Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
Chapter 262: Evaluating Officials
Although news from Liaodong had not yet arrived, the court remained optimistic about the war based on the information they had received.
This optimism was mainly due to the fact that the mobilized troops were not numerous, and there was also some supply of provisions from Silla, making it seem more like a training exercise.
At the end of May, the court's Enke commenced, with thousands of demoted officials participating. The emperor appointed Xiao Cong, Yu Shinan, and Li Baiyao as Chief Examiners.
This time, the selection of scholars was not merely a gesture as many in the court believed, where the emperor would choose only a few or at most a dozen individuals.
Instead, he intended to select two hundred people in total, which surprised the aristocracy greatly. Particularly in Guanlong, where the number of demoted officials was highest, they took the lead in praising the emperor.
Amidst this chorus of accolades, the emperor announced improvements in papermaking and woodblock printing techniques, ordering a large-scale publication of classical texts from Hongwen Pavilion to be distributed at very low prices.
He also commanded the restoration of the National Academy and local County Academies, with the aim of promoting education and nurturing talent, establishing schools widely, emphasizing foundational studies while respecting Confucianism.
In addition to literary works, the emperor ordered publications on mathematics, medicine, astronomy, and other subjects. New disciplines were established at the National Academy, with officials from Qintianjian and Hongwen Pavilion serving as lecturers.
In this atmosphere of prosperity, the emperor issued an edict for a southern tour to honor the Retired Emperor and Empress Dowager.
The military campaign in Liaodong combined with the emperor's desire for a southern tour instinctively caused panic among the courtiers.
Li Jian Cheng suddenly asked the newly appointed Right Chancellor Feng Deyi, "Are there any talented individuals in Jiangnan who could be recommended to me?"
In June, after arriving in Luoyang from Chang'an, he proceeded directly to Jiangdu. After severely punishing several officials who sought to ingratiate themselves with him along the way, things quieted down.
The emperor had previously inquired about this matter with several close ministers days ago; it was truly unexpected that within these few days he had not managed to learn about any noteworthy figures.
The Tang Dynasty was not a regime confined to one corner; all people across the land should participate. Merit should determine one's rise or fall, but no one should be excluded based on their regional origins.
Clearly, in their eyes, having a Xiao Family within the court was already quite uncomfortable; adding more scholars from Jiangnan would only bring them closer to returning to past dynasties.
It was necessary for Li Jian Cheng to embark on a tour. Since he raised his banner in the north, he had not left Chang'an after ascending the throne. Both Luoyang and Jiangdu needed to be visited and pacified.
Fortunately, boats and ships were readily available, and Li Jian Cheng did not mind using them, unwilling to waste the resources of the Ministry of Works on new constructions.
When he inquired about Wang Gui, Du Ruhui, Gao Shilian, Changsun Wuji, Tang Jian, and others, he did not receive satisfactory responses.
Thankfully, the emperor ordered a reduction in ceremonial pomp and strictly prohibited local officials from meeting him along the way. All supplies were to be self-provided, with no offerings from the localities allowed.
He could not tolerate Guanlong's influence over the court and was naturally unwilling to see the Shandong families gaining dominance in the court. He needed more participation from the scholars of Jiangnan.
On the Dragon Boat, after handling state affairs, the emperor and his courtiers engaged in relaxed conversation.
Especially in Jiangnan, where the court's control was weakest, Li Jian Cheng aimed to follow Emperor Yang's example by personally bestowing favors.
Feng Deyi shook his head and said, "I truly do not know."
Another reason was that the Dou Family's days were numbered. As their son, he felt obligated to keep his promise. If he could leverage Jiangnan's resources to help his mother regain her health and enjoy a few more years of family bliss, it would be even better.
This was also essential for eliminating Guanzhong's parochialism; however, completely destroying Guanlong was not what Li Jian Cheng desired.
Nevertheless, it would require significant resources since a considerable number of Imperial Guards would be needed.
"Yu Shinan, Li Baiyao, Cen Wenben, Xu Jingzong have risen through their writings; Wang Gui, Wei Zheng, Lai Ji, and Chu Suiliang have emerged through their talents. They all started as commoners and have become Chancellors, serving with dignity and contributing daily. Our dynasty has gathered such talents here!"
It was evident that all the outstanding talents of the realm had already gathered in His Majesty's court; no worthy individuals were overlooked.
Li Jian Cheng cast a cold glance at his obedient ministers and said sternly, "A gentleman uses people like tools, drawing on their strengths. I fear that as the ruler of this world I may not recognize talent and thus let capable individuals go unnoticed. This is why I ask you all—how can you be so arrogant and self-satisfied as to slander an entire generation?
Understanding people has always been difficult throughout history; employing them is even more challenging. I remain cautious in this regard; are you all perhaps envious of those who are talented?"
The emperor's words carried weight, especially after recently unleashing a wave of executions. The majesty of heaven had been made clear; a single rebuke echoed like thunder.
The ministers hurriedly bowed, repeatedly expressing their reluctance. Some of them were unclear about what the Emperor intended to do.
Li Jian Cheng pointed at Minister of Civil Affairs Wang Gui and said, "You are usually loyal and honest; do you believe you can overshadow an entire generation?"
"I dare not claim such a thing," Wang Gui replied. "I am a foolish and clumsy person. I am fortunate that Your Majesty has not abandoned me and has promoted me to serve. I often fear that my talents and virtues are insufficient, which may lead to mistakes in governing the court."
Typically, at this point, the Emperor would not pursue the matter further, but today he clearly had other intentions.
He persisted, "Just now, Tang Jian mentioned many people, and you were among them. Since you claim to be foolish and clumsy, what about the others present? Are they all merely incompetent individuals living off their reputations?"
Minister of Rites Tang Jian was sweating profusely, wishing he could swallow his previous words.
Wang Gui remained silent for a moment before responding, "I strive diligently for the country and know no bounds in my efforts. I am not as capable as Fang Xuanling, who excels in both civil and military affairs, serving as both general and minister. I am not as skilled as Li Jing.
In drafting edicts and reports, I cannot compare to Wen Yanbo, who is thorough and fair; in handling complex and urgent matters with care and consideration, I fall short of Dai Zhou.
I am ashamed to be inferior to Yao Shun, who took it upon himself to advise against wrongdoings; I am not as loyal as Wei Zheng, who served his sovereign with utmost devotion..."
The Emperor waved his hand to interrupt him, his gaze landing on Feng Deyi. "I have heard that when the ruler is virtuous, the ministers are straightforward. Is it my ignorance that has led the emissary to speak thus?"
Feng Deyi was startled and hurriedly replied, "Your Majesty possesses unparalleled martial prowess and cultural virtue that surpasses both ancient and modern times. You issue commands that benefit all; as the Classic of Filial Piety states: 'One should follow what is beautiful.'
I have no time to follow anything else; I truly see no faults in Your Majesty."
Li Jian Cheng nodded. "A minister should not speak ill of his ruler; a son should not criticize his father. You understand loyalty to your sovereign and respect for your parents."
"I never forget my duty of loyalty and filial piety!"
"And what about you all? Is there anyone who wishes to offer counsel?"
Everyone remained silent. If you truly wish to be open to advice, then simply summon Wei Zheng back; why make it difficult for us?
"You cannot speak, but as your ruler and father, may I speak frankly about your strengths and weaknesses?"
"We humbly listen to the Sacred Instruction!"
The Emperor pointed at his Minister of Rites and said, "Tang Jian is eloquent and articulate, with a calm demeanor and understanding nature. In the midst of toasts and exchanges, his words flow endlessly, yet he has not mentioned anything regarding the nation's gains or losses.
Feng Deyi possesses outstanding abilities and exceptional knowledge, both civil and military. He has assisted in governance during the previous dynasty but has the flaw of suppressing talented individuals and being overly accommodating.
Changsun Wuji is adept at avoiding suspicion and responds quickly, but he lacks knowledge of military strategy and the ability to lead troops.
Fang Xuanling works diligently day and night, dedicating himself fully, wishing not to lose anything. However, he has not aligned with my intentions, leading him to bow his head in apology with fear and hesitation.
Yang Shidao has a pure character and impeccable morals, but he is timid and unable to bear great responsibilities. Regardless of the urgency of affairs, he proves ineffective."
…………
(End of Chapter)
Comment 0 Comment Count