eldest son of Ming dynasty

Chapter 761 The Emperor’s Means
From the Wei, Jin, Southern and Northern Dynasties to the Tang and early Song Dynasties, monasteries and Taoist temples had a pretty good life.

Di Renjie, a famous prime minister in the Tang Dynasty, once said: Today's Jialan has built palaces, is extravagant and magnificent, and has done its best in painting. The pearls are used for decoration, and the rose materials are exhausted in the wheels.

By the Song and Yuan Dynasties, some rulers began to realize that these 'monastics' had too great an influence on economic activities, and began to control them.

In the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang also set the tone of strengthening control. Temples and Taoism basically did not have a big impact. They were only rewarded according to the ruler's personal preferences during special historical periods.

In the 27th year of Hongwu's reign, Zhu Yuanzhang issued an order to grant land, with all taxes and grains exempted. For permanent residents, even if there were taxes and grains, they would still be exempted from apportionment. Monks were not allowed to serve as servants.

This is an obvious improvement, that is, permanent land needs to pay taxes, but temples and Taoist temples are basically exempt from corvee labor, so they are still attractive to some people, and they often become "buyuansou", which means that fugitives gather The place.

In the third year of Jingtai's reign, the imperial court ordered all temples and Taoist temples to use sixty acres as their property.

However, in actual implementation, this is not the case.

In this year, if there had not been a Zhengde Emperor, the little eunuchs guarding the palace gates would have been 'buying property' for their families, and everyone would be involved in annexing land from top to bottom.

In the Ming Dynasty, it was common for people to rent the land of temples and Taoist temples for farming, but it was rare to hear of temples and Taoist temples renting other people's land for farming.It’s obvious what the facts are.

This time the emperor's decree falls on the head of Jin Yiwei, it will definitely not be a gentle breeze and drizzle, but a violent storm.

The Jinyi inspectors stayed in teams and stayed out of the way. Everyone on the streets gave way to them, or they rushed into teahouses and restaurants, or directly entered people's houses and official residences. Anyone who dared not bow their head and obstructed under the emperor's personal military order will be guilty of the same crime.

The most miserable among them are naturally those who live in the homes of officials and have connections with the government.

To be honest, some people themselves believe in this set of things. They have a good personal relationship with a certain Taoist priest, and it is not uncommon for them to invite them to live in their homes. Unfortunately, in such special times, officials and Taoist priests Once his identity was revealed in front of Jin Yiwei, many words became unclear.

You said he didn't conspire to make a donation, how can you prove it?

Mao Yuwen was born in the Ministry of Punishment Prison. He learned a lot there, but he never included the belief that belief in Taoism and Buddhism can alleviate the hardships of life.

In Jinyiwei's courtyard, the lights were brightly lit, and the cries of the criminals continued. Some people really tried to cry out for injustice, but he remained unmoved. He said with a cold expression: "Take them away."

From early morning to midnight, it only takes one day and one night. By the next day, the east is white and everything is as usual.

It's just that the waiter no longer sees weird people coming here to ask for a cup of tea today, and it's rare to see those guys walking around holding flags claiming to be real people in the shops setting up stalls.

Even the boss selling tofu porridge felt that his surroundings were much emptier after starting work, so he muttered: "Where is that old god?"

"There are no gods. You can't talk about strange powers and confuse the gods. According to the history books, all kings and kings who superstitiously believe in Buddhism will surely harm the country. The emperor has great talents and strategies, and he has no good opinion of the theory of immortality. This is the reason for this dynasty Blessing is the blessing of all the people in the world. People like you are ignorant and just ignore it. Don’t talk nonsense here, otherwise you will be arrested together, which will not be good for you."

In the teahouse, a table of scholars gave lectures to the merchants nearby. They had great reputations, and ordinary people did not dare to offend them, so they could only keep silent.

Business people have their destiny determined by God, and sometimes they always have to find some sustenance in these aspects. But the emperor's decree even transferred the temple's land to the Academy of Sciences. With such a general trend, what can I do?
Fortunately, they were busy and had no time to pay attention.

Those who really have free time are those who study in academies and library gardens. The imperial court swept away these monks and Taoist priests, which showed the emperor's attitude of continuing to work hard to govern. For them, it was also of great benefit. After all, the emperor We still need to use people like them who have real knowledge.

Not only that, in addition to the imperial examination, the imperial court also had the Shaofu, the Ministry of Industry, and the Prime Minister's Ministry of Foreign Affairs recruiting external candidates. According to the final announced details, they can also apply.

After passing the exam, he will also become an official.

It's just that they have to study other things besides the Four Books and Five Classics. Although it is a bit annoying, as long as it is a fair examination, they are at least much better than those people who have no knowledge of arts and science, right?

These policies are linked together, and naturally the emperor cherishes, recruits, and loves talents. Isn't this worthy of praise?

After these news were announced, all the books on water conservancy, agriculture, mulberry, industry, etc. in the library immediately became in demand. If one person could not understand it alone, they would sit together to discuss it with each other.

These people gathered in small groups and studied all kinds of knowledge. Halfway through, someone else said: "The details clearly state that the Four Books and Five Classics still account for half. We must not focus on one and lose the other, and fall behind on the previous lessons."

"It's a pole, it's a pole."

Mao Yuwen did not pay attention to other policies of the imperial court. When the impact of the arrests was not as good as he expected, his wife reminded him, "The emperor rejects monks and Taoist priests, but accepts the disciples of the saints. This is the recruitment policy." The scholars in the capital and even some low-ranking officials are all gearing up. If the matter has nothing to do with themselves, it is still high-profile, so what about these self-beneficial strategies? From now on, these people will be driven out of the court. And they are the ones the emperor wants to use. This method of tightening and relaxing is the mystery." "The emperor has never mentioned it."

"There's no need to tell you, so I won't say it naturally."

Although he didn't say it, Mao Yuwen still believed it when he heard it. The emperor always planned things in advance.

When he entered the palace to meet the emperor, he didn't see anything strange in the emperor's tone or actions. He only gave a small reward after hearing the detailed report.

It can only be said to be unfathomable.

"Language."

"Wei Chen is here." He showed great respect.

"You have arrested these people now. Some of them deserve the death penalty, but you can control your own pace." Zhu Houzhao touched his chin. "This is a sudden attack. Many people have no time to react. If there are really people with ulterior motives, they will There may be some clues about his residence, and there is no time to explain the follow-up matters. You should be tight on the outside and loose on the inside, and investigate in secret. If you find anything, report it immediately! "

Zhu Houzhao had previously shown that he somewhat believed in these theories of ghosts and gods. This had actually started since the Academy of Sciences was established last year. People these days do not understand theology and science, and only think that the emperor secretly believes in heresy.

Many of the memorials sent from various places contained long exhortations, but none of them revealed the emperor's attitude.

Mao Yuwen naturally understood what the so-called ulterior motives were. Some people were trying to influence the emperor. Even if this approach was unlikely, it was always right to try, and some vassal kings might be included here.

Jinyiweinan Town Fusi has received a report that some vassal kings have behaved improperly. Maybe they can use this as an opportunity to eliminate the trouble again!
The civil servants of the outer dynasty only knew that the emperor's palace was extremely deep and scheming, but that was not specific. Only the Jinyiwei and Mao Yuwen would understand how terrifying the emperor was by actually doing these things.

"Don't worry, Your Majesty, these suspicious people have gathered in the capital in a short period of time. If they say that they are all spontaneous and there is no one behind them, I will not believe it. If the roots are not removed, the spring breeze will spring up again. I have been prepared in advance. "

"Well." Zhu Houzhao couldn't help but admire it, "You are becoming more thoughtful in your work."

"Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty. This is what I should do."

"Is there any sign?"

Mao paused and said, "Currently there are only some clues, but no solid evidence."

"It's okay, tell me first and let me listen."

"Yes." Mao Yuwen bent down and took two steps forward, leaned against the emperor and said softly: "Your Majesty, several of these people are from Shandong. Zhang Ge Lao forced the land clearing in Shandong, and Ma Bin also counted According to the second report, no fewer than twenty households have been killed and destroyed so far, and officials from all walks of life should also have complaints."

"They also had Shandong officials send them??"

"I am looking for evidence."

Zhu Houzhao snorted coldly, "In order to obstruct my national policy, they really did everything possible to send envoys, but the world is huge and I am the greatest emperor. If I let him die, there will be no gods to save him!"

"That's natural. As long as it is verified, Your Majesty can handle it as a typical serious case, so as to frighten the officials all over the world and not to violate it openly or covertly."

Zhu Houzhao has also been following the Shandong matter, but to say he is following is basically to instruct me that I know, I have heard, and I understand.

He has authorized Zhang Cong to do all this.

He was in charge of Shandong, and listened to the reports from surveyors in each county. Any county magistrate who failed to cooperate would first give a warning and talk, and in serious cases, he would be dismissed. Once dismissed, he would not let you go home easily, but would check whether you had committed any crime. , otherwise why do you have to oppose such a policy that is beneficial to the people?
Under such a strong push, Zhang Cong has already been scolded by memorials from all over the country, and he is basically no different from a thief.

But the fighting game in the court is essentially to win the emperor's trust.Now that the emperor has the intention to implement it resolutely, Zhang Cong's position is very stable.

Of course, things can be done.

Zhu Houzhao had already begun to get some results. He raised his eyebrows and said: "Under the Qingtian Order, almost all counties in Shandong Province have discovered hidden fields. This has just begun, and the amount is no less than 50 acres. It really ruins people's wealth, such as killing people." Parents, haha, but these people don’t know that I have worked hard day and night and never asked for anything for myself! What I do is for the country of Ming Dynasty and the foundation of my ancestors. These accounts have to be settled on my head. I can’t Admit it! You have to check Chinese language carefully, I want to see how many fields they have occupied and how many taels of silver they have to put their heads on my back!!"

(End of this chapter)