Chapter 696 795 Getting Married at the Age of Ten

Wei Guangde was still wondering what big event Gaoyi would be doing at this time, when he heard Zhang Juzheng's voice.

"Da Zongbo asked the prince to come out to give lectures. It seems that His Highness is six years old and it is time for enlightenment."

Zhang Juzheng said in a seemingly calm tone, looking at Wei Guangde as he spoke, a smile caught his eye.

Emperor Longqing had made arrangements when he was in Qianchuan, asking Zhang Juzheng and Wei Guangde to teach Zhu Yijun, the current Crown Prince.

From then on, Zhu Yijun, who was still the prince, always called Zhang Juzheng and Wei Guangde Master Zhang and Master Wei.

Everyone in the cabinet knows about this matter, even the six ministers know about it.

After Yin Shizhen quickly read the memorial, he handed it to Wei Guangde and asked him to read it too, but with a relaxed smile on his face.

Wei Guangde took one last look at Zhang Juzheng, with those profound eyes, he opened the memorial and lowered his head to look.

"Three generations of important events have all focused on educating the prince. The emperor established the crown prince early, and he has been popular in the country for more than a year. Today, people in the East Palace are growing older, and their talents are gradually beginning to fade. The trend is undecided. It is not enough to study poetry and calligraphy and get close to scholars and sages. Condensing the body and mind, cultivating virtue, and all the children of the common people are seven years old or older, and they all need to study in private schools and learn to read chapters and sentences. Since the first son of the emperor is the foundation of the country, it is worth noting that he can learn in time to make a contribution to his upbringing."

Wei Guangde quickly read Gao Yi's memorial. To be honest, there was nothing wrong with what the article said.

In later generations, children started to study at the age of seven. This was also the time period when scholars in this era started to educate their youngest children. The prince was about to turn seven, and it made sense that the Ministry of Rites would submit a memorial at this time to prepare for the ceremony.

However, Wei Guangde knew very well what children in this era were learning. Although they were taught simple books at the beginning, they were more enlightened in reading and writing by being accompanied by ministers, and were taught the daily etiquette of the prince's court.

Soon after, the content of the Four Books will begin. Mainly, the master dictates content such as "Great Learning", "The Analects of Confucius", and "The Doctrine of the Mean" so that the prince has a preliminary understanding of Confucianism. At the same time, he will explain to the prince the world's people's sentiments, agriculture, military affairs, etc. This gave the prince a preliminary understanding of world affairs.

Moreover, according to the daily reading rituals that Wei Guangde had seen before, once the prince left the court to study, he would go to the Wenhua Hall to study at Mao hour every day, which made a child read Mao like the officials of the Ming Dynasty very early.

Wei Guangde felt that it was a bit cruel from the bottom of his heart. It was too early.

According to the "Manuscript of the Ministry of Rites" of the Ming Dynasty, the schedule of the prince's lectures was recorded: every morning at Hou Mao, the prince went to the Wenhua Hall to read the "Four Books", "Five Classics" and history books, etc., accompanied by an attendant;

In the Si Dynasty, the lecturer explained the learning content, and then the secretary taught the prince how to write calligraphy.

Write fifty words every day in winter, and write one hundred words every day for the rest.

After the prince returned to the palace for lunch, he either rested or learned riding and shooting.

Every night, the prince needs to "read the book taught that day several times until he is familiar with it."

It can be seen that the prince of the Ming Dynasty really left early and returned late.

Of course, this is also the work and rest time of most people in this era, but for Wei Guangde, who came from a later generation, he felt that it was too cruel to let a seven-year-old child start reading at five in the morning.

"What Gao Shangshu said is appropriate, but the prince is too young. Why not wait until next year, when His Highness is seven years old, before discussing the matter of leaving the cabinet?"

Wei Guangde knew that the work and rest time of the Ming Dynasty prince had actually been set long ago and could not be changed easily.

Even Gao Yi, as the Minister of Rites, if the prince does not follow the original regulations in the ceremonial notes when leaving the court to study, the minister of the Ministry of Rites, the censor of the Metropolitan Procuratorate, and the officials of the Hanlin Academy can all use this to impeach him. .

The time cannot be changed. The only thing Wei Guangde can help little Zhu Yijun is to go to school later. Even if he waits until the prince is seven years old to discuss the matter, Zhu Yijun will have one more year of playing time.

"What Mr. Wei Ge said is wrong. The prince is the head of the country. How can he not learn in time to make a difference in his upbringing?"

Gao Yi immediately replied after Wei Guangde finished speaking, "If the prince is delayed from entering school, and the prince neglects discipline in the harem and is extremely naughty, then it will no longer lead to righteousness.

Moreover, even if His Majesty approves it now, the Ministry of Rites has only begun preparations to select the attendants and attendants. The actual lectures will have to wait until the Qintian Supervisor decides on the auspicious day and His Majesty issues the decree.

If we push it to next year, I'm afraid it will be too late and it will delay the prince's study. "

"The prince is the foundation of the country. It is not appropriate to delay his studies and loans. If he postpones it, don't say it again. I have discussed it with Mr. Li Ge and Gao Shangshu before. It is better to let this memorial enter the palace and ask your majesty to read it. good."

Unexpectedly, after Wei Guangde expressed his intention, Chen Yiqin spoke.

Since Li Chunfang, Chen Yiqin, and Gao Yi had reached an agreement on the prince's study, Wei Guangde felt that it was useless to say more, so he had to nod his head in agreement.

"Uncle, Zhengfu, what do you think?"

After Wei Guangde nodded, Chen Yiqin continued to ask Zhang Juzheng and Yin Shizhen for their opinions.

Of course, the two of them would not object. In fact, except for Wei Guangde, all of the people here came from scholarly families. They also started picking up books at the age of six or seven, so they didn't feel anything.

As for this work and rest time, it is of course much earlier than that of ordinary people, almost more than an hour earlier.

But since he is a prince, he must be a role model for the world. He should do things that ordinary children cannot do. In this way, he can be an inspirational example by spreading the word.

Moreover, studying at this time has long been accustomed to them who have been immersed in officialdom for many years, so they don't think it will be bad for the prince.

However, they also understood Wei Guangde's objection to his study time. After all, they knew Wei Guangde's background and estimated that Wei Guangde started studying later than them, so they thought that the prince should study later.

With no objection from Zhang Juzheng and Yin Shizun, the matter of the prince going out to study was decided, and Gao Yi's memorial was sent directly to the palace for Emperor Longqing to review and approve.

When Wei Guangde walked out of Li Chunfang's duty room, he was a little absent-minded.

He didn't know what was welcoming Zhu Yijun.

When he was still in Prince Yu's mansion, because his son Wei Dacheng and Zhu Yijun were born at a similar time, Wei Guangde was often called by Prince Yu to discuss the child's education.

The main discussion was whether the child should go to school at the age of seven or later. Wei Guangde considered the content of the school at that time, and told Emperor Longqing that it was better to go to school later, so that the child could learn when he was older, and the child would be more adaptable.

Wei Guangde didn't know whether the current emperor still remembered the conversation with Emperor Longqing.

But why bother so much, they are all other people's children anyway.

Two days later, after the cabinet convened the ministers and assistant ministers of the Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of War to discuss the Grand Review Ceremony, they finalized the first draft and decided to submit it to the cabinet within two days after the Ministry of Rites polished it, waiting to be presented to Emperor Longqing for his review.

At the same time, Wei Guangde and Tan Lun also discussed the time for the inspection of the Beijing camp. Just when the meeting ended and everyone was about to return to their respective offices, news came from the palace that Emperor Longqing wrote on Gao Yi's memorial, "Wait until he is ten years old and don't say anything."

Gao Yi was still in Wei Guangde's duty room, and was stunned when he heard the news.

Emperor Longqing actually set a rule for the prince to study at the age of ten, which Gao Yi found unacceptable anyway.

"No, this matter must not be handled according to your majesty's temper. How can the prince start studying at the age of ten? I will find Li Ge Lao and Chen Ge Lao, and summon the six ministers to jointly report, cough cough."

Perhaps because of some excitement, Gao Yi coughed uncontrollably in the middle of his words.

Although Wei Guangde deeply understood the love that Emperor Longqing had for Zhu Yijun, he also felt that it would be a little late to wait until he was ten years old to start teaching.

In fact, when Prince Zhu Yijun was in the harem, he also learned to read with the eunuchs in his daily life, except for playing around, but he was reading the "Three Character Classic". Perhaps this was the reason why Emperor Longqing was not in a hurry to let him go out to study.

However, Wei Guangde knew that perhaps the gossip in Yu Ju had entered Emperor Longqing's heart.

Going out to study at the age of ten, wouldn't it be possible to directly study the Four Books and Five Classics and Historical Records?

Wei Guangde felt that he understood the emperor's idea and planned to arrange for him and Zhang Juzheng to give Zhu Yijun a lesson when the prince was ten years old.

Of course, he would not go to the emperor to verify this guess, so he would wait a few years.

However, seeing Gao Yi so excited, he hurried over to serve him tea and water. If Gao Yi really fell in his duty room, it would be unlucky.

The Minister of War Huo Yi had also come over and gently patted his back, and other officials such as the assistant ministers also showed concern, but it was unknown what they were thinking.

After drinking some water and calming down, Gao Yi gradually recovered.

"Wei Ge Lao, go and talk to the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister. We should convene the cabinet and the six ministries to discuss this matter. The education of the prince is the foundation of the country and must not be delayed."

Gao Yi quickly said to Wei Guangde, and his face began to flush again while speaking, obviously excited again.

"Okay, okay, I will immediately send someone to invite the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister to come here, as well as other cabinet ministers. Let's discuss what to do about this matter and whether we need to ask for permission again."

Wei Guangde was happy in his heart, but it never appeared on his face. Instead, he said with a look of heartache.

Based on Wei Guangde's understanding of Li and Chen, even if he invited them over now, he would only give them good words of comfort. After all, it was the emperor's decision.

In fact, the ministers didn't care much about the prince's study, whether it was early or late, and only those Hanlin attendants who were qualified to be the prince's teachers were interested.

At that time, Emperor Longqing was in his prime, and who among the ministers would be interested in a child.

Wei Guangde couldn't see through Zhang Juzheng's mentality. His eyes that day were meaningful, but he didn't understand what it meant for the time being.

He called the clerks and arranged for them to invite Li Chunfang and Chen Yiqin to come.

Not long after, the two arrived together, and Wei Guangde told them what happened in a few words.

When facing them, Wei Guangde naturally looked helpless.

"Zi Xiang, since His Majesty has already made the decision, let's not argue anymore.

The prince's lectures are a matter of state and society, and are very important, but I have also heard that His Highness is very talented and has learned to read and write in the harem even though he has not been to school."

As soon as Li Chunfang opened his mouth, he was interrupted by Gao Yi, who said, "Prime Minister, how can His Highness study with eunuchs? His Highness should study with Confucian scholars. This is absolutely not allowed."

Chen Yiqin behind him first glanced at Wei Guangde, and seeing that he had no intention of speaking, he knew that he wanted to stay out of the matter, so he had to step forward and start to comfort him.

Not long after, Zhang Juzheng and Yin Shizhan were also notified. In fact, they also heard the news when they were on duty in their respective rooms, and this news was basically from Li Chunfang's duty room.

The memorials approved by Emperor Longqing would be sent to his duty room as soon as they came out of the palace and distributed.

Some matters need to be handled directly back to the various yamen, so naturally they can be sent directly there.

As for those that require the attention and coordination of the cabinet, it is natural to arrange the errands, decide who will be responsible, and hand over the memorandum to him for distribution.

Haoshu Nai said that he finally appeased Gao Yi for the time being, but he did not give up. Instead, he agreed with Li Chunfang and Chen Yiqin to convene the six ministries and nine ministers to hold a cabinet meeting tomorrow to discuss the matter.

After everyone was sent away, Wei Guangde straightened his official robes and then smiled and said: "I didn't expect that Gao Shangshu has such a stubborn character. I didn't notice it before."

As he spoke, he shook his head and arranged for Lu Bu to clean up the room on duty.

It's past the time for the official office to be released, and they were all harmed by Gao Yi.

However, when he walked out of the cabinet, he met Zhang Juzheng outside the door, accompanied by Chen Yiqin and Yin Shizhen.

"Shan Loan, come to my place for a drink. It's been a long time since we've had a drink together."

Zhang Juzheng smiled when he saw Wei Guangde coming out.

"good."

Wei Guangde saw Chen Yiqin and Yin Shizhen there and knew that they must have agreed to Zhang Juzheng's invitation. Although it was a bit abrupt, he still agreed.

After leaving the palace, they told their servants to go back and report the news, and the four sedans started walking in one direction, the destination being Zhang Juzheng's residence.

In fact, Zhang Juzheng said that they hadn't drank together for a long time, which was just an excuse.

During the New Year, several members of the cabinet found a place to have a drink together.

After all, we are all colleagues, and we never see each other when we look up. Calculating, the time has only lasted two months.

When I arrived at Zhang Juzheng's mansion, I sat in the flower hall and rested, while the servants prepared a banquet.

The four of them sat together and talked about political affairs for a while, and then talked about Yu Zhuan's past. The chat was quite lively.

"Shandai, what do you think about His Majesty's arrangements for the prince to enter school at the age of ten?"

After sitting at the table and downing a few glasses of wine, Zhang Juzheng said to Wei Guangde.

Wei Guangde smiled and realized that Zhang Juzheng seemed to be very concerned about this matter. It seemed that the look he gave him that day was that he wanted to work together to promote this matter.

Although Emperor Longqing was only middle-aged, Zhang Juzheng seemed to be unable to wait to become the "Prince and Tutor".

"Uncle, although I didn't read your majesty's approval, I can roughly understand your majesty's thoughts.

Once the prince leaves the palace to study, his schedule will be the same as mine.

After all, the prince is still young. As a father, I understand his deep love for his son. "

Wei Guangde smiled and said, "As for Gao Shangshu saying that the prince should not associate with eunuchs, but should study with scholars and sages, I don't agree with it.

The teachers in the inner study hall are all Hanlin bachelors. You and I didn't have the opportunity to go to the inner study hall to give lectures. Otherwise, the palace would not know how many people would call us sir when they saw us. "

"Haha. Yes."

Zhang Juzheng smiled, he knew what Wei Guangde meant, and there was no rush.

Wei Guangde is not in a hurry, and Zhang Juzheng cannot be in a hurry either.