Imperial Master of the Ming Dynasty

"Wang Jing wants to be Sima Guang."

Looking at Jiang Xinghuo and then at Wang Jing kneeling on the ground, Jian Yi felt emotional.

If you don't use filters and don't think that the ancients are better than the modern ones, Wang Jing and Sima Guang are really similar.

When he was a boy, Sima Guang was very smart. When he was six years old, his father Sima Chi taught Sima Guang how to read scriptures. When he was seven years old, Sima Guang could not only recite "Zuo's Spring and Autumn Annals", but also understand the main meaning of the book, and made a "smashing vat" This incident shocked Jingluo. Wang Jing was smart since he was a child. He inherited his family's education. He was proficient in "Shangshu" at the age of ten. He studied under the famous Confucianism and practiced Lu. At the age of fifteen, he became successful and became the Ming Jing.

Needless to say, as an adult, Sima Guang had a prominent political voice in the local area, caring for the people and establishing education. In the central government, he was famous for his strong writing style and his courage to speak out.

Wang Jing, on the other hand, entered the Hanlin Academy to study ancient literature and became the most representative figure of the ancient literature school in the early Ming Dynasty. He was deeply appreciated by Zhu Yuanzhang. He served as the magistrate of Kaizhou and the chief envoy of Shanxi Province and participated in politics. Later, he was demoted to Yunnan Ten. Over the past few years, he has established a deep friendship with the Mu family. This is why Zhuo Jing specially selected Yunnan's memorials to show him. At that time, in Yunnan, Wang Jing used a guilty person to advise on running schools and often gave lectures at the Lin'an Confucian Temple. , taught his disciples, and as a result, scholars gathered together, and a reading culture of "motivating oneself with poems and books, and reciting string strings to reach the peak" was formed for a while. Humanities became popular, and Yunnan locals spoke highly of him.

Judging from future results, Wang Jing is also worthy of this evaluation. Before the end of the Yuan Dynasty, there was no Jinshi from Lin'an Prefecture in Yunnan. Since Wang Jing's arrival, after more than ten years of cultural and educational revitalization, the number of Jinshi from Lin'an Prefecture will account for the entire Yuan Dynasty. Half of Yunnan.

Sima Guang dared to speak, and Wang Jing also spoke loudly. When the Yan army entered the city last year and Zhu Di had just ascended the throne, all the officials did not dare to say anything about the etiquette for burying Zhu Yunwen in the tomb. Only Wang Jing, as the Minister of Rites, adhered to the etiquette and laws. It is said that it is appropriate to use the emperor's rites.

Although Wang Jing has his own temple ambitions and ambitions, this does not prevent him from also insisting on respecting the past and adhering to etiquette. In fact, for Wang Jing, the two are integrated. Etiquette is a principle that he has adhered to all his life, and it is also His expertise, Jiang Xinghuo's new method, not only hindered his path to the pinnacle of his official career, but also hindered the beliefs he adhered to.

The outcome is yet to be decided. Among the civil and military officials present, who dares to guarantee that the Yongle New Deal will not be like the Xining Reform?

You know, when the new coup law began, every emperor fully supported it!

And what's the final outcome? As conflicts arise one by one, the emperor's support and attitude will eventually change. At the beginning, most of the leaders of the reform who were unparalleled in the limelight and suddenly ascended to high positions ended up being shattered to pieces and died without their bodies intact.

Everyone here is a history student!

Therefore, no one can guarantee that Jiang Xinghuo will not be the next Wang Anshi, and that the reformists will not end up like the new party.

No one can say for sure whether Wang Jing will become Sima Guang of the Ming Dynasty, who will come back after hiding for many years and overthrow all new laws.

It should be noted that in history, in the third year of Xining, Sima Guang opposed Wang Anshi's reform and lived in seclusion in Luoyang for fifteen years, specializing in the compilation of "Zi Zhi Tong Jian". After Zhezong of the Song Dynasty came to the throne, Sima Guang was immediately recalled to serve in the court. He was appointed as Shangshu Zuopushe and his servant. He became the prime minister and presided over the government. He excluded the new party and abolished the new law. After Sima Guang abolished the new law, he seemed to have completed his lifelong mission. He died eight months later.

As long as all civil and military officials in the court who are dissatisfied with the new law speak out at this time, Emperor Yongle will not be able to withstand the pressure. He does not even need to overthrow Jiang Xinghuo today, but the emperor's attitude will waver, even if Wang Jing is imprisoned or demoted. Then Wang Jing will suddenly become a conservative leader like Sima Guang was to Wang Anshi.

After all, although most people in the temple are opposed to the reform, the problem is that there is no unified opinion leader.

And does the emperor also need someone to check and balance Jiang Xinghuo?

He is the supreme and sole emperor!

How could he tolerate a person who did not have the title of prime minister, but had the actual status of prime minister, to threaten his imperial power?

This was the opportunity Wang Jing had spotted, and this was the reward he expected.

Wang Jing’s idea makes sense no matter from the perspective of historical experience or actual temples.

As for the means?

The most complex temple issues often require only the simplest means of struggle.

When all the complicated appearances were torn apart, a senior minister who had served in three dynasties carried a coffin, and in front of all the civil and military officials, in the Xiaoling Mausoleum, in front of Emperor Taizu Gao's soul in heaven, he denounced the emperor and asked for the death of the traitor. , this is the most powerful means of killing.

Feeling rough? No, no one there felt gross.

Even Jiang Xinghuo could find several similar classic cases from the "History of the Ming Dynasty" he had seen in his previous life.

On the 18th day of the first lunar month of the 32nd year of Jiajing, Yang Jisheng, after fasting for three days, impeached Yan Song in "Please punish the traitors and ministers" and listed his "five traitors and ten major crimes".

On February 1, the 45th year of the Jiajing reign, Hai Rui bought a coffin from a coffin shop and entrusted his family to a friend. He then submitted the "Public Security Shu" to the Ming Xian Sect, criticizing the Xian Sect for being superstitious in Taoism and living in Luxury, abandoning the world and other disadvantages.

On June 1, the fourth year of the Apocalypse, Yang Lian hid the memorial in his arms and planned to present it to the Ming Craftsman Sect in front of all the civil and military officials during the early morning court. Unfortunately, the court was not on that day, and Yang Lian was worried that it would be delayed for another day. The secret was leaked, so he had to submit it to Jimen. In the memorial, he listed 24 crimes against Wei Zhongxian, exposing his crimes of persecuting the former emperor's old ministers, interfering in government affairs, forcing concubines to die, and manipulating Dongchang to exercise excessive power. "With great enthusiasm and thunder, he gathered his civil and military honors and relatives, and ordered the Ministry of Punishment to interrogate him severely to rectify the law of the country."

Among these three people, only Hai Rui succeeded, Yang Jisheng and Yang Lian failed, and Hai Rui and Yang Jisheng even faced the same person. Of course, the consequences of failure are serious, but the fruits of success are enough to make people covet them. This is not the case. To say that Hai Rui and Wang Jing have the same mentality is not to say that Hai Rui bought a coffin to die and remonstrated to seek fame and fortune, but to say that no matter what the starting point is, once the result is successful, it is destined to leave a name in history, and as long as If your opponent is knocked down and everyone pushes you, you will immediately get rich rewards from the temple.

Of course, don't think that it is easier to remonstrate with the emperor than with the powerful ministers. In fact, the emperors of the Ming Dynasty generally had bad tempers. The conventional treatment method was the "court staff + exile" package, and the unconventional one was to behead directly.

But today, it is impossible for Wang Jing to be beheaded.

In fact, Jiang Xinghuo admired Wang Jing very much. What he admired was not this "crude" method, but the timing he chose after weighing the pros and cons.

Weighing the pros and cons when doing something is nothing more than considering two points.

First, how big the reward is.

Second, the size of your own risks.

So what are the rules today?

——"No blood allowed."

Wang Jing was sure that the emperor did not dare to kill anyone in front of Emperor Taizu Gao, so he placed himself in an absolutely safe position.

Therefore, what Wang Jing did was a matter where risks and rewards coexisted, but the biggest risk had been eliminated. What's more, Wang Jing's greatness was that he had the right timing to reduce his own risk to the lowest point.

If he dared to do this when he was offering sacrifices to Emperor Taizu Gao, he would be sent away immediately for sabotaging the ceremony. But now it was before the ceremony, and all the civil and military officials happened to be in place.

Didn't the emperor let his ministers carry the coffin to remonstrate?

Is it true that there are traitorous officials in the government who cannot be impeached?

You said Jiang Xinghuo was not a treacherous minister, but Wang Mang was respectful and humble, Your Majesty!

It seems to me that this Jiang Xinghuo is an extremely treacherous official who harbors evil intentions!

All eyes at the scene were focused on Jiang Xinghuo, waiting for his answer.

Faced with Wang Jing's accusation, Jiang Xinghuo could neither prove that he was not a traitor, nor could he prove that his new method was definitely better than Taizu's old method, because only the future could prove the results.

And Jiang Xinghuo himself doesn't even know what the future will be like now, let alone prove it to others.

What's more, Wang Jing's so-called "down-and-out scholar in the countryside and a prisoner awaiting death in prison" is not wrong. He is just stating the facts. As for the so-called "Emperor Taizu Gao expelled the Tartars and restored China, how wise and powerful he was". That's right.

So the crux of the problem now is, how to prove to all the officials in front of Zhu Yuanzhang that my new method is stronger than the old method of your ancestors, an old ghost buried underground, and how to prove that I, Jiang Xinghuo, am better than you.

This seems to be a dead end.

Because in the Ming Dynasty, you can't prove that anyone is better than Zhu Yuanzhang, Zhu Di has to stand back here.

Therefore, Wang Jing's actions that seemed to break the jar, combined with the right time, place and people, actually put him in two invincible positions when facing Jiang Xinghuo.

First, you cannot kill me in front of Emperor Taizu Gao. Seeing blood on the day of my death will be a disaster for the country.

Second, you cannot prove in front of Emperor Taizu Gao that your new method is stronger than his old method.

And if you can't prove the second point.

Then you lose.

Once the reform is thwarted, once it wavers, and it fails to be vigorous and vigorous, it will be dangerous.

There are many logics here in the minds of Jian Yi and other big guys. It’s a long story, but in fact it only happened in a moment. After thinking about this, and putting myself into Jiang Xinghuo’s position at this time, I can’t help but I feel a chill down my spine.

How to answer this? Dare you answer this? It would be better to pretend to be dead and let Zhu Gaoxu drag Wang Jing down violently.

But Jiang Xinghuo dared to answer, and it seemed that he was not hasty at all.

Jiang Xinghuo saluted in the direction of Zhu Yuanzhang's mausoleum and said calmly: "I am respectful, Emperor Gao, Taizu, rose up from Huaidian, crossed the river with his sword, and the heroes gathered, defeated the puppet Han, defeated the puppet Wu, settled Guanzhong, clarified the Central Plains, and then Pingyuandu, mixed with Haiyu, can achieve great success in less than ten years."

"Emperor Taizu Gao covered the sky and the ends of the earth, and all his ministers and concubines were covered. His map was so vast that it has never been seen in ancient times."

"They are all made up of the great and capable sage, the sage and unfathomable god, who has learned the words of heaven and earth, and has the power of maintaining great determination, adding the principle of respect in the middle and the clear response in the outside."

"Emperor Taizu Gao served Heaven with sincerity, respected his relatives with filial piety, cultivated things with benevolence, and managed things with justice. He took care of all things day by day, made rituals and made music, established principles and disciplines, promulgated humanities, magnanimous governance, and continued the establishment of heaven. pole."

"Emperor Taizu Gao is the king of the world. He has great achievements and great virtues. He is as big as the heaven and the earth, and the sun and the moon are bright. Even though Yao, Shun and Yu were kings, how can he surpass them?"

"I am a commoner, I farmed and studied in Xuancheng, and preached in the imperial prison. Your Majesty does not think that I am despicable, and that I am in vain. I have tried to control the barbarians, and I have entrusted you to the people. I have consulted the affairs of the world. I am grateful, and I have allowed your Majesty to drive. But it will definitely not be as good as Taizu Gao Emperor."

Jiang Xinghuo's words made all the civil and military officials present look at each other in shock.

First he boasted about Lao Zhu, and then used the "Chu Shi Biao", saying that although he was a scholar in Xuancheng and a prisoner in prison, Emperor Yongle took out the methods to treat Zhuge Liang and Guan Zhong (Guan Zhong was released from the prison officials by Qi Huangong and appoint him), so he came out to do things, but no matter what, his level was definitely not one ten thousandth of that of Lao Zhu.

So far, Jiang Xinghuo has not made any mistakes. At least he has not said that Old Zhu is not good in front of Lao Zhu's mausoleum. That would be a big taboo.

Moreover, Wang Jing cleverly countered Wang Jing's accusation that he was a "country scholar and a prisoner in prison." Zhuge Liang was also a country scholar and Guan Zhong was also a prisoner. Didn't it delay the two of them becoming famous figures?

Of course, these explanations of principled positions and counterattacks against being scolded can only be regarded as routine responses, and this method of response cannot escape Wang Jing's trap.

Because once you admit that you are one ten thousandth less than Taizu Gao Emperor, then of course the temple is correct, but it will also be a disguised admission that you are not as good as Lao Zhu, and the new method will be inferior to the old method.

Therefore, the moment Jiang Xinghuo paused, everyone was looking forward to his next words. This would be the most important and decisive moment.

Whether Jiang Xinghuo can find a way to break the situation in such an unexpected situation in such a short period of time will become the key today.

The views of Jian Yi and others are generally pessimistic. It's not that they look down on Jiang Xinghuo, but that they feel that they wouldn't be able to handle it if they were in it.

Zhu Gaoxu clenched his fists fiercely. He believed in his master, and he also believed that the master would be able to refute Wang Jing's fallacies in public and win the final battle of the first stage of the reform!

Song Li looked at Jiang Xinghuo with some worry. Although it was difficult to pass the test, this last test was the most difficult, and no one could replace Jiang Xinghuo at this time. He could only pass this test by himself. Break through. Song Li's whole future is tied to this, how can he not be worried? However, Song Li was helpless at this time. Not only was he unable to speak for Jiang Xinghuo, but his mind went blank and he couldn't think of any solution.

"I hope the National Master can survive this."

Song Li glared fiercely at Wang Jing who was kneeling on the ground. It was difficult to guard against a thief, but this old man arranged it in private, but he kept it secret from himself.

At this time, Wang Jing on the ground could only sneer.

Although Jiang Xinghuo refuted his disparagement of "countryside scholar, prisoner", in Wang Jing's view, the personal attack on Jiang Xinghuo was irrelevant, and the real core of the problem lay with Zhu Yuanzhang.

From Wang Jing's point of view, Zhu Yuanzhang and the old laws of his ancestors are bound together. In his opinion, this is undoubtedly unbreakable. As long as Jiang Xinghuo dares not deny Zhu Yuanzhang, he will lose the legal basis for the reform. This is inconsistent with The propositions of the three debates planned by Jiang Xinghuo on "Wang Domination, Righteousness, Ancient and Modern" were not completely consistent, or in other words, this issue was not resolved at the time.

In the debate competition, all contestants would avoid Zhu Yuanzhang once he was involved, and no one dared to answer directly.

And Jiang Xinghuo is also seeking his own destruction by denying Zhu Yuanzhang at this time!

This dilemma is consistent with the "carriage dilemma" Jiang Xinghuo presented to Yu Qian. No matter which side he chooses, the result will be bad.

Once Jiang Xinghuo makes a choice, it means he will suffer a loss.

So, can we afford to lose the new law that is about to move from the first stage of theoretical debate to the second stage of economic reform?

Anyone who has figured this out has a big question mark in their mind.

However, in this atmosphere full of doubts, Jiang Xinghuo slowly spoke.

"I once said that the law is neither ancient nor modern, but it is suitable for the time and is suitable for the people. Even if it is established by mediocrity, it cannot be abolished. If it is suitable for the time and the people are safe, it cannot be abolished. Brutal violence against the time will affect the people, even if it is the place of sages and sages. There is no way to create.”

As soon as he said this, Wang Jing's expression became slightly more solemn. He looked down at the ground in front of him, thinking rapidly in his mind.

The meaning of Jiang Xinghuo's words is very simple. He is talking about "Dharma". There is no distinction between old and new, ancient or modern. It is just a way to stabilize the people. If the time is right and the people are content with this method, even if it is mediocre, What man has established cannot be destroyed. On the other hand, if the "law" goes against the timing and cannot be supported by the people, then even if it is created by saints and philosophers, it cannot be used.

There is nothing wrong with what Jiang Xinghuo said. If you look at it according to this idea, he has barely cracked Wang Jing's trap. He neither denies Zhu Yuanzhang's ability nor his own new method. He just says that even the "method" established by the [Sage] ", after it is out of time, it may not be stronger than the "Mediocre People's" "Dharma".

It is equivalent to dividing "people" and "law". To not deny the old law is to deny Zhu Yuanzhang, and the "sage" and "mediocre person" here are obviously talking about Zhu Yuanzhang and Jiang Xinghuo, at least that's what everyone is saying now. Understood.

This statement is certainly possible, but it always feels like it's not perfect enough.

But no matter what, at least no mistakes were made.

"However, in such an emergency, Jiang Xinghuo's wisdom in being able to remain calm in the face of danger without losing sight of himself and taking care of himself is extraordinary." Jian Yi thought.

But Jiang Xinghuo's next words shocked Jian Yi and others.

——He turned from defense to offense!

"The laws of the queen have been known to the ears and eyes of the people for a long time. Over time, the records of the ministers have been detailed and the people have become wise and familiar. It is easy to follow the instructions and understand the laws easily. Therefore, it is said: the king can do it after the law."

The meaning of this passage is that after the Queen's "law" has been exposed to the eyes and ears, not only the government, but also the people are familiar with it. When more people follow this path, it is easier to form obedience, and it is easier for the people to accept the orders issued by the government. .

But the deeper meaning is that Zhu Yuanzhang is of course a saint, but he is not a "first king" saint like Yao, Shun, and Yu Tang mentioned before, but a "queen king" type saint. Zhu Yuanzhang's "fa" is of great significance to For the saints of the past, it was also the new method.

Wang Jing suddenly raised his pale head, his eyes fixed on Jiang Xinghuo, as if he was about to shoot two heat rays to pierce Jiang Xinghuo's chest and back.

Jiang Xinghuo's counterattack completely exceeded Wang Jing's expectations!

Because Jiang Xinghuo's brain circuit is too strange, don't you say that my new method is not as good as Taizu's old method? So think about it from another angle: isn’t Taizu’s old method also a new method to the previous sage’s method?

Jiang Xinghuo also looked at him, twitching the corners of his mouth and smiling.

This is equivalent to the same "carriage dilemma", but Jiang Xinghuo neither chooses to hit the person on the left nor the person on the right, but directly jumps on his horse, like a horse leaping over Tanxi River, from The crowd jumped over their heads and farted loudly after landing safely!

It can only be said that the taunting effect after cracking is extremely strong.

Wang Jing wanted to say something, but he didn't think of how to deal with it for a moment. When he wanted to say something again, it was too late.

Looking at everyone's slightly stunned expressions, Jiang Xinghuo continued.

"The law cannot be changed lightly, nor can it be ignored."

"If you fail to do so, you will inherit the bad luck and may become depressed. This is nothing to blame."

"If you change lightly, you will be tired of the old and happy for the new, and there will be the risk of chaos and chaos. This is the fault of too many things."

"Both of them are prohibited by law and violate it. How can they be blamed for not being able to practice the law?"

"Therefore, let's get rid of the faults of the two and seek the truth one by one. This is the way to go.

The meaning of these sentences is that the "law" cannot be changed easily, nor can it be completely based on the past. The shortcomings of both must be abandoned, and then "seeking truth", that is, adjusting the "law" according to actual needs, so It only works once you get there.

At this point, Jiang Xinghuo completed the theoretical part of counterattack.

The syllogism of the exposition ends.

In the first paragraph, Jiang Xinghuo affirmed Zhu Yuanzhang's achievements and abilities, and countered Wang Jingkuo's disparagement of him as "a country scholar and a prisoner in prison", comparing himself to Zhuge Liang and Guan Zhong.

In the second paragraph, Jiang Xinghuo said that the essence of "law" is the rules that make people stable. It has nothing to do with ancient and modern times. What is helpful to this, then what kind of "law" should be used.

In the third paragraph, Jiang Xinghuo pointed out that Zhu Yuanzhang was also a queen, and his "law" was also a "new law" for sages like Yao, Shun, and Yutang.

In the fourth paragraph, Jiang Xinghuo said that although the "law" cannot be changed easily, nor can it be conservative, the two must choose a balance point, discard the disadvantages, take advantage of the advantages, and adjust the "law" according to the actual situation.

When Jiang Xinghuo finished constructing his theory, most of the smart people present knew what he was going to say next.

Since the "law" is to stabilize the world, since the "law" must be adjusted according to the times, and since Zhu Yuanzhang is also using a relatively "new law", then Jiang Xinghuo must demonstrate whether it is necessary to adjust the "law" now.

At this moment, Wang Jing looked at Kong Kong and said, "Fa Zhi."

Before he finished speaking, he was rudely interrupted by Jiang Xinghuo: "Shilang Wang invited me to die. Didn't he allow me to say a word before he died? Whether what I said is reasonable or not is for you and your Majesty to judge. What should Sir Wang be anxious about?"

In short, two words

--Anxious?

Wang Jing's face turned red, but he was speechless for a moment.

Today he risked his life and dared to carry the coffin and die to remonstrate, and Jiang Xinghuo also risked his life.

Moreover, in this situation, since Jiang Xinghuo had spoken words that were left to the judgment of the civil and military officials and the emperor, with this righteous hat down, it was really difficult for Wang Jing to interrupt Jiang Xinghuo's words.

"Today, Jiang has three questions! And three answers!"

Jiang Xinghuo looked around at the ministers. At this time, the officials who were crying at the mausoleum unconsciously stopped and looked at the imperial master with sobs.

"If after three questions and three answers, you all feel that it doesn't make much sense, then this method may not change!"

At this time, Jiang Xinghuo's movements were filled with endless confidence. It seemed that he was determined. Although he was only one step away from failure just now, after his three questions and three answers, everyone present would be completely convinced of the new method. Convinced.

"First question!"

"The founding of Hongwu was based on the idea that China was still in the mountains and rivers, and the sun and moon reopened the Song Dynasty." Why did I, Emperor Gao, the great ancestor of the Ming Dynasty, implement the new law of the Wei Dynasty? Why not use the old law of the Xiang Army of the Song Dynasty?"

Jiang Xinghuo stepped out with one step, and all the officials scattered on both sides like a sword cutting through the sea.

"The reason couldn't be simpler!"

As Jiang Xinghuo walked, he looked at the faces of the princes in the court.

"When the Barbarians took control of the Central Plains, more than a million people in the world rose up to fight against the Yuan Dynasty. At that time, millions of people were all outstanding ministers in the fight against the Yuan Dynasty. How could one person accomplish the feat of Emperor Taizu Gao to 'drive out the Tartars and restore China'?" yeah?"

These words are so upright that no one dares to deny them.

Zhu Yuanzhang could not drive away the Tartars by himself with a sword.

Jiang Xinghuo changed the topic and directly stated the essential reason: "And these millions of people are fighting bloody battles, and they are hard-blooded and brave. If they were released to the people, wouldn't they inevitably cause serious trouble? And Even if the imperial court is willing to demobilize these meritorious officials, how can they get a huge sum of money for demobilization at once? Therefore, Emperor Taizu Gao considered the reality and established the guard system. Isn't this a law determined by the times?"

Jiang Xinghuo's words were like a volley of arrows shooting into the chests of everyone present, making them feel suffocated.

"Why is the guard system gradually collapsing today? Why are the people in the guard fleeing their country?"

At this time, Jiang Xinghuo, who was criticizing the current shortcomings, sneered: "The reason is also simple. Times have changed! Sir!"

"Now that the world is stable and the Ming Dynasty has emerged from the era of war and chaos at the end of the Yuan Dynasty, when life was at stake, how can the people of the Weisuo who have the ability to take the imperial examination and do business be willing to spend their lives farming the land and serving as soldiers?"

"Since the law is determined by the times, it can change by the times!"

"This is my first question and my first answer. Everyone can judge and discuss it for themselves. If there are any mistakes, you can point them out."

The ministers gradually started talking among themselves.

"Yes, when Emperor Taizu Gao established the guard system, he took into account the conditions of the times. Today's times have changed. If we force the system to remain unchanged, I am afraid it will be the so-called carving a boat to ask for a sword, or a tree to fish for a fish." A young minister sighed with emotion. road.

"That's right. If you don't want this situation to continue, there are only two options. Either open up the channels for military households to participate in imperial examinations and do business, or reform the guard system."

"That's what I said, but after all, the population of so many health centers is in the millions."

"This is indeed a bit troublesome, so it's better not to change it easily."

"Although this is true, it is not easy to change the system. Looking at the Wei system, Emperor Taizu Gao thought of many methods and weighed the pros and cons before completing it when he was still alive." There are also older people. The minister expressed concern.

The ministers discussed in low voices and expressed their opinions. On the one hand, they supported changing the system, and on the other hand, they believed that although the system was not suitable for the current situation, it was better to keep it unchanged. After all, staying the same was good.

But to Wang Jing's surprise, almost no one thought that the Wei system was flawless in this era more than thirty years later.

Wang Jing's face turned pale. He never expected that Jiang Xinghuo's counterattack would be so organized and step-by-step!

After some words, it actually led the trend to another angle.

Zhu Di glanced at the officials who were arguing fiercely, and a sneer appeared at the corner of his mouth.

Sure enough, people's hearts are always divided. Even if they shout against the new law, as long as different views and positions are involved, they will inevitably voice doubts and quarrels.

but……

Zhu Di turned to look at Jiang Xinghuo. This was the result he wanted, and these ministers did not disappoint him.

"Then comes the second question and the second answer!"

Jiang Xinghuo continued to speak out, and in a blink of an eye, his offensive and defensive posture changed, and he turned into an aggressive posture.

"Second question!"

"When Hongwu founded the country, why did Emperor Taizu Gao practice the method of treasure money? Why didn't he use copper coins and iron coins of the Song Dynasty?"

"Isn't the old currency law of the Song Dynasty an old law? Why did Emperor Taizu Gao issue an edict to make Ming Dynasty treasure banknotes for public circulation, and at the same time prohibit the people from trading gold and silver goods, and violators will be punished?"

Jiang Xinghuo's answers with question marks hit everyone's hearts like a violent storm.

"Isn't it because there was a shortage of copper and silver when the country was founded? Now, after thirty years of resumption of production, is the Ming Dynasty still short of copper? In another thirty years, who among you is sure that the Ming Dynasty will still be short of silver?"

"Emperor Taizu Gao formulated the banknote law based on the conditions of the times when the country was founded. But now that the banknote law has collapsed, isn't it obvious to all the princes? Don't the salaries issued by the princes include precious notes?"

"If there is no shortage of copper or silver, but the treasure banknotes continue to collapse, shouldn't this old currency system be ignored, looked at, or talked about by the public, just pretend it is invisible, and it will not collapse on its own?"

"Is this corruption of the 'Dharma' going to happen just because you pretend not to see it? What will we do then? Doesn't it have to change?"

The civil and military officials of the entire dynasty couldn't help but look at each other when they thought of the depreciated treasure banknotes in their monthly salaries. Even the thickest-skinned people wanted to refute the words "Taizu Gao Emperor's banknote method should not change." ", I really can't say it out loud.

If there are still some people in the Wei Institute who insist on remaining unchanged and feel that it is better to slowly rot than to change, but for something that everyone can feel personally, no matter how hard you try to save face, you cannot say that it should not be changed.

Doesn’t change, do you think no one wants to change? It’s just that no one has the ability, insight, and courage to change and bear the consequences of taking the blame!

"Everyone, wake up!"

Jiang Xinghuo's voice was almost deafening in this silence, as if in a dark room with the curtains tightly drawn, someone kicked the shameful door to pieces, and endless sunlight poured into the room, reflecting the There was rubbish all over the floor inside.

"——Times have changed!"

Jiang Xinghuo asked Zhu Yuanzhang's mausoleum:

"Even if Emperor Taizu Gao is resurrected, won't he change it if he sees today's banknotes and today's Wei system?"

Faced with this soul question, all the ministers present were silent.

Because they all know that answer.

Zhu Yuanzhang will definitely change. Zhu Yuanzhang was never afraid of change. He was just afraid that his descendants would not be able to make random changes and thereby destroy the Ming Dynasty.

The confidence in Jiang Xinghuo's words can almost make people feel "hot".

Jiang Xinghuo said with great certainty to the civil and military officials of the Manchu Dynasty:

"Jiang can tell you clearly and unmistakably that he has personally changed his 'ancestral laws'!"

"There is only one reason. Every article and paragraph of the 'law' formulated by Emperor Taizu Gao was based on the specific conditions of the era when the Ming Dynasty was founded!"

"The law is neither ancient nor modern, but it is suitable for the time. Only by seeking the truth can the law be implemented as it is!"

Wang Jing's heart at this time had fallen from the mountain top into the endless abyss.

What should he do?

How should he retort?

Jiang Xinghuo's ironclad arguments, arguments, and analysis were placed in front of him. Should he still insist on the feeble "the laws of the ancestors are immutable"?

No, that's just asking for humiliation.

Wang Jing tried his best to think hard. He wanted to find the loopholes in Jiang Xinghuo's words and regain the initiative, but he failed.

Jiang Xinghuo frankly admitted the greatness of Emperor Taizu Gao, but from Jiang Xinghuo's point of view, it was precisely because Emperor Taizu Gao was great enough, capable, visionary, and decisive that he could assess the situation and evaluate the situation according to the characteristics and circumstances of the times. Formulate corresponding "laws" instead of blindly copying the old laws of the previous dynasty.

Can Wang Jing say that he is not? But the fact of the Ming Dynasty is that all the innovative systems of Zhu Yuanzhang may be traced from some of the systems of the previous dynasties and previous dynasties, but in the final analysis, no one can deny that

——Since the founding of the Ming Dynasty, the "old law" has never been followed.

This fact will not change because of someone's sophistry. It is there, coldly there, and will not change because of anyone. Not even the historian's pen can erase this.

How could the Ming Dynasty, which was founded on the "New Law", fundamentally deny the "New Law"?

This is like an insect that has transformed from a cocoon into a butterfly. How can it deny the "chrysalis" it used to be when it has a new pair of wings?

If you keep cutting, it will become messy.

When all this is explained clearly, there is no need for a third question.

Wang Jing already knew that he had lost, completely.

Wang Jing's failure was not that he could not continue to refute. In fact, of course he could continue to adhere to ancient rituals and the old laws of his ancestors. But today he had the right time, right place, right people, and the best opportunity to become invincible. , couldn't shake Jiang Xinghuo, then he had already lost.

He can be tough, but once today is over. No, there is no need to live through today. He only needs to leave here. Jiang Xinghuo can easily deal with him. The Minister of Rites is no longer his talisman, but a reminder.

On the contrary, if today, in this scene where all the civil and military attention is focused on, it is Jiang Xinghuo who is speechless, then Wang Jing will immediately gain huge prestige in the temple, and immediately after the scene is disbanded, he will become a conservative opinion leader, and The emperor did not dare and could not deal with such a rebellious minister who was well-known in both the government and the public.

But all these fantasies are just fantasies after all.

Wang Jing lowered his head, and there seemed to be countless cicadas in his ears. No, there seemed to be a lot of cicadas in Xiaoling Guard in May, but no matter what they were, Wang Jing could no longer hear clearly what Jiang Xinghuo was saying.

Vaguely, Jiang Xinghuo seemed to be talking about "migration", "sea ban" and "commerce".

Venus began to appear in Wang Jing's eyes, and the world was spinning in his mind, as if ten thousand Zhu Gaoxu were twisting his neck, and in the next moment, his head was "suddenly" kicked into the sky.

"——Boom!"

Wang Jing fell heavily to the ground.

"Shilang Wang fainted!"

The crowd erupted in exclamations.

The minister next to him exclaimed: "Hurry up!"

"What are you doing to lift him up? Don't make trouble, just lay him down flat!" said the minister who likes to see medical skills in his spare time.

The crowd was in a panic, and many people gathered around to look at Wang Jing. Someone shouted: "Call the doctor! Call the doctor!"

Someone else said: "Don't hang around, maybe he's suffering from the heat and is feeling anxious. Take him inside quickly and cover him with a curtain to avoid the heat!"

As a result, Wang Jing successfully lay down on the board he ordered.

Zhu Gaochi stood there blankly, gaping at the guy who suddenly fell into a coma. Just now, he looked impassioned and wanted to fight Jiang Xinghuo for life and death. How could he become like this in the blink of an eye?

Zhu Di's face didn't look good at this time. He stood aside and looked at him, but didn't make any immediate move, as if he was waiting for something.

Not long after, the doctor came.

Needless to say, in order to prevent someone from fainting due to heatstroke, Wang Jing had prepared a doctor, a board, cold water, and towels, but now he used them.

As the doctor arrived, the surrounding crowds ducked to both sides, as if they would be in trouble if they were just one second slower.

After a while, the doctor completed the diagnosis and found out Wang Jing's condition.

"What happened to him?" Zhu Di asked.

A doctor answered tremblingly: "Shilang Wang is old and frail. Now that the heat is hot, he gets angry again. It's caused by the sudden fire attacking his heart. He should be fine if he takes some decoction to relieve heat and eliminate fire."

Zhu Gaoxu thought bitterly to himself: "I thought you, old man, were just faking it, but I didn't expect that you actually fainted."

Zhu Di sighed and said, "When someone comes, please carry Wang Shilang back to the mansion to rest immediately."

After a pause, Zhu Di added: "Just use this to carry it, there is no need to bother with anything else."

The eunuch beside him cupped his hands and said, "I obey."

Then several powerful eunuchs carried Wang Jing's board and left in a hurry. The other eunuchs and royal guards who had just gathered around also left.

But when Wang Jing and his board were carried away, the scene fell into an eerie, silent silence.

Everyone looked at Jiang Xinghuo, but no one spoke. Huang Fu wanted to say something, but he knew that this was not the time yet. Regarding the Ming Dynasty version of the [Salt and Iron Conference], we had to wait until the worship ceremony was over.

And Wang Jing's exit, just like the death of Wuding Marquis Guo Ying, seems to imply the end of some kind of old-era civil servants and generals.

Just like what Jiang Xinghuo said.

"Sir, times have changed."

When the wave of the new era is carried by the torrent of history and irresistibly crushes every tiny individual in it, under this great power, anyone's will seems to be extremely small and ridiculous. .

When the bell rings at Mao hour.

When the red sun hangs high in the morning.

Under the leadership of the emperor, the civil and military officials walked on the mountain road to Xiaoling Mausoleum on Purple Mountain.

The Ming Empire also entered a new era under the witness of Zhu Yuanzhang.

PS: I have re-edited the volume division. Currently, there are five volumes of "Master of the Ming Dynasty". The computer web version should be refreshed normally. Mobile phones may need to click on the catalog page to re-download it.

Free volumes: Volume 1 [The First Spark] Paid volumes: Volume 2 [Lectures in Prison], Volume 3 [Master Praying for Rain], Volume 4 [Calming the Rebellion in Jiangnan], Volume 5 [The Debate between the Old and the New]

Tomorrow begins the first chapter of the sixth volume [Industrial Revolution], which is the Ming Dynasty version of the "Salt and Iron Conference", starting with at least 10,000 words.