Hearing what Li Shimin said, Meng Xinghe suddenly remembered that Mr. Du had mentioned this matter in Taoyuan a year ago. He remembered that he had said at that time that establishing studies by subjects and establishing examinations by subjects is a teaching innovation. Only in this way can we break the traditional essay-based approach. Selecting talents can also cultivate more people who are interested in Neo-Confucianism. Then China will not gradually fall behind others.
Although Meng Xinghe does not intend to do anything big, it is related to whether future generations can live and work in peace and contentment without being bullied. Of course, he firmly supports the establishment of separate schools and examinations.
"My lords, as the saying goes, there is a hierarchy of learning, a specialization in skills, and a person with strong martial arts. He is better than a scholar who has no strength to tie a chicken. He goes into battle to kill the enemy. There is also a person who has the courage to be unstoppable by ten thousand people. A person with extraordinary skills. .Have the ability of ingenuity. The things created can strengthen and rejuvenate the country. Small things can benefit the people. They can replace manpower and benefit the country and the country over time. People who are merchants and traders can promote the development of states and counties. Reduce the gap between the rich and the poor in various places. Coordinate and balance. Reduce local riots and increase national treasury tax revenue; people who are pure readers can inherit the unique knowledge of the past saints, establish a new world, pray for all people, and leave classics for future generations. If these four things are unified, they can open subjects in various county schools and recruit students. Military generals send their children to study martial arts, craftsmen send their children to study engineering, businessmen send their children to study business, and literati send their children to study literature. Everyone has their own interests and does not interfere with each other. They can also choose each other's favorite subjects. Then the imperial court will set up examination subjects for assessment. To establish schools by dividing subjects, and then divide subjects and set up examinations. Such a feat. Let them learn what they learn, and what they learn is in line with world affairs. Then our Tang Dynasty will surely prosper forever."
Meng Xinghe analyzed every sentence in great detail. In just a few sentences, he clearly classified the four categories of scholars, farmers, industry and commerce into the school. As he said, he really divided his studies into subjects and took examinations according to subjects. But he really cultivated different people. This kind of talent is indeed a pioneering work for the ages. However, if this is the case, then wouldn’t the status of those who follow the literature become extremely low?
"Although what Lord Meng said is true, if this law is implemented, all states and counties will immediately open schools for other subjects and equip them with teachers for this subject. This would be too laborious and waste money. Moreover, it cannot be implemented immediately. Realize it. I think it is inappropriate."
Hou Junji, who was standing behind Hou Wenhai, stood up. Although what Meng Xinghe said temporarily won the hearts of many ministers, this move was too sudden. Besides, the Tang Dynasty did not have so many masters who knew other subjects. Meng Xinghe Those words had a great structure and sounded very exciting. However, they were very difficult to implement. Hou Junji found the weak points and attacked them. The purpose was to make this popular person in the eyes of the Holy Emperor look embarrassed.
Li Shimin was particularly difficult to deal with. Both sides made sense. They set up examinations in different subjects and divided their studies into subjects. It was indeed a pioneer in teaching. But it was indeed difficult to implement. He had trouble making a decision for a while, so he set his sights on Meng Xinghe.
Knowing that he had to tell his own plan, Meng Xinghe stood a few steps forward and came to the center of the lobby. Although he and Hou Junji had personal grudges, they could all be resolved off the stage. As ministers of the same dynasty, one should be humble. Meng Xinghe He smiled and said, "Master Hou, what you said is wrong. I just talked about the benefits of setting up schools by subjects and setting up examinations by subjects. I didn't say a plan. Why are you so anxious? Although this matter is a matter within the etiquette department, it is too unfounded to worry. "
Humiliated by his ridicule, Hou Junji's face turned pale. He was not as good at talking as Meng Xinghe. He said humorously: "Let's see, Mr. Meng, what good ideas you have."
Meng Xinghe did not speak big words. He thought about it in his mind and quickly came up with the answer: "Chang'an, the western capital, and Luoyang, the eastern capital, are important cities in the country. Your Majesty can set up model schools in these two places as national trials. Learning points. If feasible, these two places can also train a group of outstanding talents for Datang within three years. The three-year period can not only prove whether this move is feasible, but also lay the foundation for future nationwide promotion. If the Holy One thinks this method is feasible, then I am willing to donate three months' salary as a small amount of money to build a model school. This is for no other reason than to allow the descendants of the Tang Dynasty to continue to strive for self-improvement. It would be arrogant and lagging behind others. ."
Three months' salary is like a drop in the bucket to Meng Xinghe. He does not lack those dozens of taels of silver. But he knows that education is the basis of a century-old plan. If you are too arrogant, other countries will eventually open the country with artillery and foreign guns. Those are the days of humiliation. He I just hope that this teaching method can be implemented sooner. It can also be considered as some merit for future generations.
Facing the plan proposed by Meng Xinghe, Hou Junji said nothing. Obviously he knew that he had made a fool of himself in front of others again. His eyes showed a fierce look, and he really hated Meng Xinghe.
It was really embarrassing. Hou Wenhai secretly cursed his incompetent son and immediately complimented: "Your Majesty, Lord Meng, this method is feasible. I am also willing to donate three months of my salary to do my best to build a model school."
Hou Wenhai was cunning and cunning. When he saw that the momentum was not right, he immediately took advantage of the situation and offered words of flattery. Li Shimin agreed when he saw the Minister of Rites. He had just heard Meng Xinghe's bold words and plan and felt that this method was feasible. With a stroke of his pen, he immediately He wrote the correct words on the memorial, and then said happily: "Dear ladies, do you have any opinions?"
The ministers obviously had no objection. They all nodded to show their goodwill. They also reluctantly accompanied Meng Xinghe, a junior official, to donate three months' salary. They secretly cursed Meng Xinghe for being unkind. He, a historian, donated dozens of taels. Money was not enough. But if everyone in the civil and military dynasties donated three months' salary, it would be equivalent to saving a lot of money for the court. There would be no problem in establishing a model academy.
Li Shimin saw that the officials who had donated several taels of silver in the past were bleeding profusely today. He was secretly happy that Meng Xinghe had done something beautiful for him again. He was happy in his heart. In front of the civil and military officials of the court, Li Shimin also said excitedly: "Since This move is a precedent for opening the imperial examination. We now have more than ten imperial sons. From now on, we will set up a pavilion in the palace for them to study different subjects. This shows my determination to reform the imperial examination."
Li Shimin was in high spirits. He was obviously very concerned about this matter. The imperial examination is related to the fate of the country. If this can be done, the Tang Dynasty will prosper soon.
When all the ministers saw that His Majesty was working so hard to govern, they all followed his wishes and flattered him and knelt down: "Your Majesty is wise. All the princes and princesses set an example. This is indeed a blessing to all the people in the world. Long live my emperor."
The deafening sounds of slapping horses echoed in the Tai Chi Hall. This scene looked too fake. Meng Xinghe quietly slipped back to his seat, hiding in the dark corner and waiting to go to court.
Not long after, the palace officials announced that they were withdrawing from the court. All the ministers left the Tai Chi Hall and returned to their respective offices. If you had nothing to do, you would prepare your sedan chair and return to your home.
Master Fang, Master Du and Meng Xinghe walked all the way to the Hanlin Academy.
"Brother Meng, on behalf of all the people in the world, I thank you for being able to plead for them in the court today." Du Ruhui said piously. Before coming to court, the daughter of the family had repeatedly warned her to get this matter done. Otherwise, she would I will never pay attention to myself as a father. I know that my daughter is very concerned about this matter. I mentioned it to the Ministry of Rites many times but did not get an accurate reply. Only then did I think of this method of direct remonstrance. Now I finally got the solution. Thanks to Meng Xinghe’s sharp mouth and provocative words. Only then can the Benchaotang be so smooth.
Hearing Du Ruhui express his thanks, Meng Xinghe did not dare to take credit. He said in fear: "Master Du, there is no need to thank me. I also contribute my efforts to future generations. However, I have lost three months of salary by letting you all accompany me. Please don't go home. It would be better if my wife pinched my ears."
This kid started talking nonsense again. Du Ruhui had long been used to disapproving of it. The elegant Fang Xuanling felt a little uncomfortable. Although today he agreed that Meng Xinghe's suggestion was indeed a precedent. But he just didn't know why this kid had such a thing in his mind. What a weird idea. He even knows the profound words in the model school and the national experimental point. I don’t know where this kid learned it. I have read a lot of books and I don’t have the insight to say this. Could it be that this kid has someone in his family? The book cannot be written from heaven.
Although he had this idea in his mind, Fang Xuanling didn't like to gossip. He had nothing to say all the way. He soon arrived at the Hanlin Academy.
The three of them came at the same time. Wang Guinian, who was waiting next to the Hanlin Academy, ran over with a happy smile. He first said hello to the two adults, and then told Meng Xinghe the good news. He said: "Congratulations, Brother Meng. Got promoted."
Meng Xinghe didn't know where the joy came from. He said doubtfully: "Brother Wang, please don't show off. But it doesn't matter. If it's really a happy event, then I'll treat you all to a drink."
I couldn't guess where I was happy. Meng Xinghe was neither sad nor happy and was very indifferent. Wang Guinian didn't show off. He said bluntly: "Just now, the Holy Father asked my brother to bring me an oral message. He asked you to put down the affairs of the Hanlin Academy for the time being. Go and be a doctor in the palace just set up in the palace. He will be responsible for teaching science courses to the princes and princesses."
Before Wang Guinian could finish speaking, Meng Xinghe frowned: "Who said I could do arithmetic and science?"
"I don't know this brother. But promotion is inevitable." Wang Guinian said happily: "It seems that in a few months, Brother Meng will be the Minister of the Ministry of Revenue. It is really gratifying and congratulatory."
Hey. Damn it. I'm still eager to escape from those princesses. But they want me to teach them how to read. Are you deliberately asking me to serve those golden branches and jade leaves? Meng Xinghe's face didn't look good. But then he saw You Gong People had already carried away the table where he worked in the Hanlin Academy. Only then did he realize that what Wang Guinian said was not a lie.
At this time, Du Ruhui, who was standing next to him, patted Meng Xinghe on the shoulder: "Brother Meng, there is no need to worry. Xuan'er also often teaches lessons to the princes and princesses in the palace. Respecting teachers is a kind of etiquette that princes and princesses must abide by. .As Master, they will never dare to be presumptuous in front of you."
Meng Xinghe smiled bitterly. He was afraid of those princesses showing off their power at that time. But Li Shimin only told him about marrying the princess yesterday. He still has lingering fears. If he insists on provoking them, it will be troublesome.
Alas, the times are not good and the good will not fade away. What this official did was really not smooth sailing. He let out a long sigh and did not enter the Hanlin Academy. Meng Xinghe said goodbye to everyone and walked to his home unhurriedly. He did not want to provoke anything. It’s all about yourself. Isn’t it because you have bad luck this year and have a lot of misfortunes?