Han Shizu

In the autumn and July of the thirteenth year of Yongxi's reign, I went to Suzhou and Kunshan County to Hetang.

There are three river ponds in Suzhou that connect the canal and the Yangtze River, and Hetang is among them (the other two are Changshu-Baimaopu and Songjiang). Because of the benefits of the river ponds, Kunshan is prosperous. If we were to make a list of the economic development of all counties in Dahan, then even if Kunshan could not make it into the top ten, it would still be in the top twenty.

Not far from the county seat, just beside Zhihe Pond, a brand new school has emerged: Loujiang College. The history of this college is very short. It has only been completed for a year. It was opened not long ago and there are not many students. There are only about a hundred people at the moment, but its origin is unusual.

This was a school that was jointly built by dignitaries from Suzhou, Xiuzhou, and Shanghai and raised funds from big businessmen and celebrities. It was a school that mainly taught arithmetic and mathematics. It was also the first military school in the Han Empire besides the military school. A "college".

The purpose of establishing Loujiang College is to provide more professional computing talents for Jiangsu, Xiu, and Shangzhou, which are experiencing increasingly prosperous economic development. Not to mention other yamen, the General Taxation Department of Jiangsu Customs and the three ports under its jurisdiction have a large demand for talents.

With the establishment of the customs, commercial activities in the Jianghai area, which has completely lifted the restrictions on the municipal shipping department system, have increased dramatically. This has naturally brought pressure on various management aspects, especially in the taxation business. The need for professional talents is extremely hungry, and it is not yet Just reading and literacy will be enough.

In the early autumn of Loujiang College, the scenery is pleasant, the river breeze is blowing, and sailboats pass by from time to time on the river. The full load makes the movement of the ship seem difficult.

The college is extremely quiet and the atmosphere is serious. In the classrooms, students of various ages are immersed in writing, sitting at desks, and taking the first major exam since the beginning of autumn seriously. The content of the examination is mainly divided into four items, arithmetic, practice, policy theory and "Criminal System".

Obviously, Loujiang College is a "college" and students without a certain foundation are basically not admitted. This is determined by the nature of the school and has regulations from the school's founding philosophy.

The academic system of the college lasts for three years. According to the plan, after the students complete their studies, they will basically be directly arranged to work as officials in the yamen of Suzhou, Xiuzhou and Shanghai. Therefore, from this perspective, this is not only a "professional school", but also a "government school" that specializes in cultivating high-level government talents for the government.

As the first major exam since the founding of the school, not to mention the students, the deans and teachers of the college also paid special attention to it. Just like the neighboring city that is becoming more and more magical, Loujiang College is also a new thing.

This is true from the school's founding philosophy to the teaching model, and examinations are the most important means of testing teaching results at the college level. At the same time, the examination model is closer to scientific examinations and government assessments. Whether such a model will work or not, and how useful it will be, no one is sure until it is actually verified.

After learning about the Loujiang College exam, Linzi King Liu Wenji also took some time out of his busy schedule to come and visit. When he arrived, he dressed lightly and did not say hello. When he arrived, he was also asked to receive a low-key reception. He only asked Wang Xuexin, the dean of the hospital, to accompany him for a tour. He also said nothing during the tour, which would inevitably affect the students' exams.

Wang Xuexin, the director of the academy, also had a history. He was from Shangqiu. He was lonely and poor since he was a child, and he was very thoughtful and dedicated to learning. When he grew up, he entered Suiyang Academy to study and became a disciple of the great educator Qi Tongwen. In the past half century, Suiyang Academy and Qi Tongwen were both famous in the cultural circles of the Han Dynasty and produced many figures.

Qi Tongwen, on the other hand, was a scholar who devoted his life to education and believed in loyalty, filial piety, and justice. He had a high reputation among scholars and was even received by Emperor Shizu. There was also a "Suiyang school" in both the literary world and the court. .

Wang Xuexin was accepted as a disciple by Qi Tongwen, who was rigorous in teaching and learning. He was obviously capable. Unlike Qi Tongwen's students who had already served as state officials and even Taoist ministers and officials, Wang Xuexin did not pursue an official career, but was obsessed with teaching. Worked as a professor at Suiyang Academy.

It's a pity that although Wang Xuexin was a close disciple of Qi Tongwen, he still had a foreign surname. Although Suiyang Academy was later designated as an official school, the main speakers were descendants of the Qi family. As for Wang Xuexin, there were some problems in education. New ideas, but often criticized as "deviant", the situation is always not so satisfactory.

Until Loujiang College started construction and was officially established, Wang Xuexin was invited to Kunshan to teach and teach. If it were a general invitation, Wang Xuexin would not agree. Even the Imperial Academy in Beijing might not be willing to go (that would mean he couldn't go, and he might not be able to stay if he did), but Loujiang College was different.

First of all, this is a government school, endorsed by the three cities in the south of the Yangtze River. Secondly, this is a brand-new school. The purpose of establishing the school is to provide talents for the government. Breakthrough + innovation is very tempting to Wang Xuexin, and he agreed to let him. He is the head of the school, and all teaching and management are arranged by him, and he can express himself to his heart's content;

Of course, there is a more important reason, and that is that Linzi County Prince Liu Wenji personally sent a letter to Wang Xuexin. Although these literati have pride, they also behave like corporals, especially when a powerful person with a high enough status comes forward. , then you can let go of any reserve.

For example, Linzi King Liu Wenji gave Wang Xuexin enough face and treatment, and coupled with the relative agreement in academic philosophy, it was logical for Wang Xuexin to go south.

With Wang Xuexin taking a group of friends, disciples and students to go south, and recruiting some talents from Jiangnan, the educational resources of Loujiang College will be at the end immediately. As for students, there is really no shortage.

At least the dignitaries, landlords, and wealthy businessmen from the three places are happy to study here. It is the "cradle" of government officials. Such a name is particularly attractive. At least in the Han Dynasty during the Yongxi era, not all scholars were It’s really difficult to think about taking the scientific examination wholeheartedly.

Obviously, behind the establishment of Loujiang College, Linzi King Liu Wenji made great efforts and could even be said to have played a leading role. This can also explain why the three places of Su, Xiu and Shang, which are full of contradictions, can reach an agreement on this matter. This is the intervention from higher energy.

Liu Wenji has been in Jiangnan Road for three years. He has stopped working at Jiangguan Customs for a long time. However, Emperor Liu Yang sent him another mission as governor of Jiangnan, responsible for the supervision of officials and the pacification of people's sentiments nearby.

As early as the winter of the eleventh year of Yongxi's reign, Liu Wenji was promoted to the title of Prince of Linzi County due to his hard work, low profile and humility.

It is worth mentioning that since King Liu Wenhuan of Ruyang lost power and the East Palace took over, Liu Wenji has received more attention. In the past three years, there have always been some inexplicable greetings and overtures. Unfortunately, King Linzi has been cautious. As for being reserved, he ignored them all and even behaved like rejecting others thousands of miles away.

In the past three years in Jiangnan Road, Liu Wenji also offended many people. Because of his strict law enforcement and uprightness, he naturally violated the interests of some people.

But at the same time, he also won the favor of many people. At least he was fair in dealing with things, never partial, and behaved very openly, especially towards officials and merchants. Both of these played a role incommensurate with their political status in the entire social operating mechanism of the Han Dynasty.

The King of Linzi was right to the point. When he came to visit Loujiang College, he just wanted to take a look. After walking around, he chose to leave without hesitation, not even taking a bite of lunch.

Of course, there is still an inevitable exchange with Wang Xuexin, the head of the academy. After all, he invited the person here, so respect is necessary.

Wang Xuexin made a suggestion, intending to summon all the teachers and students in the college after the exam to let Liu Wenji speak and let the teachers and students know the kindness of King Linzi.

You must know that the core supporting force for the establishment of this college came from Liu Wenji. However, in this regard, Liu Wenji "went away and hid his name and identity". He never expressed credit or even asked for fame. Others are prohibited from publicizing this matter. Wang Xuexin's proposal obviously wanted to make Liu Wenji famous and let the teachers and students of Loujiang College know who his benefactor was. This was the only thing he could repay Liu Wenji with at this stage.

However, he still underestimated the King of Linzi. Regarding Wang Xuexin's proposal, Liu Wenji almost without hesitation rejected it, and with a very stern attitude and almost warning tone, he told Wang Xuexin not to make such considerations again.

Wang Xuexin was not afraid of Liu Wenji's determination, but was just surprised, and finally tentatively asked Liu Wenji why he had bothered to build such an important official college. He did not seek fame or profit, but just contributed silently. Such a move, in the Under Wang Xuexin's interpretation, it obviously has another meaning.

Liu Wenji's reaction further supported his speculation. However, Wang Xuexin was not stupid, and he did not talk too much about this matter. What Wang Xuexin wants is just to teach and educate talents, to show off his talents, and of course, to add a little fame. He himself does not deny this.

"I promoted the establishment of Loujiang College to work for the country and cultivate some useful talents for the court and government agencies. Why do I need to become famous!" Liu Wenji explained simply.

When leaving, he confessed to Wang Xuexin with a smile: "If you want anything, in two years, I will select some capable talents from the college, students with outstanding performance, and Wang Zhangyuan will keep them!"

Wang Xuexin naturally laughed and responded to this.

"Your Highness, urgent report from Beijing!" Liu Wenji's boat sailed slowly along Zhihetang towards the Yangtze River. In the cabin, a middle-aged man dressed as a senior attendant came hurriedly to report.

Liu Wenji, who was studying the tariff situation in Shanghai in recent years, raised his head, spread his hands, and the person who came immediately handed over the urgent document.

He quickly opened it and read it, with a slight expression of emotion appearing on his serious face. He put it down, pondered for a while, and then ordered: "Send the order, after entering the Yangtze River, turn around and head west, return to Jinling!"

"Yes!"

In the past two years, Liu Wenji has mainly stayed in Jinling. No matter how rapid, novel and eye-catching the development of Shanghai is, Jiangning Mansion is the capital of Jiangnan Road, and its political status lies there. In the Han Empire, politics will always be considered. In the forefront of economy.

But for Shanghai, Liu Wenji goes there once or twice a year. This commercial city, which is rapidly awakening on the shores of the East China Sea, gathers people from all walks of life, and it is a mixture of dragons and snakes. Unconsciously, it has also become an important "base" for Liu Wenji, a base of political resources, economic resources and human resources.

This time, Liu Wenji started his eastward tour from Jinling, passing through Run, Chang, and Suzhou, and his final destination was Shanghai.

The reason why he chose to give up the original plan was also very simple. News came from the capital that Emperor Liu Yang had issued an edict and planned to patrol the southeast. Of course, Liu Wenji had to return to Jiangning Mansion to communicate with the Taoist officials to welcome the emperor and the emperor. All matters related to Luan Jia in Jiangnan Road.

After all, this is the emperor's first tour of the southeast since he ascended the throne. Speaking of which, Liu Yang is a relatively hard-working person. He takes care of everything personally and never slacks off.

In the past ten years or so, I have made four tours, one each to the southwest, northwest, and two to the north. Moreover, I often like to visit places with poor conditions, but I have never paid attention to the bustling scenic spots in the southeast. Willing to visit once.

This time, the emperor was finally moved, and the entire southeast was shaken. Especially for Jiangnan Road and Jinling City in Jiangning Prefecture, it is of great significance. After all, forty years ago, it was Emperor Yongxi who accepted the surrender of Li Yu, the leader of Jiangnan Kingdom, on behalf of the court.

Naturally, he also has "deep" feelings for His Majesty the Emperor and the officials and people of Jiangnan. Of course, this feeling is also based on His Majesty the Emperor.

This matter is also very important to Linzi King Liu Wenji. First, the assessment of Jiangnan Road is also an assessment of him. After staying here for three years, he needs to show his achievements;

Both of them, their mother, Concubine Xiao De (promoted to Concubine De in the 11th year of Yongxi's reign), his concubine Li, and their two children also came. This was an opportunity for the family to reunite.

In the past three years, Liu Wenji has been busy with official duties in Jiangnan. Except for returning to Beijing for half a month to a month every year on New Year's Eve, he spends the rest of the time in Jiangnan.

His wife, Li, was left in Beijing by Liu Wenji to take care of his children and serve his mother. With the lessons of "Concubine Chang" in front of her, Concubine Li, who had always been low-key, simple, dignified and respectful, became commendable. Including her two children (Liu Jili and Liu Fan), they were all loved by Emperor Liu Yang.

Yongxi's southern tour in the 13th year of his reign was perhaps Liu Yang's most "extravagant" tour since he succeeded to the throne. At least the number of people accompanying him, including ministers, guards, and palace attendants, exceeded 10,000 for the first time.

Of course, the inspection policy was still the same as before. Even in the prosperous areas of the southeast, Liu Yang still did not allow local contributions, because his patrols would infringe on the livelihood of local officials and people, which he strictly prohibited.

After each inspection, Liu Yang would check the accounts and send a secret envoy to make a "second visit", but something would happen every time.

For example, during the second northern inspection tour, I stayed in Xinghua County in Yanshan North Road for five days. Although all the supplies from the local area were purchased at a higher price, it still had a great impact on the local area. Later, I sympathized with the hard work of the officials and people. Liu Yang An edict was issued to exempt the entire county from taxes for one year. The result is that the tax is collected but goes into the pockets of the bureaucrats.

Before setting off, Liu Yang naturally made some arrangements for the court. This time he did not bring the prince Liu Wenpeng with him, but kept him in charge of the country. He included Zhao Wang Liu Fang, Shangshu Ling Zhang Qixian, Shangshu Zuocheng Murong Defeng, and Privy Councilor Gao. Qiong Kai and other ministers assisted in the administration.

Among the accompanying officials, there was also a person with a special status, Liu Wenhuan, King of Ruyang. It takes less than three years for a person to decline and fall. It is hard to imagine how Liu Wenhuan survived the past three years.

Of course, it was Liu Yang who loved his son, and just after the incident faded away, he took him out for a walk, to relax, and to stay in the house for a long time can drive people crazy.