Chapter Five Hundred and Forty-One Fair, Just and Open
After Yan Shifan did this for a few times, it seemed that a feasible path had been drawn for Yan Song.
If we say that when Emperor Jiajing first came to the throne more than ten years ago, the incident of recognizing his father could be regarded as the first major ceremony.
Then giving the Jiajing Emperor's biological father a temple title and having the god head enter the Ancestral Temple would be considered the second ceremonial meeting.
Yan Shifan was obviously aware of the opportunity contained in this.
Yan Song thought about it again and again, and then said: "There is no need to rush these things. It is better to be slow and steady, and at the same time, Xia Guizhou should not be too alert."
Yan Shifan said casually: "It's okay. If I are retaliated by Qin Dewei, my father will be understandable even if he is a little angry. Xia Yan can't think of anywhere else."
However, after Yan Song heard the name Qin Dewei, he asked a question: "How can you be sure that Qin Dewei is hostile to me?"
It's not that Yan Song doesn't have scheming intentions, the main reason is that he has very little direct contact with Qin Dewei, and in recent years his focus has been on high-level people like Xia Yan.
Therefore, Qin Dewei was not the object of Yan Song's attention, and Yan Song had not carefully thought about Qin Dewei.
Yan Shifan, on the other hand, spent a lot of time studying Qin Dewei and answered with confidence:
"Based on the relationship between his father and Xia Yan, under normal circumstances, Qin Dewei would definitely be close to his father...
To give the simplest example, it is like Qin Dewei making good friends with Wang Tingxiang.
But father, you should be able to feel that Qin Dewei has always been deliberately alienated from you. What is this if not hostility? "
Yan Song asked back: "Isn't it because you have repeatedly offended Qin Dewei?"
Yan Shifan sneered: "Qin Dewei's current status shows that his officialdom is very mature.
A mature official would deliberately alienate a minister of rites who he could have gotten close to because of a useless person like me?
And there is a saying that no acquaintance can occur without fighting. My son, I have indeed offended Qin Dewei several times, but has Qin Dewei ever approached you, father, to solve the problem?
This is enough to show that Qin Dewei does not want to have anything to do with his father."
Yan Song felt very unhappy. If a person with unlimited potential like Qin Dewei was hostile to him, it was not obvious yet, but it would be more or less troublesome in the future.
"But father, you don't need to worry about Qin Dewei for the time being!" Yan Shifan changed his subject: "Father, just watch Xia Yan. Your opponent is not Qin Dewei. You don't need to waste your energy on Qin Dewei."
Yan Song said helplessly: "What I'm worried about is that Qin Dewei's revenge on you is beyond the reach of this person."
Yan Shifan still said nonchalantly: "As long as you, father, are still the Minister of Rites and Xia Yan's ally, what can Qin Dewei really do to me?
And it is true that I am in the wrong now, but when I am retaliated by Qin Dewei, it will cancel each other out!
At that time, you can ask Xia Yan to come forward to settle things. Of course, it will be even better if Xia Yan is contradicted by Qin Dewei again. "
Yan Shifan also risked his life for the title of "the first to impeach Qin Dewei".
The officialdom of the Ming Dynasty follows rules. No matter how much Qin Dewei retaliates, he cannot be killed.
Those who are barefoot are not afraid of those who wear shoes. A student of the Imperial College is not even an official. What else does he have to lose?
If Qin Dewei even made a big show of impeachment and went to death for revenge, he might even be ridiculed for being narrow-minded.
Yan Song felt that his son still did not understand the situation: "The emperor ordered Qin Dewei to supervise the Siyi Pavilion, and Qin Dewei also requested that students from the Imperial Academy be selected as translators."
Being a translator at Siyikan is actually a lifelong profession, and of course it is also a well-established one.
Just like the astronomy students in Qin Tian Jian and the music and dance students in Jiaofang Division, they are of the same nature. Once you get in, you won’t be able to get out. Otherwise, it will be passed down from generation to generation.
This aspect of the Ming Dynasty was very bad. Classes were not completely solidified, but occupations were more solidified, and they were solidified from generation to generation, which led to many problems.
This is what Yan Song is worried about. Originally, after graduating from the Imperial College, he was qualified to elect officials.
With his own operations, Yan Shifan could be an eighth- or ninth-grade junior official in the capital.
But if Qin Dewei gets him to work as a translator in the Seyi Pavilion and then forcibly refuses to let him go for the rest of his life, wouldn't Yan Shifan's life be ruined?
My father is the Minister of Rites of Jinshi and my son is a translator. If I have a grandson in the future and are forced to become a translator, wouldn’t this be a major downgrade of the class?
Yan Shifan said very bachelorly: "Son, how much can I achieve in my life? I am not important. What else can a prison student say about breaking the sky?
In the end, it all depends on you, father. If you, father, can be in charge of the cabinet, even if I am a translator, no one will dare to look down on me, and the Siyi Hall will not be able to keep me!"
Yan Song didn't say anything anymore and just let his son go to Siyi Pavilion to work off his temper.
Then there are only two professions in Siyi Museum: general manager and translator. What else can you do to your son?
I can succumb to Xia Yan and pretend to be humble on the surface. Do I have to be humble to a fifth-grade Hanlin?
Yan Shifan patted his chest and said: "So father, please rest assured, if Qin Dewei really goes too far, I am not a timid person!
We're trying to make a big fuss, but we still can't decide who is more embarrassed! With a small and broad approach, not only Qin Dewei will do it, but I will too!"
Yan Song sighed, to be honest, if Qin Dewei is porcelain, his son can only be regarded as a tile.
But porcelain and tiles get entangled and collide, and it’s not necessarily who gets the advantage in the end.
Sure enough, the next day, Qin Dewei formally submitted a petition to establish a Western-style pavilion in the Siyi Pavilion and recruit fifteen graduates from the Imperial College as translators.
And he also made a precise list, and the name Yan Shifan was among them.
The memorial was sent to the palace, and the cabinet directly approved the draft. Then it was successfully approved and the decree was sent to the Ministry of Personnel without any hindrance.
People familiar with the matter regarded Yan Shifan's encounter as a manifestation of Qin Dewei's venting of anger, and it was not the fault of being a bad person and blocking Qin Dewei for Yan Shifan's sake.
After Yan Jiansheng, who was attending events in Taichang Temple, received the transfer order, he left Taichang Temple simply and went to the Seiyi Pavilion to report.
The Siyi Pavilion is located outside Dong'an Gate. From this location, we can see how marginal the Siyi Pavilion is.
Most of the important government offices of the imperial court were located outside the left gate of Chang'an, and the Sanfa Department was located in Xicheng. These two places were the core of the imperial court.
However, the Siyi Pavilion was located outside Dong'an Gate, and it did not even have a complete government office.
There are nine small courtyards scattered in the alley, which are the nine pavilions in the Siyi Pavilion.
Walking in a small alley with one foot deep and one foot shallow, Yan Shifan couldn't help but complain that he had never seen an official institution that was less impressive than Siyi Pavilion.
This wave of fifteen newly transferred supervisors were all gathered in an empty courtyard in the alley.
It is said that this courtyard will soon become the new tenth building of the Siyi Pavilion, which is also the Western Pavilion.
Yan Jiansheng scanned everything and found a few classmates he knew, and couldn't help but sneer.
In order to retaliate against himself, Qin Dewei raised the "flag" of transferring the students from the Imperial College to the Imperial Academy, which was simply self-destruction!
You must know that although the Imperial College students have lost their status and are not regarded as "clear stream", and their treatment is far worse than that of Jinshi, they are still one of their family backgrounds.
If you are qualified to be elected officials, if you are lucky, you may be selected as the county magistrate.
Therefore, the Imperial College students who were transferred to be translators at the Siyi Hall actually had resentments in their hearts.
Becoming a translator means that you will completely cut off any hope of becoming an official, and you will have to deal with foreign affairs documents for the rest of your life.
Yan Shifan was well aware of the mood of this group of students, and as long as he looked for opportunities to instigate and subjugate them, these supervisors would sooner or later cause trouble.
Making trouble alone, or making trouble with more than a dozen people in a group, is not the same nature. At least it will make Qin Dewei miserable and lose his face.
Thinking of this, Yan Jiansheng stopped pretending to be the Master of the Ministry of Etiquette and took the initiative to sneak into the Imperial College students and mingle with them.
Not only is it a desire, but it is also a way to protect oneself. This is called the mass foundation.
Although Yan Shifan was not very respectable, he was not short of money or a father. He said to the other supervisors in a generous manner: "I will be the host tonight, let's have fun together."
Jiaofangsi Lehu was under the control of the Ministry of Rites, and the Minister of Rites was his father, Yan Jian.
This triggered a small cheer. It seemed that Yan Shifan would be the core figure among these dozen supervisors.
Yan Shifan couldn't help but secretly feel proud. This time, you, Qin Dewei, will also have a taste of what it's like to be treated as a petty and generous person.
Suddenly, four servants walked into the courtyard gate, and then two more on the left and two on the right stood waiting by the door.
Everyone knew that a big shot was coming.
Then I saw a young official with a complete crown and belt appearing at the gate of the courtyard, walking up the steps with a high head.
After the young official stood on the platform and stood still, he said to everyone in the courtyard: "I, Qin Dewei, have been ordered to supervise the Siyi Pavilion."
The supervisors were suddenly in a daze. The person in front of them was the most successful case among scholars!
Those who take the path of supervising students all succeed in the imperial examination, and Qin Dewei is the youngest to win the imperial examination.
The contrast between looking at others and then looking at yourself is depressing.
Yan Jiansheng's body shape and appearance were so recognizable that Qin Dewei glanced briefly and saw Yan Jiansheng in the crowd, but he didn't pay attention.
The crowd automatically quieted down, knowing that it was time for lectures next.
Qin Dewei spoke eloquently: "As the saying goes, there are three things that a new official should do when he takes office. The first thing that I, the admiral, do when overseeing the Siyi Pavilion is to add a Western-style pavilion!
If you don't know what a Western-style restaurant is for, I'll give you an example.
The newly built Folan cannon last year was obtained from the prototype of the Western Folan machine gun, and then it was successfully copied.
Today’s Westerners have powerful ships and powerful guns, and they will surely become an overseas force that cannot be ignored in the future! Therefore, this new Western-style pavilion is very important!”
All the supervisors and supervisors were there, pretending to listen attentively, but in fact they didn't take it seriously.
Drawing pie and making chicken blood are simply essential skills for being a boss.
Qin Dewei didn't care about other people's attitudes and continued: "Regarding the future affairs of the Western Hotel, just report it directly to me, and I will take care of it myself!
So I am responsible for all fifteen of you, and there is no need to go through other people in the middle!"
This “flat” organizational structure made all supervisors’ eyes light up.
Anyone who understands officialdom knows that it is not important what you do, but who you follow to do it.
This Qin Dewei is recognized as a future superstar. Rumor has it that he is 80% likely to become a minister and 60% likely to become a bachelor!
Most of them are runaway supervisors with no connections, otherwise they would not be selected as translators. They would never have the chance to meet a person of Qin Dewei's level.
But if he could deal directly with Qin Dewei at the Seyi Pavilion, maybe he would be a blessing in disguise and become a well-connected person?
Yan Shifan also felt the change. The yard, which was full of resentment just now, actually had a slightly joyful atmosphere.
But Yan Jiansheng was also really puzzled. How could Qin Dewei, who was famously arrogant, lower his dignity and mingle with such a street-loving group like a Western-style translator?
As he thought about it, Yan Jiansheng was horrified. Could it be that Qin Dewei did not hesitate to do so in order to take revenge on himself?
After Qin Dewei and others digested the "surprise", they started talking about business: "When starting a Western-style restaurant, there are two most important things!
The first is to study the "A Brief Introduction to the West" written by me and understand the general situation of the Western countries!
The second is to find some teachers to teach you the French language! You may also learn other Western languages in the future!"
Then some people actively expressed their position and said: "But it depends on the orders of Academician Qin!"
The first thing is easy to say, everyone can just go to school, but the second thing is difficult, where can I find someone who can speak the French language?
Qin Dewei said confidently: "It's not difficult, it just takes some time. Now the Fo Langji people only appear in Guangdong.
There were some Han Chinese who were proficient in the Fo Lang machine language and worked as generals on the Fo Lang machine ships. It was these Han people who got the prototype of the Fo Lang machine gun.
Therefore, I plan to send people from the Western Pavilion to stay on the coast of Guangdong to look for people who are proficient in Fo Lang Ji's language. The best ones know the information about Fo Lang Ji!
At the same time, we must also collect Western books and information on the activities of the Folangji people in Nanyang, and if necessary, go to sea to conduct field inspections in Nanyang."
The courtyard suddenly became quiet, and everyone was watching, fearing that Shangguan Qin would notice.
Because no one wants to drive eight thousand miles to Guangdong to enjoy the sea breeze. This job is simply the ultimate exile treatment.
Qin Dewei seemed helpless and sighed: "Although it is very difficult, we must send people there, otherwise where can we find a master who understands the Buddhist language?
If you can't even learn the French language, how can you keep a Western restaurant open?"
At this time, only Yan Jiansheng was shocked. He originally thought that after arriving at Siyi Pavilion, he would be in a low status and be trampled on by Qin Dewei in revenge.
But he didn't expect that Qin Dewei would actually do such an errand that was equivalent to being exiled eight thousand miles!
Going to Guangdong to be the governor is called a good job, and going to Guangdong to be the tax collector of the overseas trade market is also a good job.
But if you go to Guangdong to stay on the seaside, blow the sea breeze, find people who can speak Buddhist language, collect books on Buddha language, inquire about news, and possibly go to Nanyang, how different is it from being exiled to the army and exiled for eight thousand miles?
Yan Jiansheng had a hunch that this job was tailor-made for him! The most poisonous thing was Qin Dewei!
Qin Dewei glanced around for a few times, but no one dared to look at him. Even the most unruly Yan Jiansheng lowered his head in fear.
Yan Jiansheng secretly vowed that if Qin Dewei dared to force him to go, he would break up and make a fuss.
But what surprised Yan Jiansheng was that Qin Dewei still didn't mention his name, but instead started to brag:
"I never like to force my work, and I won't force you to do it! So, I will list some conditions, and then you will nominate candidates on your own!
Remember, the principles of my office are fairness, impartiality, and openness! The candidate who is elected is the one whom everyone expects!"
Before anyone could react, Qin Dewei listed several more conditions: "The candidates who will be stationed in Guangdong this time must meet three conditions.
First, they must be unmarried to avoid long-term family separation;
Second, the age should be under twenty-five, so that the body is at its strongest;
Third, it is best to be from the south, preferably from provinces close to Guangdong, so that you can better adapt to the climate of Guangdong."
If you don’t think about it carefully, these conditions are very reasonable. After Qin Dewei finished the list, he stood with his hands behind his hands and said with great grace:
"I fully respect your wishes and will never force others to make things difficult for you. So you should quickly select your own candidate in a fair, just and open manner!"
Yan Shifan always felt that something was wrong. After a dozen supervisors had finished discussing with each other, he found that among them, there was only one candidate who fully met the conditions.
It was none other than Yan Jiansheng, a twenty-three-year-old unmarried man from Jiangxi.
So everyone quickly started the selection process. The process was completely open, fair and fair, and the people voted enthusiastically.
Finally, in response to popular expectations, Yan Jiansheng was collectively elected as the Western Museum's clerk in Guangdong.
Yan Jiansheng was a bit clever, but he was really not mentally prepared to be exiled eight thousand miles and enjoy the sea breeze.
In this world, why are there people more sinister than me?
