So-called public opinion can reflect public opinion to a certain extent, but most of the time, public opinion is fabricated by students and others, and controlled by gentry and students.
Zhu Youxiao saw this very clearly, and there were many such examples in later generations, such as hiring internet trolls to spread rumors and manipulate public opinion.
In the Ming Dynasty, where the education rate was very low, ordinary people were more easily deceived and became knives in other people's hands without knowing it.
For example, when Old Dong was driven away by having his house burned down, local officials characterized it as "difficulties arising from scholars, but chaos caused by treacherous people."
In the late Ming Dynasty, it was not uncommon for students to collude with local officials, openly despise the government and officials, and even humiliate and expel them.
Zhang Pu, who was first a member of the Yingshe Society and later the leader of the Fushe Society, debated with Zhou Zhikui, the magistrate of Suzhou Prefecture. The students then posted a manifesto to expel Zhou, forcing Zhou Zhikui to be transferred to the position of magistrate of Wujiang County.
The students were not satisfied and went to Wujiang to launch a movement to expel Zhou Zhikui, which eventually made Zhou Zhikui feel uneasy in his position and resign.
In Jiangnan, especially in the two prefectures of Suzhou and Songjiang, the students were particularly arrogant and lawless. This was largely due to the fact that the court and the government treated them too leniently, often giving them lenient sentences.
Therefore, Zhu Youxiao, on the one hand, denounced the students' various illegal activities through newspapers, and on the other hand, sent out the East Factory as his eyes and ears, preparing to carry out precise strikes and use severe punishments to serve as a warning to others.
Now, Zhu Youxiao is becoming more and more confident, not only in his control over the army, but also in his ability to gather talents from all walks of life.
I am not fighting alone, there are many writers waving flags and cheering for me!
"Mr. Wei, this article is well done." Zhu Youxiao was very satisfied. He nodded with a smile and said to the scholar Wei Guangwei, who stood respectfully, "It is simple and straightforward. Ordinary people can understand it. Let's publish it in the next issue of the newspaper!"
"I obey your order." Wei Guangwei bowed and accepted the order.
Wei Guangwei was a Jinshi in the 32nd year of Wanli's reign, and was also a Shujishi of the Hanlin Academy, that is, an elite selected from the Jinshi.
In terms of talent and learning, Wei Guangwei had nothing to say. As for his character—well, the key was his ability to handle things.
After only a few issues of the "Daming Forum", Xiao Wei (different from Lao Wei) saw the opportunity and submitted articles very diligently.
Not only was Xiao Wei diligent in his work, he also understood the emperor's intentions. The article was well punctuated, and the central idea was close to the main theme that the emperor wanted to promote.
Hard work pays off. Zhu Youxiao saw it, took note of it, and brought Xiao Wei, a famous eunuch in history, under his command.
Apart from anything else, Xiao Wei was obedient! He was told to go east, not west; he was told to beat the dog, not chase the chicken. Without much explanation, he understood, and Zhu Youxiao was relieved and comfortable using him.
Now, Xiao Wei was already a bachelor of imperial studies, equivalent to a secretary, and also served as the editor-in-chief of a newspaper. Although his official position was not high, he was a true minister close to the emperor.
"We must also increase our publicity efforts to expose the misdeeds of lawless students and gentry, as well as the harm caused by gangs and cliques that attack dissidents." Zhu Youxiao continued, "Next year, I want to implement some new policies, and I don't want to encounter too much resistance."
"Your Majesty, I understand," Wei Guang replied respectfully. "Your Majesty wants to promote benefits and eliminate disadvantages, and to revive the country. I am willing to serve you."
This attitude was so good that Zhu Youxiao nodded in appreciation and said, "I have approved Ni Wenhuan, recommended by Wei Qing. He will be appointed as the Secretary of the Central Secretariat first!"
"I would like to thank Your Majesty for your grace." Wei Guangwei knelt down and kowtowed, feeling overjoyed. The person he recommended was employed, which just showed that Your Majesty had trust in him.
Zhu Youxiao waved Wei Guangwei away with an intriguing smile on his face.
In history books, although Wei Guangwei and Ni Wenhuan were talented and learned, they should be defined as flatterers and sycophants.
But whether it is a secretary or a military advisor, Zhu Youxiao still needs him.
People should be able to make the best use of their talents and things should be used to their full potential. It all depends on how the superiors position them and how they use them reasonably.
As for military and national affairs, Zhu Youxiao naturally would not rely on these two people. From the Ministry of War to the local military garrisons, they were all capable ministers.
There are many talented people available, including these military scholars - the palace examination is tomorrow!
Zhu Youxiao thought of the name and couldn't help but ponder again.
……………………
Inside the restaurant, several military scholars were drinking happily.
Unlike the literati, the military scholars, though also literate, were more focused on martial arts and had more outgoing personalities. The atmosphere became even more lively with the clinking of glasses and the loud voices.
"Brother Wu is from Liaodong and is familiar with the situation there. He will definitely be assigned to Liaodong." Qi Shiguang raised his glass in a toast with envy. "It's a great place for a man to fight on the battlefield. I envy him!"
Wu Xiang returned the toast and said modestly, "The imperial court's assignments don't necessarily depend on one's place of origin. Besides, there are many other places where one has made great achievements besides Liaodong."
Xu Rubin interjected, "That being said, there are still more opportunities to gain military merit in Liaodong. This year alone, we've already fought several battles with the Eastern Tartars, and many have been rewarded for their contributions."
Xu Zhiqi, a native of Jiading, said, "I think what Brother Qi said makes sense. The court should consider one's place of origin. After all, being familiar with the terrain and adapting to the climate are also very important."
Among the crowd, Xu Zhiqi had a relatively high level of education. He was born a scholar, but because of his extraordinary physical strength and outstanding martial arts, he switched to the military examination.
Perhaps for this reason, Xu Zhiqi was rather arrogant and not good at flattery. He drank with the others, but their relationships were average.
Seeing that Xu Zhiqi agreed with him, Qi Shiguang smiled and raised his glass to indicate, saying, "In fact, no matter where the court assigns you, you must take it as your responsibility to train troops, protect the country and the people, and live up to your responsibilities as a soldier."
Xu Zhiqi smiled and raised his glass to show his approval.
"The specific assignment will depend on your performance after you enter the martial arts school." Wu Xiang took two bites of food and said slowly, "Among the three branches of infantry, cavalry, and artillery, which one do you prefer?"
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