Liu Chengfeng continued: "But later, the population increased dramatically. When the late emperor was here, the population was more than several times that of the Taizu period. There were too many people and few lands, and there were too few people and too many lands, so that there were more and more refugees in the world. In the past few years, refugees in various places had increased dramatically to hundreds of thousands. Your Majesty, the current situation was very different from that of Taizu period. How could it be possible to use the Taizu method to rule the world?"
"Of course..." After refuting the criticisms of those censors, Liu Chengfeng quickly stopped. Of course, he would not be stupid enough to overthrow Emperor Taizu. Then he changed his subject and said: "Many of Taizu's achievements are good, and there are many things to learn from. Therefore, the ministers think that the court sometimes adapts to the times, but even if it adapts to the times, the ancestral system must be considered."
Zhu Youzhang smiled slightly and said without comment: "I have read these impeachment memorials." He was silent for a moment and said: "You have made a lot of noise in the Jinyiwei."
The emperor said that he had read it first, but soon changed the topic. With Liu Chengfeng's cleverness, of course he knew the meaning of it and said with a smile: "Your Majesty, the Jinyiwei needs to expand the scale, and there is no rule. Your Majesty has not often said that those who study know the truth, and the Weishi is deeply taught by Your Majesty, and he also deeply agrees. The Jinyiwei's personal army said it was a military position, but the Weishi believes that the most important thing about the Weishi is not to advocate martial arts, but to understand the truth first and know the truth first, and to know loyalty and righteousness is the most important. Furthermore, the promotion of the exam is not fair, and it is also a good thing to avoid being nepotist. As for someone who criticizes the Weishi, the Weishi does not care. Because the Weishi knows that others do not know the intention of the Weishi, but Your Majesty must know it."
This sentence is Liu Chengfeng's masterpiece. The first sentence implies that Liu Chengfeng did things according to the emperor's will. The reason behind this is what the emperor asked me to do, so what I did. The next sentence grasped Zhu Youting's thoughts. Tell the emperor that he talked about the importance of reading, and reading books is Zhu Youting's hobby. This second sentence also fits Zhu Youting's thoughts.
This last sentence expresses one's own thoughts and tells the emperor that he is not trying to get power. Look, if I get power, how could I get a test? It is precisely because the exam is fair and all depends on everyone's ability. If Liu Chengfeng takes power, why not assign officials yourself?
Finally, Liu Chengfeng did not forget to add a sentence, and he didn't care at all when others said anything. This means that he was not afraid of offending others. He was just thinking about the court. If someone disliked him, he would just criticize him.
In fact, the last sentence at the end is the finishing touch of Liu Chengfeng. As the emperor, he favors his ministers no matter how much he favors his ministers. However, once there is a crisis of trust, all favors are false. The reason why Liu Chengfeng is deeply trusted is that even Zhou Cheng died, it has not been shaken. The most important point is that Liu Chengfeng dares to offend others. The emperor can tolerate powerful ministers and tolerate unruly ministers. Sometimes, he can even tolerate ministers breaking the law. However, one thing is that when a minister is too perfect or is praised by the court and the public, then this person must be wary of it? Because once such a person has a different intention, the consequences will be very serious.
Just like Wang Mang at the end of the Han Dynasty, this person was called a gentleman. Before he revealed his true face, who was not amazed him? Who didn’t say he was a sincere gentleman?
Liu Chengfeng knew in his heart that the more controversial and criticized he was, his status would be more stable. So he added this at the end. Liu Chengfeng didn't care if he said anything, and he would let them scold him. He could be indifferent to the people in the world against him. All he cared about was the emperor's thoughts.
This is the loyal minister, and he can use it with confidence.
Liu Chengfeng's words hit Zhu You's mind and couldn't help but laugh: "You are just too reckless and inexplicable. However, the method of this exam is indeed quite insightful. But since it is an exam, why do you still have to take the mathematics exam?"
In this era, mathematics can only be regarded as a miscellaneous subject and cannot be ranked in the elegant hall. Zhu Youzhe did not unexpectedly have this question.
Liu Chengfeng pursed his lips and said, "Your Majesty, the Jinyiwei is not a scholar. In addition to the necessary classics and history tests, it is not bad to learn some miscellaneous subjects. Although mathematics is not the right way, learning it in itself is not a bad thing."
Zhu Youzhi nodded and said, "Okay, I won't say much about the Jinyiwei, you can make your own decision." Then he asked someone to come to tea. The king and his ministers drank tea and spoke more casually. Zhu Youzhi was weak. After drinking a cup of tea, his face was already showing fatigue. He spoke in a tone and said, "I just feel that time is not enough now. I wish I could break it into two hours to flower. Yes, the West Palace asked you to inquire about Hanlin, right?"
Liu Chengfeng nodded and said, "Half a month ago, the Empress had entrusted Weichen to inquire. Weichen had already handed a note to Kunning Palace. There is really a new Hanlin in the Hanlin Courtyard. Yes, this person's surname is Jiang. I believe His Majesty also knows him. He is not old, but for some reason he has not been married yet. The Empress seems to be quite interested and asked me to ask about her birthday."
Zhu Youzhang sighed: "This Jiang Aiqing is also a talented man. He is not very old and has outstanding appearance. Now in the Hanlin Academy, I see him as a talented person, but... if he really married the princess to him, he might not be willing. Naturally, the palace cannot force him. In fact, if it weren't for my illness, I would really reluctant to marry the princess like this. What do you think?"
Seeing that Zhu Youzhang had a good impression of the surname Jiang, Liu Chengfeng knew in his heart that as long as the surname Jiang agreed, he would probably be the prince consort. Originally, this princess had nothing to do with him, but now after hearing the emperor's words, he couldn't help but feel a little sour. After thinking about it, Liu Chengfeng said, "Since he is a Hanlin, he must have talent and knowledge, but he just doesn't know what kind of character?"
Zhu Youzing obviously had a special preference for scholars and said bluntly: "I have read his articles, and you will know that his character is not bad after reading them. What I am worried about now is whether he is willing to do so. If he asks in the palace and refuses it for him, I don't know where to put my face." After that, he looked at Liu Chengfeng deeply and sighed heavily.
Liu Chengfeng suddenly realized that, damn it turned out that the emperor summoned him into the palace and wanted to say not about the impeachment memorials, but about making a bridge to be the Turtle Lord. He felt very uncomfortable and couldn't say where he felt uncomfortable, so he simply pretended to be stupid and laughed: "Your Majesty, today's weather is good. It's not good for you to stay in this palace all day. Why don't we go out for a walk together?"
Zhu Youting consciously gave this guy enough hints, but this guy looked indifferent. He shook his head: "No, I am discussing Princess Taikang with you now, don't care about him."
Liu Chengfeng said: "Princess Taikang is married, and the weak minister is a foreign minister..."
"Are you a foreign minister?" Zhu Youzhang looked at Liu Chengfeng with insightful eyes and said with a smile: "As for this, you are also Princess Taikang's brother-in-law, is this an outsider? I'll just say it. When you leave the palace later, you will go to find Jiang Aiqing to explore his words. If he has this intention, report to the palace immediately, and also need to ask his birthday carefully. This is the will, and you must not disobey, do you know?"
Liu Chengfeng had no choice but to receive the order and left the palace with a sad face.
As soon as Liu Chengfeng left, a crisp low cough came from the ear room of Zhengxin Hall. Zhu Youzhang raised his head and said to the ear room: "Come out, the person has left."
But when she saw Empress Zhang appearing in a long skirt from her ear room, Empress Zhang looked depressed and walked to Zhu Youting and said, "Your Majesty, do you think you are better?"
Zhu Youting grabbed her hand and said gently: "It's much better. You don't have to worry about it. I have already explained the matter to Liu Chengfeng clearly, but I'm afraid there will be news soon."
Queen Zhang sighed and said, "Didn't your Majesty realize that Liu Chengfeng is reluctant to inquire about this news?"
Zhu Youzhang smiled and took a sip of tea, saying, "This is not a glorious thing, and it is his right to refuse."
Queen Zhang frowned and said, "What I want to say is, did Your Majesty not see how kind Liu Chengfeng has towards Duoduo?"
"Ah..." Zhu Youzhang shouted in disbelief: "Why can't I see it?"
Queen Zhang said angrily: "You only know how to handle government affairs all day long, and you can't even care about your own body. What can you see?" A hint of shrewdness flashed through Queen Zhang's eyes, and said: "I not only see that Liu Chengfeng has some friendship with Duoduo, but also know that Duoduo treats him..."
As a mother, it is inconvenient to say this.
Zhu Youting's face became solemn: "This is absolutely impossible. Liu Chengfeng already has a wife. Besides, he has married Princess Longting, how can he let the princess marry him again?"
Queen Zhang pursed her lips and said, "I mean that. Liu Chengfeng is good at everything. If he hadn't been married, I might have really had this idea. But since I already have a wife, this matter is not something to be considered. So I am even more anxious to marry this girl out. After marrying her earlier, she can save her from thinking about it."
Zhu Youzing sighed with a gloomy face and said, "Yes, you are right. You will get married earlier. I understand. You specifically asked me to attract Liu Chengfeng and asked him to ask Jiang Aiqing what he meant. Do you want to secretly tell Liu Chengfeng to make him calm?"
"Is there any?" Queen Zhang smiled and denied it.
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The third update will be delivered, and the fourth update will be delivered around eleven o'clock. (To be continued)
Chapter completed!