Ming Dynasty: Ask Zhu Yuanzhang to abdicate at the beginning

Chapter 409 The Arrogant Xie Jin! Did he end up getting caught up in the gossip himself?
As the saying goes, "You don't know how insignificant your official position is until you've been to the capital."

In local areas, a seventh-rank county magistrate is a powerful and respected official who inspires fear in countless people.

For ordinary people, if they could get close to the county magistrate, it would be a remarkable achievement, something they could boast about to everyone.

Many local bullies who claim to have powerful connections are actually just well-acquainted with the clerks, minor officials, county constables, and other low-ranking officials in the government offices.

Even so, in the eyes of the local people, these people were already "big shots" with connections to the heavens and could not be offended at all.

However, in the eyes of the county magistrate, these so-called "big shots" were nothing more than "chamber pots".

Use it when it's useful, and then just toss it aside when it's no longer needed.

If the county magistrate is transferred, and the new county magistrate wants to use them as a tool to establish his authority, then these "important figures" in the eyes of the people will be like fish on a chopping board, at the mercy of the county magistrate.

This gives a glimpse into the prestige of a seventh-rank county magistrate.

But once you get to the capital, officials of the seventh rank are as common as hairs on a cow.

Walking down the streets of the capital, you could throw a brick at random and it might just hit three seventh-rank officials.

Here, they've lost all the power they had in the local area.

Often, if you managed to get into the Six Ministries by queuing in front of them, it was considered a favor from the government.

To paraphrase a palace eunuch: What kind of official is a county magistrate? Even the turtles in the Jinshui River in front of the palace are far rarer and more precious than such officials!

This son of an official was born to a father who held the rank of fifth grade.

In a place like the capital, where powerful and wealthy people gather, it's hard to say that he has any prominent status.

Otherwise, why would he be in this ordinary teahouse, chatting with a group of wealthy merchants and ordinary people, and even having the idea of ​​currying favor with Xie Jin?

However, although his status was not high, he was still knowledgeable as the son of an official.

In a corner of this teahouse, the man leisurely sipping tea was someone the son of an official had seen once before from afar.

This person was none other than Yang Shiqi, the Left Censor-in-Chief, a minister of state affairs, and a favorite of the current emperor.

Even in the capital city, where high-ranking officials abound, such a person would be a very important figure.

With a stomp of his foot, the entire capital city would tremble.

But why would such an important official of the imperial court appear in this small teahouse?
Who is this person sitting opposite him, drinking tea?

Thoughts raced through the mind of the son of an official.

He suddenly remembered that it was widely rumored that Yang Shiqi was the "mastermind" behind the new policies and new learning.

Some officials were even secretly plotting to use the opportunity of the court's major discussion on new policies and new learning to bring down Yang Shiqi.

If the rumors are true, then his appearance here makes sense.

Within the imperial court, very few officials supported the new policies and new learning.

Given Yang Shiqi's status and position, he had to be extremely cautious about this matter and consistently avoid making public statements.

Although Xie Jin had long since left the imperial court, his reputation and influence remained significant.

If his support could be secured, it would undoubtedly be a great boost to Yang Shiqi's efforts to promote new policies and new learning.

Therefore, it is not surprising that Yang Shiqi went on an incognito visit to test Xie Jin's intentions.

Upon realizing this, the sons of officials instantly lost their eagerness to leave.

He found another table, sat down steadily, and eagerly anticipated a good show to come.

If one is fortunate enough to witness such a spectacular scene, one will have something to boast about in front of the sons of officials, and will surely make others envious.

In the room, Xie Jin continued to speak eloquently.

"In the past, Yao and Shun abdicated the throne to the virtuous rather than their sons, and Yu and Tang promoted the capable rather than their relatives."

"This is the way of the sage king who spreads the great principles of justice."

The Mencius said, “Respect the elderly in your own family and extend that respect to the elderly in other families; care for the young in your own family and extend that care to the young in other families.” This shows that the sage’s heart encompasses the whole world and does not distinguish between close and distant relatives based on boundaries.

"Duke Zhou established rites and listed five ranks of nobility and emoluments. Although there was a clear order of rank, the Zhou Guan (Rites of Zhou) clearly stated that "the government was governed by eight laws and the people were governed by eight principles." All of these laws and regulations were based on public justice.

……

His words flowed out of Xie Jin's mouth like a gentle stream, never ceasing.

Everyone in the room was completely absorbed, listening with rapt attention.

Whether or not they truly understood it is uncertain.

In any case, Xie Dacai's outstanding eloquence is absolutely unparalleled, and no one dares to raise any objections.

In a corner of the teahouse, Yang Shiqi listened quietly while sipping his tea, and smiled as he looked at the young man sitting opposite him.

The person who filled that official's son with curiosity was none other than the current emperor of the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Yunwen.

Since ascending the throne, Zhu Yunwen has come to realize more and more the importance of understanding the grassroots and discerning the true situation.

No wonder officials in later generations frequently went to local areas to conduct research.

Many things, if not observed in person, are like looking at flowers through fog, forever separated by a layer, if one merely sits in the palace reviewing memorials and intelligence.

Let alone emperors who rule a country, even the big bosses of many companies in later generations are easily deceived and fooled by their subordinates once they leave the grassroots and get away from the front line.

For example, when both companies invest hundreds of billions or even trillions to manufacture cars, the difference between the boss personally going deep into the production line and participating in the entire process and simply sitting in the office issuing orders is like night and day.

With an investment of 20 billion, the former is highly likely to successfully create a pretty good car.

The latter, however, might involve investing hundreds of billions, only to have it sink like a stone into the sea, producing no results whatsoever.

The enormous difference between them cannot be easily compensated for or eliminated by simply promoting a few cronies.

If it weren't for the countless and complicated affairs of the court that made it so difficult to leave, Zhu Yunwen would have liked to go on an inspection tour of the provinces.

Although he has to put aside his inspection tour of Beijing for the time being, he would be very happy to travel incognito and personally explore the real living conditions of ordinary people whenever the opportunity arises.

Especially under his rule, the Ming Dynasty has developed rapidly, and the lives of the people have undergone tremendous changes.

If one does not delve into the grassroots to understand the situation, it is easy to become immersed in outdated and ingrained impressions or fall into unrealistic fantasies, which could very likely lead to making wrong decisions and causing endless harm.

Today, I came to this teahouse with Yang Shiqi to see the lives of ordinary people and hear their views on the government.

This encounter with Xie Jin was not a coincidence, but rather a deliberate act.

Previously, Yao Guangxiao had strongly recommended Xie Jin to Zhu Yuntong, who then summoned Xie Jin to Nanjing under the pretext of recruiting virtuous and talented individuals to the capital to discuss new policies and education.

Today, I'm traveling incognito, and I'll take the opportunity to find out Xie Jin's attitude and views on the new policies and new learning.

After Xie Jin finished speaking eloquently, Yang Shiqi smiled and asked softly, "What do you think, Mr. Zhu?"

To facilitate his incognito visits, Zhu Yunwen gave himself an alias, "Zhu Anping".

That's why Yang Shiqi addressed him that way.

Zhu Yunwen nodded slightly, secretly admiring him.

It must be said that Xie Jin's eloquence was truly outstanding, deserving of the title of genius.

When he spoke of "the way of the sage, which is to benefit all under heaven," he quoted extensively from classical texts, presented his arguments clearly and logically, and his every word was well-reasoned.

Previously, the Da Ming Daily had published many articles by both proponents and opponents of the new school of thought, which Zhu Yunwen had already read.

However, this was the first time he had ever heard of someone analyze things so thoroughly and offer such profound insights.

Putting everything else aside, when it comes to arguing with others in the imperial court, Xie Jin is definitely a sharp blade that no one can easily withstand.

No wonder that in history, Xie Jin was entrusted with the important position of Grand Secretary by Zhu Di when he was only in his early thirties, and he also presided over the compilation of the Yongle Encyclopedia, which went down in history.

Prior to this, Zhu Yunwen had been somewhat worried that Xie Jin would oppose the new school of thought.

After all, according to intelligence reports from the Investigation Bureau, the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and the Inspectorate, Xie Jin never expressed any attitude towards Fang Xiaoru's new teachings during his lectures outside. However, Yao Guangxiao believed that Xie Jin had submitted a memorial to the court, presenting "Ten Policies for Peace," the two most important of which were advocating the implementation of the well-field system and the equal-field system in the Ming Dynasty to vigorously curb the phenomenon of powerful families annexing land.

This is exactly the same idea as Fang Xiaoru.

Although Fang Xiaoru never mentioned the well-field system again when he preached the new learning, Yao Guangxiao firmly believed that the two men's underlying ideas were essentially the same.

Therefore, they concluded that Xie Jin would definitely support Fang Xiaoru's new school of thought, which is why they proposed to summon Xie Jin to the capital.

In retrospect, Yao Guangxiao's judgment was indeed accurate.

"Mr. Xie just gave a long and eloquent speech, praising Fang Xiaoru's new learning and insisting that it is the true way of the sage."

"There is something I don't understand. Over the past thousand years, countless scholars have devoted their lives to studying the classics and learning the teachings of the sages. Among them are many outstanding individuals and learned scholars. Why is it that not a single person has been able to understand this path, and we have to wait for you, Mr. Xie and Fang Xiaoru, to reveal it?"

"Could it be that someone is using the name of a sage to deceive the world and steal fame?"

No sooner had Xie Jin finished his long-winded speech than someone in the teahouse couldn't help but voice their doubts.

Xie Jin was renowned and was held in high esteem by everyone.

However, ideological disputes touch upon fundamental issues and cannot be easily reversed with just a few words.

Moreover, this involves the vital interests of many people.

In order to protect their own interests, they will never agree with his views.

However, the person who spoke up to refute knew in his heart that he was far less learned than Xie Jin, who could readily cite various classics as evidence.

Left with no other choice, I had to raise the question: "Why did the ancients not raise this issue, and why did so many scholars fail to notice it, yet only you two saw the clue?"

But his tone was very impolite.

They were practically pointing their fingers at him and calling him a complete liar.

"There are countless people in the world who study the classics, but those who can truly understand their essence are extremely rare."

Xie Jin responded calmly and unhurriedly.

“The profound meaning of the sage’s words is not something that can be easily understood.”

He shook his head slightly, his tone tinged with emotion.

"Most people in the world are mediocre and muddle-headed, while those with outstanding talent and unique wisdom are few and far between."

"What's so surprising about not being able to understand the words of the sages?"

"Throughout history, those who have been able to understand this principle have already explained it, and I have just cited many examples."

"However, there are mediocre people everywhere. They cannot understand it themselves, so they blindly follow the trend and attach themselves to other mediocre people."

A hint of regret flashed in Xie Jin's eyes.

"It is precisely because of this that the profound interpretations of the Way of the Sages by a few geniuses are buried deep in the vast sea of ​​books, rarely seen in the light of day, and not valued by the world."

"This is why the true path of the sage has remained hidden and unknown for thousands of years."

"In reality, it's not that no one understands, but rather that there are very few who truly appreciate it."

"Later generations did not read widely enough, so it was naturally difficult for them to read the books written by these very few ancient sages."

Instead, they mistakenly regard the views of mediocre people as the way of sages.

"As for the present world..."

He paused slightly, his gaze slowly sweeping around, before he spoke in a booming voice: "In the world today, those who can truly understand the Way of the Sages are, if counted carefully, no more than Fang Xizhi and I, Xie Jin."

"As for the rest of the scholars, they are all mediocre."

"Is it any wonder that they cannot understand the way of the sages?"

Zhu Yunwen's eyes widened in an instant, his expression filled with disbelief.

Is this Xie Jin really that arrogant?
As an emperor, he had come into contact with countless well-read people in his daily life.

Under the long-term influence and education of Confucianism, most of these people are reserved and humble, at least on the surface.

Even those who are extremely proud at heart are very restrained.

After all, Confucian culture has always advocated that people should be humble and cautious, and not recklessly show off their talents.

Generally speaking, the more books one reads, the more humble and peaceful one's demeanor becomes.

This was the first time Zhu Yunwen had ever seen someone like Xie Jin openly declare, "You are all useless people, all scholars in the world are mediocre, only I, Xie Jin, have understood the classics of the sages, and I am the number one scholar in the world."

He subconsciously glanced at Yang Shiqi sitting next to him, and saw that Yang Shiqi's expression was also quite interesting.

His once calm face was now filled with astonishment, his lips parted slightly, but he couldn't utter a word for a moment.

Clearly, Yang Shiqi, being a scholar, was also quite taken aback by Xie Jin's shocking words.

The teahouse was initially quiet.

Soon, it was as if water droplets had been poured into a hot oil pan, causing an uproar.

"What an arrogant scholar!"

In the crowd, someone sneered coldly: "Everyone says that Xie Jin is incredibly learned and talented, and that he is extremely proficient in the Four Books and Five Classics. But I never expected that you would abandon even the most basic humility. This kind of behavior is really not like that of a learned person!"

As he spoke, the man kept shaking his head, his face filled with utter disappointment.

Xie Jin remained calm and unmoved by the reactions of the crowd; instead, he threw his head back and laughed loudly.

"I am merely stating the facts, which is also a teaching of the sages. How can it be considered unhumble?"

"Jie Jin, your utter contempt for the people of the world is utterly arrogant!"

A scholar in a white robe, his face flushed, could no longer contain his anger. He leaped out from the crowd, pointing his right index finger directly at Xie Jin, glaring at him angrily.

"Since ancient times, there has never been a second in martial arts, nor a first in literature. What virtue or ability do you possess that you dare to so casually criticize all the scholars in the world?"

"You keep saying that only you and Fang Xiaoruzi in the world have understood the words of the sage, but we really can't agree with that!"

"On the contrary, I am ashamed to associate with a madman like you."

A hint of disdain flashed in Xie Jin's eyes. He glanced at the white-robed scholar casually, as if to say, "What right do you have to be my companion?"
"To say that only Fang Xizhi and I in this world have understood the words of the sage is not entirely true."

"At least, there is one other person who is also well-versed in the ways of the sages."

"This person resides high above the nine heavens, having long transcended the mortal realm, and is beyond the reach of us ordinary mortals."

At this point, Xie Jin's tone became humble.

"He knows everything from astronomy to geography."

"His knowledge was all-encompassing, far surpassing that of ordinary people, making him arguably the greatest scholar of all time."

"Compared to this man, I, Xie Jin, am like a faint firefly trying to compete with the sun and moon high in the sky. It is truly overestimating my abilities."

"Therefore, I did not include it in the list."

Upon hearing this, the crowd stirred once again.

No one expected that Xie Jin, who had just been so arrogant and unruly, would have someone who admired him so much.

"Who exactly is this person you're talking about?" Someone in the crowd couldn't contain their curiosity and asked loudly.

Xie Jin's expression hardened, and he solemnly raised his hands, clasped them above his head, and said respectfully, "Naturally, it is His Majesty the current Emperor."

"Pfft!" Zhu Yunwen, who was leisurely sipping his tea, suddenly spat out a mouthful of tea upon hearing these words.

How did things get so complicated that I ended up eating my own melon seeds?

……

(End of this chapter)