Daming: Brother, there is no future for monks, let's rebel

A few months later, the drought in Jiangnan was alleviated and the lives of the victims gradually recovered. The efforts of Zhu Han and Zhu Biao were widely praised and appreciated by the people.

With the successful completion of the disaster relief work, Zhu Han and Zhu Biao turned their attention to other reform issues in the court.

Zhu Han was in his study, the candlelight flickering, illuminating his resolute face. He slowly unfolded the detailed plan for the reform of the imperial examination system, his eyes revealing his expectations for the future. At this time, a gentle knock on the door outside the study interrupted his thoughts.

"Come in." Zhu Han said in a deep voice.

The door slowly opened, and Zhu Biao walked into the study room with a look of urgency. "Uncle Han, I have something important to discuss with you."

Zhu Han put down the plan in his hand and motioned Zhu Biao to take a seat. "Biao'er, why are you so anxious?"

After Zhu Biao sat down, he said solemnly: "Uncle Han, I heard recently in the court that several important officials are opposed to the reform of the imperial examination system. They believe that this move will shake the old power structure in the court and may cause unrest."

Zhu Han frowned upon hearing this, and after a moment's silence, he said, "The road to reform has never been smooth. Although the concerns of these important officials are not unreasonable, the drawbacks of the imperial examination system have become increasingly apparent. If we do not reform it in time, the selection of talents in our Ming Dynasty will become more rigid, which is not good for the country."

Zhu Biao nodded, a trace of worry flashing in his eyes: "Uncle Han is right, but how to convince these important officials and make them see the necessity and urgency of reform is a difficult problem."

Zhu Han smiled slightly, his eyes sparkling with wisdom: "The way to persuade is to convince people with reason. We can invite several important officials who hold opposing opinions to discuss the details of the imperial examination reform and let them personally experience the benefits of the reform."

Zhu Biao's eyes lit up and he said, "This is a great idea! If we can let them see with their own eyes that the reform plan is comprehensive and fair, perhaps their attitude will change."

Zhu Han nodded in agreement and continued, "In addition, we can also use the power of public opinion to let the government and the public know the necessity of the imperial examination reform. We can order people to write articles to explain the drawbacks of the imperial examination system and the benefits of reform, and spread them widely."

Zhu Biao added: "Uncle Han is right. The power of public opinion cannot be underestimated. I will immediately arrange for people to write articles and distribute them to various schools and academies so that scholars can also participate in the discussion."

Zhu Han nodded with satisfaction, his eyes deep: "Very good, Biao'er. You should not only pay attention to the dynamics of the court, but also pay attention to the reactions of the people. The imperial examination system is related to the selection of talents for the country's future, and it must be widely supported and recognized."

Zhu Biao nodded solemnly, his eyes gleaming with determination: "Uncle Han, rest assured, Biao will do his best to ensure that the imperial examination reform goes smoothly."

After the two of them had discussed, Zhu Han turned the topic back to the specific plan for the imperial examination reform. "Biao'er, what do you think about adding a practical assessment section?"

Zhu Biao pondered for a moment and said, "Practical assessment can indeed more comprehensively evaluate the ability of scholars, but I am worried that in actual operation, there will be unfairness. How to ensure the fairness of the assessment is a problem we must solve."

Zhu Han smiled and explained, "Fairness is the foundation of the assessment. We can set up a jury composed of a number of highly respected officials to jointly participate in the evaluation of the practical assessment to reduce the impact of personal bias."

Zhu Biao heard this and a hint of approval flashed in his eyes: "Uncle Han has thought it through. This is a great idea. In addition, I think we can also introduce the opinions of local gentry and academic celebrities to increase the diversity and fairness of the assessment."

Zhu Han nodded, his eyes sparkling with appreciation: "This is a very good plan. Local gentry and academic celebrities have a deeper understanding of local conditions. Their opinions will definitely add a lot of reference value to the assessment."

The two continued to discuss every detail of the imperial examination reform, from the examination content to the evaluation criteria and the supervision mechanism. In the study, the candlelight flickered, reflecting the focused and determined faces of the two.

As the night deepened, the discussion between the two came to an end. Zhu Han stood up, patted Zhu Biao on the shoulder, and said earnestly: "Biao'er, the reform of the imperial examination system concerns the future of the country, so we must act with caution. You and I, uncle and nephew, need to work together to face all challenges together."

Zhu Biao bowed, his eyes gleaming with determination and confidence. "Uncle Han taught me, and I will remember it in my heart. Tomorrow morning, I will arrange for the writing and distribution of the article, and invite those important officials who hold opposing opinions to discuss the reform plan together."

Zhu Han nodded with satisfaction, his eyes full of satisfaction and expectation. "Biao'er, it is rare that you can understand and act so quickly. Remember, the road to reform is long and difficult, but as long as you care about the people and keep your feet on the ground, you will be able to overcome all difficulties."

Zhu Biao stood up, bowed, and said firmly: "Uncle Han's teachings will always be remembered by Biaoer. Biaoer will live up to your trust and contribute his own strength to the Ming Dynasty."

Zhu Han smiled slightly and patted Zhu Biao on the shoulder: "Go, and have some rest early. There are still many things to deal with tomorrow, so you need to get enough rest."

Zhu Biao bowed again and then slowly left the study. Zhu Han looked at Zhu Biao's departing back, feeling both relieved and expectant.

The next morning, Zhu Han got up early and walked into the study, ready to continue reviewing the proposal for the imperial examination reform. The study was silent, with only the flickering candlelight illuminating his focused face.

Just as Zhu Han was immersed in the documents on his desk, an attendant hurried in and reported: "Your Highness, a scholar named Li Mubai wants to see you, claiming to have important suggestions on the reform of the imperial examination system."

Zhu Han raised his eyebrows slightly when he heard this, and felt a little curious. He had heard of the name Li Mubai among the scholars. It was said that this person was knowledgeable and had unique insights. "Please let him in." Zhu Han ordered.

Soon, a young man in a green shirt and with a gaunt face walked into the study and bowed, "I am Li Mubai, and I pay my respects to His Majesty the Prince of Han."

Zhu Han raised his hand to indicate that he didn't need to be polite, and looked at the young man in front of him sharply: "Li Mubai, what suggestions do you have for the reform of the imperial examination system?"

Li Mubai stood up straight and said sincerely, "Your Highness, I think that although the imperial examination system is the foundation for the country to select talents, the current system focuses on theory and ignores the practical ability of scholars. I suggest that a practical examination be added to the imperial examination to allow scholars to demonstrate their talents in solving practical problems."

Zhu Han's eyes flashed with approval when he heard this. This suggestion coincided with the previous discussion between him and Zhu Biao. It was obvious that Li Mubai had a deep understanding of the shortcomings of the imperial examination system. "Your suggestion is very much in line with my opinion. However, how to implement the practical inspection in detail still needs to be carefully planned."

Li Mubai was well prepared. He took out a manuscript from his sleeve and presented it with both hands: "I have drafted an implementation plan for the practical inspection. Please have a look, Your Highness." Zhu Han took the manuscript and read it carefully. The manuscript listed in detail the content, standards, and evaluation methods of the practical inspection. It was clear and logical. After reading it, Zhu Han nodded and praised: "This plan is comprehensive and feasible. You are indeed a talented person."

Li Mubai bowed his head humbly: "Thank you for the compliment, Your Highness. I am just doing my best to contribute to the talent selection of the Ming Dynasty."

Zhu Han smiled slightly, and had already made up his mind: "Li Mubai, since you have such talent, how can I bury you? I want to hire you as a consultant for the reform of the imperial examination, specifically responsible for the planning and implementation of the practical inspection link, are you willing?"

Li Mubai heard this, and a hint of surprise and gratitude flashed in his eyes. He quickly knelt down to express his gratitude: "I am willing to serve Your Highness as a dog and horse. I will do my best to live up to Your Highness's high expectations."

Zhu Han helped Li Mubai up and patted his shoulder. "Very good. You should start preparing immediately and discuss the specific details of the practical inspection with my trusted staff. I look forward to hearing from you."

At the same time, Zhu Biao was also actively preparing for the publicity of the imperial examination reform in the court. He ordered people to write a series of articles to explain the drawbacks of the imperial examination system and the benefits of reform, and distributed them to schools and academies in various places. These articles quickly aroused widespread discussion and response among scholars.

One morning, Zhu Han was reviewing the latest reform progress report in his study, feeling very pleased. At this time, a servant came in hurriedly and reported: "Your Highness, the Crown Prince wants to see you."

Zhu Han put down the report in his hand and told his attendant to invite Zhu Biao in. Soon, Zhu Biao walked into the study with a happy face: "Uncle Han, the publicity work of the imperial examination reform is progressing smoothly. The scholars have shown great interest and expectations in the practical inspection link."

Zhu Han smiled when he heard this: "This is to be expected. Practical examinations can not only comprehensively evaluate the abilities of scholars, but also encourage them to focus on the cultivation of practical abilities. This is a strategy that kills two birds with one stone."

Zhu Biao nodded in agreement: "Uncle Han is right. In addition, I have invited several important officials who hold opposing views to discuss the reform of the imperial examination system. After listening to me, they also expressed their willingness to support the reform."

Zhu Han nodded with satisfaction: "Biao'er, it is rare that you can convince these important officials so quickly. However, we still need to be cautious on the road to reform and not take it lightly."

Zhu Biao bowed and saluted: "Uncle Han, rest assured, I will keep it in mind. I wonder what instructions Uncle Han has for the next step of reform work?"

Zhu Han pondered for a moment and said slowly: "The next step is to prepare for the specific implementation of the practical inspection. Li Mubai has formulated a detailed implementation plan for me. You need to work closely with him to ensure the smooth progress of the practical inspection."

Zhu Biao heard this, and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes: "Li Mubai? I have heard of this person. It is said that he is a talented person. With his help, the reform of the imperial examination will be twice as effective with half the effort."

Zhu Han smiled slightly. "That's right. You should discuss the specific details of the practical inspection with Li Mubai immediately and start preparing for the relevant matters. I believe that with your joint efforts, the imperial examination reform will be a complete success."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Biao's eyes sparkled with excitement and determination. He bowed and said, "Uncle Han, rest assured. Biao will go all out and work closely with Mr. Li Mubai to ensure that every detail of the practical inspection is perfect."

Zhu Han nodded, his eyes full of praise: "Very good, Biaoer, I always trust you to do things. However, practical examination is only part of the imperial examination reform. We also need to advance other aspects simultaneously, such as improving the invigilation system and ensuring the fairness of the marking process. These all require your personal attention."

Zhu Biao replied solemnly: "Uncle Han is right. I will make all the arrangements. In addition, regarding the problem of cheating in the imperial examinations, I think that in addition to strengthening the supervision, a stricter punishment mechanism should be established to make sure that those who are lucky enough to take advantage of the exams will be exposed."

Zhu Han smiled slightly, his eyes sparkling with wisdom: "Biao'er, your insights are quite profound. Cheating is indeed the biggest enemy of the imperial examination. We must not only severely punish cheaters, but also prevent it from the source, such as strengthening the integrity education of candidates, so that they understand the true meaning of the imperial examination."

Zhu Biao nodded in agreement: "Uncle Han taught me that Biao will take steps to arrange the relevant matters to ensure that every step of the imperial examination is fair and transparent."

While the two were talking, an attendant hurried in and reported: "Your Highness, the Minister of Revenue, Mr. Zhang, wants to see you. It seems that he has something important to discuss."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Han looked at Zhu Biao and then said, "Please ask him to come in."

After a while, the Minister of Finance, Mr. Zhang, walked into the study with a solemn expression. After bowing, he said, "Your Highness Prince Han, Your Highness the Crown Prince, I have an urgent matter to report. Recently, when I was checking the treasury accounts, I found that a huge amount of silver was missing, and it is suspected that someone embezzled it."

Zhu Han and Zhu Biao's faces darkened when they heard this. Zhu Han said in a deep voice, "Master Zhang, this matter is very serious. Do you have any solid evidence?"

Lord Zhang took out a stack of account books and secret letters from his sleeve and presented them with both hands: "Your Highness, this is the evidence I secretly collected. The account books clearly record the flow path of this money, and the secret letter mentions the collusion of the relevant officials."

Zhu Han took the evidence and read it carefully, frowning. Zhu Biao read the contents of the secret letter carefully, his face becoming more and more solemn. After a moment, Zhu Han put down the account book and said in a deep voice: "Master Zhang, you have done a good job. This matter must be thoroughly investigated, and the corrupt officials must not be allowed to go unpunished."

Lord Zhang bowed and said, "I obey your command and will fully cooperate with Your Highness to investigate this matter thoroughly."

Zhu Han nodded and turned his gaze to Zhu Biao: "Biao'er, this matter is now in your hands. You must find out the truth and punish the perpetrator severely."

Zhu Biao bowed and responded: "My nephew obeys your order and will do his best to investigate this matter."

Zhu Han nodded slightly, and then said to Lord Zhang: "Lord Zhang, you continue to investigate this matter secretly. If you find anything new, report it immediately. At the same time, strengthen the management and monitoring of the national treasury to prevent similar incidents from happening again."

Master Zhang bowed and accepted the order, then left. In the study, Zhu Han and Zhu Biao fell into deep thought again. Zhu Han slowly said, "Biao'er, it seems that the corruption problem in the court is more serious than we thought. We must not only investigate individual cases, but also find the reasons from the system and solve the problem fundamentally."

Zhu Biao nodded in agreement: "Uncle Han is right. Biaoer thinks that we can learn from the experience of the previous dynasty and establish a more stringent audit and supervision system to ensure that every treasury expenditure is transparent and traceable. At the same time, we should strengthen the assessment and training of officials to improve their awareness of integrity and administrative ability."

Zhu Han smiled slightly, his eyes sparkling with approval: "Biao'er, you are growing very fast. These suggestions are very pertinent. I will consider incorporating them into the reform plan." (End of this chapter)