In the early morning of February 16th, five people lined up in two rows and were walking slowly north from between the palace walls on the west side of the three main halls.
Among these five people, there are actually two people wearing green robes.
You must know that those of the fifth, sixth and seventh grades should all wear green robes, and only the eighth and ninth grades can wear green robes.
Of these two green robes, one is standing behind Tang Shun, which means that he is taking the Jingguo Martial Arts Examination.
That's right, these are the five people who have actually stood out in this subject system after entering the papers and planning the exam. Now, they are just competing for the top spot in the two subjects.
It was only a matter of time before these two people took off their green robes.
However, for such a difficult subject to have two winners below level 7, it is truly a miracle.
When we arrived in front of the gate of Yangxin Palace, the person leading the way went around to the east again.
The location of the imperial examination is in Qianqing Palace.
Enter the palace and see you, Your Majesty.
Zhu Houcong sat on the throne and looked at the five people below with a smile on his lips.
"Today we are choosing the leader. The positions of the two earls are only one step away." He encouraged, "Answer my strategy first. We will give you a banquet here at noon and play the countermeasures in the afternoon. Jingguo Military Strategy Department, Dongnuan Pavilion .Ding Guoan Minke, Xi Nuan Pavilion. Let’s all go.”
"I accept the decree and thank you for your kindness!"
Three people went west and two people went east.
It had been a long time since the Qianqing Palace came into the court's sight. Now, after Tang Shunzhi took a glance at it, he felt that this place was no longer like what he had imagined.
This Dongnuan Pavilion is really like a classroom, with many tables and chairs, and a dark board hanging on the wall.
Now, words have been written on the board, and a picture has even been drawn.
Lu Bing is presiding here. He just points to the blackboard: "The topic is on the board. This map is more detailed on your case. The time is three hours."
Tang Shunzhi saw the clock in the Nuan Pavilion from the corner of his eye, but his eyes stayed on the board.
As expected, it was about border towns. The questions were very concise and did not contain as much information as the policy test questions.
"A tentative discussion of the Ming Dynasty's military and political strategy toward the North from the perspectives of history, politics, population, economy, property, geography, etc."
The very big questions are only used to test the top geniuses.
In just three hours, what kind of answers they can give depends on their ability.
Now, Tang Shunzhi has figured it out: Your Majesty and the imperial court must have a comprehensive strategy for Beiyuan. In fact, there is already a reference answer to this question.
As a disciple of Yang Yiqing and Wang Shouren, and as a friend of Lu Bing, Tang Shunzhi could guess some clues even though he didn't know the whole story.
Doesn't this give him a title?
Can Zheng Xiao, who was imprisoned for a time because of Hui Anbo's rebellion case, beat him?
At this time, Zheng Xiao only stared at the map on his desk.
His life was smooth for the first twenty-five years. In the second year of Jiajing's reign, he was awarded Jinshi and was appointed as the head of the Military Department. At the beginning of the next year, the Zheng family of Pujiang was implicated in the Hui Anbo case, and he was also convicted and imprisoned.
During his two years in prison, he drew a set of "Nine Sided Illustrations" and presented them to him based on the contents of the documents he had read in his memory when he was working as a commander. Then he was released early and returned to the Ministry of War to make a
Eighth grade minor official.
Of Wang Shouren's two recommendation quotas, one was naturally given to Tang Shunzhi, and the other was given to him.
Now, Zheng Xiao knew how strong Tang Shunzhi was, and he did not expect to defeat him.
But I hope that after seizing this opportunity to make science, I can stand up again.
In Xinuan Pavilion, the three of them were faced with a thick volume of materials, which seemed to take half an hour.
The distribution of warehouses in the world and the data of the past twenty years, the transportation plan of Daming Sea, River, and Land Roads that has been decided at the national policy meeting, and the transportation enterprise development plan using Huangmingji Transportation, River Transportation Bureau, and Maritime Transportation Bureau as examples
, the jurisdiction and responsibilities of the imperial treasury, the revenue and expenditure data of the past twenty years, and the existing regulations and rules of the tax collection system from the Ministry of Household Affairs to the local governments.
Title: "On the Reform of the National Treasury and Local Treasury Systems in the Ming Dynasty".
It's still huge and ridiculously rare.
This is a big topic that took the emperor and his advisers many years to consider thoroughly, but now these three people have seen a very clear direction: the imperial court must establish a unified treasury, and the imperial court and local finances must form new rules.
.
What about the internal shipping warehouse?
In the main hall of Qianqing Palace, Zhu Houcong looked at the resumes of several people.
Needless to say, Tang Shunzhi.
Zheng Xiao, Jinshi in the second year of Jiajing, was born in the Haiyan Zheng family. He and the Pujiang Zheng family involved in Zhang Wei's rebellion case are from the same ancestor, but they have long been different branches. It was just to create a situation back then, and because he was indeed guilty of dereliction of duty, he was assigned to the Ministry of Punishment
He spent more than two years in prison.
After Wang Shouren returned to Beijing and became Minister of the Ministry of War, he presented "Nine Side Maps" and was released from prison early, and he was re-employed in the Ministry of War.
In prison, he still had a clear nine-sided picture in his mind. It was just something he had accumulated in the past and had written down as the head of the Staff Division of the Ministry of War for several months.
He is a talented person, but I don’t know how much resentment I have in my heart now.
There were three people who passed the Dingguoan Civil Science Examination: Li Mo, Weng Wanda, and Xu Jiusi.
Li Mo, a Jinshi in the 16th year of Zhengde, was appointed as the head of the Guangdong Qingli Department of the Ministry of Household Affairs. Such a figure officially appeared today, and the reason is very simple: from Yang Tan to Wu Tingju to the current Minister of Household Affairs, no one is willing to help
He was promoted, even if his performance appraisal improved after the Beijing inspection last year.
It’s so useful. I hope he will continue to connect with Guangdong and provide more experience summaries on the implementation of the new law.
But I have been the head of the sixth rank for six years, so I should no longer put pressure on other people's career.
Weng Wanda, a Jinshi in the fifth year of Jiajing's reign, was appointed as the head of the Jiangxi Qing Li Department in the Ministry of Household Affairs, and now works as a seventh-grade secretary under Yang Shen.
Judging from his resume, he came from a poor family in Jieyang County, Chaozhou Prefecture, Guangdong. He lost his mother at the age of five and was poor since he was a child. He had just been awarded the Jinshi Scholarship. Logically speaking, he would not have many connections, but at the same time he got Zhang Fujing from Shandong and Gui E in Sichuan.
, recommended by Huang Zuo, who was now transferred to the right minister of the Ministry of Civil Affairs in Nanjing, because he worked as an aide in Guangdong to earn money while studying.
Those who experienced the trial implementation of the new law in Guangdong are both practical and talented.
The last person, Xu Jiusi, is thirty years old. He was born in Guixi, Jiangxi Province. The people who recommended him were actually Fei Hong, Wang Qiong, and Yan Song. Two fellow Jiangxi fellows and a minister of the Ministry of Civil Affairs did not know what his reputation was.
The news reached the ears of the three people, and it was only last year that they became a small county magistrate in the Jiangxi government office reform.
Zhu Houcong looked at the reasons for their recommendation: He was extremely upright, diligent, thrifty, patient and self-reliant, and his reputation for virtue spread far and wide. He had both political integrity and talent, but the imperial examination was bumpy. He only won the imperial examination in the fourth year of Jiajing, and he was still on the deputy list. Since he took office, the people have been at ease.
Like a son, his official reputation is excellent.
This made Zhu Houcong wonder: Since he was not good at taking exams, why did he stand out in the more difficult subjects this time?
He turned around and told Zhang Zuo in a low voice: "Bring them their admission papers and examination papers."
For this subject, Zhu Houxuan was promised two counts.
Today, he has nothing else planned.
Use the morning to get to know them.
Zhu Houcong was already very aware of their talents, knowledge, and experience among the other four people. Only Xu Jiusi was recommended by Fei Hong, Wang Qiong, and Yan Song at the same time. Zhu Houcong did not quite understand why he was recommended by Fei Hong, Wang Qiong, and Yan Song.
It just so happened that he passed the CCE test with his background as a Juren.
Soon, the five people's entrance papers and test essays were sent over.
Zhu Houcong was the first to pick up Xu Jiusi's essays and strategies and read them one by one.
Between the lines, the chapters and strategies are a bit like the original Huang Zuo: official rule, official rule, still sweet official rule.
Zhu Houcong couldn't help laughing when he saw an article in the paper: Just open up wasteland, grow vegetables, raise chickens and ducks to reduce government showdowns. After the new law, local officials are asked to do this on their own. Why bother?
He gradually understood why Xu Jiusi always failed in the imperial examinations: he was too practical and talked about many things in too small a detail. In the past, the imperial examinations, even those involving current affairs, had a lot of broad content.
It's just that between the lines, the image of a workaholic, very frugal, very able to endure hardships, but also able to make righteous demands on his colleagues gradually became clear.
"...Go to the Internal Affairs Department and the Civil Service Department to see if there is any evaluation of Xu Jiusi's performance."
After a long time, another excerpt of the memorial was placed on Zhu Houcong's desk.
After looking at it, Zhu Houcong could only grin: Sure enough, he was disliked by others. He had only been the county magistrate for less than half a year, but he forced a magistrate away and impeached and convicted three old officials in the county where he served.
But even though he was such a scoundrel, there was no record of his superiors or colleagues impeaching him.
You just didn’t leave any clue or reason to others?
"... Could it be that your surname is also Hai..."
Zhang Zuo only heard the emperor mumble, but he didn't know why.
What Zhu Houcong didn't know was that Xu Jiusi was really a bit like Hai Rui, but he was not as famous as Hai Rui.
But now, just looking at talent and ability, Xu Jiusi should not be able to pass the examination.
After thinking about it for a while, he understood that Fei Hong, Wang Qiong, and Yan Song recommended this person because they wanted to set a benchmark.
The number of officials in the Ming Dynasty is expanding rapidly. The court needs to recruit a large number of people to serve as officials. At the same time, it needs to do a good job in governing the officials. It is even necessary to make greater efforts to discipline those slick old officials.
A candidate who passed the examination and soared into the sky, which is an encouragement to the candidate not to waste his time in vain.
A guy who is extremely honest and honest and shows no mercy to corrupt and petty officials has been promoted. This is also the direction of the court.
As for Fei Hong, Wang Qiong, and Yan Song, Fei Hong, the civil servant leader, was making a pretentious statement that the new law would give the world's gentry more opportunities to advance, while Wang Qiong wanted to express more specifically what he respected as the Minister of Civil Affairs.
As for the standard of official administration, as for Yan Song... if you want to accumulate more power for lower-level officials, you can kill two birds with one stone by recommending Xu Jiusi.
A fellow countryman, a capable minister, a low-born person... not only showed the emperor his principle of placing more emphasis on virtue and talent when recommending officials, but also showed to others his eclectic approach to recommending talents - Xu Jiusi could do it, who else couldn't?
Xu Jiusi is an extreme, Zhu Houcong confirmed.
There is nothing wrong with him, at least he is a good official who is upright, honest, diligent and frugal.
Even if it is erected as a benchmark, it does have meaning in the big game of the court.
No wonder only two people passed the Jingguo Martial Arts Examination, but three people passed the Dingguoan Civil Examination.
In fact, they are all with each other at PK.
When the banquet was given at noon, Xu Jiusi added another element of drama and bowed before leaving the banquet: "Your Majesty, the food is enough to satisfy your hunger! Your Majesty has the ambition to feed the people of the world, and I am filled with admiration. Now the number of officials in the world has increased dramatically, and border troubles are endless.
It is difficult for the imperial court to finance its expenditures, and even the questions for the imperial examinations are all based on financial calculations. I believe that the emperor and his ministers should set an example by being diligent and thrifty. This royal banquet is too luxurious, and I can't swallow it because I think of the suffering of the people."
The other four people looked at Xu Jiusi blankly, and then looked at the emperor together.
Zhu Houcong's expression was complicated.
You probably really should be named Hai.
"...What you said makes sense, but today is a ceremony to control subjects, and it has its own etiquette." Zhu Houcong did not want to pretend, "I know that you have always encouraged yourself with diligence, frugality, and patience. Even if you give a banquet, all the dishes have been cooked.
Okay, wouldn't it be a waste to change it? Eat more, and treat it as a reward from me on behalf of the people for loving the people like a son."
Xu Jiusi was silent for a while, and then said: "I dare you to ask me for a plate of steamed buns and pickled vegetables. Once I get used to delicious food, I may not be able to control my appetite."
"...In that case, I will ask you to do so."
With the moral pacesetter present, the other four people felt uncomfortable eating.
Zhu Houcong felt that the example set by Fei Hong and others was too outrageous. How many people could be like him?
He, Zhu Houcong, couldn't do it, and he didn't agree with doing it to such an extreme.
Then before the duel was played in the afternoon, Zhu Houcong first looked at everyone's strategies.
In fact, all important ministers participated in the discussion of many issues, and Zhu Houcong just took a look at their structure and thinking.
Among these five people, Tang Shunzhi and Li Mo have obvious advantages. Although Weng Wanda is quite capable, after all, he was only admitted as a Jinshi last year, so his experience in court practice is still somewhat inferior.
As for Xu Jiusi, there is a slight gap in ability between him and the other four.
The result will not be announced today. Zhu Houcong called Fei Hong and Wang Qiong over after "interviewing" them.
"Then Xu Jiusi, if you let him pass the policy test, what are your plans for the future?"
Fei Hong asked: "But where did he offend Tianwei?"
Zhu Houcong laughed: "That's not the case, I can only live upright. I'm just a little curious. I'm afraid you have some arrangements for recommending this person?"
Wang Qiong nodded: "He is upright and unkind. Once used, it is a precious sword. I have discussed it. Yang Getai is in Yingtian, and there is still a need for someone brave enough to move forward. This Xu Jiusi, I intend to make a career in the system.
Later he was recommended as Yingtianxunjian Censor."
"...Then Yingtian Mansion isn't going crazy?" Zhu Houcong had a hard time imagining that Xu Jiusi went to that luxurious place and went to that extravagant place to go crazy and impeach all the officials in Nanjing. "Nanzhili can only simmer slowly.
Xu Jiusi... let him be assigned to the Ministry of Industry."
"Ministry of Industry?" Wang Qiong was stunned for a moment.
"When the water is clear, there will be no fish. Official administration always needs a little oil and water to lubricate it. He can be used as a role model, but he cannot be seriously allowed to be an official, or even a leader. He is too accepting of death." Zhu Houcong gave his own opinion.
, "The Ministry of Industry will soon have many large projects. The quality of construction, procurement expenditures, and labor are paid to the bank. If he is responsible for supervising the construction, he will be able to abide by the rules."
Wang Qiong couldn't help but look at Fei Hong.
But at present, many of those who have the ability to be purchased by the Ministry of Industry are from powerful families. When the time comes to realize the truth, will they really not let these things lack "lubrication" and delay the construction period?
Zhu Houcong only said: "In the future to manage the Huanghuai River and build the Chi Road, there must be someone who cares for the workers and craftsmen. Qin built the Great Wall and Sui opened the canal. What happened to the suffering of labor? These projects that will benefit the future are not planned.
The good thing is the suffering of this generation. The money that the imperial court has prepared for these things cannot let the people suffer without getting the rewards they deserve."
"...Your Majesty is very worried."
"The person who broke the situation in Nanjing, let Gui E go." Zhu Houcong said, "He has principles, is willing to punish people, has a sense of proportion, and has no lack of temper. It is just right for Sichuan Inspector to be promoted to Yingtian Prefecture Yin."
The interlude of course preparation is over, and the results will be announced the next day.
Tang Shunzhi, the leader of the military affairs department of Jingguo, and Li Mo, the leader of the Dingguoan and civil affairs department.
The Ministry of Rites has already prepared the two earl positions promised by the emperor: Uncle Jingbian and Uncle Changping.
For this time, the Ministry of Rites also prepared a ceremony to let the world know the emperor's eagerness for talents.
The rest of the etiquette is very conventional, but there is the added honor of being paraded on horseback in a top-notch robe given by an earl.
They were both young, but they were awarded the title of earl at such a young age. The gentry and people in the capital looked at them with envy.
Li Mo kept a straight face as always. Although Tang Shunzhi was smiling, he felt a lot of pressure.
Because regarding the two of them's posts after becoming uncles, they had already been told by the emperor in his audience on the day the results were announced.
The formal official positions jumped from the sixth rank to the fourth rank. Li Mo went to the General Department of Taxation, while Tang Shunzhi's new position will be: Governor of Xuanfu, Datong District, in charge of military affairs, and also supervise grain and wages and Huailai Ordnance Park.
Soon, very soon, this appointment will be announced and he will become the target of public criticism.
After the Civil War, due to the deterioration of the border defense situation, the original governors of Xuanda and Datong were jointly established in Datong and Xuanfu instead of one each in order to improve efficiency.
If the castle is not repaired and the food is not provided, the fault lies with the ministers; if there is an invasion of the enemy, the fault lies with the general soldiers.
Now, Governor Xuanda has reappeared, and he is a young man who is only twenty years old. He has many more responsibilities and powers. He is not only the counselor of military affairs, but also the governor in charge of the two towns.
Come to the Ordnance Park.
Bingxu Ke's top civil and military scholars gathered at Xuanda University, and Tang Shunzhi, who had high hopes from the emperor, had already been informed of some things.
If it breaks down, he, Tang Shunzhi, becomes one of the baits.
Now when I went to supervise the construction of the Huailai Ordnance Park, the matter became very serious: this ordnance park was not fake, and the twenty-year-old earl newly appointed by the emperor was in charge.
But he is responsible for too many things, and he still needs to governor Xuanda?
In Datong, Zhang Wenjin had heard Wang Xian tell the news, so he asked in shock: "What is this for?"
"When he comes, you just go back to Beijing to report on your duties first." Wang Xian didn't say much, "You have been governor of Datong for several years. If I hadn't suppressed you, you and Zhu Zhen would have fought early. Now you have other appointments, Datong generals
You can also feel more at ease. A few days ago, you had to wait for Marquis Wu Ding to come before paying out wages and rewards, which almost caused another mutiny!"
"Why do they want money in a hurry? Don't the governors know? Now that the money has been paid, what will be done to subdue these warriors when Marquis Wu Ding comes again? Are they going to report disaster to the court again and ask for pay?" Zhang Wenjin was very angry: "It's just a mere incident.
With Shuozhou's small victory, can Bianzhen feel at ease? Then Tang Shunzhi has never been to Bianzhen, how can he make the powerful generals of Bianzhen fear him? With so many missions, can he take care of them? "
"Wen Jin!" Wang Xian said in a deep voice, "Don't you obey His Majesty's decree?"
"How many times have I told you that the Tatars will definitely not give up this year! Do your majesty and the princes in the court think that a small victory can make the Tatars settle down?" Zhang Wenjin looked up to the sky and sighed, "That's it, wait until I get back.
Jing, let’s meet Chen Shijian again!”
Wang Xian frowned.
Given Zhang Wenjin's temper, staying in Datong will ruin the strategy.
At the end of February, when Zhang Wenjin went out of the city to welcome Guo Xun and others into the city, he saw his naughty appearance and lamented in his heart: Are you asking for punishment to guard the border? Are you here to take credit for your merits, and talk shamelessly about building the Xuening Five Forts and advancing?
Fengzhou Beach, re-implementing the strategy of searching for traps in the past.
At this time, young Uncle Jingbian had just chosen three hundred pacesetters and arrived in front of Juyong Pass. The governors of Datong and Xuanfu towns already had pacesetters. If he was promoted a little higher, he would have a force under his command that should not be underestimated.
In the capital city behind him, the Ministry of Industry and the Construction Bureau were still recruiting craftsmen for the Huailai Ordnance Park and the Guanting Reservoir.
At this time, the good news once again spread back to Wujin County, Changzhou Prefecture, and the Tang Mansion was once again decorated with lanterns and decorations.
"Winning three yuan in a row, he is the leader of all subjects, he has twenty titles, he is the first person in history!"
Tang Shunzhi's parents were stupid, and this son was simply a machine to honor his ancestors, but now he was excited and worried at the same time.
Aren't you a good scholar? Why did you pass the Jingguo Military Science Examination and now you have to go to a border town?
By mid-March, Shi Tianjue also brought news back from the private markets in various accounts.
"Khan, I'm so happy!" Shi Tianjue beamed with joy, "Then Emperor Zhu Ming used his favorite ministers arbitrarily, and Xingchen, a nerd who only knew how to take exams, was made an earl at the age of twenty, and even came to Xuanda to be the governor of two towns! Xiao
If we win one victory, we will think that our country has no worries, so we have to build an ordnance park in Huailai, cast weapons, and plan for the Northern Expedition! They simply treat our heroic soldiers on the grassland as if they are nothing!"
But Ida frowned: "Based on what I knew before, the Han emperor is also very capable. This is probably a trap."
Shi Tianjue was extremely confident: "A new fortress is being built in Datong, and a large-scale construction project is going to be carried out in Huailai. Needless to say, both soldiers and civilians are recruited to do hard labor. And the food and salary of Xuan Da are all in the hands of the young Uncle Jingbian.
There will definitely be a quarrel between the two towns. For so many years, Datong and Xuanfu have their own people in charge of food and salary. With sudden changes, how can there be no chaos? Khan, there will definitely be chaos in Xuanda!"
Ida shook his head: "Bodi is still waiting for news from other tribes. No matter what, we must first see if it is a trap."
He stared at Shi Tianjue and solemnly ordered: "Go and explore again! If this is really the case, there is no need to worry. If Huailai really wants to build some ordnance park to cast weapons, then a lot of good iron will definitely be transported, right?
When they finish building it and all the skilled craftsmen are here, this is not a lie, and Bodie will definitely be moved."
At this moment, Tang Shunzhi had just slowly arrived in Datong and met Wang Xian, Guo Xun and Zhang Wenjin.
"Uncle Jingbian, take care of yourself!"
Zhang Wenjin was quite rude, and had all the handover materials and materials such as the customs clearance seal ready. After the meeting, he was extremely rude and walked out with a straight face, saying: "Let's go back to Beijing!"
"...Wang Dutai, what does this mean?" Tang Shunzhi looked confused.
Wang Xian replied calmly: "I rushed back to Beijing to remonstrate, because I'm afraid you will ruin the overall situation of the border town."
"..." Tang Shunzhi could only smile bitterly when he heard this, "Does everyone in Datong think that I will do bad things when I come here?"
Guo Xun looked at him expectantly, but Wang Xian just sat there calmly.
Tang Shunzhi looked at the two people, then at the Governor's Office of the Governor's Office in Datong, where there was no one else there, and finally at the gate.
He slowly walked over and closed the door, then walked steadily back to the two of them.
"A fierce cold wind is blowing." He spoke.
Guo Xun suddenly grinned: "It's so miserable! Brother, you really shoulder a heavy responsibility!"
Your Majesty, it is true. Guo Xun cried to death.
He sent both a martial arts champion and a literary champion.
Guo Xun naturally knew that neither of them had been officials for long, but he already knew Yu Dayou's abilities. When Yu Dayou talked about Tang Shunzhi, his expression was touching.
Guo Xun is now extremely convinced by His Majesty's eyes.
Wang Xian, however, still looked at Tang Shunzhi calmly: "Uncle Jingbian is so talented, I am rude, so I have to test him first."
He had the capital to say this. After all, he was appointed as the Governor of Xuanda as the Minister of War. Later, Tang Shunzhi, the Governor of Xuanda, had to be controlled by Wang Xian.
Tang Shunzhi saluted humbly: "This should be done, please give me advice!"
Wang Xian's expression finally relaxed a little, and he nodded slightly: At least he's not arrogant.
Tang Shunzhi was always being tested, and he was never afraid of being tested.
After nightfall, Guo Xun and Wang Xian left here.
"Supervisory platform?" Guo Xun watched happily as Wang Xian walked to his horse in a daze.
Wang Xian came to his senses and glanced at the "heartless" Guo Xun.
Are you laughing so hard?
Then he could only shake his head, walk towards the horse led by his own soldiers, and leave a message: "Marquis Guo, you are the commander-in-chief of Datong, and you have a heavy responsibility on your shoulders. No matter how good the temple is, it cannot do without Marquis Guo."
Guo Xun's expression froze: You don't have to use curse words when you curse, right? Tell me not to hold you back?
But after being immersed in the joy of the emperor feeding cakes for so long, Guo Xun still looked back at the governor's office in the wind of the spring night.
His eyes were full of complex admiration, and he felt deeply that he had a good ancestor.
Now, it is his turn to strive to be praised by his descendants as a good ancestor, not an unworthy ancestor.