Zhu Yunying was actually quite conflicted. On the one hand, he was not used to the eight-legged essay, as it restricted the nature of scholars.
However, gossip did indeed benefit imperial power, especially since scholars throughout Chinese history were mostly "humanities students," primarily studying sociology and politics. They often neglected the sciences.
It's not that liberal arts students are all bad, but sometimes they can be too restrictive to scientific development. And an emperor like Zhu Yunying couldn't easily change the minds of all the scholars in the land.
Even centuries later, many people say that smart people went to become officials, and the ideology of prioritizing official positions has had a profound influence on this nation.
It would be better to slightly improve literacy rates. Zhu Yunying knew that a complete literacy campaign was a pipe dream. Slightly improving literacy rates and gradually developing new learning was also quite important for Zhu Yunying.
To be honest, when comparing Eastern and Western civilizations, it was around the Ming and Qing dynasties that the balance of power began to shift.
The Western Renaissance and other periods saw a growing emphasis on natural sciences. Meanwhile, the rigid, formulaic writing system in the East stifled thought and further neglected natural sciences, leading to China's gradual decline and eventual fall from a world-leading position to one of vulnerability and vulnerability to attack.
As Ru Chang left the Wuying Hall, he was deep in thought. He felt that this time His Majesty's intentions were definitely not just to dismiss some officials and institutions. It seemed like he was dealing with redundant officials and staff, but based on his understanding of His Majesty, he knew that His Majesty was definitely playing a bigger game.
As His Majesty's former study companion, the young and illustrious Ru Chang was right before His Majesty. Whether His Majesty was truly precocious was a topic of discussion throughout the court and among the common people. Many stories were circulated with great detail and embellishment.
Ru Chang knew that His Majesty was precocious, but not the kind of child prodigy who excelled in academics. His Majesty had only scratched the surface of the Four Books and Five Classics and had never been particularly close to Confucianism. His Majesty's precocity lay in his temperament, his shrewdness, and so on.
Planning before acting is a characteristic of His Majesty. Moreover, every action His Majesty takes is guided by a follow-up plan and profound meaning.
Ru Chang was deep in thought, looking worried, afraid of missing something.
These are things he'll have to figure out himself, or His Majesty might give him some hints later. That's about all Ru Chang can do for now; there's really nothing else he can do for the time being.
Humming a little tune, Zhu Yunying returned to the East Palace, visited the pregnant Lady Wang, and had dinner with her. Then he went to Lian Qiongqiong's palace to see his beloved daughter.
"Ruyi'er, my dear father." Holding his sweet-smelling daughter, Zhu Yunying beamed with joy. "All you do is laugh, you don't even know how to greet people."
Lian Qiongqiong said softly, "Your Majesty, Ruyi sleeps well during the day and probably won't go to sleep until very late. I don't know why, but these days she sleeps all day and makes a fuss at night, not letting anyone get a good night's sleep."
This is going to be a hassle, but all little kids are like this; Zhu Ruyi isn't the most troublesome one. Fortunately, Lian Qiongqiong doesn't have to go to work, and she can take a nap when she's sleepy. There are also nannies and maids to help soothe Zhu Ruyi when she won't sleep at night.
As if remembering something, Zhu Yunying asked, "Has the Crown Prince come?"
"The Crown Prince didn't come today, but he did come yesterday with Aunt Baoqing. He saw Ruyi sleeping and then went back."
Lian Qiongqiong didn't feel embarrassed at all. She addressed the five-year-old Princess Baoqing as "aunt," which was in accordance with etiquette and seniority. Not to mention her, Zhu Yunying also addressed her in the same way when he should.
Zhu Yunying chuckled, then said irritably, "They said they caught a grasshopper, but they've ruined Qiuju's life."
Lian Qiongqiong glanced at Zhu Yunying and said cautiously, "Your Majesty, it wasn't a grasshopper, it was a small water snake."
Zhu Yunying was speechless for a moment.
Although the palace seemed safe, there were still some areas that couldn't be completely controlled. With Little Zhu's audacious nature, catching a small snake wouldn't be out of the question; he seemed utterly fearless.
Zhu Yunying immediately realized what was going on and said, "No wonder we heard that the Empress ordered the elimination of snakes and insects from the palace."
Lian Qiongqiong added, "In the inner palace, it was naturally the servants and maids who fought and killed, and in many places, it was still the palace guards. My grandfather also issued an edict, but His Majesty was busy with state affairs and did not know about it."
This matter must be taken seriously. There can be no snakes or rats in the palace, and anything with pests or diseases is unacceptable!
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