A person like Zhu Di has the same temper as Zhu Yuanzhang, and he does whatever he says.
If Li Xiao proposed it directly, Zhu Di might hesitate.
But Zhu Di, who has already seen certain effects, how could he not agree?
That’s a strategy that even the Holy One thinks is a good one!
All civil and military officials were stunned.
Damn it, you are just saying it, believe it or not, we are resigning! !
Zhu Di naturally knew that he could not change it directly like this, so he looked at Li Xiao and said: "What is the national examination mentioned by the national teacher?"
Zhu Di was not very clear about this either. He had been busy relocating the capital in recent years.
Only then could the capital be moved to Peking in just five years.
Li Xiao handed over his hand: "When selecting talents, we should select them comprehensively. The national examination tests four subjects, namely general knowledge, arithmetic, Confucianism, and policy theory.
Among them, general knowledge involves various aspects of knowledge such as history, astronomy, geography, etc., and tests the candidates' knowledge.
As the name suggests, arithmetic is a test of arithmetic. I think that if you don’t know anything about arithmetic, you will inevitably make many omissions when doing errands on weekdays. Officials are officials, there are officials, and if you rely on officials who are good at arithmetic for everything, you will be deceived. This is What does the official have to do?
Although Chen canceled the imperial examination, he did not deny the significance of the existence of Confucianism.
Therefore, the third test on Confucianism is somewhat similar to the previous imperial examination, but it is simpler and does not require the use of eight-part essay to answer questions.
The policy theory test tests the candidates' real ability to deal with affairs.
These four items can bring out all-round talents to serve our Ming Dynasty. Please give me your Majesty's advice. "
Li Xiao directly changed the original provincial examination for selecting officials in Beiping Prefecture and turned it into a national examination, which was used to select talents for the imperial court.
Although this change will cause many problems.
But there is no way. If we don't change it because of problems, this old mechanism will keep running, selecting more and more waste to become officials in the court.
Only you can change it.
Now he is honored as a national teacher, a national duke, and a highly respected minister.
If this doesn't lead to reform
It is no exaggeration to say that no other person can change it.
As for the problems that arise later, they will be solved as soon as they arise.
Finished.
The officials in the court almost fainted.
What is this test? Why do you need to take arithmetic test? A history test? geography?
You know, everyone came in through Confucianism, and Confucianism is respected.
Those who learn those things are all officials. How can a dignified Confucian scholar learn some trivial things? It is an insult to politeness, it is simply an insult to politeness!
An official stood up and said: "I disagree. This is unheard of in the national examination. The sudden change has shaken the world's literati and shaken its foundation! We should rule the world together with the scholar-bureaucrats!"
Li Xiao scolded: "I'm afraid of you. The world belongs to farmers, not just to the gentry. Are the literati shocked? Let him be shocked, but I don't believe that no one wants to be an official?"
One of the supervisory censors raised his hands and said: "We must not change it. If we change it like this, why don't we Confucian scholars like us learn arithmetic and geography? These are all side paths and are insulting to elegance! Who among the world's literati would be willing to do this? official."
Li Xiao scolded again: "Thanks for reading so many books by sages, the so-called literati are not scholars from the gentry family, but should be people who study in the world. Everyone can be called a literati!"
An official from the Ministry of Civil Affairs came out and shouted to Li Xiao: "Master, you are still young. The drastic reforms in Peiping did achieve some results, but now this is not Peking, this is Kyoto." .I won’t allow you to be presumptuous!”
Li Xiao chuckled: "I'm going to be reckless today, what can you do to me?"
Although Li Xiao is now a national advisor, everyone is not convinced by him because the capital has just been moved.
Most officials had complaints about Li Xiao.
Who among the officials staying in Nanjing is willing to move the capital?
Everyone's family business was in Nanjing, and they were all complaining about the sudden move of the capital to Peking. They didn't dare to offend Zhu Di, so they had no choice but to offend Li Xiao.
However, after playing for fun and making trouble, these officials are all old-fashioned officialdom.
Although he was dissatisfied with Li Xiao, he was the first to visit Li Xiao after arriving in Peiping, hoping to become his disciple, receive care and gain benefits.
Naturally, Li Xiao was turned away by everyone, which made everyone even more dissatisfied with Li Xiao. Why are you so arrogant? Don’t you understand that you are so high up now? The higher you fly, the worse you will fall. ?
Li Xiao naturally knew this truth.
Now that you are in a high position and have great power, if you still form sworn gangs, wouldn't that be courting death?
The best situation is only when you and all officials become enemies.
This is Li Xiao's plan.
He only needs one backer, and that is Zhu Di.
As long as you understand this, you will be fine even if you go against all the officials.
Faced with the objections of these officials, Li Xiao said directly: "Old dog, what are you barking at? A bunch of rotten scholars, extremely rotten."
Li Xiao swept his nose and said, "Hey, I can smell a sour smell even in the court hall. I think the imperial examination has been canceled a long time ago to avoid having so many rotten scholars coming here to spread the stench."
In order to confront these officials, Li Xiao directly cursed.
"You are full of filthy words."
The official who was criticized was so angry that he shouted: "Look, everyone, this national preceptor has never read a book, and his words are simply degrading to politeness. How can such a person be a national preceptor?"
One of the officials said: "Yes, how can such a person be a national advisor? He doesn't do anything serious, but only engages in destruction, lest the world will not be in chaos."
Another official from the Ministry of Personnel said: "In my opinion, this is clearly a replica of the Ming God of War. Come on, Ming Dynasty Imperial Master, I won't accept you."
Li Xiao patted his butt and said with a smile: "If you don't accept it, come and bite me, idiot. I am the Imperial Master and you are a piece of shit."
"It's insulting to politeness. Pfft."
An older Minister of Rites vomited blood and fainted from the anger.
"Huang Lao, Huang Lao."
The officials gathered around him and found that he was really knocked out from anger.
Zhu Di slapped the dragon chair and said: "Shut up, everyone. The Imperial Master of the Ming Dynasty is personally appointed by the Supreme Emperor. Do you have any objections to the Supreme Emperor?"
As soon as these words came out, the hall fell into silence, no one dared to say a word.
Zhu Di looked at Li Xiao again and said: "Master, you have to respect yourself. You can't do such indecent actions in the court. It's not good to make people angry."
Li Xiao returned to seriousness and hurriedly handed over his hand: "Yes, Your Majesty."
In fact, Li Xiao was too lazy to talk to these officials before.
After all, these rotten scholars always talk about the same thing. I really can't explain it, so I can only use this method to piss them off.
The effect is still very significant, and it directly makes a person vomit blood.
When other officials looked at it, the emperor just said, "Respect yourself and don't follow the same example next time."
Just gone? ? ?
This is so biased! !
In the past, if someone misbehaved in front of the palace, they would be punished twenty times! !
"Your Majesty."
At this time, Xie Jin stood up.
Seeing this, everyone looked at Xie Jin.
In the first year of Yongle, Zhu Di ascended the throne, and Xie Jin was promoted to Imperial Academy.
Later, because of his outstanding literary talent, Xie Jin was ordered to write "Records of Taizu" and "Biography of Women", which was appreciated by the emperor.
After the establishment of military aircraft, Xie Jin, Huang Huai, Yang Shiqi, Hu Guang, Jin Youzi, Yang Rong, Hu Yan and others entered Wenyuan Pavilion to participate in aircraft maintenance and became one of the military aircraft ministers.
Xie Jin was so favored by the Holy Emperor that he was given gold and fine clothes and had the same status as Shangshu.
Afterwards, the Military Aircraft Department made suggestions, and Zhu Di accepted them humbly.
Therefore, when Xie Jin came forward, everyone felt that things had turned for the better.
After all, in the past five years, Xie Jin has been the right-hand assistant of the Holy Emperor. He has been giving advice to the Holy Emperor and compiled many books, which are highly valued.
Although Li Xiao was the Imperial Master of the Ming Dynasty, he had been staying with the Supreme Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang in Peiping these years. According to the close relationship, Xie Jin should be closer to the Emperor.
Only Jie Jin can suppress Li Xiao, this is what everyone thinks.
"Your Majesty, I think so."
As soon as Xie Jin opened his mouth, he was interrupted by Zhu Di with a wave of his hand.
Zhu Di said: "Don't think so. I have made up my mind on this matter. I will do as the national teacher said. I will cancel the imperial examination and change it to the national examination."
The words fell.
The whole court was shocked.
Oh my god, in the past when Jie Jin made suggestions, His Majesty would always listen carefully.
And today, it was rejected directly? ? ?
It also
Not only were the civil and military officials shocked, but Xie Jin himself was also confused.
What happened? I fell out of favor? ?
How many days have it been since the capital was moved?
The Holy One must have been deceived by lard and believed Li Xiao's lies!
At this time, Xie Jin's face turned the color of pig liver.
Since His Majesty ascended the throne, he has listened more to the opinions of the Military Aircraft Department, but now the Military Aircraft Department seems to have become a decoration, so what is the significance of the existence of the Military Aircraft Department?
No, I must do something for the sake of the Ming Dynasty!
Thinking of this, Xie Jin resolutely said: "Your Majesty, I am opposed to canceling the imperial examination, which will be detrimental to the country!"
Zhu Di frowned slightly and said, "Xie Qing's family, if there is anything we can discuss in private."
Xie Jin said: "There is nothing to talk about, there is no room for maneuver on this matter!"
Zhu Di said displeased: "Are you really going to go against me?"
In the past, Xie Jin would discuss everything in private. What happened today? Did he take a shot? ?
Xie Jin said: "Your Majesty, do you really want to cancel the imperial examination?"
Zhu Di said: "This is a national policy."
"Your Majesty, you are confused."
Jie Jin looked at Li Xiao and glared hard.
Immediately he said with grief and anger: "The powerful ministers of the dynasty have caused chaos. Now that things have come to this, I have no choice but to resign and make my decision clear! Your Majesty, please give me permission!"
Li Xiao was stunned for a moment, but he was actually playing the same trick, and he clapped his hands and cheered: "Double happiness!"
This move almost caused Xie Jin to vomit three liters of blood.
Jie Jin snorted, stood up, took off the black gauze hat, knelt on the ground, and put the black gauze hat on his chest.
"Please resign!" he said loudly.
Such a feat made the officials in the court admire them.
This is Jie Jin, a role model for literati in the world, and a great example of righteousness!
"Your Majesty, please think again!"
Afterwards, countless officials came out one after another, took off their black gauze hats, and knelt on the ground.
"You want to threaten me? Do you think resigning will make me change my opinion?"
Zhu Di's face was as frosty as he said directly: "Whoever wants to resign should get out of here!"
Soon, not only many people in the palace stood up, but also the officials outside the palace took off their black gauze hats.
Your Majesty, if you are having fun with us, don't blame us for not accompanying you.
Nearly half of the people in the entire court wanted to resign.
The remaining half, mostly from poor families, dare not resign for fear of starving to death.
As for the officials from the big noble clans, they had no worries.
No one is left here, but there is a place for others.
"Get out of here!"
Zhu Di stood up suddenly, "I want to see how long you can hold on. If you can, don't come back!"
After that, he turned around and left.
"Retreat!"
The eunuch shouted loudly and then followed.
With the sound of retreating from the court, all the officials resigned.
Li Xiao took the lead to walk out of Fengtian Hall with his head held high.
Everyone is staring at Li Xiao, but no one dares to say anything. After all, this guy is said to be very skilled in martial arts and has a bad mind. If he suddenly hits someone, it will be bad.
After Li Xiao disappeared, they all stood up.
"Bah! You bitch, don't leave if you can. I'll break your legs."
"If you hadn't stopped me, Mr. Zhang, I would have kicked him away."
"Master of the Ming Dynasty, that's bullshit, let's just give up our business and let's see who you ask to do the work?"
A group of people shouted and cursed one after another.
Yang Shiqi couldn't stand it, and said, "I just walked past you, and I didn't see you kicking him. He was so hard that only his mouth was left."
Hearing this, everyone turned their anger and looked at Yang Shiqi.
"Look, everyone, Yang Shiqi is a lackey of the Imperial Master of the Ming Dynasty. He is a disgrace to the literati."
"Old Yang Shiqi, you didn't get admitted to the imperial examination at all. When you were able to enter the military aircraft department, you used the back door, the national division's back door."
"Otherwise, just by virtue of you, you are worthy of being an official in the same court as us, so what a bastard to beat him!"
I don’t know who yelled to hit him.
A group of officials clenched their fists and rushed towards Yang Shiqi.
"Hit him, beat him, he is a lackey of the Imperial Master!"
The officials shouted indignantly.
"Hey, hey, a gentleman can't do anything."
Two friends, Yang Rong and Yang Pu, stopped him immediately and gave Yang Shiqi a wink to tell him to run away.
Yang Shiqi suddenly felt bad, but he just said one sentence, you are going to hit me, I will wipe it, it is better to run away quickly.
Yang Shiqi slipped away very quickly and disappeared in a blink of an eye.
"Damn it, let this old thief run away!"
"What do we do now?"
"What else can I do? Resign!"
"Yes, resign, or at worst, quit!"
Just like that, countless officials went home one after another and wrote their resignations in anger.
Then it was submitted to the Ministry of Personnel.
Unexpectedly, the officials approved them one by one.
Not only was it approved, but a free train ticket back to Nanjing was also issued.
It means to get out of bed.
I think he was bewitched by the Imperial Master.
As a result, the person who resigned from office felt a little bad.
If this matter is settled, wouldn't it be in vain?
Wouldn't it be you who will suffer the loss then?
The matter must be escalated and everyone resigns together.
As a result, those who resigned began to incite those who had not resigned to resign, so there were fewer and fewer officials in the court.
East Palace.
Since Zhu Di ascended the throne, Zhu Gaochi has been directly promoted from the emperor's grandson to the crown prince. At this time, Zhu Yuanzhang directly appointed him before his abdication, and no one can change it.
"This national examination cannot be implemented. It gives me a headache."
Prince Zhu Gaochi, who was correcting memorials in the Hall of Yangxin, had his head covered.
This brother-in-law and the old man save trouble.
Just move your butt and decide the national policy with just one move of your head.
You have to clean up the rest of the mess yourself.
Resignation letters from officials are coming like snowflakes, and more than half of the officials are already resigning.
People are gone, but government affairs still have to be handled.
Originally, personnel transfer matters were under the charge of the Ministry of Personnel, but Hu Guang, the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, also ran away.
Zhu Gaochi could only take the lead himself, and he had to arrange for other officials to take the lead.
If all the people from one yamen are gone, people from other yamen will have to be dispatched to take their place, and it will also be necessary to measure whether this person is qualified for the job.
As a result, one person has multiple roles.
The remaining officials also complained.
"Sorrow, I'm so worried that even Jie Jin runs away."
"There are only a few subordinate officials left in the East Palace to handle affairs."
"If this continues, will the imperial court be paralyzed?"
The writing brush used by Zhu Gaochi to correct the memorials was almost smoking.
"Dad, dad!"
At this time, Zhu Zhanji, who had just finished school in the main hall, walked in and said, "Dad, why are you sweating profusely?"
Zhu Zhanji is already five years old and looks very smart. When he smiles, he has two small tiger teeth exposed.
"Daddy, it's hot. Fan yourself."
Zhu Gaochi took the sweat towel and wiped the sweat.
Zhu Zhanji was very obedient and picked up a fan to fan Zhu Gaochi.
"Hey, my dear son, how was your study in the main hall today?"
Zhu Gaochi planned to relax and asked while holding his son.
"It's not the same as before. Every time Master asks a question, I lose to that Li Wuyou."
Zhu Zhanji smiled, revealing a small dimple.
After the capital was moved, the Peiping Palace also had a main hall, which was filled with princes, grandsons, and some noble children. Zhu Yuanzhang would occasionally visit.
This Li Wuyou, Li Xiaoshou's adopted daughter five years ago, is now five years old. She is the same age as Zhu Zhanji and is also studying there. Her academic performance far exceeds that of all the princes and grandsons.
"That won't work. You have to work harder. You have to surpass Li Wuyou, but you can't lose to her." Seeing that the other party was still laughing, Zhu Gaochi said angrily: "Thank you for being able to laugh."
"Hey hey hey."
Zhu Zhanji chuckled and said, "Dad, I have a way."
Zhu Gaochi said: "What method?"
Zhu Zhanji whispered: "I want Li Wuyou to be my wife, won't everything be fine?"
Zhu Gaochi was stunned. If he couldn't surpass it, he would get it, right?
You've gone astray!
Thinking of this, Zhu Gaochi knocked Zhu Zhanji on the head and said, "Who taught you this? How can you think about getting married when you are only five years old? It's still early!"
Zhu Zhanji was unconvinced and said: "It's too late. If we don't act now, it will be too late. My second uncle's son, Zhu Zhanhe, brings breakfast to Li Wuyou every day. This kid didn't hold it in well. He must be chasing after Li Wuyou." , that won’t work, Li Wuyou must be my wife!”
Zhu Gaochi: "."
"You're so young, what's going on in your head! Okay! Dad is too busy on weekdays and doesn't discipline you properly. I'll discipline you today."
Zhu Gaochi had a headache, so he grabbed Zhu Zhanji, took off his pants, and wanted to spank him. He didn't learn well at a young age and just thought about things between men and women. What would happen in the future?
"Mother——"
Zhu Zhanji burst into tears and shouted loudly.
Mrs. Zhang immediately ran over and said distressedly: "What are you doing? The child is so young, even if there are all kinds of wrongs, you can't hit him!"
With that said, he pulled Zhu Zhanji back and said, "Zhanji, go out and play. Don't hang around in front of your father. Look at how busy he is every day."
"Mom, I'm leaving." Zhu Zhanji immediately left.
After Zhu Zhanji left, Ms. Zhang finally said what she had just finished saying: "There is no benefit at all."
"Madam, you..." Zhu Gaochi was helpless.
"What about this, what about that?"
Mrs. Zhang said angrily: "Look at you, you are all tired and sick. Look at your father, your brother-in-law, and your second brother. They are all so happy and happy, but you can't get anything, you are just a hard worker." "
Zhu Gaochi said helplessly: "Madam, what you said is out of context. Isn't this my duty?"
Mrs. Zhang held her mouth and said: "Just look at your second brother. I don't know how impressive he is now. Although he is sealed in Yunnan, he has made a lot of money in Peiping over the years. Who doesn't know that he holds a He holds shares in several factories in Peiping and holds a handful of golden beans in his hands every day. Those female officials don't know how much they like him."
Zhu Gaochi smiled and said: "I also want to grab a handful of golden beans to give to others every day, but I don't have them. Just calm down and you can take care of my son's education."
"You're just stupid, stupid."
Mrs. Zhang said in a good voice: "Then little girl Li Wuyou is so good. She is smart and beautiful. Doesn't your son like it? Isn't it good for our family to be related to the Li family? You still beat him, why are you like this? Stupid."
Zhu Gaochi was stunned for a moment and suddenly realized: "Emotions are all dictated by you!"
"Huh, what else?" Mrs. Zhang said: "Think about it, where did your second brother get so much money? Who did he rely on?"
Zhu Gaochi said: "Damn brother-in-law."
Zhang: "Isn't that okay?"
Zhu Gaochi said: "But this... Li Wuyou is Zhan Ji's cousin."
Zhang said: "What cousin, have you ever seen Princess Yong'an pregnant? She is adopted, not related by blood, so we shouldn't cultivate feelings from an early age?"
As she said that, she frowned and said, "This second son has already taken advantage of you. He asks his son to bring breakfast to Li Wuyou every day and show his kindness. When the time comes, the two families will get married. I don't think you, the prince, are safe." You said this is the same thing. Yunnan is sealed off, so why don’t you go?"
Zhu Gaochi naturally knew what his father was thinking.
Didn't he just want his second brother to help him train for war?
However, he didn't make it clear. He felt annoyed by talking about it, so he said impatiently: "Women don't understand, so don't ask."
Zhang changed the subject and said, "Let's talk about something serious."
Zhu Gaochi said: "What's your business?"
Zhang said: "Aren't many officials resigning recently? There is no one working in the court?"
Zhu Gaochi was stunned: "Do you have any idea?"
Mrs. Zhang smiled and said, "It's my younger brother Zhang Kejian. Now that there are so many positions vacant, you can also arrange them."
"." Zhu Gaochi was speechless, stood up and walked towards the door, ignoring him and just playing with the dog.
"You pretend to be dead when we get down to business."
Mrs. Zhang was so angry that her teeth itched, "What's wrong with my brother? You are the prince, and as a brother-in-law, isn't it just a matter of one sentence to arrange things?"
Zhu Gaochi went further.
Ouch~
The little white dog was kicked by Zhang and ran around.
Zhu Gaochi sweated on his forehead:
"Hey, hey, just keep talking and don't kick the dog."
Royal Palace, Hongwu Palace.
This palace was specially built as a place for Zhu Yuanzhang to retire.
There are all kinds of flowers and plants in the palace, and there is also a vegetable garden. Zhu Yuanzhang grew vegetables and raised flowers here every day, and lived a very comfortable life.
After going to court, Li Xiao came to Hongwu Palace, boiled health-preserving medicine for Zhu Yuanzhang, made health-preserving tea, and massaged his acupuncture points.
And Zhu Gaoxu often ran here with his brother-in-law, playing badminton with Zhu Yuanzhang, stretching his body, and moving his muscles.
Zhu Yuanzhang became very interested today and wanted to play mahjong.
When three were missing, Zhu Di was called.
"Two cakes!"
"Bump! Bang!"
Zhu Yuanzhang touched Zhu Di's two cakes, then carried a card. When he saw that the card was wrong, he pushed the card and laughed and said: "There are flowers on the bar, give me money!"
Li Xiao and others gave money one after another, one hundred taels of Ming Dynasty treasure banknotes with Zhu Yuanzhang's face painted on them, and Zhu Di lit cannons and gave more.
Now the promotion of Ming Dynasty Baobao has been successful, but it is only limited to Beiping. All policies cannot go out of Beiping. This is what needs to be done next.
Zhu Yuanzhang said with a smile while collecting the money: "Old Fourth, you look restless today, have you lost your soul?"
At this time, Zhu Yuanzhang's hair was completely gray, and his face was full of wrinkles. Time is ruthless, and heroes will also grow old.
However, under Li Xiao's care, he was in good spirits and could still play mahjong.
Zhu Di said helplessly: "Hey, it's difficult to change the national policy. A few days ago, the child showed a tough attitude in the court. As a result, all the ministers below resigned. Now half of the officials have resigned, trying to force the child to Compromise, damn it!”
Snapped!
Zhu Yuanzhang slapped the table and said angrily: "These scholars are really rebelling. We created this world, and we help them govern it as a favor. Not only are they ungrateful, but they dare to threaten them like this. Kill them all." killed!"
"Brother, calm down, we can't afford to be angry with those rotten scholars."
Li Xiao took out a cigarette, clicked it, and lit it for Zhu Yuanzhang.
Maintaining good health can prolong life, but it cannot make Zhu Yuanzhang immortal.
Although it is not good for health, we are approaching the end of our lives, so we should be happy one day at a time.
Zhu Yuanzhang puffed out the clouds, feeling very happy and his anger was gone. He waved his hand and said: "Continue, continue."
Then several people continued to play mahjong.
Zhu Di looked at Zhu Yuanzhang, then looked at Li Xiao and said: "Whatever thing your grandpa made, give it to me to try."
Li Xiao denied: "Father-in-law, just forget it, it's not good for your health."
Zhu Di: "."
After playing mahjong for a few more rounds, Zhu Di couldn't help but ask: "Xian son-in-law, although these people are hateful, the court can't do without these people. We really want them to resign. There are so many vacancies. How can we take them?" Who’s on top?”
Li Xiao smiled and said: "If the imperial court is missing, anyone can be transferred, so what are you afraid of?"
According to historical records, there was a strange emperor in the Ming Dynasty called the Hang-hook Emperor, the Wanli Emperor Zhu Yijun.
He has reached an unprecedented level of ignoring government affairs.
During the Wanli Dynasty, a situation arose: the lack of officials was not filled.
Officials in the court will grow old and die. Old officials will retire and die, and new officials will take their place.
This is true no matter what dynasty it is.
Only in this way can a court be maintained.
But in the Wanli Dynasty, there was only retirement and no succession.
He only spits out the old and never accepts the new.
The personnel appointment and dismissal work was immediately stopped.
It doesn't matter whether the officials live or die, stay or go.
But the emperor will never let new people make up for it.
Because Zhu Yijun was so bad that he couldn't even issue a certificate of appointment.
In the twenty-ninth year of Wanli, there were three ministers and ten ministers missing in the northern and southern capitals of the Ming Dynasty.
There are ninety-four censors, three provinces in the world have no governors, 25 prefectures have no prefects, and the chief minister is short of 66 senior provincial officials.
In the 30th year of Wanli, only four of the thirteen censors in the world were left.
In the thirty-first year of Wanli, half of the local officials were vacant.
In the thirty-fourth year of Wanli, Li Yanji, a cabinet scholar, took office. After an inventory, it was found that there were only seven people left in senior positions in the imperial court.
The imperial court has basically entered a state of semi-paralysis.
There is only one person in the cabinet
At this time, only one of the six departments of the imperial court had a minister.
There is only one minister in the Ministry of Rites, the Ministry of Household Affairs, and the Ministry of Industry.
Among the six central departments, five have no chief officials.
The nine major yamen: the Six Ministries, the Supervisory Office, Dali Temple, and the General Affairs Department all have no chief officials.
Since the Inspectorate has been empty for a long time, it even lost its official seal.
Li Xiao chuckled. This is the situation. The country has not been destroyed in Wanli. What a shame.
Of course, having said that, it is best not to happen.
Because big problems would really arise. The lack of official control during the Wanli period, when land annexation was at its most serious, laid hidden dangers for the country's subsequent subjugation.
Hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang responded and said: "Li Xiao is right. Let them go wherever they like. If they don't starve to death if they are not officials, they can still pull rickshaws."
Li Xiao gave a thumbs up: "Brother is right."
Zhu Yuanzhang is now retired, and his relationship with Li Xiao is getting better and better.
Li Xiao usually calls him eldest brother, so just ask if this card is good enough!
Those officials outside still dare to fight with Li Xiao. I really wonder who Li Xiao’s backer is?
Zhu Di looked at Li Xiao and said angrily: "You, the big brother Zuo Yi, the big brother Zuo Yi, are more affectionate than me, so what should I call you?"
Li Xiao smiled and said, "We all have our own things to say. I'll still call you father-in-law, and you can just call me son-in-law."
"Look how proud you are."
Zhu Di shook his head helplessly and said: "Even so, Gao Chi is suffering. He has been very busy during this period."
Zhu Gaoxu chuckled and said, "Don't worry, old man. Since my brother-in-law raised the question, he has already thought of a strategy. What are you worried about? He did it once in Peking back then, and he did it successfully."
yes
Zhu Di reacted and looked at Li Xiao with a smile: "What did you do back then? How did you cancel the imperial examination?"
Li Xiao said: "Back then I asked Gao Xu to help me do it."
Zhu Gaoxu said proudly: "Back then, I directly sent troops to put all the opposing nobles in prison and beat them until they begged for mercy."
Zhu Di: "???"
Zhu Di looked at Li Xiao.
Li Xiao nodded.
Zhu Di: "."
So these two boys were doing such nonsense back then?
Can this be done? Why didn't anyone come to the capital to complain? ?
Zhu Di was a little confused.
Li Xiao smiled and explained: "Father-in-law, that was back then, but we definitely can't do this now. Before, it was just one place, but now it involves the whole country."
Zhu Di chuckled: "It's good that you know."
Li Xiaodao: "The top priority is to bring back those officials who resigned. Otherwise, there will be no one to do this, and it will be a big trouble."
Zhu Di: "I won't go. I want you to go."
Li Xiaodao: "We have made arrangements a long time ago. You just have to wait and see. It won't be long before they cry and demand to come back."
Zhu Di didn't believe it: "Come back on your own initiative?"
Li Xiao explained: "Father-in-law, didn't we discuss something not long ago? Is it time to synchronize the treatment of the officials of the imperial court with the existing officials of Beiping Mansion? In addition, we can also divide the houses, that's all."
Li Xiao rubbed his fingers, meaning he wanted to spend money.
Zhu Di suddenly realized that this was the case.
As long as the salary is increased and the house is divided now.
Why don't these officials come back like crazy? ? ?
Zhu Di said: "But the imperial treasury is running out of money. Peking's annual tax revenue is a lot, forty million taels. Plus taxes from other places, the total is 100 million taels of silver. Last year, a railway was built, which cost 50 million taels." Ten million taels of silver are too much to spend."
Li Xiao looked at Zhu Yuanzhang and said with a smile: "We have sponsorship."
Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly.
Zhu Di looked at Zhu Yuanzhang in surprise and said, "Dad, will you sponsor me?"
Zhu Yuanzhang said: "We have some money, which we will not take with us whether we live or die. We bought an entire community in Beiping City. You can take it and share it. It will make those people cheaper."
It turned out that when Li Xiao told Zhu Yuanzhang about this matter, he had already discussed the countermeasures.
There is no way, sometimes the emperor needs to win over most people if he wants to accomplish something.
Especially this kind of major reform, the cancellation of the imperial examination, touched the interests of too many people, and some concessions had to be made.
Zhu Di was extremely surprised: "Dad, where did you get so much money? Did you buy an entire community? That must be several million taels."
The current housing prices in Peiping are not cheap. With the prosperity of the economy, housing prices have continued to rise. Especially after the capital was moved, the growth in housing prices has been even more frightening.
An ordinary courtyard now costs at least 2,000 taels of silver, a three-story garden house is cheaper and costs 3,500 taels, and buying an entire community costs upwards of a million taels.
Zhu Gaoxu said: "Dad, you don't know, right? Our grandfather is a master of investment. He invested a thousand taels back then, and now he has obtained half of the shares of Qianda Real Estate. He is very rich!"
Zhu Di: "???"
Zhu Di suddenly realized something.
This father has stayed in Peiping for so long and is rich.
Then there should be quite a few Zhu Gaoxu, right?
Thinking of this, Zhu Di looked at Zhu Gaoxu and said, "You are rich too, right?"
Zhu Gaoxu's eyes dodge, "I, I didn't."
He thought to himself, it’s over, if you don’t have any money in the future, why don’t you ask me for it?
There is no need to wait for the future, now Zhu Di smiled and said: "It's up to you to raise the money for the military expenses of this Northern Expedition. Follow your elder brother's example and share the worries for dad."
Zhu Gaoxu became numb and said with a wry smile: "Dad, how can a child have such ability?"
Zhu Di: "Yunnan should be very good. I heard the scenery is very good."
Zhu Gaoxu: "Dad, this matter is taken care of by the child!"
The night is like water and dotted with stars.
Yongle Duke's Mansion.
Late at night, there were still many servants busy in the house, cleaning, lighting fires and cooking.
It is enough to show how strong the economic strength of Guogong Mansion is.
Things are different now. In the past, tenants without land could only work as servants, and the labor costs were very low.
Things are different now. There are no household registration restrictions in Peiping. Everyone can go work and find a job. Who wants to serve others?
So now the money spent on hiring servants is equivalent to the salary of workers to hire people. Being able to live in such a big yard and hire so many servants is really powerful.
"Master of the house."
After a busy day, I returned to the mansion and was immediately greeted by a maid. One of the maids said: "Today, many people came to give gifts, and they couldn't drive them away. They insisted on keeping these gifts. The head of the household, Bo Zhangqiang, sent them. of"
Li Xiao waved his hand to interrupt, "Throw it away, throw it all out."
At this time, Zhang Cuicui came over and said: "I heard from the head of the family, just throw it away. Don't let the head of the family talk about this kind of thing in the future."
Zhang Cuicui knew that these maids must have received the benefits before they mentioned it.
The maids nodded and then threw the gifts out.
It hurts at the same time, these are all good things.
Li Xiao nodded slightly, looked at Cuicui and said, "Cui Cui, are you still busy at this late hour?"
Now that Zhang Cuicui has used scar removal cream, her injuries have improved to some extent. In recent years, she and Li Xiongzhi have given birth to children and have a happy life. Li Xiao is quite pleased.
Zhang Cuicui said: "I have met the master of the house. It is Zhu Yunwen and Wang Jian who have come to ask for an audience. They are waiting in the living room."
Li Xiao nodded, "I know, go and tell Madam, I'll come back to the house later."
Zhang Cuicui said: "Yes, the head of the family."
Li Xiao asked again: "That guy Li Xiongzhi didn't bully you, did he? If there's anything, tell me and I'll deal with him."
Zhang Cuicui hurriedly waved her hand and said: "There is no master, but he treats his slaves very well."
Li Xiao smiled and said: "That's good."
Then he walked towards the living room.
Ten years have passed, and Zhang Cuicui has become an old girl.
Li Xiao lamented that it would actually be a sad thing if these people grew old and died one by one in the future.
Not only would he feel uncomfortable, but Ningyun might also feel even worse.
Hey, time is ruthless, you can only be kind to the people around you, so that you will have fewer regrets in the future.
Outside the Duke's Mansion.
A group of officials in the distance were hiding behind trees. When they saw Li Xiao returning home, they all stared intently to see if Li Xiao had accepted the gift.
"Damn it, the Imperial Master threw back the gift we gave him."
"This is simply insulting. I tried to ease the relationship, but he didn't appreciate it."
"This... actually threw away the valuable gifts as rags!"
This group of officials submitted their resignation letters, and when they were approved instantly, they were all stunned.
At least try to retain him. You must know that it was difficult to resign before, especially during the Hongwu period. It was almost impossible to resign. Zhu Yuanzhang nodded.
Why was it approved instantly? ?
No, I regretted it. I wanted to ask Li Xiao for mercy and give him a gift, but Li Xiao threw the gift away, which made the group of people scream in anger.
At this time, someone was picking up things in front of the Duke's Mansion.
"Big guy, it's not good. Someone picked it up. Should we go and get it back?"
A chief of staff looked into the distance and said.
"What the hell, the gift I sent out was thrown away as garbage. Let's go pick it up. Do we still want this face?"
Another official from the Ministry of Household Affairs said.
Before he could finish speaking, another person rushed over and said, "The four treasures of the study I gave are worth one hundred taels. If you don't go, I will. I can't bear to part with it."
With that said, he ran towards the door of the Duke's Mansion.
"It's a shame that you are still a scholar, money is just garbage."
Before the household official finished speaking, everyone else ran away, fearing that it would be too late and the gift he gave would be picked up and ran away.
"Damn it, wait for me!"
The household official kicked his feet angrily and chased after him.
(End of chapter)
