The emperor has been looking forward to the renewal of everything, which is known to both the government and the public.
But this time, the renewal of everything mentioned in the emperor's New Year's message is different from what everyone imagined.
"...The first practical thing in the five years of Jiajing is to fully promote the 'Three Iron Weapons for Farmers' project. Iron hoe, iron plow, and iron rake. We strive to have at least one of them by the end of this year, and more than half of the households have all three." To this end, in addition to the Baojin Bureau, the imperial court is also discussing strategies for reducing or returning iron levies and subsidizing farmers' purchases of iron farm tools. Provinces, prefectures, and counties will conduct detailed statistics on the shortage of iron farm tools among farmers in addition to clearing land and re-creating yellow records. , encouraging merchants to resell iron farm tools to other places.”
It was already the fifth day of the Lunar New Year, and this issue of Mingbao had also reached Henan.
There really is a Gaolaozhuang Village on the outskirts of Xinzheng County.
Nowadays, there is a big official in the village named Gao Shangxian.
At the end of last year, he rushed home from his official position as a fifth-rank Shanxi inspector to observe filial piety for his father.
It's just that Ding You has not become an official. According to the current rules, he, a fifth-grade life official, can also get a copy of "Ming Pao" delivered by Tongyi Bureau.
At this time, Gao Shangxian couldn't help but be stunned when he looked at the emperor's congratulatory message in the first issue of "Ming Pao" in the fifth year of Jiajing.
"Dad, why don't you read it anymore?"
Next to him was a young man who had just started to grow some beard.
Gao Shangxian was stunned for a moment, and then continued to teach his son how to read the abbreviations in the newspaper.
"The second practical event in the fifth year of Jiajing period was to carry out the selection of rural virtuous people at all levels and prepare for the establishment of rural virtuous institutions at the provincial, prefecture and county levels. Under the General Affairs Department, a royal letter room has been set up outside the Meridian Gate of the Forbidden City. Your letters can be sent to the Yuxin Room through Tongyi Bureau, so that I can understand the people's sentiments."
Gao Shangxian was stunned again.
Such an approach...can't say it won't be effective. But in the future, local officials and rural sages will have to "collude" even more closely, so that some bad things in the local area will not be spread to the capital.
Of course, local officials and rural magnates are wary of each other, and may hold back on certain matters. It seems that the consequences will be either not bad or completely bad.
Unless everyone is afraid of the factory guard's spy in the dark.
"father?"
Gao Shangxian shook his head: "Qing Su, wait until I finish reading first. Why are you anxious?"
His son's name is Gao Gong, whose courtesy name is Suqing. He is fifteen years old this year.
Gao Gong pointed to the back: "Look here!"
Gao Shangxian moved his gaze over there, his eyes slightly condensed.
After frowning, he continued to look at the "third fact": "All localities will sell government land at a fair price within five years of Jiajing through silver, rent conversion, etc., with priority given to farmers with little land and hermit households."
Is this matter related to the election of rural sages?
The grain tax on official land was heavier. In the past, it was mostly rented by local gentry and wealthy households, and then subleased to farmers for cultivation. Now the division of these fields depends on the cooperation of the wealthy gentry households in the context of the Jiajing Five Years in which only the land was cleared, the land was rebuilt, and the government offices were reformed.
Those who cooperate will have a chance to be elected as rural sages; those who do not cooperate may be afraid that other rural sages will not hesitate to work with local officials to dig out some people's tattered stories and re-edit the Ming Dynasty Laws and Regulations.
Can farmers and hermit households with little land afford official land? The conversion of silver and rent means that by paying grain on an annual basis, one can finally fully obtain the bottom and surface rights of some official fields?
After the official treatment law was implemented, officials and gentry no longer gave face to their families, but had to pay grain. The difference between land rights and surface rights was a mess. I don’t know how long it will take to clarify it.
But if the imperial court wants to implement the law on the treatment of officials, I'm afraid it really needs more grain and more money.
Maybe there would be no need to pay, and a lot more grain would be recovered from the official fields in the following years. When the new law really transitioned to a successful stage, those fields would completely belong to the farmers, and they would only have to pay the tax in the future.
His mind moved, and he saw the fourth practical fact: the Tai Hospital and Huimin Pharmacy were merged into the medical nursing home. Within five years of Jiajing, every county would have a hospital with good doctors and well-priced medicines.
Gao Shangxian nodded, this is indeed a real thing. I don't know how the medical hospitals throughout the Ming Dynasty can be opened in every county within a year, unless they find a new name for the existing medical hospital.
Only then did he see the place pointed by his son, and asked first, "Do you know the characters here?"
Gao Gong suppressed a little pride, but couldn't help but curl up the corners of his mouth slightly: "Although I haven't bought the dictionary that dad wants yet, my son has read four issues of "Ming Pao" over and over again, and he can still understand most of them."
Gao Shangxian looked at him and then said: "This year Henan will probably have a provincial examination like Guangdong and Shandong, so study hard."
“Having a father at home to guide his son’s studies makes him confident!”
Gao Shangxian was also a Jinshi, so it was enough to teach his son.
But at this time, when he saw what his son was referring to, his heart had actually been in a state of confusion since before.
This fifth "real thing" will probably cause quite a stir.
[The fifth practical event in the Jiajing five years is that starting from this year, the system of officials seizing love will be fully implemented. Days will change and months will change. To become an official after studying is to be loyal to the king, govern the country and bring peace to the world. It is difficult to have both loyalty and filial piety, and when officials are worried about the death of their loved ones, they will posthumously give the title of honor to the deceased to seize the affection and reuse it. Keeping the mourning in mind is to ensure the peace and stability of the people, to honor the ancestors and to take care of state affairs. 】
Ding You is a threshold that officials cannot avoid.
Staying in mourning does not mean that he cannot come back again, his official status is still there. But after leaving for twenty-seven months, the official position has naturally been filled. If you want to take up another position, you have to wait for it.
Looking through the annals of history, in fact, in the Tang Dynasty, there was about a 50-50 split between officials who really abided by the system and those who were taken away from the situation and reused. After the Song Dynasty, especially after the rise of Neo-Confucianism, most people who were deprived of love declined, and those who did not abide by the rules had a worrying reputation.
Now this fifth fact, although there is the guise of "stealing love" and the excuse of granting a favor and honoring the ancestors, is it really suitable to continue to be an official after changing days and months with peace of mind?
I'm afraid this is just a small test of His Majesty's current etiquette.
He called it a "real thing", but did he forget how the master scolded Jaeyu?
Behind this congratulatory message, there are five practical facts.
Starting from official documents to standardize simplified Chinese characters, making it easier for more children to read and read: Will there be any controversy? Whether it is a good thing or a bad thing to open up the people's wisdom has always been controversial. Moreover, wouldn’t this make the scientific examination more and more difficult?
Improving printing technology to reduce book printing costs: This naturally has to be paired with simplified characters. The craftsman Zheng Kui who was awarded the title of rural knight published in the last issue, the technology of printing presses and new typefaces are probably not available to the public for a while. Will not be able to grasp it.
The Hedao Yamen surveyed and mapped the entire Yellow River, and His Majesty offered a reward to the world to ask for good advice on floods in the Huanghuai River: There is nothing to say about this matter. If this stage can be completed this year, the floods in the Huanghuai River will be really controlled in the future, which will be an eternal merit.
Group animal husbandry supervisors set up cattle and mule stations, and tried to rent and sell cattle and mules at low prices in various places to adapt to the farming season: indeed, both cattle and mules can plow the land, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. It is good to benefit the people, but I am afraid that it will be difficult to implement because Ming Dynasty is still too big.
After the post stations in various places were transferred to Tongyi Bureau, Tongyi Bureau will gradually establish a postal transmission system with stronger reception and delivery capabilities. Delivery of letters, accommodation, cars and ships, etc. will gradually be opened to the people: letters are so private, and most people who need to communicate by letters They are officials and gentry. Could this Tongyi Bureau be another spy for His Majesty? What if the letter is opened and read? And most ordinary people never leave the county or town in their lives, and they don't need any accommodation, cars or boats.
After much deliberation, Gao Shangxian felt that in the future, Tongyi Bureau would mainly focus on business between officials and gentry.
Maybe a businessman?
"For the first five practical things, we will strive to achieve them this year; for the last five practical things, we will lay a solid foundation this year. On the occasion of the New Year, I would also like to say a Happy New Year to all my subjects. I hope that by the end of the year, all my subjects will also say this in my heart." After this year’s success, next year’s Spring Festival will be even more joyful than this year.”
Gao Shangxian finished reading and opened his mouth slightly.
This is really the first time that the emperor has paid New Year's greetings to people all over the world: because of this newspaper, not only every prefecture and county must pay attention to it every issue, but even the old farmers in the countryside know about this thing. Literate children and scholars of some status all took pleasure in publicizing the contents of newspapers.
So the old farmers will also know that His Majesty wishes them a happy New Year...
"Dad, what did you think about it?" Gao Gong asked with bright eyes, "The matter of seizing love?"
The biological son and biological grandson are not unfilial to the old man who passed away two months ago, but they are also biological father and son after all, and there is no need to avoid certain topics.
Gao Shangxian frowned: "Just study your lessons carefully!"
He felt that it was not his son's turn to consider these matters, and besides, he now clearly wanted to encourage him to stop worrying - Gao Shangxian had already met the conditions in a matter of days and months.
But what goes before leads to deeds. A hundred years from now, are you not going to keep your filial piety to me?
But Gao Gong said seriously: "The etiquette of son's administration has been around for a long time, and your majesty's words are reasonable. Besides, dad, my son will take the exam later, and I'm afraid new learning will be particularly important. Dad, do you know new learning? ?”
Gao Shangxian was stunned by the question and was speechless.
Gao Gong said with deep meaning: "The central government has undergone major changes, and the capital has a lot of official shortages. The capital is the easiest place to learn new things well."
Gao Shangxian raised his head and sighed, looking at his father's tablet.
Your grandson is indeed extraordinary. When he passed by the government, he said that this guy is expected to win the title of provincial examination ceremony leader.
Dad, why don't my son do it for your grandson and not have such a useless reputation?
Who knows what the future will be like?
In the following days, everyone in the small Gaolaozhuang Village gradually learned about the content of the emperor's congratulatory message.
Gao Gong's house suddenly became more lively. They had already celebrated the New Year, and many people came to visit again.
Here, there are both wealthy gentry households of the same ethnic group, as well as small farmers in the village who have elected leaders and collected gifts.
Dear fellow villagers, it is impossible for Gao Shangxian to turn away people during the first month.
"Xian Gong, our Gao family now respects you as an elder. This time His Majesty is determined to implement new laws in Henan. You are the backbone, so you have to help us explain it!"
"Yes, yes, you can speak for yourself in the county about the sale of official land and the selection of rural sages."
"Xian Gong, if the sun changes the moon, can you be appointed without mercy? If your majesty bestows you with a title, your family tree will have to be revised! Seeing that your majesty's grace is universal, Xian Gong may be promoted to the fourth rank. , then wear a red robe!"
Gao Shangxian couldn't laugh or cry.
Of the so-called ten real things, they were only concerned about three of them, plus one that was not specifically mentioned, Qingzhang Tiantu.
His noble and virtuous future is naturally closely related to Gaolaozhuang Village. Who made him a Jinshi?
There was no big shot in the Gao family's ancestors, and he, the fifth grade, was the "man who made a fortune." Fortunately, two of his five sons have grown up, and the eldest son has also been selected. Although the second son did not have any literary talent, the third son, Gao Gong, really had a bright future.
Everyone in Gaolaozhuang hopes that Gao Shangxian will "lead by example" and lead them to enjoy the policy.
He sighed: "Now it is just His Majesty's decree. How to sell the official land and how to select the village sages will have to be determined by the imperial court and the province, and the prefecture and county will follow the regulations to determine how it will be implemented."
"As long as you are here, there must be at least one of us in Gaolaozhuang as a wise man, right?"
The Gao family in Gaolaozhuang Village, Xinzheng County is not qualified to be called the Xinzheng Gao family now. The elder of this clan is not wealthy either, but he said with certainty: "Although my incompetent son did not pass the scholar examination, he is also literate. He can Write a letter to His Majesty!"
Gao Shangxian didn't know whether to laugh or cry: "Your Majesty wants to promote simplified Chinese characters, can he read and write them?"
"Aren't you here? For our Gao family, you have to teach us!"
The elected leader of the poor peasants hesitated. Gao Shangxian couldn't avoid it, so he set a time for them to come together. Now that the squires, wealthy households and clan elders are here, how can he have any room to speak?
Gao Shangxian accepted perfunctorily, but did not want to touch other matters.
Seeing this, Gao Gong said, "Uncles, we don't have official fields in Gaolaozhuang. The official fields are scattered everywhere, so we must buy them from nearby. As the saying goes, if a strong dragon doesn't suppress local snakes, why should we go to other villages to farm? Or even move to another village and be bullied?"
The Gao family hall suddenly became silent, and the poor peasant leader's eyes darkened.
Gao Shangxian looked at his son and pursed his lips.
Seeing that his father did not reprimand him, Gao Gong continued as if he was being encouraged: "As for the rural sage, the benefits of false fame are nothing more. It's good to be able to get them. But if you want to be this local sage, I'm afraid you won't get the benefits first, but I have to help the county to offend people. How many native people are there in this field? Not only the gentry and big families are worried about a thorough investigation, but also ordinary farmers. It will be a small matter to pay more grain and tax in the coming year. It would be good if Xianshu Village in this township can push one person out. , our Gaolaozhuang will offend other surrounding villages."
Hearing this, the clan elder asked blankly: "Brother Gong, then according to what you say, we, Gao Laozhuang, should not even think about Guan Tian and Xiang Xian?"
"No! Just clarify the interests!" Gao Gong bowed to his father, "Dad, my son thinks that you, Ding You, are at home and should take the lead to help the county handle this matter. At this time, you are far away from the temple. If you can help the county handle it, Once you know the truth about what your majesty said, you will definitely be able to reach heaven to hear it. At that time, your majesty will take the initiative to issue an edict to seize love, which is the best choice!"
Gao Shangxian's pursed mouth opened: When he was doing the inspection, he paid less attention to his family. She knows that this son is smart, but now he actually knows so much about being an official?
Being in office has the benefits of being in office, and not being in office has the convenience of not being in office.
Implementing the new law will be a big deal for any local official. If there is a supporter like myself, who is living at home and is in the fifth rank, the resistance from Xinzheng County will be much less than that of others.
Sooner or later, the emperor will know what's going on in the place.
At this time, I am still at home, and my reputation is intact; I understand the general situation and help His Majesty implement practical things; if he has some bright strategies to help the county solve many problems, it is another sign of talent.
It would be much better if the emperor took the initiative to seize his love and appoint him instead of trusting his old friends to help him with activities.
"...Then according to you, what should dad do?"
Gao Gong suddenly became more expressive and quickly replied: "Running a school and teaching simplified Chinese characters are one thing. As a person in the field at this time, preparing county and township virtuous courtyards, analyzing the benefits and disadvantages for the virtuous people in the countryside, and clearing good land are two. Matters. Summon all the merchants in the county to contact the sales of ironware, prepare for the establishment of medical hospitals, publish books on the new learning of simplified characters, and work for cattle and mules. These are three things. When the official land is sold, the county will definitely need more silver and less. Food, after all, the government office has spent a lot of money after the restructuring. Dad can ask the Xiangxianyuan to raise money and lend it out with little or no interest. These are four things."
Gao Shangxian's expression showed shock: "Lending it with the money raised by Xiangxianyuan without charging interest?"
Gao Gong nodded affirmatively: "When this village sage was first established, reputation must be more important than profit. Those who are keen on this village sage now have short-sighted people, but there are also people who have a long-term vision. We must implement all strategies at the same time. Those who are short-sighted will be the best. You can talk about it and suggest that the county magistrate should not elect him as a rural sage. After observing several practical things, His Majesty is really anxious for the needs of the people and will not want new laws to harm the people. When setting up this rural sage, we focus on the word virtuous. Since we need a rural sage Don’t use your power to harm the people, but ask the local virtuous people to prevent the officials from using the new law to harm the people. Dad, only when the people call His Majesty a wise man and Dad does these things can he be considered truly meritorious!"
What shocked Gao Shangxian was not Gao Gong's idea of the Xiangxian Yuan raising money and lending it to the people to buy land without charging interest. What shocked him was the political wisdom displayed by his son.
At this time, he naturally did not dare to imagine how successful his son would be in the future. He just had a feeling that he suddenly discovered that his son was better than him in some aspects.
Running schools in the countryside and teaching simplified Chinese characters as a Jinshi is the future of the children of many wealthy gentry families in Xinzheng County.
Helping the county prepare for the Xiangxian Yuan is what ties them to the present.
Relying on the relationship between the government and the public, he helped various merchants in the county contact Baojin Bureau, Jiangzuojian, Mingbao Bank, Qunmujian and other foreign trading firms, which was the source of cash and wealth in Xinzheng County.
Implementing the popularization of the "Three Essential Things for Farmers" and the establishment of medical and nursing homes will tie up the hearts and minds of the people of Xinzheng towards the emperor and the imperial court.
Gao Shangxian was still worried about how to lose his love decently, but his son helped him show the way.
"Brother Gong will definitely be the prime minister in the future!" The clan leader's thumb almost turned up, and then he said to Gao Shangxian earnestly, "Mr. Xian, I think it will work!"
"... Let me think about it carefully. I understand what you mean by coming here today. Let's do this. After the fifteenth, I will pay a visit to Tongzhi County first to see what he has in mind."
A true fifth-grade person must have the restraint of a true fifth-grade person. How can he shout "My son is a great talent" in front of outsiders now?
After they left their gifts and left, Gao Shangxian looked serious: "What books did you read last year?"
(End of chapter)
