Yan Song was silent for a moment. The original intention of the imperial examination system was naturally to select talents, but when it developed into the Ming Dynasty, it had changed.
The imperial examination system of the Qing Dynasty was exactly the same as that of the Ming Dynasty. It was a castrated version of Confucianism dominated by Cheng-Zhu Neo-Confucianism, which made it difficult to cultivate real talents.
And those real talents, such as Zhang Juzheng, are opposed to Cheng-Zhu Neo-Confucianism in their bones and are only used as a stepping stone. After that, not only was it left behind, it was even stepped on underfoot.
Emperor Qianlong of later generations put it even more bluntly: In fact, the first important point of the imperial examination is neither to select talents nor to educate the world.
It is to cage patriots and let all the smart people in the world enter the cage of stereotypes. Let them delve into the chapters and sentences, and learn all the classics.
In this way, these smart people will not have any whims and will not be easily fooled by crooked ways.
Now that scholars are at peace, even if there are still people in the world who want to rebel, they are just grass bandits and cannot achieve anything big.
But naturally Yan Song could not say these words, and the literati in the Ming Dynasty still retained a little dignity. They were not as thorough as the Qing Dynasty in kneeling to the imperial power. If they spoke too flatteringly, they would be looked down upon by their peers.
So Yan Song could only snort coldly: "Of course it is to select talents for the country, assist Long Live, and rule the world together!"
Xiao Feng nodded repeatedly: "What Mr. Yan said is absolutely true. Then I would like to ask, are skilled craftsmen who can build weapons and warships for the country considered talents?
Are good soldiers who fight bloody battles for their country and defend their homeland considered elites? Did they make any contribution to the Ming Dynasty’s national destiny? "
Yan Song said angrily: "Scholars govern the world. This is the fundamental principle that will never change. How can warriors and craftsmen govern the world?"
Xiao Feng said in surprise: "When did I say that we should let soldiers and craftsmen govern the world? They just need to manage what they are good at.
For example, even if the ministers and ministers in the Ministry of Industry are scholars, can't the officials responsible for specific affairs below also be filled with skilled craftsmen? "
Yan Song sneered and said: "This is fanciful! As you said, there are specializations in the art industry. A skilled craftsman learns a craft, but he has never learned to be an official!"
Xiao Feng laughed and said: "Does the Four Books and Five Classics teach you how to be an official? Looking at the number of corrupt officials in the Ming Dynasty, it can be seen that how to be an official cannot be learned from books."
Yan Song sneered: "Even if the imperial court allows you to use craftsmen as officials, how will you select them? There is an imperial examination system for scholars. Do you use the imperial examination system to select craftsmen?"
Yan Song thought he had asked a question that was difficult for Xiao Feng to answer. Unexpectedly, Xiao Feng had been waiting for this sentence for a long time.
"Exactly, long live, what Mr. Yan said is absolutely true! I suggest that the Ming Dynasty imperial examination be divided into three rankings: literary, martial arts and technical skills.
Liberal arts selects scholars, martial arts selects generals, and technical subjects select talents. A scholar can be a civil official, a general can be a military officer, and a technical officer can be a technical officer, each performing his or her own duties! "
The ministers were in an uproar, and Yan Song was speechless. What am I saying? What did I say? I'm asking you, are you okay?
"It's ridiculous, it's ridiculous. If a person doesn't study and doesn't know etiquette, how can he be an official?"
This time, not only Yan Song, but almost all Yan Party officials jumped out to speak out. Officials from the Xiao Feng camp were very quiet.
Because they haven't figured it out yet, even if they want to help Xiao Feng speak, they still have to digest such a large amount of information.
Xiao Feng smiled slightly: "Excuse me, my lords, what is an official?"
Yan Song sneered and said: "Are you going to talk too much about words again? Officials are the leaders of the people. They abide by the etiquette and laws for the court and shepherd the people on behalf of the emperor!"
Xiao Feng raised his finger and pointed at Yan Song's nose. Everyone was startled. Is this a sign of swearing?
Yan Song was also stunned for a moment, then became happy and immediately turned around to complain to Jiajing.
"Long live, since I have been the chief minister since I came here, long live God's grace. I treat each other with courtesy. The ministers even treat each other with etiquette and respect the veteran very much.
Xiao Feng's official position is not as good as that of the old man, and his age is far different. Regardless of his rank in the court and his courtesy, he should not be so rude to the old minister.
It is obvious that he is a young man in a high position, high-spirited, arrogant due to being favored, trying to judge superiority and inferiority as if it were nothing, and treating the etiquette of the world as if it were nothing. If things go on like this, he will definitely not even take Long Live in his eyes! "
Jiajing also frowned slightly, feeling that Xiao Feng's move was a bit frivolous: "Junior brother, it is indeed too rude for you to treat a young person against an elder, or a lower person against a higher one!"
Xiao Feng said in surprise: "Long live, I just want to ask, what is Mr. Yan's nose called, so I pointed it out to him, why is it rude?"
Jiajing was stunned. Although he didn't understand why Xiao Feng asked this question, he breathed a sigh of relief: "In this case, it is not rude."
Yan Song was furious, thinking that you clearly lost your composure for a moment, and now you are afraid of Wansai's anger, so you are looking back to make amends.
"Xiao Feng! Don't be eloquent. Just make it clear. Why are you asking me about my nose?"
Xiao Feng pointed to Yan Song's mouth, ears, and eyes: "I not only asked about the nose, but also asked about these things. What are these things called?"
What are these things called? Yan Song felt something was wrong, but he couldn't object. He couldn't say that these things growing on his face were nothing.
"The five senses of this old man!"
"Oh? Are these people the leaders of the people, are they observing the etiquette and laws for the court, are they serving the emperor to shepherd the people?"
"What nonsense are you saying? Do you dare to tease me?"
"I don't dare, I'm just asking for advice. Since these things can't do what Master Yan said, how can they be called officials?"
What is this problem? Yan Song was confused for a moment. Yes, why are these things called officials? What does it have to do with the official?
Jiajing's spirit perked up. Whenever his junior brother raised some questions that people usually didn't pay attention to, Jiajing would consciously think that this was the knowledge Xiao Feng learned from the Immortal Book. Otherwise, how could people not think of it?
Xiao Feng said slowly: "The important organs of the human body can be called organs, so they are called organs. The five sense organs are the important organs of the human body.
Do you still remember that after the WTO improved gunpowder, the Tatars wanted to exchange my life for the gunpowder formula? What did Master Yan say? "
Others don't remember it, but Jiajing remembers it. At that time, Jiajing was so impulsive that he almost wanted to use the gunpowder formula to give Xiao Feng the antidote, but Xiao Feng didn't agree.
Not only did Xiao Feng disagree, Yan Song was afraid that Xiao Feng would turn around and regret it, so he also actively encouraged Yan Party officials to oppose the matter. At that time, Yan Song quoted Lao Tzu's words to persuade Jiajing.
"The sharp weapon of the country cannot be shown to others! Although Xiao Feng is important, the new formula of gunpowder is the important weapon of the country and must not be exchanged!"
Xiao Feng nodded: "Yes, Mr. Yan said that the new formula of gunpowder is an important weapon of the country. Then may I ask, is the newly made musket of Wushiguan considered an important weapon of the country?"
Yan Song couldn't object, after all, his son had personally experienced the power of the new musket. Jiajing also saw the demonstration and immediately nodded that it was definitely worth it.
"Since muskets and gunpowder are considered important weapons of the country, then aren't those who made muskets and gunpowder considered important weapons of the country?"
Yan Song had already sensed Xiao Feng's purpose, but he had no way to stop it. He could only watch helplessly as Xiao Feng put this set of unrelated gears together, clicked, and started to rotate.
"Therefore, the most important weapon of the human body can be called an official, and the most important weapon of the country can naturally be called an official. Official is originally the name of something of great use! It can be seen that when I said this sentence, I had already told the true meaning of what an official is. !”
Since I have said this, there is no obstacle for Jiajing. That's my master! Can I be wrong?
"Junior brother's words make sense. Since craftsmen can create valuable weapons for the country, they naturally belong to the important weapons of the country, and they can naturally become officials!"
Xiao Feng secretly wiped his sweat. In fact, I only said "the sharp weapon of the country should not be shown to others", and the rest was figured out by using logic bit by bit.
But it doesn't matter, as long as the senior brother approves.
Yan Song's mouth was full of bitterness, knowing that Xiao Feng had won another round by messing around, but he had no choice but to think about it bitterly.
It is one thing to establish any system. Whether it can be successful depends on whether the implementation process is smooth. After all, I still control the cabinet!
Thinking of this, Yan Song also changed his attitude and smiled.
"Long live the wise! However, the reform of the imperial examination system is a huge matter. It will be difficult to rely only on the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of Rites. Just like the reconstruction of the Navy, it still needs to be implemented under the leadership of the cabinet."
Jiajing was very satisfied with Yan Song's attitude: "What Ai Qing said is good. At this time, the cabinet will be responsible for advancing it."
Yan Song glanced at Xiao Feng proudly, "Well, it doesn't matter if you are the protagonist. If the matter really comes to the cabinet, then it depends on who can take the lead!"
Xiao Feng smiled slightly: "Senior brother, I proposed the rebuilding of the navy and the reform of the imperial examination system. Now I have to rely on Master Yan to do the work, but I waited for it to be ready. I am really ashamed."
One sentence reminded Jiajing: "What junior brother said is true! Moreover, these two things, as well as the specific implementation plan, I'm afraid they will have to discuss it with you at any time.
In that case, you should join the cabinet. You are now the governor of Jiangnan, and you have enough status to join the cabinet. You can just confer another bachelor's degree. If your name is Wenxuan, then you should be awarded a bachelor degree from Wenyuan Pavilion. "
Xiao Feng bowed deeply: "My dear, Xiao Feng, I would like to thank you for your kindness. I will do my best to work with Yan Shoufu to assist you."
Officials from Xiao Feng's group almost exploded. They tried their best to suppress their excitement and paid attention to each other. The strict party officials were all dumbfounded and dejected.
It seems that Xiaoge Lao is no longer here, and Yan Shoufu really can't stand Xiao Feng. Xiao Feng is now playing a book, and it is accurate. Even such major events as the reconstruction of the Navy and the reform of the imperial examination system, Long Live will obey his words.
On the other hand, Yan Shoufu, who had been fighting for a long time with his teeth bared, was not only pointed at by Xiao Feng and talked nonsense, but was also repeatedly used as a ladder to step on his feet. He climbed into the cabinet and became a bachelor!
Only when you lose it do you know how to cherish it. Previously, we felt that Xiao Ge Lao was always at a disadvantage against Xiao Feng. We thought it was because Xiao Ge Lao was not good enough.
Now after a comparison, I realized that it wasn't that Xiao Ge was bad, but that Xiao Feng was too cruel. Xiao Ge was the only one who could catch the moves, but if his father took over, he would be knocked to the ground with three punches and two kicks!
Xu Jie looked at Xiao Feng, his eyes in a trance. I have endured humiliation and heavy burden for many years, but I am afraid that Yan Song will find out the clues. Now that Xiao Feng is so arrogant, Yan Song has nothing to do.
Could it be that I was wrong from the beginning? If I had been braver, wouldn't I have won long ago? He couldn't help but look at Jiajing.
Then he saw Jiajing nodding and smiling, and looking at Xiao Feng, and he immediately understood that this matter was actually divided between people.
Xiao Feng is emboldened by being favored, and he will always make a fuss when he doesn't get what he wants. If he had made a fuss too hard and made a move too early, he would have been killed by Yan Song and his son long ago! Jiajing will not help himself!
Thinking of this, Xu Jie stepped forward and cupped his hands to Xiao Feng: "It's great to congratulate Mr. Xiao for entering the cabinet and sharing Yan Shoufu's worries!"
Yan Song glared at Xu Jie fiercely, then turned to look at Gao Gong. Gao Gong closed his eyes and lowered his head, as usual in the cabinet, not caring about anything.
Yan Song felt desolate in his heart: If only my son were here, even if he did it, I wouldn't be so isolated and helpless...
At this time, his son Yan Shifan was cordially receiving Ren Yazi who came to discuss business.
Generally, human beings are bought and sold in the human market, but Yan Shifan had difficulty moving, so he called Ren Yazi to his home.
Ren Yazi had long heard of Yan Shifan's reputation, so naturally he did not dare to neglect him. What's more, he knew that Yan Shifan was a wealthy master. There were many guards and few servants in his mansion. He must have to replenish his staff. This was a big deal!
So Ren Yazi immediately brought all the sources of goods he could find to Yan Shifan's mansion, and first selected the most beautiful women to show to Yan Shifan.
Yan Shifan frowned: "I won't buy women today, only men. Let's change a batch!"
Ren Yazi thought to himself that he had long heard that Yan Shifan was using two prongs, and it was indeed true.
Looking at the stunning and charming woman next to his car, he really didn't like what I had in hand, so he had to find another way to change his taste.
So they picked out young and handsome men and brought them in a row. Unexpectedly, Yan Shifan only took one look at them, frowned and waved his hand: "Change a batch."
Ren Yazi was secretly surprised. This was the one he was best at. As expected, Mr. Xiaoge had really good taste, but the ones behind him were even less good.
I had no choice but to call in another batch. This one was obviously older and not as slender anymore, so it could only really be used as a servant.
When Yan Shifan saw one of them, his eyes lit up and he pointed with his hand: "That one, come out!"
Ren Yazi was overjoyed when he saw that he had chosen the person, but when he saw the selected person, he couldn't help but be surprised.
This man was in his forties, stout and fat, and had been a profiteer. Because the fake medicine he sold killed people, and after being caught by the government, he went bankrupt and was heavily in debt.
Among the debt collectors were some powerful people, as well as gangsters from the evil forces. In desperation, he decided to sell himself as a slave to a wealthy family in order to survive.
This man has a pockmarked face, a fat head and big ears, and is covered in black hair with sparse hair. How good is Yan Shifan?
Really want to find a job? That's not right either. This kind of person looks thick and strong, but in reality he is puffy and fat. He is not as energetic at work as a lean type of young man!
Ren Yazi was unsure, so he smiled apologetically and tried to raise the price: "Master Yan has a good eye, this man is definitely the best servant!
Sir, look at his appearance... Put aside his appearance, look at his figure... Put aside his figure, look at his muscles... Sir, what do you like about him? "
Yan Shifan ignored the person and nodded to the person: "Take off your pants!"
Everyone was stunned. Oh my God, is it so direct?
This kind of scene usually only happens when the maid is tricked into the master's room. It shouldn't be done in public! Still a man!
But who dared to disobey Yan Shifan's words? Ren Yazi hurried over to help and took off the man's pants. Since the man sold himself to survive, he ignored honor and disgrace and stood upright with his bare buttocks strong.
Yan Shifan tilted his head and looked at Xiang Xiang: "Does it look like it?"
Gradually he nodded: "It looks like it, exactly the same!"
Yan Shifan nodded with satisfaction: "It's up to him, tell me how much it will cost!"
Ren Yazi gritted his teeth: "It can't be less than twenty taels! He is the best servant. Sir, look at him..."
"I'll give you fifty taels, take the others, and get out! Remember, this is a death contract, and I will have the final say on this person's life and death from now on!"
Ren Yazi smiled happily and nodded while running with the silver: "Of course, of course, all the goods in my hand are dead contracts, sir, just don't worry!"
When Yazi walked away, Yan Shifan waved and two guards came over and walked towards the profiteer.
The profiteer secretly complained. He didn't expect that this person was a pervert among perverts, and he actually wanted to watch the show?
When I was rich, I used to play tricks on my husband, but I have never been so bold and unrestrained. It seems that the older the official, the more perverted he becomes!
Yan Shifan gestured to the location of his broken leg: "Let's start here. Leave a little more and a little more wealth, so that the carpenter won't have to look for it when he wants to see it."
The profiteers don't understand what it means, why leave an extra length? What are you looking for now? What does it have to do with the carpenter? Aren't these two people enough?
The sword flashed so fast that the profiteer felt a chill on his crotch and his legs had been cut off. Although it is not as neat as Wu Jinsi, the two swordsmen have one leg each, and they work together very well.
Severe pain came over him, and the profiteer opened his mouth wide and was about to scream, when one of them stabbed him with his backhand. The profiteer's head flew up into the air, with a thought still spinning in his mind.
"What the hell does it have to do with the carpenter? Even though I'm dead, what does the carpenter have to do with me!"
When the most famous local carpenter was brought in, what was before him were two thighs that had been stripped of flesh and blood, leaving only the bones and muscles.
The carpenter was so frightened that he almost fainted. Yan Shifan took out a plate of silver and looked at him with a smile.
"I would like a skilled craftsman to make a pair of wooden ones based on these leg bones. Be sure to use the best and toughest wood. I will calculate the price for you separately.
Wherever the muscles and bones are joined, a wedge must be left. Well, it is the kind that can be hooked with a beef tendon as thick as your thumb. Is there any problem? "
Naturally, the carpenter didn't dare to have any problems. He carefully selected the wood, forced himself to look at the pair of leg bones, and created a pair of wooden replicas.
A skilled folk craftsman with extraordinary craftsmanship. The pair of wooden legs are almost the same as the leg bones of a real person. The joints are inlaid with a silver ball and can bend freely. Just because my hands were trembling, the carving on the wooden legs left some trembling knife marks.
However, Yan Shifan was already very satisfied. After all, craftsmen had never seen such fresh human leg bones, so it would be great if they didn't faint from shock.
"Gradually, when can I leave?"
Gradually, he looked at the green hills behind the mansion and smiled.
“There are not as many snakes in Jiangxi as there are in Miaojiang, and these snakes are either too big or too small, so it’s best to look for ones as thick as your thumb.
After that I have to refine the poison to control the snake, you have to be patient and wait. Don't worry, you helped me and I won't break my promise. "
Yan Shifan was suddenly startled, and watched slowly gradually, looking up and down, his eyes becoming more and more greedy.
"Gradually, you seem to have become more beautiful, more charming, and more coquettish than when you were in the capital!"
