Chapter 933: Fraud in imperial examinations and corrupt officials
Zhu Biao's worries eased slightly after hearing this, but then he remembered another thing: "Uncle Han Wang, in addition to the reform of the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of Household Affairs, Biao'er also wants to make a difference in people's livelihood. However, when Biao'er first took power, many
I'm not familiar with the affairs yet, so I wonder if Uncle Han has any good ideas?"
Zhu Han pondered for a moment and said slowly: "People's livelihood is the foundation of the country and cannot be ignored. Biao'er can start by reducing the burden on the people, such as reducing and exempting some taxes, encouraging farming, building water conservancy projects, etc. At the same time, relief homes can also be set up to provide relief.
Those helpless old people and children."
Hearing this, Zhu Biao's eyes flashed with excitement: "What Uncle Han Wang said is absolutely true. Biao'er immediately started to prepare for these matters. However, Biao'er still has another concern. The reform requires a large amount of silver to support it, and the national treasury may not be able to support it."
Zhu Han smiled slightly and said: "Don't worry Biao'er, I have also considered this matter. We can mobilize donations from wealthy businessmen, strengthen foreign trade, and increase national treasury revenue. In addition, all gains from corruption must be recovered in order to
Fill the national treasury.”
Zhu Biao nodded in agreement, but then he looked troubled: "Uncle Han Wang, although the reform is good, there must be resistance in the court. Those with vested interests may join forces to obstruct it."
Zhu Han's eyes were deep and his tone was firm: "What Biao'er said is true, but reform is imperative. We need to unite all the forces that can be united to jointly fight against resistance. At the same time, for those stubborn people, we must also
There must be no mercy."
Hearing this, Zhu Biao felt a surge of pride in his heart: "What Uncle Han Wang said is absolutely true. Biao'er will definitely fight side by side with Uncle Han to overcome the difficulties together."
The conversation between Zhu Han and Zhu Biao continued in the back garden of the palace. The night breeze blew gently and the moonlight was like water, adding a bit of tranquility and depth to the quiet night.
Zhu Han sighed softly and looked far-reaching: "Biao'er, the resistance between the DPRK and China you mentioned is indeed a reality we have to face. But because of this, we need to work step by step and win outwitly."
Zhu Biao nodded, with a hint of perseverance in his brows: "What Uncle Han Wang said is absolutely true. My nephew thinks that we can start with public opinion, so that both the government and the public know the need for reform, and win more people's hearts."
Zhu Han smiled slightly and praised: "This plan is very clever. People's support often determines success or failure. You can unite the honest and upright people in the court and speak out together to clarify the benefits of the reform and let the world know the stakes."
A trace of excitement flashed in Zhu Biao's eyes: "Uncle Han, don't worry, my nephew will do his best. However, my nephew still has concerns. Many veterans in the court have doubts about the reform. How can we convince them?"
Zhu Han pondered for a moment and said slowly: "Veterans have experienced many things in the world and have extensive knowledge. Their doubts have their own reasons. We need to listen patiently and convince people with reason. At the same time, we can invite them to participate in some reform affairs and let them see it with their own eyes.
Witness the results of the reform.”
Zhu Biao nodded, determination flashing in his eyes: "Uncle Han Wang is right, and my nephew understands. My nephew will do his best to win the support of the veterans."
The two chatted for a while, and the topic turned to the upcoming imperial examination. Zhu Han frowned slightly, looking a little worried: "The imperial examination is the foundation for the country to select talents, and we must ensure that it is fair and impartial. However, in recent years, there has been an increasing trend of imperial examination fraud.
Prosperity is really a shame to the imperial court."
When Zhu Biao heard this, he also looked solemn: "What Uncle Han Wang said is absolutely true. My nephew believes that we can strengthen supervision and severely punish fraud by starting from the invigilation, marking and other aspects."
Zhu Han nodded in agreement, and then added: "In addition, we can also set up an anonymous reporting mechanism to encourage scholars and all walks of life to report on imperial examination fraud. At the same time, heavy rewards will be given to those who report truthfully to show that the court is cracking down on fraud.
Determination."
A hint of admiration flashed in Zhu Biao's eyes: "Uncle Hanwang has thought carefully, and my nephew has learned from it. My nephew will definitely cooperate with Uncle Han to ensure that this imperial examination is fair and impartial."
While the two were having a good conversation, an attendant hurriedly came over and bowed to report: "Your Highness, Your Highness King Han, the Minister of Household Affairs has something urgent to see you."
Zhu Han and Zhu Biao looked at each other, their hearts trembling. Zhu Han said in a deep voice: "Ask him to wait in the study, we will come immediately."
The two walked quickly to the study, secretly guessing the reason why the Minister of Hubu asked for a meeting late at night. In the study, the Minister of Hubu had been waiting for a long time. When he saw the two people arriving, he quickly stood up and saluted.
The Minister of the Ministry of Revenue had a solemn look on his face, and he cupped his hands and said: "Your Highness King Han, Your Highness the Crown Prince, I have something important to report. Recently, I discovered that there are many anomalies in the accounts of the Ministry of Revenue. It seems that some officials have used public funds privately. The amount is huge and the impact is extremely great."
bad."
Zhu Han frowned when he heard this: "This matter is not trivial. Do you have any conclusive evidence?"
The Minister of Household Affairs took out a stack of account books and secret letters from his sleeve and presented them with both hands: "This is the evidence that I secretly collected. Please have your Highnesses take a look."
Zhu Han took the account books and secret letters and read them carefully, his face becoming more and more gloomy. Zhu Biao also looked livid and clenched his fists. After a moment, Zhu Han said in a deep voice: "This matter must be investigated thoroughly and will not be tolerated!"
The Minister of the Ministry of Hubu bowed to accept the promise and was about to leave when Zhu Han suddenly stopped him: "Wait a minute, you must summon all the officials of the Ministry of Hubu immediately. I will personally interrogate you early tomorrow morning."
The Minister of Household Affairs took the order and left, and the study fell into silence again. Zhu Han and Zhu Biao looked at each other, with firm light shining in their eyes.
Early the next morning, the atmosphere in the lobby of the Ministry of Revenue was solemn. Zhu Han sat on the main seat, his eyes like torches, scanning the officials of the Ministry of Revenue standing below. Zhu Biao stood aside with a serious expression.
Zhu Han said in a deep voice: "Everyone, I have received a secret report yesterday that there are serious problems in the accounts of the household department. Today, I will personally interrogate you. I hope you can answer truthfully and don't make any mistakes."
The officials of the Ministry of Household Affairs looked at each other, some looked nervous, and others pretended to be calm. Zhu Han looked at them one by one with lightning eyes, and then asked: "Is there any of you who is willing to take the initiative to confess, so as not to avoid the pain of flesh and blood?"
"
After a moment of silence, an official finally couldn't bear it anymore, knelt down on the ground, and said in a trembling voice: "Your Highness, please forgive me. I was obsessed with this villain and used public funds secretly..."
This chapter is not over yet, please click on the next page to continue reading! As the first official confessed, the atmosphere in the Ministry of Revenue lobby became more depressing. The other officials either lowered their heads in silence or exchanged uneasy glances, obviously
Assessing his situation.
Zhu Han's eyes were as bright as fire and his voice was steady and powerful: "Since someone has taken the initiative, others don't have to take any chances. I will give you another chance. Those who take the initiative to confess may be given a lighter sentence; if I wait to verify them one by one,
,Severe punishment without mercy!”
These words were like a heavy hammer, hitting everyone's heart. Soon, another official fell to his knees tremblingly, with a cry in his voice: "Your Highness, the villain is also guilty... He embezzled part of the silver...
"
Zhu Han nodded slightly and signaled the guards to record the confessions of these officials. His eyes swept over the officials who had not yet confessed, and there was a hint of imperceptible majesty in his tone: "Very good, I appreciate your courage. But remember,
Escape is not the solution. Only by facing and correcting can we seek forgiveness."
As one official after another confessed, the atmosphere in the lobby of the Ministry of Revenue gradually eased, but it left a deep mark on everyone's heart.
After the interrogation, Zhu Han and Zhu Biao returned to the study and continued to discuss the next countermeasures. Zhu Han looked solemn and said to Zhu Biao: "Biao'er, what happened today shows the depth of corruption in the Ministry of Revenue. We must take this opportunity.
, conduct a thorough investigation and bring clarity to the court."
Zhu Biao nodded in agreement, with a firm light shining in his eyes: "What Uncle Han Wang said is absolutely true. My nephew believes that we should not only severely punish the corrupt officials who have been found to be corrupt, but also take this opportunity to improve the system and prevent similar problems from happening again.
.”
Zhu Han nodded slightly, and after pondering for a moment, he said: "What Biao'er said makes sense. I intend to suggest to His Majesty to strengthen the internal supervision of the Ministry of Accounts, establish an independent audit agency, and regularly check the accounts to ensure that every expenditure is clear
Can be checked.”
Zhu Biao added: "In addition, we can also implement an official property declaration system, requiring all officials to disclose their personal property regularly and accept public supervision, so that corruption has nowhere to hide."
Zhu Han nodded approvingly: "This is a great plan. However, these reform measures need to be carefully planned and implemented gradually to avoid unnecessary turmoil."
While the two were discussing, an attendant hurriedly came in and reported: "Your Highness, Your Highness King Han, there is an urgent document from the Ministry of Personnel."
Zhu Han took the official document, glanced through it quickly, and frowned: "The Ministry of Civil Affairs also discovered similar problems. Some officials engaged in favoritism and malpractice during the selection process."
When Zhu Biao heard this, his expression became more solemn: "It seems that this anti-corruption fight is more complicated than we imagined. Uncle Han, we need to strengthen communication and collaboration between the two departments to deal with it together."
Zhu Han nodded, with a trace of determination flashing in his eyes: "Yes. I will go to the Ministry of Personnel immediately to discuss countermeasures with Lord Shangshu. Biao'er, you stay in the Ministry of Revenue and continue to compile the records of today's interrogation and prepare to report to His Majesty."
Zhu Biao bowed and responded: "My son, I obey the order."
Zhu Han immediately stood up, strode out of the study room, and headed to the Ministry of Personnel. In the lobby of the Ministry of Personnel, the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel had been waiting for a long time. When he saw Zhu Han arriving, he quickly stood up and saluted.
Zhu Han got straight to the point: "Master Shangshu, I believe you have heard about the affairs of the household department. How is the situation in the official department?"
The official official's official expression was heavy and he sighed: "Your Highness King Han, the situation in the official department is not optimistic either. Some officials took advantage of their positions to collect bribes during the selection process and engaged in malpractice for personal gain, which seriously affected the fairness and clarity of the court."
When Zhu Han heard this, a gleam of coldness flashed in his eyes: "This matter must be investigated thoroughly! Lord Shangshu, you and I need to start immediately and conduct a comprehensive investigation on the officials suspected of violating the rules. We will never tolerate it!"
The Minister of the Ministry of Personnel nodded, with determination flashing in his eyes: "Your Highness, King Han, can rest assured that your subordinates will cooperate fully to eliminate the shortcomings of the Ministry of Personnel."
Zhu Han and the Minister of Civil Affairs looked at each other, and their eyes were filled with uncompromising determination. Zhu Han said solemnly: "Master Shangshu, this matter is related to the foundation of the Ming Dynasty. We must use thunderous means to scare Xiaoxiao. You and me.
From now on, we must race against time to root out this corrupt trend."
The Minister of the Ministry of Personnel bowed and said in a firm voice: "What His Royal Highness King Han said is absolutely true. I am willing to go to pieces and swear to fight against these moths to the end. However, this matter involves a wide range of things, and I may need the cooperation of many parties to ensure that nothing goes wrong."
Zhu Han nodded slightly, and after thinking for a moment, he said: "What the Lord Shangshu said makes sense. I will immediately report to His Majesty and request that more capable people be dispatched to assist you and me in thoroughly investigating this matter. At the same time, we will strengthen communication and coordination with other departments to ensure smooth flow of information.
No hindrance.”
The Minister of Civil Affairs nodded in agreement: "I will start preparations immediately. When His Majesty's decree is issued, I will fully cooperate with His Majesty's actions."
The two of them had reached an agreement, and Zhu Han left in a hurry and went straight to the palace, preparing to report the matter to Zhu Yuanzhang. Along the way, he had mixed feelings in his heart, including anger against corruption and deep worries about the future of the Ming Dynasty.
.
Stepping into the imperial study, Zhu Yuanzhang was lowering his head to review the memorial. Seeing Zhu Han's hurried expression, he couldn't help but put down his pen and asked: "Brother Han, why is it so urgent?"
Zhu Han bowed and saluted, and said in a deep voice: "Your Majesty, I have something important to report. Both the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Personnel have discovered serious corruption problems. After discussing with the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, I believe that this matter is urgent and must be investigated immediately.
Take the correct approach."
When Zhu Yuanzhang heard this, his face darkened, and a stern look flashed in his eyes: "Is this happening? Please tell me the details quickly."
Zhu Han reported the problems discovered by the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Personnel one by one, and finally said: "Your Majesty, corruption is the enemy of the country. If it is not severely punished, it will cause endless harm. I sincerely request your Majesty's permission to send more manpower.
We will do our best to investigate this matter thoroughly.”
After Zhu Yuanzhang heard this, he pondered for a moment, nodded and said: "What Brother Han said is absolutely true. If this matter is not handled strictly, how can we convince the public? I immediately issued an order to send more Jinyi guards to assist you two in thoroughly investigating this matter. We must ensure that there is irrefutable evidence.
, not a single one is missed.”
Zhu Han was overjoyed when he heard this and quickly knelt down to express his gratitude: "On behalf of the Ming Dynasty, I would like to express my gratitude to Your Majesty for your kindness! I will do my best to live up to Your Majesty's high expectations."
After exiting the imperial study, Zhu Han felt a little relieved. When he returned to the palace, he immediately summoned his close aides to convey His Majesty's will and made a detailed plan for the next action.
At the same time, Zhu Biao was also very busy at the Ministry of Household Affairs. While sorting out the interrogation records, he was thinking about how to further improve the system and prevent the recurrence of corruption. As night fell, Zhu Biao finally finished the work at hand and was preparing to take a rest.
, but heard a gentle knock on the door.
"Who?" Zhu Biao asked.
The voice of an attendant came from outside the door: "Your Highness, Your Highness King Han, please go to the study immediately to discuss important matters."
Zhu Biao's heart froze, he quickly put on his coat and hurried to the study. In the study, Zhu Han was standing in front of the window, staring at the night outside the window, his brows furrowed. Seeing Zhu Biao come in, he turned around and said: "Biao'er, you're here."
Exactly. I have a few things to discuss with you."
Zhu Biao took a step forward and bowed in salute: "What are your orders, Uncle Han Wang?"
Zhu Han sighed and said: "Today, Your Majesty has given permission to send more guards to assist us in thoroughly investigating corruption. Although this is a good thing, I am also worried that it will alert the enemy. You and I need to act more cautiously."
Zhu Biao nodded in agreement: "What Uncle Han Wang said is absolutely true. So how should we deal with it?"