Ming Dynasty 1627

Chapter 94 The Old Money Aristocracy of the Ming Dynasty (+2K)

Just after noon.

Zhang Weixian walked out of the Rear Army Commander's Mansion and headed towards Chengtian Gate.

As I hurried along, the words written by the new emperor himself kept flashing through my mind: "Dare to change the world."

A new era has begun?
Zhang Weixian pondered these three words in his heart, feeling a chill rise from the bottom of his heart, yet also a faint trace of heat.

The fate of the Ming Dynasty is about to change, but what role will the nobles of the Ming Dynasty play in this turmoil?

……

In the blink of an eye, they arrived at Chengtian Gate, where the young eunuch Ma Wenke was already waiting at the entrance, his face showing some urgency.

"Lord Duke, you've finally arrived! His Majesty is waiting for you!"

Zhang Weixian smiled and stepped forward calmly, his right sleeve swaying slightly as it lightly touched Ma Wenke's sleeve.

However, just as he thought the matter was settled and was about to withdraw, he felt a slight weight on his sleeve.

He was somewhat surprised. Upon closer inspection, he realized that instead of the ten taels of silver he had handed over, there were ten more taels.

Zhang Weixian looked up and met Ma Wenke's slightly embarrassed face.

The young eunuch didn't say anything, but waved his hand at him and said, "Lord Duke, please hurry up and leave, don't keep His Majesty waiting."

After saying that, he turned around and led the way.

Zhang Weixian hurriedly followed, momentarily confused.

What kind of person is this little eunuch?
Why do they keep taking money, then refuse to take it, and now they've just returned it?
Has His Majesty's attitude changed? Or is this little eunuch just timid and afraid of trouble?

As he watched Ma Wenke's retreating figure, doubts arose in his heart, and a sense of unease inexplicably crept in.

Ma Wenke, who was walking ahead, couldn't help but secretly wipe the sweat from his palms.

The cold eyes of our ancestor seemed to reappear before my eyes.

"—Arts major, is this ten taels of silver all you dream of?"

It's absolutely terrifying! Money may be tempting, but life is far more important!
Each lost in their own thoughts, they remained silent the entire way and soon arrived at the Qianqing Palace.

Zhang Weixian composed himself and had just stepped into the palace. Before he could even straighten his clothes and bow, a figure hurriedly emerged from behind the imperial desk.

"The Duke has finally arrived! I have been missing him terribly!"

Zhu Youjian's voice was filled with heartfelt enthusiasm. He stepped forward and grabbed Zhang Weixian's arm.

"Your Excellency, no need for formalities, please come with me."

As she spoke, she pulled him to sit down on the brocade stool next to her.

As soon as he sat down, several eunuchs quietly followed him and placed several warm brocade sachets on his knees and back.

The whole process was so smooth that Zhang Weixian couldn't even find a moment to speak.

"Your Majesty... Your kindness is immense, this old minister..."

He cupped his hands in a respectful gesture, finally finding an opportunity to speak.

However, before he could finish speaking, Zhu Youjian suddenly leaned over and looked at his face with concern.

"What's wrong with the Duke? Why does he look so pale?"

Zhang Weixian's remaining words were choked back.

He was speechless for a moment.

Your Majesty, your Brave Guards are firing guns and cannons from the other side of the river every day. How can I sleep well? How can an old man look well if he doesn't sleep well?

He certainly dared not say this aloud, so he could only vaguely reply, "Your Majesty, this old minister's old leg pain has flared up these past few days, and I haven't been able to sleep well at night."

"Oh?" Upon hearing this, Zhu Youjian immediately showed a knowing expression and nodded, saying, "The Duke is a pillar of the country, so you must take good care of your health. The Ming Dynasty still needs old ministers like the Duke to support me."

After exchanging a few more casual words, Zhu Youjian finally got to the point.

He changed the subject, and his previously relaxed expression became slightly more serious.

"Duke, I remember your last audience with me, when you advised me not to repeat the mistakes of Emperor Shenzong."

"It is also said that the Ming Dynasty has nurtured scholars for three hundred years."

Zhu Youjian crossed his arms and placed them in front of his knees, his dark eyes fixed on Zhang Weixian, and asked with great interest:
"Then, I would like to ask the Duke, does the term 'scholar' in the Great Ming Dynasty include nobles?"

"Although I am now eager to rise up and make a difference for the nation, can these nobles of the Ming Dynasty truly be of my use?"

coming!

Zhang Weixian felt a chill run down his spine, but then breathed a sigh of relief. The topic was fairly normal; it seemed that the little eunuch was just a coincidence.

He composed himself and said seriously:
"His Majesty reigns supreme, like the sun at its zenith. Under such overwhelming power, who dares to defy the might of Heaven?"

"The nobles and meritorious officials of the court have received the emperor's favor for generations and receive salaries from the imperial court. Who among them would dare not think of striving to be the first to serve the country?"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Youjian's smile faded slightly, and he leaned forward, his gaze becoming even sharper.

"If that's the case, then why do I always hear that the nobles, having enjoyed peace for many years, have long lost the vigor of their ancestors, only knowing how to be corrupt and pleasure-seeking, and are utterly useless?"

"Could it be that the officials of the outer court and the secret police are all deceiving me?"

The question was extremely serious, and the atmosphere in the hall instantly plummeted to freezing point.

Zhang Weixian remained calm, only letting out a soft sigh in his heart.

He knew that if the emperor asked this question, it meant he didn't really want to purge the nobles, but rather that he wanted to use them.

The reason I asked that question was simply to get his attitude.

Are the nobility corrupt?
Of course, it's corrupt.

After the Tumu Fortress Incident, military affairs were firmly controlled by civil officials, and the nobles' repeated resistance was to no avail.

The dukes, marquises, and earls of the court merely sat idly in their halls each day, offering sacrifices on behalf of Heaven.

Despite his wealth and honor, he had nothing to do.

In such circumstances, their corruption is even more rampant than that of the civil service.

There's no point in hiding this.

However, how to say it in a way that neither deceives the emperor nor damages the reputation of the nobility and gives them an opportunity is an art.

Zhang Weixian pondered for a moment, carefully considering his words before slowly speaking.

"Your Majesty is wise. The corruption of the nobles is actually closely related to their family traditions and the inheritance of their titles. It cannot be generalized."

"Oh? What do you mean?" Zhu Youjian nodded, signaling Zhang Weixian to continue.

"In my humble opinion, the current nobles can be roughly divided into three categories."

Zhang Weixian's voice was steady and clear, echoing in the quiet hall.

"Firstly, there are the noble families who were granted titles during the founding of the country and the Jingnan Campaign."

"These families are extremely strict in their governance. The elders of each clan who inherit the title are the 'title holders.' Within the clan, there are regulations for both literary and martial education. If a member makes a minor mistake, the clan will deal with it directly according to the family rules before the authorities can intervene. This is quite reminiscent of the ancient clan system."

"Therefore, although not all the children of such families are exceptionally talented, most of them are of good character, dutiful, and have merit in both literary and military arts."

Zhu Youjian listened, and suddenly found it amusing.

This Wei Xian is quite interesting.

Isn't this what later generations often refer to as the "Old Money aristocracy"?

It has a profound cultural heritage and emphasizes inheritance and education. Although it may be somewhat rigid, its minimum standards are guaranteed.

He speaks so eloquently, could he be taking this opportunity to boast?

The Duke of England's mansion was the most prestigious "old money" in the Ming Dynasty.
Zhang Weixian, oblivious to the emperor's amused gaze, continued:
"Secondly, they were the newly appointed nobles who were granted titles due to their status as relatives of the emperor or their military achievements."

"Whether such families have strict rules and regulations depends on their family traditions and cannot be generalized."

"Among them are many ambitious and capable individuals, but there are also quite a few who have suddenly become wealthy and act ostentatiously."

"Moreover, after several generations of hereditary titles, the family traditions and values ​​will ultimately matter. Otherwise, these noble sons will often end up indulging in cockfighting and horse racing, and will inevitably become decadent and lose their titles one day."

Zhu Youjian nodded.

He understood this too: "New Money," or, in other words, nouveau riche.

With a shallow foundation, their styles of doing things are naturally varied.

To say nothing of the distant past, isn't his father-in-law a typical example of this kind of nouveau riche?

"Thirdly, the title of nobility was interrupted, and many years later, someone was selected from a distant collateral branch to inherit the title."

"Such situations are often accompanied by disputes over titles and usurpations, and people's hearts are complicated. How the person who inherits the title behaves depends entirely on his own character."

"Just like the recent disputes over newly established earls."

Newly established?
Zhu Youjian's memories were touched.

He quickly searched his memory: Xinjian Earl... Wang Shouren!

It was actually the title of Wang Yangming, a great master of the School of Mind!
Zhu Youjian felt a surge of emotion, truly realizing the saying, "The blessings of a virtuous person last only five generations."

Even someone as magnanimous as Wang Yangming had descendants who still fought tooth and nail for power, fame, and fortune in this world, losing all their dignity and refinement.

Isn't this just a "fallen aristocrat whose family fortunes have declined"? There are plenty of examples of this in various novels.

Seeing the emperor deep in thought, Zhang Weixian took a deep breath and continued:

"Your Majesty, this is actually just a rough classification."

"They can be further divided according to whether they hold a hereditary title or not. Generally speaking, if they hold a hereditary title, because their title cannot be inherited, they will be even more corrupt, but they will also be more courageous in their actions, just to win a fortune."

"It can also be divided into Nanjing and Beijing. The nobles in Nanjing were more influenced by the literary style of the southern capital and were more literary; the nobles in Beijing were in the central government and were more martial. But these are just general observations and cannot be generalized."

At this point, Zhang Weixian stood up, bowed deeply to Zhu Youjian, and said earnestly:
"Therefore, Your Majesty asked whether corrupt officials could be employed. My answer is—"

He paused, seemingly making a difficult decision, but finally spoke frankly:

"If we talk about corruption, the degree of corruption among the nobles may vary, but it can be said that they are all corrupt and none of them are absolutely innocent."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Youjian raised an eyebrow.

Zhang Weixian seemed to have been relieved of a heavy burden, and a look of relief appeared on his face.

"Your Majesty is wise and powerful, far surpassing previous dynasties. Your subject dares not deceive you with false words."

"Even...even in my own household, with the daily comings and goings, we inevitably receive several customary gifts." He made a brief remark, but ultimately dared not elaborate on his own affairs, abruptly changing the subject:

"For example, Marquis Li Chengzu of Fengcheng, in previous years he sided with the traitor Wei and petitioned for the benefits of Huai salt on behalf of merchants. He also went to speak on the matter of relocating the town of Dongjiang at the request of merchants. His behavior was truly laughable."

"However, he also submitted memorials to the court three times, requesting that the court reorganize the military affairs, and even volunteered to go out of the pass to lead troops to serve the country. Isn't this a heart full of patriotism?"

"For example, Marquis Li Chengming of Wuqing occupied estates in the capital region and privately set up his own levies, which was despised by the people."

"However, during the previous major construction project, he generously donated 30,000 taels of gold. Wasn't this also a way of sharing the burden for the country?"

"This is just like a doctor using medicine. Ginseng and aconite can both save lives and kill people, depending entirely on how the doctor combines them. The same applies to the nobles in the country."

Zhang Weixian concluded by saying:
"Corruption is a common occurrence in our country, and the morals of society are declining. This is not unique to the nobility."

"Compared to civil officials, nobles, though I dare not say they are more incorruptible, are only about the same level!"

"As for loyalty and governance, many noble families among the meritorious officials may not have the great talents of the Hanlin scholars."

"But as long as Your Majesty is willing to select and appoint capable people, you can always find those who are capable and those who are willing to devote themselves to Your Majesty and die for you!"

"How can we say that nobles are unusable simply because they are corrupt?"

After speaking, Zhang Weixian was slightly out of breath, and sweat was on his forehead, but his old eyes were bright and alert as he awaited Zhu Youjian's final verdict.

The hall fell into a deathly silence.

Zhu Youjian didn't speak, but his fingers unconsciously tapped lightly on his knees.

His mind was racing.

To be honest, Zhang Weixian's words surprised him somewhat, but upon reflection, they made perfect sense.

When people in later generations mention European nobles, they think of them as being high-class and sophisticated, with concepts like chivalry and aristocratic demeanor.

However, when it comes to the nobles of the Ming Dynasty or the Eight Banners descendants of the Qing Dynasty, they are portrayed with various negative images:纨绔 (spoiled brats), 腐朽 (corrupt), and 寄虫 (parasites).

But after hearing what the British Duke said today, he realized that this was a prejudice.

No group should be simply stereotyped.

The old-money aristocracy, the new-money aristocracy, and the lucky ones whose families have fallen on hard times—their mentality, style of doing things, and lower limits of ability are bound to be different.

It is not entirely reasonable to equate the nobles of the Ming Dynasty, who enjoyed a century of peace, with the Manchu Eight Banners descendants, whose spirits were later thoroughly corrupted by enslavement ideology and opium.

In that case, perhaps we can actually find a few talented people to use.

But... loyalty?
Let's not dwell on those two words; I don't recall many loyal nobles in my descendants.

Let's stick to the facts. If you can use them, then use them; if not, plenty of newly rich are willing to bring you down.

Having finished his thought, Zhu Youjian raised his head, his gaze gentle yet firm.

"I am fully aware of the Duke's intentions."

"But I wonder, in the Duke's eyes, are there any virtuous and capable individuals among the current nobles who can share my burdens?"

This means he needs to recommend talented people.

A huge weight was lifted from Zhang Weixian's heart. He knew that he had barely managed to pave a small path for the nobles.

Whether this narrow path can become a road to heaven depends on each person's luck.

He quickly stood up, straightened his clothes, and solemnly bowed to Zhu Youjian.

Zhu Youjian immediately stood up and offered a helping hand as a sign of respect.

After the ceremony was completed, Zhang Weixian straightened up and said earnestly:
"Your Majesty, this old minister has been sitting in his palace for decades, and his daily work consists of nothing more than offering sacrifices on behalf of Heaven and handling some official documents. His eyesight has long since deteriorated, so how dare he presume to say who is virtuous or not?"

"Your Majesty has lofty ambitions. You only need to be meticulous and single-minded, and uphold the middle way. Use the grand and powerful force to suppress them, employ the virtuous and dismiss the mediocre."

"In this way, people change with the times, and the world gradually changes. Why worry that meritorious officials cannot be used?"

"What a magnificent and imposing force!"

Zhu Youjian clapped his hands in admiration, his opinion of the old Duke rising even higher.

This statement was perfectly watertight, both returning the power to identify and appoint talent entirely to the emperor and pointing out the core of the problem.

The key lies in whether the emperor himself can create the "momentum".

"How is the matter I asked the Duke to recommend some sons of meritorious officials to enter the capital garrison for training, which I did a few days ago?" Zhu Youjian asked again.

Zhang Weixian laughed and said, “This matter is even easier. I am old and frail, and my knowledge is limited. How can I possibly recognize all the young heroes? It would be better if Your Majesty personally set some questions to test them. At that time, the virtuous and capable will naturally stand out like an awl in a bag.”

As he spoke, Zhang Weixian saw the eager, longing eyes of his son, Zhang Zhiji.

His heart softened, and he couldn't help but say one more thing.

"However... Your Majesty, the dynasty has enjoyed peace for a long time. Not all the sons of nobles are proficient in archery and horsemanship. On the contrary, many of them have worked hard on poetry and prose. When Your Majesty examines them, please categorize them and teach them according to their aptitude. Perhaps then you can select the best talents."

“What the Duke said was truly a statement of loyalty and devotion to the country.”

Zhu Youjian nodded, unaware of the mystery, and simply stepped forward to help him sit down.

"Having a Duke is like having an elder in the family, a treasure indeed."

He looked at Zhang Weixian, his tone becoming even more affectionate.

"The reason I invited you here today is actually because there is one last thing I would like to ask for your help with."

"Your Majesty, please speak. I will gladly die for you!" Zhang Weixian immediately declared.

Zhu Youjian then briefly explained his plan to repair the roads in the capital and his hope that the nobility would contribute their salaries to the project.

After listening, Zhang Weixian did not answer immediately, but fell into deep thought.

Building roads is a good thing.

The roads in Beijing are dusty on sunny days and muddy on rainy days, a problem that has long been criticized.

Only a minority of nobles were qualified to ride in sedan chairs; most people had to endure the same bumpy and congested rides when they went out.

Moreover, the emperor promised that after the road was built, the names and achievements of the donors would be engraved on stone tablets and erected along the roadside for all people to admire and for their names to be recorded in history.

With both fame and fortune, this is something I can do.

The only difficulty lies in the 400,000 taels of silver.

The number is not small.

He silently reviewed the assets of the various noble families in the capital.

A moment later, he raised his head, his eyes already showing a calculated plan.

"Your Majesty, road construction is beneficial to the country and its people."

"As for the 400,000 taels of silver, with the two empress dowagers and His Majesty donating 30,000 taels of silver as an example, it should not be difficult for the noble families in the capital to contribute more than half of it."

He stood up, and a rare smile finally appeared on his aged face.

The lack of talent and rampant corruption are real problems faced by the nobility, which can only be half-concealed and ultimately lack confidence when spoken of.

But isn't it simple to provide the funds? The nobles of the Ming Dynasty have nothing but plenty of money!

Zhang Weixian immediately started by making all sorts of promises:
"Although I am old and frail, I still have some influence among the nobles. Please entrust this matter to me, Your Majesty!"

"Within three days, I will certainly give Your Majesty a satisfactory answer!"

"Good! Good! Good!"

Zhu Youjian said "good" three times, feeling delighted, and stepped forward to help Zhang Weixian.

"With the Duke taking charge, I can rest assured!"

The emperor and his ministers exchanged a smile, and the atmosphere became extremely harmonious.

Just then, a young eunuch hurried in from outside the hall and whispered a few words in Gao Shiming's ear.

Gao Shiming's expression shifted, and he quickly walked to the emperor's presence, bowing and reporting:
"Your Majesty, the messenger has reported back by fast horse that after receiving the order, Lord Sun Chengzong disregarded his family's advice and, with only two servants, has already traveled light and at full speed."

"Based on the pace, we expect to arrive at Gujie Post Station tonight, and be able to enter the capital early tomorrow morning."

"oh?!"

Upon hearing this news, Zhu Youjian was overjoyed and could no longer suppress the smile on his face.

"Excellent! Excellent! As expected of Master Sun!"

In his excitement, he forgot about Zhang Weixian beside him and paced around the main hall on his own.

When Zhang Weixian heard the name "Sun Chengzong," the smile on his face quietly disappeared.

The surge of pride that had just arisen from negotiating the road construction fundraising deal was instantly cooled down, as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over his head.

He stood quietly in place, watching the excited young emperor, his eyes becoming complicated.

It is said that the ruler is like a boat, and the subjects are like water.

But the emperor's behemoth must accommodate far more than just the flow of nobles.
The nobles of the Ming Dynasty were no longer what they were at the founding of the dynasty; they could only ever pick up scraps from the civil officials.

Zhang Weixian felt a mix of emotions, but he forced himself to remain calm.

He stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, “Your Majesty, now that the matter has been settled, this old minister… will take his leave and immediately go to raise funds for Your Majesty’s road repair.”

Zhu Youjian then came to his senses and realized that he had lost his composure.

There was no way around it; this was probably the first time since he transmigrated that he had "personally" witnessed a true top-tier SSR talent from the Ming Dynasty, and he was indeed somewhat lost in thought.

He looked at Zhang Weixian and saw that he looked calm, but there was a hint of loneliness hidden in his eyes. He understood immediately.

However, the key to the appointment of nobles lies in their own character; otherwise, no matter how much trust they receive, they are beyond redemption.

Zhu Youjian didn't offer much explanation, but simply nodded and said gently, "Alright, then I'll trouble you, Duke. This matter is of great importance, so please take care of yourself."

"Sir, obey the order."

Zhang Weixian bowed again and then slowly withdrew from the Qianqing Palace.

The autumn wind outside the hall carried a chill, blowing on his feverish face and clearing his muddled mind somewhat.

He glanced back at the palace, where the young emperor was inside, full of vigor as he prepared to welcome another of his trusted ministers.

Zhang Weixian sighed softly and tightened his court robes.

"Civil officials... ha."
-
Attached is a picture of Sun Chengzong entering the capital, which looks like a sharp sword coming down!
You tyrant! Take this sword from me, Old Sun! (Writing was too tiring, just making a silly joke, haha)

(End of this chapter)