Chapter 277 The old people retreat and the new people enter
Chapter 277 The old people retreat and the new people enter
The emperor often painted big cakes, Yang Ting and others knew it.
From the beginning, it was a feast for the Imperial Ancestral Temple, and later it became a feast for the new sages of the previous generation of knowledge. Now, it is also a feast for the princes and even the king.
They have met the newly appointed Duke.
I'm afraid this royal title will just be the same as before, and will be given posthumously.
How much credit does that take?
Yang Tinghe didn't know clearly, but he felt that he would never have that day: the achievements of new learning and new methods could not be achieved in his hands.
And his physical condition didn't allow it.
"I sincerely resign this time."
In the Yangxin Hall, the emperor and his ministers faced each other, and Yang Tinghe sat on a chair with a calm expression.
"The power of thunder comes first, and the kindness of Deze comes later. After the imperial court sets the regulations, all ministers in the ministries and government offices rely on your majesty for promotion. This is the right way." Yang Tinghe looked at the man he elected with complicated eyes.
Emperor, "When your Majesty retires, your Majesty's virtue will turn into spring water, and the whole court will be rejuvenated."
Zhu Houcong was not surprised by his resignation. In the past three years or so, he had become the leader of the New Law Party by accident. It was the right time for him to choose this moment to quit.
If the new law is effective in the future, Yang Tinghe will be indispensable.
If something goes wrong with the new law in the future, that will be a new problem after it is implemented nationwide.
The most important thing is that, despite the cruelty, after a series of purges in the name of treason, there were not only a large number of honorable ministers and generals who were rewarded for their merits, a new Beijing camp, but also many interests such as Huang Mingji, which were tied to them.
Coupled with the middle and lower-level clans who have been granted freedom and opportunities by the emperor, his throne has been completely stabilized.
At least until the new law proves to be unfeasible and Ming Dynasty brews a greater internal crisis.
This moment is when the emperor wants to promote new people.
The new system of Ming Dynasty titles, favor titles, and merit titles was a signal that the emperor wanted to promote new people based on their merit.
The chief minister of the cabinet took the initiative to retire, which was a measure to dispel the impending government restructuring by the central supervisor of the imperial court, and it was also a measure to allow more people to see promotion opportunities.
"I really appreciate the Taibao's loyalty to the country." Zhu Houcong expressed his stance first, and then sighed, "But now I really can't do without Yang Qing."
"I am just showing off my position to those who are worthy, and I have a better place to go. I can rest and recuperate, and I can serve His Majesty for a few more years."
Zhu Houcong was a little curious: "What did Yang Qing think about it?"
Yang Tinghe said solemnly: "Nanjing."
Zhu Houcong was silent, waiting to hear his analysis.
"Southern Zhili has never had a governor, but now it seems that His Majesty has the intention to reform the water transport system. The system of the northern and southern capitals will also be changed sooner or later." Yang Tinghe looked into his eyes calmly, "What Your Majesty wants is the provinces.
The leaders of all the prefectures obeyed Beijing's orders, and in the future they will not do anything that violates the rules of the four prefectures in South Zhili. It's just that Nanjing's public ministers are surrounded by tigers, Jiangnan's officials and gentry are closely connected, and the tax revenue is the highest in the Ming Dynasty. I went to Nanjing for three reasons."
"A story to bring down old people."
"The second is to promote new learning."
"Three things to check for talents."
After Yang Tinghe finished speaking, he looked at Zhu Houcong: "Your Majesty will not have many constraints to control the Huanghuai floods in the future. Let me do my last part for Your Majesty at the local level and come up with a strategy for the big problem of Southern Zhili."
Southern Zhili is too big. Not only in terms of geography and weight, but also in terms of historical origins and interests.
Zhang Zilin, Jiang Mian... the people sent to suppress the situation are getting higher and higher, but they are only temporary measures.
After staying in the center for so long, Yang Tinghe knew the emperor's thoughts too well.
Jiangnan can still be a big player in terms of tax revenue, but it cannot maintain its current size politically, ideologically, and in terms of influence.
The best way is to dismantle it.
But how to dismantle it? It’s too difficult.
Yang Tinghe said that he had been relegated to the second line for a few years, but Zhu Houcong looked at him deeply at this time and knew that Yang Tinghe also had the idea of making great contributions to the world.
From the formation of the huge interest circle of Nanzhili, even if the Manchus later took over, they put weapons first and built prisons with words, it still took hundreds of years to finally consolidate the Nanzhili ancestors that had existed for hundreds of years.
It was changed to Jiangnan Province and then split into the actual three provinces of Anhui, Jiangning and Jiangsu.
In fact, the current configuration of Nanzhili also has such considerations.
In the history of the Southern Zhili Province, the governors of Yingtian and Fengyang visited several prefectures, but they never formed a custom.
Now that the new law is to be implemented nationwide, will the prefectures in Southern Zhili and Northern Zhili still remain under the direct control of the six ministries?
Yang Tinghe knew that what Zhu Houcong wanted was efficiency, but this form was not conducive to improving the efficiency of the implementation of new laws and decrees.
Zhu Houcong stood up, walked over to help him up, and took his hand: "The humerus of Ge Laozhenguo!"
Yang Tinghe stepped back with a smile and saluted: "I am afraid that Jiang Jingzhi has this intention when he is stationed in Yangzhou. I am stationed in Nanjing, so I will echo him from a distance. It is just about what pattern the Southern Zhili will take as its direction. I will participate in the national policy this year.
Meeting, before deciding on the new French policy next year, Your Majesty will let your ministers and Jiang Jingzhi have a charter in mind."
Finally, he paused and then said: "Since I have retired, Your Majesty should use Fei Zichong as the first assistant. Firstly, it means to appease the old party officials and gentry. Secondly, the new law needs to be implemented slowly and practically throughout the country. Thirdly, it also shows that
Nowadays, there is no distinction between the old and the new party in the world. The fourth one is Zhang Maogong, Yan Weizhong still has insufficient qualifications, and the fifth one is to reward Chiang Jingzhi for his "service"."
Zhu Houcong looked at him with emotion.
Fei Hong is indeed a good candidate. Some advantages that Yang Tinghe did not mention include: Fei Hong is not in the same group as Wang Qiong and others, nor is he in the same group as those left by Yang Tinghe. This is still enough for Zhu Houcong.
Checks and balances and space for benefit distribution.
Zhang Fujing and Yan Song do not have enough experience, and they have not been in the place for a long time - they have to serve one or two terms or take a turn to the position of Jiuqing, right?
After the three and four years of Jiajing ended in the fear of rebellion and rebellion, the emperor also needed to bridge the conflicts between the old and the new to stop the internal strife in the Ming Dynasty.
When Yang Tinghe resigned this time, he did so sincerely. He did not give up his job immediately, but discussed it with the emperor first.
At this time, the governors of various provinces and the envoy from Zuo were on their way to Beijing.
During the recent court meeting, the court officials all heard the non-stop tinkling sound from the Huagai Hall in the north. They must have been renovating something there.
They are already familiar with the current imperial system and know that due to last year's rebellion and advisers leaving the capital, the planned triennial special national policy meeting was postponed for a year.
Now, the governors of various provinces and the envoy from the left came to Beijing, obviously to attend this special national policy meeting.
A group of Hanlin scholars disappeared recently, and most of them stayed in the waiting rooms in the palace.
The cabinet academicians knew that they were preparing for this expanded national policy meeting together with the Chief of Ceremonies.
Yang Tinghe became more aware of what kind of special power and honor he was giving up by resigning.
So he knew that when this head was opened again, the restructuring of the central court would never return to what it is now.
After all, among civil servants there will be one, and only one, the highest honor.
No one dared to bring up the matter of Zaifu again in the Ming Dynasty, except the emperor himself.
…
After Zhu Yuanzhang abolished the position of prime minister, he established ancestral precepts in order to prevent the conflict between prime minister power and monarch power.
Later, his descendants could not be as workaholic as him. After generations of evolution, the cabinet bachelor eventually became the de facto prime minister in the middle and late Ming Dynasty.
This thing is inevitable.
To govern such a large empire, the emperor and his ministers must have a good division of labor.
Zhu Houcong mentioned this matter again not only to respect his ministers, but also to focus on three more important areas: ideological work, military work, and scientific and technological work.
As for government affairs in this era, the ministers in this era are more professional than him.
This time, Zhu Houcong gave up some power and only held on to three things more tightly: force, personnel, and financial resources.
Although some of the sixteen "state-owned enterprises" still have "shares" in the original ministries, they already have a dedicated department in charge. This department that will be set up independently will naturally be managed by the emperor's cronies.
The Wuying Palace under renovation will also prepare a new top military decision-making and staff organization to help Zhu Houcong better control the military power of the Ming Dynasty.
All high-ranking officials above the third rank need the emperor's personal approval and appointment.
Of course, high-ranking officials also come up step by step from below, and they need to be recommended by various people along the way.
The Prime Minister and Minister of State of the Ming Dynasty will still not have as much power in the future as the Chief Minister of the Cabinet today.
However, Zhu Houcong did not hesitate to try to stimulate the vitality and potential of the Ming Dynasty with a more reasonable system. The Ming Dynasty already had a professional civil service system that had existed for many years.
If Zhu Houcong did well in ideological work and scientific and technological work, Ming Dynasty would usher in a new era of productivity and institutions.
The process will be long, and Zhu Houcong is exercising.
Huangming University invited famous masters from the so-called "Five Sacred Mountains", and Zhu Houcong had some methods and boxing techniques that were more suitable for him to strengthen his body.
Lin Xiyuan, the editor-in-chief of Ming Pao Bank, was quietly waiting for the emperor to finish his morning exercise in the waiting room of Yangxin Hall, always thinking about the memorial copied to him.
It was a memorial about the Ministry of War's request for Hu Guangping's opinions on his rebellion and meritorious service. Lin Xiyuan was surprised by the single line of the emperor's separate reply.
Why is Yu Dayou mentioned alone?
Lin Xiyuan, courtesy name Maozhen, is from Quanzhou Prefecture, Fujian Province.
To be more precise, he also studied at Zize Academy before becoming a Jinshi.
He is acquainted with Wang Shenzhong and Yu Dayou and is a good friend. He is one of the Ten Sons of Qingyuan Cave jokingly called by the locals in Quanzhou.
Lin Xiyuan was also very sad about the sacrifice of his old friend's father, but he was also happy that Yu Dayou was noticed by the emperor.
The question now is: By mentioning Yu Dayou alone, what kind of signal does the emperor want to send to the government and the public?
Because of that approval, the Ministry of War actually came back with a new opinion: Yu Yuanzhan had meritorious service and was posthumously awarded the title of Chief Qianhu, with the additional hereditary military post of Deputy Qianhu.
Although the new system has not yet touched upon the handling of hereditary military positions, and there is a high probability that they will be downgraded in the future to prevent lower-level soldiers from being able to rise to the top, Yu Dayou will start as a Deputy Qianhu, which is a big step forward from the official Baihu rank.
step.
"Lin Xingxing, Your Majesty is ready to take a bath."
Upon hearing the summons from the eunuch of Yangxin Hall, Lin Xiyuan quickly stood up and straightened his clothes.
The eunuchs here still used to call him walking, and so did people outside.
But when the emperor saw him, he said: "Chief Editor Lin, I want you to think about how to make Ming Pao more popular. Is there any way you can do it?"
After saying that, Zhu Houcong had already lowered his head to read the contents of this first issue.
In the earliest days, Zhu Houcong was of course the more authoritative reviewer. First, he told Lin Xiyuan a more suitable writing style, and second, he had to review the correctness of some of the concepts and information conveyed in it.
After all, this "Ming Pao" shoulders the important task of promoting simplified Chinese characters, publicizing new learning and new laws, and serving as a mouthpiece for public opinion.
Therefore, it needs to be watched by more people, especially people other than officials and gentry.
Lin Xiyuan was a little confused: "Your Majesty, I have been thinking about it for a long time. The decrees of the imperial court, the movements of officials, and the intellectual debates are far away from the lives of the people. I want to publish local content that the people are happy to read. Can I
The only things that come to mind are some cases. Another point is that it takes a long time for local news to reach the capital and then be published here and sent to the local area, not counting the news that His Majesty said."
Zhu Houcong didn't even raise his head: "Take your time. As Ming Pao grows stronger in the future, it will naturally gradually become one publication for each province or even one government. You don't need to think too much, if anyone is willing to read this "Ming Pao", the local government will naturally publish it.
Some people will follow suit. I gave the franchise to Ming Pao Bank first. How you manage the local branches well in the future is the next step."
The speed of information transmission is indeed slow, but this is not a fast-paced era.
This form is good. Officials and gentry all like and are accustomed to reading the imperial newspaper, because they have a clear need to understand the trends of the court.
The topic Zhu Houcong gave Lin Xiyuan was actually the layout content planning of this newspaper.
"In addition to government decrees, important court affairs, and local affairs, there are many aspects of people's livelihood that are also of concern to the people. For example, the teaching of planting and breeding experience at the Agricultural College, the tried and tested prescriptions for disease prevention and recuperation, and the examination questions and honors of various provincial and municipal examinations.
It is possible to select answer papers and introduce the local customs and customs of various places."
Lin Xiyuan was a little dizzy: Is this appropriate? Can this "Ming Pao" be so miscellaneous and inappropriate?
"Remember, this "Ming Pao" itself has to be sold very cheaply. This cost is due to me ordering other companies to pay to publish their business and contact information. For you, the purpose is to make this newspaper read.
The more people, the better. For this reason, we might as well think freely, for example, if we create a competition for poems and essays, if the works of talented people from all over the world are selected and published, wouldn’t they order them locally and publicize them?"
Lin Xiyuan thought about the scene where a talented man from a certain place was ecstatic after his masterpiece was published in a newspaper and became famous all over the country. He also thought about the scene where scholars from all over the world sent poems and articles one after another because they had channels to make their names known to Tianting. He felt that the warehouse of Ming Pao Bank
I'm afraid there will be a lot of letters in the future.
Zhu Houcong continued while reviewing: "In order for more people to like to read, many people cannot afford to buy classics and books that they have never heard of, and they can also be serialized in installments. Once too many are printed, some people will throw them away after reading them.
But for poor children, it may be like a treasure."
Lin Xiyuan also thought of the scene when he was young and copying books.
"Even a serialized storybook would do. First, let the people be happy to read some interesting stories." Zhu Houcong looked up at him and grinned, "Didn't a storybook "Popular Romance of the Three Kingdoms" be published in the first year of Jiajing?
I think I can review it and publish it, and I think it will be very popular among the people. Even if it is just to hear the story and someone can tell it, and someone can know a few more words, that is also good."
Although Yang Shen has not yet written "Linjiang Immortal", although the plot of the current version of "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms" is very different from the version that Zhu Houcong has read, and even has a total of 240 chapters, it is still a
It has appeared.
Zhu Houcong's positioning of "Ming Pao" is not that serious, or it might just be a supplement.
But since this newspaper has the best resource support, the best editorial talent, and the most "professional" consultant guidance, it must succeed and achieve Zhu Houcong's goal.
Lin Xiyuan's imagination was greatly opened up in this Nourishing Heart Hall, and then he realized that he might have mastered a great "weapon".
In the future, a scholar's reputation will depend on whose masterpieces he selects and publishes, right?
If local officials in the future want to demonstrate their merits to the emperor, they will have to look at the deeds of which place he chooses to visit, right?
In the future, so many people will see this newspaper, so is Mingbao Bank another "Metropolitan Procuratorate"?
At this thought, Lin Xiyuan shuddered and looked at the emperor.
Then I saw the emperor put down the handwritten manuscript and looked up at him: "I remember that you are from Quanzhou Prefecture. Do you know Yu Dayou?"
Now that it is known that Yu Dayou is the son of Yu Yuanzhan, the deputy Qianhu of Quanzhou Guards, Zhu Houcong has found him.
Judging from Lin Xiyuan's age, he may have known him. Zhu Houcong wanted to know what Yu Dayou's current state was.
What properties does this SSR card have now?
Lin Xiyuan suddenly felt that the emperor might not have any more intentions, but was simply interested in Yu Dayou.
So what is there about Yu Dayou that is worthy of the emperor’s interest?
"...I and Yu Zhifu have been classmates for many years and studied together at Zize Academy in Quanzhou Prefecture. Zhifu was already a student and originally intended to pursue a scientific career, but he had no choice but to learn that famous swordsmen and military hermits had many distractions. Last year,
I have never passed the provincial examination. Now that I have been favored by His Majesty, if I take up the military post, I will definitely be an all-rounder in both civil and military affairs in the future."
It is of course a good thing to interest the emperor. There is no need to find the reasons and opportunities by oneself. Now that the emperor asked him personally, Lin Xiyuan immediately praised him.
"A military hermit?" Zhu Houcong asked unexpectedly.
Yu Dayou's learning of martial arts was not the focus of Zhu Houcong's interest, but what made him become a powerful general who commanded ten thousand armies was naturally not the use of one against ten, but the ability to lead an army into battle.
Zhu Houcong is more interested in people who can teach him.
"This man's surname is Zhao, and his name is Benxue. He is a descendant of the Zhao and Song Dynasty clan, and has been living in seclusion in Quanzhou Prefecture. Mr. Zhao is known as a master in the "Book of Changes", and he even uses it to deduce the art of war, which is corroborated with "Sun Tzu's Art of War". Chen Jin
The one who studies and manages is the "Book of Changes". Mr. Zhao can actually be regarded as one of his mentors, but he has never won the title of "The Book of Changes" and is ashamed of Mr. Zhao's teachings. Mr. Zhao has written "Tao Qian's Internal and External Chapters" and "Zhao's Notes on Sun Tzu's Art of War"
", it has never been spread. I heard from the letter of my old friend Wang Shenzhong, the new imperial examination son of Fujian, that Yu Dayou has become a disciple of Mr. Zhao and is a disciple of his family."
Seizing the opportunity, he mentioned Wang Shenzhong's name again, who was coming to the capital to prepare for the examination of the Ministry of Etiquette next year.
It’s better to mention your name in front of the emperor first!
Lin Xiyuan discovered another benefit of being the editor-in-chief of Ming Pao Bank - he could still have private conversations with the emperor on a regular basis. Who could underestimate his role?
After hearing this, Zhu Houcong nodded with satisfaction: Although it must not have evolved yet, the basic attributes are already there, just waiting for upgrades.
"In this case, I will send someone to inspect him. If he is really talented and learned, I will invite Zhao Benxue to come to Beijing to work at Huangming University."
Lin Xiyuan's face looked a little strange: "Mr. Zhao... I'm afraid he is not willing."
Zhu Houcong was not surprised. He said he was a hermit.
What's more, a descendant of the royal family of Zhao and Song Dynasty worked for the Zhu family of Ming Dynasty?
After taking a deep look at Lin Xiyuan, Zhu Houcong said: "Taizu expelled Meng Yuan and regained China. I wiped out the Pu family and even restored Yan Yun. Since your mentor is obsessed with the art of war, why don't you join us in this grand event? Furthermore, let's talk about it.
Yes, even if it’s for your old classmates and his disciples, you can do your part whether he wants it or not. I will still send someone to investigate first, but I believe that what you said in front of me is true."
When Lin Xiyuan heard the words "classmates and old friends", he was shocked and lowered his head: "I understand, I will try my best to persuade you."
Zhu Houcong closed the sample of the first issue: "After this newspaper is published in all provinces, the government and the public will understand that I am a man of talent. People with great ambitions should generously go to the prosperous times. Didn't you also make up your mind after you have been by my side for some time?
Are you determined to give up the possibility of becoming a companion in the royal study?"
He smiled and put the sample manuscript aside: "That's it for this issue. You did a good job and you chose well. Maozhen, I can tell you clearly that now you have left a mark in the history of history.
It’s a big deal.”
This is what Zhu Houcong can confirm. How many people originally knew that there was a Jinshi named Lin Xiyuan in the Jiajing Dynasty?
However, hundreds of years later he will definitely have this label: the first editor-in-chief of the first official newspaper.