Chapter 239: Military Morality Available



The veteran transfer system advocated by Zhu Ying has recently sparked a craze in the court.

As the regulations were constantly improved, the power of civil officials began to grow.

Private discussions are even more common.

The representative among them is especially Liu Sanwu.

"What does this mean? Let those soldiers retire and directly become the heads of the government's police. This is to use force to suppress civil officials."

"From now on, what's the point of being a scholar? Studying is not as good as being a soldier. It's ridiculous, extremely ridiculous!"

In the Hanlin Academy, Liu Sanwu was furious.

He certainly didn't dare say it at the morning court, but that didn't stop him from losing his temper in the Hanlin Academy.

Liu Sanwu is famous and old.

Although he is only a bachelor of the Hanlin Academy, he feels like an uncrowned king.

In the circle of literati, qualifications are more important.

After all, as far as the Hanlin Academy is concerned, most of the scholars in the Hanlin Academy have to behave as disciples when facing Liu Sanwu.

"Sir, please stop talking. This is the rule set by His Majesty. You see, the Minister of Military Affairs, Ru Ruru, has no choice but to follow orders."

"Besides, His Majesty barely let us discuss it this time, and he just made the decision right away."

Other scholars from the Hanlin Academy advised him.

To put it simply, the retirement of veterans seems to improve the treatment of soldiers, but on the other hand, it also lowers the status of scholars.

Many scholars, if they want to achieve success and fame, naturally choose to become officials.

This is currently the quickest way out for many students and it is also the only option to change themselves.

No matter who you are, as long as you pass the boy's test and obtain the title of scholar, you can instantly become a privileged person.

But now there is another way out.

Serve as a soldier.

You can be a soldier and also an official.

Perhaps some people may wonder, if a soldier wins a battle and becomes a general, isn’t that the same as being an official?

I know very well that the success of a general is the result of the sacrifice of hundreds of soldiers.

Especially after the founding of the Ming Dynasty, most of the former heroes were hereditary.

For ordinary people, it is already out of reach.

If I join the army again, I will just be a private.

In the Ming Dynasty’s military farming system, military households were also soldiers.

But the release of the retirement regulations means that military service is now protected.

This was equivalent to taking power away from the county magistrate to form a separate department.

Don't underestimate the positions of constables and patrol officers.

Before this, the county magistrate directly appointed people. Whoever the county magistrate said would be appointed would be appointed. The salary was not low and they had power. To ordinary people, they were officials, although in fact they were just servants.

Looking across the Ming Dynasty, there are basically no poor constables.

At least there is no need to worry about food. Even in the capital, the patrolmen from the Five Cities Army can just grab breakfast from the stalls.

As for whether to give money or not, it all depends on your mood.

Or if they really had to give it, the vendors wouldn’t dare to accept it.

There are also gang benefits, and a host of other benefits.

Not to say that he was extremely wealthy, but he definitely had enough food and clothing.

This is also the reason why Liu Sanwu lost his temper.

"No, I must report this to His Majesty. This cannot happen. This will destroy the foundation of scholars. If this continues, many students will continue to study hard."

"Studying is not as good as being a soldier. What will the future of our Ming Dynasty be like?"

"I am old and my bones are old. I won't live for many more years. If I can save my life in this matter and let His Majesty know the truth, it will be worth it."

As Liu Sanwu spoke, his tone began to become excited.

A former student of Liu Sanwu bowed deeply and said, "Since you are so kind, I will follow your lead. If you submit a memorial to His Majesty, please include my name in the memorial."

After the scholar finished speaking, everyone around him was moved.

Someone took the lead, and soon the second scholar stood up, followed by the third and fourth.

Soon, the voices in the Hanlin Academy grew louder and louder.

"Good! Good! Good! I am not alone!"

"But for this matter, it is enough for me to report it alone. If I bring in so many people, it will easily make His Majesty think that I am forcing the emperor to abdicate. It will only make things worse."

Liu Sanwu was pleased to see everyone's support, but having experienced ups and downs in officialdom, he still understood His Majesty's temper.

If everyone's name were really put on the list, I'm afraid the Hanlin Academy would have to even have a new grass.

People like your majesty are not the kind that will yield just because the scholars stick together, they will only get furious, which will lead to tragedy.

Just as Liu Sanwu was about to act, a pale-faced scholar stepped forward and said, "Sir, I heard that this matter was first proposed by His Royal Highness Changsun."

Having said this, the pale-faced scholar immediately fell silent.

However, the lively atmosphere among Liu Sanwu and other scholars suddenly became quiet.

The affairs of His Royal Highness Chang Sun have become an open secret in the Ming Dynasty, especially in the upper circles of the capital.

Since it is a secret, it is a royal secret.

Even though everyone knows about it, they dare not mention it in public and only discuss it among close friends in private.

His Majesty has not spoken yet, and everyone knows that this matter involves royal inheritance, and no one wants to touch on it too much.

"Are you sure? This news came from here, so you can't just talk nonsense."

Liu Sanwu waved his hand, called the white-faced scholar to his side, and asked in a low voice.

"It is absolutely true, sir. You may not know this, but some time ago, Li Weiliang, Li Hanlin and I were ordered by eunuchs to meet His Royal Highness Changsun at Kunning Palace to explain the classics of the Song Dynasty."

"Li Hanlin has been appreciated by His Highness and has risen to prominence. He is now His Highness Changsun's study partner. He can freely enter and leave Kunning Palace. His Majesty has not yet issued an announcement on this matter, but it will be soon."

At this point, the white-faced scholar's eyes flashed with envy, jealousy, and a bit of resentment.

Obviously, they went there together, but Li Weiliang was appreciated while he got nothing. He felt unwilling in his heart.

After a slight pause, the pale-faced scholar continued, "Sir, I am a classmate and friend of Li Weiliang, and we have a close relationship. I learned that he is also currently involved in the veterans' retirement regulations."

"So in my opinion, this matter has a deep connection with His Royal Highness Chang Sun. After all, this matter has never happened in previous dynasties. It is a precedent in history."

Hearing this, Liu Sanwu began to ponder.

It doesn't mean that Liu Sanwu is afraid of His Royal Highness Changsun but not Your Majesty.

But it is because some things, once they involve the crown prince, have a completely different meaning.

His simple report will be seen by His Majesty as having other intentions.

Moreover, if a new monarch comes to power in the future, there may be a new national policy. Such political trends are difficult to go against, and usually require the price of blood.

Liu Sanwu nodded and said, "Since Li Hanlin has become the companion of His Royal Highness Changsun, there are some things he should be clear about."

"This matter concerns all scholars in the world. Where is Li Hanlin now? I want to talk to him and see what he thinks."

The white-faced scholar felt very unhappy when he heard this. It was obvious that Mr. Sanwu had begun to take Li Weiliang seriously.

He could only helplessly reply: "At this time, Li Hanlin should be in Kunning Palace."

Liu Sanwu nodded gently and said, "When he comes back and tells me, I will go and visit him."

At this moment, he no longer mentioned what he was going to say to His Majesty just now.

When the pale-faced scholar heard that even Mr. Sanwu had become so polite, the resentment in his eyes deepened.

For civil officials or scholars, veterans’ retirement benefits are bad news.

But this is completely different for military generals or veterans.

Especially in the major military camps, many soldiers became extremely excited. When they received the news, many of them kowtowed towards the direction of the imperial palace to express their gratitude.

In the Beijing camp, an old soldier said happily: "Your Majesty is really wise. In this way, we don't have to worry about our future. If we return to the local area and work in the Public Security Bureau, we can also be regarded as officials."

Someone who knows the business said, "This is not an official, but a yamen runner. I have never heard of him being given a high rank directly."

"You know nothing," the old soldier retorted.

"So what if I'm a yamen runner? The Public Security Bureau will definitely give me an official rank. But even if I'm a yamen runner, it's still very good. It's better than digging for food in the dirt. Walking on the street is also very impressive."

Hearing the veteran's words, many soldiers nodded.

If he could return from the army and become a yamen runner, it would be a huge surprise for all ordinary soldiers.

Most of them grew up in rural villages and counties, and they all understand that a yamen runner has great power in the county.

The status is also very different.

The most important thing is that being a soldier provides a way out.

"If I can get into the police department, I will teach my sons to be soldiers. As long as they make contributions, they will be able to find a way out."

Lingyi veteran said.

Others said, "You are stupid. You are a government official. If your family has money, they can afford to send their children to school. Why don't you let them go to school?"

"Our family is not good at studying, but if there are people who can study, they should study, and if they can't study, they should join the army."

The old soldier replied with a smile.

At this time, a general came over and everyone fell silent.

"What are you talking about? You seem so happy." The general asked with a smile.

A bunch of soldiers looked at each other, and one of them who was brave enough replied, "General, let's talk about the retirement of the old soldiers in the court. This is a mysterious thing. General, tell us about it."

"Is this true or false? It would be a shame if the brothers were so happy for nothing."

The general smiled and said, "Of course it is true. Your Majesty made the decision directly in order to leave a way out for our Ming soldiers."

"When we go to the battlefield, we won't have to worry about anything. If we achieve merit, we can bring honor to our family."

"I came here this time to coordinate the contributions of the brothers."

"Don't be too happy too soon. This matter involves a wide range of issues and cannot be finalized in a few days. The officials in the court and many generals are all thinking about this rule with you."

"The merits of the brothers must all be handed in, and then we will wait for the officials in the Ministry of War to distribute them."

"What has been decided now is the age and conditions for retirement. It's not like you can just serve in the army for a few years and then go."

"You have to have enough merit to do that."

After hearing the general's words, everyone became even more excited.

The general has spoken, which is equivalent to an official announcement, which means that this matter will not change anymore.

Although only veterans can enjoy these things, veterans also started out as recruits.

The new recruits have hope.

"It's a pity that I was too timid when I went to the battlefield a few years ago. Otherwise, I would have been able to enter the public security department. You young people, don't be like me."

"I regret it now."

An old soldier said with sigh.

This is a common phenomenon in the military. A short period of training cannot make them brave and forge ahead. Only after experiencing the baptism of many wars will they change.

When some new recruits heard this, they secretly swore in their hearts that they would do so if they had the chance to go to the battlefield in the future.

You must be at the forefront and fight for a bright future.

This scene in the Beijing camp is just a microcosm of many military camps of the Ming Dynasty.

Unlike becoming a military officer, many soldiers saw this as a career that was within their reach.

When the names and achievements of many older veterans were recorded and reported by the general, everyone became excited.

There has never been a dynasty or a time when soldiers were as eager for war as they are now.

Inside the Palace of Heavenly Purity, Ming Dynasty Palace.

"The army's morale is good! The army's morale is good!"

Zhu Yuanzhang listened to Jiang Lin's report on the current soldiers and sighed.

"Grandpa, I think we can now prepare for the soldiers going to Annan."

Zhu Ying sat next to him and said with a smile.

It would be a pity if such a good thing were not used.

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded and said, "This time, just as Da Sun said, let's pass this message on and see which soldiers want to go, and then select the right ones."

"Many of our Ming soldiers are not used to the climate in Annan, so we should be careful and not let them suffer too many casualties."

Zhu Ying replied: "Don't worry, Grandpa. This time our Ming soldiers are going there to protect the Annan royal family and to restore the Annan mountains and rivers. This is a righteous army."

"The people of Annan should be cheering extremely."

Zhu Yuanzhang said with a smile: "My grandson, you said it well, but you just said that you want Princess Anxiu to go with you. She is your future concubine, are you willing to let her go?"

Zhu Ying laughed and said, "Grandpa, for the sake of the Ming Dynasty, why would I be willing to give it up? From my perspective, Princess Anxiu is a person with ideas, and in name, she is already a member of the Ming Dynasty."

"Whether they like it or not, those people in Annan will definitely have opinions about her. If she goes back, the waters in Annan will be further muddied, and it will be easier to implement in many aspects."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded. He was very confident about his eldest grandson's plan.

Goryeo is the best example.

Now it can almost be considered to be under the control of the Ming Dynasty, except for the name.

It's a pity that Lee Seong-gye's plan only served his grandson's purpose.

"Grandpa, regarding the scholars sent to Annan, only you can arrange it. However, I think they don't have to be old. Even if they have the level of teachers, they can be fine."

"In my grandson's opinion, the main focus in the early stage of this process is to educate people."

"The Ming Dynasty's treasure notes can also be directly transferred to Annan. The Annan royal family cannot refuse."


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