The civil officials were not idle either.

This is literally their best chance.

Because a large number of Jinyiwei went to the Xiaoling Mausoleum, the supervision of officials in the capital naturally became much more lax.

Civil officials, their original identity was that of literati.

Every civil official has never left the circle of literati.

Although it is only the third day of the Chinese New Year, many riddles have actually already begun.

Then, under the name of a gathering of literati, many clans began to gather together.

"How dare His Royal Highness go against the scholars of the world? Doesn't he know that only we can govern the world?"

"Without the help of scholars, the world would be in a mess. Who would collect taxes? Who would govern the people?"

An unknown old man drank a glass of wine and started the conversation.

This old man may not be well-known in the Ming Dynasty, but he is a clan leader-level figure in the local area.

The patriarch of a clan, especially one with a big family name, would be very wary even of an official of the fifth rank, because who knows what complicated relationships are behind them.

There were about twenty people in a backyard.

There were sounds of singing, dancing and music coming from the front yard, making it very lively and bustling.

Every simple person who can come to this backyard.

It is generally difficult to have a gathering like this, and such a grand occasion can only be had during the Chinese New Year.

Officials of the fifth rank and above would not attend such gatherings of literati.

This is not because of identity, but a protective arrangement.

Being able to reach an official position of the fifth rank or above in the capital is not something that can be achieved solely through personal efforts, but more importantly, requires the accumulation of a large amount of personal connections.

Take for example the current Minister of Personnel Zhan Hui, his official career can be described as smooth sailing and he has risen rapidly in career.

It seemed that it was Zhu Yuanzhang's support and care, but secretly, many members of the Zhan family put in huge efforts.

If there is even the slightest flaw, someone will be willing to take the blame.

Good things that increase his reputation will definitely fall on Zhan Hui, but bad things will have nothing to do with him.

There are also clans that spend a lot of money to help promote their reputation.

Coupled with Zhan Hui's own abilities, he was able to be promoted so quickly.

As the Minister of Personnel, the feedback he gave to the clan was naturally very great.

This is how human relations work.

Throughout history, no one can avoid it.

Zhan Hui is just a representative. The others may not hold as high an official position as Zhan Hui, but each of them has used a lot of clan resources.

Be able to climb to a high position and can’t let them make any mistakes.

Therefore, officials above the fifth rank cannot participate in such gatherings.

Even if something happens, it will not be their fault.

The current collective punishment and genocide in the Ming Dynasty are also based on this.

The issue that everyone is discussing now is because of Liu Sanwu's widely circulated letter.

That letter clearly pointed out the current situation, which led most of the scholars with status and position to start discussing countermeasures.

The right time is also the day when the royal family holds memorial ceremonies at the Xiaoling Mausoleum.

"Your Highness, this is to dig up our roots. This matter must not proceed."

Another scholar spoke frankly.

An old man who looked a little skinny stood up at this moment.

Seeing this old man, the scene suddenly became much quieter.

Because he is the representative of the Jiangnan Zheng family.

Although he is not the patriarch, he is also a clan elder.

What is the concept of Jiangnan Zheng Family?

That was the 18th year of Hongwu, when Zhu Yuanzhang granted it the title of "the first family in Jiangnan".

"A family that values ​​righteousness will live together for nine generations."

The Zheng family began living together in the Southern Song Dynasty and had not split up for hundreds of years until the beginning of the Ming Dynasty. Thousands of people shared the same wealth and food and lived in harmony.

At that time, the filial piety and righteousness of the Zheng Yimen were well-known throughout the world. In order to commend the family tradition of filial piety and righteousness passed down from generation to generation, Zhu Yuanzhang personally bestowed the title of "The First Family in Jiangnan" to commend them in the 18th year of Hongwu.

Since the Southern Song Dynasty, the Zheng family has always remained consistent no matter how the situation changes, whether it is a time of war or peace, and the family life has always been orderly.

No matter who is in power, they manage family affairs and handle relations with neighbors according to their own rules.

No matter what the circumstances, he always set an example of loyalty, chastity, righteousness and filial piety. Therefore, he was praised by the court in the Song, Yuan and Ming dynasties.

This is a family that has existed since the Southern Song Dynasty.

It can be said that it is the only remaining thousand-year-old family. In Jiangnan, and even in the entire literary circle, it has a significant influence.

The great families that were able to survive the Mongol purge had extremely sophisticated ways of survival.

But when they encountered this school problem, they still got involved.

In the eyes of many people, the seemingly unimportant school issues are actually a major change that has not happened in a thousand years. For example, the emergence of the imperial examination will completely change the social classes.

People with vision are always good.

So they still block it.

Fortunately, it is now the Hongwu period. If it were any other era, even during the Yongle period of Zhu Di, it would not have been possible to complete it.

Only the Hongwu Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang could make these family members so fearful.

Because once Zhu Yuanzhang was determined to implement it, no one could stop him, and no one dared to stop him.

Your Majesty, that man really dares to kill!

If we count all the scholars in the world, there are probably no more than one million of them, including those who have no official titles at all.

According to your majesty's temperament.

There really needs to be a change in both civil and military affairs.

I'm afraid he would massacre 300,000 scholars without blinking an eye.

This is the deterrent power of Zhu Yuanzhang.

No one is not afraid, no one is not afraid.

"Mr. Zheng, you can come up with a plan for this matter. We are all scattered and have been thinking about it for a long time, but we still can't come up with a good plan."

A wealthy old man bowed and said respectfully.

The man called Mr. Zheng looked thin and frail, but his eyes were not at all cloudy like an old man, but rather sparkling with brilliance.

"Since I'm here today, I'll just say a few words."

Mr. Zheng began to talk and everyone listened attentively.

"Your Highness's idea is of course good, and your Majesty's idea is also good. Although this matter offends everyone, it is fundamentally for the sake of our Ming Dynasty."

If someone else had said this, they would have been attacked by everyone, but when Mr. Zheng said it, no one refuted him and they all waited patiently.

Mr. Zheng continued, "But now the Ming Dynasty is facing constant foreign threats. The imperial court has sent troops to attack Japan. Nurgan in Liaodong has fertile black soil. The situation is changing rapidly. There are also rebels in Shaanxi who are very powerful."

"I can only say that these methods are not a good idea at this time."

"Everyone knows clearly that if this happens, the entire Ming Dynasty will be in turmoil. It has been less than 30 years since the fall of the Yuan Dynasty. Why would such a vicious thing happen?"

After these words were spoken, everyone's mental state was completely different.

Now everyone opposes the school opened by the crown prince, but there is no specific name.

We can't just raise the banner and say, "Prince, you have touched our foundation and we can't let the lower-class people learn to read and write."

This statement is illogical.

Therefore, what scholars have always lacked is a reputation for righteousness.

Because they are used to standing at the moral high ground and standing in the light.

This is also why, after the Crown Prince established the Imperial Academy, although there was resistance, it was not very significant.

Apart from using his connections to get those literati to withdraw, there was no other action.

Even officials in the court did not dare to speak.

The person who spoke would not have a good reputation even if he was executed by His Majesty.

There was no worry about lack of teachers in schools because there were many scholars who could not even afford to eat.

And because of the expulsion, no one dared to leave the school.

Now there is this argument.

That's completely different.

Some people may think that this statement is not a direct stop, but a delay.

After delaying it for a few years, won't it still have to be done?

If anyone brings up this topic, then he has no right to be in this backyard.

Because as long as there is an excuse to delay now, there will be many excuses later.

Keep dragging it on until this matter is no longer mentioned.

"Great! Very great! We were always confused before and couldn't see the situation clearly. Now that Mr. Zheng has explained it, it is very clear."

"We study to serve the emperor and the country and to share His Majesty's worries."

"This kind of thing that will affect the Ming Dynasty's destiny must not be done at this time. Even if it is to be done, in my opinion, it will be at least ten years later."

As soon as one person proposed it, many people immediately seconded it.

The atmosphere in the backyard suddenly became lively.

Wait till the clouds clear and the moon appears.

This statement is absolutely valid even in the court.

After Mr. Zheng finished speaking, he shrank into the crowd, like an ordinary old man.

The Zheng family will never be a pioneer, or even a follower, in anything related to the royal family.

They have their own way of survival.

Zheng Laoxiao half-closed his eyes and looked at the noisy and enthusiastic crowd, with a hint of contempt flashing in the depths of his eyes.

If it wasn't for the family's interests, why would he attend such a gathering?

In other words, they would only come here if they found out that the royal family was paying homage to the Emperor at the Xiaoling Mausoleum.

It would be enough to fan the flames behind the scenes, but when it comes to the actual action, the Zheng family will never be involved at all.

…

The suburbs of the capital.

Ye Yueqing came with dozens of Ti cavalry.

Currently, Ye Yueqing’s personal guards in the capital are the Xuanjia Guards.

According to Zhu Ying's instructions, when traveling outside the capital, one must be accompanied by at least thirty-six riders.

This is an order issued to Ye Yueqing, and it also serves as a protection.

The place where Ye Yueqing came was the residence of the craftsmen from Western Europe.

Officials will greet you at the gate.

"How is the recipe that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince asked for going? How long will it take to be completed?"

Ye Yueqing asked directly.

The official who received him quickly replied, "Your Excellency, there are three types of cement for paving the road. Only the three-in-one soil for the main beam that His Royal Highness ordered is a little different."

Ye Yueqing nodded and said, "Take me to see it."

Under the guidance of the officials, Ye Yueqing soon arrived at a place similar to a research center.

Here, dozens of Western European elderly people with different hair styles are chattering endlessly.

It's all gibberish and few people can understand it.

Ye Yueqing's arrival was not noticed by them. The young official wanted to shout to stop them, but was stopped by Ye Yueqing.

"Call that man here."

Ye Yueqing pointed at a young man in the middle and said.

Then the man was called over.

"What's your name? Do you understand Chinese?" Ye Yueqing asked.

"My humble name is Wrightwell, nice to meet you, sir."

Will placed his right hand on his chest and bowed.

Wright is the last name and Will is the first name.

According to Western Europe, his name should be Will Wright.

But after learning Chinese, Will had to explain for a long time every time. Later, he simply followed the local customs and introduced himself as Wrightwill.

"What are they discussing?" Ye Yueqing was quite satisfied after hearing Will's Chinese, and then asked.

Will is currently somewhat shocked.

Because this is a lady, and a very beautiful one at that.

Looking at the neatly arranged guards behind him, Will knew that his chance had come.

"Your Excellency, we are discussing how to make the pillars more solid so that they can support a three-story building."

"In fact, the current formula is sufficient to make it, but no one knows how many years it can be used, and whether it will collapse after a long time."

“So we need to make the pillars more resilient. Even if they are about to fall, they will bend first, rather than suddenly shattering like glass.”

"People living inside can sense it and run out in time, instead of being trapped inside."

After listening to this, Ye Yueqing nodded slightly and glared at the receiving official.

Because the officials had no idea about the current progress of these Western Europeans, they seemed a little confused.

The official was trembling with fear, his knees felt weak, and he wanted to kowtow and beg for mercy.

However, Ye Yueqing turned around and continued discussing with Will, ignoring him.

After some understanding, Ye Yueqing understood.

Western Europeans have basically completed the ratio of cement, including the construction of high-rise buildings as mentioned by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince.

And because of the Ming Dynasty's mortar formula, he seemed to have more ideas when building the building.

This can be considered as the spark produced by the collision of Chinese and Western thoughts.

What Ye Yueqing noticed was that while he was chatting with Will, those outstanding craftsmen from Western Europe had stopped working without them noticing.

"It seems that you have a high status here. I misjudged you."

Ye Yueqing quickly figured it out and said with a smile.

Will did not hide it and said frankly: "My father was once an excellent craftsman. I inherited his skills, so I am better."

Ye Yueqing raised her eyebrows.

This can be considered a Western European characteristic. It is not very humble, but it makes the Ming Dynasty feel very proud.

"If that's the case, then let's start preparations in the next few days and start building the high-rise building you mentioned."

"Including the road surface here, it's all made of cement."

“I want to see results within 30 days.”

"This construction is centered around you. If you can do it, I will take you to meet His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."

"If you can't do it, there will be punishment."

Ye Yueqing said lightly.

No matter what these Western Europeans say, what comes out is real.

As for the issue of stability, let them live there by themselves for now.

If it really needs to collapse, just try it first.

Although we value these Western Europeans, we still have to do what we have to do.

After the new year, naturally more people from Western Europe will be brought here.