Worshipping ancestors, paying New Year's greetings to Concubine Liu, and the Qianqing Palace court, Zhu Youxiao was busy enough, but he was not the busiest and most tired.

At dawn, the Jinyi guard began to display the halogen book, the guard of honor in the Dan Majesty and the Danqi, set up the Ming fan in the palace, and the train was in the Danqi. There are four whip ringers in the ceremony, two on the left and two on the left, all facing north.

The Faculty Department set up bands on both sides of the palace steps, facing north, and played big music; The ceremonial department has the same text, and the two cases of jade silk are on the east side of the steps; Jin Wuwei set up guard officials in the Fengtian Hall and on both sides of the steps, and outside the noon gate, outside the Fengtian Gate and on the east and west sides of the steps.

In addition, Jinyiwei also set up generals outside the Qianqing Palace gate, steps, and pedestals, and placed flags on the east and west sides of the Qianqing Palace Gate.

The shepherd placed horses, rhinos and elephants on the south side of the Wenwu Building, facing east and west.

Qin Tianjian set up Si Chenlang to report the time on the east side of the inner road, and stood on the north side. The two of them, who had been in charge of etiquette, stood on both sides of the steps and faced each other.........

Well, without going into too much detail. Anyway, it is very grand, pompous, exquisite, cumbersome, and tiring.

In a short sentence, the court will accept the congratulations of the ministers and foreign envoys, and also receive a lot of New Year's gifts, Zhu Youxiao also rewarded them separately, and finally tossed the emperor's banquet, which is a very important part of the first day of the new year.

The Spring Festival banquet is also divided into grades, according to the size of the official position, it is divided into four tables, such as the upper table, the middle table, the middle table, and the lower table, and the meals at each table are not the same.

For example, there are tea dishes such as raw flowers, five kinds of fruits, five kinds of fried food, phoenix chicken, double stick bones, big oil cakes, five kinds of wine, four colors of vegetables, three kinds of soup, two big steamed buns, five bells of horses, beef and lamb gizzard meat, and five bells of wine.

Take a look, the emperor eats this when he treats him, it's really quite ordinary.

As I said before, being able to participate in the New Year's Day banquet is a status symbol, not about what you eat. If you can attend the Central Committee's New Year's gathering, you will ask what you can eat and drink.

Besides, this banquet has wine and meat, as well as big steamed buns and pork rice, how can you be hungry?

Moreover, "the general who accompanied the driver, pressed wine, fine powder soup, pepper vinegar meat and head and hooves, two steamed buns, pork rice, and wine for a minute; The Golden Gun Armor Soldier, the Elephant Slave Captain, and the Celestial Priest of the Teaching Workshop, press the wine, the boiled beef, the double steamed buns, the fine powder soup, and the wine for a minute."

It can be said that regardless of the status, everyone has a share, which is much more upscale than handing out boxed lunches, which can be regarded as very benevolent and humane.

With the performance of "The Song of Luck of Yan Jing" and "The Song of Longevity", the emperor raised the first jue of wine, marking the beginning of the nine times of the feast.

During the Chinese New Year, the emperor also seemed to be in a good mood, with a warm smile and a loud voice, which made the ministers at the banquet a lot more relaxed.

I wanted to play poetry skewers with you, but I've already arranged music and dancing, so forget it.

Zhu Youxiao glanced at it, and finally stared at a table. There is Zhu Youjian at this table, and there is also Uncle Zhu Yujian, who is three generations behind, and he is embarrassed to meet.

However, according to Zhu Youxiao's arrangement, Zhu Yujian still worked very hard in Zongxue, learning economic knowledge.

When Jiannu's attack is repulsed, Bi Ziyan will return to Beijing as the governor of the central bank, and Zhu Yujian may be sent to Nanjing to manage Jiangnan commercial taxes.

Another new agency planned by Zhu Youxiao will be the Ministry of Commerce or the National Taxation Bureau, which is still under the Ministry of Household Affairs for the time being, but will be independent in the future.

The system of three provinces and six ministries established from the Sui Dynasty has been inherited to the present, although there have been changes in the functions of all dynasties, but in Zhu Youxiao's view, it has not adapted to the development of society.

Detailing the government agencies and making their functions more professional and efficient is the task that Zhu Youxiao will plan and implement step by step.

For example, the collection of commercial taxes was not a positive item in the Ming Dynasty, but the growth point of national fiscal revenue was here.

Increasing the collection of commercial taxes and reducing the collection of land taxes is Zhu Youxiao's thinking. Instead of sacrificing the end and picking food from the mouths of the small people in Shengdou.

For this reason, even raising the social status of businessmen is not a big deal. Bestowing it on the people is Zhu Youxiao's attempt.

"Companion Wang." Zhu Youxiao turned his head and instructed Wang Tiqian: "Set up a seat at the bottom of the steps, and I will summon a few courtiers to interrogate." ”

"The slave obeys." Wang Tiqian bowed down to receive the order, and called the palace people to set up an embroidery pier under the emperor's imperial table.

Zhu Youxiao pondered for a moment and said, "First invite Master Sun to come." ”

The palace people took the order and quickly summoned Sun Chengzong to the front.

"Weichen wishes long live New Year's Day and long life like Xinjiang." Sun Chengzong bowed down and gave the emperor a "New Year's greeting" first.

Zhu Youxiao said with a smile: "I also wish Master Sun good health, and I am more worried about me." Bestow the seat. ”

After Sun Chengzong thanked him, he sat on the embroidered pier and waited respectfully for the emperor to speak.

Don't look at Zhu Youxiao didn't send Sun Chengzong to Liaodong, but in the past year, the affairs of the military department have been complicated, he moved his mouth, made orders, and made suggestions, and he didn't know how to be busy and tired!

"Master Sun has worked hard for a year." Zhu Youxiao looked at the white hair on Sun Chengzong's sideburns, and said with some embarrassment: "The rebellion of Lu'an, the East is rampant, and the war is a major national event, and it will be difficult for Sun Shi to be idle in the next few years." ”

Sun Chengzong arched his hand and said: "Long live the whole battle and plan, the national situation is improving day by day, and Weichen can do it, how dare you say that it is hard?" ”

Zhu Youxiao shook his head and said: "Planning is simple, but it takes a lot of effort to implement. Sun Shi and Yuan Shi were both inside and outside, so I was relieved of the war in Liaodong. Dongyu's weakness has been exposed, as long as he does not suppress the consumption in a hurry, I see that in three or five years I can win without a fight. ”

Sun Chengzong bowed his head lightly and said: "Suppression and consumption are indeed constantly weakening the strength of Dongyu, but to completely extinguish it, it is still necessary to recover the lost territory and persecute it more effectively." ”

Zhu Youxiao smiled and said, "Of course, winning without a fight is just an analogy, I know that if I want to plow the court and sweep the caves, I still have to fight a few tough battles with Dongyu." But this must be done within one's means, and there must be no urgency. As long as the country's internal rectification is good, with the strength of the Ming Dynasty, Donglu has absolutely no chance of winning. ”

Sun Chengzong pondered for a moment and said: "The Ming Dynasty has a lot of shortcomings, how can Weichen not know it?" But if you are in a hurry to seek treatment, you will inevitably be suspicious of manipulation. Weichen's heartfelt words, but also hope to live Mingjian. ”

Zhu Youxiao lowered his eyes, he naturally knew what Sun Chengzong said about being anxious and anxious to seek treatment.

This year, well, it should have been last year. The introduction of the "purging of the gentry", as well as the punishment of the gentry who violated the law, were carried out in a harsh manner. It can be said that among the emperors of the Ming Dynasty, there were not many who did this.

Killing people and pit Confucianism, the name of the faint king?! Zhu Youxiao sneered a few times in his heart, but a warm smile regained on his face, and said, "Master Sun's words, I have written them down. ”

Be humble and resolute. Zhu You likes this method very much, and whoever dares to go against the wind again must strike mercilessly.

After chatting casually for a few more words, Sun Chengzong retreated under the envious or jealous gaze of the ministers.

In the new year, there is already an iron fist of deterrence, and the deepening of reform should be much smoother, right?

Zhu Youxiao looked around at the ministers at the banquet and narrowed his eyes imperceptibly.

Zhu Yujian sat at the table, and his attention was not on the singing and dancing performance of the Teaching Workshop Division. From time to time, his gaze fell on the emperor, and his thoughts continued.

It stands to reason that the emperor personally sent someone to rescue him and the prince of Tang from the cage and send him to Jingshi Zongxue to study, which should be more important.

But after coming to Jingshi, the emperor did not summon him. It's just that the internal officials have sent a message, first, to let Tang Shizi recuperate, and secondly, to ask him to study hard and have an appointment in the future.

In this regard, Zhu Yujian felt that the emperor's attitude had not changed, but he was not very satisfied with his knowledge. From the "Daming Forum", he also figured out some of the emperor's preferences and had a deeper understanding of "practical use".

Well, since Zongxue is a subject arranged by the emperor, and he has designated the economic management subject that he wants to specialize in, then study hard and satisfy the emperor.

And another reason why the emperor has not been summoned, Zhu Yujian thinks it should be a matter of seniority. The emperor may feel that it is not good to be called when he meets, but Zhu Yujian has no intention of being a senior at all.

Just when Zhu Yujian saw the emperor for the first time and was a little cranky, the internal officials came to summon him, and the emperor finally called his name.

It was finally not appropriate, and Zhu Youxiao did not summon many courtiers to come forward. Sun Chengzong, Xu Guangqi, Li Qiyuan, Bi Zisu, Tao Langxian, and Han Yi, the first assistant who had delivered his resignation, were all important ministers at the top of the pyramid.

The clan summoned him, but Zhu Yujian was the first one. Maybe the emperor also thinks that after such a long time, it is time to say a few words in person.

Zhu Yujian hurriedly stepped forward and bowed, "Weichen wishes long live New Year's Day." ”

Hearing Zhu Yujian call himself a micro-minister, Zhu Youxiao secretly breathed a sigh of relief, smiled and bowed his head, and pushed the boat down the river and said, "Zhu Qing is exempt from the courtesy, give him a seat." ”

Not to talk about clan relatives, it is also appropriate to be commensurate with monarchs and ministers, and it also avoids the embarrassment of both parties.

After Zhu Yujian sat down, he was respectful and waited for the emperor to speak.

"I know that although you are trapped in the palace of the Imperial Minister, you have not abandoned your studies." Zhu Youxiao pondered for a moment and said: "But to be used by the world, those Confucian classics are far from enough. Unless you are an old man who sits on and feeds, she doesn't want to support herself. ”

Zhu Yujian bowed and arched his hand: "Long live what you said is very true." Weichen is a descendant of the Zhu family, and he is unwilling to sit on the people's fat and ointment, and wants to make a difference and serve the country. ”

"There are too few people in the clan who are so self-motivated." Zhu Youxiao sighed: "The multiplication of the clan branch and the rapid expansion of the scale of the clan have made the financial burden of the imperial court extremely heavy. But the sect has been opened, and how many children of the sect are willing to come to Beijing to enroll? Especially the distant clans, it is also difficult to support their families, but they still sit and eat, and they are unwilling to find their own way out. ”

Zhu Yujian agreed with this and said: "Taizu once issued an edict: the prince and grandson of the county, those who have civil and military talents, those who can be appointed, the main courtyard of the great sect, and the famous. The imperial court tested and changed official positions. Its rise and turn are as usual. Wechen thought it was very good. ”

Zhu Youxiao smiled bitterly and said: "It is of course a good policy to open the imperial examination to set up a sect, exchange official positions for knighthoods, and let the children of the clan support themselves. But in your opinion, how many children of the clan can be admitted to the imperial examination? ”

Zhu Yujian also showed a helpless expression, and asked the children of the pampered clan to take the imperial examination, but there were indeed few who could compete with the children who studied hard in the cold window.

And the change of the clan is not the creation of Zhu Youxiao, there has been this discussion before, but it has been collectively opposed by civil officials. But if you find the right way to take the imperial examination, how many of the children of the clan can be admitted?

For these parasites, Zhu Youxiao can be said to have been thinking hard, but until now, there is no practical and effective way.

Thinking about it from another angle, if you can get something for nothing, eat and wait for death, how many people are willing to struggle by themselves and work hard?

"If you really want to exchange your title for an official position, I can also open the door for them." Zhu Youxiao said: "If you don't take the imperial examination, you will be recommended by the Zongren Mansion and then awarded an official position after the imperial court test." ”

Zhu Yujian said happily: "Long live the wisdom and wisdom, this method is very good." ”

Zhu Youxiao knew that this method had to be passed in the court, and I was afraid it would not be so easy.

The imperial examination system and the selection of officials are a system that has been followed for hundreds of years. If the Zongren Prefecture had the power to recommend the clan's talents as officials, it was conceivable how much impact it would have on the existing bureaucracy.

From the court to the localities, officials are selected through the right path. It is foreseeable that the reassignment of the clan and the opening of the door to luck will be strongly opposed by the existing civil officials, and it is also something that has happened.

Therefore, Zhu Youxiao felt that the exchange of the clan may be a way, but it is definitely not a good way. Because, lowering the requirements for the official positions conferred, coupled with their pretentiousness, may make the rule of officials worse.

But no matter what the effect is, Zhu Youxiao has to give it a try. Under the condition of strengthening the supervision of officials and improving the system, we will see if there are still talents in the clan. For example, someone like Zhu Yujian can be created.

Obviously, Zhu Yujian has been imprisoned since he was a child, and he has not lived a good life in a few days, and he does not have the laziness of sitting and eating old age like the children of the sect.

But in terms of life experience and experience, Zhu Yujian is still lacking. In Zhu Youxiao's plan, he still wanted him to learn more about the people's suffering. Of course, the sharpness that should have cannot be worn away.

In the face of Zhu Yujian's happy approval, Zhu Youxiao knew that his opinion was correct. Zhu Yujian is too young and vigorous and immature!

"I know that you have worked very hard in Zongxue, and economic talents are really in short supply in the country, and they will be of great use in the future." Zhu Youxiao looked at the example of the clan he was about to set up, and said earnestly: "Sect change, I hope you can be a model, are you willing?" ”

"Wechen is willing." Zhu Yujian bowed down and replied: "As a descendant of the Taizu, if you can't support yourself, wouldn't it be an insult to the ancestors?" ”

"Very good." Zhu Youxiao nodded with satisfaction and said, "Good students study, if you have any ideas and questions, you can play directly to me." ”

"Wechen obeys." Zhu Yujian got up and saluted and retreated.

Zhu Youxiao felt that the summoned courtiers should be fine, and there was no need to call them over one by one to show their favor during the New Year. Just as the singing and dancing stopped, he raised the second wine of the Spring Festival banquet to the courtiers.

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