Even some 'recluses' who had previously refused imperial summons, even if they didn't care about official rank, couldn't refuse to participate in such a literary event. To leave a mark on history was the ultimate dream for many scholars.
The "Xiaokang Encyclopedia" can be considered a work that embodies their dreams. Many people believe that such a monumental work is something that previous dynasties had not accomplished, and it may even surpass works such as the "Zizhi Tongjian" and other historical records.
After all, works like the *Zizhi Tongjian* are historical records, but the *Xiaokang Dadian* is not simply a historical record. It encompasses classics, history, philosophy, and literature, covering astronomy, geography, yin-yang theory, medicine, divination, Buddhist and Taoist scriptures, drama, crafts, and agriculture, encompassing the knowledge and wealth of the Chinese nation over thousands of years. It's hard not to be excited about it!
No one is perfect; everyone has their own selfish desires and pursuits, which is perfectly normal, and Zhu Yunying never objected to them.
If everyone were without desires or wants, the emperor would sometimes get anxious, which would mean fewer people would be willing to serve him, something the emperor obviously didn't want to see.
Only a small number of people were granted an audience with the emperor; these were primarily key figures involved in compiling the grand compendium. For them, this was indeed a great honor, and they had to take it very seriously.
Zhu Su led a dozen or so people into the palace; some were in official robes, and some were not. This clearly demonstrates that the people involved in compiling this grand compilation were not only from the imperial court, but also included many civilians, with the court providing maximum support through organization and coordination.
"Your subject Zhu Su pays his respects to Your Majesty the Emperor."
"Your Majesty, your subjects Xie Jin, Dai Sigong (Jiang Yongwen), and others pay our respects."
"Chen Ji and others in white robes pay their respects to His Majesty the Emperor."
Sitting on the dragon throne, Zhu Yunying, with a beaming smile, said kindly, "My beloved ministers, please rise. Your Majesty, please have seats and tea."
After saying this, Zhu Yunying stood up and said, "Uncle, are these the learned scholars and masters you mentioned? Tell me quickly, I want to see the pillars of the court!"
Many were excited, not only because they were grateful for Prince Zhou's recommendation and appreciation, but also because they had received praise from His Majesty the Emperor. This was an honor worthy of being engraved on their epitaphs, and a matter of bringing glory to their families.
These were indeed no small matters. These compilers were all highly skilled in both literature and martial arts, destined to serve the emperor. For them, this might be the opportunity for their career advancement, or the starting point for their meteoric rise to power.
As for Zhu Yunying, although he didn't have much affinity for Confucianism at heart and even suppressed some Confucian scholars, as an emperor he couldn't just act solely based on his own preferences. He still needed to win over certain people, especially the scholar-official class.
Ultimately, Zhu Yunying was the ruler, and the scholar-officials could be considered the foundation of the ruling group, so they still needed to be won over and maintained.
Zhu Yunying was a feudal emperor, and he never considered transforming the Ming Dynasty into a world of universal harmony. He knew that was unrealistic; it wouldn't be a golden age, but rather a time of chaos.
Zhu Su did have some prestige, as although he was the Prince of Zhou, many people knew he was the Director of the Imperial Clan Court. However, with the increasing number of members of the imperial clan in the Ming Dynasty, a prince could be a figurehead with no real power, and his status was not necessarily high.
Moreover, having previously compiled "The Compendium of Famine Relief Herbs," Zhu Su still possessed a certain passion for plants and literature. He greatly desired a higher status among scholars and in the literary world, and now it seemed that such an opportunity had arisen.
After all, he was nominally in charge of editing the "Xiaokang Encyclopedia," and even if he were to be compared to many others in terms of actual talent and learning, his ability to organize and manage these learned scholars was a testament to his status and ability, and these were no easy tasks.
Zhu Su knew what he should do, so he said, "Your Majesty, this man is Xie Jin. He was the top scholar in Jiangxi in the 20th year of Hongwu's reign and a Jinshi in the 21st year of Hongwu's reign. He ranked tenth in the third class in both the Ministry of Rites' metropolitan examination and the palace examination."
Zhu Yunying also knew Xie Jin, and said with a smile, "I remember this man. In his early years, Minister Ru Taisu greatly appreciated him. I remember that he was dismissed from office before because he spoke out for Li Shanchang."
Xie Jin immediately knelt down, somewhat apprehensive, "Your Majesty, I was foolish and reckless in my youth, and I beg Your Majesty's forgiveness!"
Zhu Yunying smiled and said, "Rise. If I truly intended to punish you, I wouldn't have reinstated you. You also spent a few years in seclusion in your early years, so you should have made some progress by now. You have talent and learning, so don't waste your full potential, and don't be a bookish idealist. You should serve the court and benefit the people."
Xie Jin immediately knelt down, still somewhat excited, for this was also the Emperor's expectation of him. It could be said that the Emperor had extremely high expectations of him; this was a treatment that even ordinary officials did not receive!
Zhu Su then introduced, "These are Dai Sigong and Dai Yuanli. Their father, Dai Shiyao, was a famous doctor, and he later studied under Zhu Danxi, a famous doctor of the previous dynasty. Zhu Zhenheng had many disciples, but only Dai Sigong truly inherited his skills. In the nineteenth year of Hongwu's reign, when the emperor fell ill, Dai Sigong was summoned to treat him, and the medicine cured him. He is currently a rank 8 imperial physician and a Digonglang."
Zhu Yunying immediately helped Dai Yuanli up, adopting a respectful and courteous demeanor. "Master Danxi was a master physician, and you, my dear minister, have inherited his true teachings. You must be highly skilled in medicine. You are nearly eighty years old, yet you possess both superb medical skills and outstanding character. I have decided to appoint you as the Left Physician. You have rendered meritorious service in treating my grandfather, so I hereby bestow upon you the title of Fengxun Dafu and the title of Zhengxiu Shuyin."
Nearly eighty-year-old Dai Yuanli was moved to tears as he expressed his gratitude verbally.
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