Many people envied Xu Xiake's job, as it was equivalent to using the court's money to travel and enjoy the scenery.
It is said that there were thousands of people who wanted to join at that time, and many scholars wanted to see the beautiful mountains and rivers of the motherland. After all, scholars believe that reading thousands of books is not as good as traveling thousands of miles, and this opportunity is just right to go out and see.
Finally, the imperial court screened and selected again and again, and finally came up with a team of more than 100 people. It is said that there will be more expansion after the new year. Thinking about the lavishness of the imperial court, Chen Yannian couldn't help but sigh that the current emperor is really rich.
But everyone knows that His Majesty is rich, but very stingy with himself.
Now the common people all know that His Majesty always has four dishes and one soup for every meal. He has not built a palace since he ascended the throne. Instead, he has built Confucius Temples, schools, and libraries for the people. He has done countless such things.
Nowadays, the public's opinion of the emperor has become increasingly positive. Originally, people said that the emperor was a Taoist, had killed many people, and had extreme ideas. However, over the years, no one has ever seen that again. The tide has turned very quickly.
Especially after the Four Classes Theory and the Mandate of Heaven came out, no one said that anymore.
The so-called "Four Classes Theory" advocated equality for all four classes. As long as one was a commoner of the Ming Dynasty, there was no distinction between high and low. Of course, this was just superficial; the only people who could benefit from this theory were merchants.
In addition, the Mandate of Heaven also played a significant role. The so-called Mandate of Heaven actually contributed to the country.
When this theory first came out, people were arguing over it, but now, everyone has accepted it.
Why can the emperor be the emperor?
Because they had made contributions to the world. The Zhu emperors of the Ming Dynasty saved the people from chaos, drove out the Tartars, and recovered the land of China, so they were qualified to be emperors.
As for those dukes, they also have such high status because of their contributions to the world.
Now, if you want to have such a high position, you can make contributions to the country; if you make a mistake, when your mistake is enough to offset your merits, the court will punish you severely.
This matter has now been widely recognized. If anyone wants to replace the Zhu family's world, then go and make meritorious deeds. But in fact, everyone knows that you don't even have the chance to threaten the master with your merits.
Chen Yannian looked at the Royal Library in front of him, his eyes full of longing.
It is said that many ideas were born in this royal library. After so many years of popularization, we have what we see and learn today.
In the words of Xu Guangqi, a Grand Secretary of the Ming Dynasty, the Ming Dynasty is experiencing a transformation, opportunity, and prosperity unseen in a thousand years. All citizens of the Ming Dynasty should join in this great undertaking.
Anyway, these scholars have only heard about it, and it is too early for them to get involved.
"Brother Chen, what are you thinking about? Look over there." Zhao Gui interrupted Chen Yannian's thoughts and pointed to a building not far away and said, "Are there any unfinished buildings over there? Didn't they say that the book city was already completed?"
"It's said to be a church." Chen Yannian frowned and said, "It seems to be some kind of religious sect."
"I know." Zhao Gui said excitedly, "It is said that it came from the West. Many of the books we studied were brought here by them. They have proved that the earth is round and we live on a sphere. When I first learned about this, I was shocked."
"Besides that, weren't you also very interested in the things they brought with them? I heard they're still translating books. The books they brought with them have already been translated, and many of them were collected by His Majesty."
Chen Yannian nodded and said, "It is said that they are going to preach."
After hearing this, Zhao Gui curled his lips and said with disdain: "You wish!"
After saying this, Zhao Gui looked around and said cautiously, "I heard earlier that these people had a commotion. They said that if they were not given the opportunity to preach or build churches, they would no longer translate books for the Ming Dynasty."
"Do you know what His Majesty did? It is said that His Majesty killed many of them, and now those people dare not make trouble anymore. Look at this church, it has been under construction for more than four years and it is still not completed. It is estimated that it will never be completed."
"What about translating those books?" Chen Yannian frowned and said, "After all, we still need these people."
"Do you think our Ming Dynasty scholars are just for show?" Zhao Gui said disdainfully. "Those who followed them to translate books earlier have already used up all their skills. Now these scholars can even write a book in Western languages."
After hearing this, Chen Yannian's expression was a little complicated. He looked at Zhao Gui helplessly and said, "Acting like this seems a little..."
After taking a look at Chen Yannian, Zhao Gui quickly reached out and patted him, then looked around and saw that no one was staring at him, so he breathed a sigh of relief.
Then Zhao Gui said, "Don't talk nonsense. Is this something we can discuss? I'm telling you, don't bring trouble upon yourself. What are those foreigners? They have no good intentions. They even want to spread their religion. How could His Majesty allow them to come in?"
"Do you know Academician Wang Zheng? Back then, there was a lot of uproar because of him taking a concubine. Those missionaries refused to allow him to take a concubine, and it's said that many of them were beheaded by His Majesty. These people are really stubborn. They refused to agree even after being beheaded."
Chen Yannian shook his head helplessly. Never mind. This matter was not something he could focus on.
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