As the ruler, Zhu Yunying naturally had certain options, such as using various methods to conceal contradictions. This approach is actually quite familiar to many rulers, and it's a relatively hassle-free method.
However, for Zhu Yunying, what he needs to do now is to actively expose some conflicts. It could even be said that he is fanning the flames. He is thinking of making things bigger so that he can do his things smoothly.
As a junior officer in the Embroidered Uniform Guard, this was a seventh-rank official position. Chen Shang was very grateful to his father, who died on the battlefield, allowing him to enter the Embroidered Uniform Guard, which meant that his family could practically live off the imperial salary for generations.
Walking through the streets of Yingtian Prefecture, Chen Shang, heading straight for the Zhuangyuan Tower, suddenly encountered people like himself.
A scholar, whose clothes looked somewhat simple but were washed very clean, also walked towards the restaurant.
These are agents of the Eastern Depot. This team was organized and built by Jiang Huan, the second-generation commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, with the assistance of Wang Chengen. Many people were transferred from the Embroidered Uniform Guard to strengthen the Eastern Depot. It was developed entirely by taking advantage of the 'decline' of the Embroidered Uniform Guard in the previous years.
Chen Shang looked down on the Eastern Depot, saying, "The retired emperor had previously stipulated that eunuchs should not interfere in political affairs."
These matters were only discussed privately. As an 'insider,' Chen Shang knew just how terrifying the Embroidered Uniform Guard and the Eastern Depot were. The 'Depot and Guard' system was fully formed, and the power of these intelligence organizations should not be underestimated.
The centralized imperial power allowed for better oversight of both domestic and international affairs, which were advantages of the secret police. However, the drawbacks of the secret police were also evident, such as the potential for fabricating false cases or infighting among themselves.
All Zhu Yunying could do was weigh the pros and cons; such a spy organization was definitely necessary. However, they also needed to be restrained and checked to prevent them from expanding uncontrollably into true monsters.
"This is the first imperial examination of the first year of the reign of the new emperor," Chen Shang began, adding fuel to the fire, perhaps due to his favorable image. "Why are there only thirty slots for scholars from the north?"
Chen Shang's eloquent speech immediately attracted the attention of the other scholars, and someone hurriedly asked, "Brother, is it really true that only one hundred and twenty people will be selected in this year's imperial examination?"
"My cousin now works in the Ministry of Personnel, under the chief examiner, Minister Ru," Chen Shang said with a proud air. "The court's decision to hold the Northern and Southern examinations this time clearly places scholars from the North below those from the South!"
At this moment, a voice rang out, somewhat mocking, "Oh? This brother should also take a look at the students of the Imperial Academy; most of them are from the south. And look at those who have passed the imperial examinations over the years; they are mostly scholars from the south. If it weren't for this year's North-South list, there probably wouldn't be even ten scholars from the north."
This caused a burst of laughter, and many scholars from the south felt that this was true.
The antagonism between scholars from the South and the North was thus stirred up. This was largely due to the covert efforts of many members of the Embroidered Uniform Guard and the Eastern Depot, who were busy escalating the conflict.
Zhu Yunying was naturally aware of these matters; this was part of his plan, and he felt it was something he could easily accomplish. It was the right thing to do, to make a big fuss about it—that was the most worthwhile thing to do.
Zhu Yunying paid only a little attention to the movements in Yingtian Prefecture; he was currently only concerned with three things.
The first thing was naturally the upcoming spring imperial examination. Although Zhu Yunying did intend to suppress the literati during this period and take the opportunity to slightly belittle the Duke Yansheng, Kong Ne.
Although he was skilled in poetry and seal script, Zhu Yunying was well aware that this Duke Yansheng lacked real talent and learning, and was more of a 'scholar' in appearance. The fact that this Duke Yansheng was a first-rank official, ranking first among all ministers, was somewhat troubling for Zhu Yunying.
The Kong family was a privileged noble family in feudal society. In the Song Dynasty, they were equivalent to an eighth-rank official, in the Yuan Dynasty they were promoted to a third-rank official, and in the early Ming Dynasty they were first-rank civil officials. This was a bit too high, and Zhu Yunying felt that he had reason to demote the title of Duke Yansheng all the way down to its level in the Song Dynasty. Too much glory was not a good thing.
This is a big deal, after all, the influence of the Confucian school is still very strong, especially since many people are used to the noble title of Duke Yansheng.
After careful consideration, Zhu Yunying felt that this matter could be handled gradually. Of course, there were some things that required Zhu Yunying's intervention, since the title of Duke Yansheng was bestowed by him, and it was actually most appropriate for him to handle them personally.
Aside from the imperial examinations and the matter of the Duke of Yansheng, the relocation of the Ming Dynasty's capital was also proceeding in an orderly manner. Although some civil officials had previously attempted passive resistance, after being imprisoned and many others demoted, the voices of opposition naturally diminished.
Prince Zhu Gang of Jin had previously returned to Taiyuan, but now he also needed to rush to Beiping to take charge. Prince Zhu Yunwen of Wu and Prince Zhu Yunwen of Xu would also prepare to set off immediately. At this time, Duke Chang Mao of Zheng was also leading his troops to escort civil officials and the families of many gentry along the way.
Moving the capital certainly involved more than just relocating the central government; powerful families and wealthy households were also to be relocated to Beiping. Just like the ongoing migrations during the Ming Dynasty, some people were sent to relatively sparsely populated areas.
Inhumanity and lack of freedom are quite normal; that's how feudal societies were. Even in modern society, some major projects require some immigrants, only the state is responsible for it.
Leaving one's hometown is something many people are reluctant to do, but at times like these, many ordinary people have no choice but to resist.
This chapter is not finished, please click the next page to continue reading!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
