Chongzhen revived the Ming Dynasty

The reform of the Hanlin Academy was an important measure taken by Zhu Youjian to gain deeper control over the academic community.

As a place for cultivating talent and the government office for training future prime ministers in the Ming Dynasty, the Hanlin Academy naturally stood on the side of the imperial court and was close to the emperor.

Those who were not close to the emperor were basically relegated to the sidelines in the Hanlin Academy.

Without the emperor's approval, there was no chance of becoming a Grand Secretary.

Many Hanlin officials gained the emperor's favor and the opportunity to rise rapidly in rank by lecturing.

Sun Chengzong was such a person. He was praised by the Tianqi Emperor when he served as a lecturer and soon became a Grand Secretary.

Qian Qianyi appeared weak in front of Zhu Youjian because he harbored the ambition of entering the cabinet. Unlike Liu Zongzhou, he could not offer unreserved advice to the emperor.

Zhu Youjian trusted the officials of the Hanlin Academy far more than the officials of the Censorate, and decided to use the Hanlin Academy to control the academic world.

As for why Qian Qianyi was chosen, it wasn't just because he was obedient. It was also because Zhu Youjian wanted to establish a proper atmosphere within the Hanlin Academy and ensure that its officials wouldn't go astray.

Thinking about his plans for the Hanlin Academy, Zhu Youjian said to Qian Qianyi:
"The Hanlin Academy is supposed to study scholarship, but what is the purpose of studying scholarship?"

"Does the gentleman understand this?"

Upon hearing this, Qian Qianyi quickly grasped the emperor's intention and replied:

"The path of the Hanlin Academy is called the future prime minister."

"The purpose of studying is naturally to apply knowledge to practical use in the world."

"Use the teachings of sages to govern the world."

Zhu Youjian nodded in agreement, saying:

"Practical application of knowledge and action should be the guiding principle of the Hanlin Academy."

"The Hanlin Academy should also guide the academic community to pay more attention to practical issues."

"Academic research should be applied to practical use; it cannot be merely empty talk about morality without any practical solutions."

This was yet another clear expression of his aversion to the School of Mind and the School of Principle. Qian Qianyi remained outwardly calm, but inwardly he was overjoyed.

With the emperor's words, he could openly reject the School of Mind and the School of Principle in the Hanlin Academy, since these two schools of thought often debated the nature of mind.

As long as the Hanlin Academy displays the four characters "经世致用" (meaning "to apply knowledge to practical use"), it becomes a base for cultivating talent through practical learning.

Furthermore, because the Hanlin Academy Journal could publish articles by outsiders, it could also guide more people to favor his practical learning.

Zhu Youjian also mentioned this point, and instructed:
"The influence of the Hanlin Academy on the academic community should be strengthened, and efforts should be made to unearth virtuous scholars like Chen Meigong."

"We should attach importance to submissions from outside sources and recommend outstanding works and talents every year."

“We cannot allow someone like Chen Meigong, who was already over seventy years old when he finally took up a post in the imperial court.”

Qian Qianyi broke out in a sweat upon hearing this, never expecting the emperor to view the matter in this way.

He and many others in the court believed that the emperor's appointment of Chen Jiru was an act of employing a forgotten talent, but the emperor unexpectedly elaborated on this, arguing that the discovery of talent was insufficient. As a minister with the responsibility of recommending talent, he naturally felt ashamed.

Now that the emperor has brought this matter up formally, he can only offer an excuse:

"Chen Meigong's reputation for virtue had already spread, but the Emperor of the Temple neglected state affairs, and during the Tianqi era, the traitor Wei caused chaos in the government."

"Therefore, it was not until this year that His Majesty appointed him."

"Your Majesty is diligent in governing and loves the people, which is evident to everyone in the court and the country."

These words brought a smile to Zhu Youjian's lips, yet he still insisted on continuing:
"Chen Meigong was not put to use earlier because he had no opportunity to demonstrate his talents."

"The Hanlin Academy Journal should play this role, allowing talented people from all over the world to publish their articles and strategies."

"If there is something remarkable about it, it will naturally be recommended."

By using the journals of the Hanlin Academy, control over the academic world can be strengthened. If someone truly has talent, they will naturally be able to showcase it.

Conversely, those without genuine talent and learning will find it difficult to publish articles in the Hanlin Academy's journals. Their so-called "reputation of virtue" is naturally just an illusion.

Zhu Youjian hoped to gain the right to evaluate from the academic community through this.

No matter how much praise one receives from scholars, those who have not published articles in the Hanlin Academy's journal cannot be considered remnants of the past.

The same applies to the art world; if one is not honored by the Hanlin Academy of Fine Arts, no amount of praise will deter skepticism.

By controlling the evaluation power within the academic and artistic circles, the Hanlin Academy could exert significant influence over them, preventing dissidents from emerging in the arts and culture sector. Furthermore, through the arts and culture, it could influence public opinion and ultimately affect a wider audience.

Furthermore, the power of the National Ethics Committee to review the ethics of public figures, as well as the power of public opinion and evaluation by scholars, will all be transferred to the imperial court.

The Ming Dynasty's control over scholars will be stronger than ever before.

Therefore, Zhu Youjian attached great importance to this and continued:
"From now on, I will allocate quotas for recommending scholars to the Hanlin Academy."

"Those who are specially granted the title of Yuanshi and have outstanding works can be admitted to the Hanlin Academy without taking the exam."

"For example, Chen Jiru and Sun Qifeng could both serve in the Hanlin Academy and even become scholars."

Qian Qianyi should have been pleased that such importance was placed on talent, but upon hearing this, he felt troubled:

"Your Majesty, Yuanshi were not qualified to take the examination for Shujishi before. It was only last year that it was decided to allow them to take the examination together with Jinshi."

"The selection of Shujishi is limited to those under forty years old. Your Majesty's permission for all scholars to participate has already drawn criticism. If you allow them to enter the Hanlin Academy without examination, I fear the criticism will only intensify."

"After all, there are talented people like Chen Meigong among the common people, as well as those who are just pretending to be talented."

"If we allow them to enter the Hanlin Academy without examination, I fear that people will look down on the Hanlin Academy."

His words indicated his disapproval of directly appointing Chen Jiru, Sun Qifeng, and others as Hanlin Academicians, suggesting that they must pass an examination to enter the Hanlin Academy.

Zhu Youjian knew that Qian Qianyi and Chen Jiru had a good relationship, but he didn't expect Qian Qianyi to oppose the proposal. He said with some suspicion:
"Chen Meigong is already advanced in years, yet he is universally recognized as a wise and talented man?"

"Would someone like that be willing to take the exam to become a probationary official?"

"Won't they feel wronged taking the exam alongside the newly appointed scholars?"

Qian Qianyi was somewhat surprised to hear this and asked in return:

"Who would feel wronged taking the exam alongside those who have passed the imperial examinations?"

"While there are few scholars like Chen Meigong who are over seventy years old, there are quite a few Jinshi who are in their forties or even sixties."

“Mr. Zhenchuan Gui Youguang was nearly sixty years old when he became a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations).

"Wen Zhengming, the Hermit of Hengshan, failed the imperial examinations repeatedly. After passing the Ministry of Personnel examination at the age of over fifty, he was appointed as a Hanlin Academy Compiler."

"Both gentlemen are equally famous for their articles, calligraphy and painting, but they do not feel that taking the imperial examination or the Hanlin examination is a disgrace."

"If anyone truly believes this, then the court should simply not employ them!"

These words struck Zhu Youjian like a jolt, making him realize the difference between this time and later generations:
In later generations, civil service exams were limited to candidates up to 35 years old, so there were no older candidates at all.

Because of this impression, he felt that having older, learned scholars and newly appointed scholars take the exam together would make the latter feel stifled.

Unexpectedly, there were many elderly Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations) in the Ming Dynasty. Regardless of whether they were fifty or sixty years old, they were all newly appointed Jinshi.

The newly appointed Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination) being promoted to Shujishi (a junior official in the Hanlin Academy) is something to celebrate; how could there be any sense of grievance?

Scholars like Sun Qifeng, especially those who had passed the imperial examinations, were eagerly anticipating becoming probationary officials. They even hoped to quell doubts about their scholarship by competing alongside those who had passed the highest level of the imperial examinations.

After all, he was only a Juren (a successful candidate in the provincial civil service examination) before, which was a rather low academic achievement in the capital.

If the normal school wants to go further, it needs to have a higher status in academia.

Qian Qianyi learned from Ai Nanying that he and Sun Qifeng were both preparing for this examination. Zhu Youjian's conclusion based on a false impression was truly inappropriate.

After reflecting on himself, Zhu Youjian said:
"Therefore, the rules are set as follows:"

"Apart from the top three scholars in the first class, everyone else who wants to become a formal member of the Hanlin Academy must pass the examination to become a probationary scholar."

"The same applies to newly appointed Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations) and Yuanshi (successful candidates in the lowest imperial examinations)."

"Only those who pass the examination to become probationary officials can be considered Hanlin officials and have the opportunity to become Hanlin scholars."

"To prevent unqualified individuals from tarnishing the academic sanctuary of the Hanlin Academy."

To maintain the status of the Hanlin Academy, they hoped to create an academic sanctuary.

Qian Qianyi, who came from the Hanlin Academy and is now its head, naturally supports this.

He even said to the emperor:
"I will advise Chen Meigong to participate in this selection process, so as to set a precedent for the future."

“Even someone like Chen Meigong had to take an exam to enter the Hanlin Academy, so it was even more so for those whose reputation for virtue was not as good as his.”

"Even if Shu Yijing came, he would still need to participate in the selection process to become a Hanlin scholar."

Shu Yuejing was a virtuous man who was on par with Chen Jiru, and Zhu Youjian also intended to recruit him.

However, he suddenly thought of something and frowned, saying:
"Shu Yuejing has the title of Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations). He took the exam for Shujishi (a junior official in the Hanlin Academy), but failed and became a county magistrate."

"If he were to be given another chance to take the examination for probationary official based on his reputation for virtue, wouldn't that cause resentment among those who are serious about being officials?"

This question left Qian Qianyi speechless.

He mentioned Shu Yuejing only because this person was as famous as Chen Jiru, and Ai Nanying had recommended him many times. He never expected that Shu Yuejing was already a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations) and had participated in the selection process for the Hanlin Academy.

But preventing Shu Yijing from participating in the selection process is even more unacceptable. He has a higher academic rank than Chen Jiru, so why doesn't he receive the same preferential treatment?

For a moment, he didn't know how to resolve the matter and fell silent.

After thinking it over, Zhu Youjian proposed:

"Perhaps, we can give the successful candidates more opportunities to take the imperial examinations for the Hanlin Academy."

"Officials with academic titles and who have written excellent academic papers can be given another chance to be selected."

"Furthermore, I previously required that officials of the Censorate and the Censorate should first come from the Three Judicial Offices, which deprived many county magistrates of the opportunity to become Censorate and Censorate officials, leading to some fatigue in governance."

"In order to make them diligent in their duties, outstanding county magistrates can be selected as probationary officials instead of the previous selection of censors and officials."

"The same applies to other newly appointed Jinshi. Each academy, ministry, temple, and province can recommend one to three outstanding officials to participate in the selection of Shujishi."

"Those who pass the examination will retain the rank of Shujishi, study in the Hanlin Academy, and obtain the Hanlin degree."

These words were clearly another outlandish idea, which gave Qian Qianyi a headache.

This is because it is not only an internal matter of the Hanlin Academy, but also relates to how the Ministry of Personnel selects officials.

It even concerned the cabinet, because a Grand Secretary had to be a member of the Hanlin Academy.

Li Sancai's lack of Hanlin Academy membership sparked considerable controversy when the Donglin Party nominated him for a cabinet position.

Other officials who wanted to join the cabinet but were hindered by not having the status of a Hanlin scholar would surely flock to this policy and try to pass the examination to become a Hanlin scholar.

If Qian Qianyi had known that recommending Shu Yuejing would lead to all this, he would never have brought up that name.

Now, all we can do is offer this gentle advice:
"The Hanlin Academy is for cultivating talents for the country, and it selects people with exceptional talent."

"Failure to pass the imperial examination once indicates limited talent."

"Moreover, it is unfair to the new scholars to have those who have taken the exam before compete with them."

"Officials' obsession with selecting probationary scholars is also detrimental to governance."

After thinking it over, Zhu Youjian said:
"Many factors influence exams, and one exam shouldn't determine your entire life."

"However, what you said makes sense. We cannot allow officials to become obsessed with examinations and selections."

"Then let's establish a system whereby a Shujishi can participate in the selection process a maximum of five times, for ranks below the fifth grade."

"But there is no age limit; anyone has the opportunity."

Seeing that Qian Qianyi still intended to offer advice, he continued:

"The Hanlin Academy should be expanded, and more Hanlin scholars should be recruited."

"Now the Hanlin Academy has eight academies, each of which has five or six research institutes, and the research institutes have research rooms."

"In the future, we will need at least two or three hundred resident scholars to sustain our research."

"Starting this year, the number of positions will be doubled, while the number of newly appointed Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations) under the age of forty will remain unchanged. The remaining half of the positions will be filled by candidates who are Yuanshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations), outstanding officials, exceptional officials, and Jinshi over the age of forty."

"The exam must be fair and must not attract any criticism."

This decision immediately pleased Qian Qianyi.

This is because it means that the number of officials he can win over has doubled.

Moreover, it will not affect the original selection of probationary officials, and will not cause them to cause trouble.

Therefore, Qian Qianyi was very pleased and said:
“This is certainly feasible.”

"I originally planned to select twenty to forty people, but now we can expand it to sixty."

“If half of the staff stay after the academy closes, there will be enough people to be permanent members in the Hanlin Academy in twenty or thirty years.”

This process was far too slow and did not meet Zhu Youjian's expectations. He said to Qian Qianyi:

"not enough!"

"In the past, the Hanlin Academy recruited a maximum of sixty-two probationary officials."

"This year's examination will be set at 120, with 60 selected from the newly appointed Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations) and 60 from other means."

"We must fill in all eight academies and continue to improve them later."

The number of Hanlin scholars was greatly expanded to select prime ministers from a wider range of people.

He did not want the cabinet to be too powerful, with all the capable ministers entering the cabinet as Grand Secretaries, and the Five Academies and Six Ministries becoming subordinate to the cabinet.

But what I really don't want is for the cabinet to be full of mediocre people who lack the ability to govern the country.

He previously encouraged Hanlin scholars to take up concurrent posts outside the capital, precisely to cultivate their ability to govern.

Now, they've gone a step further, giving outstanding officials the opportunity to take the imperial examinations for the Hanlin Academy.

Such an official must be skilled in governance, and he has never slacked off in his studies, constantly preparing for the Hanlin Academy examination.

They were the successors that Zhu Youjian had hoped for, to deal with the increasingly complex industrial era in the future.

This change was naturally an opportunity for officials without the Hanlin Academy status.

However, the increase in the number of people means that the competition among the Hanlin scholars will intensify.

The days when one could easily rise through the ranks to become a vice minister, minister, or even a grand secretary by following the established procedures are gone forever for the Hanlin scholars.

They had to compete for a limited number of official positions and strive for the opportunity to become a Grand Secretary. (End of Chapter)