In the autumn and July of the thirteenth year of Yongxi's reign, we went to Suzhou and Kunshan County to Hetang.
There are three river ponds in Suzhou that connect the canal and the Yangtze River, and Hetang is among them (the other two are Changshu-Baimaopu and Songjiang). Due to the benefits of the river ponds, Kunshan is prosperous. If we want to make a plan for the economic development of all counties in Dahan
This list means that even if Kunshan does not make it into the top ten, it will still be in the top twenty.
Not far from the county seat, just beside Zhihe Pond, a brand-new school has emerged: Loujiang College. The history of this college is very short. It was only completed a year ago. It was opened not long ago and there are not many students. Currently, there are only
There are hundreds of people, but their origins are unusual.
This is a school that was jointly built by dignitaries from Suzhou, Xiuzhou, and Shanghai, and raised funds from big businessmen and celebrities. It is a school that mainly teaches arithmetic and mathematics. It is also the third school in the Han Empire besides military schools.
A "college".
The purpose of establishing Loujiang College is also to provide more professional computing talents for the three regions of Jiangsu, Xiu, and Shang Dynasty, which are experiencing increasingly prosperous economic development. Not to mention other yamen, the General Taxation Department of Jiangsu Customs and the three regions have jurisdiction over
There is a large demand for talents at each port.
With the establishment of the customs, commercial activities in the Jianghai area have completely lifted the restrictions on the municipal shipping department system. This has naturally brought pressure on various management aspects, especially in the taxation business. The need for professional talents is extremely hungry, and it is not yet
Just reading and literacy will be enough.
In the early autumn of Loujiang College, the scenery is pleasant, the river breeze is blowing, and sailing ships pass by from time to time on the river. The full load makes the movement of the ships seem difficult.
The college is extremely quiet and the atmosphere is serious. In the classrooms, students of different ages are immersed in writing, sitting at desks, and seriously taking the first major exam since the beginning of autumn. The content of the exam is mainly divided into four items.
Arithmetic, practice, policy theory and "Xingtong".
Obviously, Loujiang University is a "college" and students without a certain foundation are basically not admitted. This is determined by the nature of the school and has regulations from the founding philosophy of the school.
The academic system of the college is three years. According to the plan, after the students complete their studies, they will basically be directly arranged to work as officials in the yamen of Suzhou, Xiuzhou and Shanghai. Therefore, from this perspective, this is not only a "professional college",
It is also a "official school" that specializes in cultivating high-level official talents for the government.
As the first major exam since the founding of the school, not only the students, but also the college's directors and teachers paid special attention to it. Just like the neighboring city that is becoming more and more magical, Loujiang College is also a new thing.
This is true from the founding philosophy to the teaching model, and examinations are the most important means of testing teaching results at the college level. At the same time, the examination model is closer to scientific examinations and government assessments. How does such a model govern
Regardless of whether it works or how useful it is, until it is actually verified, no one is sure.
After learning about the college entrance examination in Loujiang, Linzi King Liu Wenji took some time out of his busy schedule and came to visit. When he came, he dressed lightly and did not say hello. When he arrived, he also asked for a low-key reception, and only asked Wang Xuexin, the director of the college, to accompany him during the inspection.
However, no words were spoken during the inspection, which would inevitably affect the students' exams.
Wang Xuexin, the director of the academy, also has a history. He was from Shangqiu. He was lonely and poor since he was a child, and he was very thoughtful and dedicated to learning. When he grew up, he entered Suiyang Academy to study under the great educator Qi Tongwen. In the past half century, Sui
Yang Shuyuan and Qi Tongwen were both famous in the cultural circles of the Han Dynasty and produced many figures.
Qi Tongwen, on the other hand, was a scholar who devoted his life to education and believed in loyalty, filial piety and justice. He had a high reputation among scholars and was even received by Emperor Shizu. There was also a "Suiyang school" in both the literary world and the imperial court.
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Wang Xuexin was accepted as a disciple by Qi Tongwen, who was rigorous in teaching and learning. He was obviously capable. Unlike Qi Tongwen's students who had already served as state officials and even Taoist ministers and officials, Wang Xuexin did not pursue an official career, but was obsessed with teaching.
Worked as a professor at Suiyang Academy.
It's a pity that although Wang Xuexin was a close disciple of Qi Tongwen, he still had a foreign surname. Although Suiyang Academy was later designated as an official school, the main speakers were descendants of Qi's family. As for Wang Xuexin, there were some problems in education.
New ideas, but often criticized as "deviant", the situation is always not so satisfactory.
Until Loujiang College started construction and was officially established, Wang Xuexin was invited to come to Kunshan to study and teach apprentices. If it was a general invitation, Wang Xuexin would not agree, and even the Imperial Academy in Beijing might not be willing to go (that is, he would not be able to go.
You may not be able to stay there), but Loujiang College is different.
First of all, this is a government school, endorsed by the three cities in the south of the Yangtze River. Secondly, this is a brand-new school. The purpose of establishing the school is to provide talents for the government. Breakthrough + innovation is very tempting to Wang Xuexin, and he agreed to let him.
He is the head of the school, and all the teaching and management are arranged by him, and he can express himself to his heart's content;
Of course, there is a more important reason, and that is that Linzi County Prince Liu Wenji personally sent a letter to Wang Xuexin. Although these literati have pride, they also behave like corporals, especially when a powerful person with a high enough status comes forward.
, then you can let go of any reserve.
For example, Linzi King Liu Wenji gave Wang Xuexin enough face and treatment, and coupled with the relative agreement in academic philosophy, it was logical for Wang Xuexin to go south.
With Wang Xuexin taking a group of friends, disciples and students to go south, and recruiting some talents from Jiangnan, the educational resources of Loujiang College will be at the end immediately. As for students, there is really no shortage.
At least the dignitaries, landlords, and children of wealthy businessmen from the three places are happy to study here. It is the "cradle" of government officials. Such a name is particularly attractive. At least in the Han Dynasty during the Yongxi era, not all scholars were
It’s really too difficult to focus on taking the scientific examination path.
Obviously, behind the establishment of Loujiang College, Linzi King Liu Wenji made great efforts, and could even be said to have played a leading role. This can also explain why the conflict-ridden Su, Xiu, and Shang three places were able to reach an agreement on this matter.
Consistently, this is an intervention from a higher energy.
Liu Wenji has been in Jiangnan Road for three years. He has stopped working at Jiangguan Customs for a long time. However, the Emperor Liu Yang sent him an errand as the governor of Jiangnan, responsible for the supervision of local officials and the appeasement of people's sentiments.
As early as the winter of the eleventh year of Emperor Yongxi's reign, Liu Wenji was promoted to the title of Prince of Linzi County due to his hard work, low profile and humility.
It is worth mentioning that since King Liu Wenhuan of Ruyang lost power and the East Palace was occupied, Liu Wenji received more attention. In the past three years, there were always some inexplicable greetings and overtures. Unfortunately, King Linzi behaved cautiously.
As for being reserved, he ignored them all and even behaved like rejecting others thousands of miles away.
In the past three years in Jiangnan Province, Liu Wenji also offended many people. Because of his strict law enforcement and uprightness, he naturally violated the interests of some people.
But at the same time, he also won the favor of many people. At least he was fair in dealing with things, never partial, and behaved very openly, especially towards officials and merchants. And these two, in the society of the entire Han Dynasty,
In the mechanism, they all play a role that is disproportionate to their political status.
The King of Linzi was right to the point. When he came to visit Loujiang College, he just wanted to take a look. After walking around for a while, he chose to leave without hesitation, not even taking a bite of lunch.
Of course, there is still an inevitable exchange with Wang Xuexin, the head of the academy. After all, he invited the person here, so respect is necessary.
Wang Xuexin made a suggestion, intending to summon all the teachers and students in the college after the exam to let Liu Wenji speak and let the teachers and students know the kindness of King Linzi.
You must know that the core supporting force for the establishment of this college came from Liu Wenji. However, in this regard, Liu Wenji "went away and hid his name and identity". He never expressed credit or even asked for fame.
Others are prohibited from publicizing this matter.
Wang Xuexin's proposal obviously wanted to make Liu Wenji famous and let the teachers and students of Loujiang College know who his benefactor was. This was the only thing he could repay Liu Wenji with at this stage.
However, he still underestimated the King of Linzi. Regarding Wang Xuexin's proposal, Liu Wenji almost without hesitation rejected it, and with a very stern attitude and an almost warning tone, he told Wang Xuexin not to make such considerations again.
Wang Xuexin was not afraid of Liu Wenji's determination, but was surprised, and finally tentatively asked Liu Wenji why he had gone to great lengths to build such an important government college. He did not seek fame or profit, but just contributed silently.
Under Wang Xuexin's interpretation, it obviously has another meaning.
Liu Wenji's reaction further supported his speculation. However, Wang Xuexin was not stupid, and he did not talk too much about this matter. What Wang Xuexin wanted was to teach and educate talents, to show off his talents, and of course, add a little fame.
, he himself did not deny it.
"I promoted the establishment of Loujiang College to work for the country and to cultivate some useful talents for the court and the government. Why do I need to become famous!" Liu Wenji explained simply.
When leaving, he confessed to Wang Xuexin with a smile: "If you want anything, in two years, I will select some capable talents from the college, students with outstanding performance, Wang Zhangyuan will keep them!"
Wang Xuexin naturally laughed and responded to this.
"Your Highness, urgent report from Beijing!" Liu Wenji's boat sailed slowly along Zhihetang towards the Yangtze River. In the cabin, a middle-aged man dressed as a senior attendant hurriedly came to report.
Liu Wenji, who was studying the tariff situation in Shanghai in recent years, raised his head, spread his hands, and the person who came immediately handed over the urgent document.
He quickly opened it and read it, with a slight expression of emotion appearing on his serious face. He put it down, pondered for a while, and then ordered: "Send the order, after entering the Yangtze River, turn around and head west, return to Jinling!"
"yes!"
In the past two years, Liu Wenji has mainly stayed in Jinling. No matter how rapid, novel and eye-catching the development of Shanghai is, Jiangning Mansion is the capital of Jiangnan Road, and its political status lies there. In the Han Empire, politics will always be considered.
In the forefront of economy.
But for Shanghai, Liu Wenji visits once or twice a year. This commercial city, which is rapidly awakening on the coast of the East China Sea, gathers people from all walks of life, and it has become an important "base" for Liu Wenji without realizing it.
, political resources, economic resources and talent resource base.
This time, Liu Wenji started his eastward tour from Jinling, passing through Run, Chang, and Suzhou, and his final destination was Shanghai.
The reason why he chose to give up the original plan was also very simple. News came from the capital that Emperor Liu Yang had issued an edict and planned to patrol the southeast. Of course, Liu Wenji had to return to Jiangning Mansion to communicate with the Taoist officials to welcome the emperor and the emperor.
All matters involving Luan Jia in Jiangnan Road.
After all, this is the emperor's first tour of the southeast since he came to the throne. Speaking of which, Liu Yang is a relatively diligent person, taking care of everything personally and never slacking off.
In the past ten years or so, I have made four tours, one each to the southwest, northwest, and two to the north. Moreover, I often like to visit places with poor conditions, but I have never paid attention to the bustling scenic spots in the southeast.
Willing to visit once.
This time, the emperor was finally moved, and the entire southeast was shaken. Especially for Jiangnan Road and Jinling City of Jiangning Prefecture, it was of great significance. After all, forty years ago, it was Emperor Yongxi who accepted the Jiangnan Kingdom on behalf of the court.
Lord Li Yu surrendered.
Naturally, he also has "deep" feelings for His Majesty the Emperor and the officials and people of Jiangnan. Of course, this feeling is also based on His Majesty the Emperor.
This matter is also very important to Linzi King Liu Wenji. First, the assessment of Jiangnan Road is also an assessment of him. After staying here for three years, he needs to show his achievements;
Both of them, their mother, Concubine Xiao De (promoted to Concubine De in the 11th year of Yongxi's reign), his concubine Li, and a pair of children also came. This was an opportunity for the family to reunite.
In the past three years, Liu Wenji has been busy with official duties in Jiangnan. Except for returning to Beijing for half a month to a month every year on New Year's Eve, he spends the rest of the time in Jiangnan.
His wife, Mrs. Li, was left in Beijing by Liu Wenji to take care of his children and serve his mother. With the lessons of "Concubine Chang" in front of her, Concubine Li, who had always been low-key, simple, dignified and respectful, became extremely valuable, including the pair of children she gave birth to.
Including his children (Liu Jili and Liu Fen), they were all favored by Emperor Liu Yang.
Yongxi's southern tour in the 13th year of his reign was perhaps Liu Yang's most "extravagant" tour since he succeeded to the throne. At least the number of people accompanying him, including ministers, guards, and palace officials, exceeded 10,000 for the first time.
Of course, the inspection policy was still the same as before. Even in the prosperous areas of the southeast, Liu Yang still did not allow local contributions, because his patrols would infringe on the livelihood of local officials and people, which he strictly prohibited.
After each inspection, Liu Yang would check the accounts and send a secret envoy to make a "second visit" to the situation, but every time something went wrong.
For example, during the second northern inspection tour, I stayed in Xinghua County in Yanshan North Road for five days. Although all the supplies from the local area were purchased at a higher price, it still had a great impact on the local area. Later, I sympathized with the hard work of the officials and people. Liu Yang
An edict was issued to exempt the entire county from taxes for one year. As a result, the taxes were collected as usual, but only went into the pockets of the bureaucrats.
Before setting off, Liu Yang naturally made some arrangements for the court. This time he did not bring the prince Liu Wenpeng with him, but kept him in charge of the country, including Zhao Wang Liu Fang, Shangshu Ling Zhang Qixian, Shangshu Zuocheng Murong Defeng, and Privy Councilor Gao.
Qiong Kai and other ministers assisted in the administration.
Among the accompanying officials, there was also a special person, the King of Ruyang, Liu Wenhuan. It would not take three years for a person to decline and fall. It is difficult to imagine how Liu Wenhuan survived the past three years.
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Of course, it was Liu Yang who had the love for his son, and just now after the incident faded away, he took him out for a walk, to relax, and to stay in the house for a long time can drive people crazy.