Take control of Wei Zhongxian at the start and confiscate 100 million from him!

Chapter 329: Merit is not judged by literary style, but solely by concrete achievements.

In the Ming Dynasty, regarding the Jurchens and even matters of the court, there were two types of people: those who wanted to win and those who wanted to win the debate.

Those who truly want to win consider the big picture and plan for the outcome.

In their eyes, the world is a grand game of chess, and every move must be calculated, with no room for regret once a move is made.

They are quick, ruthless, and accurate in their actions, always heading straight for their ultimate goal.

As for what methods were used in the process, whether they were aboveboard or underhanded, it doesn't matter.

As long as we can ultimately win, stabilize the Ming Dynasty, and write our achievements in history, that will be enough!
Those who only want to "win the debate" are a completely different story. Their battlefield is not in Liaodong, not on the border, but right here in the Golden Palace, right on their mouths.

They used their tongues as weapons and the classics as their armory. When arguing with others, they quoted extensively from scriptures and spoke eloquently. As long as they could refute their opponents and leave them speechless, and appear to be learned and morally upright in front of the officials, they felt it was a great victory and felt extremely satisfied.

As for whether the matter was actually accomplished or not, and whether the national treasury was empty or full, they were not so concerned.

This is exactly what the old saying means: "Idle talk ruins the country," and it's absolutely true.

A year ago, when Zhu Youjian looked around the court, he saw that most of the officials were the latter type of people.

They all basked in the glow of integrity and uprightness, believing that the world should be governed by reason.

But what is their reasoning?

It is the principles in books, the benevolence and morality spoken of by Confucius and Mencius.

As a result, the imperial court became quite lively.

They can argue about the whereabouts of a sum of money or grain from the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors all the way to the founding emperor of the current dynasty, insisting on finding out the exact details, and half a day will pass just like that; they can go through the character of the candidate's ancestors for eight generations and talk about it in great detail when it comes to who should get an official position.

They were deeply intoxicated by the pleasure of controlling everything with words and morality, as if as long as they won the argument in the court, the Ming Dynasty would be as solid as a rock, and the Jurchens outside the Great Wall would be so frightened by their reputation that they would run away in terror!

They are among the most intelligent people in the world; they can recite poems and essays with ease, and can recite classics and historical texts fluently.

But now, all of that is in the past!
Today, every official who still holds a place in the capital's bureaucracy, whether a Grand Secretary of the Cabinet or a minor official in a ministry, has been branded with a burning mark in their bones and has come to understand a truth that chills them to the bone—the current Emperor does not "reason" with you!

Or rather, the emperor's principles and their principles are no longer the same thing.

The emperor disliked idle talk and abhorred empty words.

He used only one word, a word unheard of in the past courts, yet carrying immense weight at this moment—"achievements and accomplishments."

These two words encapsulate His Majesty's principles, his efficiency, and his sole criterion for judging the merits of his subjects.

What is meant by "substantial achievements"?
It's about whether you can get things done, whether you can get things done well, and whether you can get things done quickly!

The criteria for judgment are simple to the point of being brutal, yet sharp as a drawn sword, shattering the deeply entrenched rules and social customs of the past.

In today's imperial court, you can no longer hold a high position simply because you are famous!

In today's imperial court, you can no longer rise to prominence simply by writing good articles!

Countless self-proclaimed literary talents, who could compose thousands of words in a single sitting, submitted memorials to His Majesty, only to have them criticized as empty of substance and pretentious, thus ending their path to promotion.

In today's imperial court, you can no longer guarantee victory simply by having many people recommending you.

Forming cliques and factions was once the only way to succeed in officialdom.

But now, the emperor detests this, and the more people recommended, the more vigilant and suspicious the emperor becomes!

The only thing that can allow you to gain a foothold in this Forbidden City is one thing—what exactly have you accomplished for the Emperor and for the Ming Dynasty within your duties?

Officials of the Ministry of Revenue, have you increased the amount of money and grain in the national treasury?

Officials of the Ministry of Works, have you dredged the waterways and strengthened the city's defenses?
Officials of the Ministry of War, have you ensured that the military equipment is sufficient and that the soldiers are well-trained?

Censor of the Censorate, is the person you impeached truly corrupt and lawless, and is the evidence conclusive?
Everything must be backed by tangible achievements.

Can't produce it? Then there's only one word—"Get out."

"Not judging merit by literary talent, but by actual achievements." This saying, whose origins are unknown, accurately summarizes the current state of officialdom.

Under such swift and decisive measures, those in the capital's officialdom who "only sought to win arguments" were either dismissed, demoted, or forced to shut up.

The remaining people had no choice but to rack their brains to become the ones who "seeked to win".

Thus, the emperor's first grand court assembly upon returning to the capital was held in such an eerie and oppressive atmosphere.

The scale of the court assembly on this day far exceeded that of usual.

Before dawn, the sky was still a hazy, bluish-gray, with only a faint, pale light peeking through the eastern horizon.

However, from East Chang'an Street to West Chang'an Street, the imperial road leading to Chengtian Gate of the Imperial City was already bustling with carriages and people.

One after another, sedan chairs, some green and some blue, were surrounded by their servants, flowing into the torrent heading to the Forbidden City.

In the past, when officials met on the road, they would always lift the curtain of their sedan chairs to exchange a few pleasantries, probe each other's thoughts, and exchange information about the court.

Today, however, most sedan chair curtains are drawn tightly, and even if a familiar colleague occasionally catches their eye, they can only give a perfunctory bow before quickly passing by.

An invisible tension, like a thick fog, enveloped everyone's hearts.

Because everyone had received a notice: today's court assembly requires all officials of the sixth rank or above in the capital, regardless of whether they are from ministries, departments, or courts, to attend.

What a spectacle!

On ordinary days, those who could enter the Hall of Supreme Harmony to meet the Emperor during the grand court assembly were only officials from the Grand Secretariat, the Six Ministries, the Censorate, the Court of Judicial Review, and the Office of Transmission, along with some censors and officials from the Censorate. But today, the scope has expanded to include many assistant officials and important ministers who usually only report to their respective ministries and rarely see the Emperor's face.

After the officials had their waist tokens checked outside the palace gates, they filed in and walked to the steps of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, where the scene was truly magnificent.

On the huge white marble plaza, the buildings were arranged in solemn squares according to rank, with civil officials to the east and military officials to the west.

The once empty square was now completely filled with officials in various official robes.

Crimson robes, blue robes, and green robes surged in the morning light like distinct waves of water.

Those of lower rank, like Song Yingxing, didn't even have the right to stand in the square.

Forty-two-year-old Song Yingxing was one of those people in the crowded throng.

Today he was wearing a blue official robe of the fourth rank, with a lifelike wild goose embroidered on the robe.

He had been wearing this official robe for less than six months and was still somewhat unaccustomed to it.

The title of "Chancellor of the Academy of Sciences" is a brand-new official position in a newly established government office.

In the eyes of those traditional literati, this was "a mere trick or a frivolous skill," unworthy of being presented in a respectable manner.

Therefore, although Song Yingxing, the chief priest, held the rank of fourth grade, in the eyes of many colleagues he was just an insignificant "master craftsman".

Song Yingxing didn't seem to care at all.

He was a pragmatic man by nature, spending half his life immersed in the fields, workshops and mines, investigating practical matters, and compiling "Tiangong Kaiwu" (The Exploitation of the Works of Nature).

To be appreciated by the emperor and to use one's lifelong learning for the country is already a great fortune; why care about empty fame?

At this moment, he was submerged in the vast sea of ​​people outside the Hall of Supreme Harmony, and naturally could not see the high platform and the dragon throne inside the hall.

Song Yingxing could only squeeze into the crowd below the steps with his colleagues in front and behind him, barely able to see the tall and majestic lintel and corners of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, as well as the Jinyiwei captains standing at the entrance like statues.

All around were countless figures dressed in similar official robes, their faces, whether old, middle-aged, or young, all stern, exuding a sense of solemnity and tension.

No one whispered among themselves; the only sounds were the soft rustling of official boots on the gold bricks and the gentle hum of the morning breeze blowing through the wings of the official hats.

Song Yingxing lowered his eyes, mimicking others by looking down at their noses and focusing on their inner thoughts, adopting a respectful and solemn posture.

Everyone knew in their hearts that such a grand spectacle must mean something big was about to happen, and that this big event was most likely related to the ministerial positions that had been vacant for months.

"His Majesty has arrived!"

A long, sharp shout echoed from the depths of the hall, like an invisible whip lashing at the heartstrings of everyone present. "Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"

A deafening roar of worship erupted from inside the hall, then spread outwards in concentric circles, engulfing the entire square.

Following the crowd, Song Yingxing bowed deeply, bending over with a long bow.

After the ceremony, the crowd remained completely silent, as if even their breathing had stopped.

All eyes peered through the gaps between people, through the massive palace gates, and toward that vague yet supreme place.

Inside the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the atmosphere was even more somber and heavy.

Zhu Youjian, dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe, sat solemnly on the throne.

His gaze was unfocused, yet it seemed to take in the expressions of every minister in the hall.

His gaze, though not angry, carried an imposing authority and a sharp insight into people's hearts, causing every minister to subconsciously lower their heads.

Your Highness, Wen Tiren, Grand Secretary of the Wenhua Hall and Minister of Rites, and Bi Ziyan, Grand Secretary of the Wuying Hall and Minister of Revenue, stood solemnly at the head of all officials, one on the left and one on the right.

These two are the only remaining ministers in the court who are best able to understand the emperor's intentions and are most trusted by him.

The first half of today's court assembly almost became a "tacit performance" between the three of them.

The emperor toured the south for several months. Although imperial edicts were conveyed by messengers, many important matters were ultimately decided and implemented only on a small scale.

At the time, these actions were seen as the emperor's absolute decision-making and swift action.

But now that he's back in the capital, facing the entire court of officials, he still has to go through the proper formalities.

First, Bi Ziyan stepped forward, holding an ivory tablet, and loudly reported on the financial benefits brought about by the cleanup of the salt administration in Jiangnan, the rectification of the canal transport, and the trial opening of sea voyages during the southern tour.

He rattled off astonishing figures one after another, like boulders thrown into a calm lake.

"...In summary, since His Majesty's southern tour and the investigation of the Huaiyang salt tax, 32 million taels of silver have been recovered to make up for the losses of previous years; since the opening of the Maritime Trade Office, a total of 3.28 million taels of customs duties have been collected... All of this is due to His Majesty's divine power and insight into the malpractices. We, your humble servants, have merely followed His Majesty's orders and done our best."

Bi Ziyan's voice was steady and powerful, every word resounding.

He only talks about numbers and results, and never utters a single falsehood.

There was dead silence in the hall.

These figures are incredibly shocking to those officials who usually only know how to talk about principles!
They had debated the issue of "insufficient national funds" for years, even decades, but the emperor's trip south, lasting only a few months, unlocked such enormous wealth.

How could they possibly accept this?

Zhu Youjian remained expressionless, merely humming indifferently, his expression revealing neither joy nor anger.

Next, Wen Tiren stepped forward.

Compared to Bi Ziyan's practicality, Wen Tiren was more adept at the superficial; what he sought to improve were the political formalities.

"Your Majesty," Wen Tiren bowed and said, "Your Majesty is wise. During your southern tour, you established a 'coalition of attack and defense' with the King of Joseon. This is the benevolence and righteousness of our Great Ming in 'preserving the nation from extinction' and the foresight in 'resisting foreign invaders'. The Ministry of Rites has prepared a letter of state in accordance with Your Majesty's decree and announced it to the world."

The King of Joseon, deeply grateful, has sent envoys to the court. They are currently at the reception hall, awaiting Your Majesty's summons. This act has terrified the Jurchens, deterring them from any rash action; it is truly a superior strategy of subduing the enemy without a fight. Your Majesty, and the Ming Dynasty, congratulations!

His words were impeccable.

It not only points out the outcome of the matter—"the Jurchens were terrified and dared not act rashly"—but also gives the matter a high-sounding reputation for benevolence and foresight, perfectly embedding the emperor's actions into the Confucian discourse system.

This is Wen Tiren's skill.

He always managed to repackage the emperor's seemingly unreasonable iron-fisted methods as wise decisions that were in line with the way of sages.

The emperor simply nodded, his gaze sweeping over the officials below.

The entire hall was so quiet you could hear your own heartbeat.

Does anyone dare to say "no"?
They dare not.

The lessons of the past are still fresh in our minds.

The last person who dared to reason with the emperor in court was Qian Longxi.

The one before that is the now-famous Qian Qianyi, known for his "too cold" water.

As for Zhou Yanru, his entire clan was wiped out.

These bloody examples, like sharp knives, hang over the heads of every official.

They finally realized that arguing with this young emperor would not end well.

Silence is the only right choice at this moment.

Looking at the silent officials below him, a barely perceptible hint of mockery flashed in Zhu Youjian's eyes.

He knew that this silence did not represent agreement, but rather fear.

But he doesn't care!
What he needs is an efficient imperial bureaucracy that can carry out his will, not a debate that is always arguing!
The formalities that needed to be performed have been completed.

Next up is the main event of the day.

The thoughts of everyone in the hall all drifted to the same place.

Bi Ziyan concurrently served as Minister of Revenue, and Wen Tiren was a Grand Secretary of the Cabinet. The positions of Minister of Rites and Minister of Revenue were thus secured.

But... but before the emperor's southern tour, he dismissed four ministers in one fell swoop: the Ministers of Works, the Minister of Personnel, the Minister of War, and the Minister of Justice!
Which of these four government offices wasn't incredibly powerful and influential?

The Ministry of Works is in charge of all engineering and construction projects in the country. Now that His Majesty is undertaking large-scale construction projects, repairing the capital garrison and building new ships, the importance of these projects is self-evident.

The Ministry of Justice, in charge of all criminal cases, is the state's sword, holding the power of life and death.

The Ministry of War, which oversees the nation's military and political affairs, is of paramount importance at this critical juncture, with the Jurchens eyeing us covetously from the outside and bandits causing chaos everywhere from within.

And the Ministry of Personnel!
The Minister of Personnel, known as the "Heavenly Official," was in charge of the promotion and demotion of officials throughout the land, a position that countless people dreamed of reaching!

The positions of Ministers in these four ministries had been vacant for several months, and the Vice Ministers and Directors below them were all acting as their deputies, eagerly awaiting their turn.

Now that the emperor has returned to the capital and sorted out the affairs of the southern tour, the next step must be to fill the vacancies of these four ministers!

This is the real purpose of summoning so many officials to court today!
This is the key to determining the future structure of the imperial court and whether countless people will have a prosperous official career or remain stagnant!
Upon thinking of this, the atmosphere in the main hall, which had just become somewhat subdued due to the reports from Bi Ziyan and Wen Tiren, instantly became thick and sticky again!

Countless gazes began to converge and collide in the shadows.

Some people were secretly calculating whether their qualifications and achievements were enough to qualify them for the position of Vice Minister.

Some people were quietly observing, looking to see who had the calmest expression, seemingly confident.

Some people prayed frantically in their hearts, hoping that the emperor would favor them or their faction.

A complex atmosphere, mingled with longing, jealousy, anxiety, and fear, permeated every corner of the Imperial Palace, both silent and surging.

Although Song Yingxing, who was outside the hall, could not see the scene inside, he could clearly feel the change in atmosphere.

That was the deathly stillness before the storm, the extreme tension of a hunter drawing back his bowstring, the arrow nocked but not yet released!

The officials around him seemed to be breathing more heavily.

Song Yingxing sighed softly.

He knew that a new power reshuffle was about to begin.

What role will Xu Guangqi and his "investigation of things to acquire knowledge" play in this traditional power game?
Will we drift with the tide, or... become the reef that changes the direction of the tide?

Song Yingxing didn't know.

He could only wait quietly, just like everyone else inside and outside the hall.

Waiting for the emperor, who sits high on the dragon throne, to utter those names that will determine the fate of countless people!
(End of this chapter)