Chapter 52, Taizong Part 52 "King of Linzi"

In the autumn of the 13th year of Yongxi, in July, in Suzhou, in Kunshan County, to Zhihe Pond.
Within the territory of Suzhou, there are three river ponds connected to the Grand Canal and the Yangtze River, and Zhihe Pond is among them (the other two are Changshu - Baimaopu and Songjiang). Due to the advantages of these river ponds, Kunshan has prospered. If a ranking list is to be made for the economic development of all counties in the Han Dynasty, Kunshan may not make it into the top ten, but it will definitely make it into the top twenty. Please note that the translation might not include the exact wording of "
Not far from the county seat, right next to Zhihe Pond, a brand-new school has emerged: Loujiang College. This college has a short history, with construction completed only a year ago and has been in use for a short period of time. It currently has only a few hundred students, but its origin is unusual.
This is a school jointly built by the elites and wealthy from Suzhou, Xiuzhou, and Shanghai, with a focus on mathematics and arithmetic as the main subjects. It is also the first "specialized college" in the Great Han Empire, aside from military schools.
The purpose of establishing Loujiang College is also to provide more professional talent in the field of computer science for the increasingly prosperous economic development in the three areas of Su, Xiu, and Shang. Not to mention other institutions, there is a high demand for talent in the General Taxation Office of the Jianghai Customs and various ports under the three areas.
With the establishment of customs, the lifting of restrictions on commercial activities in the Jianghai region has resulted in a significant increase. This naturally brings various management pressures, especially in terms of tax business, which greatly demands professional talents. However, simply being literate is not enough. Translation:
In early autumn, Loujiang College is a pleasant place, with a gentle breeze blowing over the river. Sailboats occasionally pass by on the river, struggling under their heavy load.
学院内格外安静，氛围严肃，诸课堂间，年岁参差的学子们，正埋头提笔，坐于书案，态度认真地进行着开秋以来第一次大考。考试的内容主要分为四项，算术、实务、策论以及《刑统》。
Clearly, Loujiang College is a "university" and it generally does not admit students who do not have a certain foundation. This is determined by the nature of the school, as it is specified in the founding principles.
The academy has a three-year program, and according to the plan, most students will be directly assigned to work as officials in Suzhou, Xiuzhou, and Shanghai Yamen upon completion of their studies. Therefore, from this perspective, it is not only a "professional institution" but also a "government administration school" specifically dedicated to cultivating high-level officials for the government. Translated content:
As the first major exam since the establishment of the school, not only the students, but also the headmaster and faculty of the academy attach great importance to it. Just like the neighboring city that is increasingly filled with a magical atmosphere, Loujiang Academy is also a fresh phenomenon.
From the school's ideology to the teaching methods, they all share the same approach. Examinations become the primary means of assessing teaching outcomes during the college phase and are aligned with scientific and civil service assessments. The effectiveness and extent of this system are yet to be proven, causing uncertainty among everyone until it is practically validated.
Upon learning about the major examination at Loujiang College, Liu Wenji, the King of Linzi, took time out of his busy schedule to visit and inspect the college. He arrived in casual attire without announcing his arrival, and requested to be received quietly. He only allowed the head of the college, Wang Xuexin, to accompany him during the tour, and throughout the tour, he remained silent so as not to disturb the students taking exams.
There is also a background to Zhang Yuanwang's studies. He is from Shangqiu and grew up in poverty. He has always been eager to learn and eventually entered the Suiyang Academy to seek education, where he became a disciple of the renowned educator Qi Tongwen. Over the past half-century, both the Suiyang Academy and Qi Tongwen have been well-known figures in the Great Han cultural community, producing many prominent individuals.
However, Qī Tóngwén, on the other hand, was a scholar who dedicated his entire life to education and strongly believed in loyalty, filial piety, and righteousness. He enjoyed high prestige among the intellectual community and even had an audience with the emperor Shì Zǔ. Whether in the literary world or the court, he was known for establishing the "Suìyáng school of thought".
And Wang Xuexin, being accepted as a disciple by the rigorous Qitong Wen, clearly had some abilities. Unlike Qitong Wen's other students who have already embarked on the official career path, reaching positions in the provincial and even prefectural governments, Wang Xuexin did not pursue an official career, but instead devoted himself to teaching as a professor at the Suiyang Academy.
Unfortunately, although Wang Xuexin was a disciple of Qi Tongwen, he was ultimately an outsider from another family. Although Suiyang Academy was later designated as an official school, the decision-makers were still mainly descendants of the Qi family. As for Wang Xuexin, he had some new ideas in education but was often criticized as "deviating from the orthodox path." Overall, his situation was not very satisfactory.
Until Loujiang College starts construction and becomes established, Wang Xuexin is invited to come to Kunshan to teach and impart knowledge. If it was a regular invitation, Wang Xuexin might not agree, and even the National Academy in the capital city might not be willing for him to go (even if he could go, he might not want to stay). However, Loujiang College is different.
First of all, this is an official academy, endorsed by the three major cities in Jiangnan province. Secondly, this is a brand new school, established with the purpose of providing talented officials for the government. The idea of breaking through and innovating in the field of Wang Xuexin is very attractive, and he agrees to become the head of the academy, taking charge of all teaching and management, allowing him to freely exert his abilities.
Of course, there is another more important reason, and that is that Liu Wenji, the Prince of Linzi County, personally sent Wang Xuexin a letter. These literati, although proud, also adhere to the conventional practice of showing respect to those who are virtuous and humble themselves before the accomplished. Especially when influential and privileged individuals step in, they can let go of all their reservations.
For example, regarding Liu Wenji, the King of Linzi, with Wang Xuexin, he not only provided enough face and treatment but also had relatively compatible academic ideas. Therefore, it was only natural for Wang Xuexin to go south.
有王学新带着一干好友、弟子学生南下，再加从江南本地搜罗一些人才，娄江学院的教育资源立刻就有底了，至于学生，是真不缺的。
At least three influential figures, landlords, and wealthy businessmen's children are very willing to come here to study. The reputation as the "cradle" of government officials and talented people is particularly attractive. At least in the prosperous times of the Han Dynasty, not all scholars were single-mindedly focused on the difficult path of imperial examinations.
Clearly, Loujiang College was heavily supported by Liu Wenji, the King of Linzi, and even played a leading role in its establishment. This can also explain why the conflicting regions of Su, Xiu, and Shang were able to reach a consensus on this matter – it was influenced by a higher-level power.
Liu Wenji has already been in Jiangnan for three years. He no longer works at the Jianghai Customs. However, Emperor Liu Yang has assigned him the position of Jiangnan Governor-General, responsible for overseeing governance, supervising officials, and safeguarding public sentiment in the area.
As early as the winter of the 11th year of Yongxi, Liu Wenji was conferred the title of Marquis of Linzi County because of his diligent and humble nature.
It is worth mentioning that since Prince Ruyang, Liu Wenhuan, lost power and the crown prince took over, Liu Wenji has actually received more attention. During these three years, there have also been some inexplicable greetings and gestures of goodwill. Unfortunately, Prince of Linzi remained cautious and reserved, completely ignoring them and even keeping people at a distance.
In the three years on Jiangnan Road, Liu Wenji also offended many people because of his strict and upright law enforcement, naturally infringing on the interests of some individuals.
At the same time, he also gained the favor of many people, at least he handled things fairly, without any bias or favoritism, and showed great openness, especially towards his subordinates and businessmen. And these two groups, in the entire society of the Han Dynasty, played roles that were disproportionate to their political status.
Linzhi Wang is decisive when he speaks. When it comes to visiting Loujiang College, it is merely for a glimpse. After taking a leisurely stroll around, without any hesitation, he chooses to leave, not even willing to take a single bite of lunch.
Of course, there is no avoiding a communication with the President Wang Xuexin, as it was me who invited him. It is necessary to show respect.
Wang Xuexin has proposed a suggestion to gather all the faculty and students of the college after the exams and let Liu Wenji give a speech, so that everyone will be aware of the kindness of King Linzi.
It should be known that the core driving force behind the establishment of this college lies in Liu Wenji. However, in this regard, Liu Wenji is a person who "leaves after accomplishing something, conceals his achievements and identity". He never seeks credit or invites fame, and even refuses and prohibits others from publicizing this matter.
Wang Xuexin's proposal obviously aims to raise the profile of Liu Wenji and let the faculty and students of Loujiang College know who their benefactor is. This is also the only thing he can do to repay Liu Wenji at this stage.
However, he still underestimated the Prince of Linzi and almost without thinking rejected Wang Xuexin's proposal. Moreover, he did so with a very stern attitude and an almost warning tone, forbidding Wang Xuexin from considering such things again.
对刘文济的决然，王学新倒不畏惧，只是惊奇，并且最终试探着问刘文济，费心筹建这样一所重要的吏政学院，不图名，不图利的，就这么默默贡献，这样的举动，在王学新的解读下，显然有另外一层含义。
Liu Wenji's reaction further confirms his speculation. However, Wang Xuexin is not foolish and does not talk much about this matter. What Wang Xuexin seeks is only to teach and educate, showcase his abilities, and of course, gain some reputation. He does not deny this aspect himself.
"I initiated the establishment of Loujiang College, not for personal fame, but to serve the country and cultivate talent for the imperial court and government officials," Liu Wenji briefly explained.
As he was about to leave, he smiled and said to Wang Xuexin: "If I may make a request, two years later, I would like to select some talented people from the academy, outstanding students who have performed well. I hope Master Wang can keep them!"
Wang Xuexin accompanied him with a smile and responded.
"Your Highness, urgent report from the capital!" Liu Wenji's boat slowly sailed along the Zhihe Trench towards the Yangtze River. Inside the cabin, a middle-aged man dressed as a senior attendant hurriedly came to report.
Liu Wenji, who has been studying the customs situation in Shanghai in recent years, raised his head and stretched out his hand. Immediately, someone presented the urgent document.
He quickly opened and read it, a slightly moved expression appearing on his serious face. After putting it down, he pondered for a moment and then ordered: "Pass the command, after entering the Yangtze River, turn west and return to Jinling!"
"Yes!"
In the past two years, Liu Wenji mainly stayed in Jinling, regardless of how fast, novel, and eye-catching the development of Shanghai City is. Jiangning Prefecture is still the capital of Jiangnan Province, and its political status is placed there. In the Great Han Empire, political significance will always take precedence over economic significance. Translation: In recent years, Liu Wenji has primarily stayed in Jinling and has paid little attention to the rapid and impressive development of Shanghai. Jiangning Prefecture, as the capital of Jiangnan Province, holds significant political importance. In the Great Han Empire, political considerations always come before economic considerations.
But for Shanghai, Liu Wenji would visit once or twice every year. This rapidly awakening commercial metropolis on the coast of the East China Sea gathers all kinds of people, with a mix of influential figures. Unconsciously, it has also become an important "base" for Liu Wenji, serving as a base for political resources, economic resources, and talent resources. Thank you!
This time, Liu Wenji set off from Jinling and traveled eastward, passing through Run, Chang, and Suzhou along the way, with Shanghai as the ultimate destination.
The reason for him to choose to abandon the original plan is also simple. News from the capital has arrived that the emperor, Liu Yang, has issued a decree intending to tour the southeast. Of course, Liu Wenji needs to return to Jiangning Prefecture to communicate with the officials of the Daoist Department and prepare for the reception of the emperor's visit and all related matters in the Jiangnan region.
After all, this is the first time that the emperor has visited the Southeast since his reign began. Speaking of which, Liu Yang is quite industrious, personally attending to matters and never slacking off.
Over the past decade or so, he has already made four trips, one to the Southwest, one to the Northwest, and two to the North. Moreover, he often likes to visit places with rough conditions, but he has never been willing to visit the prosperous scenery of the Southeast even once.
This time, the emperor finally made up his mind, and as a result, the entire southeast region trembled. Especially for Jiangnan Road, and the city of Jinling in Jiangning Prefecture, it held significant meaning. After all, forty years ago, it was Emperor Yongxi who represented the court and accepted the surrender of the Jiangnan country lord, Li Yu. The translation of the passage is as follows: "
To His Majesty, the Emperor, the officials and people of Jiangnan naturally have a "profound" sentiment, which is, of course, based on their loyalty to His Majesty.
This matter is equally important to Prince Lin Zi, Liu Wenji. Firstly, it is a test for Jiangnan Province, but also a test for him. Having stayed here for three years, it is crucial for him to demonstrate his achievements. Translated content:
Both his mother, Empress Xiao De, who was promoted to the position of De Fei in the eleventh year of Yongxi, and his queen, Lady Li, as well as their two children, also came along. This was an opportunity for a family reunion.
In the past three years, Liu Wenji has been shuttling back and forth in Jiangnan for official business. Except for the period of half a month to a month during the Lunar New Year, he spends the rest of the time in Jiangnan.
As for his wife, Li, she was left in the capital by Liu Wenji to take care of their children and serve his mother. Learning from the lessons of the "Changfei" incident, Li, who had always been low-key, modest, dignified, and respectful, was particularly valuable. This included her twin children (Liu Jili and Liu Fen), who were greatly favored by Emperor Liu Yang. Please only respond to the translated content.
The southern expedition in the thirteenth year of Emperor Yongxi may have been the most "luxurious" tour since Liu Yang ascended the throne. For the first time, the entourage exceeded ten thousand people, including ministers, guards, and palace attendants.
Of course, the inspection policy remains the same as before. Even in the prosperous regions of the southeast, Liu Yang still does not allow local contributions because it would interfere with the livelihoods of local officials and residents, which he strictly prohibits.
After each inspection, Liu Yang would check the accounts and send a secret messenger to investigate the situation. However, there would always be some unexpected problems that arise.
For example, during the second inspection in the north, Liu Yang stayed in Xinghua County on the Yan Shan North Road for five days. Although all local supplies were purchased at an inflated price, it still caused a great impact on the local population. Regretting the hardships faced by the officials and people there, Liu Yang issued a decree to exempt the county from one year of tax collection. However, the result was that the taxes were still collected, but they ended up in the pockets of the bureaucrats.
Before starting the journey, Liu Yang made some arrangements for the court. This time, he did not bring the Crown Prince Liu Wenpeng but left him to govern in his absence. Instead, he appointed Prince Zhao Liu Fang, the Prime Minister Zhang Qixian, the Deputy Prime Minister Murong Defeng, and the Grand Minister of Military Affairs Gao Qiong to assist in the administration together with the ministers of various departments.
Among the ministers accompanying the emperor, there was also a person with a unique identity, Prince Liu Wenhuan of Ruyang. It is hard to imagine how Liu Wenhuan managed to survive the past three years, as a person's decline and downfall usually don't take more than three years.
Of course, it was also Liu Yang who had the intention of treating him like his own child. After the incident became increasingly distant in the past, he brought him out to take a break, relax, and avoid going crazy from long-term seclusion at home.