"Brother Yu Qian, there is something I don't understand. You are second in the national examination and can be a high official in the capital. Why do you want to come to this small place and become the mayor of a shabby district?"
Tang Tianbao looked at Yu Qian with a smile.
He was born into a family where profit comes first in everything.
If he can get the second place in the national examination, for the benefit of the family, he will naturally give priority to becoming an official in order to protect the family and maximize benefits.
The second place in the national examination was because the first place was Zhu Yuanzhang.
Who would really believe that the emperor knew so much knowledge? It must be because of his worldliness.
Therefore, the second place in the national examination is actually the first place.
In the previous imperial examinations, it would have been the first place in the imperial examination.
It is impossible for a top scholar to become a district chief, or even a county magistrate.
Generally speaking, if you get the top prize in the imperial examination and then work as a editor in the Hanlin Academy, your promotion will be like riding a rocket.
And the status of being the top pick is a halo.
Once an important position becomes vacant, the emperor will give priority to the number one candidate.
After all, the students who can stand out from the thousands of troops in the imperial examination are extremely intelligent and full of knowledge.
Although the imperial examination was cancelled, there was actually no difference internally.
It’s just that the content of the test has changed, from the eight-part essay to a wider range of subjects.
Although it's not difficult, it's just that this change is very uncomfortable.
After all, it was his first time, but Tang Tianbao secretly admired Yu Qian for getting high scores the first time.
When he was in Nanjing, he secretly wrote down the name Yu Qian, thinking that he would be a high official in the future and that he would be able to make friends if he had the opportunity.
In this way, Tang Tianbao really couldn't figure out why Yu Qian made such a choice.
"If I say that I do it for the common people of the world, would you believe it?"
Yu Qian raised his wine glass and saluted.
He has heard this question countless times and answered it countless times. He always answers this way.
However, no one believed it every time, including Tang Tianbao in front of him.
"Hahaha"
"If a man does not serve himself, he will be punished by heaven and earth."
"We are all smart people. Stop talking about me. Do you believe the lies you made up?"
Tang Tianbao smiled and shook his head, staring at Yu Qian.
"If someone in the clear doesn't tell secret stories, I won't believe it either, hahaha."
Yu Qian laughed and laughed, burying his helplessness deep in his heart, swallowing the truth, putting lies on the table, and giving himself a layer of disguise.
Li Xiao's philosophy of mind has said that in order to realize your lofty and great ambitions, you must have practical and down-to-earth methods.
It is impossible to rely on your own feelings to move others.
If you want to defeat the enemy, you must put aside your own arrogance, assess the situation, and use methods to fight against it.
For all Tang Tianbao's people who are dominated by interests, we must use interests to impress him.
Tang Tianbao wondered: "Since you are not doing it for this bullshit lofty ideal, then what are you doing for it? With your achievements and being so young, you will have a chance to get a first-class official position in the future."
Yu Qian laughed and said: "Being a first-rank official?? Hahaha, to be honest, my goal is to be a first-rank official. Or even worse."
Tang Tianbao said: "In that case, why are you here?"
Yu Qian said: "Times have changed, Brother Tang, if I stay in the capital, I will never have a chance in this life."
Hearing this, Tang Tianbao narrowed his eyes slightly, became curious, and said, "How do you say that?"
Yu Qian asked: "Brother Tang, under what circumstances can a general be appreciated by the emperor and obtain a title?"
Tang Tianbao said: "Of course when the country was founded, military generals followed the emperor and fought hard to conquer the world."
Yu Qian said: "Then let me ask you, can you still get such honor and have the opportunity to make unparalleled achievements now?"
Tang Tianbao was shocked and said: "You are not satisfied with reaching the first rank of official rank. Do you want to get a title? Civil servants cannot be knighted. This is an ironclad order from Emperor Hongwu."
After saying that, Tang Tianbao shook his head again: "It is impossible to be knighted."
That's right, this is no longer possible in the Ming Dynasty.
Even if a civil servant reaches the first rank, it is only temporary.
When a person dies, his official position is replaced by someone else, and no one can avoid being replaced.
But the title is different. The title can be passed down from generation to generation.
In fact, there were not many opportunities like this. They only existed during the founding of the People's Republic of China, when Hongwu granted nobility on a large scale.
But Yongle can be regarded as the founding of the country, and another batch of seals were granted.
The titles granted during these two periods were still valid until the end of the Ming Dynasty.
Living a good life with a title.
Except for the Tumu Fort Incident, in which many nobles died in the battle, it is certain that it can be passed down from generation to generation. Once you are granted a title, you have entered the circle of nobles.
Yu Qian said: "That's right, when the country was founded, following the emperor's work was the merit of following the dragon. The contribution is indispensable and the glory will be passed down to all generations. At any time, there are no greater opportunities than at the founding of the country. As the saying goes, the times create heroes. The reason why heroes can They become heroes because the times push them to the forefront, and they can become heroes. Do you think such an opportunity will still exist now?"
Tang Tianbao shook his head: "It's gone now. There can be no changes in the Ming Dynasty."
Yu Qian said: "No, there is."
Tang Tianbao was stunned for a moment and then said: "You mean, now?"
Yu Qian said: "That's right, now is the time for reform! This is my chance, Yu Qian. By following the Imperial Master, I, Yu Qian, can make immortal contributions and gain eternal glory! Only then can I be granted a title!"
"Huo"
Tang Tianbao smiled and said: "That's not a small tone. You take it for granted. Even the Imperial Master you mentioned was awarded a title based on military merit. In a sense, today's Holy Master also received the help of the Imperial Master to be where he is today." , it’s understandable that he was knighted, but do you think you can be knighted by following him? He is the emperor? "
Yu Qian said: "Of course the Imperial Master is not the emperor, but his words are more effective than the emperor."
Tang Tianbao smiled and said: "Yu Qian, you are very courageous. Fortunately, you are in my village. If you are outside and heard by someone who is interested, you will be treasonous."
Yu Qian said: "I'm not just looking at the dishes and talking to people. Brother Tang, you invited me here today, you didn't come to accuse me, right?"
Tang Tianbao said: "Hahaha, yes, it's bright. Go on."
Yu Qian nodded and said: "Then I will open the sky window and speak plainly. Aren't the words of the imperial master more effective than the emperor? I want to ask, who in this world can hold Shang Fang's sword and hold an empty imperial edict covered with a jade seal? Even the princes of all dynasties You can't win such an honor! And in all dynasties, in which dynasties have there been three dragons in the same dynasty? The founding emperor was in charge of major affairs in the palace, and today the emperor is expanding the territory and expanding the territory, and there is also a prince who manages the state affairs. However, these three people all obey the advice of the Imperial Master, has this ever happened in this world?"
After hearing this, Tang Tianbao was stunned.
After thinking about it carefully, it seems that what Yu Qian said is true and cannot be refuted.
This national master is truly the first in history.
He thought for a long time, but couldn't figure out how to answer, so he could only say: "But does this have anything to do with you having a penny? You are just a dormitory leader."
"Wrong, very wrong."
Yu Qian said seriously: "Brother Tang, you don't know, but the capital city has already implemented the examination method, forming a complete official evaluation mechanism, realizing the combination of evaluation and correction, changing the past that was mainly operated by the official department. Official evaluation. Officials who truly serve the people will be listed as upper-level candidates; officials who rely solely on rhetoric and gaining trust will be listed as lower-level candidates. Those redundant officials who lack efficiency will be eliminated. Officials who support reforms and have outstanding political achievements will be promoted and entrusted with The important task, "clearly after passing the examination," breaks the traditional prejudice of seniority, and boldly appoints talents regardless of origin and qualifications. When can I show my strength and achievements? Yes, that is now, at this moment."
Tang Tianbao was obviously in disbelief after hearing the test method.
But Yu Qian didn't look like he was joking, but he was serious about it.
Tang Tianbao took a deep breath and said: "But what does it have to do with you? Without military merit, you cannot be knighted. This is an iron rule."
Yu Qian laughed and said: "Brother Tang, didn't I just say that only those who have made meritorious service during the founding of the country can be knighted, right?"
Tang Tianbao nodded, "That's right."
Yu Qian said: "Nowadays, trains can travel thousands of miles a day. Did they exist a thousand years ago?"
Tang Tianbao shook his head, "No."
Yu Qian said: "Today, the iron wheel built by our Ming Dynasty can carry thousands of people across the sea. Was it available a thousand years ago?"
Tang Tianbao shook his head again.
Yu Qian continued: "So, have the rules for thousands of years changed now?"
Tang Tianbao shook his head: "Someone tried it, but it didn't end well."
Yu Qian said: "Thousands of years ago, there were no trains or ships. But now there are, and the rules have to change. Doesn't this earth-shaking change mean that the country is reopened?"
As soon as these words came out, Tang Tianbao was a little moved.
Tang Tianbao: "This"
When Yu Qian saw that the other party's expression was relaxed, he knew that he had been persuaded by his three-inch tongue. He hurriedly took advantage of the heat and hit the rails: "...This is what I, Yu Qian, said. Once again, the storm is at the forefront. The current situation has the opportunity to create a hero. In addition, you said there is no chance." Military merit cannot be knighted. Do you really think that the Imperial Guard is unprepared this time? Do you really think that by uniting the members of your family, we can block the tide of the times? Can you stop the Imperial Guard? Can you stop the imperial court? Isn’t it like a mantis trying to pull a chariot? , self-destruction?”
Tang Tianbao: "."
Tang Tianbao, the eldest son of the Tang family, originally felt that this was a weak resistance.
After what Yu Qian said, everyone felt bad.
Yu Qian smiled and said, "By the way, Brother Tang, you came to invite me to drink. I've said it before. Look at my mouth. By the way, what did you want to say when you came to me?"
Tang Tianbao originally wanted to secretly inquire about information from Yu Qian, but Yu Qian turned him over. Now he is not thinking very well.
Yu Qian is so smart, he can feel it.
Tang Tianbao stood up, took Yu Qian's hand, and pulled him back to the pavilion to sit down. "Yu Qian, let's not beat around the bush. Tell me, was the Imperial Master prepared for war from the beginning? Isn't he afraid of chaos in the world?"
Yu Qian smiled and said: "The world will not be in chaos. There will be plenty of food and clothing. Why is there chaos? The people in Peiping don't know how nourishing their childhood is. It's just that the people in other places don't know. If everyone knew, who would be willing to work for the landlord's family? ? If there is chaos, it is also the landlords who are in chaos. The Imperial Master is eager for them to resist, so he can directly destroy them, which will be more straightforward. I think the Supreme Emperor will definitely support it."
"No way." Tang Tianbao stood up suddenly and said in disbelief: "When Emperor Hongwu entered Jinling, it was thanks to us Nanjing squires who provided food and people. If he does this, is he not afraid of losing people's hearts?"
Yu Qian said: "What nonsense is human nature? As long as the people are fed and well fed, who will care about you? Now you have a large number of people, and you are responding to a hundred responses here because you give them food and they live on you. Once there is a better A way to survive, do you think they will take it?"
Tang Tianbao shook his head.
It's obviously impossible.
"That's right." Yu Qian said.
Tang Tianbao said: "According to what you say, only one of us will die anyway? This is too unreasonable."
Yu Qian said: "No, as long as we follow the national policy, not only will we not die, we will live better."
Tang Tianbao: "Don't lie to me, right?"
Yu Qian said: "Then I can give you a few examples."
Next, Yu Qian patiently explained to Tang Tianbao the development process of the family changes in Peiping.
It's nothing more than a picture change.
The adaptable families in Peking survived and even grew stronger.
Those who do not adapt will be doomed.
In addition, many grassroots initiatives have emerged.
This is a big reshuffle, and those with resources have more advantages.
However, once you go against the trend, you will be doomed!
"Those who obey will prosper, those who go against will perish."
Tang Tianbao was very touched after hearing this.
remained silent.
And Yu Qian was waiting on the side.
At this time, it is not appropriate to continue persuading.
You have to give the other party a digestion process.
Tang Tianbao pondered for half an hour before he said: "Brother Yu Qian, you are right. It is not good to go against anyone, but you can't go against the court. It's a pity that my old man doesn't listen to me, hey."
Hearing this, Yu Qian was overjoyed. He was finally persuaded by himself and said, "Brother Tang, what do you say?"
Tang Tianbao was very helpless and began to talk.
The general meaning is that the old man in his family has a very stubborn temper and plans to fight to the end.
After Yu Qian listened, he clapped his hands and said, "That's it, I have a plan."
Hearing this, Tang Tianbao came over.
Yu Qian whispered: "Since we can chat so well, I might as well tell you a little secret."
Tang Tianbao said: "Just tell me, it concerns the Tang family, so I will give you a big thank you!"
Yu Qian said: "The first person the Imperial Master has to deal with is your Tang family."
Yu Qian actually didn't know, it was all threats.
But the Tang family's mountain is to be used as a fertilizer factory, which is pretty good, but this matter must not be leaked, otherwise the Tang family will raise the price in the future.
Tang Tianbao turned pale with fright and said hurriedly: "It's impossible, my Tang family is not the most prominent."
Yu Qian: "That's why I'm going to attack you. You also know that the first one to resist is often the cannon fodder. Taking a step back and saying, even if you succeed, what benefits will your Tang family get? The benefit is not to be beaten by others. It’s divided, the former planted trees and the latter can enjoy the shade!”
Tang Tianbao: "What should we do?"
Yu Qian: "What is the most profitable industry of your Tang family?"
Tang Tianbao said: "Trawpaper."
In the Ming Dynasty, poor people wiped their butts with toilet chips, rich people wiped their butts with straw paper, and even richer people wiped their butts with cloth. The emperor used Sichuan's unique wild silkworms to spin cocoons and woven silk. .
Yu Qian said: "In this case, you tell your old man that in half a month, none of the straw paper from your Tang family will be sold, and it will be completely replaced by the straw paper produced by me, Yu Qian."
Tang Tianbao was stunned for a moment, then said: "This is impossible. How could our family's business be replaced at will?"
"It's okay if you don't believe it. Only then will your old man dare to bet."
Yu Qian smiled and said: "It's a bet, just tell your old man, if I, Yu Qian, lose, I will never come to your Tang family again. If I, Yu Qian, win, your old man will have to take my fancy from the bottom of the mountain." How about selling me three houses and allowing us to build a community government office? Don't stop me."
Tang Tianbao said: "What if my old man doesn't agree?"
Yu Qian said: "He will definitely agree. If he doesn't dare to agree to this, why should he fight against the national master?"
Hearing this, Tang Tianbao nodded, "Brother Yu Qian, wait a moment, I'll go talk."
Yu Qian smiled and said, "Just wait for the good news."
That's it.
Tang Tianbao took the bet written by Yu Qian on the paper and immediately went to the house on the top of the mountain to meet the head of the Tang family.
Half an hour later.
Go and come back again.
Tang Tianbao came back, looked at Yu Qian and said excitedly: "Yu Qian, father agreed! But you have to be careful, it is almost impossible for me to not be able to sell any of the Tang family's straw paper."
The Tang family has been engaged in this industry for fifty years. Although it does not occupy the entire market in Nanjing, it has a considerable share. At least 20% of the market share is produced by the Tang family.
It’s almost unrealistic to not be able to sell one piece in half a month.
When Yu Qian heard this, he was very happy. The matter was finally settled, and he breathed a sigh of relief: "We'll see in half a month."
As for winning or losing the bet, Yu Qian didn't care at all.
As long as toilet paper comes out in Nanjing city.
Is there still a market for papyrus? (End of chapter)
