Then Kangxi began to speak.
"After finishing the story, let's start with the previous generation of the Third Young Master Li. The Li family is a large family with many members. The current matriarch of the Li family, like the current Third Madam, is from the Cui family. When the Third Young Master Li was young, he was the most outstanding among the younger generation of the Li family. He was good at business and spent less time studying than others, yet he always did better in exams than those who spent all day studying."
Among his peers, Master Li was considered a leader, but his only disadvantage was his status. He was born out of wedlock, but his mother died in childbirth, so he was raised in the backyard with only a wet nurse by his side. He had a very good childhood, and he didn't have anything that other young masters had. This situation only improved after he went to school and showed his talent.
The old lady thought he was intelligent and wanted to win him over, but unfortunately, Master Li was not interested. When he was getting married, he rejected the Cui family girl that the old lady introduced him to, and instead married the mother of Master Li, a virtuous woman from a humble family.
His actions undoubtedly challenged the old lady's authority, but since Madam Li's husband had given his approval, she naturally couldn't do anything more. Of course, Master Li's marriage wasn't particularly smooth either; he made some exchanges with his father, but he was satisfied with the result.
Not long after Li Sanye got married, his wife became pregnant. Li Sanye was naturally happy and took good care of her. However, when she was about to give birth, there was something that required his presence. When he returned, his wife died in childbirth, leaving behind only a son.
He naturally suspected this, but he had no evidence. You can probably guess what happened next. In order to prevent anyone from harming his son, Third Master Li compromised. The people around Third Young Master Li were specially arranged by him. Later, at the old lady's suggestion, he married his current wife, Cui.
Now that Master Li has evidence, he's not content with simply presenting it. What good is evidence if so? So many years have passed; he can't truly avenge himself. The Li family patriarch can't possibly harm his deceased wife for her sake. Therefore, he wants to make things difficult for both the Li and Cui families. The father and son have done quite a bit over the years; I'm quite interested in them.”
Regardless of whether what they did was right or wrong, or whether it had any meaning, it was useful to Kangxi.
If you want to deal with a family like this, it's useless to use force. They'll be the ones who suffer in the end. After all, it's really hard to control the mouths of scholars. In the end, the reputation of the royal family, and the reputation of the emperor, will all depend on the mouths of scholars.
It would be best to let them handle it internally, let them ruin themselves, and then they'll naturally lose face.
"What did these four major families of Suzhou do to offend you?"
Youqing knew that Emperor Kangxi was a tolerant person unless absolutely necessary. Under normal circumstances, even if someone was useless, he would make use of them before disposing of them.
This time, they seem quite determined to get rid of the four major families.
"Let me put it this way: nowadays, seven or eight out of ten officials from Jiangnan can have some connection with the four major families of Suzhou. The connection isn't deep enough to make them do too much for the four families, but even those favors are enough for them to do a lot. Moreover, I have noticed that a force led by the four major families of Suzhou is gradually rising in the officialdom. Even if it is not strong yet, I will not allow it to continue."
Regardless of the purpose, Kangxi would not allow such a existence.
He can guarantee that the court will remain relatively clean and just while he is in power, but who can guarantee that for his descendants?
Therefore, he will clear the way as it needs to be cleared, at least to prevent such a hidden danger from being left behind. This is one of the purposes of his visit.
After Kangxi explained it this way, Youqing understood. In other words, although the four major families of Suzhou were not in the imperial court, their presence was felt everywhere in the court.
The wealthy families in Jiangnan live a life of luxury. Their families run businesses and their food, clothing, and daily necessities are excellent. Their lives are perhaps no worse than those of the high-ranking officials and nobles in the capital. In addition, they have a great reputation and the four great families are very generous in supporting poor but talented scholars. Over the years, the network of connections they have accumulated is not so much that it can affect the whole situation, but it is still possible to do something that can influence the court.
Emperor Kangxi intended to reform the imperial examination system, specifically to include the study of things (格物) within its scope and make it a key focus. Unlike traditional imperial examination items, the study of things focused more on the relationships between things and the explanation of all things, and was commonly known as the science of science.
The four major families in Suzhou placed more emphasis on the humanities, and their students were proficient in the Four Books and Five Classics.
Kangxi's plan was undoubtedly persecuting the interests of the four major families in Suzhou. Weighing the pros and cons, they would naturally not let it go and would inevitably do something about it.
Kangxi wanted to resolve these issues before they did them. There would definitely be dissenting voices in the court then, but they wouldn't be as united, so he could naturally divide and "resolve" them.
"You plan to use the third branch of the Li family to deal with the Li and Cui families, but what about the other two families?"
The defeat of the Li and Cui families will naturally have a deterrent effect. When the time comes, they can find someone to give them some pointers and they will know what they should and shouldn't do.
Emperor Kangxi did not really intend to eliminate all four major families at once, as that would be too conspicuous. Eliminating two of them served as a warning to the other two. When the new imperial examination policy was implemented, the other two families would be gradually submerged in the tide of history. No need to do much; the natural development of a large family would lead to their rise and fall.
“The other two families aren’t stupid either. Now that I’ve come to Suzhou, two powerful families have disappeared all at once. Naturally, some smart people will make the right choice.”
They were well aware of what the four major families had done, and the half-reduction was a warning.
This also serves as a warning to those who are secretly plotting something: don't do anything you shouldn't.
The beautiful scenery of Jiangnan has attracted many talented and intelligent people. With so many clever people, their minds are easily clouded, and they sometimes do things they shouldn't.
Emperor Kangxi was extremely displeased with this and took the opportunity to warn those who wanted to stand out.
In his territory, if you really want to get ahead, you should study hard, take the imperial examinations, and make your way in the court openly. Doing these things in secret makes you think it's some kind of dynasty where powerful families rise and fall like the Sui and Tang dynasties!
"You seem to have a very well-thought-out plan."
Upon hearing this, Kangxi was suddenly taken aback and said, "Do you think I'm being too calculating?"
In fact, Emperor Kangxi was indeed a calculating person. He grew up in a world of scheming. When he was young, others schemed against him more, but as he grew up, he gradually became the one scheming against others more.
With all this scheming and maneuvering, calculating people's hearts had become an instinct for Kangxi.
Using people's hearts to achieve one's goals—this has been Kangxi's life over the years.
Youqing shook her head: "There's nothing wrong with scheming. You are the emperor. The emperor's primary responsibility is to be worthy of the people, not to these people who want to benefit from you and scheme against you."
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