Chapter 4 A Test
The private room, which was originally opened for a happy event, now became a study for discussing important state affairs. Yu Qian and Zhu Yuhuan talked back and forth and made the issue of the land reform clear and clear.
For Zhu Yuhuan, these ideas and considerations were already familiar to him, and it was not difficult to explain them quickly.
Yu Qian's expression gradually relaxed, and it was obvious that he was unusually happy because of Zhu Yuhuan's answer.
He could see that Princess Shunde was well prepared for this matter, and her thinking was more mature than when she first established the Wunong Temple and modified the farm tools, rather than just doing it on a whim to gain fame for herself.
In official circles, fame and fortune have always been prioritized, and most people are no exception. Especially since the late years of Xuande until now, Princess Shunde has become famous. Whether it is her reputation among the people or in government affairs and military affairs, her traces can be seen almost everywhere, which can be described as high-profile.
Yu Qian recognized Princess Shunde's compassion for the people at such a young age, but he also had to consider her excessive pursuit of fame and superficiality. Since arriving in Beijing, he had clearly sensed a significant shift in the atmosphere there compared to the early Xuande era. Pragmatists were becoming increasingly rare, while a more frivolous and extravagant atmosphere was gaining momentum.
In this world, it is really difficult not to be influenced by the mainstream.
However, as the conversation went on, Yu Qian almost immediately realized that Princess Shunde was more concerned about the affairs than before. He could guess this just by looking at her fluent answers and the way she knew them by heart.
This made Yu Qian feel more familiar with the capital.
As early as when he was at Wunong Temple, Zeng Heling had seen Zhu Yuhuan and Yu Qian looking serious, and was not surprised that such a scene would happen.
However, Wu Ning and Zhu Ji were frightened by Yu Qian, fearing that he would offend Princess Shunde with just one word.
Princess Shunde had a great reputation and status. The young emperor made many exceptions for his half-sister, and even Wang Zhen did not dare to provoke her easily. How could an ordinary person dare to speak to her like that?
Zhu Yuhuan caught a glimpse of their expressions and half-jokingly said, "Captain Zhu should have heard about the policy of converting natives into officials. Do you have any opinions?"
Zhu Ji had never expected to be asked this question, and he stammered hurriedly, "Your Majesty... Your Majesty believes that the transformation of the natives into commoners is a major undertaking. If successful, it will help the southwestern people of other ethnic groups to integrate into the Ming Dynasty and spontaneously fight back against foreign invasions. This will benefit both the country and the people."
Zhu Yuhuan asked with a smile, "They say 'those who are not of my race must have different hearts'. Don't you think so?"
Zhu Ji replied briefly, his initial nervousness gone. He simply said humbly, "As long as one can identify with the Ming Dynasty, what does it matter whether they are Han or mountain people? With the Ming Dynasty's broad mind, why not accept and tolerate them?"
Zhu Yuhuan couldn't help laughing when he heard this, and then said to Yu Qian: "I think he does have some knowledge and courage, and should be a good person. Minister Yu, you should think about it more." After that, he stood up and left, shaking the round fan in his hand, looking relaxed and leisurely.
After Zhu Yuhuan left, everyone looked at each other in confusion and finally understood what he meant.
It turned out that the princess had just asked Zhu Ji specifically to help Yu Qian test the knowledge and vision of her future son-in-law.
Wu Ning was a little amused and helpless for a moment.
Only this eldest princess can achieve such a "seamless connection".
Zhu Ji, on the other hand, blushed and was at a loss in front of his future father-in-law.
Yu Qian did not take this matter to heart. Compared with these, in his opinion, what surprised him was Princess Shunde's broad-mindedness and foresight.
Not to mention the princess, even if it was the crown prince or even the emperor, it would be enough to have such determination, courage and talent. But the current His Majesty is far different from Princess Shunde. If it weren't for the changing times, I'm afraid Princess Shunde wouldn't necessarily be inferior to the emperor.
But think about it from another perspective. If Princess Shunde really became the emperor, would she be worse than the current emperor who relies heavily on eunuchs to wrestle with ministers?
That may not be the case.
At least in Yu Qian's view, people like Princess Shunde are very special. They put their own interests together with the interests of their family and country, and often choose the latter resolutely between the two. This is rare, and makes people unconsciously want to share the same ideals with her.
Moreover, no one in the world is perfect, and being able to do this is rare. A wise ruler should be in a high position, doing his utmost to turn the tide and rescue those in need. Being obsessed with power and tactics while forgetting the importance of the relationship between the ruler and the people will ultimately lead to failure.
"Tingyi?"
Yu Qian came back to his senses and said to Zeng Heling with emotion, "The eldest princess is still the same as before. She still behaves with the same grace as before, but she has become more stable. No wonder everyone I know praises her so much."
Zeng Heling naturally understood the source of Yu Qian's emotion and said, "Your Highness's advantage lies in being Your Highness, but... it also adds a regret. Fortunately, there are people who can understand Your Highness's painstaking efforts."
Yu Qian pondered for a moment, but remained silent. He simply said, "Your Majesty's indulgence of the eunuchs has led to this kind of corruption in the capital. If this continues, both internal and external corruption will ensue. Even if Your Majesty works tirelessly day and night to govern the country, it will be difficult to reverse the crisis."
Zeng Heling interrupted him and said, "Tingyi, today, don't say such ominous words."
Although they say this, everyone knows it clearly in their hearts.
The princess hadn't yet returned her regency, yet Wang Zhen had become so bold, and the emperor hadn't bothered to intervene. If the emperor truly took power, and the princess left for Yunnan, Wang Zhen, the emperor's "sword," would only wield it more vigorously, slashing the court to a bloody pulp.
It is not difficult to avoid the blade, but the difficulty lies in having to give up one's own opinions and dignity.
Wu Ning also heard the serious tone in the two people's words and took the initiative to speak to ease the atmosphere, saying: "The cabinet elders are still here, why should we bother them?"
Emperor Zhu Qizhen always had to take the ministers of state left by the previous emperor into consideration. As long as there were people who could fight against Wang Zhen, at least Wang Zhen would not be the only one in power. The country's decisions would be considered by more people before being implemented, rather than being used as tools by some people in the court to satisfy their own selfish desires.
Zeng Heling does not have any optimistic outlook on this.
If Yang Shiqi and Yang Pu could stop Wang Zhen, would the court still be what it is today?
I'm afraid these ministers are too busy taking care of themselves to care about anything else.
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