Imperial Master of the Ming Dynasty

Obviously, since the beginning of the second year of Yongle, there has been no intention of stopping.

On the military official's side, the military reforms of the three major battalions of the Beijing camp were going up and down. The civil official was worried for a few days, and the sharp blade hanging around his neck fell off.

The officials came to court one after another, and when the results came out, it seemed as if all the civil servants in Nanjing had their souls chopped off one by one, slowly cutting their flesh with one knife after another.

There is no other reason. This year's Beijing inspection standards are too strict, so strict that they are almost inhumane.

It lasted for six days, and the middle and lower-level officials were punished. The senior officials were a little better, but the relief was limited. If you were not careful, you would be severely punished.

This kind of Beijing inspection standard that far exceeded the Hongwu-Jianwen period was naturally required by Jiang Xinghuo. Therefore, he also received a considerable degree of criticism from the government and the public, and there were many people who were very dissatisfied with it.

But Jiang Xinghuo doesn't care. The reform has reached its current level. It is definitely impossible not to offend others and to be good to you and me.

And now Jiang Xinghuo will take advantage of the three months he has been in charge of the government to carry out the reforms he wants to achieve.

This is the last day of Jingcha.

"Zhao Yan."

Jiang Xinghuo and Jian Yi, the Minister of Civil Affairs, were sitting in the lobby of the Ministry of Civil Affairs together, looking at the forty-year-old "young man" in front of him.

Zhao Feng, whose courtesy name was Yunhan, was from Henan. During the Hongwu Dynasty, he passed the provincial examination and entered the Imperial College. Later, he served as the director of the Staff Department of the Ministry of War. Lao Zhu felt that this man was talented and was promoted to Yuanwailang. During the Jianwen Dynasty, he was appointed to participate in politics in Zhejiang Province. (from the third grade), he has made great contributions to the plan to capture Japanese pirates. He continued to participate in politics in Zhejiang during the Yongle Dynasty. He had dealt with Jiang Xinghuo during flood control and was good at maritime affairs. Now he is returning to Beijing to report on his duties but has not yet been appointed. Jiang Xinghuo plans to let him be the president of the reform affairs. The Yamen raises matters in the Shipping Department.

Zhao Fan looked at Jiang Xinghuo openly for a moment, then lowered his head.

"Let's start talking about ourselves."

"."

In the midst of everyone's self-report and review, before I knew it, half of the morning had passed.

"How many more are there?"

"The last two."

Coincidentally, Jiang Xinghuo actually knew these two people.

The second to last person was the minion who followed the Minister of War, Ru Rujun, when he went to the Fifth Army Governor's Mansion a few days ago. He remained silent, but Jiang Xinghuo recognized his face.

Afterwards, listening to this man's self-narration, Jiang Xinghuo flipped through his information.

Fang Bin, a native of Qiantang County, Hangzhou Prefecture, was also among the group of people promoted from the Imperial Academy at the end of the Hongwu Dynasty. All the Mesozoic people in the imperial court were from this group, because at that time, the imperial court was almost wiped out by Lao Zhu, and many of them were He became a Beijing official directly after coming out of the Imperial College.

However, Fang Bin had a relatively high starting point. He worked in the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Justice at the beginning, and then served as the magistrate of Yingtian Prefecture. He offended the nobles and was demoted to Guangdong. During the Jianwen Dynasty, on the recommendation of Rujun, he was reinstated as the Military Selectman of the Ministry of War. Among them, this is the first-class fat vacancy in the Ministry of War, and it seems that he is undoubtedly Ru Yu's confidant.

He was well-written in official documents, had political achievements, and had a good official reputation. This kind of person couldn't get a handle on him even if he wanted to, so Jian Yi and Jiang Xinghuo didn't embarrass him and just passed by.

The last person is a little bit special.

Before anyone came in, the sound came.

"Jian Gong, national master!"

The man's name is Wuzhong. He is more than seven feet tall, has a voice like a bell, and has an upright face. However, he is a calculating and decisive person with a complicated background.

In the 31st year of Hongwu, he was also from the Imperial Academy and had experience in Daning Dusi. Zhu Di rushed to Daning thousands of miles away, and Wuzhong led all the civil servants to surrender. Zhu Di saw his majestic appearance and clear answers, so he appreciated him very much. Under Zhu Gaochi's command, He was successively responsible for the defense and food transfer work in Jizhou and Beiping. Now he is the Prime Minister of Dali Temple. His immediate boss is Lu Zhen, the young minister of Dali Temple who is sweet-talking and has a sword. I heard that his relationship with Dali Temple Minister Chen Qia is not very good, but Wuzhong The relationship with several uncles from the Daning Department and Zhu Gaochi is very close. If there is no accident, it should be that there is no place for the master here, but the master.

Jiang Xinghuo looked at Wuzhong's evaluation. Lu Zhen, the young minister of Dali Temple, and Chen Qiaquan, the minister of Dali Temple, gave negative reviews.

After Wuzhong talked non-stop for a long time, Xi came down from the hall saying he was "incompetent" and his whole face turned dark.

The officials were busy for a long time, sorting out information, filing it, and making forms. The final version of the Beijing inspection record was completed.

"Thank you for your hard work."

"The national teacher has worked hard."

Jiang Xinghuo's eyes especially stayed for a moment in front of Jin Chun, the doctor of the examination department of the Ministry of Personnel.

Jin Chun, a young man who only came out of the Imperial Academy in the 30th year of Hongwu, entered the official career because he was favored by Du Ze, the then Minister of the Ministry of Personnel. After Du Ze recommended him, Lao Zhu threw him into the Ministry of Personnel, and successively served as a member of the Wenxuan Department Wai Lang and Kao Gong Si Lang are highly appreciated by Jian Yi.

This man was smart and capable, with almost endless energy. This period of time also left a deep impression on Jiang Xinghuo. He had rarely seen a liver emperor who could do a lot of work energetically without much sleep every day.

Jiang Xinghuo took a pile of documents from Jin Chun, and Jian Yi personally took another pile. The two went to the palace to meet the emperor.

The process of Beijing inspection is not the most important. What is important is actually the results and follow-up.

Imperial Palace, Fengtian Hall.

Zhu Di was surrounded by Yao Guangxiao, Jin Zhong, Jin Youzi and others, who were obviously discussing military planning.

"I think the things that need to be considered today are not to focus on border defense. Those who are painting day and night in the temple should not be anxious about border defense.

Peace is hard to come, the border is empty, and the invasion of captives is getting deeper and deeper. The ministers and others have been repeatedly warned by the Holy Spirit, which has seriously injured the border ministers, and the people's minds are excited."

"Hmph, Sheng Yong is good at talking."

The memorial was presented by Licheng Hou Shengyong, the new chief military officer of Datong Town.

These famous generals of the Southern Army, such as Sheng Yong and Ping An, gradually rose to prominence through their military exploits among middle and senior officers during the war. The turning point for the transition of military power in the Southern Army was when Li Jinglong was defeated in Baigouhe and fled to Baigouhe in April of the second year of Jianwen. Jinan, an isolated city in Jinan was in danger, and Zhu Di personally led the Yan army to follow him. Li Jinglong immediately attacked Jinan. At that time, everyone thought that Jinan was going to be lost. Unexpectedly, Sheng Yong, Tie Xuan, Wen and Wu all defended Jinan with all their strength. The Yan army besieged Jinan for three months. Unable to defeat them, they were forced to retreat, which directly became a small turning point in the Battle of Jingnan.

If Sheng Yong and Tie Xuan could not defend Jinan at that time, then the Yan Army would definitely gain greater strategic initiative in the event of a major defeat of the Southern Army. Because of this, when discussing merit in September of the second year of Jianwen, Sheng Yong was Emperor Jianwen was granted the title of Marquis of Licheng, with a salary of one thousand dan, and was immediately appointed as General Pingyan and the chief military officer. Chen Hui and Ping An were the left and right deputy commanders, Ma Pu and Xu Zhen were the left and right staff generals, and Tie Xuanjin He was promoted to Minister of War and Counselor of Military Affairs.

You say whether he can fight, since he has been against Zhu Di for several years, he must be able to fight, but like these noble nobles, times can be regarded as heroes.

But now Sheng Yong can only squat in Datong Town where there are few soldiers and generals. If he wants to show off, he can only rely on his own active performance.

"Everyone who talks about border affairs today says: We don't have many soldiers, we don't have enough food, and our generals are not good enough. I think that these three are not enough, and the soldiers don't have to worry about being weak. Although the army is short of food and equipment, If you can collect and check shadow accounts according to your status, recruit supplements as appropriate, and train them effectively, why worry about not having soldiers? Donate unnecessary expenses and financial resources to support warriors, why worry about not having money? Offer heavy rewards to encourage those who have meritorious service. , liberalize the law to extend the power of generals, then who is a loyal and brave man who does not want to work hard, so why suffer from having no generals? The only trouble for ministers is that they do not have the ambition to work hard, follow the rules, and do not want to be safe, even if they have soldiers Even if you eat a good general, you may not be able to do anything."

The words are all clichés, but when translated, Sheng Yong feels that although the objective conditions are indeed not good, as a side general, he believes that as long as he works hard to exert his subjective initiative, there is still much to be done.

But it depends on how you interpret it. It can be understood as Sheng Yong's courage to take on tasks and take the initiative to seek war, or it can be understood that Sheng Yong feels that although Datong Town can be rectified, its foundation is still too poor after all.

The most critical thing is the sentence "The only trouble I have is that I have no ambition to inspire."

"What do you think this means?"

Jin Zhong, the right minister of the Ministry of Industry, just smiled and said: "I am afraid that Sheng Yong, Ping An and others will suddenly change the name to Jiubian. I am worried, so I will write to ask."

Jin Zhong was born into a distinguished family. Unfortunately, his family fell into decline in his early years, and he experienced all the hardships of the world. However, he had read history books and was familiar with the art of war since he was a child. From being the chief soldier of the Prince of Yan's Mansion to being the second strategist, he naturally had a strategy in mind. Extraordinarily, if Yao Guangxiao, the "prime minister in black", can be called a "little Zhuge", then Jin Zhong, who accompanied the Yan army in southern and northern wars, supported military affairs and strategized, can also be called a "little Fazheng".

"Jin Youzi."

Zhu Di held his waist and called.

"Your Majesty is here." Jin Youzi, who was silent at the side, bowed and responded.

"The country has no shortage of good generals but lacks loyalty. As long as you have the heart to fight, you should work hard and show yourself to the sun and the moon. This is how I returned to the Marquis of Licheng."

Seeing Jiang Xinghuo and Jian Yi arriving, Zhu Di motioned to them to wait for a while.

A few people did a lot of homework around the Kan map and sand table. Jiang Xinghuo looked at it from the side. In terms of military, he was half-assed. He had experience at the hundred-man tactical level, and he could also brag about the entire strategic level. But if he was as detailed as them, It is definitely not feasible to plan the entire campaign. There is no way. I have never done such a high-level staff job.

After Zhu Di and others carefully studied and reorganized the three major battalions, they quickly captured the Qin and Jin vassals.

As long as this goal can be achieved, and Annan is now withdrawing his troops, then Ming Dynasty will basically have no military pressure at all in the entire country and on the southern front. Zheng He's fleet overseas is another matter.

Obviously, the Ming Dynasty's military center of gravity is slowly but unstoppably shifting towards the northern front. The entire empire's military resources, whether it is manpower, material resources or other things, are tilting towards the northern front. This is the next step of the grand strategy. No one can shake the direction.

"You two go back first, Duke Rong will stay."

After Jin Zhong and Jin Youzi packed up and left, Zhu Di covered the map and looked at Jiang Xinghuo and Jian Yi.

Jingcha, who had been undergoing intensive interrogation in the past few days, had obviously tortured them both.

"Have the results come out?"

"Out."

Jian Yi glanced at Jiang Xinghuo and said: "According to the wishes of the national master, be strict and severe. Under the eight laws, there will be no one left in mourning."

What Jian Yi said here is "under the eight laws, mourning and mourning" refers to the eight unqualified standards of the Jingcha, that is, "greed, cruelty, inaction, carelessness, old age, illness, impetuousness, and weakness of talent" "The treatment for unqualified employees is to be dismissed, demoted, transferred, or ordered to retire.

And if the once-a-year examination method is relatively "gentle" and pays more attention to how to motivate officials, the Beijing inspection, which comes only once in several years, is a key blow like a storm, and the Beijing inspection and the examination method are still different. It is not the same logic, and the two are not in conflict. At least the Beijing Inspection that started in the first year of Yongle and ended in the second year was basically synchronized with the Kao Chengfa. The only slight difference is that those who passed the Kao Chengfa , Beijing inspection does not necessarily necessarily qualify, because the Kao Cheng method only assesses work performance, while Beijing inspection also assesses ethics and age.

But Zhu Di was completely indifferent to Jian Yi's slightly dissatisfied hint, and even looked at the list with a smile.

"What a death!"

Zhu Di screamed in his heart.

Zhu Di felt refreshed after deposing all these trash who were waiting to die from various ministries and temples, especially those who usually showed seniority to him. This time Jiang Xinghuo did as he wished, according to the ancestors of Jing Cha Under the system, those who are old and incompetent are all ordered to serve.

Jiang Xinghuo slowly took out a memorial from his arms and handed it to Zhu Di in public.

According to the rules, this is certainly not in accordance with the procedures. You have to go through the Chief Secretary or the Cabinet.

But now Jiang Xinghuo is in charge of the cabinet. There are a few bad guys in the cabinet who are not doing anything. Jiang Xinghuo can do just as well on his own, so he said that he wrote the memorial and handed it over to himself. It seems that there is no problem in the process.

"The Imperial Master should read it himself."

Zhu Di was too lazy to read it, so he simply asked Jiang Xinghuo to read it out by himself.

Jiang Xinghuo read slowly: "I believe that the current situation of the Ming Dynasty today is not because of the instability on all sides outside, but actually because of the lack of improvement in the administration of officials within the country. After observing the incident in Beijing, I realized that the failure of administration in the administration of officials is a great danger to the world. There is instability in all sides. , it must be that it cannot be fought; if the wealth and goods are not sufficient, it must be that it cannot be revived. However, if the officials in the temple are corrupt, what can be done about it? Those who are mediocre and those who are mediocre will be poisonous."

"The other is a lesson from this. If he does it without restraint, then this can be used as a speech; the former is the cause of the later. If he goes forward without doubt, then the later will follow it as an example."

"If your ears and eyes are proficient, and your superiors and subordinates are at peace with each other, you will take it for granted. Even if you argue, you can't explain the meaning, even if you are punished and imprisoned, you can't stop it. It is difficult for someone to change."

"The long-standing evils are deep and cannot be eliminated without thunder; bad rules are gradually followed, and it cannot be corrected without rectification of the government and the public."

When Jian Yi heard this, he was stunned for a moment.

"Does the Imperial Master think such a large-scale rectification of the Jingcha is not enough?"

"not enough."

Jiang Xinghuo said seriously: "Of course it's not enough!"

"Jiang thinks that today's Ming Dynasty is like a young man suffering from tuberculosis. After a few doses of strong medicine, although he seems to have improved, he still loses both Qi and blood. Qi is the atmosphere, blood is the economy, and blood can If you slowly create it by yourself, it will eventually fill up, but if the Qi is blocked, even if the blood is not lost, it will still be blocked everywhere. What is the atmosphere? It is the evil trends in the officialdom, which have accumulated over more than thirty years in the Hongwu Dynasty. , has become deeply ingrained and has become something recognized and tacitly accepted from top to bottom. Just relying on a Beijing inspection is like drinking a decoction and washing it, but it can really block the blockage in the internal organs immediately. Can the evil spirit be washed away? Of course it can’t be done!”

"But in fact, whether it is side affairs or the economy, in the final analysis, it is up to people to implement it. If there is a problem with people's morale, everything they do will be wrong, so we must not be ignorant and sink together."

Jiang Xinghuo said loudly: "It's hard to go back when you have accumulated a lot of trouble, and it's hard to make a sudden change but adapt to it!"

Jian Yi disagreed, but he had to let Jiang Xinghuo speak, so he could only remain noncommittal.

In the view of these mature ministers who hold the country, any change to the status quo is dangerous. Since any system exists, it has its rationality, and trial and error means a huge price will be paid for the entire system, so The best change is no change, and the best system is the current system.

Once the variable method begins, it is like a dam opening its gates to release water. It may be a trickle at first, but later it will become an unstoppable storm. How can a stone or a puddle of mud stop it? Even if it is another dam, I am afraid it will be shot to pieces.

This is exactly what Jian Yi is worried about.

If there are not enough examinations and insufficient Beijing inspections, then it will expand, causing more officials to be involved, and it will easily expand into a temple incident on the scale of the Hongwu Four Cases. At that time, even if It's too late to regret.

Jian Yi, who has experienced these things, understands very well that the result of amplification is biting, and then everyone is in danger. If you don't see the four major cases of Hongwu, which one is not a case where heads are rolling and blood is flowing like rivers?

But Zhu Di didn't care about this.

In Zhu Di's view, if every one of these officials left over from the Jianwen Dynasty was killed, many of the remaining officials must have said bad things about him and regarded him as a traitor who killed the king and usurped the throne.

Moreover, if Jiang Xinghuo intends to continue to use the tail of Jingcha to innovate the officialdom, it will be a good thing for Zhu Di. Kill these old officials of Hongwu and Jianwen, and then replace them with some of his own people without having to step forward himself. Why not? Woolen cloth?

"Then what do the Imperial Masters think they found out about the bad customs in the temple after this inspection?"

"When a person has a chronic disease, a doctor must look, hear, inquire and find out the cause of the disease before he can treat it with meteorites and turn the weak into a strong one. This is also the case when there are diseases in temples. In Jiang's opinion, the main reason for the inability of officials to manage is the eight evils."

"First, the law enforcement is unfair."

"Since the theory of Tongbian has been popular, and the plan of transfer has been obtained, if you want to do something, you will wander outside the law, and you will rely on the law and feel guilty. If you want to avoid something, you will hide your feelings within the law and instead use the law. The law can be used to find the solution. For those who love, even though the sin is big, it is just a word; for those who are evil, even though the sin is small, the meaning is deeply explored. It is because Zhang Tang is light and heavy in his heart, it is really the hand of the state that plows high and low."

"Second, corruption and perversion of the law."

"Name and integrity are the reason why a gentleman is self-reliant and cannot be ruined in one day. The effect of self-cultivation is outstanding, but the integrity of integrity is lost. Where the name is, the yang uses its name and the yin violates the truth, and even the name and the Both the reality and the name go against it; where the benefit lies, the yin is used in reality and the yang goes against its name, or even worse, the reality and the name are used together. Those who enter the body use bribes as gifts, and those who win official positions use goods to match talents."

"The third is red tape. The fourth is arrogance and jealousy. The fifth is blame-shifting. The sixth is the constraints of party members. The seventh is censorship. The eighth is idle talk. Too much talk means less success, and that's where he belongs. Yes, this is what is wrong. What A says is wrong is what B says is possible. Things should be done, but suddenly they are accomplished; the plan is not carried out, but the plan is leaked. It is overturned and mixed, and the talkers are all trying to cover up their faults. , and the listeners are dazzled.”

These eight points can be said to be the essence of office politics. The so-called half of "Prime Minister" uses these tricks to govern the world.

In the first stage, we claim that nothing happened.

In the second stage, we say maybe something is happening but we shouldn’t act on it.

Stage three, saying maybe we should take action, but we can’t do anything.

In the fourth stage, maybe we could have done something, but now it is too late.

But all this comes at a price.

Yao Guangxiao added: "People's illnesses are tangible, and they can be explained according to the prescription. If you are a terminally ill person, but you just live as usual, then you have been suffering for a long time and suffered deeply. This is why official governance is The reason why it is the top priority after the reform is intensified is that it is easy to make money in the economy, but it is difficult to clean up the moral turmoil of officials. Doctors have the method to cleanse the intestines and stomach. Naturally, good politicians also have the skills to eliminate stupidity and eliminate evil. It all depends on whether your majesty is willing. "

Zhu Di nodded. What Jiang Xinghuo said must be reasonable. It's not serious to say it's serious, and you won't die if you drag it on. But if you say it's not serious, that's wrong. The biggest danger here is The most terrifying thing is not how serious the illness is, but that after being tainted with bad habits, the entire court becomes numb and unaware of it.

But fortunately, everything is possible now.

"You might as well talk about the imperial master's 'skill of picking out stupid people and detecting traitors'."

Anyone can point out problems. The most important thing is how to solve the problem. What Zhu Di needs is someone who solves the problem, not someone who points it out.

Jiang Xinghuo had nothing to hesitate. During the Jialong Wanda Reform Period in his previous life, Gao Gong, Zhang Juzheng and others had already given a mature and systematic plan on how to solve the problem of official administration in the Ming Dynasty. It is a good thing that can be used as long as it is slightly modified based on the specific background of the early Ming Dynasty.

"The top priority in reforming official governance is to implement more and criticize less."

"For major affairs in the world, planning can depend on the public, but decision-making can depend on independence. The Han Dynasty minister Shen Gong once said: 'To govern, you don't need to talk too much, but you have to be careful about how you act.' This is the truth."

“The problem with official administration is that there is too much discussion and too little implementation. Just like the examination of law and the inspection of the capital, even if your Majesty strongly supports it, opinions and slanders still fly. It is difficult to find the source, and it dazzles the listeners. There’s a lot of talk about how to succeed?”

"If you want to accomplish something, just treat it prudently, make sure it's done properly, and then do it resolutely. Why let everyone disturb you? Just like when Emperor Xianzong of the Tang Dynasty conquered Huai Cai in the past, although he was blocked in every possible way, he never wavered."

"If you want to use a person, you must be careful at the beginning, and make sure you get the response, just trust him and let him go. For example, when Marquis Wen of Wei used Leyang, even though he slandered the book and filled the box, he was not moved in the end."

Zhu Di laughed heartily. He didn't know that Jiang Xinghuo must be in charge of the Beijing Procuratorate. This period of time was very disturbing. The impeachment flew to the table like a snowflake. Who wouldn't be worried?

But it was difficult for even Zhu Di to make the decision to let the ministers beep less.

Not allowing civil servants to speak has not been possible since the Song Dynasty.

Civil servants and officials, even if they are cremated, their mouths will still be stiff. Why don't you let them speak? Why don't you sew them up?

It's definitely not possible to stop people from talking at all, but Zhu Di can do it without listening to these discussions.

In fact, Guan Zhong once said, "The Ming Lord will not listen to Fei Peng's questions; the Ming Lord will not allow the outrageous words." Whether it is "not listening" or "not allowed", it is a manifestation of the Ming Lord's use of his power. , which is also a measure of centralization.

The most powerful weapon of civil servants and officials in the temple struggle is precisely public opinion. Behind all the rumors circulating in the temple, there are often various complicated interests involved. This is the so-called sectarian opinion, which has lasted for many years. There is no way to cure the problem. We can only try to avoid its influence. That is to say, we should talk less about useless things. I won’t listen to you even if you talk about it.

"To cure the eight evils of officials, in addition to more execution and less criticism, the second step is to rectify the rules and regulations and strictly enforce the laws."

"What is Tsunaki?"

"The outline is like a net with ropes, and the discipline is like a silk thread. Only with this big net can we cover the entire world of officials and make them obey the decrees of the court. The Book of Songs says: Encourage my king, and discipline the four directions. The discipline is The power of Tai'a in the country cannot be turned upside down in one day, otherwise the whole country will be in danger of collapse."

Jiang Xinghuo said solemnly: "The biggest feeling during these days of presiding over the capital inspection is that discipline and laws are not strict. From top to bottom, things are less serious. They just muddle along and do everything for the sake of appeasement. Ambiguity can be called mediation. Calling grievances and accommodations a good thing, in this way, although there is a so-called 'humanity and sophistication', it is very damaging to Tsunaki."

"Since the Song Dynasty, punishments have not been imposed on scholar-officials. The law has only imposed punishment on lowly people. Although scholar-officials broke the law and discipline, no one can do anything about it. However, human feelings can be obeyed but not partial. Laws should be strict but not inappropriate. Fierce, if you want to reform the administration of officials, you must 'discuss less and do more; have less favors and more discipline'. Laws must be greater than favors. I hope that your majesty can establish laws and disciplines to control the group of workers. All punishments, rewards and seizures shall be in accordance with the newly revised laws of the country. Instead of showing favoritism to personal interests, political and religious orders must be based on sincerity and not cause disputes to become more superficial."

"In other words, the law should be enforced. Even if it is noble and close, it will not be forgiven. However, if things are in vain, even if they are sparse and lowly, they will be punished."

Zhu Di understood what Jiang Xinghuo meant.

So far, the simple summary is actually two sentences: less beeping and more work, everyone will have less internal friction; if we act more according to the rules, there will be less people and sophistication.

And Jiang Xinghuo’s innovation of prescribing the right medicine continues.

If you want to rectify the old trend, you must form a new trend, which is innovation.

The old ethos is empty, and the new ethos is also empty.

Use "retreat" to fight against "emptiness", use new slogans to form a new trend to fight against old slogans and old trends. This is the meaning of everything.

These few sentences are not nonsense, but the essence.

Many bureaucrats couldn't understand it when they were young, and they wouldn't wake up until a certain moment many years later.

For the imperial court, it was very important to do "real" things, and it was also important to do "virtual" things. Sometimes it was even "virtual" that guided "real" rather than "real" guiding "virtual".

"The first is to reduce criticism, the second is to uphold discipline, and the third is to emphasize edicts."

"Nowadays, in all the ministries and temples and yamen in the capital, every yamen has issued an edict. If one of the ministries reads it and talks about it, it must be a matter that is closely related to important matters. If there is a ministry who knows about it, even if it is a little slow, it will still be followed. For matters related to local public sentiment or ill health, the yamen will decide its own priorities."

"However, the slowness of the transmission and response of edicts at all levels of the imperial court is really rare. The center is still good, but it is especially slow in various places. If there is an investigation that has not been completed for decades, the documents have been accumulated and many of them have been buried. People are half in ghost records."

Zhu Di was amused by this "people who do the test, half of them are in ghost records".

This situation does exist. Let the local government verify some data, but it can’t be found out after decades. Some of the relevant people are dead, so there is no proof. All secrets will naturally disappear with the passage of time. Speaking from an upper level, the central government's edicts become less powerful the further down they go, and the higher the mountain, the farther away the emperor is, the more independent they are.

"Those who attach great importance to edicts are those in central government departments, temples and other yamen. All matters, big or small, must be carried out within a few days after the edict has been made clear. If the matter is clear and easy to see, it should be judged according to reason. , do not just resign the case, follow the discussion, and even delay it. Those who have joint discussions and inquiries must also consider the urgency of the matter, the distance and distance, strictly set a time limit, and order the report to be reported promptly. The department shall set up a registration book. The record will be cancelled. If there is a violation of the limit and the report cannot be reported, the actual investigation will be carried out and the crime of violation will be punished. The officials will use this to test their diligence and laziness to see if they are virtuous. Then people will be able to fulfill their duties without any hindrance."

This is what it means to advocate acting vigorously and resolutely, rejecting prevarication, and improving work efficiency.

This is to Zhu Di's liking. Zhu Di is a person with strong execution ability.

Zhu Di nodded and said: "From now on, all memorials in the central government ministries and temples must be concise, right and wrong, clear and straightforward, and no blame-shifting or empty talk can be allowed. If we persist in this way, all ministers and ministers can be fair and upright, and be diligent and honest." For the industry, such governance can be prosperous and customs can be changed. What the National Master said is very good! Very good!"

"Four points to verify the identity."

Jiang Xinghuo took the results of the Beijing inspection and said simply: "Many officials have submitted numerous recommendations to the court. However, when they arrived at the Beijing inspection, they were clueless about their own duties. Qian Gu, the head of the household department, did not understand the number of cashiers, the punishment department, etc. Those who are responsible for the name of punishment are not familiar with the text of laws and regulations, so this is not worthy of the name."

"The world is not worried about not having the talent to govern the country, but the way to use the talent. Therefore, when appointing people in the country, they must be tested to the end, and when they are appointed, they must be worthy of their duties. If you have contributed to the country, you will be rewarded with a thousand pieces of gold, and you should not be stingy with the seal of the marquis; if you have no merit, you should not be stingy. Even if the country's dynasty is slightly disdainful and humble, don't treat it lightly."

Just now, Jiang Xinghuo said a lot of pragmatic things, but now Jiang Xinghuo can only see the truth.

"How can it live up to its name? According to this Beijing inspection, what time is it?"

"The first is to open up channels for officials."

"The long-standing shortcomings of the country lie in the differences among officials. However, the central ministries, temples, yamen, and assistant officials are not without talents for promotion. Officials are allowed to communicate with each other. Officials can be demoted and officials can be promoted. If there is a shortage of officials, they will be replaced. Officials are promoted."

"This is absolutely unacceptable!"

Jian Yi finally couldn't bear it anymore.

Jian Yi didn't react to the first few things Jiang Xinghuo said, because they were all pragmatic things, such as talking less and reducing internal friction, doing things according to rules and regulations, talking less about worldliness, and improving work efficiency. These are important if you say they are important. It doesn't matter, just fart and it will be over.

But opening up the official-staff channels in various departments in the capital is a major event that really touches the interests of many people.

And the most frightening thing is that Jiang Xinghuo’s move may be supported by many people!

How many capable old officials have remained unworthy officials all their lives? These people are too eager to become officials, and if Jiang Xinghuo gives them this opportunity, then the power of the reform faction may suddenly increase at the grassroots level, because how do these officials become officials because of this? It is because of this that they must maintain Regarding reforms in this area, we must not allow ourselves to be beaten back to our original shape.

As the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, Jian Yi will never waver on this issue of great right and wrong to him.

At this time, even if Jian Yi knew the emperor's hidden attitude while watching coldly, he must stand up and stop it!

In Jian Yi's view, Jiang Xinghuo's so-called interoperability between officials and local staff is simply impossible and absolutely impossible to happen.

Officials are officials, and officials are officials. If subordinates become officials, wouldn't the rules of the world be messed up?

"I know what you are worried about."

Looking at the two people arguing fiercely, or the two viewpoints, Zhu Di remained calm.

"I think since the Imperial Master dared to propose this proposal, he has naturally considered it already, but the time is not ripe now. Let's talk about other things."

After hearing Zhu Di's words, the two parties in the argument paused.

Although Jiang Xinghuo said it very lightly, Zhu Di still had some doubts about whether this matter could be carried out smoothly. After all, what Jiang Xinghuo just said was too shocking. It would simply turn the entire court, and even the entire world, into a It has become another mode!

But this does not exclude the possibility of "demolition the house and opening the windows"

Jiang Xinghuo nodded slightly: "Let's discuss other things first."

"If we want to live up to our name, the second step is to eliminate redundant staff in various government offices."

“Every yamen inside and outside the capital has a designated number of officials, but if there are extra personnel, such as official canons, seals, messengers, lords, forbidden persons, etc., they should be strictly checked to see if they are really needed by the yamen. If they are not needed, they will be replaced. Then he will be dismissed as redundant."

"The third is to limit the power of 'hidden officials'."

"Those who are responsible for the promotion of people, supervisors of students, students, officials with crowns, justice officials, Zhiyin, yin and yang students, doctors, etc., but if they use their power for personal gain, and their actions are detrimental, they should all serve the people."

"The fourth is to severely punish the theft and sale of national materials."

"Any prisoner who comes to guard the warehouses of the government offices in the capital and borrows money, food and other items belonging to officials without permission or lends them to others should be regarded as the prisoner's own theft, and he may be sent to the army or beheaded. Only in this way can we put an end to this unhealthy trend."

The four principles of "practical practice" include: one is to reduce criticism, the second is to uphold discipline, the third is to emphasize edicts, and the fourth is to verify names and facts, which can be regarded as the slogan of the campaign to clean up the atmosphere.

There are four practical measures to verify names, including opening up channels for officials, eliminating redundant staff in various government offices, limiting the power of "hidden officials", and severely punishing theft and sale of national supplies.

Except for "opening up the channels for officials", which may have great resistance and will not be considered for the time being, the last three pragmatic strategies to rectify the atmosphere, although the foothold is relatively small, are more effective than the practical implementation. In order to rectify the atmosphere, targeted actions can be carried out at the same time. It seems that it is completely feasible.

"What the Imperial Master said makes sense. Let me take a look at the results of the Beijing Inspection first. If there are indeed shortcomings, we will call for discussion and then rectify and reform in this way."

Zhu Di did not agree directly, but officially took over the results of the Beijing Investigation from Jiang Xinghuo and Jian Yi.

Regardless of whether the reforms proposed by Jiang Xinghuo were pragmatic or pragmatic, they could all be implemented to reform the official governance style. He also knew that Zhu Di still needed to think about it, so he was not disappointed at all. He said some other things and left.

After Jian Yi and Yao Guangxiao also left, Zhu Di looked at the old monk's leaving figure, sat on the dragon chair and pondered, frowning.

Wearing a black dragon robe, he looked a bit majestic and inaccessible.

Zhu Di pulled out a box, and the secrets inside were all about impeaching Jiang Xinghuo for presiding over the capital inspection during this period, and for his behavior of nepotism and exclusion of dissidents.

At this time Ji Gang was ordered to come in and reported something to Zhu Di in a low voice.

"oh."

Zhu Di's expression did not waver at all: "I already know about this matter."

"Your Majesty." Ji Gang bowed and said, "I think this matter is quite strange and it is necessary to investigate thoroughly."

"Check? How to check?"

Zhu Di sneered: "Do you think life is enough?"

"I don't dare!"

Ji Gang was so frightened that he immediately kowtowed to the ground.

"get out."

"yes!"

Ji Gang quickly retreated, his forehead covered with cold sweat.

"Did these rumors come from Sanyang?"

Zhu Di murmured: "It's because"

His eyes scanned the surroundings, as if to see through everything.

However, around him, the hall was completely empty. Not to mention people, not even an ant could be seen. Only the cool breeze blowing from outside the hall blew over his body.

Zhu Yuanzhang's portrait in Fengtian Hall still hangs there, staring at him quietly.

"Dad, if it were you, what would you do?"

——————

Harem.

Zhu Zhanji was taken into the palace by Mrs. Zhang early in the morning to see Empress Xu to greet her.

Although it was already three o'clock in the morning, Empress Xu was still sleeping. She suddenly fell ill in the winter for unknown reasons. It was probably wind-cold or lung-heat. In short, she had coughed for half the night last night, and she finally felt sleepy at dawn. If that didn't work, he would just stare on the bed for a while before falling asleep.

Zhu Zhanji was so anxious waiting in the outer hall that he couldn't help but ran to the outer room, grabbed one of Queen Xu's maids, and begged in a low voice: "Auntie, please go and invite me for me. If Grandma Huang doesn't show up, we will also Well go back and if you don’t want to go, then I will go by myself!”

Gong E was stunned and quickly tried to dissuade her: "Little ancestor! Please don't rush in!"

This harem is not a place where you can run around at will. I heard that the emperor will come later. If you bump into the emperor, you can't bear the responsibility!

"Auntie, hurry up and go and invite me."

Gong E was puzzled: "But the Queen is still resting."

"Auntie, you go first. Just say that I asked you to do it. Grandma Huang will not be angry." Zhu Zhanji insisted.

Gong'e had no choice but to report it. Everyone knew that Zhu Zhanji, the eldest grandson, was Empress Xu's favorite, and no one would punish Zhu Zhanji no matter what.

When Gong E entered, she discovered that Queen Xu had already gotten up.

After hearing what Gong E said, Queen Xu's face was a little gloomy, and she didn't look happy. She didn't know whether it was because of illness or other reasons.

"Let him and his mother come in."

When Zhu Zhanji heard the news, he jumped up and down with excitement and ran very fast. He entered the inner hall in the blink of an eye and saw Queen Xu sitting in front of the dressing table. The maid next to her was carefully putting on makeup. He ran over happily and threw himself into Queen Xu. In arms.

"grandmother!"

Queen Xu touched his little head and said, "Why did you enter the palace today?"

Zhu Zhanji raised his head and said with a smile: "Because my grandson heard that grandma was sick, he made soup for grandma last night. Grandma will be cured after drinking the soup!"

The daughter-in-law Zhang behind her took out the soup from the food box she had put down and handed it to her, looking at Empress Xu eagerly.

Queen Xu looked at the steaming bowl of soup in front of her and felt her heart warm.

She took it, blew it gently, and then took a sip.

The soup is sweet and refreshing, which is very suitable for her current body.

Queen Xu smiled and said: "The soup is good."

Zhu Zhanji breathed a sigh of relief and said with a bright smile: "Grandma, just drink more and get better soon!"

Queen Xu looked at her grandson's innocent appearance, feeling a little sad in her heart.

She didn't know what Zhang meant by playing the family card with her grandson, but right and wrong were in such chaos right now, what could she do? Even my parents' family may not be safe, so I can only do my best in everything.

But Queen Xu finally relented. She glanced at Mrs. Zhang and said to her personal maid, "Go and tell your Majesty that Zhan Ji is here."

"Everyone, please take a seat. Your Majesty may come back later."

This was the purpose of her bringing Zhu Zhanji into the palace today. Mrs. Zhang, who had said nothing, felt relieved and quickly sat beside her with Xiao.

However, before Ms. Zhang could be happy for too long, she immediately received news that struck her like a thunderbolt.

Zhu Di ordered the emperor's eldest grandson Zhu Zhanji to move to the palace and be cared for by Empress Xu personally. He also ordered the eldest prince's concubine Zhang to return to the palace to think about her mistakes behind closed doors.