Daming: Dad, you are really not good at governing the country

Chapter 378: Establishing the Monk Registration Office to manage religion and adopting the method of selecting talents through recommendation
The imperial palace in spring is like a colorful painting, overflowing with vitality and vigor everywhere.

The warm sunlight is like a golden veil, gently falling on the dazzling glazed tiles of the Fengtian Hall, creating a dreamy halo.

The peach blossoms beside the palace wall are in full bloom, and the pink petals are falling like snowflakes.
It seems as if nature has deliberately added a touch of romantic color to the solemn palace walls.

Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao were discussing state affairs in the imperial study next to the Fengtian Hall. The topic revolved around the Monks' Registration Office and the recommendation of officials.

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly, his expression serious, like a towering mountain, majestic without even being angry.

"Biao'er, what are the monk official positions in the Monks' Registration Office?"

Zhu Biao responded calmly and clearly, his voice steady and powerful.

"Father, the Monks' Office has the Left and Right Shanshi, the Left and Right Chanjiao, the Left and Right Jiangjing, and the Left and Right Jueyi.

I have been thinking about how to make these monks work hard for the country and share the worries of my father.

Just like a craftsman carving a piece of jade, striving for perfection.

This is my duty as a son and I will do my best."

At this time, the breeze blew gently, carrying the fragrance of peach blossoms, blowing the gauze curtain in front of the palace, as if it was also listening to their conversation.

Zhu Yuanzhang stared at Zhu Biao with a sharp gaze, and that look seemed to be able to penetrate people's hearts.

"So what are they responsible for?"

Zhu Biao paused for a moment, his face calm, and after thinking for a moment, he said: "The left and right Shanshi are in charge of the official seals, and the left Shanshi is also in charge of the teaching of scriptures in the temples in the capital.

The Left and Right Chanjiao were responsible for supervising the monks and printing Buddhist scriptures, but this process was not always smooth.

Those monks came from different places and had different habits, so it was not easy to make them follow the same rules.

Moreover, printing Buddhist scriptures requires a lot of manpower and material resources, and how to ensure quality and efficiency is also a difficult problem.

The left and right lecturers are responsible for explaining the meaning of the scriptures, answering questions, and receiving monks from vassal states. Different understandings of the scriptures may cause disputes.

When dealing with monks from vassal states, cultural differences must be taken into consideration, and any carelessness could affect diplomatic relations.

The left and right Jueyi supervise the precepts and deal with those who violate them.

However, judging whether something has been violated is sometimes not black and white, and it is extremely important to grasp the scale.

I will definitely assist you in managing this matter and will never disappoint you, just like a loyal guard protecting the Ming Dynasty."

The sunlight shone through the carved windows onto Zhu Biao's face, reflecting his resolute expression.

The peach blossoms outside the window swayed gently in the breeze, as if cheering for his determination.

Zhu Yuanzhang seemed to be thinking about something, and then asked, "What about the local area?"

Zhu Biao took a sip from his teacup, thought quickly and said, "At the local level, there is a Buddhist Administration Department, with a chief and deputy chief administrators.

At the state level, there is a Buddhist Abbot's Office, which has a Buddhist Abbot.

At the county level, there is a Buddhist Association Department, which sets up a Buddhist Association.

I am fully aware that this matter needs to be handled with caution and I dare not be negligent in the slightest. I must be as careful as if I were walking on the edge of a cliff.

Any mistake could affect national stability.”

In the garden outside the palace, colorful flowers are blooming.

A few butterflies danced among the flowers, adding a touch of liveliness to the serious atmosphere.

Zhu Biao continued his response, "Local institutions face many challenges, and situations vary from place to place, making unified management difficult.

In some places, there are more monks, making management more complicated.

In addition, how to ensure good cooperation between local institutions and the imperial court’s Buddhist Affairs Bureau is also a major challenge.”

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly and continued to ask: "What is the work of local agencies?"

Zhu Biao replied without hesitation: "Father, the local institutions mainly cooperate with the Ministry of Rites and the Monks' Office.

On the one hand, the compilation of the monk register requires a detailed investigation of the background of each monk, which is a huge workload.

On the other hand, controlling the number of monks involves many factors, such as the local economy, the degree of religious belief, etc. I will do my best to live up to your expectations and move forward like an arrow from a bow. "

A few bird calls were heard in the distance, as if cheering for Zhu Biao's determination.

The willow trees outside the palace wall also lowered their tender green branches, swaying gently in the wind.

Zhu Yuanzhang casually placed the draft on the table and looked at Zhu Biao.

"Biao'er, if we do this, what will be the effect?"

Zhu Biao was confident and spoke in a firm tone.

“If the Monks’ Registration Office at all levels can be established, it will be able to effectively manage folk religious organizations, including the White Lotus Sect.

In this way, the third brother will be able to deal with potential threats more easily.

The Ming Dynasty will surely become more stable and prosperous, standing firm like Mount Tai."

At this time, a few white clouds floated in the sky, as if symbolizing the stability and tranquility of the Ming Dynasty.

A few swallows flew by happily, adding vitality to this beautiful spring day.

Zhu Yuanzhang sighed, "Biao'er, the third brother is always thinking about going overseas. You have to make your own decisions in the future."

Speaking of recommending and selecting officials, Zhu Yuanzhang's expression became serious again.

"Back then, we fought wars all over the country in order to establish a peaceful and prosperous era.

Now, the purpose of recommending and selecting talents is to select pillars for the imperial court, and there must be no mistakes. "

Zhu Biao quickly assured: "Your Majesty, you attach so much importance to this recommendation and recruitment, I will not let you down.

Even if the road ahead is difficult and dangerous, I will select true talents for the Ming Dynasty and lay a solid foundation for the Ming Dynasty."

Zhu Yuanzhang said with a serious face: "Biao'er, this recommendation of 8,000 people in the court is related to the future of the country.

Those who were recommended were all talented people from all over the country, and they came with the ambition to serve the country.

We must do it ourselves and strictly control it.

Only in this way can we have the discerning eye to select the real pillars of society, just like Bole selecting horses. "

Zhu Biao responded solemnly: "Your Majesty is right, and I am also aware of the importance of this recommendation.

These people have been screened through layers of local screening, just like gold shining among the sand, they must have their outstanding qualities.

We have to ensure that the court is fair and just so that talented people can shine.”

The light in the imperial study flickered slightly, as if adding a sense of solemnity to their conversation.

"However, the specific process of recommending and selecting talents is also full of challenges. From local recommendations to court examinations, problems may arise at every stage.

Are local recommendations fair? How should the questions in the court examination be set to comprehensively assess the talents?

These are questions that require careful consideration.”

Zhu Yuanzhang tapped the table hard with his fingers.

"This court examination will not only test one's talent and learning, but also one's moral character and loyalty.

Only people with both moral integrity and talent can contribute to our Ming Dynasty.

We must personally set the questions, mark the papers, and make the assessments, and we must be fair and impartial, so that people all over the world will be convinced.”

Zhu Biao nodded and said, "Don't worry, Father. I will arrange for capable people to strictly supervise the court process.

There will be no leniency towards those who try to get away with it, and they will be severely punished like an iron-faced and impartial judge.

At the same time, we create a good environment for the recommended people so that they can give full play to their talents. "

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly, with a hint of anticipation in his eyes.

"I hope this recommendation can select outstanding talents for our Ming Dynasty and lay the foundation for the prosperity of the country, just like the cornerstone lays the foundation for the stability of a pagoda."

(End of this chapter)