Chapter 408: Schools like forests, orderly and full of students

Ban Gu's "Ode to the Eastern Capital" states: Therefore, within the four seas, schools are abundant like forests, and the gates of institutions are brimming with order and discipline.
Xiang the sages believed in cultivating individuals; Jiao the sages believed in teaching; Xu the sages believed in archery.
In the Xia dynasty it was called Jiao, in the Shang dynasty it was called Xu, and in the Zhou dynasty it was called Xiang; the three dynasties shared the purpose of enlightening human ethics through education.
Zhu Hou looked at the memorial drafted by the Ministry of Education, contemplating silently.
Zhan Ruoshui and Lv Nanteng, the two rivals who hold the power of the Ministry of Education, have started to argue again, and it is based on the dispute between the Grand Ming School and the Academy!
Zhu Yuanzhang, the wise and brave Grand Ancestor, came from humble beginnings and deeply realized the important role of school education in governing a country.
Therefore, as early as the establishment of the country, he established the cultural and educational policy of "governing the country with education as the primary focus, and education centered around schools".
Inheriting the educational policy of the Yuan Dynasty, Emperor Taizu introduced new ideas and established a comprehensive system of official education, including the Imperial College in the capital, as well as prefectural schools, county schools, ancestral schools, community schools, martial arts schools, medical schools, Yin Yang schools, and schools for foreigners in various places. This formed a highly sophisticated education system from the central government to the local level.
From the perspective of future generations, the Imperial Academy, which Zhu Houzhao belonged to, can be considered as a university, similar to later universities. The schools for martial arts, medicine, yin-yang studies, and others can be regarded as specialized schools that teach specific skills. The schools in each prefecture, district, and county can be compared to secondary schools. The community schools are akin to primary schools, responsible for providing elementary education.
Social Studies was established in the 23rd year of the Yuan Dynasty. It divided the rural areas into 50 communities, with each community having one school. The teachers were selected from those who were knowledgeable in the scriptures, and they provided education and guidance. During farming downtime, children were encouraged to enroll in the schools and study the writings of sages and virtuous individuals. The main task was to promote agriculture and encourage rural activities through education.
Under the Ming Chengyuan system, social schools were established in every prefecture, state, and county with the main task of providing education and enlightenment, focusing on children under the age of fifteen.
Those students who excel in both character and academics in the social schools can enter county, state, and prefecture schools for further studies, and even have the opportunity to become a scholar without going through the examination process.
Zongxue is an exclusive school for the noble offspring of the Great Ming imperial family, which was originally established in the areas under the jurisdiction of the two major cities. It has long ceased to exist, but now it has been taken over by the Zongren Mansion and has been revitalized.
Under the guidance of the policy that emphasizes education for governing the country and puts schools as the foundation of education, coupled with the national strategy of nurturing and selecting talent, the court has spared no effort to vigorously build and develop the education sector, achieving remarkable results!
However, accompanied by the gradual corruption of the imperial politics, the prevalence of corruption, and the monopolization of power by eunuchs and officials, the complete and comprehensive system of official education has been severely damaged, resulting in the collapse of rituals and music, the closure of schools, and the miserable living conditions of the people.
Moreover, Emperor Taizu established numerous schools and emphasized the imperial examinations in order to cultivate and select officials needed by the court.
Therefore, while actively developing the cultural and educational sector, the Ming court also implemented various measures to strengthen ideological control and enforce cultural authoritarian rule.
Advocating Cheng-Zhu Confucianism as the official philosophy and establishing its unshakable position, as well as arbitrarily deleting and revising the classical work "Mencius" and prohibiting students from discussing politics, can be said to have taken cultural authoritarianism and thought control to the extreme!
However, as a result, the imperial examination system and the official education system gradually became rigid, leading to many scholars in the official schools diligently studying the classics and focusing on writing standardized essays, but neglecting practical knowledge and the ability to handle real-life situations. This resulted in the selection of numerous local officials who lacked the actual governing ability.
With the rise of anti-stagnation and corruption among the official academic institutions, literati scholars formed their own academies to satirize the government, criticize the current problems, and stay vigilant themselves. As a result, these academies gradually became places for ideological discussions and political activities.
Until today, the academies in the territory of Ming Dynasty have developed in an orderly manner. Although they have not reached their peak period, they can still influence public opinion for a while.
For example, the education master "Zhan Ruoshi", who is known for "Peaches and Plums Fill the World", dedicated his life to establishing schools and spreading Confucianism. He founded nearly forty academies throughout the country, with thousands of disciples scattered across the north and south of the Yangtze River. He greatly promoted the development and prosperity of Neo-Confucianism.
However, Zhu Houke was well aware that there was a clear sign when the Daming Academy reached its peak: a college was repaired and accepted disciples!
This college is called Donglin Academy!
Meanwhile, the Donglin Academy did not disappoint and produced a group of famous individuals, known as the Donglin Party.
This group of scholars lacked political foresight and governing ability, but they excelled at distinguishing between friends and enemies and attacking those that were different. They manipulated public opinion and acted as representatives of the interests of Jiangsu and Zhejiang merchants and landlord elites. With their ignorance, greed, and incompetence, they themselves led the Ming Empire into abyss and handed over its territory to the invaders.
"The sound of the wind, rain and reading enters the ears continuously, caring about family matters, national affairs, and world affairs!"
"Hehe, it's really 'concerned about the country and the people'!"
There was a cold expression on Zhu Hou's mouth, and he muttered in a low voice.
After a while, Zhan Ruoshui and Lu Nan walked into the study one after the other, with both of their expressions not looking too good.
The two of them could also understand the true intention behind the Holy Emperor's deliberate appointment of them to the Ministry of Education, which was to prevent any school of thought from becoming too powerful and forming an unstoppable force, such as the previous Cheng-Zhu Confucianism!
But after all, the two individuals have different ideals, as the saying goes, "Those who walk different paths cannot work together." How can they work together peacefully?
Zhu Hou smiled bitterly and shook his head, saying, "Both of you are pillars of the country and renowned scholars. Why can't you discuss the teachings of the sages instead of getting angry like children?"
Zhan Ruoshui raised his proud head and said displeasedly, "Master Lv is knowledgeable and accomplished, while this old man considers himself ignorant and superficial, unworthy to work with Master Lv!"
Lv Nanjing stubbornly replied, "Different paths, do not conspire together!"
It seems that having these two individuals jointly handling the Ministry of Education is a huge mistake!
But besides that, Zhu Hou has no other choice!
The Cheng-Zhu Confucian doctrine remains the official philosophy to this day, and no matter how much he suppresses it, it cannot shake its mainstream status.
However, the Zhu Xi School of Thought is not entirely without merit. Being an official philosophy, it naturally has its strengths, particularly in promoting authoritarianism that is beneficial to imperial rule.
Similarly, the School of Mind Learning has its pros and cons. The advantage lies in advocating the unity of knowledge and action, emphasizing personal practice. However, the downside is that it can unleash human nature and give rise to anti-monarchical thoughts.
In conclusion, both of these currently popular theories have their merits and disadvantages for the country. That is why Zhu Houcai allowed both individuals to jointly run the Ministry of Education, in order to prevent excessive power being held by one person.
After a moment of contemplation, Zhu Houzhen had a bright idea in his mind and quickly spoke: "How about this, Zhan Aiqing will be in charge of the Academy, and Lv Aiqing will be in charge of the Official School. No edict shall be violated!"
"Cancel the restriction that only students with a bachelor's degree can participate in the imperial examinations. All students of the Great Ming Dynasty are eligible to take the examinations!"
"The Ministry of Works will construct a university in each of the two capitals, inviting renowned scholars and hermits to lecture and teach. Outstanding students from academies will be admitted to the university for further study and moral cultivation!"
Both of them were overjoyed at the words and sincerely thanked them kneeling on the ground.
Zhanruoshui has always been committed to the construction of academies, and it is only appropriate for him to take charge of academies.
And the official academy has always followed the Cheng-Zhu Neo-Confucianism. It is only natural for Lv Nan, a great Neo-Confucian scholar, to take charge and complement each other.
Such an arrangement by the Holy Emperor completely separates the official school from the academy, making them the exclusive places for the study of Cheng-Zhu Neo-Confucianism and Lu-Wang Neo-Confucianism, respectively!
After the two great scholars left joyfully, Zhu Hou's expression became somewhat unpleasant.
He is well aware that today he has personally built two factions!
He only hopes that there will not be any so-called "clean streams" in the court in the future, just like the Donglin Party, who only knows how to attack those who are not of the same party!
【Author's side note】: Brothers, vote for the tickets
Please remember the first release domain name of this book: . Mobile version reading link: xs.