Zhu Yuanzhang thought deeply for a moment, but still did not let go, but asked: "Gongsun Cong, do you have anything else to say?"
Gongsun Cong replied: "Your Majesty, there is inequality between rich and poor in the world... The north is located on the front line, and there are constant battles..."
"In order to show fairness, I believe that scholars should be selected according to the quotas divided by provinces and prefectures, so as to give scholars all over the world the opportunity to serve in official positions."
"At the same time, it can also prevent many officials in a certain place from forming cliques for personal gain."
Originally, when everyone heard that quotas were divided according to regions, they wanted to object. However, after hearing the second half of the sentence, I suddenly didn't dare to speak.
Especially the officials from the Huaixi and Jiangsu and Zhejiang factions changed their expressions.
To them, this was just a slap in the face.
Li Shanchang's face was also very ugly. You, Zhu Yuanzhang, have killed so many people from the Huaixi clan through the Hu Weiyong case, and you still refuse to give up?
This time, Zhu Yuanzhang had no intention of discussing with them, and simply said: "Okay, let's go with this strategy."
"Ren Ang."
"I'm here."
"You work with Gongsun Cong to come up with detailed strategies as soon as possible."
"According to the order."
Ren Ang was very excited. The imperial examination, which had been suspended for 13 years, was restarted during his tenure. This was a great achievement.
Scholars all over the world want to say good things about him.
Moreover, most of the power of the Ministry of Rites comes from the imperial examination.
Since the suspension of the imperial examination, the status of the Ministry of Rites has dropped from second to the Ministry of Personnel to the last place.
Now that he has restarted, his power as the Minister of Rites has become even greater.
He is most willing to see success in both public and private matters.
As for the two conditions put forward by the emperor, it is not a problem at all.
Zhu Yuanzhang continued: "There are more than five months left this year, enough to open an enke."
"The Zhengke will be held again next year, and it will be held once every three years from now on, and it will always be the rule."
Ren Ang said excitedly: "Your Majesty is wise."
The others also said: "Your Majesty is wise."
This is indeed the happiest thing in recent years. The lifeless court became a little more cheerful.
But a few people looked a little uncomfortable.
That is Wang Ben, Du You, Gong Jiao, Du Jiao, Zhao Minwang, Wu Yuan and others, they are all the fourth auxiliary officers.
The emperor did not discuss such a big matter as re-opening the imperial examination with them.
Instead, let Gongsun Cong, who has just entered the court, come forward. This represents too many things.
In addition, the emperor had expressed his dissatisfaction with the system of four auxiliary officers several times, which made several people feel even heavier.
However, Zhu Yuanzhang's next actions made them completely lose all thoughts.
"A cabinet will be set up to assist us in handling government affairs...the former fourth auxiliary officers Du Jie and Wu Yuan will be cabinet bachelors, and Gong Jiao will be transferred to the Imperial College to offer wine..."
Only two of the original fourth auxiliary officers entered the cabinet, and the rest were transferred elsewhere.
Although they have all been promoted, compared with the four auxiliary officers, one is in the sky and the other is on the ground.
However, the two people who entered the cabinet were not happy, because it is hard to say whether this is a blessing or a curse.
The few people who were transferred felt regret and relief.
It is regrettable to leave the center of power, but it is also far away from danger.
This time, Zhu Yuanzhang was still arbitrary and announced the reform directly without consulting anyone at all.
The ministers listened quietly, no one dared to question or express an opinion.
As early as a few years ago, the court had become a one-word hall.
There are some issues that everyone dares to discuss, and there are some issues that are the emperor's inverse scale, and anyone who dares to touch them will be hit.
Things related to the Prime Minister are taboo, and whoever contaminates them will die.
Everyone has formed a tacit understanding long ago, without saying anything.
In fact, the ministers had already had a premonition that the fourth auxiliary officer would be cancelled.
We are not stupid, and we can see the shortcomings of this organization.
Many people are even waiting to see Zhu Yuanzhang's joke. The prime minister system has been in place for thousands of years. How can it be abolished at your request?
What people didn't expect was that while abolishing the system of four auxiliary officers, he created a cabinet.
They were all official elites and quickly captured the core of the cabinet.
The fourth auxiliary officers were treated in a hierarchical manner. They were ranked below the princes and above the six ministers. They could be said to be very respected.
They also have certain decision-making authority and can handle many things themselves.
So even though the emperor repeatedly restricted their power, it still didn't work.
However, cabinet bachelors have no rank and no specific positions.
If you were a fifth-rank official before joining the cabinet, you will only have a fifth-rank official status.
A fifth-rank official, even if he is a bachelor in the cabinet, is close to the emperor, but he is nothing in front of the six ministers.
Moreover, the emperor also said just now that the cabinet only has the power to participate in government affairs.
After they discussed the strategy, they had to submit it to the emperor for review and approval.
The execution did not go through them. After the emperor approved it, he bypassed them and handed it over directly to the various yamen for implementation.
It can be said that the cabinet is nothing more than the emperor's staff.
Moreover, Prince Zhu Biao was given control of the cabinet, which further reduced the power of cabinet bachelors.
The prime minister system is completely a thing of the past.
The ministers could not help but have such thoughts in their hearts.
Zhu Yuanzhang ignored everyone's thoughts and continued to make arrangements.
Five people were transferred to the cabinet from the Hanlin Academy and other departments.
There are seven bachelors in the cabinet. When problems arise, the seven consult with each other and follow the majority principle.
If anyone has a different opinion, report it to the prince and he will make a decision.
Lin Linzongzong said a lot, and finally the fourth auxiliary officer officially became a thing of the past, and the cabinet made its debut.
After resigning from the court, Zhu Biao took the newly appointed cabinet bachelor to sort out the cabinet work.
Zhu Yuanzhang returned to Qianqing Palace and called Mao Xiang over alone:
"How is the investigation of Zhao Mao's case going?"
Mao Xiang had just been reprimanded in the court, and he was unconvinced. When the emperor asked about it, he felt proud.
Don’t you, the emperor, still have to rely on me?
"Your Majesty, I have been interrogating day and night, and have tortured more than 4,200 accomplices, and have arrested 743 people."
"The remaining criminals who have not been arrested are mostly local officials. I have sent Jin Yiwei to arrest them."
Zhu Yuanzhang pretended not to see his little thoughts, and just said: "Okay, investigate and deal with it quickly, no matter who is involved, they will not be let go."
This power was too great. Mao Xiang said excitedly: "Yes, I will not let any corrupt officials go."
Zhu Yuanzhang sneered in his heart and asked calmly: "Can we find clues about the critical illness of my grandson?"
Mao Xiang lowered his head, a hint of madness flashed in his eyes: "After the grandson recovered from illness, a maid next to the princess was scolded to death by the princess for trivial matters."
"According to some servants in the East Palace, the maid went out many times during the period when the grandson was ill."
Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes instantly turned cold: "Did you find out what she was doing?"
Mao Xiang shook his head and said: "No, I just know that she always disguises herself when going out. No one knows why she goes out."
Zhu Yuanzhang pondered for a moment and said: "I understand, continue to investigate, and remember not to alert the snake."
Soon Mao Xiang left.
Zhu Yuanzhang looked at the door quietly, not knowing what he was thinking.
After a long time, he suddenly said: "Is what Mao Xiang said true?"
