Chapter 523 North and South

Those who are ranked on the list after the examination are called Gongsheng, and the rankings in the examination are usually not exactly the same as those in the subsequent palace examination.

Of course, the rankings are not necessarily the same, but they are all the same group of people, because there is a default rule here, that is, tribute students will generally not be kicked off the rankings in the palace examination, so as long as they pass the examination, then You are basically guaranteed to become a Jinshi.

But the top few in the general examination may not necessarily get the same top spot in the palace examination.

The palace examination was personally presided over by the emperor. After the palace examination, the papers were read the next day and the results were released the next day.

However, the content of the rankings in the A-list examination is related to the emperor's impression of the Xinke Gong students.

Therefore, in the Gongyuan of Confucius Temple, after all but the top five on the A list were filled in, all the fellow examiners immediately surrounded the A list and looked at it seriously, especially those with interests, they looked at it extremely carefully.

There is a saying here, that is, preparations will begin to release the list on February 28th or 29th, but half a day before the list is released, people outside actually already know who is on the list, and will be the first to announce it. Play and sing to find the winning move to please the money.

The default rule here is that once the A list is filled out and shown to fellow examiners, it will be leaked half a day in advance. It is an unspoken rule. Everyone knows it, but no one cares, because at this point, the A list is It won't change.

But at the moment, the top list has not been filled out, and it is not time for the unspoken rules to be leaked, so the candidates outside, especially the old youtiao who have failed the exam several times, have their eyes widened, waiting for Gongyuan's every move. .

Duke Rong Yao Guangxiao and Minister of Rites Song Li left the Gongyuan together. Along the way, almost everyone with knowledge of the matter would cast curious and inquiring glances at them.

And when the two of them set foot in the palace, the eyes around them became even hotter.

It can only be said that everyone has the desire to eat melons.

"Congratulations to Your Majesty for taking the world's best talents!"

As the examiner, Yao Guangxiao first stepped forward to salute, followed by Song Li.

At this time, in the Fengtian Hall, the Six Ministers and Jiang Xinghuo were also there.

"Flat body."

Zhu Di smiled and let everyone stand. The Jia Shen Ke examination in the second year of Yongle was the first imperial examination after he ascended the throne. The significance was naturally extraordinary. When he looked at the list of Jia Shen Ke, he also felt that Li Shimin was "the hero of the world". The pleasure of "entering my nest".

But looking at it, Zhu Di frowned slightly.

Zhu Di glanced at the ministers: "I heard something recently. It is said that many candidates in Jiangxi rushed to the capital to take the exam, so that the guild halls in Jiangxi were so crowded that there was no room for people to stay."

As soon as Zhu Di finished speaking, Zheng Ci, the Minister of Punishment, stood up and said, "Reporting to Your Majesty, this is indeed the case! Candidates from all counties in Jiangxi have gathered in the capital, and the number is quite considerable."

Zhu Di was thoughtful and immediately looked at Yao Guangxiao: "There are indeed a lot of candidates from Jiangxi on this list."

Yao Guangxiao said hurriedly: "I have made clear statistics. Jiashenko is expected to have 460 Gongsheng students on the list, 117 of whom are from Jiangxi."

"The literary style in Jiangxi is at its peak, which is where most of the imperial examinations are. This is also inevitable because of the laws of the country. Since it is a unified regulation, we cannot treat them differently just because Jiangxi has more people who pass the exam."

Jian Yi, the official minister, also said at this time.

There is nothing wrong with what Jian Yi said. Since the lines have been drawn uniformly, then the same rules must be followed. Most of the candidates admitted in Jiangxi are those who have the ability. It is impossible to say that it is specifically targeting candidates from Jiangxi.

However, in the early Ming Dynasty, the number of candidates in Jiangxi was indeed large and the quality was high. Since the Yuan Dynasty, it has been a famous province for imperial examinations. This situation will not change for a while.

Zhu Di also wanted to have more civil servants in the north. The problem was that the population base and education level in the north were there, and their performance in the imperial examinations was indeed not as good as in the south, let alone compared with Jiangxi.

But this number still made Zhu Di not satisfied.

"Are there only a few dozen candidates from the Northern Examinations on the list?"

"Your Majesty, we can't do the North-South Ranking again."

Loyalty Bo Rujun persuaded him earnestly.

Hearing the words "North and South List", the veterans who came from the Hongwu era were all horrified by this incident that happened only six or seven years ago.

The North and South List, a famous political event in the early Ming Dynasty, was no less influential than the four major Hongwu cases, and some even called it the fifth major case.

The cause was the imperial examination held in the 30th year of Hongwu. Zhu Yuanzhang chose Liu Sanwu, an eighty-five-year-old Hanlin bachelor (the highest official of the Hanlin Academy), as the chief examiner.

Liu Sanwu, who called himself "Tan Tan Weng", served as a scholar in Guangxi in the late Yuan Dynasty and was a senior figure in the academic system. After the establishment of the Ming Dynasty, he formulated the regulations of the imperial examination system in the Ming Dynasty. Lao Zhu's "The Great Ming Dynasty" He also wrote the preface to the imperial examination. He was the undisputed leader of the scholarly community at that time. Zhu Yuanzhang's choice of him actually meant that he had invested a lot of expectations in this imperial examination.

But Liu Sanwu disappointed him.

In the imperial examination of Ding Chou, Chen ranked first, and 51 candidates including Song Cong were selected. Because all of them were from the south, it aroused widespread public controversy at the time. Although this result reflected to a certain extent that the economy and culture of the south were inferior to those of the north at that time. The actual situation is that it is developed, but the northerners have not taken the title, which makes it difficult to convince the public.

The northern candidates who failed in the examination jointly filed a complaint with the Ministry of Rites, accusing the examiner Liu Sanwu of favoring southerners. Some northern candidates also complained along the way and even stopped the sedan chair of an official who was going to court to complain. Rumors spread throughout Nanjing. Some said that the examiner was corrupt and bribery, and some said that the examiner was discriminating based on his geographical location. The commotion was so loud that more than a dozen supervisory censors successively asked the emperor to investigate the matter thoroughly.

Lao Zhu ordered a 12-member investigation team to conduct an investigation. The results of the investigation team were based on the level of the candidates. All 51 people admitted were based on talent and learning. There were no problems. The conclusion came out, which once again caused an uproar from all walks of life. Those who failed the exam were Northern students could not accept the results of the investigation, and many northern officials in North Korea and China even criticized it, demanding that capable officials be re-selected, the examination papers be re-examined, and all officials involved in the case be strictly investigated.

Because the matter was too big, Lao Zhu also knew that it was not just the imperial examination itself, so he finally raised the butcher's knife again and killed both the examiner and the investigation team to calm the public's anger. The palace examination was held again in May, and Han Kezhong was selected as the number one scholar, Wang Shu was ranked second, and Jiao Sheng was ranked third. The 61 people admitted this time were all from the north.

This is the famous North-South List Incident.

The North-South Ranking Incident was also the main inducement for the national paper-based examination that began in the middle of the Ming Dynasty. In fact, from the perspective of talent selection alone, there should not be any geographical distinction, but from the perspective of stability between the government and the opposition, it must be relatively balanced.

Therefore, in the history of Jiang Xinghuo's previous life, during the Ren and Xuan dynasties, two methods were adopted to select scholars through the imperial examination: the Northern and Southern Volumes and the North and South Middle Volumes. In the Renzong Dynasty, "six points for southern scholars and four points for northern scholars", while in the Xuanzong Dynasty, It is the "top three list in the north and south".

However, during the Yongle period, the status quo of unified national examinations was still maintained.

Although the Nanbeibang incident was theoretically separated by three dynasties, it was actually only six or seven years ago. The six ministers present basically experienced it personally. The imperial examination was too sensitive, and Zhu Di lived in Peking. He has been a serious northerner for more than ten years, and his position on this matter is obvious. He certainly hopes that more candidates from the north will be on the list.

Zhu Di smiled and suddenly asked Jiang Xinghuo: "Does the Imperial Master think the move from the south is better, or the move from the north?"

Jiang Xinghuo said sternly: "The Civil Weightlifting Examination is about fairness. Those from the Southern Examination Examination are really talented and have a strong level. It is normal for the number of people to be larger. However, fairness has one line drawn to make it absolutely fair. Naturally, there are also two or even three lines drawn. Coming down was relatively fair.”

As soon as these words came out, the whole place was in an uproar.

Zhu Di was also stunned for a moment. He was not surprised that Jiang Xinghuo supported Nanfang Juzi's fair inclusion on the list, but the other meaning in Jiang Xinghuo's words.

Zhu Di raised his eyebrows. After staring at Jiang Xinghuo for a moment, he coughed lightly and said loudly: "Since the Imperial Master said so, please explain carefully how to draw two or three lines?"

Everyone's eyes immediately focused on Jiang Xinghuo.

Jiang Xing Huoxin said, come early and come late, the north-south paper test is a good tool to bridge the current split between the north and the south of the Ming Dynasty. Since players have different levels and can't play together, just get two or three servers. .

Jiang Xinghuo did not panic, and said in a deep voice: "The economy in the south is developed, and culture and education are also prosperous. This is an established fact that has been formed over hundreds of years since the Song Dynasty established the southern expedition to Yan. The founding of the Ming Dynasty has only been more than thirty years, even if it continues again More than thirty years have not changed this situation. Although the National Unified Examination is fair to candidates, it is also unfair on another level because of the difference in cultural and educational levels between the north and the south. I believe His Majesty can feel it too.”

Zhu Di nodded repeatedly and said: "Yes, I am also good at reading, but it's a pity that there are no good teachers in the north."

This sounds reasonable at first, but when you chew it carefully, you find that it is a bit inappropriate - you are a martial artist, since when did you like to read?

However, the reason why the emperor puts gold on his face is because the palace examination is about to take place. As the actual examiner of the palace examination, the emperor has to perform at a higher level regardless of his ability. It is not incomprehensible.

The key lies in what Jiang Xinghuo said next.

"North and South List."

Jian Yi couldn't help but glance at Ru Yu, with a strange look on his face.

Others also looked at each other.

Zhu Di's expression was even more exciting. He looked at Jiang Xinghuo with squinted eyes, seeming to doubt whether he had heard something wrong.

But the North-South List mentioned by Jiang Xinghuo is literally the North-South List.

Jiang Xinghuo, however, faced everyone's attention without hesitation and said loudly: "Your Majesty, the results of Jiashenko are not easy to change, but the Ming Dynasty can indeed try out the North-South Ranking System. Although the candidates for the imperial examination must be from both the North and the South, people from the South are good at writing. , the northerners are rich, and the northerners are chosen by Bileko, and the northerners only get tenths, which is not the way of the world. In the future, the examination will be based on tenths, but the southerners will get six points, and the northerners will get four points, and they will be divided into papers. .”

The North-South Ranking System was obviously in line with Zhu Di's wishes, because Zhu Di wanted more scholars from his hometown in the north to appear in temples.

But it was hard for Zhu Di to say this. When Jiang Xinghuo brought it up today, Zhu Di was naturally overjoyed.

However, Zhu Di was still reserved. He knew that this kind of matter was of great concern and could not be decided for a while, so he coughed lightly and just said: "The Imperial Master's idea is good, but the imperial examination is a big deal after all. Whether to try to separate the north from the south Recruitment of scholars still requires careful discussion.”

The ministers breathed a sigh of relief.

They have long been accustomed to Jiang Xinghuo's innovative suggestions every time, but this time the emperor did not adopt them immediately, which shows that although this matter is very important, there is no rush.

But this time it wasn't nonsense advice - at least Jiang Xinghuo's next answer sounded more like it.

"It is also possible to have three rankings in the north and south. The northern ranking is Liaodong, Beizhili, Shandong, Henan, Shanxi, and Shaanxi; the middle ranking is Sichuan, Guangxi, Yunnan, and Guizhou."

This method of selecting scholars by ranking was the solution to the imperial examination system of the Xuanzong Dynasty in Jiang Xinghuo's previous life. It was implemented for many years and the actual effect was very good, so it sounds quite reasonable.

Doing so could make the imperial examination system a political means used by the central court to control and adjust the balance of local interests, enhance the centripetal force of the Ming Empire, and maintain relative fairness among the various internal administrative regions.

Zhu Di nodded, but did not express his position immediately. Instead, he looked at the top list carefully.

"The sixth Wang Xun and the seventh Wang Zhi are both from Jiangxi."

"The top five candidates are all from Jiangxi."

Zhu Di frowned slightly, but did not get angry immediately, because in the imperial examination in the second year of Jianwen, the first and third place were from Jiangxi, and the first and second place in the second place were also from Jiangxi. Although the candidates from other places were jealous, Jiangxi It is a fact that people can take the exam.

Since they were selected by Yao Guangxiao, they must have real talent and learning, which means that these five Jiangxi people are the best in this class.

In fact, the results of this imperial examination are no different from the results of Jiang Xinghuo's previous life. No matter who is the examiner, as long as the selection is fair according to the procedures, these people will stand out in the end.

There is no way, gold will always shine. A top student at this level will definitely not perform abnormally just because Jiang Xinghuo chose to focus on "Spring and Autumn" and "Xunzi". They have been prepared for it.

"Zeng Qi, Zhou Shu, Zhou Mengjian, Yang Xiang, Song Zihuan."

Yao Guangxiao said: "There is another saying here. Zeng Qi was the teacher of Zhou Shu and Zhou Mengjian, and Zhou Shu and Zhou Mengjian were brothers."

"Ahem."

Song Li also added: "Yang Xiang is Yang Shiqi's nephew (son of a clan brother). He is thirteen years younger than Yang Shiqi and is twenty-five years old this year."

Zhu Di hummed and said: "The state does not shy away from these things when recruiting talents. I think that since I recommend Prime Minister Yang, it is not because of Yang Shiqi's face, but because this person does have real qualities. I believe in you." Yes, there is no need to explain this, but Song Zihuan is an interesting person. He has quite a poetic talent, but it is a pity that I don’t want to choose someone based on his poetic talent."

Zhu Di turned to Yao Guangxiao: "Who do you think Rong Guo Gong should choose to be Hui Yuan (first place in the examination)?"

"Reporting to your Majesty, I believe that Prime Minister Yang should be the Yuan of Hui." Yao Guangxiao bowed.

Zhu Di frowned slightly. Yao Guangxiao's suggestion was not in line with his original intention. However, Zhu Di thought about it and realized that the result was not bad. Anyway, the rankings in the general examination were not the same as those in the palace examination. So Zhu Di pondered for a moment and said calmly: "Since As the chief examiner, Duke Rong Guo insists, so let’s do it this way, and the rest can be sorted according to the examiner’s suggestions.”

Zhu Di paused as he spoke, and then warned: "But remember to keep this matter confidential and don't leak it."

"I obey the decree!" Several people said with cupped hands.

Zhu Di turned his attention to Jiang Xinghuo again: "National Master, in your opinion, who should be the first place in this palace examination?"

The rankings in the general examination are still mainly based on the will of the examiner, but the palace examination is basically based on the emperor's will. Whoever the emperor likes will be chosen as the number one scholar. It is not a joke.

During the imperial examination, the emperor would indeed prefer the handsome ones.

"Let it all be decided by His Majesty."

Jiang Xinghuo has flipped through the top five papers, and his policy writing is good. He has his own set of views on the reforms carried out by the Ming Dynasty. He may not be an able minister, but at least his opinions are online, so who should I choose? In fact, they are all the same.

Everyone nodded after hearing this. The imperial examination is the emperor's right. No matter what the final choice is, let the emperor play by himself, and nothing will happen to the people below.

Zhu Di also stroked his beard and smiled, looking quite satisfied.

After everyone left, Zhu Di called Jin Youzi over alone and asked, "What do you think of Duke Rong's ranking?"

After Jin Youzi thought about it for a while, he said: "Your Majesty, I think it may be possible for Yang Xiang to be the Huiyuan Yuan, but it may not be suitable to be the Number One Yuan."

Zhu Di raised his eyebrows and said, "Oh, how do you say this?"

"Your Majesty should note that Prime Minister Yang and the examiner Yang Shiqi are related. Although relatives are not avoided when selecting talents, Yang is considered to be the number one scholar, so it is inevitable that there will be a lot of anger."

When Jin Youzi said this, he paused for a moment before continuing: "If Yang Xiang is placed in the second level, there will be much less controversy."

Zhu Di nodded, what Jin Youzi said did make sense.

He frowned and murmured: "If this is the case, how should we judge the top pick, second pick, and third overall pick?"

"First place."

After Jin Youzi thought for a moment, he said: "It should be given to Zeng Qi. Zeng Qi was the teacher of Zhou Shu and Zhou Mengjian. There is no reason in the country to give first place to a disciple over his teacher, and there is no reason to put a younger brother above his elder brother. "

"That means Zhou Shu should be ranked ahead of Zhou Mengjian."

Zhu Di thought thoughtfully, this arrangement is indeed in line with traditional moral concepts.

Respect teachers and respect filial piety and brotherhood.

But ever since he read the minutes of the meeting of the Taixue Association, a certain beast in his heart awakened in Zhu Di's heart.

A few days later, after the results of the general examination came out, the results of the palace examination also came out.

All the scholars gathered in the palace.

After the palace examination, an imperial edict was drafted soon after.

Hu Guang walked outside the palace holding the imperial edict and read it loudly.

"The emperor was entrusted by Heaven to carry out the edict: his words are enough to express his ideas, his knowledge is enough to understand the reason, brothers are equally famous, and they are rarely compared in ancient and modern times. I promoted you to the first place, but I was reluctant to come. I don't give two Su, and I am the most beautiful in the world. I'm so proud."

In the second year of Yongle's reign, the first prize winner in Jia Shenke was Zhou Mengjian; the second prize winner was Zhou Shu; the third prize winner was Song Zihuan.

The first place in the second class is Zeng Qi; the second place is Yang Xiang.

Obviously, Zhu Di's list, which no one guessed correctly, features a rebellious character.

After the imperial edict was announced, everyone stood up to congratulate him.

Looking at the high-spirited young men, Jiang Xinghuo beside him also sighed silently.

It's a pity that I don't have the life experience of being the number one scholar outside Donghua Sect.

At the banquet, Jiang Xinghuo patted Zhou Mengjian, the young champion, who came to propose a toast, and patted him on the shoulder and said, "Work hard, the future is yours."

Brothers Zhou Mengjian and Zhou Shu were both stunned when they looked at the Imperial Master who was younger than themselves.

Looking at Jiang Xinghuo, who was already a first-class civil servant (specially promoted to Dr. Ronglu), for a moment, they suddenly felt that being ranked first-class did not seem to be glamorous.

The silence at this time was deafening.

But no matter what, there are more than 400 Jinshi in Jiashenko’s current class, and most of them are going to join the reform faction. Perhaps these people are still juniors in the eunuchs and cannot afford to be in the army. It may not have a big effect, but with the accumulation of time and their own growth, one day, they will become a reliable force.

After the banquet, it was all about visiting the docks and building relationships. The threshold of Yao Guangxiao and Song Li's residence was about to be crossed. Needless to say, there is no need to say more about this.

Although Jiang Xinghuo did not become the examiner himself, the final effect of the Jiashenke Imperial Examination was similar.

"Except for those who entered the Hanlin Academy, these new scholars must be used for other purposes. Regardless of region or origin, the old gentry and landlord class are not monolithic. In the face of interests, they can also be transformed into new classes."

"Now is the time to hire people. Only in this way can we gain enough influence in the reform and spread this influence to attract talents from all prefectures and counties in the world."

"Only when these talents continue to join us can the reform truly take shape. Mastering the imperial examination means that from now on, scholars who are interested in official careers will study the reform."

"Even, one day in the future, these people will become the mainstay of the reform."

Jiang Xinghuo murmured as he looked at the list of Jinshi who were about to serve as grassroots officials.

His eyes became brighter and brighter, and his whole person became a little excited.

It's like an acre of land that has been cultivated for a long time, constantly watered and fertilized, and today, it finally bears its first fruit.

He seemed to have seen that one day in the future, a group of people with lofty ideals would gather together to fight for their ideals. The scene would be extremely magnificent.

This made his blood boil.

This goal is too far away and too difficult, but it is worth Jiang Xinghuo's efforts.

——————

Time passed quietly.

In the blink of an eye, three months passed, and the time came to April of the second year of Yongle.

As the Reform Movement unfolded, the entire South became more and more prosperous.

Merchant ships traveling to and from Japan and North Korea come to Ningbo Shipping Department in an endless stream, while Quanzhou Shipping Department and Guangzhou Shipping Department have merchant ships from Annan, Champa, Luzon and other countries passing between them. The tariffs collected show that It has been increasing month by month, and it is still increasing explosively.

The insurance industry and the futures industry, two emerging industries, have also gradually developed.

At the same time, Han merchant ships from Xingang also confirmed the news that Chen Zuyi's gang had been wiped out and the safety of Nanyang trade routes was now greatly improved.

Zheng He's fleet was estimated to have sailed out of the Strait of Malacca at this time, left Ceylon, and was heading for the coast of Tianzhu.

For the common people, the influence of the Taixue Association is extremely far-reaching and extensive. Coupled with the influence of the questions of the Jiashenke Examination, as the "Ming Pao" continues to promote "All the people are fundamental" and "Open the sea to be prosperous" The national policy of the country, and the people have gradually begun to accept this official transformation.

The conservative officials were a little helpless about this. After all, Jiang Xinghuo completed the bet of 2.1 million taels of commercial tax ahead of schedule. At this time, he could not deny his debt.

As these changes occurred at the same time, Shenfa Temple introduced more and more legal amendments. At the same time, the salt law and other related matters also began to be reorganized. Under the unified policy of the production and marketing area, those who had made huge profits in the past It became increasingly difficult to be a salt merchant, and the salt tax collected by the court also increased significantly.

Trendy specialty products such as perfumes and microscopes have also gained wide popularity among the citizens and have also earned considerable profits.

The improvement of the financial situation directly led to a consequence, that is, the imperial court had money to send troops to fight again.

Shortly after the eldest prince Zhu Gaochi ended his retreat, the main force of the more than 200,000 Yan army, which had been waiting in the south for two years, also spent hundreds of days this year to complete the military reform of the three major battalions and began to break up and move north.

After the Taixue Meeting and the Jiashen Imperial Examination were settled, Zhu Di realized that he had nothing to worry about.

As the saying goes, "Now that the south has been decided and the troops are sufficient, I will reward the three armies for the northern expedition to the grassland." The fighting blood in Zhu Di's body has been burning. There are still so many enemies in the north waiting for him to deal with. At present, all aspects of the south are in danger. The situation has basically stabilized, and Zhu Di will naturally lead his troops northward.

But before heading north, Zhu Di had to make some arrangements.

"Father!"

In the imperial study, the third prince Zhu Gaosui bowed and reported: "Eldest brother seems to be getting ready to make some moves. He just finished retreating to reflect on his past, and many people have been visiting him recently."

When Zhu Di heard this, the corners of his mouth curved.

After all, my eldest son couldn't sit still anymore.

"Your eldest brother is seeing the progress falling behind and is getting a little anxious. This is inevitable."

Zhu Di said lightly: "I asked him to rest at home for three months. He has been sitting for a long time. He is very quiet and wants to move."

The third prince Zhu Gaosui said: "I am just worried."

Zhu Di waved his hand and said with a smile: "Don't worry, your brother's little tricks can't be hidden from me. Don't forget, I already know what your brother has done these days."

Zhu Gaosui was immediately shocked when he heard this.

Father, there is something in what he said. In fact, although Ji Gang was not able to completely uncover the remaining gangsters in the last demon book release, and only caught a few to make up the numbers, Zhu Di did not blame Ji Gang for this. , but instead increased efforts to expand the Jinyiwei establishment.

All the intelligence organizations in Yao Guangxiao's hands have been handed over, and Zhu Gaosui, who is responsible for supervising the princes and ministers, has also begun to be taken over by Jin Yiwei.

"This time we are marching north to the grassland, many ministers will be accompanying us, so I will let the boss stay in Nanjing. I want to see what kind of disturbance he can stir up."

In this context, Fenglang is obviously not a derogatory term. Zhu Di wanted to see if his eldest son, who had been suppressed for three months, could live up to his expectations and achieve some political achievements.

"By the way, I heard from the Imperial Master that you want to go to Luzon?"

Zhu Gaosui said hurriedly: "Last time I heard the news about Luzon from the Imperial Preceptor, I just mentioned it. As you know, Father, the Imperial Preceptor mentioned it in the prison. At that time, I felt that Luzon is a pretty good place. Yes, if we can become a vassal state, we will be more comfortable than in the Ming Dynasty."

"Do you really think so?" Zhu Di asked, looking at his third son.

"Really, truer than gold!"

Zhu Gaosui said emphatically: "I heard that the eunuch Sanbao has been running outside for almost half a year and has seen exotic scenery. I think that it is indeed a treasure land. It would be great if it could be made into the territory of the Ming Dynasty!"

Zhu Di glanced at Zhu Gaosui, but lowered his head and fell into silence.

Inwardly speaking, he is very happy that the third child has no intention of competing for the treasure. In this way, no matter how the boss and the second child fight, the third child can always escape unscathed. He is not afraid of the fight between the boss and the second child, but is afraid that the third child will not fight for it. He was self-aware and had thoughts he shouldn't have.

But immediately, Zhu Di felt a little sad.

Zhu Di knew very well that what Lao San said was actually correct. His own intention was probably to stay away from the rights and wrongs of the Ming Dynasty. If he established a vassal overseas, he would be his own independent kingdom, a vassal with real financial and military power. King, not the pigs raised in captivity in the country.

But as a father, when he thought that his son, who he had raised single-handedly since he was a child, and who would follow him in rebellion with his head in his belt when he grew up, would leave him and live thousands of miles away, Zhu Di, an old father, felt in his heart Still a little bit unpleasant.

"It's a pity that I don't have time to go with you."

Zhu Di shook his head and said: "But if you want to go to Luzon, you can wait until Zheng He's fleet comes back next time and go out to sea with him. What others say is not the same as what you have seen with your own eyes. You can go to Luzon and have a look." Decide, if you think it is a barbaric land, I will find a good place for you in the country to seal the vassal state. No matter what, the journey to Nanyang is long, so Zheng He will accompany you there, and there will be someone to take care of it, otherwise I will not worry. "

"Thank you, Father, for your concern. I understand." Zhu Gaosui said hurriedly.

Zhu Di waved his hand, indicating that Zhu Gaosui could get out.

Seeing the third son resigned, Zhu Di suddenly felt a headache when he thought of his sons. In fact, Zhu Gaoxu was his favorite son, but he had a rather impulsive personality and was not stable enough. Zhu Di thought this was a shortcoming in the past, but The news coming back from Beijing now shows that Zhu Gaoxu has become much more stable and organized in his work. A reckless man has begun to read the art of war, which makes Zhu Di feel a little at a loss.

But no matter what, the current Ming Dynasty still needs the efforts of his own sons in all aspects.

So you have to use it when you need it, and you have to use it when you need it.

Soon, news came out from the palace that Zhu Gaochi had resumed his duties of leading the cabinet.

In the temple, after the Taixue meeting, Jiang Xinghuo's performance was also extremely good.

His keen sense of government affairs, his grasp of the current situation, and his understanding of reforms all made him very safe in the process of actually serving the country during this period, and he received good commendations and praises from the government and the public.

But these are just the beginning.

"Come here, summon the eldest prince into the palace."

No one knew what the emperor and the returning eldest prince had discussed in the Fengtian Palace.

Soon after, Zhu Gaochi left the palace in a carriage.

Zhu Gaochi in the carriage was sitting upright, closing his eyes silently, and seemed to be asleep, but his mind was churning.

He suddenly opened his eyes, showing an angry expression.

He originally thought that after being neglected for three months, his father would re-employ him, but what greeted him was still a beating that made him irritated.

Zhu Gaochi actually knew what Zhu Di meant. He also understood the tricks of the emperor's checks and balances.

But when it was used on him, Zhu Gaochi would inevitably have some strange emotions.

Zhu Gaochi understood that his father had disliked his son who was fat and had leg problems since he was a child, but there were many things that he could not change. Zhu Gaochi was obese, and he was of the type who would gain weight even if he drank boiled water. He had also tried to lose weight. , but it was not successful at all. He fainted from hunger and could not lose weight. Moreover, Zhu Gaochi had leg problems, which were different from normal people. If you asked him to exercise, he would indeed be unable to exercise.

These physical conditions cannot be changed by Zhu Gaochi.

Zhu Gaochi understood that his father, as a military commander and an emperor on horseback, naturally liked Zhu Gaoxu, who could also carry a sword and mount a horse.

Therefore, Zhu Gaochi worked hard to make changes in other areas. His contribution to government affairs is well known. Zhu Gaochi also wanted to become the future emperor of the Ming Dynasty. In Zhu Gaochi's view, he could conquer the country immediately, but there is no reason to take the throne immediately. Whether in terms of legal principles or abilities, he is more suitable to become the next emperor of the Ming Dynasty than his second brother Zhu Gaoxu.

But now it seems that my father obviously doesn't think so.

Thinking of this, he became more and more annoyed.

When he returned to the mansion, Yang Shiqi was already waiting for him. After hearing the general process, Yang Shiqi comforted him: "Your Highness, don't take it too seriously. Maybe this is just His Majesty's usual method of motivating generals."

"Really?" Zhu Gaochi hesitated for a while, then sighed: "Maybe."

Zhu Gaochi then talked about what happened in the Fengtian Palace. After hearing this, Yang Shiqi continued: "So your Majesty intends to let the National Master take charge during the Northern Expedition?"

Zhu Gaochi nodded and said: "This news is very conclusive. Your Majesty summoned the Minister of Civil Affairs, Jian Yi, to discuss the matter last night. It seems that His Majesty has made up his mind to pay attention, but the Imperial Advisor did not agree. He is probably worried about the attitude of the government and the opposition."

"Your Highness, isn't this even more troublesome? After the Taixue Meeting, the prestige of the imperial master in the scholarly community was at its peak. The candidates in Jiashenko's class were all disciples of Rong Guogong, and Rong Guogong was half of your teacher. , If you are of the same mind as the Imperial Master, wouldn't you become a loner?" Yang Shiqi asked worriedly.

Zhu Gaochi frowned and said, "What kind of loner? Don't say things you shouldn't say."

Having said this, he couldn't help but fall into silence.

After a while, Zhu Gaochi let out a long sigh and said: "Hey, I have long expected that my father would reuse the imperial master. By reusing the imperial master, he is actually reusing the second brother. Do you understand? Just look at these actions of the imperial master. This time His appetite is a bit big! This is clearly his intention to take the opportunity to weaken the power of other factions."

The reform of official administration has unknowingly weakened the power of many old factions.

"So we have to admit defeat."

Yang Shiqi muttered in a low voice: "The power of the National Preceptor is becoming more and more powerful. Even if we unite with Jian Gong and others, as long as the name is justified, it may be difficult to compete with them. What's worse is that His Majesty has already intended to let the National Preceptor have this name. ’ ”

After Zhu Gaochi heard this, his eyes flashed a few times, and he said helplessly: "... He is indeed a strong enemy."