Chapter 90 Xi Zhen is waiting for employment, step by step

After Yu Qian, the Beijing military camp system was not established for a long time.

It underwent several changes during the Tianshun, Chenghua and Zhengde periods.

The custom used today was established by Emperor Shizong in the 29th year of Jiajing.

The Beijing Camp was divided into three major camps, including the Wujun Camp and the Shenji Camp, with a military general as governor and civil officials as assistants.

Although there is one governor and one assistant governor, the difference in rank is obvious.

But as the saying goes, whoever holds the personnel and economic power has the final say.

Starting from the Longqing period, if the Beijing military camp recommended the appointment of grassroots military officers such as the head of the corps, the lieutenant general, and the captain of a thousand men, they had to be reviewed and approved by the Ministry of War before being submitted to the emperor for approval.

As for the middle-level military officers such as deputy, assistant, ranger, and assistant generals, they are nominated by the Governor-General of the Beijing Camp together with the Assistant Military Administrator, and then reported to the Emperor for his approval by the Ministry of War.

There is no need to say more about military pay, but once you pass the Ministry of War, you can forget about getting a single penny.

Even when the emperor wanted to give out rewards, the Ministry of War would block it by saying that "the interests, hard work and rest are far apart."

Therefore, the position of Assistant Minister of the Ministry of War, who assists in military affairs, can be said to be the real person in charge of the Beijing camp.

Originally, Zhu Yijun only planned to use Zhao Kongzhao, a sick patient, to occupy this position and not interfere with Gu Huan's hands and feet.

But now that the situation has changed, it might as well fight for this position.

It can speed up the preparation of the Beijing camp.

As soon as Li Zaiting said this, those who were interested immediately became alert.

Huo Ji even frowned and said coldly: "Li Jieshizhong, don't be too harsh on your colleagues. Everyone gets sick sometimes."

"Tan Lun also suffers from lung disease, but wasn't he also entrusted with an important task by His Majesty?"

Li Zaiting did not argue with Huo Ji, and slowly stood back on the train.

If an official impeaches someone, he must resign. This is a precedent and no one can escape it.

What's more, Zhao Kongzhao had long intended to retire, but he was held back because he was a candidate acceptable to both the emperor and the Ministry of War.

Now Li was shouting in the court and causing some quarrels, not to put pressure on Zhao Kongzhao, but to let the court officials quarrel so that the emperor could act as a referee.

At this moment, the emperor on the steps finally spoke.

"Okay, I understand what you mean."

Zhu Yijun paused and continued, "However, the nobles have made great contributions to the country, and it is the law of our ancestors to reduce their punishments. If they are to be severely punished, it will really make it difficult for the two queen mothers."

"I will discuss this matter with my mother again, and then we can discuss it later."

"As for Minister Zhao's illness and inability to attend to his duties, he should take good care of himself and wait for his recovery. There is no need to mention the idea of ​​removing him from his position!"

If the decision is made in court, it is still not timely.

After the matter had fermented for a day or two and been widely discussed, Zhu Yijun could then step forward to act as the judge.

Court deliberations, memorializing petitions for debate, and the emperor's judgment are all necessary steps and the simplest path to realizing imperial power.

Since the emperor had ordered a break, it was not appropriate for the officials to continue.

Only a few people who were interested looked at each other, exchanged glances, and made plans for how to respond in their hearts.

There are always waves of things to be discussed in court.

Later, there was another dispute in the court over the silver from the salt inspection that Hai Rui brought back.

How much money a department can control is directly related to its own power, so naturally no one will be polite and give in at this time.

Zhu Yijun was embarrassed by the Guanglu Temple's crying poor, and said that in order to provide supplies, they had started selling scrap copper and iron utensils and leftover koji.

The Minister of Works Zhu Heng, who was usually conscientious and rarely involved in disputes, was also anxious during the court meeting.

One moment it was about the twenty-three sluices, the next moment it was about the establishment of Zhaoling Guard in Changping Prefecture, which required the construction of gatehouses, public offices, barracks, etc.

Zhu Yijun was also difficult to control - Zhang Hong cried bitterly when he cried about the poverty of the imperial treasury, and everyone was no different.

After arguing for more than half an hour, they finally reached a conclusion.

The six ministries each took what they needed, the cabinet divided the silver, and the emperor sat upright and endorsed it.

After a court meeting, the remaining silver from last distribution was divided up cleanly and put back into the treasury.

Everyone looked as if they had suffered a great loss, but they were actually happy in their hearts - after all, it was extra money, which would surely be of great use in the future and would help to uphold the authority of the department.

Everyone was in a good mood, and the subsequent meetings went much more smoothly.

He quickly reviewed the recommendation of Yunnan Governor Zou Yinglong, the admission of Deputy Chief Censor Ruan Wenzhong's son into the Imperial College, and the enshrinement of former Minister of Rites Zhang Mao in the Zhengxue Temple.

Even when it came to disaster relief and tax exemptions for the earthquake in Xuzhou Prefecture, Sichuan, the Ministry of Revenue provided money without any hesitation.

The court meeting did not end until almost noon.

The emperor's figure disappeared from the imperial steps ahead of time.

The court officials also left one after another.

They gathered in groups of three or five and had their own discussions.

Xu Jie looked twice at Wang Chonggu, who was being led to a side hall for a private performance. After a while, he withdrew his gaze and slowly stood up.

As soon as I stood still, I found that my arm was supported.

He knew who it was without turning his head.

Xu Jie said calmly: "There is no need to be like this in the court. It's not like you and I have never served in the same court before."

Zhang Juzheng shook his head: "At that time, my teacher and I were both in the cabinet, so we naturally had to avoid suspicion."

"Now that the teacher is free, it won't be a problem."

The so-called advisory position means that in terms of actual power, he is probably not even as powerful as a secretary of the Secretariat, which avoids the suspicion of being a party member.

After all, he is an old minister in his seventies. If someone helps him out as a courtesy, no one will gossip about him.

Xu Jie did not comment.

He looked amused and asked, "Why didn't the court discuss the reinstatement of Emperor Shizu of the Yuan Dynasty today?"

When Xu Jie entered the city yesterday, he heard that the emperor was offering sacrifices to emperors of all dynasties. He then asked why Kublai Khan was not among the emperors of all dynasties. The meeting even ended with the emperor offering sacrifices from a distance.

This naturally sparked a debate within the Ministry of Rites and the Taichang Temple.

He originally thought that this was the emperor's preparation to re-worship Emperor Shizu of Yuan, but no one mentioned it during the court meeting today, which made Xu Jie somewhat confused.

Zhang Juzheng helped Xu Jie out of the hall and explained, "Yesterday someone guessed the emperor's intention and reported to the emperor that our dynasty is a descendant of the former Yuan Dynasty and is also the orthodox dynasty of China, so we should restore the worship of Yuan Shizu."

"As a result, His Majesty kept it in his palace and fined me one month's copper for spying on His Majesty's heart."

"As a result, the court officials were unable to understand your majesty's thoughts and dared not act rashly."

The two men walked out of Wenhua Hall and walked very slowly.

Xu Jie did not shy away from asking directly, "So what do you think Your Majesty means?"

Zhang Juzheng was silent for a moment, then said softly, "Your Majesty said that we should take into account the simple feelings of the soldiers at the frontier and the people of the world, and let the Ministry of Rites discuss this further."

After saying this, he shut up.

Xu Jie seemed to be thinking about something.

After walking for a while, Xu Jie broke away from Zhang Juzheng's support and said, "Uncle, go back to the cabinet to handle official business. I will go to Donghua Gate by myself."

The mansion given by the emperor was outside Donghuamen, not on the way to the cabinet.

Zhang Juzheng readily followed the advice and stood there watching his teacher leave.

Xu Jie walked towards Donghua Gate without looking back, with his hands behind his back.

But in his mind he remembered what the emperor had told him before the court meeting.

……

Half a day ago.

Xu Jie followed the emperor on the way to the court meeting.

"Mr. Xu, did you know that I have someone compile an introductory book on mathematics?" the emperor mentioned this unintentionally.

Xu Jie nodded, then shook his head: "I know about this, but I haven't read the book."

The emperor explained: "I have asked the officials of the Ministry of Revenue, the Imperial Guards, and the Eastern Depot to study this book, but it is still not enough."

"Next year's spring exam is coming soon, and many students will go to Beijing to prepare for the exam. My suggestion is that when you arrive at the academy, you might as well recruit some hopeless candidates to learn mathematics."

Xu Jie immediately figured out the reason and asked, "Your Majesty wants to recruit officials who are proficient in mathematics to prepare for land measurement?"

At that time, the emperor turned his head and glanced at Xu Jie, as if thinking that old people can think quite quickly.

He said, "That's what I meant."

"But, besides this, there is another meaning."

"I want to recruit some students who are interested in mathematics to seek breakthroughs." The emperor paused and added: "They will not be allowed to take the imperial examinations, nor will they be granted official positions."

"In short, it means finding another job for me, either an official, a clerk, or a student."

"I'll set a tone for you. If your academic attainments reach the pinnacle, and you are at the level of Zu Wenyuan, you can be conferred a title!"

Xu Jie frowned, and became even more curious about the emperor's intentions.

Even the title of nobility was promised! ?
Although Zu Wenyuan and Wang Shangbin are rare in the world, isn't Xu Jue exaggerating too much?

To prepare for the land, you don't have to go to this extent.

Could it be that this is the current emperor's niche hobby?
The previous emperor liked to have babies in the harem, and Emperor Shizong sought immortality. This emperor's hobby is even more unique.

……

Reminiscing along the way, I unknowingly arrived at Donghuamen.

But he did not go straight to the palace the emperor had promised him.

Instead, he asked the eunuch to lead the way and take him to the new school.

Xu Jie's most interesting things now are, first, to figure out the emperor's thoughts and intentions. Second, to see how far the emperor can go in governing.

At present, the emperor has entrusted all major affairs to the cabinet. The only two things he is holding on to are the Beijing Garrison and the new school.

Xu Jie was naturally very interested in seeing what was going on.

Soon, he was led by the eunuch to the gate of the school.

Taking a closer look, he saw the words "Seeking Truth" and "Asking for the Way" on the screen wall at the gate, which made Xu Jie puzzled.

People were coming in and out from time to time, and it seemed that things were getting quite lively.

Xu Jie asked the eunuch beside him, "Where do the students in the academy come from nowadays?"

When Zhang Cheng heard Xu Jie's question, he stepped forward and answered respectfully, "It's mainly the royal family, the nobles, and the officials and Jinyiwei who came here for further study."

Originally, the eunuchs from the Eastern Depot also came to class together, but the nobles and officials were ashamed of it and did not want to attend the same class.

Finally, I had to ask a teacher to teach in the inner school.

Xu Jie nodded silently after hearing this. He knew immediately that the latter was preparing for Du Tian.

But why did the former come here to waste food?
He asked directly when he thought about it.

Zhang Cheng patiently explained: "His Majesty said that as long as you pass the master's degree in mathematics, you can stay in the academy and eat a share of the emperor's food."

"If you can learn the subtleties and bring forth new ideas, I will also reward you with a title."

"Once this was said, many noble families, especially the side branches, flocked to it."

After hearing this, Xu Jie sneered in his heart.

They are not here for the imperial grain, they have all calculated that the emperor will definitely spend a large sum of money to buy horse bones next time, and the old foxes are rushing to send in their tricks.

He walked into the door with a swagger and ordered, "Give me a copy of Mathematics Enlightenment 1, and call Cheng Dawei over."

……

Cheng Dawei was sorting out manuscripts. When he heard that the new headmaster had summoned him, he immediately put down what he was doing and followed the eunuch out of the room.

The academy is not big and we arrived there in a short while.

As soon as Cheng Dawei walked out of the house, he heard an angry voice from inside.

"Didn't you just say that? Is this a plus sign?!"

"Master Xu, you are seeing things wrong. Look closer. This is a multiplication sign."

The latter's voice was full of helplessness.

Cheng Dawei knew what had happened as soon as he heard it. He stood at the door and did not go in immediately.

He turned to look at the eunuch Zhang Cheng and said apologetically, "Eunuch, wait a moment, I'll ask someone to bring a pair of embroidery over."

叆叇 is glasses, and everyone calls it by different names.

Using carbon to write on slate saves money and effort, but it is not very friendly to people with eye diseases.

Later, the emperor showed mercy and gave out some silver to buy some glasses for elderly students to borrow.

Zhang Cheng stopped him and said, "It's okay. We can go there. Teacher Cheng should go see Master Xu first."

Cheng Dawei bowed and thanked him.

After he told me where to put it, I suppressed my anxiety and nervousness, pushed open the door and walked in.

When Xu Jie saw someone coming in, he asked unhappily, "Are you Cheng Rusi?"

Cheng Dawei took a deep breath and bowed, saying, "I, Cheng Dawei, greet you, the headmaster."

Xu Jie waved his hand, asked someone to stand up, and asked in a deep voice: "Chinese mathematics is inherited from the same source. How did you come up with such a mess of symbols? Are you deliberately making things difficult for others?"

He pointed at the “+-×÷” and the uneven string of numbers on it, his face full of dissatisfaction.

Although Xu Jie could not be said to be proficient in mathematics, he knew a little about it.

Numeration itself also has a simplified form, including various symbols, numbers and so on.

But now these basic addition, subtraction, multiplication and division have resulted in a bunch of unfamiliar symbols, which makes people confused, so he naturally has opinions.

Cheng Dawei smiled bitterly and said, "Shanzhang has misunderstood. This is His Majesty's intention."

Reluctantly, he told his new boss all the emperor's ideas about how symbols were convenient and clear, and numbers were clear and simple.

Even the ancient foreign books from which these symbols were taken were pointed out one by one.

When Xu Jie heard that it was the emperor's intention, even though he was dissatisfied, he had to swallow his anger.

He said in a depressed tone, "After you have annotated this book one by one, return it to me."

Since you already know a little bit, you don't need to follow the class. You just need to match the symbols and numbers.

Cheng Dawei bowed and responded.

Xu Jie skipped over this matter and asked about the existing official system of the academy.

Cheng Dawei said carefully: "Shanzhang, there is no official system in the academy now."

"At first, His Majesty said that he would grant the status of clerks to the disciples who stayed in the academy after becoming masters."

"But the Ministry of Personnel, the Ministry of Revenue, and the Ministry of Rites all disagreed, so it didn't happen."

Xu Jie understood the twists and turns as soon as he heard it.

Although it was just a clerk, this was also a path for promotion. It would be strange if the six ministries could watch the emperor hold the power in his hands.

No wonder the emperor asked him to establish a new official system for scholars and to use the imperial treasury to pay their salaries.

He pondered and said, "What is the standard for staying in the hospital now?"

Cheng Dawei said hurriedly: "Finish the addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of Enlightenment One, and be able to skillfully apply them to account calculations, field calculations, and other applications."

Xu Jie glanced at Cheng Dawei.

The clerks of the Ministry of Revenue are only at this level. You call this enlightenment? Who are you insulting?
Do we have to reach the level of those people in the Imperial Astronomical Observatory who frequently count celestial bodies to be considered to have completed enlightenment?
Or like Wang Wensu, one has to be able to locate patterns and do square root calculations to be considered a successful learner?
If he hadn't known that this was probably the name given by the emperor, he would have been furious on the spot.

He suppressed his displeasure and asked again, "How many people are staying in the hospital?"

Cheng Dawei shook his head: "After the officials have finished their training, they will return to the ministry."

"On the contrary, some noble families will stay in the academy after they finish their apprenticeship."

In the words of Your Majesty, it is this group of people who have no worries about food and clothing and have some interests, so they will stay in the academy.

Xu Jie hummed and fell into deep thought.

Just at this moment, Zhang Cheng walked in with glasses in his hand: "Master Xu."

He handed it to Xu Jie respectfully.

Xu Jie turned his head to take a look and took it casually.

He put them on his glasses, picked up the math book again and started reading it, saying, "Eunuch Zhang, what is the fixed salary for the academy?"

Zhang Cheng replied fluently: "Master Xu, the current quota of the academy is 120 people, and the total salary is 10,000 taels."

"But there are only 29 people on the list now, and the treasury will only allocate funds based on those on the list."

"The rest is for printing books, repairing houses, renting houses and providing meals, etc., totaling 17,400 taels a year. When needed, it will be allocated from the treasury according to the process of first reporting and then approval."

Xu Jie waved his hand and said, "Give me all this year's money!"

"Your Majesty entrusted the academy to me to do things. If I have to ask for approval every time, it would be a waste of time. I'm afraid it will ruin His Majesty's business!"

He looked at Cheng Dawei again and said as a matter of course: "As for those who are leaving from various departments and Jinyiwei, they all have to stay in the academy to teach for half a year before they can leave!"

"If the six ministries have any objections to Duke Cheng, let them come to me!"

(End of this chapter)