Chapter 1799 Ambition
When the three of them got to the front, they happened to see Mr. Zhuang standing in front of the door watching the prince walk away.
The three of them stepped forward immediately.
Mr. Zhuang smiled slightly when he saw them and waved, "Come in."
The small classroom was still warm and there was still some charcoal in the brazier. Mr. Zhuang took out new teacups and was about to pour tea for them when Bai Shan hurried forward to take it.
Mr. Zhuang simply let the three of them do it. He sat down first, and after they all sat down cross-legged, he asked, "It's almost time for dinner now, aren't you guys having dinner?"
Man Bao chuckled and said, "Excuse me, sir. We'll go eat after we send you out of the palace."
Mr. Zhuang smiled and nodded, "If you have any questions, just ask."
Manbao then asked, "...Sir, why did Xiao Yuanzheng pretend to be sick? He could have used my outline. If he felt it wasn't good enough, I wouldn't mind writing it for Shangguan."
It is an unwritten rule that subordinates write for their superiors. Most officials write their own memorials. People like Lord Wei and Lord Tang would not bother to have others write for them.
But there are always exceptions, right?
It's not a shameful thing. Manbao herself doesn't feel embarrassed or wronged. In fact, if she does it occasionally, she is still willing to write memorials for Xiao Yuanzheng.
She always felt that the memorial written in that way was better. She had many things that were difficult to write in her own memorial, but could be written in Xiao Yuanzheng's memorial.
Even though Mr. Zhuang knew his disciple well, he couldn't help but feel a pang of anxiety at this moment. Then he said with a mixture of laughter and tears: "Maybe Dean Xiao will really let you write for him in the future, but that's impossible now."
He paused and explained, "I went to the Hanlin Academy to look up information some time ago and found that the Imperial Medical Bureau rarely appeared in the court records."
Since obtaining permission from Confucius to open a small class for the prince, Mr. Zhuang was no longer limited to explaining the "Book of Filial Piety" to the prince.
Unfortunately, he had never served as an official in the court, so there was still a lot he needed to understand and learn.
There are many books in Chongwenguan, but the information about the court is much less than that in Hanlin Academy, so Mr. Zhuang went to Hanlin Academy.
The Hanlin Academy not only contains specific historical materials from the previous dynasty, but also records of the current dynasty, articles published by officials in different periods, and even memorials submitted.
Of course, Mr. Zhuang cannot view all of them. He can only view things from ten years ago. He does not have the authority to view things within ten years.
Even the Crown Prince and the Three Dukes could only view things from three years ago. Things within three years were still sealed, and no one except the Emperor and the Chief Academician of the Imperial College could view them at will.
But the stuff from ten years ago was enough for him to read.
Mr. Zhuang said, "I've only looked at the records for three years, but I've discovered that whether it's the court meetings, big or small, or the beginning or end of the year, there are very few records related to the Imperial Medical Bureau. There are only eight in those three years."
"Compared to other ministries, this record is quite rare," Mr. Zhuang said. "It was fine before. The Imperial Medical Bureau's responsibility was only to treat the nobles in the capital. But now you have established the Imperial Medical Bureau. In the future, you will also be responsible for managing local medical offices and managing sudden illnesses throughout the country. A large amount of medicinal materials will be circulated every year, so you have to speak at the Grand Court."
He said, "I see you're constantly worrying about the Ministry of Revenue's funding after Lord Yang left. That's because you've chosen the wrong approach."
He smiled and said, "Applying for funds from the Ministry of Revenue is a matter between you and the Ministry of Revenue, but it's also more than just a matter between you. Look at the Ministry of Works, the Ministry of Personnel, the Ministry of Rites, and the Ministry of War. When they ask the Ministry of Revenue for money, don't they also bring it up for discussion in the court?"
Manbao became thoughtful.
"The Ministry of Revenue is in charge of the money, so naturally they're reluctant to give it away. But there are many important people in the court, and it's better for everyone to work together than for you two to only see your own immediate interests. Whether it's appropriate or not, we should discuss it and listen to other people's opinions. Perhaps we can gain something else."
Manbao asked, "Are you trying to get other officials in the court to pressure the Ministry of Revenue to give you the money?"
Mr. Zhuang was amused. He looked at her and said, "Silly child, how could you forget that the other five ministries, and even all the provinces, need funding from the Ministry of Revenue. If they give you the money, they will get less. Why would they help your Imperial Medical Bureau put pressure on the Ministry of Revenue for no reason?"
Manbao was stunned and said, "Then why do we still need to give discounts?"
"Good fortune and misfortune are interdependent. Aside from competing interests, your Imperial Medical Bureau and other departments should be complementary. If everyone is concerned about the people's well-being, they will naturally consider the pros and cons of your proposed plans," Mr. Zhuang said. "What you believe will benefit the people may not actually be beneficial to them."
Mr. Zhuang slowly gave an example and said, "If you want to spend one ounce of silver to feed a hungry person two buns, do you think the other officials would agree?"
Manbao said: "I don't know whether they agree or not, but I don't agree. Is this bun made of gold? Why is it so expensive?"
Mr. Zhuang laughed and said, "That's it."
Bai Shan also understood the reason why the master asked Manbao to submit a memorial. It was simply to allow more people to participate in the decision-making of the Imperial Medical Bureau to ensure that there would not be too many big mistakes.
But... "But sir, why didn't Xiao Yuanzheng himself participate in politics, but let Man Bao do it?"
Mr. Zhuang laughed and said, "Because of Manbao's age, gender, and her personality, the ministers wouldn't think much of her memorial. But if Xiao Yuanzheng suddenly submitted such a detailed memorial, I'm afraid it will cause another wave of controversy."
Xiao Yuanzheng must have thought of this, so he claimed to be sick at the right time.
Mr. Zhuang looked at Manbao meaningfully and said, "Everything in this world takes getting used to. When you were first appointed to an official position, most of the court officials were not used to it and only regarded you as a doctor treating the Crown Prince and Crown Princess. Because the Crown Prince had no children, they turned a blind eye and allowed you to be appointed to an official position and live in the palace."
"But as you became more involved in the Imperial Medical Bureau's affairs, you weren't just sitting in the Chongwen Hall editing books," Mr. Zhuang said. "During the construction of the Imperial Medical Bureau, even Dean Xiao would ask for your opinion on everything from enrollment to curriculum. Not to mention, after you argued with Wang Ji in court about the admission of private students, you were directly qualified to attend the Grand Court."
"They'll get used to having a female official like you in the court, and in the future they'll also get used to the Imperial Medical Bureau discussing politics at court." Mr. Zhuang said, "Court Secretary Xiao should also have this ambition."
Bai Shan's eyes moved slightly and he looked at Man Bao, "This is also your opportunity."
Mr. Zhuang nodded. "Indeed, times make heroes. Manbao, this is your time."
It is impossible to say that Mr. Zhuang has no ambition. He does not have much ambition for himself, but he has great ambition for his students.
Because of his age, he is powerless even if he wants to. However, his three children are still teenagers. Compared to him, they are already very old, but they still have decades of life in the future.
He hoped they could go further and be remembered forever.
See you at 6pm
(End of this chapter)
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