Chapter 95: Abolition of humble status and cancellation of separation
The grand coronation ceremony was like a hurricane, sweeping the world in an instant.
However, the city of Nanjing, at the center of the storm, seemed as calm as water.
Today, it is still the second year of Hongguang, and next year will be the first year of Shaowu.
The reason why the reign name Shaowu is used actually has a profound meaning.
Shao means inheritance; Wu means martial virtue.
It can be understood as inheriting the Ming Dynasty, or it can also be understood as inheriting the ambition of Hongwu.
In order to show his orthodoxy, Zhu Yixi did not make many changes to the court system and laws for the time being.
Just like Emperor Yongle, in order to declare orthodoxy, he changed the legal reforms of the Jianwen period back to their original state.
Having said that, if the new dynasty has a new atmosphere, how can it be considered a new dynasty without some actions?
Xiao Gui and Cao Sui are not good words for him.
"Someone is coming!"
"His Majesty!"
After calling out, a eunuch came eagerly from the outer hall.
Looking familiar, Zhu Yixi suddenly realized that this was an old man who lived in Xiangyang.
The eunuchs and maids in the Nanjing Imperial Palace, except for those who were innocent, young and old, were all assigned to guard the tomb in the Xiaoling Mausoleum.
Although it is a hard job, it is not dangerous, and it can be regarded as the emperor's mercy.
"Call some gentlemen!"
Zhu Yixi wears black regular clothes, also called Yanfu, which is casual wear, and wears a black gauze crown, exuding a mature and steady atmosphere.
Clothes for various occasions tell the story of the emperor's occasions.
Gunmian, Tongtian crown clothes, leather Bian clothes, Wu Bian clothes, Yan Bian clothes, and ordinary clothes, these six kinds of clothes, plus ever-changing plaid patterns.
It can be said that he can be different every day.
"yes!"
The eunuch responded.
After a while, three people who had just become familiar with the cabinet came quickly. They straightened their clothes and adjusted their breathing when they arrived in front of the palace.
"come in!"
The emperor was sitting on the royal desk, seeing the three people bending over with their hands clasped, he couldn't help but say:
"When the imperial court is newly established, it must have a new atmosphere."
The three of them listened respectfully.
"When I was in Xiangyang, I promoted the New Deal in Huguang. Now it seems that it is time to promote it to the world again."
"I wonder which one your Highness is talking about?"
Zhao Shu's expression changed and he asked.
There are many new policies in Huguang, it’s hard to guess.
"Abolish the separation of household registration and call it national registration!"
Zhu Yixi said in a deep voice and with great momentum.
The three of them made eye contact for a while, and then Zhao Shu held his hands and said:
"That bitch?"
"Depose them too, depose them all!"
Zhu Yixi waved her hand and said loudly: "The separation of household registration established by Grand Ancestor back then has been out of date for three hundred years. It exists in name only and is not conducive to the overall management of the imperial court."
"Now, as the first law of the new dynasty, I intend to abolish the humble status and abolish the separation of industry, military, business and civilians."
"What do you think?"
"What your Majesty said is true!"
Zhang Shenyan's face was moved, and he hurriedly cupped his hands and said: "This is good governance, and the world is happy!"
When Zhu Yuanzhang inherited the system of the Yuan Dynasty, he also inherited the classification of household registration. After all, this was a good way to manage the world.
For example, if the imperial court wants to build a palace or a city, it is natural that not only civilians are enough, but also craftsmen.
At this time, just gathering the craftsmen who are craftsmen can concentrate their efforts on big things.
Those with military status are responsible for fighting wars, those with civilian status are responsible for paying taxes, and those with craftsman status are responsible for repairing cities and other matters.
But this method has imprisoned people for generations.
The son of a craftsman may not be good at his craftsmanship, and the son of a military household may not be good at fighting.
More importantly, this kind of simple management is a breeding ground for corruption.
Of course, in the later period, the imperial court also saw the dangers of household registration and carried out some reforms.
For example, during the Jiajing period, a recruitment system was implemented, and Zhang Juzheng reformed it, allowing craftsmen to use silver in lieu of military service, so that they could avoid the pain of traveling.
All in all, it is true to say that household registration separation exists in name only.
Of course, the control of low status is still there, and the Jiaofangsi in various places still remain.
"Your Majesty, after the separation of household registration is cancelled, I am afraid that the household registration will have to be re-established."
Zhao Shu immediately saw the point and said in a deep voice.
In the past, the military status was under the control of the Guard, the craftsman status was under the Ministry of Works, and the humble status was under the control of the Jiaofang Department. If they were lifted at once, the place would definitely be very busy.
"Just rearrange it."
The emperor didn't take it seriously and said: "The world has been in chaos for so long, and the household registration has long been in chaos. It's time to reorganize it!"
Speaking of household registration, Zhu Yixi thought of the yellow book again.
In comparison, as the main source of taxation for the imperial court, the yellow book that controlled land was the top priority.
But now I don’t have much energy to do this.
I'm afraid that within a few months, the Qing Dynasty will take over again.
It is already considered good to be able to abolish the humble status and change the situation of separation.
"yes!"
Although the emperor asked them to come over for discussion, it was actually settled.
Zhao Shu had never joined the cabinet before, but he vaguely felt something was wrong, so he agreed.
Zhang Shenyan is an old bureaucrat and knows everything about the cabinet.
After the arrival of Jiajing, the power of the cabinet increased greatly. Usually, after cabinet deliberations, several opinions were divided and submitted to the emperor.
The emperor chooses an item and approves it, then the eunuch of the ceremonial department approves it with a pen, and the eunuch who holds the seal stamps it.
Then the cabinet handed it over to Zhongshu Sheren to draft the imperial edict.
If the emperor is dissatisfied with its handling, he will push back. If he is not satisfied again, he will have to clean up the cabinet.
To put it bluntly, the emperor seemed to be decisive, but he was in a passive state.
But now, the emperor directly interviews the cabinet members. In a few words, he takes the initiative and omits several procedures.
Sighed.
Is this the power of the founding emperor?
After returning to the cabinet, Zhao Shu saw that something was not right with Zhang Shenyan and couldn't help but ask:
"Jin Ming, what's wrong? Do you have different ideas about household registration?"
"No no!"
Zhang Shenyan shook his head and said with a wry smile: "I'm afraid the chief minister doesn't know. If it were before, the cabinet process would not be like this."
As he spoke, he explained the cabinet process again.
Zhao Shu and Yan Chongxin were a little surprised. They never thought that a government order would be so troublesome.
After thinking briefly, Zhao Shu said calmly: "As His Majesty said, the new atmosphere of the new dynasty has changed somewhat compared to the past."
"After all, there is no ceremonial supervisor to wear red nowadays."
This sentence was so meaningful that Zhang Shenyan fell silent for a moment.
Yan Chongxin nodded and said: "It's better to follow His Majesty's idea, but this kind of face-to-face conversation is much more convenient than a memorial."
In an imperial society, the degree of power is determined by the relationship with the emperor, not by position.
The eunuchs and royal guards were the emperor's domestic slaves, so they had immense power that could not be controlled by the cabinet.
Nowadays, the presence of Jin Yiwei and Si Lijian is not strong for the time being, so being able to meet with the emperor every day is enough to steadily increase the power of the cabinet.
After figuring this out, Zhang Shenyan suddenly realized and said with a smile: "I am a fan of the authorities!"