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In the past, Prince Zhu Heyu had always dismissed the idea of "painting cakes to satisfy hunger".
In Zhu Heyu's view, a person should be based on integrity, and this is especially true for those in power. As a dignified prince and prince, he must be honest and trustworthy and stick to his word, otherwise how can he become a model for the world? , to convince and follow the ruling and opposition parties?
Therefore, Zhu Heyu never promises anything to others easily. Once he makes a promise, he must keep his promise!
Regarding this attitude, Zhu Heyu had expressed his complaints to Emperor Deqing, Zhao Shancai, and Zhao Junchen after the alliance was formed.
Emperor Deqing was stunned when he heard Zhu Heyu's statement.
Then, Emperor Deqing immediately summoned Xiao Wenruan, the former crown prince and grand master who was still alive at the time, and then reprimanded him, believing that Xiao Wenruan had educated the crown prince into a pedantic fool.
After Emperor Deqing's reprimand was over, Xiao Wenruan said to Prince Zhu Heyu - "I taught you what I think is right, but that road is very difficult and may not be successful. Some things are right or wrong. , and whether you should stick to it, others can’t decide, it’s up to you to decide.”
After Xiao Wenruan passed away, Zhu Heyu was assisted by Zhao Shancai. He also told Zhao Shancai his ideas, and Zhao Shancai was silent for a long time after hearing this.
But soon, Zhao Shancai seemed not to care at all. He just smiled calmly and said, "Everyone should do what they want. There are some things that His Royal Highness really shouldn't do personally."
After Zhao Shancai died of illness, Zhu Heyu chose to form an alliance with Zhao Junchen. During this period, he also expressed his persistence. Zhao Junchen also smiled after hearing this, but that smile was very unclear.
Finally, Zhao Junchen said leisurely: "Integrity seems to be a good thing. You think integrity is right, but in my opinion, there is no real right or wrong in this world. In the eyes of people from different positions, right Wrong words are often completely opposite...
At the same time, absolute success or failure does exist in this world! Isn't it ridiculous to give up absolute success or failure for the sake of false right and wrong? "
Zhu Heyu discovered that although Zhao Junchen was a corrupt official, he actually had a tendency to "be a teacher" and often told people seemingly useless truths in long speeches.
Therefore, compared to Xiao Wenruan and Zhao Shancai who talked about this matter in one sentence, Zhao Junchen told Zhu Heyu a lot of things in detail.
During this period, Zhao Junchen also mentioned a new concept to Zhu Heyu - "involution".
"What is involution? It means that everyone is squeezing towards the center! That is, in order to compete for relatively limited resources, people must put in a lot of extra ineffective efforts, and an irreversible vicious cycle is formed!
Take the imperial examination as an example. Memorizing and understanding the Four Books and Five Classics is enough, and neat and clean calligraphy is enough. However, there are only so many places on the list, and there are hundreds of thousands of scholars, which can be said to be an army of thousands. Thousands of horses cross the single-plank bridge. If you still want to stand out under such circumstances, you must put in a lot of extra ineffective efforts!
Therefore, there is the Eight-Part Essay. When writing an article, you must deliberately imitate the tone of the ancient saint. The length of the sentence, the use of traditional and simple words, the pitch of the voice, etc. must be carefully studied. The calligraphy handwriting cannot only be neat and clean, but also must be carefully studied. It must be at the level of a famous artist...
However, let us think about it carefully. Scholars have spent so much effort on hanging beams and stabbing their buttocks. Do their efforts have practical significance? Is writing articles imitating the tone of a saint useful in daily life? Can the length of sentences, the use of traditional and simple words, and the high and low tone of voice be beneficial to governing the people? None, no real meaning! What a waste of time!
Not only that, people's energy and time are limited, and this situation has also produced many bad consequences. Scholars waste a lot of time and energy on useless things, and they will be helpless, ignorant of worldly affairs, pedantic, and even lose food. There is no distinction, so there is a saying that "a useless scholar is a scholar"... Under such circumstances, even if they successfully cross the single-plank bridge in the future, how can they be expected to govern the country and bring peace to the people?
However, when every scholar is making extra ineffective efforts, if you still want to cross the single-plank bridge, you must go with the crowd and waste your life and time, otherwise you will not even have a chance to cross the bridge!
This is involution! When you think about it, do you think this situation is terrible? "
At that time, after Zhu Heyu heard what Zhao Junchen said, although he could not empathize with him, he still subconsciously felt that "involution" was indeed a terrible phenomenon, so he nodded in agreement.
Zhao Junchen continued: "Yes, involution is not a good phenomenon, but if you think deeper, you will find that the root cause of the involution phenomenon is actually a good phenomenon that everyone praises. , that's 'fair'!
Why? It is precisely because the imperial examination system ensures a certain degree of fairness and allows every scholar to participate in the competition that there are thousands of troops and horses crossing the single-plank bridge. Therefore, scholars are forced to waste their lives and put in a lot of effort for useless studies...
Hey, everyone knows that the culture of the Ming Dynasty declined, and it was not as splendid as the previous dynasties. In the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, there were hundreds of schools of thought contending, in the Han Dynasty there were Yuefu, in the Wei and Jin Dynasties there were styles, in the Tang Dynasty there were poems, in the Song Dynasty there were lyrics, and in the Yuan Dynasty there were tunes... But what did the Ming Dynasty have? It's only a few chapters long enough to catch your eye, but have you ever thought about why this happens?
That's because there was no imperial examination system before the Sui and Tang dynasties. Instead, the children of nobles directly became officials, or they were promoted to be filial and honest. Although there were imperial examinations in the Sui, Tang, Song and Three Dynasties, there were many loopholes. Only in the later period did the methods of naming and copying come into being. The places on the list were still monopolized by the children of aristocratic families; in the Yuan Dynasty, the imperial examination system was even discontinued for a time...
In this way, ordinary scholars have no chance to participate in the competition, but the children of aristocratic families do not need to compete, and there is no chance for involution to occur. They will naturally have the leisure and energy to focus on romance, poetry, and songs!
But by the Ming Dynasty, the imperial examination system had been perfected, and the room for maneuver of the aristocratic families was suppressed to the greatest extent. No matter whether they were noble children or common people, they had to compete fairly... but the result was that everyone was involved in it, for the sake of If you waste your life without studying, where can you find leisure, love, poetry, and songs?
In this regard, the words fairness and involution are almost synonymous, but involution is wrong and fairness is right. Don't you think it's very contradictory?
The so-called right and wrong are often completely opposite in the eyes of people from different positions. For those ordinary people who are down and out, fairness is right, and involution is also right, because these situations are the only way for them to reverse the fate of themselves and their families. Chance! But for those noble nobles, fairness may be right, but involution is definitely wrong, because this situation has always been a waste of their time and lives!
There are many similar situations... Where is the boundary between forgiveness and condonation? Perseverance and flexibility are both good qualities that people advocate, but they are actually completely opposite things; if loyalty is a good thing, then is it a kind of loyalty to help others do evil? "
At that time, Zhu Heyu couldn't help but feel confused when Zhao Junchen said this.
In the end, Zhao Junchen closed the coffin and concluded: "So, there is never a true sense of right or wrong in this world, but there is an absolute sense of success or failure!
Before we distinguish between right and wrong, we must first recognize our own position. Remember that it is our own position that determines right and wrong, good and evil, and we cannot let the so-called right and wrong and good and evil determine our own position!
If it is beneficial to one's own position, it is right, and if it is not beneficial to one's own position, it is wrong. This has been true in ancient and modern times! Otherwise, even if you insist that what you did is right, as long as it fails in the end, you are still wrong in the eyes of everyone! "
Having said this, Zhao Junchen looked at Zhu Heyu's expression changes with a smile, and asked: "In the same way, integrity seems to be a good quality... but is it absolutely right?"
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On this day, Zhu Heyu summoned several key officials of Yuezhou Prefecture to talk to him in the Yamen of Yuezhou Prefecture in Huguang.
During the conversation, Zhu Heyu unexpectedly recalled the different opinions of Xiao Wenruan, Zhao Shancai and Zhao Junchen.
Xiao Wenruan only wanted to shape Zhu Heyu's character, Zhao Shancai only wanted to solve things for Zhu Heyu, and Zhao Junchen wanted to change Zhu Heyu's way of thinking.
Zhu Heyu himself respects Xiao Wenruan the most and trusts Zhao Shancai the most... But today, he has finally followed the path pointed by Zhao Junchen.
Thinking of this, Zhu Heyu couldn't help but laugh at himself.
But soon, Zhu Heyu calmed down the distracting thoughts in his mind and continued his task of "painting the pie".
At this time, Lei Jiazheng, the chief envoy of Hunan, Lu Zhihong, the prefect of Yuezhou, and Zhang Chengshun, the fellow magistrate of Yuezhou, were sitting in front of Zhu Heyu, listening to Zhu Heyu's speech respectfully.
In fact, Zhu Heyu was the prince of the dynasty and an imperial envoy. These officials were originally only qualified to stand in front of Zhu Heyu and obey instructions. However, Zhu Heyu was extremely polite after seeing them. He not only asked them to sit down During the next conversation, consultation was also the main focus.
"My lords, the attitude of the central court is very firm. This time, we will not let go of those vassals who violate laws and disciplines no matter what. Even if they are relatives of the emperor, they will be guilty of the same crime as the people!
Yuezhou was an important town for the imperial court. There were a large amount of land owned by three vassal kings and seventeen clansmen all over the territory. This was the key point! For many years, the people under the rule of Yuezhou have suffered from oppression by the vassal. Some people have had their land forcibly annexed, and some have had their wives and daughters robbed. The Yuezhou Mansion Yamen has also accumulated many cases of people suing the vassal. Now is the time A good time to settle the account!
We have a good chance. We have collected a lot of evidence in advance. The feudal sects who committed the crime have no chance to defend themselves! I also hope that all of you will cooperate sincerely and handle the case with all your strength. You don’t have to worry about the feudal sect’s retaliation afterwards. I will make the decision for you! The imperial court will also support you! As long as the case goes smoothly, I will ask the court for credit, and all the adults present will be rewarded! "
After hearing what Zhu Heyu said, all the officials present agreed in unison, still respectfully.
However, Zhu Heyu was still keenly aware of the disapproval flashing across many people's expressions.
After all, everyone now knows that Zhu Heyu's position as crown prince is in jeopardy and that the ascendancy of the seventh prince Zhu Hejian is irreversible. Under such circumstances, no one believes that Zhu Heyu can help them block the vassal's revenge in the future. , and did not believe that Zhu Heyu had the ability to get them to be rewarded by the court.
After being keenly aware of the thoughts of these officials, Zhu Heyu knew that he had lost his prestige in the hearts of local officials. His expression darkened, but his expression soon returned to normal.
On the way from Luoyang to Yuezhou, Zhu Heyu was used to this kind of situation, and he also knew very well that he had indeed lost the ability to protect and promote these local officials. He was just trying to spread the pie.
Therefore, in order to persuade these local officials to work wholeheartedly, Zhu Heyu not only had to draw a big pie, but also pulled a tiger's skin and a big banner.
Therefore, Zhu Heyu skillfully changed the topic and said: "I just said that the attitude of the imperial court is very firm, because not only is His Majesty determined to severely punish the vassal involved in the case, Zhou Shoufu and Zhao Gechen also hold the same attitude. It can be said that The king and his ministers are united and unstoppable!
Since I left Beijing to investigate the case, I have still maintained contact with Zhou Shoufu and Zhao Gechen. Their positions are completely consistent with mine. Therefore, your future performance will not only be seen by me, but also by His Majesty, Zhou Shoufu and Zhao Gechen. They also see it! Not only will I support you and ask for credit, Zhou Shoufu and Zhao Gechen will also support you and ask for credit! "
Hearing Zhu Heyu mention Zhou Shangjing and Zhao Junchen, the expressions of all the officials present changed slightly, and they agreed in unison again.
But compared with the last time they agreed in unison, the officials were obviously much more serious this time.
After all, they had also heard the news and knew that Zhu Heyu and Zhao Junchen had reached an alliance. These local officials could secretly despise Zhu Heyu who was in danger, but they did not dare to despise Zhao Junchen who was in full swing.
With Zhao Junchen's current status, he can be convincing whether he is blocking the vassal's revenge for them in the future or asking the imperial court for credit.
Seeing the changes in the attitudes of the officials, Zhu Heyu's mood became increasingly complicated, but his appearance remained as usual. After discussing the follow-up plan with the local officials in detail, he got up and saw them off in person.
When the local officials left, looking at their retreating figures, Zhu Heyu finally couldn't help but sigh.
Li Chuanwen was still accompanying Zhu Heyu at this time. After hearing Zhu Heyu's sigh, he immediately guessed what Zhu Heyu was thinking.
After a moment's hesitation, Li Chuanwen persuaded: "Your Highness, don't be discouraged. These local officials are just short-sighted and have only seen your current predicament. But as long as your follow-up plan is successfully realized, there will be opportunities to reverse the overall situation in the future... Zhao Gechen also We will definitely help you!"
Zhu Heyu turned his head and glanced at Li Chuanwen, but sighed: "Now everyone in the government and the public looks down on me. This feeling is really uncomfortable and makes people feel powerless...
Having said this, I admire Zhao Gechen's wisdom even more. Just over a year ago, he was also not favored by the world. Everyone in the government and the public believed that he would end badly in the future... But just now In just over a year, Zhao Gechen has completely turned the situation around. Now, no matter the local central government or the officials and people of the government and the public, who dares to underestimate Zhao Gechen?
It's ridiculous to say that I am now determined to imitate Zhao Gechen's method of turning things around. However, I have clearly seen everything Zhao Gechen has done in the past year. I can't even summarize it. I can't do it at all. Seeing clearly what methods Zhao Gechen used to turn the situation around so quickly... Sigh, maybe I really lack talent and virtue! "
Li Chuanwen hesitated again. After seeing Zhu Heyu's sad expression, he finally couldn't help but said: "Zhao Gechen's method of turning the situation around is difficult to say and simple to say. In summary, it is to seize everything. Opportunities, use every possible means! Whether it is to please His Majesty, reform political malpractices, form a party and expand power, make friends with scholars, or even make meritorious deeds in war, etc., etc., we must try our best to seize any opportunity, just like this, little by little. To turn the situation around... Therefore, His Highness the Crown Prince must be patient now!"
Zhu Heyu nodded lightly to express his acceptance. Just as he was about to say something more, he saw Xiao Wenxuan hurriedly entered the room and reported: "His Royal Highness, we have just received news that the new imperial envoy Wang Youlun has left Luoyang and is working hard." I am rushing towards Yuezhou, hoping to catch up with His Highness the Crown Prince to hand over the power of imperial envoy, and I will arrive here in about five days."
After hearing Xiao Wenxuan's report, Zhu Heyu's expression suddenly changed, and he did not care to continue to exchange experiences with Li Chuanwen. He immediately ordered: "Before everything is settled, Wang Youlun must not be allowed to catch up with me and hand over power! Go ahead and tell everyone to hurry up and do their work, we must end everything in Yuezhou City within three days, and then leave Yuezhou as soon as possible!"
Zhu Heyu has made up his mind to play a hide-and-seek game with Wang Youlun. Before he completely completes the investigation of the vassal crimes, he will never hand over the power and responsibilities of the imperial envoy to Wang Youlun - if he loses his status as an imperial envoy again, as an imperial envoy The heirloom prince is in danger, he can't do anything at all!
After making the decision, Zhu Heyu turned to look at Li Chuanwen and asked again: "Mr. Li, in your opinion, what should we do next?"
Li Chuanwen did not hesitate and said quickly: "The next step is to meet and win over the wealthy gentry families in Yuezhou, and use the feudal clan's land as bait to seek their full support! As long as His Highness the Crown Prince has the support of the wealthy gentry families from all over the country, Your reputation in the minds of scholars will not be damaged, and you will have a chance to make a comeback in the future. This is the most important thing!"
"Okay! Just do what Mr. Li wants!"
Zhu Heyu immediately nodded in agreement.
He knew that he would be trying to impress the gentry again.
Zhu Heyu, who used to disdain the art of painting cakes, now regards this method as the foundation of his life!
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