As the saying goes, good things come one after another.
After more than ten years of pinyin completion, "History of the Pre-Ming Dynasty" was finally completed.
Historians, headed by chief editor Zhao Shu, consulted a large amount of information and spent more than two million dollars to compile this history of the Ming Dynasty, which spans more than two hundred years.
Naturally, it uses classical Chinese as always, and the total number of words exceeds 10 million, reaching 18 million words.
In later generations, this would only be a few hundred megabytes of memory, but today, it is half a room full of books.
Copied purely by hand, they are all in the orthodox Guange style.
Looking at the books one after another, Zhu Yixi was filled with emotions:
It was really difficult to compile a book in ancient times.
The elderly former chief minister of the cabinet, Zhao Shu, Duke of Fu, stood aside with his words crouched, his face full of relief.
His temples were originally gray, but now his beard and hair are all white. Years of compiling books have almost taken a toll on his body.
But the spiritual pleasure made him happy.
"Your Majesty, the "History of the Pre-Ming Dynasty" has a total of three hundred and sixty-two volumes, including twenty-four volumes of chronicles, seventy-eight volumes of chronicles, two hundred and forty-seven volumes of biographies, and thirteen volumes of tables.
It records the history of 278 years from the first year of Taizu Hongwu (1368 AD) to the 19th year of Sizong Chongzhen (1646 AD)."
Zhao Shu stroked his beard and spoke energetically: "I adhere to the holy will, follow the true way, seek truth and be pragmatic, seek truth from unofficial history and discard falsehoods, and go to various prefectures and counties to check township chronicles, notes, and inscriptions to communicate with each other."
Confirmation.”
"Isolated examples will not be adopted, oral traditions will not be accepted——"
To put it bluntly, the biggest difference between this history of the pre-Ming Dynasty and other history books is that it adopts folk unofficial histories.
Including but not limited to notes, legends, inscriptions, private histories, etc., and then verifying them to seek truth and eliminate falsehoods.
Don't get me wrong, these unofficial histories are basically just biographies. The parts about the court and the emperor are naturally recorded truthfully.
For example, Jianwen was incorporated into the orthodox imperial temple.
But at the same time, he was also criticized for his arrogant behavior of cutting down vassals and disregarding the virtues of relatives.
Also, it is true that Concubine Wan Gui of Emperor Xianzong of the Ming Dynasty fell into the womb of a dragon in the early stage. After all, as long as she could give birth, she would not allow anyone else to ascend to the position of crown prince.
After all, she was seventeen years older than Xianzong of the Ming Dynasty. Xianzong was already thirty-five years old when he ascended the throne. The eldest son of the emperor who she gave birth to died, and as he grew older, he had to give up the persecution.
The harem was immediately filled with offspring.
But the time was shorter. The emperor's second son was born in the fifth year of Chenghua, and Xiaozong was born in the sixth year of Chenghua.
Is this kind of thing rare in all dynasties?
Secondly, to a certain extent, this was also the acquiescence of Xianzong.
Therefore, the folk rumors that Concubine Wan Gui persecuted Xiaozong and raped her concubines and children should not be taken seriously.
After all, Concubine Wan Gui was in love with Xianzong. If she could not have a child, how could she make Xianzong extinct?
At the same time, don't underestimate Emperor Xianzong's skills.
He can dote on a woman, but he cannot dote on her so much that he has no offspring.
When Xianzong succeeded to the throne, the queen whipped Concubine Wan Gui and was deposed.
But he unexpectedly made the honest Wang the queen, instead of Concubine Wan Guifei, and made her the imperial concubine for the rest of her life.
Obviously, from this we can see his ability to see fire.
As for the wild historical rumors that Chengzu was born to a Korean woman and not to Empress Ma, they have been refuted.
As the saying goes, the person who knows you best is your enemy.
Even Jianwen at the time did not directly deny his status as the legitimate son, so Zhu Di's identity as the legitimate son could not be false.
Moreover, Zhu Ji, the fifth son of the emperor at that time, was granted the title of King of Wu in the third year of Hongwu, and was granted the title of King of Zhou only in the eleventh year of Hongwu. He was the younger brother of Zhu Di, which can also prove his identity.
If he were not his legitimate youngest son, would Lao Zhu give him his previous title?
If he wasn't his biological brother, would Zhu Biao agree?
Similar rumors have been refuted one by one, which is very satisfying.
"kindness!"
The emperor flipped through it at will and lamented that it was really difficult to read this Manchu Chinese text.
"Ask Yousi to copy several copies, and place one in Nanjing and one in Fengyang."
"By the way, give a copy to King Qin and King Qi too, so that they can learn more about it."
"Yes!" The ministers nodded.
"Thank you for your hard work, Mr. Zhao."
Zhu Yixi looked at his slightly haggard face and couldn't help but sigh: "Now that you are done, you can go home and cultivate yourself!"
"Come on, give Mr. Zhao medicinal food, and bring a few jade sticks as you wish -"
"yes!"
After all, Zhao Shu was old and no longer as stubborn as before. He nodded and said, "I am ashamed of myself."
Behind him, a large number of historians watched eagerly, with uncontrollable envy in their hearts.
How could the emperor favor one over another? He looked back and said, "Thank you for your hard work."
The emperor's thank you greatly moved these bookish historians, and they wanted to fight for the land with their heads. It was worth dying just now.
"I will not forget you, and the court will not forget you either."
After leaving these words, Zhu Yixi walked away.
At this time, all the historians were also beaming with joy, and their discussions had an impact after the publication of the history book.
For scholars like them, following this "History of the Pre-Ming Dynasty" and leaving their name in history is a life worth living.
Gu Yanwu also felt the same way.
All the bones in his body seemed to be lighter.
The sense of mission and honor is really exciting.
He walked quickly, planning to go home and take a shower to completely shake off the weight.
"Brother Gu, how about we go to the Zhuangyuan Building together?"
"Yes, the singing there is pretty good. It's one of the best in the capital. We haven't been there a few times in so many years."
A few good friends grabbed him and extended an invitation.
In response, Gu Yanwu smiled bitterly and said, "Spare me."
"My mind is full of books, how can I still eat and drink?"
"Another day, another day, I have to go back and wash away this lake of slurry in my head. I might as well drink, right?"
These words were recognized by everyone.
Compiling history is not only an honor, but also a political task.
If there is a slight mistake, or if the position is slightly deviated, and the emperor looks down upon it, then something big will happen.
The mental pressure is enormous.
Fortunately, it's finished. Why don't you go back and take a good rest?
As soon as these words were said, everyone felt exhausted and wanted to go home and sleep as soon as possible.
Gu Yanwu was not short of money, and after serving as historian, the court naturally provided him with a salary.
The new salary of the Shaowu Dynasty was generous, which naturally allowed him to live comfortably.
Therefore, he rented a small courtyard with two floors, where his family and students lived, and they were quite happy.
As soon as I got home in the carriage, I saw a familiar figure:
"Huang Zongxi?"
"Hahaha, Brother Gu, you're fine!"
Huang Zongxi was wearing a long robe and a square scarf, like an old Confucian scholar. His face was scholarly, but he was poor and had an official look.
"I haven't seen you in several years. Is Brother Huang going to be promoted again?"
Gu Yanwu looked at him in high spirits and couldn't help but smile.
"This time I returned to Beijing to report on my work, I have gained quite a lot."
Huang Zongxi took his arm and walked into the courtyard: "We are older and have been struggling with this place in Beijing for more than ten years. This is considered to be our wish."
His lips curled up, his beard rose up, and it almost touched his nostrils: "Your Majesty Taipusi."
Although Gu Yanwu was far away from the imperial court, he was still a scholar and knew the official positions of the imperial court very well.
Taipu Temple Minister, with the third rank title.
Known as Xiao Jiuqing.
Nowadays, the rank of minister is the second rank, and the rank of minister is the second rank. If he climbs up the rank further, he will be the eighth rank of minister.
No matter which one it is, for readers, it can be said that it directly steps into the center of power.
In the previous dynasty, Xiao Jiuqing's power was too small, and he was always a place for retirement and fishing, but in today's Shaowu dynasty, he is a stepping stone.
There was even a rumor in the official circles: The local government was overworked, so he took a break during Xiao Jiuqing's appointment and got acquainted with the officialdom.
In fact, he continued to hone his ambition.
Nowadays, 70% of the eight ministers are Xiao Jiuqing, which can be said to have a bright future.
Huang Zongxi was naturally very proud.
"Xiao Jiuqing, that's a good position."
Gu Yanwu sighed: "It's not like you have been running around for several years in vain."
"It's officialdom!" Huang Zongxi said with emotion.
"Wait a minute, when you went to the Western Regions, didn't you say you would stay for six years?"
"It's been six years." Huang Zongxi rolled his eyes: "It was forty-six when I went, but it's fifty-five now."
"Not just six years? That's ten years!"
Speaking of this, Huang Zongxi said helplessly: "In the past few years, during Annan's expedition to the north, we officials have not been able to escape, but we can be promoted."
"A certain person served as the chief envoy to southern Xinjiang for one term, so he was able to come to Beijing..."
After hearing his words, Gu Yanwu suddenly understood.
It turns out that in Anxi, due to the geographical, cultural, and even racial differences between northern and southern Xinjiang, Anxi chose the method of divide and rule.
In other words, what is called one province is actually two provinces.
Officials from the north were appointed to the south, officials from the south were appointed to the north, and they mixed with each other to maintain the rule of the Ming Dynasty.
There is no way. Compared with the Mongols and Yarkands, there are too few Han people, so they have to control each other.
Likewise, it is unusual for Anxi Province to have two chief envoys handle civil affairs.
Of course, following the instructions, studying, etc. are all one and the same.
Because of his skill in governing the people and his background as a Jinshi, he was favored by the officials and directly entered the capital as an official.
"I don't regret it now."
Huang Zongxi and Gu Yanwu sat down.
He said with a complicated expression: "Now, I can finally see Zheng Sen's back."
Gu Yanwu smiled.
After suffering a lot, Huang Zongxi returned to Beijing.
However, he discovered that as early as two months ago, Zheng Sen had already served as the Minister of War.
When Huang Zongxi learned about it, he almost lost his temper.
But there was no other way. Zheng Sen's noble background and the emperor's favor allowed him to go to the Ryukyu Islands as an envoy, thus adding another Ryukyu mansion to the Ming Dynasty.
Such meritorious deeds made his foundation even stronger.
The magistrate, guarding the road separately, supervising the envoys, and the minister of war, moved forward steadily step by step.
"By the way, I heard that Duke Jin is about to capture Bukhara?"
"It should be right." Huang Zongxi nodded: "When I left Anxi, Jin Guogong started to mobilize troops. His unparalleled achievements are not worth mentioning in Bukhara."
After that, the two of them talked to each other about what happened over the years, and the conversation became more and more lively.
"The "History of the Pre-Ming Dynasty" has been completed." Gu Yanwu said solemnly: "I don't think the cabinet will make things difficult. After several years of hard work, I am almost the same as you."
"Brother Gu, are you an official?" Huang Zongxi was surprised at first, and then asked impatiently: "With your qualifications as a historian, you can catch up with me in a few years."
"I can not make it."
Gu Yanwu shook his head and smiled bitterly: "Now I am used to teaching and educating people, telling the saints' studies, and discussing the lessons of the subjugation of the country beforehand. I don't want to step into the officialdom anymore."
Obviously, the leisurely life he now enjoys has cooled his mind on becoming an official.
Huang Zongxi wanted to persuade him again, but Gu Yanwu said directly: "Even if I am willing, I'm afraid I won't be able to do it for a few more years at my age."
It is an official rule that one should become an official at sixty.
But the unspoken rule is that officials below the fourth rank are required to become official when they are around fifty years old.
At such an old age, my learning ability is weak. When Guanzheng is over, I'm afraid I won't just burp my butt.
Even in the joint examination, candidates over 40 years old will be dismissed directly unless their essays are excellent and their scores are high.
Although it is a bit cruel, it is a good thing for the officialdom.
For the officials of the Eight Departments and the elders of the cabinet, becoming an official is nothing.
Under normal circumstances, the emperor must retain them, and they can still work for a few years.
The new thing about ministers is not as good as the old. Trust is not something that is easy to cultivate.
When it got dark, a carriage stopped outside the house.
Then, Wang Fuzhi's scarred face came into view.
Wang Fuzhi, who is now forty-five years old and full of energy, laughed out loud when he saw Huang and Gu:
"Brother Gu, I heard that the "History of the Pre-Ming Dynasty" has been compiled? It will save you a worry."
Gu Yanwu said directly: "Yes, you are quite well-informed."
Then, he said: "Brother Huang, Wang Ernong is now the Zuo Shaoqing of Dali Temple, but he is only one step behind you."
Shaoqing of Dali Temple, fourth grade.
Moreover, Dali Temple, the Ministry of Punishment, and the Metropolitan Procuratorate were listed as three divisions, and their importance was much greater than that of Taipu Temple.
There is a scar on my face where I saved my father. The truth is so important.
At this moment, Huang Zongxi was filled with envy.
It's been ten years since I made this trip to Anxi with him, which means I haven't left at all.
"I have endless trials in Dali Temple, so I'm going to come over and take a look." Mrs. Wang sat down and said, "I didn't expect Brother Huang to come back. It's a blessing."
"It's a good thing I went there, otherwise I would have been left behind by you." Huang Zongxi had mixed feelings.
"It'll be great if we come back. Then it will be best for us brothers to have fun together."
Wang Fuzhi said happily.
At this time, Yuquan Villa.
The messenger who traveled thousands of miles finally delivered the good news from the northwest.
"The Khanate of Bukhara is over."
Zhu Yi spread out the paper, read it, and laughed.
Bukhara's position, although he did not know which country in Central Asia would belong to the future, he understood that it was the crossroads of Asia.
To the north is Kazakhstan, to the east is Anxi, to the south is Persia and the Mughal Empire, and to the west is the Black Sea.
If the Liao Kingdom is pinned down, it will be extremely convenient for them to send troops wherever they go.
"A decree was drawn up to grant Li Dingguo and Shanzi, and the Jia Dynasty of Jin Dynasty became the uncle of Chuzhou..."
After three or four earls were sealed off, the emperor thought for a moment and then said: "Feng Jia Dai became the Prime Minister of Liao and guarded the river."