Strategy for the Revitalization of the Late Ming Dynasty

Chapter 372 The Situation in Fujian

Ning Haisheng was stunned for a moment after listening to the two people talking. He didn't quite understand why his two friends were so indignant. He didn't have much interest in the culture and beliefs of the "red-haired" people. After all, the most important thing at the moment was the imperial examination.

But he didn't want to seem too indifferent, so he casually chimed in, "These barbarians are just uncivilized people. How could they understand the etiquette and system of our Ming Dynasty? A while ago, my father married a fifteen-year-old girl. Would any elder say that this is wrong? These 'red-haired people' don't believe in the laws of their ancestors, but instead believe in their own ideas. It's really ridiculous."

Ye Wen nodded, seemingly agreeing with Hu Kuangdu's opinion, and continued, "Yes, the 'red-haired' people are just foreign barbarians. How could they understand the 'natural law' of our Ming Dynasty? Look at my father's elders. Although they are old, they always teach us according to the rules of our ancestors. What can these 'red-haired' people understand? I don't think we need to argue too much with them."

Hu Du also echoed, "That's right, Brother Ning. Before you came, we heard some people in the academy start discussing 'Western learning' and the beliefs of the 'red-haired' people. We couldn't help but feel a little angry. After all, our Ming Dynasty has always been a place of etiquette and propriety. How can we let these foreigners talk nonsense?"

However, Ning Haisheng's attention had long since shifted from the "Red Hair" issue to the issue of the imperial examination. He was not very interested in participating in these discussions because what he was most concerned about was the upcoming imperial examination.

Although he had several conversations with his friends in the past few days, he never really understood the situation of the academy, especially the details of the imperial examination. He knew very well that this imperial examination would determine his future fate.

So, he spoke again, with a hint of anxiety and expectation, and asked, "Brother Ye, Brother Hu, have you heard? What are the specific arrangements for the imperial examination? Have the time and rules been determined?"

Seeing Ning Haisheng so anxious, Ye Wen and Hu Du couldn't help but feel moved. Ye Wen thought for a moment before saying, "The specific date for the examination hasn't been officially confirmed yet, but it should take place within this month. As for the rules, I heard they'll be different from before, with some new changes. But we've only heard about it, so we'll have to wait for the official announcement."

Hu Du also nodded and added, "However, no matter how things change, we, the Juren, will eventually face a rigorous examination. You and I both know that every Juren in the academy hopes to become the top scholar. I just hope that this time everything goes well and that we won't regret it."

"Brother Ye, Brother Hu, I heard that the spring examination has been changed this time and many subjects have been added. I wonder if it is true?" Ning Haisheng looked at the two of them, bowed slightly, and with a bit of curiosity and expectation in his tone, he couldn't help but ask.

Ye Wenjiang and Hu Du exchanged a glance, their eyes flashing with excitement. Hu Du spoke first, his face filled with eagerness and excitement:
"I heard that it was Your Majesty who personally advocated for this. The imperial examination is a major national initiative, affecting the future of scholars throughout the country and determining the foundation of state governance. Your Majesty believes that the imperial examination should not be limited to just a few traditional subjects, but should include more practical examination content to cultivate more talented people who can serve the court."

Hu Du paused for a moment, and with a look of pride and joy on his face, he said:
"I heard that several subjects have been added this time, including Law, Mathematics, and History, covering knowledge in law, administration, and history. The goal is to enable students to not only master poetry and prose, but also understand the complexities of statecraft. Furthermore, His Majesty has secured more places for us. I heard that the number of admissions this year will increase significantly. This is not only to strengthen the talent pool, but also to prepare for the future recovery of lost territory and restoration of national strength."

Hu Du became very excited when he talked about this topic, and his dancing face could not hide his inner joy. Although he was not proficient in most of these new subjects, he could not help but feel excited when he heard that His Majesty was striving to provide more opportunities for the nobles.

After all, the imperial examination is the destiny of every scholar, and every additional quota means one more opportunity to enter the official career. For scholars like Hu Kuangdu who are already getting older, the increase in quotas is undoubtedly a blessing.

Ning Haisheng nodded slightly, feeling a deep emotion. In these turbulent times, passing the imperial examination to enter the imperial court and become a powerful official was absolutely every scholar's dream. This reform of the Spring Examination clearly provided them with a better opportunity, and it also made him less anxious about the possibility of failing.

"Your Majesty is truly concerned about us, the nobles. After all, it is a well-intentioned move of his to gain more opportunities for us and add more subjects." Ye Wenjiang interrupted at this time and whispered:
"I heard that at first, the cabinet's chief minister, Wu, disagreed with this and firmly opposed adding these subjects. He felt that the imperial examination was already too onerous, and adding more subjects might lead to an influx of unqualified scholars. It's hateful that an old man like Wu always clings to tradition and refuses to make progress."

General Ye Wen shook his head as he spoke, "But fortunately, Your Majesty argued with reason and finally convinced him, which ultimately led to the reform of the imperial examination system."

Ye Wen changed the subject and smiled confidently, "More importantly, these additional subjects will definitely take away a lot of places that were originally highly competitive. We will have less competition and more opportunities."

After listening to what the two said, Ning Haisheng gradually relaxed. Although his family background was not bad and his grandfather had passed the imperial examination, although he did not get what he wanted in the imperial examination, after some efforts, he was finally able to serve as a county magistrate through his connections.

The family tradition of reading and a good education had educated him well from a young age, giving him a far-sighted vision and insight. However, repeated failures in the imperial examinations over the past few years had put a lot of pressure on him, making him somewhat nervous about this spring's exam.

"Alas, I really don't understand why that cabinet minister surnamed Wu is so stubbornly clinging to the old ways and unwilling to fight for us." Ning Haisheng couldn't help but speak indignantly after hearing Ye Wenjiang's words. "The country has just achieved peace and there's so much to rebuild. Shouldn't scholars serve the country at this time? Why is he always so petty?"

He raised his voice slightly, his tone showing obvious dissatisfaction. Ye Wenjiang and Hu Du looked at each other, obviously understanding Ning Haisheng's feelings.

As children of the gentry, they have always hoped to enter officialdom through the imperial examination. However, no matter how the times change, the imperial examination is always the only way for them to succeed.

After the country was stabilized, they felt that they had the responsibility to contribute to the country's rejuvenation, and the advancement of the imperial examination system reform obviously gave them more opportunities, especially by adding practical application subjects to cultivate more suitable officials.

Hu Du stroked his beard and sighed, "Prime Minister Wu is always stubborn and clings to old ways, unaware of the changing times. But Your Majesty made this adjustment, and although there was some resistance, it ultimately prevailed. This is why we scholars can prepare for the exam with peace of mind."

He paused, a firm look in his eyes as he spoke, "Reform is for the long-term development of the country, not for the selfish interests of certain individuals. If we scholars don't even have the opportunity, how can we truly contribute to the country?" Ning Haisheng nodded, a surge of strength welling up in his heart. Everything Your Majesty does is for the future of the country, even to recover lost territory and reclaim those lost territories. As scholars, we, at this historical moment, shoulder the responsibility of reviving the Ming Dynasty.

"I hope I can pass successfully this time and become a pillar of your majesty." Ning Haisheng secretly made up his mind, his eyes firm. "Now that the imperial examination has been reformed, we have more opportunities. We will definitely not let your majesty down!"

Wei Xian stood at the bow, gazing at the river before him. A gentle breeze blew past, bringing a hint of damp sea air. As the merchant ship sailed upstream, the distant mountains and the villages on the shore gradually became blurred. The other three people on the boat were quietly busy, occasionally looking up to check their surroundings.

He had mixed feelings. This journey was no easy task. His disguise had been successful only because of his previous preparations and his precise grasp of the situation. He had no significant connections with this caravan, but its nature was quite unique—it specialized in maritime smuggling.

Since the fleet usually has close ties with some local pirate leaders, Wei Xian did not encounter much trouble on this trip.

After a clever disguise, he was mistaken for a pirate leader from Southeast Asia. Naturally, the crew members of the caravan did not dare to ask too many questions, nor did they even express any suspicion towards him. Although everyone on the ship was alert, once they saw Wei Xian's characteristic clothing and behavior, they felt relieved - this was exactly the "companion" they were accustomed to dealing with.

The merchant ship sailed northwards and finally arrived at the outer dock of Zhangzhou Prefecture. Wei Xian disembarked and found Zhangzhou still bustling and vibrant. However, compared to the intelligence he had previously received from other sources, the scene before him made him wary.

The defenders at the city gate were clearly much more numerous than previously reported. The heavily armored soldiers had sharp eyes and were on high alert. Wei Xian frowned slightly, wondering if Zheng Sen had planned all this and strengthened his defenses in advance.

The leader of the caravan led a group of people, and they and Wei Xian came to a wooden house near the dock. Several servants in coarse clothes were guarding the door. When they saw the caravan coming, they immediately came forward to greet them.

The door opened, and the officer emerged, a smile on his face, seemingly having been waiting for a while. He glanced at the caravan members and, upon seeing the leader, smiled and immediately approached, greeting them. Without further ado, he gestured for everyone to enter the city.

Wei Xian stood at the back of the team, knowing clearly that the relationship between this caravan and the garrison in Zhangzhou City was by no means as simple as it seemed. The caravan's smooth entry into Zhangzhou was obviously due to its deep interest connection with the generals stationed there.

In fact, such caravans are not the only smuggling groups. The Zheng family's influence has long been rooted in this area, and the caravan's trade is closely linked to the Zheng family's army.

Without the support of these generals, even pirates would have found it difficult to survive, let alone the merchants who relied on smuggling. Although the Zheng army had always claimed to block the coastline, the fact was that smuggling, trade, and even looting had always existed in this sea area.

Although the Zheng family's troops frequently strengthened their defenses, civilian trade and smuggling continued to flourish, with few able to completely curb them. Wei Xian pondered to himself that the reasons behind this were probably far more complex than they appeared to be. After entering Zhangzhou City, the caravan leader and the officer walked together toward a warehouse near the city gate.

The porters and caravan members around the warehouse seemed unusually relaxed, as if all this was a daily routine for them. Wei Xian and three of his men were arranged to wait outside the warehouse. Although there were no special arrangements, the atmosphere in the area made him feel a little uneasy.

The porters around seemed very familiar with the situation here, as if they had already witnessed these transactions. He was not in a hurry to enter the warehouse, but chose to wait outside.

He observed everything around him and carefully listened to the gossip of people nearby. From their scattered conversations, Wei Xian quickly noticed some unusual movements.

"Recently, Zheng Hongkui seems to have noticed something and has ordered increased defenses," a porter whispered, a hint of nervousness on his face. "I heard that a Zheng army reinforcement force will be arriving soon, supposedly to jointly prevent a surprise attack from the imperial court."

"Humph, guarding against the imperial court? Or guarding against us smuggling caravans!" Another porter sneered, "I heard that the Zheng family has already started preparing. They've already started accumulating food and fodder, so they should be making a move soon."

Wei Xian frowned and felt something in his heart. He did not completely believe the conversation between these servants and caravan members. Zheng Sen's movements had always been unpredictable. The mobilization of Zheng's army might not be just a simple defense against foreign enemies.

Another porter whispered, "I heard those damned Zhengs have already made arrangements. Some even mentioned that if a fight breaks out, our smuggling caravan might have no escape route. Look, aren't the defenses here a bit too tight?"

These words sparked discussion among people around him, and some even began to explore whether they could take the opportunity to move to Guangdong to avoid possible conflicts.

Some people also mentioned that Zheng’s navy was also stepping up its training. Once a battle broke out, the situation in Fujian would become more tense and the caravan’s business might be affected.

The situation in Fujian may be more complicated than Wei Xian expected. The mobilization of Zheng's army is obviously not just for the purpose of defending against pirates. He must speed up the progress and complete his task as soon as possible. He cannot hesitate in this complicated situation.

(End of this chapter)