Zhu Yuanzhang Returns from Modern Times

Chapter 138 It was worth the trip, it really was worth the trip!

Those at the top of the list are naturally those who have passed the exam.

Song Lian was the oldest and most senior member of the Hanlin Academy, and also its head.

His exam results are naturally excellent.

Although he is not young, he never misses a day of work.

Nothing that needed to be done was left undone.

Even after he proposed compiling dictionaries, the Hongwu Encyclopedia, and other such works.

Song Lian, who was nearly seventy years old, had the air of an old man suddenly bursting with youthful exuberance.

Even when there's nothing wrong, they still stay up late.

Indeed, seventy years old is a prime age for young people to strive for excellence.

The overall work efficiency of Hanlin Hospital has also improved significantly compared to before.

Zhu Yuanzhang felt that his journey through the modern world had not been in vain.

Otherwise, where else could we find such a good way to get everyone to work willingly, strive for excellence, and contribute to the improvement of the Ming Dynasty?

It’s not in vain, it’s really not in vain.

In his past life, he, as the emperor, took the lead in rolling up the paper and made his subordinates follow suit.

However, it's not enough to just take the lead yourself; without the corresponding system, things will be difficult to get things done.

Now, even the emperor himself is leading the way in this, and yet another system has emerged.

That would make things much easier.

After flipping through the pages for a while, Zhu Yuanzhang's good mood gradually disappeared.

All of the previous ones were passed.

However, later on, some people failed the test.

It gets worse as you go further.

He himself, the emperor, took the lead in setting an example and created this performance evaluation system.

There are also corresponding performance bonuses, which are used for distribution.

Despite the multiple measures involved, there were still those who failed the assessment.

One can only imagine how many people in their past lives slack off and were lazy.

The thought of these people, receiving their salaries but not working properly, slacking off, and spending their time in the toilet while on pay leave...

Zhu Yuanzhang felt extremely uneasy.

When Zhu Yuanzhang turned to the last page and saw the last person's name, the feeling reached its peak.

Their eyes widened, and they couldn't help but take another look.

Reach out and count them one by one.

One hundred and three days!

I wasn't mistaken, I really had been absent for 103 days!

Not only are they absent from work, but they have also never been able to complete any tasks on time.

He has completed less than a third of the tasks assigned to him so far.

Moreover, according to the attendance records, this third of the work was rushed out later.

The end of the year is fast approaching, and there's still so much work to be done.

How could it possibly be completed?

That's fucking amazing!

Zhu Yuanzhang's breathing became somewhat rapid.

He has repeatedly emphasized the need for diligence and not negligence in governance, and he has also introduced the performance evaluation system, resulting in such a significant development this year.

As a result, this person named Zhang Shiyu still dared to pull such a stunt.

Having failed the exam before, how much worse has this guy gone this time?

Is this the first person in the Ming Dynasty to oppose involution?
Sure enough, these officials brought over the bad habits of the Yuan Dynasty.

Even an emperor like himself, who is historically renowned for his diligence and ruthless killing of officials, is in power.

These people are still incredibly audacious and act recklessly.

That's really going too far!

Where is Zhang Shiyu?

Zhu Yuanzhang asked a question.
Seeing the change in Zhu Yuanzhang's expression, Song Lian knew things were definitely not going well, and quickly spoke up:

"Your Majesty, this...this person is not in the Hanlin Academy today. I have already sent people to look for him immediately."

Upon hearing this, everyone in the Hanlin Academy lowered their heads and dared not speak.

But many people were secretly overjoyed.

Those who were diligent in their duties had long been extremely annoyed by Zhang Shiyu's behavior.

I can't stand it.

Now that they've run into the emperor, seeing Zhang Shiyu suffer misfortune today is the best thing ever.

Even those who didn't do well on the exams still felt grateful to Zhang Shiyu.

If it weren't for a remarkable person like Zhang Shiyu shielding them, the emperor's wrath might very well have been unleashed upon them.

But now, with such a divine being present, even if their test results are not yet complete.

But compared to Zhang Shiyu, he's far better!

Not at the Hanlin Academy?
Zhu Yuanzhang's eyebrows furrowed.

The year-end is approaching, and only one-third of the work has been completed.

As a result, they were still not in the Hanlin Academy at this time?
What is this intended to do?
Is this taking advantage of one's own knife's poor quality?
Or do you think you're too easy to talk to?
"Where did he go? He's been absent so many times, what does he do all day?"

Zhu Yuanzhang's voice made no attempt to conceal his anger.

"Your Majesty, Zhang Shiyu often takes sick leave."

However... however, this person is not really sick most of the time.

Instead, they went to do something else.

As far as I know, this person is enthusiastic about lecturing and playing chess.

I enjoy doing it every day.

At this time, he's either playing chess or giving lectures.

Song Lian told Zhu Yuanzhang everything he knew about Zhang Shiyu's actions.

Having Zhang Shiyu as a subordinate was also a misfortune for Song Lian.

He had long disliked this kind of person.

It was perfect that the emperor happened to be there at this time.

"Mr. Song, aren't you going to do anything about Zhang Shiyu's actions?"

Zhu Yuanzhang was furious. In modern times, he had seen many people slacking off.

However, many people can only manage to do their job properly.

As a result, this guy stopped doing his job altogether.

He spends all his time lecturing and playing chess.

What the hell is this?

Even when speaking to Song Lian, her voice became less polite.

Upon seeing this, Song Lian secretly cried out in despair.

I was indeed implicated by this guy.

"Your Majesty, I have warned him many times."

But this person wouldn't listen and continued to do things his own way.

I approved his sick leave twice.

As for the rest, he requested leave, which I will not approve.

But this person didn't care about any of that.

Regardless of whether I approve it or not, once he submits the leave slip, he will never come again.

Go whenever you want.

I am equally furious with such people.

But... but there's not really a good solution.

As His Majesty said before, those who fail the exam will at most receive a smaller salary.

Only those who fail the assessment for two consecutive years will be dismissed.

"I can't think of a good punishment for you right now..."

Song Lian felt utterly helpless whenever this person was mentioned.

Faced with this stubborn, unyielding person, even this great Confucian scholar felt like a scholar encountering a soldier—unable to reason with him.

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded, not saying anything more about the matter.

Instead, he continued to look at the performance evaluation forms here.

There are things that make you unhappy, and there are things that make you happy.

For example, Ding Liang, a Hanlin Academy scholar, was only a minor ninth-rank official.

But it makes people feel very comfortable.

His official rank was low, but he did a lot of work.
From the beginning of the performance evaluation system until now, he has not missed a single day of work.

The work assigned to him was also finished long ago.

And it was always excellent.

That's not all. In addition, he did a lot of extra work that he shouldn't have been doing.

The amount of work one person can do is equivalent to that of three normal people.

And each one was done very well.

Where is Ding Liang?

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Song Lian and asked.

Their attitude was completely different when they asked about Zhang Shiyu.

"Ding Daizhao, His Majesty summons you."

As soon as Song Lian finished speaking, a person walked in from outside.

He's very young, only around thirty-five years old.

"Your Majesty, I pay my respects and inquire after your well-being."

After Ding Liang entered, he respectfully bowed to Zhu Yuanzhang.

"Haha, Minister Ding, come forward and let us take a good look at you."

Upon hearing this, Ding Liang stepped forward.

"How did you do it? How could you do so much, so well?"

"Your Majesty, I have only done my duty and fulfilled my responsibilities."

I didn't do much; I just did it on time every day.

Whenever I was assigned a task, I would immediately begin to do it without delay.

Just keep doing it step by step, and the task is done.

Even though I've finished my business, I can't just sit idle.

Having received His Majesty's salary, one should naturally share the emperor's burdens.

Do your part.

Therefore, I took the initiative to find something to do.

"Aren't you tired from doing so much?"

Zhu Yuanzhang became increasingly pleased, his smile becoming undisguised.

"Not tired. Your Majesty is busy with countless affairs of state, and the entire world rests on Your Majesty's shoulders. Yet Your Majesty is not tired."

I am but a lowly official, and I have only done some very ordinary things.

How could I be tired? I dare not even complain of being tired.

"well."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang's smile widened.

"Do you see that? This is a good official of my Great Ming Dynasty, and also the backbone of my Great Ming Dynasty."

It is precisely because of people like you that the Ming Dynasty can prosper and things can be done.

Someone like you deserves a reward.

"Your Majesty, I was merely doing my duty."

Your Majesty's praise is too much for us.

He dared not accept any reward.

"You've done more than just fulfill your duty. Compared to those who shirk their responsibilities, refuse to work, hold positions without doing anything, and just go through the motions, your behavior is truly commendable."
Why do we implement the performance evaluation system?
This was to expose people like Zhang Shiyu, who held positions of power without doing any work and were utterly rebellious.

At the same time, it is also to prevent people like Ding Qing from being obscured by such rubbish.

Ding Qing did such a good job this time, how could he not be rewarded?

Not only should performance be assessed, but it should also be paid according to the appropriate standards.

We also have an extra reward here.

Given Ding Qing's abilities, the minor rank of a ninth-grade Hanlin Academy Attendant is somewhat inadequate.

This does not match the efforts Ding Qing has made, nor does it reflect Ding Qing's talent.

From this day forward, Ding Qing shall be promoted.

He was promoted to the rank of seventh-grade compiler in the Hanlin Academy.

Upon hearing this, Ding Liang was filled with excitement.

Everyone present was filled with envy.

Unlike other departments during the Hongwu reign, the Hanlin Academy underwent rapid turnover.

Many officials were promoted very quickly.

But the Hanlin Academy was an exception.

Because of their high social standing, they were usually responsible for clerical work.

It rarely involves specific government affairs.

Comparatively speaking, very few people were dismissed from their posts or beheaded.

Ding Liang was appointed as a Hanlin Academy Compiler, a ninth-rank official. Within the Hanlin Academy, apart from the ninth-rank clerk, there was no one lower than this.

Between him and the seventh-rank compiler of the Hanlin Academy, there were the eighth rank, the eighth rank, and the seventh rank. It was equivalent to a promotion of four ranks.

The speed of this promotion is undeniably fast.

Based on the normal promotion speed, it would take at least ten years to complete such a leap.

Many people never complete this journey in their entire lives.

But now that the emperor has spoken, he has allowed Ding Liang to complete this enormous leap forward.

Many of these people were extremely envious.

How wonderful it would be if such a good thing happened to me!

Just thinking about it makes me so excited I can't sleep.

However, Ding Liang was able to be promoted so much by the emperor.

Many people admire them, but they also admire them.

Ding Liang is indeed very capable when it comes to work.

Since the implementation of the textual research method, Ding Liang has been truly busy.

I used to work very hard, but after the performance evaluation system was implemented, I worked even harder.

In the past, many people thought Ding Liang was foolish, and also felt that having someone like him was a great thing.

With him around, many people can feel more relaxed.

But now, many of them have changed their minds.
I knew the emperor would come here to personally review the performance evaluations in public as the year drew to a close.

Moreover, the emperor was so willing to spend money on this.

They gave so much all at once!

Even if they work themselves to death, they still have to perform well.

After half a year of hard work, we've saved ourselves more than a decade's worth of effort.

This is such a good deal, how many people wouldn't be envious?

Unfortunately, it's too late to envy them now.

However, some people had secretly made preparations.

Although it's late this year, and we've missed the first place.

However, due to the emperor's personality, the performance evaluation system continued to be implemented.

The multiplication test will definitely continue next year.

If you do your job well, you might be able to impress the emperor next year and have him take notice of your efforts.

Then some rewards are given.

Some people, on the other hand, are extremely frustrated.

I should have thought of that sooner!

Based on the current emperor's personality, a performance evaluation system should be introduced.

In the first year, we will definitely crack down hard.

If they seize the opportunity, they might be made an example of by the emperor.

This is like spending a fortune to buy a horse's bones.

What a bad idea!

I originally thought Ding Liang was stupid, but now it seems he's not stupid at all.

There's no one smarter than this guy.

Zhu Yuanzhang took in everyone's reactions and nodded to himself.

He was quite satisfied with the public's reaction.

This is exactly the result he wanted.

The performance evaluation system has only just been implemented, and there is still a long way to go.

So, in the first year of the implementation of the multiplication method, it was necessary for him to do something.

It is not only linked to performance, but can also, to a certain extent, promote some exemplary individuals and set some role models.

Let everyone see that working hard has a future.

Being loyal and dedicated to one's duties is also a very promising career path.

If you work hard, you can earn more than just a higher salary.

They will be given priority consideration when they are promoted in the future.

In the future, the Ming Dynasty will not only need to accumulate seniority, but also let political achievements and abilities speak for themselves.

Whoever can achieve something, whoever can get things done, then the imperial court will reward them.

Anyone who doesn't work hard will not only receive a lower salary, but will also be punished.

There should be rewards and punishments, and the type of official position one needs should be clearly stated.

This will inevitably motivate some people to do their jobs well.

Ensure that upward mobility channels are unobstructed and that the system functions normally and healthily.

Naturally, many people would be willing to do so.

There are people who like to flatter and fawn, and there are people who like to scheme and plot, but it is undeniable that at any time there are people who are loyal, dedicated, and hardworking.

Such people should be promoted and encouraged.

Those who flatter and fawn, occupying positions without contributing, need to be punished.

Only in this way can the efficiency of the government be further improved.

To better eliminate the ills left over from the Yuan Dynasty.

To give the newly established Ming Dynasty a government agency worthy of its status and efficient.

"Your Majesty, I was merely doing my duty."

That's how you receive such a favor from His Majesty.

I am ashamed to accept this.

Ding Liang prostrated himself on the ground, extremely excited.

I immediately decided that I would work even harder in the future.

I must live up to His Majesty's great favor towards me.

Zhu Yuanzhang personally helped him up.

He then had him stand beside him as a sign of favor.

This scene made many people in the Hanlin Academy's eyes turn red.

He wished he could push Ding Liang out and stand here himself.

How wonderful it would be if such a thing happened to me!

Ding Liang, that guy, seized the opportunity this time and soared to great heights.

No one in the Hanlin Academy has ever received such treatment.

Many people have made up their minds to work hard from now on.

And then, there were a lot of things to do at the Hanlin Academy.

News had already spread that the emperor was going to compile a dictionary and the Hongwu Grand Ceremony.

Next, it will be their turn to shine.

"He's back! He's back! We've found him! Zhang Xiuzhuan is back!"

Just then, a joyful and excited voice rang out from outside.

But it was Zhang Shiyu who returned.

Hearing such a commotion, many people couldn't help but perk up.

Knowing that the main event was about to begin, even Song Lian was greatly encouraged.

He had long disliked Zhang Shiyu as well.

They wanted to get rid of it.

This time, he's run into His Majesty's clutches; he's in for a world of hurt.

So, why is Zhang Shiyu so incompetent at his job, often failing to complete the tasks assigned to him?

And Song Lian still needs to be assigned tasks normally?

One of the reasons is to use the performance evaluation system to eventually get rid of it.

They should be punished.

Now, His Majesty has actually arrived here ahead of schedule to personally oversee the assessment and evaluation system.

Having witnessed the things Zhang Shiyu had done, and seeing that Zhang Shiyu dared to act recklessly as the year drew to a close, neglecting his duties at the Hanlin Academy, the emperor caught him red-handed.

This fulfilled his wish perfectly.

There are some things he can't do, but it's different when he's in a position of power.

Zhu Yuanzhang's face immediately darkened.

The smiling face she had when facing Ding Liang was gone.

Crown Prince Zhu Biao also had a serious expression on his face.

Nobody likes Zhang Shiyu.

"Your subject Zhang Shiyu pays respects to Your Majesty and His Highness the Crown Prince."

Upon arriving, Zhang Shiyu immediately knelt before Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao.

According to their official ranks, they were not normally required to perform such a grand ceremony for Zhu Yuanzhang.

You don't need to kneel when you meet the emperor.

But this time, things are clearly different.

Zhang Shiyu already knew what the emperor had done at the Hanlin Academy.

He knew exactly how well he was doing his job.

According to his original plan, if the emperor didn't come, he wouldn't fail the exam.

But...didn't the emperor say that he would only be dismissed if he failed the assessment for two consecutive years?

Therefore, there is naturally no need for him to panic too much.

Next year, I'll just work hard and complete the exam.

Besides, he's definitely not the only one who won't be able to complete the exam this year.

At that time, the attendance sheets from all the government offices will be collected together.

Even if the emperor was quite angry and punished them, with so many people present, it wouldn't be too severe.

But who could have imagined that the emperor would act so unpredictably and so utterly lacking in martial virtue?

Suddenly, contrary to his usual behavior, he went straight to the Hanlin Academy.

In this situation, he must have panicked.

If he comes here to look before considering other departments, he will stand out.

I... I really am just unlucky!
It was Zhu Yuanzhang who acted unpredictably; the fault did not lie with him.

That's what you think in your heart, but at this moment, you must have the right attitude.

His face was a little pale, and he was a little out of breath when he spoke.

We rushed here and are exhausted.

"You're Zhang Shiyu?"

Zhu Yuanzhang spoke, his voice sounding very cold.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"Come on! Take a good look at what you've been doing."

The Performance Evaluation Act was only officially implemented in May or June of this year, which is only about 180 days ago.

But you missed 103 days of work.

Tell me, how did you do it?

"Your Majesty, I...I am physically weak and prone to illness."

"I have taken sick leave..."

Zhang Shiyu tried his best to defend himself.

Being sick is the best excuse.

"You're frail? How come we didn't know that?"
What we heard is different from what you said.

You have only taken ten days of sick leave.

The rest are because you don't come yourself.

Did you take sick leave because you were sick? You went to give lectures or play chess!

Going off to improve your reputation!
"You're telling us you're weak at a time like this? Go to hell!"

Zhu Yuanzhang cursed out loud.

They were extremely impolite.

He was already annoyed by this kind of person.

Now it's all about making an example of someone to show everyone.

At that moment, naturally, they wouldn't give them a pleasant look.

Zhang Shiyu was so scolded by Zhu Yuanzhang that he knelt on the ground, not daring to raise his head, and no longer dared to argue.

Now that things have come to this, he really has nothing to argue about.

Although the emperor arrived ahead of time, catching him off guard.

There has been a significant change from what he had previously thought.

But since he had already decided to do this, he had also made certain mental preparations.

Since things have come to this point, saying more will only lead to more mistakes, and saying less will only lead to fewer mistakes.

If that's the case, then I won't say anything more.

Let the emperor say it himself.

Kill me or torture me, it's all up to you!
According to the standards previously announced by the emperor, his salary would only be halved.

At worst, I can just forgo this year's salary; that's fine too.

The emperor couldn't really do anything to himself.

"You dog, you are not worthy of serving in the Hanlin Academy!"
They don't deserve to receive our salary here!
From this day forward, you shall be expelled from the Hanlin Academy and shall never again hold an official position!
Thirty strokes of the cane, and the whole family exiled to the north to serve as commoners!

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Zhang Shiyu with disgust and announced his punishment.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Shiyu was instantly stunned...

(End of this chapter)