Imperial Master of the Ming Dynasty

Soon, all the officials in Nanjing felt that various rumors were flying all over the sky these days.

At the end of the year, various gatherings and poetry gatherings are always held in Shilin. At this time, the group of people who compiled the "Yongle Dadian" had received a note in advance from President Xie who was on the sickbed. People may take on new jobs.

This was a very curious thing, but the curiosity did not last long before the case was solved.

The imperial court, which has become rich in the treasury, plans to annotate the Six Classics in the official name!

Especially with the appearance of Kong Xilu and Cao Duan, who had not appeared in retreat for a long time, some rumors were released at the gathering and poetry meeting, which not only confirmed the authenticity of the news, but also directly pointed out the direction of annotating the Six Classics. This It caused an uproar instantly.

The Neo-Confucian defenders, who were already troubled by the rising practical and spiritual studies, were even more paralyzed at this time.

There is no other reason, this is Kong Xilu!

Kong Xilu was well-established in the country, and now he advocated sorting out the context of Confucian classics, eliminating the false and preserving the true. Even if he knew that he was going to follow the Gongyang family's method of reorganizing the classics, what could anyone do?

At this time, Hu's residence.

Zhu Di was not stingy. The mansions given to these descendants from the Annan Kingdom to live in were in the same ritual system as the earl.

Therefore, although I didn't give him a title such as "Si Enhou" or "An Lebo", the meaning is the same.

It's just that this place is not as spacious as the palace in Shenglong Mansion, and the number of people serving it is limited, but this makes it easier for Hu and his son to have secret conversations.

Jin Yiwei did not build a wall at his house, so although there was surveillance, it was only limited to his whereabouts, or when he got together to talk, but what exactly he talked about was still unknown.

In fact, the level of Jinyiwei's surveillance of these Annan descendants was relatively high at first, but as time went by and the newly established Cochin Chief Envoy Department became completely stable, it relaxed.

Not to mention the shrinking Annan Kingdom, which has already fully implemented the four words "people die and political power rests". The conservative slave owners and landlords have made a comeback, which has completely intensified the internal secession tendency in Annan Kingdom, and With the zero-tariff influx of Ming products, even among these slave owners and landowners, a preliminary comprador class was transformed and became distributors of Ming products.

“It’s such an honor to be Ming Dynasty’s dog!”

When thinking of this, Mr. Hu and his son, who were sitting around the fire, felt angry and itched their teeth.

Even this hatred surpassed the Ming Dynasty that drove them from the throne of power.

In other words, they can no longer even feel much hatred towards the powerful Ming Dynasty.

"If you ask me, Jiang Xinghuo's reform may not be successful. If this person dies, he may end up worse than Wang Anshi. Who are you calling? Oh yes, Shang Yang!"

However, the strange thing is that no one responded to Hu Hancang's words.

Hu Yuancheng pondered for a moment, and then said: "I don't think so. This person is very capable, and he is a real person who does things. He is definitely not the kind of person who talks about things."

Hu Hancang wanted to say something else, but Hu Jiya simply said: "It's different."

Hu Hancang took a glass of wine from the stove, took a sip, and listened to his father's speech.

He is not very capable, but he has one advantage, that is, he listens to his father. Instead, Hu Yuancheng asked at this time: "What do you think is different, father?"

Hu Jisao glanced at him sideways: "Is it true that I don't know, or that I don't know?"

"I deal with craftsmen every day in the cannon foundry, but I never see the temples of the Ming Dynasty." Hu Yuancheng said frankly.

Hu Jiya said slowly: "Jiang Xinghuo and the Ming Emperor are the sword and the sword holder. As long as the sword still has value, even if it is too sharp, there is a risk of hurting yourself. The strong and conceited sword holder is not worth it." It will let go or break easily. At present, it seems that Jiang Xinghuo is very valuable, and more valuable than everyone else, because he has a unique ability that cannot be replaced by anyone. Even I admire it."

"What?"

"Get money."

Hu Jisao's answer was actually a bit beyond Hu Yuancheng's expectations, but it was also reasonable. After all, the two people saw fundamentally different things from different perspectives.

"Isn't it said that this Jiang Xinghuo is a Confucian of his generation and has the most extensive knowledge?" Hu Hancang asked doubtfully.

Looking at this silly son of a landlord, Hu Jishen smiled helplessly and said: "How could he be able to reach such a high position if he was just a great scholar? To tell you the truth, this Jiang Xinghuo is probably going to be able to earn money for the Ming Dynasty within ten years. The agricultural tax collected by the Ming Dynasty cannot be collected in a hundred years! I have been a countryman, and I have carefully reflected on what Jiang Xinghuo said to me that day. After comparing these things in the Ming Dynasty, I feel more and more that it is really One in heaven and one on earth!”

Hu Yuancheng didn't understand this, so he couldn't judge it, and Hu Hancang was even more confused about the economy. Well, if only one of the three father and son could understand it, Annan's economy would not collapse due to their tricks.

Hu Jiyak told Yaji that he had no way to express what he had realized these days, and he felt really depressed for a moment.

However, Hu Yuancheng was aware of the embarrassment and quickly changed the subject: "I heard that there are a lot of discussions among scholars in the Ming Dynasty recently. Does your father know any news?"

"It's just some weird words. From my point of view, there are very few that are well-founded. They all say that Confucianism was the most prosperous in the Ming Dynasty, but now it seems that it is just mediocre."

What Hu Jishen said is not all bragging. After all, his level is indeed very high. He has maintained the first level in Annan's ideological circles for many years and is the only one in his class. The decline of Confucian scholars is just like the Great and Small Years. The Ming Dynasty's intellectual world has also entered the Small Years, and there are not many outstanding talents.

As he spoke, Hu Jisao selected the more impressive words he heard in the "Yongle Dadian" editing team these days and repeated them.

What is purely yin and yang is that "there is a lot of praise, but there are also criticisms (I am not convinced but I praise it)", "Lao Su is convinced, Mo Xue is horrified (we don't dare to speak, the young people below represent our opposition)".

There is some logic, that is, "a school of one person should not diverge from itself", that is, it does not believe that there is such a phenomenon as "two Confucius".

As for those who have some evidence, they believe that "the two Han dynasties do exist if Confucius' academic genealogy is divided according to scriptures, but it is a big mistake to divide it into Yanzhao and Qilu according to regions, and it is not the martial arts of "Ming Pao" Novels Divide into Factions.”

In short, there is anything to say.

But their words were in vain.

The reason is simple. If you have the guts to edit "Yongle Dadian", don't get paid to sign it!

"The first volume of "Yongle Dadian" is about to be completed. The Ming Dynasty's national power is beyond our reach."

Hu Jiyou sighed for a moment: "Not only the "Yongle Dadian", but the Notes on the Six Classics are also a huge and expensive project. I'm afraid Annan can't support even one of them. You tell me, if Jiang Xinghuo didn't get all this money, Even the Ming Dynasty, could it bear such expenses? It would cost millions of taels of silver a year, which is really unthinkable."

Both sons were a little silent. This visible gap was really disappointing.

Especially unlike the Annan Kingdom, which was pushed back into a semi-feudal society, Ming Dynasty was still racing at high speed on the road ahead.

Although it is unknown whether this chariot will disintegrate at excessive speed or stop safely, there is no doubt that anything that stands in the way will be crushed into powder.

So, what is Jiang Xinghuo doing while driving?

At this time, Jiang Xinghuo was visiting the gloriously injured Comrade Xie Jin.

Jie Jin was lying on the hospital bed with pale lips. When he saw Jiang Xinghuo personally carrying two bags of rice to express his condolences, he struggled to sit up.

"National Division!"

The man shed tears easily, but it was not the time to express condolences.

In front of his Ming Pao reporters, Xie Jin said in a loud voice that he could still fight for the Ming Dynasty for another fifty years.

The reporters went back to compile their articles, and the bustle and noise in the room gradually dissipated, leaving only Jiang Xinghuo and Xie Jin.

"Master, I only have a close friend like you."

"Stop, stop, stop!"

Seeing Jie Jin holding his hand and trying to activate his skills to sacrifice him, Jiang Xinghuo quickly stopped.

"I'll tell you if I have anything to say."

Jiang Xinghuo came today to discuss his matter with Xie Jin. Xie Jin was bravely injured this time, which greatly promoted the detection of the huge corruption case of the Lianghuai Capital Transfer Salt Envoy Department, and made preparations for the political mission of 2.1 million taels. Having made outstanding contributions is a life-threatening act.

Zhu Di had to reward meritorious ministers, and Jiang Xinghuo couldn't help but express his gratitude. After all, Xie Jin was hanging his head on his belt to gain a future. Now that it's done, if you don't honor it, no one will mess with you in the future. .

"The results of the Chengfa Examination and the Beijing Examination are all coming out. There will definitely be some changes in the court after the new year. As for you, take good care of your injuries. Once your injuries are healed, you will make great use of them!"

Jiang Xinghuo rarely said such certain words. Now that he heard from the other party, Xie Jin was overjoyed. He knew that his promotion was probably 90% accurate.

"Now the right ministers of the Ministry of Rites, the Ministry of Punishment, and the Ministry of Work are all vacant."

Before Xie Jin had time to be happy, Jiang Xinghuo changed the topic: "So the imperial court will consider transferring or promoting someone from Jiuqing (the official position of Jiuqing ranges from the third rank, from the third rank to the fourth rank), and then there will be vacancies. If your seat comes, the Minister of Guanglu Temple, Minister of Taipu Temple, or those two from the General Affairs Department may move, and the seats they vacate will be your turn."

Well, Xie Jin actually realized as soon as he thought about it, how could it be so easy to reach the position of powerful minister in one step? A carrot and a trap, even Jin Youzi, who was the most favored among the seven people in the cabinet before, is now just the deputy minister of the Shaoqing of Shenfa Temple. He still has not stepped into the threshold of the fourth rank, and there is still some distance to go. , if you can tie up with Jin Youzi, and then get stuck in your position and advance to the position of Minister first, then you will be faster with one step and faster with each step.

Thinking of this, Xie Jin became more determined to hold Jiang Xinghuo's thigh tightly.

After all, after following Jiang Xinghuo, he was promoted much faster than following his old benefactor Dong Lun.

Old Man Dong? Really unfamiliar.

"I heard that the papers from the Ministry of Punishment are being circulated in a big way."

Jiang Xinghuo wanted to leave, but Jie Jin pulled the corner of his clothes, looking like he was hesitant to speak.

It is actually quite taboo to take back the purchasing rights of various departments. After all, it affects everyone's interests, and they are all small treasury.

But standardizing procurement is actually of great significance to the imperial court as a whole, especially to promoting the prosperity and development of business.

After all, if you open a shop, you will be plundered by various ministries every day. Unless you have a strong background, you will not be able to open it. Moreover, this phenomenon of free prostitution and plundering is because each ministry has the purchasing power. A common question.

First, standardize the so-called "paying and taking tax cards" issue, and chop off the hands that the imperial ministries and temples extend casually, and then focus on maintaining business roads, reasonably setting up tax cards, and shaping the business environment of the entire Ming Dynasty in a positive way. It is possible to recycle money into money.

The more developed commercial trade is, the more taxes the court can collect from business. This has been clearly certified by the Northern Song Dynasty court.

It is difficult to change from a negative cycle to a positive cycle. It is just like losing weight. It is very painful at first, but as long as unhealthy living habits are reversed, people can gradually start to walk slowly and start to run quickly. In order to get rid of burdens, you can become lighter and lighter. This is the same for shaping the overall business environment.

"Don't worry. Doing the right thing that meets the people's hearts is righteousness. Where righteousness lies, it will always lead to disadvantages."

Jiang Xinghuo said something very mysterious, but when Jie Jin heard it, he felt like he had some understanding.

In fact, many people can see that with the gradual implementation and spread of Jiang Xinghuo's reforms, Ming Dynasty has indeed moved in a different direction.

Many people feel that this is the heyday of the Ming Dynasty. There are even rumors that His Majesty has planned to take advantage of the two trends of the Beijing inspection and the legal examination in the previous year to make great efforts to rectify the government and eliminate incompetent bureaucrats. This will lead to better implementation of the New Deal.

For more than a year, because Zhu Di had just ascended the throne, many shortcomings accumulated in the Ming court for more than thirty years have not been fully exposed. For example, the influence of many regional interest groups is still far-reaching, and the situation in the court has not been fully exposed. It is not stable, or the abilities and positions of many people do not match, etc.

A pool of stagnant water created ripples when the first stone was thrown into it, and all the fish and shrimps wandering muddleheadedly under the water were disgusted by external forces breaking their tranquility. But as time went by, the second The first, third, and even subsequent stones were thrown in, each making a bigger splash than the last. Some who objected were killed, and some hid, but most of them started to flow out of force. It turns into active movement. This situation is exactly the same as that of the Ming Dynasty Temple today.

However, now, with the simultaneous implementation of the Beijing Inspection and Examination Methods from different dimensions, everything seems to have cleared up, allowing almost all officials in the central government to see the dawn of the Ming Dynasty's bureaucracy being reshuffled and reestablished.

Of course, the most critical thing is that driven by Zhu Gaochi and Jiang Xinghuo from different angles, the time of the Beijing-Inspection System will be shortened to three years.

Once this decision is passed, for a long period of time in the future, perhaps ten or twenty years, the mobility of Ming bureaucracy will sharply intensify, and the existing old bureaucrats will always maintain the old If there is a system, it will completely fall apart. At that time, a real new order will usher in.

At this juncture, naturally countless people are paying close attention to the movements of Jiang Xinghuo and Zhu Gaochi, especially their attitudes. Whether they will really "kill" the officials in Nanjing, let's talk about "it's better for one family to cry than for one person to cry" Cry", this is an issue of great concern to everyone.

If they really want to play something real and big, what do they need to prepare to deal with it?

If you find a way, what excuse do you need to delay?

In this depressing and tense atmosphere, the final round of assessment finally came.

But at this moment, the fate of an inconspicuous little person began to have an unexpected impact.

In a gambling stall in Nanjing City.

"take away."

After saying these words, the man with the big worm tattoo stood up and waved his arms to the young thugs behind him, instructing them to follow his instructions.

Soon, several young gangsters took out the black cloth bags they had prepared, walked up to a monk, put the cloth bags on his head, and then pulled them off together.

"You, what are you doing! Isn't it just a few coins? It's not like I won't pay it back."

"Boy, go in peace!"

The leading man with a large worm tattoo bared his teeth and showed a sinister smile, and then watched as several young thugs dragged the monk into the back alley of the gambling stall.

Next to the back alley, there was a dark stinking ditch. A mouse crawled through the stinking ditch and then quickly fled the scene.

At the other end of the back alley, there were two low wooden doors. At this time, one of the wooden doors was closed tightly, and there were faint muffled sounds of pain coming from inside.

"Help!"

The sudden change just now startled him, and now his eyes were darkened. The monk was extremely frightened and struggled hard to escape, but because of his weakness, he couldn't exert any effort at all. He could only cry out in despair.

"Bang bang bang"

In response, he was beaten, kicked and hit with a stick. The pain made him scream repeatedly, but unfortunately his screams were useless because he was in the backyard of the gambling stall.

Finally, he collapsed to the ground and never moved again.

When a group of people saw this scene, instead of being afraid, they laughed and said, "Could he be beaten to death?"

The man with the big worm tattoo just squatted down, untied the cloth bag, and measured it with his hands for a moment. After confirming that he was still alive, he waved his hand and put the cloth bag on the monk's head again.

"What should I do with this person?" someone behind him asked.

The man with the big worm tattoo bent down and exerted his strength. His arm with exposed veins actually lifted the monk's body with one hand, and said coldly: "It looks like he can't pay back the money. Bury him."

A few gangsters were digging a hole aside. It didn't take long for the monk to wake up. Hearing the sound of digging, he roughly guessed what was going on and started struggling harder and harder.

The man kicked the young monk in the lower abdomen, and there was a muffled sound. The young monk was kicked into the pit behind him, hit the soft dirt bag, and then fell to the ground. .

"Boy, just accept your fate and stop resisting needlessly!" said a rogue with a cruel smile.

"I have money, I have money! I am a monk in the eldest prince's house, you can't kill me!"

Several people looked at each other and then looked at the leading man.

The leading man remained silent at this time.

The young monk became even more panicked. Seeing that even the eldest prince's name was useless, he was deeply afraid that the other party would really kill him. He roared angrily, his hoarse voice appearing particularly ferocious and terrifying: "I was wrong, please, please. Please let me go and let me do whatever I want!"

"That's what you said."

The leading man forcefully pulled the monk out of the shallow pit, and the large insect tattoo on his body wrinkled and became ferocious.