To be fair, although Zhu Su said what he said, he still has no idea what kind of theory to replace "Neo-Confucianism" and how to brew his own "new wine" suitable for the new Ming Dynasty.
Even if there was, he would not dare to be honest with Liu Bowen at this stage.
Liu Bowen is different from Nahachu, Guantong, and even Yao Guangxiao. Even if he knew the history in advance, Zhu Su did not dare to say that he could see through this person.
You must know that although Liu Bowen did not do anything to harm the Ming Dynasty or betray Lao Zhu in history. But after actually arriving in the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Su discovered that he was always wary of this historical figure who was supposed to be a model for a famous minister and virtuous prime minister.
Although there is a saying in later generations that "Zhuge Liang divides the world into three parts and Liu Bowen dominates the country", which places Liu Bowen at the highest echelon of famous ministers and ministers in the past, in fact, during the Hongwu period, Liu Bowen's status in the Ming Dynasty was not high. .
Liu Bowen participated in the Yuanting Examination in the past and was a Jinshi in the Yuan Dynasty. He once served as the Prime Minister of Gao'an County and the Capital of the Marshal's Mansion of Jiangsu and Zhejiang. He was responsible for killing all rebels. He was once considered loyal to Dayuan.
Later, due to corruption in Yuanting, Liu Bowen resigned at home in anger. When Lao Zhu heard of his reputation, he sent someone to invite him to come out of the mountain. However, Liu Bowen was not optimistic about Lao Zhu at the beginning, and after several invitations, he reluctantly finally came out.
As the founding heroes of the country, Li Shanchang, Xu Da and others were granted the title of Duke, but Liu Bowen was only granted the title of Bo. Because of the above factors, after the founding of the Ming Dynasty, Liu Bowen knew that he was always feared by many Huaixi officials. He acted cautiously, walked on thin ice, and did not speak lightly. He was not as proud as the other founding officials.
It is far different from the "unifying the country" style of later generations of people.
Moreover, this time Lao Liu completely stepped on the key point of Lao Zhu's primary target: the old ministers of Yuanting and the Confucian masters. Most importantly, he was the leader of the Huaixi faction of civil servants led by Hu Weiyong and Li Shanchang who had been publicly promoted by the surrendered ministers of the Yuan Dynasty who called themselves "Qingliu".
He had guessed that Lao Zhu was going to attack Confucianism. Could he have guessed that the imperial court's ultimate goal was actually to target the surrender of the old Yuan Dynasty?
If he knew the details, would he inform the ministers of the Yuan Dynasty and even make suggestions?
Facing Liu Bowen like this, Zhu Su did not dare to be careless. After thinking for a while, he decided to continue testing: "Sir, what you say is quite bluffing."
"I am still young, so how can I talk about reforming the world's literati? I just have some academic doubts. Let's just think about it and gain some insights."
"Your Highness does not trust me anymore." Liu Bowen did not argue with Zhu Su in the conversation. On the contrary, he directly pointed out Zhu Su's concerns without hesitation, which made Zhu Su feel horrified. Just listen to Liu Bowen sigh: "I served Bao Yuan in my early years and served him."
"Now His Majesty wants to rectify the old officials of the Yuan Dynasty, and I am also among them. It is normal for Your Highness to be wary of his ministers after receiving orders from His Majesty."
Sure enough, he guessed it!
Zhu Su's heart was beating wildly. He has not even started to attack Confucianism. Even Lao Zhu just wants to dig into the corners of Confucianism first so that he can cultivate a new type of literati who can be used, and then knock down the old officials of Yuanting in the court.
It can be said that even before the beginning, Liu Bowen had already guessed Lao Zhu's final plan!
Zhu Su's eyes were cloudy and uncertain, and he didn't know how to deal with it. After a moment, he slumped in his chair as if giving up: "Sir, it is a taboo for ministers to speculate on your superiors' intentions. Aren't you afraid of the wrath of your father?"
"Your Majesty, you are worried." Seeing that Zhu Su finally started to be honest, Liu Bowen was also happy and said, "Your Majesty, as the heroic ruler of this world, will naturally not punish innocent people."
"Although I am a humble old minister, I also know that the world's customs have been declining for a long time. This is the time when China is undergoing a revolution and reform. If Your Majesty does not do this, it will be very difficult for the king to do it."
"Therefore, your majesty and your highness have discussed this matter, and I am happy to see it come to fruition." Liu Bowen expressed his thoughts.
"That's it." Zhu Su nodded. It is absolutely nonsense to say that Lao Zhu will not punish innocent people.
But after thinking about it, Zhu Su decided to believe Liu Bowen. After all, Liu Bowen in history was honest and self-responsible, which was different from most of the old Yuanting officials.
Moreover, taking the initiative to participate in it may also be a wise way for Liu Bowen to think of protecting himself.
The most important thing is that in history, when Lao Zhu raised the Kongyin case and the Guo Huan case, it did not affect the Liu family.
"In this dark room, every word my husband says, I will report to my father truthfully. Is that okay?" Zhu Su asked tentatively.
"This is what should be done." Liu Bowen nodded. "I asked Your Highness to find a dark room just to prevent my advice from spreading among the princes and scholars in the court. It should be stated directly to Your Majesty."
"It's just that if it is a written memorial, it may be leaked by others. It would be best if Your Highness is willing to present it to me on my behalf."
Zhu Su nodded, what he said made sense. After all, what we want to talk about is poaching Confucianism and cutting off the power and wealth of hundreds of officials. If the matter is leaked, even Lao Zhu will face great resistance, let alone Liu Bowen.
Therefore, the only way to boil a frog in warm water is to start with the Imperial College, step by step, first add sand to the literati, then deal with the civil servants, and finally promote a new type of literati who is in line with the interests of the Ming Dynasty to fill the gaps among the civil servants.
Thinking about it, just because Fang Xiaoru expressed a different point of view, and then he, "Fang Xiaoru's teacher", was about to join the Imperial College, Yang Xunwen and others above the court would rather take risks to trap him, a meritorious prince who was in the spotlight. , but also to prevent him from intervening in the Imperial College.
Not to mention what kind of uproar would be caused if they knew that the emperor wanted to poach Confucianism.
"In this case, I will make it clear to you sir." Zhu Su said. "To be honest, I have little talent and little knowledge, and I do not have the ability to formulate a new Confucian program from scratch that can withstand scrutiny."
"Your Highness is too modest." Liu Bowen said solemnly. "Your Highness's 'science' is exquisite and profound, and it describes all the mysteries of the world. Why should we sacrifice the near and seek the far?"
"The way of science is perfect, piece by piece. The application of its principles can be proved by examples in this world. Even if someone can speak like a lotus flower, there is no refutation."
"Sir, do you want me to promote science?" Zhu Su frowned.
"But science is practical knowledge..."
What Lao Zhu wants is to control the minds of the literati. Guide their pursuit from "ruling the world with the emperor" to other places that are beneficial to Ming Dynasty.
To achieve this, science that is simply used to manage the world cannot do it; it must have a matching ideological program.
(End of chapter)
