First Minister of Ming Dynasty

First Minister Section 476

How is the world at this time?

Dante, who wrote the Divine Comedy, has been dead for almost 50 years. That is to say, the Renaissance has begun. Although the Black Death is still raging, it has begun to subside... Changes after the catastrophe are also brewing.

The Mongolian expedition to the west and the establishment of many khanates also went downhill, and they began to muddle along day by day.

The Ottoman Empire has also been established for decades and is rapidly rising. If nothing else, it will probably capture Constantinople in a few decades...

Generally speaking, this is the eve of change, and many things that will affect future generations are already brewing... At this moment, the Ming Dynasty is also adjusting its huge body and undergoing profound changes.

For Zhang Ximeng, it is enough to push Daming in the right direction and accumulate enough development potential for the future.

He may not be able to build a steam engine, and he may not see railways chasing cloth and ships running rampant in his lifetime... But the foundation must always be laid.

After the development of industry and commerce is laid out, and then various disciplines are established and perfected to complete the talent reserve, the future can be expected.

At the end of the ninth year of Hongwu, Zhang Ximeng also made a rough plan for himself.

While he was thinking about these things, someone came to visit. After Zhang Ximeng read the name post, he smiled happily and invited him in.

The person who came was once a monk, his name was Chu Qi,

"I pay my respects to Prime Minister Zhang!"

Zhang Ximeng smiled and said, "You don't have to be polite, just sit down!"

Zhang Ximeng asked him to sit down, and then said with a smile: "For two consecutive years, you have been No. 1 in the provincial evaluation. It's really not easy! Inspecting temple properties and allocating land, such a difficult thing, you can do it seamlessly , it's really amazing."

Chu Qi's face was calm, and he said lightly: "But if you do it with your conscience, naturally there will be no mistakes. Most of the things in the world, if you don't do well, it's because your conscience is not right!"

Zhang Ximeng laughed loudly, "As expected of a person who once realized Buddhism, what he said has some flavor."

Chu Qi said seriously: "Master Zhang, I am also comprehending the Dharma at this time, not only comprehending the Dharma, but also practicing it personally, acting in accordance with the Dharma!"

Zhang Ximeng frowned, and said with a light smile, "Yes, that's true! Ultimate bliss and great harmony are one, you really have realized it!"

Chu Qi smiled and said: "Master Zhang, I came to Beijing to report on my duties. I met a man a few days ago. After I talked with him, I felt that I am not alone! This man is also a monk."

"Oh? He's what you think?"

Chu Qi nodded, "Master Zhang, this man is a monk from Goryeo, named Xin Ton! He also felt that Goryeo's land was seriously annexed, and advocated that the manor should be distributed to the poor."

Zhang Ximeng frowned slightly, "Is there such a thing? Our previous dealings with Gao Li were not smooth.

In particular, they bribed the officials of the Ministry of Rites, trying to create a country that would not be confiscated, and between the Ming Dynasty and the Yuan Dynasty. "

Chu Qi said: "Mr. Zhang, the officials thought that they saw that Liaodong was in the hands of Daming, and they had lost the Great Yuan to rely on, and they couldn't take the lead. That's why they came to seek refuge with Daming... But this monk, Xin Tong, really Interesting. The officer had a good chat with him, and found that he especially respected Zhang Xiang’s idea of ​​Juntian, and he even memorized Zhang Xiang’s articles word for word. , even if you die, you will benefit!"

Zhang Ximeng pondered for a while, a monk in Koryo actually advocated the equalization of the land, and looked up at himself, which is not unreasonable.

It's just that for a person like him, in a place like Korea, he might not be able to use it. Even if he had the opportunity to do it, the end would not be so good.

It is estimated that those noble ministers and wealthy nobles will join forces and strike hard to punish the country's thieves!

Zhang Ximeng really guessed it right. Xin Jin was indeed a very interesting monk in the history of Goryeo, and he really advocated the equal sharing of acres of land. Later, he also ended up miserably.

It is about telling everyone that if you want to divide the land equally, this is the end!

It’s just different from history, because the Red Scarf Army has existed in Yizhou and other places for a long time, and Ming Dynasty did not accept Koryo as an official vassal. The pressure from the outside is huge, and the need for reform is even stronger.

Xin Jin has a greater right to speak in Korea. He came to Daming this time because he wanted to get the support of Daming as a reformist, to carry out internal reforms, and eliminate internal and external troubles.

Coincidentally, Xin Ton met Chu Qi, who was also a monk, and finally told Zhang Ximeng about his situation.

"I'll see you when I'm free."

Zhang Ximeng said casually, he doesn't think it's a big problem, but if he can get Zhang Xiangqing, not to mention giving Xin Tong a gold medal to avoid death, it's almost the same

I just don’t know if Goryeo’s gold medal for avoiding death has the same structure as Daming’s?

After chatting with Chu Qi, Zhang Ximeng was in a pretty good mood

Chu Qi told Zhang Ximeng a lot about the situation of the people's inquiries. There are still many things to be done besides Juntian. After all, according to the standard of blissful harmony, Juntian is only the beginning.

Another day passed, and it was Zhu Yuanzhang's deadline for the Ministry of Rites

Surprisingly, Li Shanchang entered the palace early on this day. He was wearing the prince's python suit, and his whole body showed the majesty of the first minister of the dynasty!

Although Zhang Ximeng is the king of Lu, he usually wears a crimson official uniform, so he is not as good as Li Shanchang.

Seeing Lao Li like this, Zhang Ximeng was not surprised, but laughed and said: "Brother Li, there must be a blockbuster move today!"

Li Shanchang said with a smile: "Zhang Xiangming, if the old man is right, I hope Zhang Xiang can help him!"

Zhang Ximeng nodded quickly, "Dare not to obey!"

To be honest, Li Shanchang didn't know what Lao Li was going to do. Looking at him like this, he probably wanted to make a big move.

Sure enough, after following the group of officials, meeting with Zhang Ximeng, and paying a big gift, Zhu Yuanzhang said directly: "Your Majesty, in the past three days, the old officials have repeatedly thought about it. The official system of all dynasties is from top to bottom. The responsibility of governing the country and the people is always high above the people, and they are unwilling to understand the sufferings of the people...The people in the army intend to solve the problems of the people, and the officials are constantly hindering them, this is the green you!"

Zhang Ximeng was shocked, these words came out of Zhu Yuan's mouth, it didn't seem like something he could say!

Why do you look a bit like Lee Sun Jang?

Lao Zhu frowned, "Mr. Li, what's your suggestion?"

Zhu Yuanzhang said in a loud voice: "Superior, the old minister thinks that setting up a hundred officials is not only to assist the emperor, but also to care about the situation of the people and take the suffering of the people to heart. When the people ask what the situation is, they must set up officials accordingly, and take care of these things. Take care of everything. Take this incident as an example, Minwen needs correct education and guidance, but the Ministry of Rites only cares about the royal sacrificial etiquette, and it is reasonable to disappoint the superiors."

Li Shanchang's eyes widened suddenly, and he looked at Lao Li in disbelief.

broken!

It really opened his eyes!

Zhang Ximeng couldn't help being shocked, and blurted out: "Mr. Li's words hit the nail on the head, but unexpectedly, he is even more penetrating than Mr. Zhang!"

The rest of the officials were also stunned. Is this the Zhu Yuanzhang they knew? Why did they change?

Only Lao Li is miserable. I am a leftist, and I am deeper than Li Shanchang. Isn't that reasonable!

"Veteran, I implore your superiors to reorganize the official system according to the needs of the people, so that the world will be in order!" After finishing speaking, Lao Li bent down and knelt down...

Chapter 663 Zhang Ximeng's Admirer

Li Shanchang's idea of ​​setting up hundreds of officials according to the needs of the people is really shocking.

To put it bluntly, Zhang Ximeng has been tossing around for so many years, and the innovation in the official system is not as profound as that of Lao Li.

Is there a problem with what Li Chang said?

Of course there is no, and it is absolutely right.

If you don't believe me, if you look at the official systems of the past dynasties, you will probably have this feeling.

Taking the Ming Dynasty as an example, the most respected official titles are Sangong Sangu, Taishi, Taifu, Taibao, Shaoshi, Shaofu, and Shaobao. These six positions are to assist the emperor, manage yin and yang, and promote the state.

In fact, as the name suggests, the initial duty is to teach and protect the emperor, and it belongs to the close ministers specially set up for the emperor.

Except for these six positions, whether it was the early Zhongshu Province or the later cabinet, they all assisted the emperor in governing the country.

Let’s go on, such as Taichang Temple, Guanglu Temple, Honglu Temple, Taipu Temple... These yamen, which are not clear what they do at first glance, almost all serve the royal family.

Officials don't talk about the 24 yamen in the inner court specially set up for the emperor.

This situation was similar in other dynasties. Zhao Song was the most outrageous. In order to ensure the emperor's power, he turned all officials into temporary workers. It was the pinnacle and unprecedented.

Li Shanchang's meaning is very clear, don't we want to do it, let's do it thoroughly.

Leave the establishment of hundreds of officials to the people, what needs the people have, and what official positions the court will set up.In this way, it will be much more convenient to govern the people.

It also saves His Majesty from always looking down on the Ministry of Rites.

From the initial design of the Ministry of Rites, it was aimed at the emperor.

How can those muddy legs be educated by the master of the Ministry of Rituals?

Haven't you heard of it? You can't be polite to a corrupt person, and you can't punish a doctor.

Naturally, the Ministry of Rites does not care about the common people, so it would be hard for them to let them manage the officials. After all, self-discipline is very difficult, so there is no other way but to attack His Majesty the Emperor.

You, Zhu Yuanzhang, feel a little awkward, that’s quite normal, you haven’t experienced the taste of great etiquette! If you are not too difficult to bully, we must let you experience it, what is governing the country with etiquette!

Today, Lao Li broke the matter down, so anyone who understands it will naturally understand it.

Zhang Ximeng suddenly realized that he seemed to be kidnapped by Lao Li.

He didn't talk to himself beforehand... But Zhang Ximeng couldn't object to such a reform of the bureaucracy. He even said that Zhang Ximeng worked harder than Lao Li.

Let the basis of all officials change from assisting the emperor to governing the people... How big is the difference here? It can only be said that they understand everything.

It can even be exaggerated to say that if this step is really achieved, Zhang Ximeng can even smile at Jiuquan.

No matter what Li Shanchang planned, Zhang Ximeng had to follow up.

Last time he picked on Lao Li, this time Li Shanchang made a move. All I can say is that this piece of old ginger is really spicy!

"Qizou Your Majesty, the people's serious illness lies with my emperor. As the Son of Heaven supported by all people, His Majesty governs the people with the people's will, puts the people first, and rejuvenates China. Naturally, all officials need to understand the people's hearts, uphold the sacred will, and build Govern the people. I think what Li Xiang said is very appropriate, so I agree with you!"

After Zhang Ximeng finished speaking, he leaned over behind Li Shanchang.

These few words of his seem to follow Li Shanchang's words, but in fact they don't show any traces, helping old Li to make up for the biggest loophole.

Because Li Shanchang said that the establishment of hundreds of officials cannot be just to assist the emperor. There is one most terrible thing hidden in it. You, Li Shanchang, advocate the reform of the official system. Do you want to weaken the wings of the emperor and make His Majesty empty?

You Li Xianggong want to rebel against you?

Yang Xian, Hu Weiyong and others all heard it, eager to try, and wanted to launch an attack.

It can be said that as long as Zhang Ximeng does not speak, they will fight with Lao Li.

But at this time, Zhang Ximeng not only spoke, but also rounded up his words, pointing out that Zhu Yuanzhang was supported by all people and upheld the rule of the people...With this article, it is logical to set up officials to govern the people.

Your Majesty and the people are one, whoever instigates and distorts it will drive a wedge between the ruler and the people,

With Zhang Ximeng here, he would definitely not be polite.

Almost instantly, both Yang Xian and Hu Weiyong dismissed this idea.

Again, as long as the left and right join forces, almost no one can overthrow them.

Sure enough, Zhu Sheng, Wang Guangyang, Luo Furen, Mao Li and others came out to support.

This terrible proposal was finally passed smoothly.

"Mr. Li, Mr. Zhang, you can be called our shoulders. The matter of the official system is related to the foundation of the Ming Dynasty. For generations to come, the foundation of the Zhu family depends on you. How to arrange this matter depends on It's good for you to discuss and come up with a proper solution."

Zhang Ximeng and Li Shanchang nodded quickly, expressing that they dare not do their best!

An imperial meeting is finally over.

It seems to be calm, but it hides all kinds of murderous intentions.

Li Zhuchang is also an old raccoon. What he did is indeed a bit of a shame... But there is another possibility, that is, this old guy has guessed Zhang Ximeng's reaction.

He took the initiative to provoke trouble and asked Zhang Ximeng to help him deal with the aftermath.

If this is the case, it can only be said that Lao Li is a bad person, and there is no cure for it!

Taking advantage of the end of the imperial meeting, Zhang Ximeng wanted to find out Li Shanchang's tone, but to his surprise, Lao Li actually said that he would go back and think about it carefully, sort out some clues, and then come to discuss with the big guys, and that's it, Li Shanchang is getting rich!

Zhang Ximeng became more and more convinced that Li Shanchang, an old criminal, just threw out a terrible thing, and then wanted to wait and see the reaction of the court.

The old fox has dug a trap, and there is no sign of who is going to bury it.

But it doesn't matter, you are patient, I am more!

Zhang Ximeng doesn't care. After so many years, if I can't play with you, Old Li, how can I hang around in the rivers and lakes?

Don't you want to think behind closed doors?

Then I will summon my subordinates to discuss this matter with great fanfare.

Let's see who is more ruthless between the two of us!

Zhang Ximeng immediately issued an order to the provincial officials, asking Song Du, Liu Ji, Gong Bosui, Yao Guangxiao, and even Qian Tang to discuss together how to reform the official system!

Anyway, no matter whether Lao Li is real or not, anyway, Zhang Ximeng is here to spread the stall and make things happen.

At that time, Lao Li wanted to get off the car, but he couldn't!

Liu Bowen and Song Lian were obviously also very interested in this proposition.

Moreover, as the person who reminded Lao Li, Qian Tang also had his own opinions.

Take the Ministry of Rites as an example, Qian Tang believes that the common people also need to be educated, so it should really be changed to the Ministry of Education!

This Ministry of Education contains a lot of content.