The fierce grandson of the Ming Dynasty

Inside the warm pavilion.

Old Zhu, with a reminiscent look on his face, stroked his beard and added, "I remember back then, your father and I even mentioned that Fang Xiaoru was a man of upright character and talent, and that we should keep him employed until he's old!"

"Afterwards, following proper etiquette, we sent someone to escort him back to his hometown in Taizhou!"

Hearing this, Zhu Xiong Ying was lost in thought.

He took the teapot, poured a cup of water for his grandfather, and then asked, "Since Grandfather values ​​him so much, why not keep this Mr. Fang in the capital and grant him an official position?"

Zhu Yuanzhang glanced at his good grandson, his eyes narrowed, and his smile faded as he said, "Our grandson may not know, but this brings us to the art of employing people!"

"Firstly, Fang Xiaoru is a talented person, and this position was originally meant for your father! If we grant him an official position and bestow honors upon him, he will remember our kindness in recognizing his talent!"

"But if one day your father summons him back and entrusts him with important responsibilities, what he will remember most is your father's kindness..."

Secondly, Fang Xiaoru was well-versed in the classics, and his heart was filled with the idea of ​​governing the country with benevolence and spreading virtue throughout the world—the way to maintain peace and prosperity!

"But our Great Ming Dynasty has only been established for a little over a decade. In the court, there are corrupt officials and relatives of the emperor who harbor treacherous intentions, and there are still remnants of the previous dynasty that have not been eradicated! Only with severe punishments and harsh laws can we maintain peace!"

"As for Fang Xiaoru, he is too bookish. His benevolent governance is incompatible with our ruthless approach and will only harm our Ming Dynasty!"

"Only when there is true peace, without internal or external troubles, and when the world needs benevolent governance to bring peace and stability, can he play his role!"

"To paraphrase Da Sun, we want him to mature more... By then, his temperament will be more stable, his horizons broader, and when he enters officialdom, he'll be able to handle things properly, instead of relying on a surge of loyalty and stumbling around everywhere!"

Zhu Yuanzhang rose from humble beginnings in Huaiyou to become the supreme ruler.

Among them, the emperor's mindset and the way of employing people can be said to be the culmination of all the ancient emperors!

It is rooted in pragmatism, based on loyalty and virtue, and guided by strict management and generous rewards!

In this respect, he is far superior to his father.

As for Lao Fang's strengths and weaknesses, his imperial grandfather was clearly well aware of them!

Zhu Xiong Ying, having composed herself, handed over the teacup and then asked, "Grandfather, since this Mr. Fang is of good character, why was he escorted to the capital? Did he commit some grave offense?"

Zhu Yuanzhang chuckled, picked up his teacup, took a sip, and shook his head, saying, "It's not a major mistake!"

"They were his father's old enemies, and they've brought up old grudges! Now, under the guise of another case, they've dragged Fang Xiaoru into it, just to exact personal revenge!"

"We've already drafted the instructions, and in a couple of days, the Ministry of Justice will release him without charge..."

Let's wait for Old Zhu to finish speaking.

Zhu Xiong Ying seized an opportunity, patting his back while coughing lightly, and said, "Your Majesty is wise! However, in my opinion, this Mr. Fang has real talent and learning, and has been honed over several years. If we let him go unused, it would be a waste!"

"After the first month of the lunar calendar, the students will officially enroll in the university that my grandson is building. But at the moment, we still lack talented people to lecture on the classics, help manage the school's rules, and establish the regulations for teaching!"

"I was thinking, could we invite Mr. Fang over to help with these matters? Hopefully, he can gain some practical experience!"

Lao Fang is an idealist.

Often, people lack flexibility and prioritize form over substance!

But as far as personal conduct is concerned, being upright and loyal is a flawless personal integrity!

This kind of person is perfectly suited to be a dean of students!

From now on, the discipline, supervision, and coursework of the university can all be entrusted to General Fang!

The idea is good.

The key is whether Lao Zhu is willing to let him steal the prize!

Looking at his eldest grandson's attentive manner.

Zhu Yuanzhang was stunned for a moment, then reacted, turned to the side, and laughed loudly, "I knew it! Why is my grandson so concerned?"

"After all that fuss and going through all that trouble, you just wanted to poach people from your university?"

Zhu Xiong Ying lightened his grip on her back and bowed, saying, "Nothing can escape the discerning eyes of my Imperial Grandfather!"

"My grandson only considered this idea because he heard about Mr. Fang's character and abilities!"

"After all, he's someone even the Emperor approves of! Rather than letting him live a secluded life in the countryside, it's better to have him help his grandson; that way, his knowledge won't be wasted!"

Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes were filled with satisfaction.

The fact that the eldest grandson was able to place Fang Xiaoru in this position after recognizing him truly demonstrates his shrewdness and foresight.

Fang Xiaoru, nearing thirty, could no longer afford to waste his time!

He leaned back, pondered for a moment, then shook his head and said, "Grandson certainly knows how to flatter us!"

"After thinking it over, I've realized that your university is doing something truly beneficial to the country and its people. Having a Confucian scholar assist you is the right thing to do!"

"But as mentioned before, Fang Xiaoru is learned and of good character, so he is indeed suitable..."

Before Little Zhu could even express her gratitude.

A glint of wisdom flashed in Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes. He put down his teacup, tapped the dossier with his finger, and changed his tone, saying, "However, we won't get involved in this matter!"

"After he's released from prison, our eldest grandson will personally go and see him..."

In an instant, Zhu Xiong Ying understood Old Zhu's intention.

On the one hand, this was to test his abilities.

On the other hand, it gives Lao Fang some dignity and helps him establish his image as a wise and virtuous grandson.

Zhu Xiong Ying bowed and said, "Please rest assured, Your Majesty, I understand!"

……

three days later.

The Lantern Festival has just passed, but the festive atmosphere in the capital city has not yet dissipated.

At midday, in the Ministry of Justice prison.

With a clang from the iron gate, Fang Xiaoru, dressed in a blue scholar's robe and carrying a bundle, stepped out the door, escorted by several officials.

Judging from his age alone, he is only twenty-nine years old.

With a resolute face, slender figure, dignified and composed demeanor, he exudes the gentle and benevolent air of a gentleman!

His phoenix eyes, in particular, were bright, spirited, clear, and resolute!

Looking at the bustling and prosperous streets, Fang Xiaoru felt as if he had just woken up from a dream.

Last December, he was wrongly accused and sent to the capital, where he was imprisoned.

I thought I was doomed and my ancestors' good reputation would be ruined!

Unexpectedly, he was released without charge just a few days later.

No matter how much one reads the classics or how thoroughly one understands the principles, if one can't even make a living, how can one talk about educating the people or making the ruler like Yao and Shun?

Thinking back to what I saw in prison, especially in the last ten years or so, I wonder how many people have died unjustly due to the harsh laws and severe punishments imposed by the court.

Fang Xiaoru felt dejected and somewhat heavy-hearted.

While he was pondering this, he had only walked a hundred steps.

Then a young man dressed in a blue cotton robe suddenly approached and greeted them, saying, "Mr. Fang, please wait!"

"My young master has long admired your esteemed name, and is utterly impressed by your scholarship!"

"Knowing you are being released from prison today, we have specially prepared a simple meal and drinks at the restaurant up ahead! We would like to invite you to join us, firstly to welcome you and wash away the dust of your journey, and secondly because my son has a few questions about the classics that he would like to ask you in person!"

Upon hearing this, Fang Xiaoru became wary, his brows furrowing as he bowed and declined, saying, "Thank you for your kind offer, young master, but I have other matters to attend to and cannot trouble you further!"

After saying this, Fang Xiaoru acted decisively, turning around and leaving.

Sanbao, who came to deliver the message, became anxious and hurriedly said loudly, following the instructions of the emperor's eldest grandson, "Mr. Fang, please wait!"

"My son asked: In his commentary on the Great Learning, the Master once said, 'The investigation of things is to investigate the principles of self-cultivation, family harmony, good governance, and peace, not to exhaustively study the names of birds, beasts, grasses, and trees.' However, Confucius also taught his disciples to 'learn the names of birds, beasts, grasses, and trees,' and Mencius also said, 'If the people have no constant property, they will have no constant mind'..."

"May I ask you, sir, what is the essence of investigating things and extending knowledge: is it first understanding the inner principles of self-cultivation and rectifying the mind, or first thoroughly studying the external practical learning of governing the world and bringing peace to the people?"

"These two seem contradictory, so what should a Confucian scholar base his conduct in the world?"