Do You Know?: I, the Little Cabinet Elder, Regent of the World.

Chapter 311 A Discussion Between the Ruler and His Minister, on the Eve of Retirement!
January 12th, the seventh year of the Xifeng reign.

The midday sun shines gently, and the clouds drift and gather.

The main hall of the Jiang residence.

"His Majesty."

"His Royal Highness King Yan."

Jiang Zhao raised his hand, about to bow.

But then one could see that the Emperor Zhao Ceying and Prince Zhao Shen of Yan, father and son, were seated, one in the main seat and the other to the left.

This was something the monarch would examine in his presence to show his importance.

Jiang Zhao's claim of illness is just an act.

Both the emperor and his minister were fully aware of this.

However, objectively speaking, Jiang Zhao was also a high-ranking official.

Despite claiming illness, other necessary actions still had to be performed.

Visits, comfort, and rewards—all the things that other important officials should receive when seriously ill must be provided for.

In fact, it should be even heavier, as a sign of honor.

"no."

Zhao Ceying waved his hand calmly.

"Grand Tutor, are you alright?"

A tender voice called out, but it was none other than Prince Zhao Shen of Yan.

"The civil and military officials all say you are ill, saying that you have caught a cold."

"I asked the people at the Imperial Medical Academy, and they all said it was a serious illness."

Five-year-old Prince Zhao Shen of Yan had a face full of concern and worry, showing great care.

"It's just a minor illness."

Jiang Zhaoping smiled gently, feeling relieved: "The imperial physician has come to see me and said there's nothing seriously wrong; I just need to rest a bit."

A child's nature is to be caring and attentive; this cannot be acted out.

No one dislikes a well-behaved and filial child.

"That's it!"

Zhao Shen breathed a sigh of relief and nodded repeatedly: "That's good."

"call!"

Zhao Ceying observed everything, took a sip of tea, and said earnestly, "Besides inquiring about my illness, I have come here mainly to consult on matters of state."

"Zichuan's talent is rare throughout the ages. He is truly a pillar of the nation and a cornerstone of the state. I hope you will not hesitate to speak frankly and make your point to the national policy."

With just these words, Jiang Zhao understood immediately.

Zhao Ceying's main purpose this time was to seek advice on political affairs.

After all, both the emperor and his minister were on the same page about feigning illness.

The so-called illness was, of course, pure nonsense.

Visiting to inquire about the illness was a pretense; his real purpose was to consult on political affairs!
However, this is not surprising.

The main problem is that the Zhou dynasty's operations are simply too large!

The project involved one prefecture, two capitals, and fifteen circuits, and also included reforms and innovations.

It involves many aspects, and it's quite difficult to master it.

Furthermore, once Jiang Zhao leaves, everyone will surely wonder why he feigned illness and lowered his status.

The pressure involved is considerable.

In particular, the successor should basically be prepared for disgrace and ruin.

If it's done well, that's the foundation laid by the eldest son.

If he doesn't do a good job, it's purely because the successor is incompetent, which will lead to widespread public discontent!
"Your Majesty, my knowledge is limited and I fear there may be oversights in my considerations. I hope Your Majesty will forgive me."

With a thousand thoughts swirling in his mind, Jiang Zhao agreed.

Some more important matters can also be arranged during this time.

Zhao Ceying sat upright, leaning on the armrests, deep in thought, his gaze fixed on the person to his left.

"What does Zichuan think of the King of Yan?"

Ok?
This question...

Jiang Zhao couldn't help but narrow his eyes.

As the emperor, Zhao Ceying wouldn't say anything nonsensical.

Jiang Zhao understood and respectfully said, "Prince Yan is always intelligent and has a broad mind that can encompass all things under heaven."

"Could he be the crown prince?" Zhao Ceying asked with a faint smile.

"In a century-long reign, the crown prince is usually over ten years old."

“However, the Prince of Yan is intelligent, and it is not unreasonable to establish him as the crown prince.” Jiang Zhao said with a serious expression.

"it is good."

Zhao Ceying nodded, as if he had already made up his mind.

Jiang Zhao looked on, and couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.

If Zhao Shen can seize this opportunity to be established as the crown prince, then his regents will be virtually guaranteed.

What is this called?

The future is expected!

"What is a crown prince?" Zhao Shen asked curiously.

“The Crown Prince is the same as the Crown Prince,” Zhao Ceying said gently.

"Prince?"

"Greetings, Your Highness!"

Zhao Shen's eyes lit up, and he said happily, "Father, I want to be the Crown Prince."

By now, Zhao Shen has been receiving his early education for quite some time.

I have also gained some initial understanding of what the royal family is like.

The Crown Prince is the most powerful among the princes.

At least, that's what Zhao Shen thinks.

"Okay!"

Zhao Ceying smiled calmly and agreed.

The decision to establish Zhao Shen, the Prince of Yan, as the crown prince was something he had long been prepared for.

This was already evident from the fact that they arranged for him to come into contact with Grand Chancellor Jiang Zhao.

Ordinary princes find it difficult to even leave their residences, let alone establish a deep relationship with the head of all officials.

Furthermore, the bestowal of the title of Prince of Yan is also a sign of progress.

Of course, the real decision to make is today.

There are two main reasons for this:
On the one hand, Zhao Shen was positioned as the crown prince from a young age.

On the other hand, it was to appease Grand Chancellor Jiang Zhao and put his mind at ease.

The fact that Prince Zhao of Yan was appointed Crown Prince meant that Jiang Zhao would not lack opportunities for reinstatement.

Zhao Ceying raised an eyebrow and casually decided on the crown prince, not dwelling on the matter for long.

How to maintain the new reform policies?

This was also a problem that posed a considerable challenge for him.

Grand Chancellor Jiang Zhao is undoubtedly the sole core figure of the reform movement.

Now that Jiang Zhao has been suddenly demoted, it's inevitable that some people will have wild thoughts.

Those who support the reform may become fearful and waver in their resolve to implement it.

Those who oppose the reforms may also make a comeback and stir up trouble for no reason.

That's difficult!

In just a moment, Jiang Zhao had already formed a plan in his mind.

Jiang Zhao frowned symbolically and said slowly:
"I have three plans."

"The worst course of action is to have the Imperial College publish a newspaper for propaganda purposes, which will surely reassure the people."

"The drawback of this strategy is that it is too slow to take effect and the results are not necessarily good."

"Where's Zhongce?"

Zhao Ceying shared the same view on the worst possible strategy.

Purely promotional content is unlikely to be very effective.

"A good strategy is for the Emperor to frequently mention the new policies, which can also reassure the people," Jiang Zhao said earnestly.

This is essentially an expanded version of a propaganda tactic.

Combining imperial authority with propaganda would certainly be more effective than using newspapers.

"No good." Zhao Ceying shook his head, still not satisfied: "What's the best strategy?"

Jiang Zhao narrowed his eyes, his expression gradually becoming serious.

Immediately, he said heavily:

"kill!"

The best course of action is to kill!
Opponents are making a comeback? Kill them!

Neutrality is inciting unrest? Kill!

Murder has always been the most direct way to establish deterrence.

Killing a group of people would make the world realize that the government is still firmly supporting and maintaining the reform.

In this way, people's hearts can be at ease.

Simple and direct, and the results are extraordinary!

Of course, this also presents a problem:
Is Zhao Ceying the kind of person who would kill officials?
Hmm... without a doubt, definitely!
In the first year of the Xifeng reign, in order to depose and install the empress, even one of the Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet was demoted. Even the old Grand Tutor Wang You, who had already entered the Imperial Ancestral Temple, was affected and was removed from the palace.

In the second year of the Xifeng reign, without exception, any tea merchant who dared to provoke the bank had their property confiscated and their entire family wiped out.

In the fourth year of the Xifeng reign, Jiang Zhao was assassinated, and dozens of families of military and noble families were exterminated, with some families being wiped out and others having their entire clan executed.

Those were the ironclad titles of dozens of households, "hereditary and perpetual"!
In addition, in the fourth and sixth years of the Xifeng reign, he personally led troops on two separate expeditions, commanding them in battle.

Such emperors are never lacking in bloodlust.

As for whether being seriously ill could affect his decision?

All I can say is that when someone is sick, the killing is even more ruthless!
as predicted.

Once the best strategy was decided, Zhao Ceying nodded repeatedly.

"it is good!"

"I understand."

Clearly, the best strategy satisfied him greatly.

"Thirdly, is it appropriate to implement new policies in the next two years?" Zhao Ceying continued to ask.

This was actually asking for Jiang Zhao's opinion.

Jiang Zhao's demotion was truly a case of "plans not keeping up with changes".

Zhao Ceying meant that if Jiang Zhao's original plan included new policies that had to be implemented in the next two years, he could entrust those policies to him.

"Originally, there should have been two decrees."

Jiang Zhao remained calm: "One topic concerns scientific research innovation, and the other concerns land reform."

Zhao Ceying nodded, looking like she was asking for advice.

"Regarding scientific research reform, the Qingli New Deal included relevant policies."

Jiang Zhao explained: "Exempt from the imperial examination, emphasize policy essays, observe moral conduct, and reduce favoritism. These twelve characters alone basically encapsulate Fan Zhongyan's policies."

"The decree was issued, which aroused considerable resistance, but the late emperor was not steadfast in his nature, and in the end, nothing came of it."

Zhao Ceying nodded knowingly.

He had also studied the series of policies of the Qingli Reforms.

The so-called exemption from the examination of "memorial texts and interpretations" and emphasis on the examination of "policy questions and current affairs" means exempting the examination of "memorial texts and interpretations" and emphasizing the examination of "policy questions and current affairs".

The imperial examination in spring mainly consists of three parts:
The first examination was on the meaning of the calligraphy and ink inscriptions.

The second examination was a policy question on current affairs.

The three examinations are: argument, judgment, edict, proclamation, and memorial.

Among them, the policy questions are more comprehensive and tend to examine students' political and governance abilities.

Discussions, judgments, edicts, proclamations, and memorials are clearly part of the daily work of officials and have considerable reference value.

The only thing that is generally accepted to be the rigid interpretation of calligraphy classics is that they are mostly content that needs to be memorized.

Aside from the knowledge that needs to be memorized, most of the other content can be learned by following a template. At that time, Fan Zhongyan believed that the "calligraphic interpretations" were not very meaningful, so he deliberately emphasized policy essays and current affairs, even making them the sole criterion for whether or not someone could be listed on the imperial examinations.

As a result, some old Confucian scholars inevitably started making a scene.

For old Confucian scholars, who had memorized books for decades and were hoping to be listed on the honor roll for their "calligraphy and interpretation of classic texts," their resistance was naturally very fierce.

The two points, examining virtue and reducing favoritism, are not difficult to understand.

Observing one's moral character is essentially a political vetting process.

Those who made it onto the Ministry of Rites' list were not yet considered truly on the list.

Fan Zhongyan intended to send some imperial censors to the students' hometowns to inquire about their daily conduct.

Only those who pass the tests in both knowledge and moral character can be considered truly on the list.

Unsurprisingly, this also met with some resistance.

Of course, the resistance was not strong.

The reduction of hereditary privileges mainly targets the hereditary privilege system for officials.

Generally speaking, when an official who has donned the purple robe retires in old age, he will usually tacitly allow one of his descendants to enter officialdom and continue his wealth and status.

However, officials who received such favors were actually subject to considerable discrimination.

Generally speaking, they don't go very far. Even if they have the political resources of their elders, they are mostly limited to the sixth or seventh rank.

Of course, there are also occasional individuals with exceptional talent who rise to high positions through patronage.

Just like Xia Song, the Grand Chancellor during the reign of the late emperor, who came from a privileged background.

He rose step by step to become the head of all officials through the privileges bestowed upon him by imperial favor!

In practice, the reduction of hereditary privilege was a system purely aimed at high-ranking officials.

Lü Yijian and Xia Song, two high-ranking officials, both opposed the movement, demonstrating the strength of the resistance.

Ultimately, it naturally came to nothing.

"Scientific research reform." Zhao Ceying squinted and asked, "What are your plans, Zichuan?"

“A new subject has been added, focusing on skills,” Jiang Zhao replied without hesitation.

The so-called skills are a collection of a large category, including astronomy, solar terms, feng shui, medicine, arithmetic, the movement of the sun and moon, architectural design, water conservancy construction, metallurgy and shipbuilding.

This includes "science" from a thousand years later.

During the era when Confucianism flourished, science was not valued.

Eight or nine out of ten science subjects were incorporated into the "Science and Dao" section, which was assessed separately and was not considered mainstream.

Among the officials in the censorate, none have ever truly risen to a high position.

However, Jiang Zhao knew the importance of this matter and naturally took it seriously.

"Technique?"

Zhao Ceying was taken aback.

He didn't quite understand why Jiang Zhao valued skills so much.

But upon further reflection, it only took a moment for me to understand its meaning.

After all, the bombs and cannons that made the Great Zhou military so powerful were essentially tricks.

"However, the subject of arts and crafts also involves the compilation and dissemination of teaching materials."

"This depends on semi-free education."

Jiang Zhao calmly said, "This is not something that can be accomplished in one or two years, so it is not feasible to promote it for the time being."

What about land reform?

Zhao Ceying asked.

In just a few words, he gained a general understanding of the scientific research reforms.

However, apart from Jiang Qing, probably no one in the entire court could accomplish this task.

As a monarch, he was able to withstand the pressure.

But others couldn't withstand it.

Moreover, the abilities of others are insufficient to support scientific research innovation.

"Land reform is mainly aimed at local landlords," Jiang Zhao said calmly.

"Landlord?" Zhao Ceying was somewhat surprised.

Furthermore, it is known that Jiang Zhao is a scion of a prominent local family.

When it comes to land, aren't the local powerful clans typical large landowners?
How could someone possibly turn the butcher's knife against themselves?

"Land is the foundation of a great clan and should not be touched lightly."

Jiang Zhao explained, "The so-called land reform is nothing more than concentrating the land."

"Among the tenants of the world, there are large landowners and small landowners. Large landowners have more stable rental prices, rarely change the price, and value credit. Small landowners have unstable rental prices, often change the price, even in years of good harvest, and do not keep their word, which makes the tenants live in fear, ruin their families, and even make farming uncertain."

"In my humble opinion, it might be appropriate to establish a department specifically to manage land rental matters."

"Whenever land is rented, a three-part contract shall be drafted."

"Landlords rent land from the government, and the government rents land from the people. In this way, the people can farm with peace of mind."

In short, it is an alternative form of "land being nationalized".

In feudal times, simply nationalizing land was definitely not feasible.

However, let's look at it another way.

In the name of the nation, we rent all the land under heaven!
Thus, the state is both the intermediary and the de facto owner of the land.

Once this is realized, any management matters will definitely become much easier.

The country and its people will certainly be more stable than ever before.

After all, in the entire country, with its one prefecture, two capitals, and fifteen circuits, there were countless disputes between tenants and landlords over land rentals.

Of course, implementing this decree will not be easy.

The main issue is that when the government rents land, it inevitably involves the problem of "price reduction," which certainly affects the interests of the landlords.

Two major innovations, one after another, were heard.

Zhao Ceying sighed and shook his head repeatedly.

I can't do a single thing!
It sounds difficult enough, let alone actually implementing it?
"Ugh!"

"For now, let's continue with the old policies. Consider it a time for the people to rest."

Jiang Zhao nodded without saying a word.

"Furthermore, I also wish that Zichuan would recognize talent and recommend virtuous individuals," Zhao Ceying said earnestly.

Jiang Zhao understood.

This was actually to put his mind at ease.

It's like arranging for a group of your own people to step in before you downgrade yourself.

Of course, this approach is indeed very reassuring.

"Zhang Ziping was forty-eight years old at the time, a time when he was full of energy and determined to make a name for himself in history."

Jiang Zhao didn't stand on ceremony and recommended him, saying, "I believe he could be given an important position."

As the Minister of Rites, a high-ranking official of the second rank, Zhang Heng continued to be highly regarded, and naturally, he was appointed as the Grand Secretary.

In fact, according to Jiang Zhao's plan, Zhang Heng was to succeed Zhang Fangping.

Or rather, it wasn't just Jiang Zhao, but the entire Jiang faction made the same decision.

If Zhang Fangping were to retire, Zhang Heng would then take his place in the cabinet.

If Zhang Fangping continues to serve, Zhang Heng will have to endure another three years.

Anyway, the Ministry of Rites has the benefits of presiding over the imperial examinations, and Zhang Heng is still young, so it wouldn't be a loss for him to continue for three more years.

But who would have thought that plans could not keep up with changes?

Jiang Zhao is resigning!
"Ah."

Zhao Ceying nodded.

Zhang Heng is a typical pragmatic talent, and he will definitely be included in the cabinet.

"Wang Anshi and Lü Huiqing have been demoted for some time now."

"I believe it is possible to transfer him back," Jiang Zhao continued.

His recommendations of talent were not limited to people from Jiang's faction.

This is the kind of vision a prime minister should have.

"Alright." Zhao Ceying nodded calmly.

Both Wang Anshi and Lü Huiqing were demoted due to internal strife.

One was demoted to Grand Protector of the Southwest Protectorate, where he accumulated experience in governance and recruited former officials and students; the other was demoted to Director of Studies at the Imperial Academy, responsible for matters related to semi-free education.

Now, it's time to promote them.

“He Zhen, the magistrate of Jiangdu County, has made great contributions to the breeding of Champa rice. He may be promoted to the position of Director of Agriculture in the Ministry of Agriculture.”

He Zhen, the magistrate of Jiangdu County, was the one whom Jiang Zhao had promised a "guaranteed fifth-rank retirement".

At that time, Jiang Zhao promised him that if he could remove the bitterness through breeding, he would be guaranteed a "lowest rank of fifth grade and a life of honor."

It has been seven or eight years since the third year of the self-governing period.

Admittedly, the Champa rice has not been eliminated in much way, but it has at least achieved some results.

Jiang Zhao has always been trustworthy.

Taking advantage of his self-demotion, he promoted He Zhen to the rank of fifth-grade Siyue, which could be considered as giving him an explanation.

“Zichuan is a truly trustworthy person.”

Zhao Ceying couldn't help but clap his hands, showing his strong approval.

As the Champa rice was promoted, the story of He Zhen and Jiang Zhao gradually spread, becoming quite well-known, if not ubiquitous.

Jiang Zhao made a promise and singled out a minor official of the seventh rank; wasn't that a sign of trust?
"In addition, Zhang Dun, Su Shi, and Su Zhe."

About three incense sticks' worth of time.

"call!"

Zhao Ceying stood up and let out a long breath.

"After asking this question, I have a better understanding of the situation."

"Your Majesty, this humble subject respectfully sees you off!" Jiang Zhao bowed respectfully.

"Ah."

Zhao Ceying nodded, then asked, "Around May, would Zichuan like to accompany me on a trip to Mount Tai?"

The Fengshan ceremony at Mount Tai takes place around the end of May.

This time of year happens to coincide with a leadership transition.

In order not to waste time, a group of people who had not yet been replaced accompanied the driver.

Just like Grand Secretary Yu Jing, who is about to retire, but is also a candidate to accompany him.

In theory, Jiang Zhao, as the Grand Master, should also accompany the emperor.

"No."

Jiang Zhao shook his head: "I am ill and should not travel far."

The Fengshan ceremony at Mount Tai, which involved a visit without offering sacrifices, is frankly nothing special.

Jiang Zhao didn't want to steal the spotlight.

Zhao Ceying sighed, took Yan Yun and Zhao Shen's hands, and strode out.

In Zhao Shen's hand, there was also an article, which was "Preface to Sending Off Prince Zhao Shen of Yan" written by Jiang Zhao.

After about ten breaths, the imperial carriage disappeared.

Jiang Zhao shook his head and sighed silently.

Around February, the imperial examinations will be held.

Around March, adjustments to official positions had already been made.

Around May, the emperor would travel to Mount Tai.

Judging from this, he would have to find a time to demote himself around April.

The self-deprecating letter should also be submitted.

After all, there's still the possibility of persuading them to stay!

"Hesheng, have someone send my self-deprecating letter from my study to the cabinet!" Jiang Zhao said calmly.

Since the second year of the Jiayou era, he has been in officialdom for fifteen years, and has always been in a state of high tension.

Now, it's time to go back and rest for a while.

"Yes!"

……

(End of this chapter)