Ming Dynasty: Domination of the World from the Imperial Examination

Chapter 346: It only takes a thought for a meritorious official to turn against a traitor!
The hall was dead silent.

No sound was made.

Li Shanjiu remained silent for a long time, with a changeable look in his eyes.

Xia Zhibai's words had a great impact on him, and even made him have a different understanding of himself.

Nowadays, many meritorious officials in the court regard themselves as heroes, and they are domineering and arrogant. In fact, he himself is also like this, but as Xia Zhibai said, they were not like this before, but gradually changed after they were in high positions.

And Xia Zhibai pointed out why it changed.

Because his virtue does not match his position!

As the founding heroes of the Ming Dynasty, they undoubtedly made great contributions to the establishment of the Ming Dynasty, which no one can question. Therefore, at the beginning of the Ming Dynasty, they were divided into titles in turn. Some were dukes, some were marquises, and there were also earls, viscounts and barons.

None of them had any objection to the reward.

They all think it is reasonable.

Xia Zhibai also agreed with this point, but he had different opinions on letting meritorious officials hold high positions. Although these people might be suitable for building an empire, many of them were actually not qualified to rule the country.

Because of this.

They hate change and hate others climbing up the ladder.

Even hate new things.

Because all these things are teasing their heartstrings and plucking their sensitive nerves, and most of them do not have such a strong ability to adapt. Therefore, many people will be furious when they meet "talented" and "capable" people, especially officials who are against them, because the existence of these people indirectly confirms their "incompetence" in governing the country.

But as founding heroes, how could they be willing to retreat behind the scenes?
Therefore, he used the power in his hands to suppress and oppress these people, but in essence, it was a manifestation of lack of confidence in his own abilities. After realizing this, Li Shanchang gradually understood why many generals he knew were dubbed "arrogant and fierce generals" and why many officials were keen to form a united party because it was a way to protect themselves.

They do not accept anyone challenging their status, questioning their authority, or doubting their achievements.

What is ultimately manifested is arrogance, pride, and conceit, because this is the best way most people can think of to cover up their own "incompetence."

Not even one!

This fact is cruel and even ruthless.

As a founding hero of the Ming Dynasty, he was considered an "incompetent person".

No one can accept this.

But to a certain extent, this is true, because everyone has their own expertise, and the vast majority of people do not have the ability to handle politics well. Moreover, among these meritorious officials, the vast majority even have difficulty governing a county. They are brave but lack wisdom and strategy.

And just as Xia Zhibai said, no one will admit it, and no one will even realize it.

They always believe that they are the founding heroes and deserve more honor and wealth. Not only them, but even their descendants have the same idea, believing that they are superior to others and are destined to rise all the way.

But when they are in position, if they encounter something they cannot handle, they will inevitably listen to the people around them, and this will naturally lead to problems.

Xia Zhibai's unique insights are both to the point and creepy.

Even Li Shanchang himself felt a sinking feeling in his heart.

He also gradually understood why Hu Weiyong and others wanted to rebel, because in Hu Weiyong's view, from the emperor to the officials, most people were not as capable as himself, but they enjoyed higher status and titles than himself, so he naturally felt unfair and even rebellious. The reason why His Majesty was furious with many meritorious officials was probably because he saw that these people were not talented enough.

But he is still unaware and continues to do evil.

It's just that due to the old friendship, it's not easy to kill anyone. But if someone really crosses the line, His Majesty will act angrily.

Li Shan gave a long sigh and said, "When you are in a position, you should do your job."

"I have been taught a lesson."

Xia Zhibai smiled faintly and said, "Throughout the dynasties, the founding heroes have always been the most difficult people for the empire to deal with. Especially since the Tang Dynasty, when civil and military officials were separated, many officials were only proficient in one thing, and were not enterprising and arrogant. They have gradually evolved from heroes at the time of the founding of the country to stumbling blocks that hinder the development of the empire."

"These people are especially used to sticking together. The weaker and more incompetent they are, the more they like to stick together. When they stick together, their voice and influence are fully demonstrated, which greatly hinders the progress of the empire. This is why every dynasty has purged the founding heroes."

"Because they are blind and lack self-awareness."

"Everyone knows that 'when the birds are gone, the good bows are put away; when the cunning rabbit is dead, the running dog is cooked', but few people know that in many cases, they are seeking their own death. Being too greedy for power and too much pursuit of wealth and glory will often only arouse the emperor's suspicion. It is actually wise to retreat at the right time."

"Conquering the world is different from ruling the world!"

"It's a pity that many people in the world don't understand, or they do understand but are deliberately pretending to be confused."

"The world is bustling with people all for the sake of profit."

"People can never escape the word profit!"

"However, how many people can hand over the world they have worked so hard to conquer to others to govern? How many people really have such a broad mind and tolerance? Therefore, from an objective point of view, I really dislike those officials who are content with their posts, but on the other hand, I also understand them."

“But there has to be a limit.”

"If you go too far, you can become a hero or a traitor in just one thought."

"In my opinion, the founding heroes should be treated with favor and given a chance of wealth and glory, but they should be given more respect rather than just being given a seat at the table. They should have the status they deserve, but their real power should be cut."

"Advance and retreat must be orderly at the same time!"

"If you just sit in one position, you'll become annoying."

"There is a very reasonable saying in the Tao Te Ching: 'When the world is ruled by virtue, horses are used to carry manure; when the world is ruled by no virtue, war horses are born in the suburbs. There is no greater disaster than not being content, and no greater fault than wanting to gain. Therefore, knowing that one is content is always enough.'"

"Only by restraining your desires can you maintain lasting satisfaction!"

"It's a pity that most people in the world are greedy and unable to satisfy their desires."

"In the end, most people end up going in the opposite direction of what they want to pursue."

"All this, in the eyes of the younger generation, is a lack of order. Since the Qin system, there have been major problems with the tenure of officials. However, due to the influence of the power of meritorious officials, successive dynasties could only pretend to be ignorant of it. However, this step-by-step regression has allowed desires to grow."

"In the end, both sides suffered losses!"

(End of this chapter)