What is exposed is just the tip of the iceberg; the huge bulk is hidden under the water.
Throwing the question board on the table, Zhu Youxiao said calmly, "The Ministry of Rites wants to appoint a chief academic officer for the Imperial Academy. Shen Tingyun recommended someone named Wang Zheng. What do the cabinet have to say?"
"Except Lord Xu, no one else agrees." Chen Hong said respectfully while standing aside.
After hearing this answer, Zhu Youxiao nodded slightly.
He had actually thought of this answer long ago. The biggest obstacle for Wang Zheng was that he was not a Jinshi. Therefore, it was reasonable to oppose such an appointment.
In fact, there were many reasons for opposition, but the most important point was that no one wanted him to do it because he was Xu Guangqi and Shen Tingyun's man.
However, Zhu Youxiao did find some interesting things about Wang Zheng. He was also a disciple of the School of Mind, but unlike the others, he was a complete Catholic.
Wang Zheng was different from Xu Guangqi. Xu Guangqi was interested in mathematics and astronomy, and in Western learning, he valued firearms more; but Wang Zheng was different, he was interested in physics.
Wang Zheng had a passion for antiques and machinery from an early age. Before entering government service, he developed hydraulic, wind, and load-carrying machinery, writing "Illustrated Explanation of Newly Made Instruments." He later collaborated with Swiss missionary Deng Yuhan on the compilation of "Illustrated Explanation of Strange Instruments from the Far West."
Wang Zheng is now in the Academy of Hundred Craftsmen. As a master in the Academy of Hundred Craftsmen, Zhu Youxiao has a deep understanding of this person.
Zhu Youxiao had also read Wang Zheng's works. It can be said that this person had very profound attainments in physics.
Zhu Youxiao was not optimistic about letting such a person be the chief priest, and at that, the chief priest of the Royal Academy.
However, Zhu Youxiao also understood why Xu Guangqi and others recommended Wang Zheng. They simply wanted him to spread their ideas.
However, Zhu Youxiao really did not think highly of Wang Zheng as the chief priest, but he just valued him very much.
For Zhu Youxiao, he was very clear about what such a practical physicist meant to the Ming Dynasty.
The significance of Wang Zheng is far greater than those officials in the court, so Zhu Youxiao must use this person, but not let him be a chief priest.
If I let Wang Zheng be the chief priest, he will definitely be pushed to the forefront.
The royal academies of the Ming Dynasty were not so much for training scientific researchers as for training bureaucrats and spreading the ideas they wanted them to spread.
Letting Wang Zheng do this is really a waste of his talent.
Zhu Youxiao put the question aside. He would not agree to this matter.
"Is there anyone else who would like to recommend someone else?" Zhu Youxiao looked at Chen Hong and asked again.
"Your Majesty, yes," Chen Hong said, bowing hurriedly. "Several cabinet ministers have submitted their proposals, all recommending candidates. Among them, Huang Ge Lao recommended Zhao Bingzhong, the Minister of Rites."
After hearing the name Zhao Bingzhong, Zhu Youxiao laughed first.
Why am I not surprised at all?
Zhao Bingzhong was a staunch supporter of the Legalists. He always admired the laws of Emperor Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang, who emphasized strictness, especially for officials.
It was really natural for Huang Kezun and Zhao Bingzhong to get together.
Zhu Youxiao nodded, turned to look at Chen Hong and asked, "Who did the cabinet chief Han Yu recommend?"
This is what Zhu Youxiao is more curious about.
"Your Majesty, the person recommended by Lord Han is Feng Congwu, the Right Minister of the Ministry of Public Security." Chen Hong said hurriedly with a bow.
Having been with his own emperor for such a long time, Chen Hong is naturally no political novice. It is obvious that what happened this time is unusual.
Several elders in the cabinet are fighting with each other.
Zhu Youxiao nodded again. Why wasn't he surprised at all?
He continued indifferently, "Where is Sun Chengzong, the elder from the cabinet?"
"Your Majesty, it was Lord Sun who recommended Yuan Keli." Chen Hong said respectfully.
Yuan Keli?
After hearing this name, Zhu Youxiao sat up straight.
This is a very familiar name. Zhu Youxiao also knows this person's ability. It seems that it is time to make some moves on him.
Yuan Keli served under four emperors, namely Wanli, Taichang, Tianqi and Chongzhen, and was awarded the title of "Veteran of Four Dynasties" and "Five Generations of Grace and Honor".
Glancing at Chen Hong, Zhu Youxiao said directly, "Immediately inform the cabinet to promote Yuan Keli to the positions of Vice Minister of War, Left Censor of the Censorate, and Governor of Denglai."
It’s better for such a person not to stay in the capital, but to go to Denglai to be the governor.
Zhu Youxiao knew too well what Yuan Keli could do. Sending him to Denglai as governor would be much more useful than keeping him in the capital.
The most crucial point is that after Yuan Keli arrives in Denglai, he can build a navy there.
With the navy, not only can we transport food and grass, but we can also launch attacks on the Jiannu by sea. Whether it is transporting people and horses or transporting food and grass, it is much more convenient, faster and more economical than going by land.
Therefore, Zhu Youxiao felt it would be more appropriate to send Yuan Keli to Denglai.
After a brief pause, Zhu Youxiao said again, "Let him come to the palace before leaving Beijing. Do you understand?"
"Your Majesty, I understand." Chen Hong quickly agreed.
"Okay, go ahead." Zhu Youxiao waved his hand, then leaned back in his chair, slowly closed his eyes, and continued to rock the chair.
Yuan Keli, the governor of Denglai, is a capable man.
The most crucial point is that I sent Yuan Keli to Denglai not only for Liaodong. Yuan Keli played a huge role in Denglai.
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