Chapter 91: Waiting for Employment, Step by Step

The Beijing Camp system has not had a long-term establishment since Yu Qian.

It evolved several times during the Tianshun, Chenghua, and Zhengde reigns.

The establishment used now was set by Emperor Shizong in the twenty-ninth year of the Emperor Jiajing reign.

The Beijing Camps are divided into three major camps, including the Five Military Camps and the Divine Machine Camp, with one military general as Governor and a civil official as Assistant.

Although there is one Governor and one Assistant, the high and low are clear at a glance.

But as the saying goes, whoever has the power of personnel and economy has the final say.

From the Emperor Longqing reign, if the Beijing Camps wanted to promote grassroots military officers such as Hao Tou, Zhong Jun, Qian Ba Zong, etc., they had to be reviewed and approved by the Ministry of War before being submitted to the Emperor for approval.

As for the middle-level military officers such as Fu, Can, You, Zuo, etc., they were recommended by the Governor of the Beijing Camps and the Assistant in Charge of Military Affairs, and then reported to the Emperor for approval by the Ministry of War.

Military pay goes without saying, but without passing this level of the Ministry of War, don't even think about getting a copper coin.

Even if the Emperor wants to issue rewards, he will be blocked by the Ministry of War with "the difference in interests, labor and leisure is too far" from the border army.

Therefore, the position of Vice Minister of the Ministry of War and Assistant in Charge of Military Affairs can be said to be the real speaker of the Beijing Camps.

Originally, Zhu Zhu Yijun just intended to use Zhao Zhao Kongzhao, a patient, to occupy this position so as not to hinder Gu Gu Huan's hands and feet.

But now that the situation has changed, it is not bad to fight for this position.

It can speed up the reorganization of the Beijing Camps.

As soon as Li Li Zaiting's words came out, those who were interested were immediately alert.

Huo Ji frowned and said coldly: "Supervising Secretary Li, don't be too harsh on colleagues. Who doesn't have a disease?"

"Tan Lun also has lung disease, isn't he also entrusted with important tasks by the Emperor?"

Li Li Zaiting didn't argue with Huo Ji and stood back in the class slowly.

Impeachment by a censor means requesting retirement; this is a precedent, and no one can avoid it.

Moreover, Zhao Zhao Kongzhao had long had the intention to retire, but he was a candidate acceptable to both the Emperor and the Ministry of War, so he was pulled and not allowed to leave.

Now Li Li Zaiting shouted, making some arguments, not to put pressure on Zhao Zhao Kongzhao, but to make the court officials argue, so that the Emperor could mediate in the middle.

Just at this time, the Emperor on the imperial steps finally opened his mouth.

"Enough, I understand what the officials mean."

Zhu Zhu Yijun paused and continued: "However, nobles have merit to the dynasty, and reducing punishment is also an ancestral law. If we deal with it heavily, it will really make it difficult for the two mothers, the Empress Dowagers."

"I will discuss this matter with my mother again, and then discuss it."

"As for Minister Zhao's illness and inability to handle affairs, he should rest well and wait for recovery. Don't mention the talk of removing him from office again!"

If a decision is made in the court, the heat is still not enough.

Wait for it to ferment for a day or two, and discuss it widely, then Zhu Zhu Yijun can come down to be this referee.

Blowing wind in court deliberation, arguing in memorials, and the Emperor refereeing are necessary steps, and also the simplest path to realize imperial power.

Since the Emperor spoke to take a break, the officials were not good at continuing.

Only some people who were interested looked at each other, exchanged eyes, and made preparations to deal with it in their hearts.

The matters of court deliberation always come one after another.

Subsequently, there was an argument in the court about the salt patrol silver brought back by Hai Rui.

How much silver the Ministry and Department can control is directly related to the size of their own power, so naturally, no one will be polite and yield at this time.

The Court of Imperial Sacrifices cried poor until Zhu Zhu Yijun felt embarrassed, saying that in order to receive supplies, they had already begun to sell copper and iron waste and remaining koji blocks.

And Zhu Heng, Minister of Works, who is usually diligent and rarely involved in right and wrong, was also blushing and thick-necked in the court deliberation.

One moment it was twenty-three water gates, and the next it was the construction of gate towers, public offices, barracks, etc., because the Zhaoling Guard was set up in Changping Prefecture.

Zhu Zhu Yijun was not good at managing it—Zhang Hong cried poor for the inner treasury, and it was even more tearful, and everyone was no different.

After arguing for more than half an hour, a result was finally discussed.

The Six Ministries took what they needed, the cabinet cut and divided the silver, and the Emperor sat and endorsed it.

A court deliberation divided the remaining silver from the last time cleanly, and each returned to the treasury.

Everyone's face looked like they had suffered a big loss, but they were happy in their hearts—it was extra silver divided, and there would definitely be a lot in the future, which would help expand the power of the Ministry and Department.

Everyone was in a good mood, and the subsequent discussion went smoothly.

Quickly went through the recommendation of Zou Zou Yinglong, Governor of Yunnan, the granting of the son of Vice Censor-in-Chief Ruan Wenzhong to the Imperial Academy, and the sacrifice of the former Minister of Rites Zhang Mao in the Zhengxue Shrine.

Even the disaster relief and tax exemption for the earthquake in Xuzhou Prefecture, Sichuan, the Ministry of Revenue did not hesitate at all.

Until noon, the court deliberation of the day ended.

The Emperor's figure disappeared on the imperial steps in advance.

The court officials also left one after another.

In groups of three or five, each had their own discussions.

Xu Jie looked at Wang Wang Chonggu, who was led to the side hall for a separate response, twice, and then withdrew his gaze after a while, slowly standing up.

As soon as he stood still, he found his arm being supported.

He didn't need to turn his head to know who it was.

Xu Jie said indifferently: "There is no need for this in the court. It's not like we haven't been officials in the same court before."

Zhang Zhang Juzheng shook his head: "At that time, both the teacher and I were in the cabinet, so naturally we had to avoid suspicion."

"Now that the teacher is idle, it doesn't matter."

The so-called consultation, only talking about real power, is probably not as good as a secretary of the secretariat, so it saves the suspicion of party cliques.

After all, he is a seventy-year-old minister, and supporting him as a courtesy is not something people will gossip about.

Xu Jie gave no indication.

He said playfully: "Why didn't you discuss the matter of re-sacrificing Emperor Yuan Shizu of Yuan in the court deliberation today?"

When Xu Jie entered the city yesterday, he heard that the Emperor was sacrificing to the emperors of the past dynasties, and finally asked why there was no Emperor Yuan Shizu of Yuan among the emperors of the past dynasties, and finally ended with the Emperor's remote sacrifice.

This naturally provoked a debate within the Ministry of Rites and the Court of Imperial Sacrifices.

He thought this was the preparation for the Emperor to re-sacrifice Emperor Yuan Shizu of Yuan, but today in the court deliberation, everyone didn't mention it, which made Xu Jie a little puzzled.

Zhang Zhang Juzheng supported Xu Jie out of the hall and explained: "Yesterday, someone speculated on the holy intention and submitted a memorial saying that our dynasty is in the same line as the former Yuan and is also the orthodox of China, so we should re-sacrifice Emperor Yuan Shizu of Yuan."

"As a result, it was shelved by the Emperor, and he was fined for one month for speculating on the holy heart."

"So that the court officials couldn't grasp the Emperor's pulse and didn't dare to act rashly."

The two walked out of Zhao Wenhua Hall and walked very slowly.

Xu Jie didn't avoid it and asked directly: "Then what does Shuda think the Emperor means?"

Zhang Zhang Juzheng was silent for a moment and said softly: "The Emperor said that we should consider the simple feelings of the border soldiers and the people of the world, and let the Ministry of Rites discuss it more."

After saying this, he stopped talking.

Xu Jie was lost in thought.

After walking a distance, Xu Jie broke away from Zhang Zhang Juzheng's support: "Shuda, go back to the cabinet to handle affairs; I will go to Donghua Gate myself."

The residence given by the Emperor is outside Donghua Gate, which is not on the way to the cabinet.

Zhang Zhang Juzheng followed the trend and stood in place to see the teacher off.

Xu Jie didn't look back, carrying his hands on his back, and walked towards Donghua Gate.

But his mind recalled the things the Emperor told him before the court deliberation.

Half a day ago.

Xu Jie followed the Emperor on the way to the court deliberation.

"Minister Xu, I ordered a book on mathematics enlightenment to be compiled, do you know?" The Emperor mentioned this unintentionally.

Xu Jie nodded and shook his head: "I know about this, but I haven't read the book."

The Emperor explained: "I have already ordered the officials of the Ministry of Revenue, the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and the Eastern Depot to study this book, but it is still slightly insufficient."

"The spring palace examination is coming soon, and many scholars are preparing for the exam in the capital. My meaning is, after you arrive at the academy, why not recruit some candidates who have no hope of becoming Tong Jinshi to study mathematics."

Xu Jie immediately figured out the reason and asked: "Your Majesty wants to supplement officials proficient in mathematics to prepare for land surveying?"

At that time, the Emperor turned his head and looked at Xu Jie, as if thinking that the old man's brain was turning quite fast.

He said: "That is the intention."

"However, besides this, there is another meaning."

"I want to recruit some scholars who are interested to specialize in mathematics, in order to seek breakthroughs."

The Emperor paused and added: "Not allowed to take the imperial examination again, and will not be granted an official status."

"In short, it is to toss out another job sequence for me, not an official status, not a clerk status, but a student status."

"I will set a tone for you. If the student's attainments reach the peak, such as the level of Zu Wenyuan, they can be granted a title!"

Xu Jie frowned, even more curious about the Emperor's intention.

Even titles were granted!?

Although the level of Zu Wenyuan and Wang Shangbin is rare in the world, granting titles is too exaggerated, right?

Preparing for land surveying doesn't have to go to this extent.

Could it be that this is the niche hobby of the current Emperor?

The late Emperor liked to create people in the harem, Shizong sought immortality, and this one's hobby is even more unique.

Recalling all the way, he walked to Donghua Gate without knowing it.

But he didn't go straight to the residence promised by the Emperor.

Instead, he let the eunuch leading the way take him to the new academy.

Xu Jie is most interested in two things now: one is to guess the Emperor's thoughts and intentions. The second is to watch the Emperor govern and see what he can do.

At the moment, the Emperor has entrusted the major government affairs to the cabinet, and the only two things he holds on to are the Beijing Camps and the new academy.

Xu Jie is naturally very interested in seeing what is being tossed about.

Before long, he was led by the eunuch to the entrance of the academy.

Looking closely, the four characters "Seek Truth" and "Ask Dao" on the shadow wall at the entrance made Xu Jie mutter.

People come in and out from time to time, and it seems that there is already some climate.

Xu Jie asked the eunuch beside him: "What is the source of the students in the academy now?"

Zhang Cheng heard Xu Jie's question and stepped forward, answering respectfully: "Mainly clan nobles, as well as officials and Embroidered Uniform Guards who come for further study."

Originally, the eunuchs of the Eastern Depot also came to study together, but the nobles and officials regarded it as a shame and were unwilling to be in the same hall.

Finally, they had to invite teachers to teach in the inner book hall.

Xu Jie nodded silently when he heard this; he knew as soon as he heard it that the latter was preparing for land surveying.

But why are the former wasting food?

He thought about it and asked directly.

Zhang Cheng explained patiently: "The Emperor said that as long as you graduate from mathematics, you can stay in the academy and eat imperial grain."

"If you can learn exquisite things and push through the old to bring forth the new, you will not be stingy with titles."

"As soon as this word came out, especially many noble branches, they flocked to it."

Xu Jie sneered in his heart when he heard this.

They are not here for imperial grain; they are all counting on the Emperor to have a golden horse bone, and the old foxes are rushing to send their side branches to take advantage of it.

He walked into the gate swaggeringly and ordered: "Take a copy of Mathematics Enlightenment 1 for me, and call Cheng Cheng Dawei over."

Cheng Cheng Dawei was organizing manuscripts, and when he heard the call of the new mountain chief, he put down his work and followed the eunuch out of the room.

The academy was not large, and he arrived in a while.

Just as Cheng Cheng Dawei walked to the door, he heard the angry voice inside.

"Isn't this what you said just now, this is a plus sign!?"

"Junior Tutor Xu, you read it wrong, look closer, this is a multiplication sign."

The latter's voice was full of helplessness.

Cheng Cheng Dawei knew what happened as soon as he heard it. He stood at the door and didn't go in for the first time.

Instead, he looked at the eunuch Zhang Cheng and apologized: "Eunuch, wait a moment, I'll go and get a pair of glasses."

Glasses are called differently by each person.

Using charcoal to write on slate is cheap and easy, but it is not very friendly to people with eye diseases.

Later, the Emperor showed mercy and issued some silver to buy some glasses for elderly students to borrow.

Zhang Cheng stopped him: "No matter, I'll go, Cheng Instructor, you go see Junior Tutor Xu first."

Cheng Cheng Dawei bowed and thanked him.

He explained where it was placed, and then suppressed the anxiety and nervousness in his heart, pushed open the door, and walked in.

Xu Jie saw someone come in and said angrily: "You are Cheng Rusi?"

Cheng Cheng Dawei took a deep breath, bowed and said: "End official Cheng Cheng Dawei has seen the mountain chief."

Xu Jie waved his hand, let people stand up, and asked in a deep voice: "Chinese mathematics is inherited, how did you come up with so many messy symbols, are you deliberately making things difficult for people?"

He pointed to the "+-×÷" above, and the string of numbers that were not flat or straight, his face full of dissatisfaction.

Mathematics, although Xu Jie cannot say he is proficient, he also understands some.

Mathematics itself also has simple formulas, including various symbols, numbers, etc.

But now these basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division have all come up with a bunch of unrecognized symbols, which makes people confused, so he naturally has opinions.

Cheng Cheng Dawei smiled bitterly: "Mountain chief misunderstood, this matter is the Emperor's meaning."

He helplessly told the Emperor's set of statements, what symbols are convenient and clear, and numbers are clear and simple, one by one to this new boss.

Even these symbols were flipped through from which foreign ancient books, they were all pointed out one by one.

As soon as Xu Jie heard it was the Emperor's meaning, although he was dissatisfied, he had to swallow this breath.

He said dully: "After you annotate this book one by one, hand it back to me."

Originally, he understood some, so naturally he didn't need to attend class, just need to correspond the symbols and numbers.

Cheng Cheng Dawei bowed and agreed.

Xu Jie skipped this matter and asked about the existing official system of the academy.

Cheng Cheng Dawei said carefully: "Mountain chief, there is no official system in the academy now."

"At first, the Emperor said that he would grant the status of a clerk to the disciples who stayed in the academy after graduation."

"But the Ministry of Personnel, the Ministry of Revenue, and the Ministry of Rites all disagreed, so it didn't happen."

As soon as Xu Jie heard it, he understood the twists and turns inside.

Although it was only a clerk, this was also a promotion path. It was strange that the Six Ministries could watch the Emperor hold it in his hands.

No wonder the Emperor asked him to re-set a set of student official systems and use the inner treasury to pay salaries.

He pondered: "What is the standard for staying in the academy now?"

Cheng Cheng Dawei said busily: "Finish the addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of Enlightenment 1, and be able to skillfully apply it to account verification, land calculation, etc."

Xu Jie glanced at Cheng Cheng Dawei.

The clerks of the Ministry of Revenue's Qingli Department only have this level. You call this Enlightenment 1? Who are you burying?

Isn't it necessary to reach the level of those in the Imperial Observatory who calculate celestial bodies to be considered enlightenment?

Or like Wang Wensu, who can do positioning, square root calculation, to be considered learned?

If he didn't know that this was estimated to be the name given by the Emperor, he would have been angry on the spot.

He suppressed his unhappiness and asked: "Are there many people staying in the academy?"

Cheng Cheng Dawei shook his head: "After the officials finish studying, they go back to the Ministry."

"Instead, some noble families stay in the academy after graduation."

In the Emperor's words, it is this batch of people who don't worry about food and clothing and have some interest, so they stay in the academy.

Xu Jie nodded and fell into thought.

Just at this time, Zhang Cheng walked in with glasses: "Junior Tutor Xu."

He handed it to Xu Jie respectfully.

Xu Jie turned his head and looked, and took it casually.

He put it on his eyes, picked up the math book and read it again, saying: "Eunuch Zhang, what is the quota for the academy's salary?"

Zhang Cheng answered fluently: "Junior Tutor Xu, the academy's quota is 120 people, and the total salary quota is 10,000 taels."

"However, there are only 29 people in the register now, and the inner treasury only allocates according to the register."

"The rest include printing books, repairing houses, renting food, etc., totaling 17,400 taels a year. When needed, it is allocated by the inner treasury according to the process of reporting first and approving later."

Xu Jie waved his hand: "Allocate all of this year's to me!"

"The Emperor entrusted the academy to me to do things. Reporting every time consumes effort, and I am afraid of ruining the Emperor's affairs!"

He looked at Cheng Cheng Dawei again and said naturally: "And those who graduated from the various ministries and the Embroidered Uniform Guard must stay in the academy to teach for half a year before they can leave!"

"If the Six Ministries and the Duke of Cheng have opinions, let them come to me!"

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 92 =====