Chapter 54: Emperor's Approval

For Loujiang University, the autumn of the thirteenth year of Yongxi was truly a fortunate season. Just after the early autumn, Prince Cai Guang of Linzi visited, and two months later, the Emperor of the Great Han Dynasty, the highest ruler of the entire empire, came to inspect. Translation: For Loujiang University, the autumn of the thirteenth year of Yongxi was indeed a lucky time. Shortly after the beginning of autumn, Prince Cai Guang of Linzi paid a visit, and two months later, the Emperor of the Great Han Dynasty, the supreme ruler of the entire empire, came for an inspection.
For the more than a hundred faculty and students in the college, it is a pleasant surprise. There are thousands of academies and schools in the world, but only eight or nine are famous throughout the land. The ones that have been personally inspected by the emperor can be counted on one hand.
However, Loujiang College, which was recently established and had no reputation or endorsements from famous scholars or alumni, has welcomed a true dragon. Such a fate would surely be the envy of all academies and schools in the world. Translation:
Among those who were excited to the point of almost passing out, there is no doubt that the current head of the academy, Wang Xuexin, was the most fortunate. He was able to have a direct conversation with the emperor and consult him on educational matters. Such an opportunity, not to mention his colleagues at the Suiyang Academy, but how many renowned scholars and famous figures can boast of possessing it? Translation: Among those who were excited to the point of almost passing out, there is no doubt that the current head of the academy, Wang Xuexin, was the most fortunate. He was able to have a direct conversation with the emperor and consult him on educational matters. Such an opportunity, not to mention his colleagues at the Suiyang Academy, but how many renowned scholars and famous figures can boast of possessing it?
Of course, contrary to Wang Xuexin's expectations, the process of inspection did not unfold with the emperor and court officials sitting together, savoring tea and discussing philosophy. Wang calmly and confidently expounded his academic and ideological principles to the emperor.
In a real process that was plain, dull, and even boring, he seemed more like a tour guide than a scholarly master, leading the emperor and his entourage on a tour around the various buildings and halls within the academy, enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Lou River and observing the teaching environment of the institution.
Wang Xuexin was hardly given the opportunity to give lectures or speak on academic topics. However, in comparison to listening to Wang Xuexin discuss his "personal experiences," Liu Yang seemed to be more interested in the students within the college. He casually selected a few students and inquired about their backgrounds, academic pursuits, and ambitions. This portrayal of benevolence and affability from the esteemed emperor left a lasting impression on the teachers and students of Loujiang College.
After staying in this most innovative and distinctive academy in the Great Han Empire for three full days, the ruler finally set off, crossing the Zhihe Pond and heading to Shanghai.
The imperial carriage slowly travels on the dirt road, constantly bumping and shaking, making people extremely uncomfortable. Even in affluent areas like Jiangnan, not all roads are smooth and wide. Of course, once we get on the official road, the situation improves significantly, with more frequent traffic of vehicles and pedestrians.
In the carriage, Prince Liu Wenji of Linzi carefully observed his second son after receiving the imperial decree. Liu Yang, then, spoke up: "Regarding Loujiang College, what are your thoughts?"
Obviously, the emperor knows the details of Loujiang College, and after personally witnessing its purpose of education and teaching philosophy, a hint of seriousness even appeared on Liu Yang's solemn face.
Liu Wenji glanced cautiously at his father, and his expression became solemn. After some consideration, he spoke in a cautious tone, saying: "Previously, when I served at the Jianghai Customs, I found that the workload was heavy and there was a shortage of talented personnel in tax laws and tax accounting. Many officials at all levels might lack the necessary abilities or there are insufficient personnel, which is detrimental to the efficient and orderly operation of the customs."
At the same time, similar situations also exist within various levels of government offices. Therefore, we have attempted to organize and coordinate in these three cities to establish this academy, specifically to train personnel for the government offices in these areas, in order to compensate for the shortage of administrative talent.
"Don't you know that the court is currently working on reducing redundant officials at all levels?" Liu Yang asked calmly.
In response to the question, Liu Wenji nodded slightly and calmly replied: "In my opinion, Your Majesty's measure of cutting redundant officials is indeed a correct reform measure. Even in cities like Suzhou, Xiuzhou, and Shanghai, a few hundred officials have been laid off in the past couple of years."
However, I also believe that the court should dismiss those who hold positions but contribute nothing, simply enjoying the benefits, as well as those who lack talent and engage in corrupt practices.
相反，对于一些真正有才，能做实事的职吏，朝廷还是该鼓励提拔。
And in the current Han Dynasty officialdom, most of the selection of officials is done by privately appointing and appointing officials at all levels. After several observations and research, I have come up with the idea of establishing a School of Government and Administration.
By taking the initiative to establish a school, appointing directors and professors to manage education, and focusing on cultivating the talents in government administration that are lacking in the officialdom, I do not know the pros and cons or the success or failure of this approach, but it is certainly worth a try.
Speaking of this, Liu Wenji paused for a moment, then looked up at Liu Yang and said in a deep voice, "On the other hand, when it comes to resolving and handling specific public affairs and social customs, ten Confucian scholars who are well-read in poetry and literature and have deep knowledge of history and classics may not necessarily be more competent than an ordinary scholar who is familiar with law, agricultural books, understands people's livelihoods and is proficient in the use of mathematical algorithms and arithmetic!"
而听刘文济讲到这儿，刘旸稍稍愣了下，然后忍不住开口了：“此言，过于武断，有失偏颇吧！”
刘文济道：“或有偏颇，却是臣在江南道这几年见识经历下来，最深切的感受！
Government offices in various places are like ships, in order to maintain a stable voyage, besides the steering and sailing of the imperial officials, they also require a large number of sailors to assist, only then can they brave the wind and waves.
A vast number of officials at all levels are an indispensable part of the imperial government's rule, as well as the messengers and executors of numerous political affairs and orders. They play a crucial role in strengthening the state and ensuring stability.
Liu Yang's eyebrows involuntarily furrowed. After pondering for a moment, he looked up at Liu Wenji and said softly, "Since the reign of Emperor Shizu, has the court ever disregarded the role of the vast administrative officials? What intrigues me is that you, too, have studied the Four Books and Five Classics since childhood, learning the words of the sages. However, from what I understand, you do not seem to apply them when it comes to political and civilian matters?"
If your words were to spread, even those old Confucian scholars would consider it a flagrant departure from the orthodox path, let alone the high-ranking officials in the court who hold significant power. Many of them are well-read and knowledgeable scholars, equally astute and capable!
I understand your concerns, but I believe it is important to express diverse opinions and challenge conventional thinking to foster progress and innovation.
Upon hearing this, Liu Wenji immediately clasped his hands and said, "I dare not underestimate the words of the ancient sages. The number of officials in the world far exceeds that of the court-appointed officials. People differ in their abilities and talents, and not everyone possesses the same qualities as the high-ranking virtuous officials in the imperial court."
Moreover, the classic teachings of the wise predecessors have not been abandoned, such as at Loujiang College, where more than a hundred students all have a foundation in enlightenment.
I still remember a teaching from Emperor Shizu when I was young. He said that the principles of governance, the methods of ruling a country, and the strategies for managing the people, summarized by the wise sages of the past, can only serve as guiding ideologies for consolidating imperial rule and maintaining the prosperity of the nation. However, in order for the entire country to operate and develop smoothly and orderly, specific methods and specific individuals are also required.
I also gradually realized in recent years that when Emperor Shizu spoke of methods and people, he may have been referring to the many systems, regulations, and laws of the Great Han, as well as the numerous group of officials in the Great Han.
Furthermore, Emperor Sejong disliked Confucian scholars, and Your Majesty has always advocated for the rule of law. However, the Great Han Empire is still able to prosper and thrive. From this, it can be seen that the governance of a country still needs to focus on practicality, rather than blindly pursuing ideals.
The court should also attach importance to the selection of officials.
After listening to Liu Wenji's eloquent speech, Liu Yang couldn't help but gaze at him, his eyes showing a hint of complexity. To be honest, this was the first time his second son had explained his understanding and insight into governing the country, administering policies, managing the people, and employing personnel.
"I dare to speak! If there is any impropriety, I beg Your Majesty's forgiveness!" Noticing Liu Yang's gaze, Liu Wenji continued.
Liu Yang then waved his hand, a smile playing on the corners of his mouth, and said with a touch of emotion, "Your insight in this matter surpasses mine."
Liu Wenji dared not to take over this matter, and nervously said, "Your Majesty's wisdom and foresight are beyond comparison. I cannot compare to it."
Liu Yang shook his head gently and said, "Even if I cut down ten thousand excess officials and bureaucrats, it would only be a temporary solution. It is easy to lay off people, but it is difficult to establish a system and rules for cultivating and selecting talented officials."
And your promotion of Loujiang University is precisely for this purpose. If it can be successfully implemented, it will have significant implications for the selection and training of officials throughout the Great Han. This can even be seen as a kind of reform. Upon further reflection, while the Great Han has the imperial examination system to select officials, there lacks a clear and comprehensive system for appointing administrative officials. Everything relies solely on the judgments and preferences of officials at various levels, which is a concerning issue.
This is the translated content of the Chinese text.
And what you need to do is to change the prevailing tradition that has lasted for thousands of years. This is not easy. Currently, Loujiang College is still very small and limited to Suzhou, Xiuzhou, and Shanghai. There are not many students, and even no results have been seen. It is not very noticeable.
However, once it spreads and even intends to be promoted, it will face numerous obstacles!
Do you know why?"
Emperor's words made Liu Wenji's expression become serious, even somewhat solemn. He immediately recalled in his mind the various difficulties and obstacles encountered by the local government offices in the past two years in eliminating redundant officials, and all sorts of strange and absurd remarks.
仔细思考之后，刘文济望向刘旸，沉声道：“此举若成，会逐渐侵害各地官员，尤其是各级官长在吏职任用管理上的权力。”
As for this answer, Liu Yang neither agrees nor disagrees. Instead, he leans back, assuming a lazy posture, and softly says, "Let's first see the effect of Loujiang University. Just as you said, it's always worth a try!"
"Yes!" This can be considered as obtaining recognition from the emperor. Liu Wenji felt a slight joy in his heart and solemnly pledged.
"You may withdraw!" Liu Yang waved his hand at Liu Wenji, closed his eyes, and appeared exhausted.
"I announce my retirement!"
等刘文济离开车驾之后，刘旸方睁开眼睛，一双老眼中浮现出犹疑不定的色彩，但最终，还是化为一声悠长的叹息。
In the autumn of the 13th year of Yongxi, Emperor Liu Yang visited Shanghai for the first time. The city, famous and rapidly developing, was a unique coastal city in the Han Dynasty.
As soon as the imperial carriage arrived, the entire city of Shanghai became ecstatic. Despite the orders from the military camp and all levels of government, stating that there was no need to welcome the emperor and that the people should remain at ease and continue their daily lives, over a hundred thousand citizens of Shanghai still gathered together to warmly welcome the arrival of the emperor.
As the imperial carriage slowly approached the office area in the center of Shanghai, both sides of the road were densely packed with people kneeling down.
This time, Wang Xuanzhen calmly expressed to the Emperor that there was no organization involved, everything was based on the voluntary actions of the common people, and the government officials and soldiers were only responsible for controlling the scene and maintaining order.
In this regard, Liu Yang can only be moved by the "simplicity" and enthusiasm of the people of Shanghai
Originally wanted to finish the chapter about Emperor Taizong, but these past two days I've had a severe cold, my mind is in a state of confusion, and typing words feels like constipation. This chapter will end here. Please note that the translation provided above may not accurately convey the intended meaning as the original text seems to contain informal language and wordplay.