There are too many things to manage, and the government is too big, so any work is unsatisfactory. But if I can just keep muddling along like this, it will save me a lot of trouble and effort.
But the emperor was not satisfied with this. His plan was long-term, to gradually build a brand new Ming Dynasty, rather than patching things up and maintaining the status quo without caring about the future.
With the authority and confidence gained from pacifying Liao, the emperor's tone of voice and the momentum he displayed were indeed very different from before, and the important officials all noticed it.
Over a few years, not only important officials, but even ordinary officials could figure out the emperor's temperament and ideological characteristics through the emperor's edicts, published newspapers, and personnel changes.
Since the emperor has summoned important officials for formal discussions, it is clear that he has made up his mind. There may be minor adjustments to the policy, but the fundamental thing cannot be changed.
Sun Chengzong was also aware of his student's temperament. Over the past few years, he had become increasingly autocratic. But you couldn't refuse to obey. Although the means might be harsh, the actual results were indeed impeccable.
After a moment's hesitation, Sun Chengzong felt he had fulfilled his duty as a minister. Since the emperor had confidence in the finances and victory in the Liao campaign was in sight, he said no more.
What's more, the former Minister of Revenue Li Qiyuan resigned due to illness, and the emperor took advantage of the fact that the Ministry of Revenue had no chief to carry out reforms, which was indeed the time with the least resistance and the easiest time.
Sun Chengzong also knew that he, the Minister of War, would be dismissed and enter the cabinet, along with Yuan Keli, who was also a cabinet minister. This could be considered a reward for his merits after the pacification of Liao, and he would go a step further and become a cabinet elder or prime minister.
This was already the highest title, fully demonstrating the emperor's trust and respect. Sun Chengzong did not want to be too stubborn and embarrass the emperor.
The emperor's respect for yourself is one thing, but if you rely on it to become proud, that will be the beginning of your decline.
"Mr. Tao." Seeing that his ministers had no more objections, the emperor called the Minister of Personnel, Tao Langxian, by name and said, "The Ministry of Revenue will be divided into smaller sections, and the officials must be carefully selected. This matter will be handed over to the Ministry of Personnel."
"Your Majesty," Tao Lang stepped forward and reported, "Next year's imperial examinations will be held, and I think we can select capable officials from among them."
The emperor pondered for a moment, seemingly holding little hope for the new Jinshi. He said, "The imperial examination can select talents, and the civil servant transfer system also has practical advantages. We should combine the two. Minister Tao, please handle it as appropriate."
Tao Langxian bowed and accepted the order, then retreated.
It was no secret that the emperor had some opinions about the imperial examination system, but he had a preference for officials who rose from the grassroots.
Moreover, the emperor also had opinions about many scholars. Of course, it is not wrong to use economic and social development as the standard for selecting talents and appointing officials.
Several important officials in the hall all knew that this was the emperor's principle and should not be violated easily.
I have made suggestions before, but the scholars who were severely punished were indeed unbearable; some officials who entered the government through the imperial examination were indeed incompetent; and the talents selected by the emperor were indeed outstanding, leaving no room for words.
Most importantly, the emperor had a sense of propriety and did not abolish the imperial examination system, but left a way out for scholars.
"The pacification of Liaodong was a major event, but the Jiannu rebels had been in rebellion for over a decade, costing the imperial court tens of millions and resulting in the deaths of millions. This lesson is truly profound."
The emperor's expression became solemn, and his clear voice echoed through the hall. "External enemies are not to be feared; internal troubles are to be feared. I have explained what internal troubles are over the years, but this is far from enough to thoroughly promote the benefits and eliminate the disadvantages."
"If we become complacent because of our victory in the Liaodong Campaign, believing that the world is at peace, and continue to follow the old ways without striving for progress, we will learn from the lessons of the past and repeat the same mistakes in a decade or even decades."
"Today's reforms are for us and for our descendants, so that the Ming Dynasty can stand proudly in the world and prosper forever. Dynasties come and go, and cycles repeat themselves. Thousands of years of history have provided us with enough warnings. Isn't that enough for us to learn from?"
"The rise was rapid, and the fall was sudden. Taizu founded the nation, Chengzu expanded it, the Tumu Incident nearly destroyed it, the Mongols from the north frequently invaded, and the Jiannu rebelled against the Ming and massacred people. With such a Ming dynasty, how could we dare to call the world peaceful, how could we dare to call ourselves a great nation?"
"The Hongzhi Restoration and the Longqing New Deal were merely a few decades of improvement. The root cause of the problem remains, and it will be difficult to completely recover. Since the fourteenth year of the Wanli reign, there have been constant factional struggles in the court, corruption is rampant, civil officials are greedy for money, and military generals are afraid of death..."
The emperor's face darkened, and it was obvious that he was really angry.
This was the truth, beyond all doubt. All the ministers listened attentively, their hearts filled with awe.
It is touching to speak the truth without avoiding or concealing anything.
Although many things are only realized after they happen, they are definitely a warning. Don't think that small problems are insignificant. Don't think that the Ming Dynasty, with its vast territory and billions of people, can withstand turmoil.
"Times change, and so do laws! The ancient sages already had this wisdom. How can we cling to the old ways and follow the old ways? Our ancestral systems and established laws must all change with the times. Only by safeguarding the Ming dynasty can we satisfy our ancestors..."
The emperor finally paused. Although his mouth was a little dry, he didn't lift his cup. He glanced at his ministers and said in a deep voice, "You are all the elite of the Ming Dynasty and my loyal followers. I hope that you and I will work together to build an everlastingly powerful and prosperous Ming Empire, so that our descendants can enjoy eternal peace and happiness."
After saying this, the emperor made a gesture, and Wang Tigan immediately shouted in a shrill, drawn-out voice, "Dismiss the court!"
Seeing the young emperor relax his body with a slightly tired look, the ministers bowed and left the hall with mixed feelings.
Wang Tigan bowed and offered the tea, saying, "Your Majesty's teachings are deeply thought-provoking, but anyone with a conscience will remember them and never forget them."
The emperor took a sip from his teacup and said calmly, "Conscience is not the right word. It should be called conscience. If everyone in the world had conscience, I wouldn't have to be so earnest and worried."
"Yes, yes, Your Majesty is right. It's my fault that I'm not well educated." Wang Ti Gan bowed his head and accepted the instruction, being extremely humble.
The emperor glanced at Wang Tigan and couldn't help but laugh. Although the servants were extremely respectful, they had to obey everything. It was not what he wanted to do personally.
"Your Majesty, His Royal Highness Prince Xin and His Royal Highness the Tang Prince are still waiting in the side hall," Wang Tigan said. "If Your Majesty is tired, please have them excused and summon them to the palace another day."
Zhu Youxiao thought for a moment and said, "There's no need to postpone it. Let them have an audience!"
Not long after, Prince Xin Zhu Youjian and Prince Tang's grandson Zhu Youjian entered the hall and bowed to pay their respects.
"No need to be polite." Zhu Youxiao smiled and said in a gentle tone, "After a year away, you look much stronger and your temperament is different."
"Your Majesty, your eyes are sharp." Prince Xin Zhu Youjian said with a smile: "I only feel that I have grown taller, but I don't know if I am stronger."
Zhu Youjian bowed and said, "I feel that my appetite has increased, and I don't feel any pain in my feet or legs even though I've walked a lot."
The emperor laughed heartily, signaled the palace maids to bring over the embroidered cushion, and said, "I'm summoned for no official business. I just wanted to hear about your experiences outside. It's really boring and depressing staying in this palace."
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