For Han Yi, the first assistant university scholar of the cabinet, everyone's evaluation is not good.

Some people even think that Han Yi is a betrayer of the Donglin Party, a traitor who has no principles and no bottom line in order to gain power. If this question is put into Han Yi's hands, it will basically be useless.

In the midst of everyone's complicated gaze, Han Yi took a steady step forward and said in a deep voice: "Your Majesty, the minister also agreed to replace Mencius with Xunzi. ”

After saying this, Han Yi didn't make any extra moves, and directly turned around and stood on the other side.

After listening to Han Yi's words, Zhu Youxiao nodded and said, "Okay, I know, it seems that the Aiqing people think like this." Good, so be it. ”

He turned his head to look at Huang Kezhang again, and said with a slight smile: "Huang Aiqing, I'll leave this matter to you." You will work with the Ministry of Rites to get this matter done well and not make any mistakes. ”

"Yes, Your Majesty. The minister will not let His Majesty down. Huang Kezhang hurriedly took a step forward and said respectfully.

After hearing this assurance, Zhu Youxiao put away his smile, stood up directly and said, "Then let's stop here today." ”

After he said this, he ignored the crowd and turned and walked out to the back.

The news of today's court meeting spread quickly, and everyone didn't expect it to be one-sided.

That's weird, isn't it?

Could it be that all the people in the court are mediocre, and there is no one who dares to stand up and speak?

All of a sudden, public opinion was in the dust.

In fact, the reason for this is very simple, and that is because there is no one at the top.

Since Zhu Youxiao crossed over to the Ming Dynasty, he has been cleaning up the Donglin Party in the court, and every time the Donglin Party members are taken out in batches.

Like the Ministry of Works, the Ministry of Households, as well as the Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of War, all of them were cleaned by Zhu Youxiao.

The four scholars in the cabinet are also those who stayed after the purge.

The Metropolitan Procuratorate, which has always been good at spraying people, has already been cleaned and is not presentable, and now it is headed by Zhu Youxiao's confidant Yu Maoheng, and the big troll who dances the most happily in the Metropolitan Procuratorate is Cui Chengxiu.

In such a situation, how can there be opposition from the top?

As for the people in the lower classes who want to oppose it, what can be done?

You don't even have a chance to stand in the court, how can you object?

Do you want to go up and talk early?

It's a pity that you don't have the qualifications.

This time, only civil and military officials above the fourth rank were summoned, and officials below this level were not eligible to participate anyway. So it's not surprising that there is a one-sided agreement.

To put it bluntly, although this decision does not conform to the expectations of the people, it has been recognized by the court.

It is because the court and the people think differently, every bigwig in the court has their own ideas and their own interests, and after they start from their own interests, they decide that this policy should be supported, because everyone can share the benefits from this policy.

Although these bigwigs don't agree with it in their hearts, they can still agree, so the current situation has been formed.

The opposition from the people is still very violent, but it is useless and cannot be conveyed to the top, so no matter how much you jump, it will not be fruitful.

What's more, this kind of reform is not like the implementation of any system, and it needs the cooperation of the next level.

The reform of the imperial examination is completely top-down, and there is no need for the cooperation of the next level at all.

Well, either you don't take the test, which is the best place you can refuse.

If you don't participate in the imperial examination, forget it. But you can't let everyone not participate in the imperial examination, there will always be people who are willing to participate.

Once someone goes, then this countermeasure is of little use.

As for the lower-level officials, the imperial court will let you take the Xunzi test, and you don't listen to the Mencius test directly, what is that?

Disobey the orders of the imperial court and disobey the emperor's holy decree. Do you know what that charge is?

Other charges can be excused or prevaricated, but this charge cannot be avoided. This is a policy that is pressed down from the top.

All of a sudden, the Jingshi was surging, countless people were running and shouting, countless people were swearing wildly, and even stopped the sedan chair several times.

Of course, they stopped the palanquin of the important ministers of the court, vented their emotions angrily, and cursed loudly that these important ministers were not worthy of being officials and scholars; At the same time, he also howled for these important ministers to stand up and speak.

All of a sudden, the whole capital was lively.

Under such circumstances, Zhu Youxiao smiled.

To put it bluntly, it can be seen from this incident that many times, the interests of the imperial court and the interests of the local government are not in line with the interests of the locality.

What Zhu Youxiao wants is to select some really useful talents for the country, talents who can be used by the country.

But the localities don't think so, their first idea is that I want to be an official, and it doesn't matter how I get in. Even if it's a competition of strength, it doesn't matter as long as it's what I'm good at.

This policy was opposed by so many people because most of the readers read "Mencius", and suddenly changed to "Xunzi", they were not used to it.

But it's more about the fear of the unknown, the fear of not wanting to make a change.

Glancing up at Chen Hong, Zhu Youxiao asked expressionlessly, "No one is going to kneel in front of the palace, right?" ”

If someone runs to the front of the palace and scolds himself, or does something to kneel down in front of the noon gate, this is the real trouble.

As for the rest, it is not so important at all, they like to stop the official's sedan chair and go to stop it.

"Emperor Qi, nothing like this will happen." Chen Hong hurriedly bowed down and promised.

In fact, there really won't be such a thing, because this time Jinyiwei and Dongchang are all staring.

As long as someone wants to do this, Jin Yiwei and Dongchang are ready to directly strangle them in the bud.

Whoever dares to do this will be killed directly.

Zhu Youxiao nodded, he knew the meaning of Chen Hong's words, and did not continue to ask.

As long as this kind of thing doesn't happen, the reason why it doesn't come out is not so important.

Standing up and moving his body, Zhu Youxiao said as if he remembered something: "Today is the day of the examination of the Internal Affairs Office, right?" ”

"Back to the emperor, indeed." Chen Hong hurriedly lowered his head and said.

"Then get ready, let's go and see." Zhu Youxiao said with a smile.

In fact, Zhu Youxiao was really bored staying in the palace; On the other hand, I really care about the examination of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

The reason is simple, this is the way to go. Because it was announced that Xu officials were allowed to participate, it caused a lot of turmoil, but it was not very big, because after all, this was the emperor's family affair, so it was not easy for others to interfere too much.

According to Fang Zhenghua's report a few days ago, the Ministry of Internal Affairs has indeed received a lot of registrations.

For these officials, there is no harm in giving it a try.

Besides, who wants to be a ruler for a lifetime?

As long as you can get to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, you will be an official. Although he is a personal official of the emperor's family, he may even be scolded as a servant of the royal family, so what does it matter?

That's also an official. Jinyiwei is also known as the emperor's eagle dog, but who dares to underestimate others?

The so-called status is actually a comparison, some people raise their own value, and the whole look is that I am more noble than you, countless times to shape, countless times to raise themselves, and then the people below really believe it.

That's what the scholars keep doing, because they have the right to speak.

In fact, this is the same as some ethnography and race theories in later generations. People have the right to speak and the power of the world economy, and they will tell you that I am more noble.

The most speechless thing is that some people actually really believe it, and they still believe in the people at the bottom.

Although the officials of the Ministry of Internal Affairs will be despised, won't the officials be looked down upon?

In any case, the change from a subordinate to an official of the Ministry of Internal Affairs is a very big progress.

Under such circumstances, the enthusiasm of the officials can be imagined. You must know that this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, who knows if there will be such an opportunity in the future?

So they have to grasp it.

Zhu Youxiao wanted to take a look at the examination and see if there would be one or two talents.

"Yes, my lord, the slave and maid will go and prepare." Chen Hong hurriedly agreed.

While Zhu Youxiao was preparing to leave the palace, the Song brothers and Zhang Yu also came to the door of a family.

Although Zhang Yu said that he wanted to come by himself, the Song brothers still came with him.

In Song Yingsheng's words, the three of us will advance and retreat together when we reach this point. become, then together in the court; If you lose, then go home and farm together.

Regarding the friendship of the Song brothers, Zhang Yu didn't say anything, and the three of them came together.

Song Yingsheng: They came to Feng Congwu's house.

For Song Yingsheng and the three, this is not the place they should be. But they all know that if they don't come, they can't do it.

After receiving the greetings from Song Yingsheng and the others, Feng Congwu also sent a reply letter, willing to meet the three of them. That's where we meet today.

Otherwise, you will go straight to the door, no one will meet you at all, and the porter will beat you out.

Because this is a matter of no etiquette, you are looking down on others. Unless it is a big man who comes to the home of a small person, he can go directly, which is called Corporal Lixian.

The porter knew that Song Yingsheng and the three would come, so he directly took them in.

Song Yingsheng and the three of them took to the second hall living room at the back, and after someone served tea, they retreated.

Song Yingsheng glanced at each other.

Zhang Yu said leisurely: "It's not easy to live in the capital! ”

Song Yingsheng glared at Zhang Yu, because what Zhang Yu said was obviously ironic.

The reason is also very simple, Feng Congwu's house is not small, it is a set of three-entry courtyards. The most important thing is the location of this house, an absolute prime location.

is such a big house in such a location, let's not talk about how much it is, this is where ordinary people can't buy it. If you want to live here, your neighbors don't necessarily agree.

Feng Congwu can live here, and this status is naturally not low. Otherwise, with him as a fifth-grade official, in a place like the capital, it is impossible to live here, and he is not qualified to live here if he has money.

Therefore, Zhang Yu's sentence is obviously ironic that Feng Congwu admires simplicity on the surface, but secretly enjoys all kinds of enjoyment.

In fact, this has become a very, very familiar routine in the Ming officialdom, and everyone basically does it.

Just like Emperor Wanli hated Zhang Juzheng for this reason. Zhang Juzheng taught Emperor Wanli that you have to be frugal and the country is difficult, so you have to be simple; You can't light too many lights in the palace, don't repair the palace, and you have to be frugal in food and clothing.

If Zhang Juzheng can lead by example, then he is indeed a good teacher.

But the truth is the opposite, his life is very extravagant, he accepts bribes on a large scale, and goes out to sit in a sedan chair carried by 48 people. The sedan chair was like a small moving house with everything in it.

Every time Zhang Juzheng goes out, he is hugged by the front and back, living in eight seats, what do you let Emperor Wanli think?

You took me away from my power, and you won't let me spend money. You're good, you're exercising my power, and you're still spending my money?

If I hadn't beaten you, I'd have killed you!

This situation has become more and more intense over time, and by this time, basically these officials are living a simple life on the surface and a luxurious life in private.

Especially some Donglin Party officials from Jiangnan, when they were in Beijing, they shouted that the emperor should be thrifty, but the life he lived was not frugal at all.

They have people to give gifts every year, with ice in summer and carbon in winter; It's okay, and some people came over to find a word, and they rushed to send the pen fee. Even if you don't do anything, you have a lot of income every year.

What's more, although they seem to be honest on the surface, but in their hometown, relying on their prestige in the family, it is really all kinds of wealth, doing business, opening shops, usury, annexing land, everything.

Because of the escort of these big officials, the local authorities dare not take care of it.

They are incorruptible and not greedy on the surface, but in fact, they send a large amount of silver to their families every year, a typical example is Xu Jie, the first assistant of the cabinet during the Jiajing period.

Who would have thought that such a generation of famous ministers, he was actually richer than the traitor Yan Song?

Now that Zhang Yu said this, it was obvious that he was satirizing Feng Congwu in turn.

The reason is also very simple, the young man has not yet stepped into the officialdom, has not been swayed and baptized by such an atmosphere, and still has a patriotic heart in his heart, so he is not used to it; Coupled with a hint of narrowness in his character, Zhang Yu said so.

Song Yingsheng glared at him and said, "Behind the scenes, it is not a gentleman's doing." If you want to know, you can ask him directly after Lord Feng comes. ”

Zhang Yu glanced at Song Yingsheng and sighed helplessly.

How did you become friends with them?

You must know that this is the first time I have met Feng Congwu, and I haven't talked about anything, so I will ask Feng Congwu first how did your house come about?

Do you believe that Feng Congwu directly asked people to beat you out?

"I've kept you waiting." At this time, Feng Congwu walked in, with a smile on his face, and said in a gentle tone.

At the same time, he also arched his hand to Song Yingsheng and the others, and there was no arrogance at all.

Song Yingsheng and the three of them hurriedly stood up from the chair and bowed to the ground.

You must know that Feng Congwu is an old-timer, and the respect they should have must be given. Therefore, the etiquette of Song Yingsheng and the three of them did not have the slightest shortcomings.

"Excuse me, excuse me. Sit, sit. Feng Congwu said with a smile, stretched out his hand and made a gesture of invitation to Song Yingsheng and the others.

After sitting down, neither of them spoke first, but looked at each other.

Especially Feng Congwu was carefully looking at the three people in front of him, in fact, he had already sent someone to inquire about them.

These three people are now quite famous in the circle, especially Song Yingxing's refutation of Wei Dazhong's matter.

Now that these three people have come to the door, Feng Congwu is still a little happy in his heart, because this reflects his status.

However, as for the three of them to find themselves, Feng Congwu still has no bottom in his heart.

Song Yingsheng and the three of them were also looking at Feng Congwu.

Feng Congwu is in his fifties, there is no treacherous appearance on his face, and the whole person looks elegant. Anyway, this is an old handsome guy who doesn't seem to have any problems, and he is quite kind to people.

"I've just been writing a question book, so it's hard to interrupt. The three of them waited for a long time. Feng Congwu explained his tardiness, and then said, "I hope you don't be surprised. ”

"Don't dare." Song Yingsheng and the three hurriedly responded.

At this time, Zhang Yu said: "Dare to ask Mr. Feng, but about the matter of replacing Mencius with Xunzi in the court?" ”

No one expected Zhang Yu to ask this question so directly, and the atmosphere was a little awkward for a while.

The smile on Feng Congwu's face slowly retracted, because this question was not particularly easy to answer, and it was not a question that Zhang Yu and they should ask.

Glancing at Zhang Yu, Feng Congwu still nodded and said, "Yes." As the saying goes, nothing must be said to anyone, and there is nothing to hide from my majesty, and it is about this matter that I have written. No one in the court objected, and His Majesty would think that everyone was in favor. They don't do anything, but I can't turn a blind eye. ”

Zhang Yu nodded and said, "But I don't think it's appropriate to do this." ”

Feng Congwu glanced at Zhang Yu and said with a calm face: "The courtier is at fault and needs to participate; Your Majesty is at fault and needs to be admonished. What's wrong? ”

When he said this, the expression on Feng Congwu's face was already a little unhappy. Obviously, he had begun to doubt the three of them, and asked the question directly.

If Zhang Yu can't give him a satisfactory answer, then he will definitely have to raise his hand to send off the guest.

"Because I don't think it's useful to do so except to provoke Your Majesty." Zhang Yu said with a smile: "Let me ask another inappropriate word, in Mr.'s question book, but the words are very intense?" ”

"If it's not intense, it's hard to be deafening." Feng Congwu said.

However, Zhang Yu was able to guess this, which made Feng Congwu a little impressed by him.

Feng Congwu then asked, "Is there anything wrong?" Even if we anger Your Majesty, we as courtiers should still be admonished, how can we retreat for fear of angering Your Majesty? ”

"Those who are ministers should admonish Your Majesty. But you must also understand that sir, this is not going to help. Zhang Yu continued: "What we want to do is to provoke Your Majesty? Or do you hope that Your Majesty will be able to take back your fate? Or do you hope that Your Majesty can set things right? ”

"You can only move on to things when you have figured out your purpose. If you want to provoke Your Majesty and want to be a direct invite, there is naturally no problem in doing so. Even the more vehemently the words provoke His Majesty, the more he will be able to achieve his goal; It is best to be beaten by His Majesty, or directly sent to the edict of Jinyiwei, so that he can have his own reputation. ”

Hearing Zhang Yu's words, Feng Congwu did not speak with a calm face.

But judging from his expression, Feng Congwu was really angry.