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Xiao Wen Nguyen’s answer is “what goes above and what works below”.
According to Xiao Wenruan's view, the character and style of lower-level officials are determined by the upper-level officials. As long as the emperor is wise and resolute and values virtuous ministers, the virtuous ministers who are valued by the wise emperor will also value the honest and hard-working lower-level officials. , and ultimately the atmosphere of the court can be changed from top to bottom.
Xiao Wenruan served as the crown prince's grand master for many years. Zhu Heyu's character and concepts were deeply affected, and he had always acted in accordance with Xiao Wenruan's teachings.
But the final result is that everything is blocked and everything fails.
Zhao Shancai’s answer is “use it properly”.
According to Zhao Shancai, there are both corrupt officials and virtuous ministers in the imperial court. This is a balancing act of the emperor. It is not advisable to blindly use virtuous ministers, and it is not feasible to blindly reuse corrupt officials. Some things must also rely on corrupt officials who have no bottom line and no compromise. In order to achieve this, a wise emperor should let go of the strengths of his ministers and suppress their disadvantages. Only in this way can he create a prosperous dynasty and benefit both the country and the people!
After Xiao Wenruan passed away, Zhu Heyu fell into a period of confusion. The appearance of Zhao Shancai seemed to make him find a guiding light. His thoughts and behaviors were gradually affected and changed by Zhao Shancai. This change was slightly slow. But it kept going.
The final result of this change is that everyone is betrayed and their relatives are separated, and their power is greatly lost.
After reaching an alliance with Zhao Junchen, Zhu Heyu couldn't help but ask Zhao Junchen the same question.
But Zhao Junchen's answer was completely different from Xiao Wenruan and Zhao Shancai.
Zhao Junchen's answer is very pessimistic. He believes that the emergence of corrupt officials in the officialdom is impossible to change. This is not only a problem of officialdom, but also a problem of human nature. It has nothing to do with the system and national conditions. This is true at all times and in all countries!
However, Zhao Junchen also said that the Ming Dynasty did very poorly in terms of ideological education, selection channels, and official discipline supervision. Although it is impossible to completely eradicate the shortcomings of official governance, there are still opportunities to improve it.
In terms of education, scholars in the Ming Dynasty only read the Four Books and Five Classics, and the history books only recorded the merits and demerits of the emperors of the past dynasties. It is not known whether the scholars under this education model learned loyalty, filial piety, integrity, and shame, but they certainly did not learn love and care. It is absolutely impossible for the common people to expect them to love the people as their own children after they serve as court officials. Even if there are occasionally a few good officials who pity the people, it is only because their conscience is still there, not because of their childhood. Concepts that have been developed, but the word "conscience" is often the most difficult to withstand the test.
In the final analysis, even for those scholars who come from ordinary people's families, their goal from the beginning to enter the officialdom through the imperial examination is not to benefit the people, but to completely get rid of their identity as ordinary people and can't wait to become the opposite of ordinary people. .
Next, Zhao Junchen briefly explained to Zhu Heyu the various flaws in the Ming Dynasty's official promotion channels and supervision system, but it was not detailed, saying that these things were not what Zhu Heyu should consider now.
On the day when Zhu Heyu and Zhao Junchen met to form an alliance, the two spent nearly half of the time discussing this issue.
Hearing these explanations from Zhao Junchen, Zhu Heyu was confused, shocked, and even a little wary.
He was confused because Zhao Junchen’s statement was so different from that of Zhao Shancai and Xiao Wenruan. Even though Zhao Shancai and Xiao Wenruan’s statements were slightly different, they both attached great importance to the role of the emperor, but Zhao Junchen was from beginning to end. No one believed that the emperor could play a key role in the administration of officials. Even if it was occasionally effective, it would only be short-lived.
He was shocked because when Zhao Junchen talked about these things, he could be described as eloquent and clear, and his insights were quite unique and profound. He must have carefully considered the relevant issues for a long time... Zhu Heyu had no idea that Zhao Junchen was a member of the entire dynasty. The most famous corrupt official would actually think about such things in detail.
As for vigilance, it was because Zhu Heyu was keenly aware that Zhao Junchen did not think about these issues from the perspective of a minister, nor even from the perspective of a ruler. Zhao Junchen's stance when considering this issue was even more Higher than the emperor, but what kind of position is higher than the king of a country? Zhu Heyu couldn't figure it out.
However, after experiencing the teachings of Xiao Wenruan and Zhao Shancai, Zhu Heyu will no longer blindly believe in anyone's opinions. Even if many of Zhao Junchen's statements sound reasonable, Zhu Heyu will not believe them all. .
What's more, many of Zhao Junchen's statements sound ridiculous - for example, Zhao Junchen believes that hundreds of years later, in order to eliminate the illegal behavior of officials taking bribes, some countries will even legalize corruption and only need to replace Under a nicer name, such as "political donation," officials' corruption and bribery would not be illegal, and the problem would no longer exist.
This statement is naturally difficult for Zhu Heyu to accept.
Zhu Heyu is no longer as stubborn and black-and-white as before, but he still adheres to certain bottom lines and ideals.
Therefore, Zhu Heyu decided to think for himself. Zhu Heyu believed that he should have his own governance philosophy.
On New Year's Eve, being alone is a good environment for Zhu Heyu to think independently.
In this way, Zhu Heyu sat alone in the lobby of the mansion arranged for him by Luoyang Mansion, watching the lights and bustle of Luoyang City with cold eyes, holding a pot of warm wine, but thinking about some metaphysical things in his mind .
But the reality is cruel. Zhu Heyu thought about it for more than half an hour, but found that he got nothing. On the contrary, his thinking became more and more confused. All kinds of thoughts seemed to be imprisoned, and everything he thought about could not be solved no matter what. But the circle drawn by Xiao Wenruan, Zhao Shancai and Zhao Junchen.
Zhu Heyu was very frustrated and had some self-doubt: "Do you mean that I am really not suitable to be an emperor? I have never agreed with what my father did, but I must admit that my father's governance philosophy has always been complete. And I am clear and will not be easily influenced by others. But I only have an unattainable goal, but I don’t know how to achieve it. I am like a headless fly running around, and all my ideas are due to The influence of others... In this way, even if I really ascend the throne as emperor, how can it be considered a good thing for the country and the country?"
But after a brief period of self-doubt, Zhu Heyu quickly shook his head, immediately put aside this idea, and thought again: "I just have no clue for the time being, how can I give up on myself? The seventh brother is even less likely to be an inheritance A good candidate for Datong, not to mention...I won’t give in!”
Thinking of this, Zhu Heyu's expression could be described as uncertain and changing continuously.
At this moment, a member of the Jinyi Guard Baihu entered the room and reported to Zhu Heyu in a low voice: "Your Royal Highness, the eldest son of Prince Fu's Mansion secretly requests an audience."
After hearing the report, Zhu Heyu first let out a long sigh of relief, then looked surprised, then changed to a calm expression, nodded and said: "Invite him in quickly!"
After saying that, Zhu Heyu stood up and straightened his clothes, not daring to think about the problem just now.
In fact, Zhu Heyu also understood that his position as prince was already on the verge of collapse, but it was precisely because of this situation that he would think about these issues that concern the country and the people, so that he could stand firm and imply that all his persistence was justified. , is valuable.
But in the final analysis, all thoughts are self-deception, and Zhu Heyu is just unwilling to accept it now.
Therefore, when he found that such thinking could not make him firm his position, but instead wavered his position, he felt a little panic in his heart. He just felt that King Fu's eldest son had come at the right time, so that he did not have to think about it anymore.
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In the Ming Dynasty, if the eldest son of the princes was the legitimate son, he would be called the prince and the heir to the throne; if the eldest son of the princes was the bastard, he would be called the eldest son of the prince, but it would be difficult for him to have the chance to inherit the throne. If you want to have a higher title, it depends on the prince's preference and the emperor's mood when he is canonized.
But now the eldest son of King Fu is named Zhu Hezeng. He is the same generation as Zhu Heyu, but he is a concubine, so he has no right to inherit the throne and is called the eldest son of the king.
After Zhu Heyu arrived in Luoyang to investigate King Fu's irregularities in government and discipline, he found that he was quite unable to move forward. It seemed that a force was delaying the process of his investigation. Not only was King Fu's attitude extremely tough and refused to cooperate, but also the local government There is also every possible way of procrastinating and acting perfunctorily.
If Zhu Heyu had followed his previous temperament, he would have to forcefully investigate the case and break through the south wall in this situation. But now, Zhu Heyu has grown a lot and his methods have become much more sophisticated. When he found out that he encountered After encountering great resistance, he did not forcibly break through the front. Instead, he remained calm and secretly investigated and prepared.
Then, perhaps because of his current situation, Zhu Heyu quickly found a breakthrough in investigating King Fu, and that was King Fu's eldest son Zhu Hezeng!
As the eldest son of King Fu, Zhu Hezeng must be very familiar with many of King Fu's secrets. Moreover, Zhu Hezeng's character is quite shrewd and capable, and he has always been highly valued by King Fu. He will be responsible for many things, and Zhu Hezeng has not let down King Fu's attention. , has made many achievements over the years, which has added a lot of income to Prince Fu's Mansion.
But the problem is that he is only the eldest son of the king, not the crown prince. He has no right to inherit the throne. All he does is to make wedding clothes for Prince Fu’s second son, Prince Fu’s crown prince Zhu Hejun!
In this case, can Zhu Hezeng be willing?
Zhu Heyu believed that Zhu Hezeng must be unwilling to accept it!
Therefore, Zhu Heyu secretly contacted Zhu Hezeng and set out his own conditions, saying that as long as Zhu Hezeng "killed relatives for justice" and came forward to report Prince Fu's disorderly and illegal activities over the years, he would be willing to recommend Zhu Hezeng to succeed Prince Fu!
However, after Zhu Heyu sent the message to Zhu Hezeng, Zhu Hezeng did not respond. Zhu Heyu originally thought that his plan was miscalculated, but he did not expect that Zhu Hezeng would choose to secretly ask to see him late at night on New Year's Eve.
From this point of view, Zhu Hezeng was indeed unwilling.
After Zhu Heyu had tidied up his clothes and appearance, he saw Zhu Hezeng being led into the room by Baihu, the Jin Yiwei guard just now.
Zhu Hezeng is a few years younger than Zhu Heyu, but they have similar looks and somewhat similar personalities. They usually talk and laugh informally.
After seeing Zhu Heyu, Zhu Hezeng first bowed politely and said hello, while Zhu Heyu supported him with his hands in a cordial manner and asked with a smile: "I am really happy to hear that Brother Zeng is visiting! Brother Zeng, you are the best Do you understand? Are you willing to stand up and report King Fu's evil deeds? Brother Zeng, please don't have any pressure or burden. What you do is not to betray your father, but to protect the justice of the court and to preserve your lineage. The throne, and Prince Fu’s surname is Zhu after all, even if his crimes are exposed, his life will never be endangered!”
Seeing Zhu Heyu's urgent inquiry, Zhu Hezeng did not answer immediately, but asked instead: "I heard that... before your Highness the Crown Prince left the capital, you had become friends and allies with Zhao Junchen and Zhao Ge's old enemies. This news is... real?"
Hearing Zhu Hezeng's question, Zhu Heyu suddenly realized.
It turns out that Zhu Hezeng did not respond to Zhu Heyu's message in time in the past few days, not because he was hesitant, unwilling to betray his father, Prince Fu, and had no intention of coveting the throne, but because Zhu Hezeng believed that Zhu Heyu's position as crown prince was already over. He was on the verge of collapse and was disliked and alienated by Emperor Deqing. Naturally, he had no ability to ensure that he could successfully inherit the throne!
In the final analysis, he just looked down upon Zhu Heyu's abilities.
But when Zhu Hezeng received news from the capital and found out that Zhu Heyu had strong support from powerful ministers like Zhao Junchen, he might be able to keep his position as crown prince, or at least stabilize his position in a short period of time. Naturally, he would be able to guarantee Zhu Hezeng's succession. Because of the position of King of Fortune, Zhu Hezeng rushed to meet Zhu Heyu on New Year's Eve.
After understanding Zhu Hezeng's change of mind, Zhu Heyu felt a little unhappy, but on the surface, his smile remained unchanged and he nodded: "That's right! The news you received, Brother Zeng, is true. Zhao Gechen and I are now dead." Let’s put aside our past grudges and work together.”
Zhu Hezeng asked again: "So, Mr. Zhao Ge, is he willing to contribute to my inheritance of the throne?"
Compared with a gentleman like Zhu Heyu who keeps his promises, Zhu Hezeng trusts the exchange of interests of a powerful minister like Zhao Junchen more.
This situation made Zhu Heyu quite helpless, and he suddenly had more ideas about the issues he had just been thinking about.
But on the surface, Zhu Heyu remained calm and nodded: "Zhao Gechen and I have advanced and retreated together, and we will definitely give our full support when the time comes!"
Zhu Hezeng showed hesitation and asked again: "How sure are the success of this matter? Don't let me get nothing by then and just become an unfaithful and unfilial person..."
Zhu Heyu understood that success or failure depended on this, and Su Rong nodded quickly and said: "This matter is very certain! My father is determined to rectify the feudal kings from all over the world, and Prince Fu must be responsible for his crimes! But after my father has rectified the feudal kings everywhere, , you will inevitably have to be gentle, and as long as you actively cooperate, you will be the best candidate for your father to be gentle and comfort you. Coupled with the full recommendation of me and Mr. Zhao Ge, my father will finally let you inherit the position of King Fu. The possibility is extremely high!”
After Zhu Hezeng's expression changed for a long time, he finally gritted his teeth and said: "If this is the case, as long as His Royal Highness the Crown Prince keeps his promise, I will be willing to stand up and expose the vassal kings' violations of discipline and government... Not only about my father, Prince Fu, I have always He is responsible for liaison with various royal palaces, and he also holds some evidence of the crimes of King Lu, King Su, and King Dai!"
After hearing what Zhu Hezeng said, Zhu Heyu was immediately overjoyed!
He originally only wanted to deal with King Fu first, and then gradually investigate the remaining vassal kings. This approach seemed to be a safe choice, but the pressure and resistance he would face in the future would inevitably become greater and greater, and sooner or later the investigation would fail. Things ended without any problems.
But if we can find definite evidence of the crimes of the other feudal kings from King Fu, maybe we can accomplish the feat in one battle!
After Zhu Heyu formed an alliance with Zhao Junchen, Zhao Junchen believed that Zhu Heyu must put himself to death in the future, otherwise he would never be able to inherit the throne. Zhu Heyu agreed with Zhao Junchen's statement on the surface, but he always thought in his heart. Some hesitation.
Now, Zhu Heyu has received an unexpected harvest. Maybe he can successfully complete this difficult case involving many vassal kings. Not only will he have outstanding achievements, but he can also show his abilities to the government and the public, which may make De Wouldn't it be a better choice if Emperor Qing changed his mind and no longer had to take the risk of Zhao Junchen's desperate plan?
Thinking of this, Zhu Heyu felt quite excited, and the previous confusion and wavering immediately dissipated!
He decided to do something big!
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