

"What did you say?"

Jie Jin opened his eyes wide and was stunned.

After a moment, he came back to his senses. He stared at Wang Chen and said solemnly: "I hope this is true."

"certainly."

Xie Jin knew that his good friend Wang Chen was definitely not lying. Since Wang Chen said this, it proved that this matter was very possible. After all, with Wang Chen's personality, there was no need to deceive himself.

Wang Chen said in a deep voice: "I, Wang Chen, always tell the truth and I never discount anything."

Afterwards, the two talked in low voices.

"Do you want to win me over and get involved?" Xie Jin calmed down and asked slowly.

"Well, I want to join forces with Brother Xie."

Wang Yan did not hesitate: "However, if Brother Jie doesn't want to agree, I won't force it."

Xie Jin's official career was already full of twists and turns. He didn't want to go through the ups and downs of the Hongwu Dynasty again. Now Xie Jin is thirty-four years old. Maybe he is still young to others, but you have to know when Xie Jin became a Jinshi. ?

--Nineteen!

He was a genius among geniuses, one of the brightest stars in the early Ming Dynasty. How could he endure the fact that he had been doing nothing for fifteen years?

If you have a good opportunity now, you won't miss it.

What's more, Xie Jin also saw that Wang Chen's plan was not unachievable, and he was in urgent need of such an opportunity.

"What I just said was too superficial. I need more detailed planning steps."

"Brother Xie is so happy."

Wang Yan breathed a sigh of relief and smiled: "Since we have decided to cooperate, there are some things I must reveal to you first. You know, the eldest prince is not the crown prince yet. He will face a lot of troubles before he succeeds Dabao. This process will continue. It will take a long time, maybe several years, maybe more than ten years, and it is difficult to guarantee that nothing will happen during this period of time."

Jie Jin was silent for a moment and said, "Don't worry, I won't tell anyone about this, including His Highness the First Prince."

After a pause, Xie Jin asked, "What else do you need me to do with you?"

Wang Yan smiled and said: "You don't need to do anything, just follow the plan and add fuel to the flames at the critical moment."

"But what if His Majesty has spoken?"

Xie Jin looked at the other party and said, "I am an official of the Ming Dynasty. How can I disobey His Majesty's will for personal gain?"

"Then it depends on how you choose."

Wang Yan said calmly: "And don't forget, in this court, it is the person named Jiang who has the final say."

Xie Jin was stunned.

He knew he had just made a mistake.

Wang Yan smiled and patted Jie Jin on the shoulder: "I'm just reminding you."

"I"

Jie Jin gritted his teeth but said nothing.

Obviously, he was thinking about Wang Chen's suggestion.

Seeing this, Wang Yan left his seat with a smile, walked slowly, and came to the window.

"You know, sometimes I would rather be an ordinary person. I like to eat meat and play around. I sleep until three o'clock in the morning every day, and then run out to look for flowers and willows on the Qinhuai River. I can wander around the capital like a street gangster and enjoy the romance. If Yes, I hope to live such a leisurely and comfortable life for the rest of my life."

Wang Chen sighed: "But can a person like you do that? You are Jie Jin, you are a peerless talent. You shouldn't be like this. You should stand above ten thousand people! Believe me, I will not harm you. Yes, Brother Jie."

After a long while, Xie Jin finally nodded in relief.