The joint recommendation from Zhu Su and Zhu Yunwen posed no problem for Zhu Yunying, as he trusted his two relatives to a certain extent. Many members of the Ming Dynasty's imperial family were literate, and expecting them to pass the imperial examinations might be difficult, but their 'appreciation ability' was actually not a major concern.
As for the fact that the Ming Dynasty now had a well-established imperial examination system, and that it was still necessary to recruit people from outside the court, Zhu Yunying didn't see this as a problem. There was no such thing as only chaotic times or newly established dynasties requiring such measures. As long as someone was talented, Zhu Yunying could choose to handle special cases without any issues.
Special cases should be handled specially. As long as Yang Yu is talented and can compile the "Xiaokang Encyclopedia", Zhu Yunying will not mind giving Yang Yu an official position. This is a matter of course.
In the imperial court, another argument broke out, this time concerning issues of officialdom. Many felt that the crackdown on official corruption had suddenly become more stringent, naturally bringing back some unpleasant memories for many.
During the reign of the Hongwu Emperor, the strict legal system instilled fear in many people, especially since Zhu Yuanzhang had promulgated a complete legal code, making it the legal standard for the entire empire. He sometimes supplemented the legal code with edicts and sometimes issued notices to publicize typical cases.
Actually, this should be a good thing. The Great Proclamation has undergone two compilations, revisions, and expansions. Before Zhu Yuanzhang abdicated, he had planned to compile and revise the Great Proclamation into the Great Ming Code, but at that time, he was thinking about abdication at the urging of Zhu Yunying.
Therefore, Zhu Yunying now needed to improve the "Great Ming Code," which marked the beginning of the Ming Dynasty's legal system.
This is also something that Zhu Yunying considers very important. The rule of law may seem to have existed since ancient times, but it also needs continuous improvement.
Treat minor offenses lightly, and serious offenses severely.
This was Zhu Yunying's idea, and he intended to continue it. Simply put, treat minor offenses lightly and major offenses severely.
Matters concerning ceremonies and customs are punishable by lighter sentences; matters concerning theft and embezzlement of public funds are punishable by heavier sentences.
This can provide people with a relatively relaxed living environment, but when it comes to issues such as safety, it requires a strong deterrent effect to maintain long-term social stability.
The Warring States period is too ancient and incomplete. However, the period from the Han Dynasty to the Wei, Jin, and Northern and Southern Dynasties was a time of Confucianization in ancient Chinese law. The legal provisions that originally nakedly maintained the ruling order and property relations were infused with many new contents that upheld the concepts of etiquette and hierarchical order. This was reflected in the legal texts by the addition of many clauses that punished offenders and violated the rights of superiors and inferiors.
The Tang Code, though seemingly good, elevated Confucian rites and ethical order to an extremely important position, demonstrating its emphasis on both rites and law.
The Song Dynasty's laws were rigid and dogmatic, and the Yuan Dynasty's laws offered little to draw upon. The Ming Dynasty needed to summarize and improve them, to make its people understand that in addition to imperial power, there was also the rule of law.
This is also why Zhu De attached great importance to it; he placed great emphasis on legal development from the very beginning of the founding of the dynasty. Li Shanchang, Liu Bowen, and others had all long ago advised Zhu De to establish a sound legal system.
Drawing on the experiences of previous dynasties, the most important thing is to improve and enrich it, so as to create a true legal system.
In fact, Zhu Yunying understood that in such a feudal dynasty, imperial power would be a major obstacle to the rule of law. However, there was no other way; the legal system had to be improved, and this was what he had to do.
Based on the Tang Code and referencing the "Great Proclamation" previously promulgated by Emperor Zhu, legislation in the areas of economy, military, administration, and litigation should be more comprehensive. Of course, consideration should also be given to a more rational structure and more concise language.
Zhu Yunying wanted to improve the "Great Ming Code," but this made many civil and military officials somewhat worried and afraid. They even felt that this might mean that after Emperor Yingshi of the Ming Dynasty had consolidated his power and rectified the court, he would start to consider restarting the harsh laws and punishments of the Hongwu Emperor's era.
Zhu Yunying was well aware of the concerns of many people, after all, he was not the ideal crown prince or emperor in the eyes of some from the beginning.
The suppression of Confucianism and the repression of civil and military officials are things that are obvious to all.
Although Emperor Ying Shi may not seem as strict as Emperor Hongwu, that's only because in some 'minor matters,' when he gets ruthless, he is no different from Emperor Hongwu. In fact, some of his decisions challenge the bottom line of civil and military officials.
By almost completely undermining the Duke Yansheng's status and allowing eccentric institutions like the Ministry of Works Academy to emerge, the foundation for scholars to enter officialdom was shaken. Furthermore, the demands of many intellectuals were ignored. It would be a miracle if such a ruler could become a sage.
Moreover, he was warlike, not particularly enthusiastic about education, and quite resistant to traditional Confucianism and Legalism. Scholars genuinely disliked this emperor.
During the reign of Emperor Hongwu, he dared not think of governing the country together with the scholar-officials. As for Emperor Yingshi, he should not have such beautiful imaginations either, as they were simply unrealistic.
Zhu Yunying left the court in a rage, but his expression changed in an instant; it seemed that his anger was only meant to be vented in the court.
Wang Chengen cautiously said to Zhu Yunying, "Your Majesty, the midwife has already gone to Chunhe Palace, and everything has been arranged for Her Majesty the Empress. The Imperial Noble Consort is not with her."
Zhu Yunying nodded in satisfaction. Although Lian Qiongqiong was quite favored and he approved of her character, as emperor, he still needed to be cautious and suspicious, given Xu Miaoqing's special status.
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