The term "people-friendly official" refers to an official who directly governs the people, that is, the lowest-ranking local official. Although these positions are lowly and their duties are numerous, all matters, from comforting the people and collecting taxes to hearing lawsuits and encouraging agriculture, fall within the scope of the duties of "people-friendly officials."

Old Zhu's eyes lit up, and he said with great approval, "That's a good idea, we should do it that way! When we were conquering the country, we didn't support idle people. Some people with big reputations really can't do the work. We've also held many imperial examinations, and those who can pass are indeed capable. But if you ask me, some people are just so-so, they can't even be a good county magistrate!"

“That makes perfect sense!” Zhu Yunying said with deep emotion. “Grandfather, some of the top three scholars in the imperial examinations are sent to become county magistrates. But our future vice ministers and ministers should also go to the prefectures to gain experience.”

Zhu Yunying is now planning to reform the promotion channels for civil officials. He is about to start formulating a system for the promotion of civil officials in the Ming Dynasty.

There's a growing trend now: those who pass the imperial examinations in the third rank go to local areas. Those who are capable in the first or second rank mostly stay in the Hanlin Academy or start working in the central government, basically staying in the central government and steadily rising through the ranks.

Zhu Yunying continued, "I think that most of the people in the court are in charge of the affairs of the country. If they don't understand the local situation, they can only make mistakes. If then all the important officials are incompetent, how can the country be governed well?"

Old Zhu was overjoyed and said with immense pride, "I knew our Ying'er had foresight! Central officials should indeed know how to govern local areas in order to benefit the people and bring peace to the country!"

We must get some people connected with the people, and let them go to the local areas to see for themselves, instead of just talking big or making policies that seem idealistic but lack practical implementation.

As for whether these policies would cause some civil officials to complain, Zhu Yunying naturally didn't care that much.

There's really no need to worry too much; there are far too many scholars aspiring to a position in the imperial court. It's normal to encounter setbacks and frustrations in order to realize one's ambitions; they're just experiences that help them grow.

Both Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang and Emperor Xiaowen were perfectly at ease with the turmoil inflicted on civil officials. This was probably because the civil officials had already suffered enough during the many years since the founding of the Ming Dynasty, so they naturally didn't mind putting them through a bit more trouble now.

The most important thing is to have some truly outstanding talents. Once these people have been trained and developed, they will be the best for the Ming Dynasty. This is the most important thing.

Old Zhu was in a good mood, mainly because he had always known that his grandson was outstanding and would surely become an excellent emperor. Now, looking at his grandson's policies and foresight, Old Zhu believed that the Ming Dynasty's rule would become increasingly stable, and the golden age of the Ming Dynasty was drawing ever closer.

As for why Zhu Yunying is so happy at this time, it is naturally because there is less resistance to implementing certain policies now, so he can act freely and realize his ideals and ambitions, which is certainly something to be happy about.

Since that's the case, let's have a big drink. Old Zhu took Little Zhu back to the Qianqing Palace to drink and relax.

Little Zhu arrived in a boisterous manner, running to the Qianqing Palace shouting, "Great-grandfather, father, you don't even invite us to your meals?!"

Seeing his great-grandson looking somewhat angry, Old Zhu quickly tried to appease him, "We thought you should have dinner with your mother today, and your cousins ​​are also in the palace, so we didn't invite you over. We have many rules here, and you wouldn't have had a good time here."

"My cousins ​​left the palace before dinner; the palace gates are about to close." Little Zhu stretched out his little hand and said to Old Zhu, "We didn't play today. We read a lot of books, and we even did a military drill with my cousin this afternoon!"

Shuangquan and Wang Chengen hurriedly helped the Crown Prince wash his hands and set out his bowl and chopsticks, as the Crown Prince was to dine at the Qianqing Palace.

Old Zhu wasn't particular about cleanliness, but his children and grandchildren were, which pleased him greatly. He was especially pleased with young Zhu's love of cleanliness. He probably thought it was due to good upbringing; young Zhu was arguably the cleanest person in the palace.

Good living habits are certainly necessary, but in addition to these habits, the court also needs some rules and policies that appear healthy and reasonable.

Zhu Yunying couldn't just be concerned with cleanliness and washing his hands; he was the emperor, responsible for governing the country and controlling the court!