The Prosperous Era of Longwan

Wei Guangde was still wondering what big event Gaoyi would be doing at this time, when he heard Zhang Juzheng's voice.

"Da Zongbo asked the prince to come out to give lectures. It seems that His Highness is now six years old and it's time for enlightenment."

Zhang Juzheng said in a seemingly calm tone, looking at Wei Guangde as he spoke, a smile caught his eye.

Emperor Longqing had made arrangements when he was in Qianchuan, asking Zhang Juzheng and Wei Guangde to teach Zhu Yijun, the current Crown Prince.

From then on, Zhu Yijun, who was still the prince, always called Zhang Juzheng and Wei Guangde Master Zhang and Master Wei.

Everyone in the cabinet knows about this matter, even the six ministers know about it.

After Yin Shizhen quickly read the memorial, he handed it to Wei Guangde and asked him to read it too, but with a relaxed smile on his face.

Wei Guangde took one last look at Zhang Juzheng, with those profound eyes, he opened the memorial and lowered his head to look.

"Three generations of great events have all focused on educating the prince. The emperor established the crown prince early, and he has been admired by the people for more than a year. Now the people in the East Palace are growing older, and their talents are gradually becoming more and more undecided. It is not enough to study poetry and calligraphy, and to be close to scholars and sages. Condensing the body and mind, cultivating virtues, and all the sons and daughters of the common people, who are seven years old and above, should attend private schools and learn to read verses. As the first son of the emperor, he is the foundation of the country, so if you don't learn in time, it will be a great contribution to your upbringing."

Wei Guangde quickly read Gao Yi's memorial. To be honest, there was nothing wrong with what the article said.

In later generations, children started to study at the age of seven. This was also the time period when scholars in this era started to educate their youngest children. The prince was about to turn seven, and it made sense that the Ministry of Rites would submit a memorial at this time to prepare for the ceremony.

It's just that Wei Guangde knew very well what children in this era were learning. Although they were taught simple books at the beginning, they were more enlightened in reading and writing by being accompanied by ministers, and were taught the daily etiquette of the prince's court.

Soon after, the content of the Four Books will begin. The master will dictate the content of "Great Learning", "The Analects of Confucius", and "The Doctrine of the Mean" to give the prince a preliminary understanding of Confucianism. At the same time, he will explain to the prince the world's people's sentiments, agriculture, military affairs, etc. This gave the prince a preliminary understanding of world affairs.

Moreover, according to the daily reading rituals that Wei Guangde had seen before, once the prince left the court to study, he would go to the Wenhua Hall to study at Mao hour every day, which made a child read Mao like the officials of the Ming Dynasty very early.

Wei Guangde felt that it was a bit cruel from the bottom of his heart. It was too early.

According to the "Manuscript of the Ministry of Rites" of the Ming Dynasty, the schedule of the prince's lectures was recorded: every morning at Hou Mao, the prince went to the Wenhua Hall to read the "Four Books", "Five Classics" and history books, etc., accompanied by an attendant;

In the Si Dynasty, the lecturer explained the learning content, and then the secretary taught the prince how to write calligraphy.

Write fifty words every day in winter, and write one hundred words every day for the rest.

After the prince returned to the palace for lunch, he either rested or learned riding and shooting.

Every night, the prince needs to "read the book taught that day several times until he is familiar with it."

It can be seen that the prince of the Ming Dynasty really left early and returned late.

Of course, this is also the work and rest time of most people in this era, but for Wei Guangde, who came from a later generation, he felt that it was too cruel to let a seven-year-old child start reading at five in the morning.

"What Gao Shangshu said is appropriate, but the prince is too young. Why not wait until next year, when His Highness is seven years old, before discussing the matter of leaving the cabinet?"

Wei Guangde knew that the work and rest time of the Ming Dynasty prince had actually been set long ago and could not be changed easily.

Even Gao Yi, as the Minister of Rites, if the prince does not follow the original regulations in the ceremonial notes when leaving the court to study, the minister of the Ministry of Rites, the censor of the Metropolitan Procuratorate, and the officials of the Hanlin Academy can all use this to impeach him. .

The time cannot be changed. The only thing Wei Guangde can help little Zhu Yijun is to go to school later. Even if he waits until the prince is seven years old to discuss the matter, Zhu Yijun will have one more year of playing time.

"What Mr. Wei Ge said is wrong. The prince is the head of the country. How can he not learn in time to make a difference in his upbringing?"

Gao Yi immediately replied after Wei Guangde finished speaking, "If the prince is delayed from entering school, and the prince neglects discipline in the harem and is extremely naughty, then it will no longer lead to righteousness.

Moreover, even if His Majesty approves it now, the Ministry of Rites has only begun preparations to select the attendants and attendants. The actual lectures will have to wait until the Qintian Supervisor decides on the auspicious day and His Majesty issues the decree.

If we push it to next year, I'm afraid it will be too late and it will delay the prince's study. "

"The prince is the foundation of the country. It is not appropriate to delay his studies and loans. If he postpones it, don't say it again. I have discussed it with Mr. Li Ge and Gao Shangshu before. It is better to let this memorial enter the palace and ask your majesty to read it. good."

Unexpectedly, after Wei Guangde expressed his intention, Chen Yiqin spoke.

Since Li Chunfang, Chen Yiqin, and Gao Yi had reached an agreement on the prince's study, Wei Guangde felt that it was useless to say more, so he had to nod his head in agreement.

"Uncle, Zhengfu, what do you think?"

After Wei Guangde nodded, Chen Yiqin continued to ask Zhang Juzheng and Yin Shizhen for their opinions.

Of course, the two of them would not object. In fact, all of the people here, except Wei Guangde, were from scholarly families. They also started picking up books at the age of six or seven, so they didn't feel anything.

As for this work and rest time, it is of course much earlier than that of ordinary people, almost more than an hour earlier.

But since he is a prince, he must be a role model for the world. He should do things that ordinary children cannot do. In this way, he can be an inspirational example by spreading the word.

Moreover, studying at this time has long been accustomed to them who have been immersed in officialdom for many years, so they don't think it will be bad for the prince.

However, they understood Wei Guangde's objection to his study time. After all, they knew Wei Guangde's background and it was estimated that Wei Guangde studied later than them, so they felt that the prince should study when he was older.

When neither Zhang Juzheng nor Yin Shizhen objected, it was decided that the crown prince would go out to study in the palace. The memorial was sent directly to the palace by Gao Yi, and Emperor Longqing was asked to read it and give it.

When Wei Guangde walked out of Li Chunfang's room, he was a little absent-minded.

He didn't know what was going to greet Zhu Yijun.

When he was still in Prince Yu's Mansion, because his sons Wei Dacheng and Zhu Yijun were born close to each other, Wei Guangde was often summoned by Prince Yu to discuss his children's education.

The main discussion was whether children should start school at the age of seven or start teaching later. Wei Guangde took into account the content of schooling in this era and told Emperor Longqing that it was appropriate to start school later and let the children learn when they were older, so that the children would be more adaptable. .

Wei Guangde didn't know if the current emperor still remembered the conversation he had with Emperor Longqing.

But why do you care so much? They are all other people’s children anyway.

Two more days later, the cabinet convened the Ministry of Rites, the Minister of War, and the Minister to discuss the notes on the Grand Review. The first draft was finalized. It was confirmed that the Ministry of Rites would polish it and send it to the cabinet within two days, waiting to be submitted to Emperor Longqing for his inspection.

At the same time, Wei Guangde and Tan Lun also agreed on the time to inspect the capital camp. Just when the meeting was over and everyone was preparing to return to their respective yamen, news came out from the palace that Emperor Longqing gave instructions in Gao Yi's memorial, "Wait until Shi Ling has not said anything." ".

Gaoyi hadn't left yet when he checked in at Wei Guangde. When he heard the news, he was stunned on the spot.

Emperor Longqing would actually set a rule for the prince to study at the age of ten. Gao Yi found it unacceptable no matter what.

"No, this matter must not come from His Majesty's temper. How could the prince start studying at the age of ten? I want to find Mr. Li Ge and Mr. Chen Ge to summon the officials of the six departments to jointly submit a memorial, cough cough."

Maybe he was a little excited, but Gao Yi started coughing in the middle of his words.

Although Wei Guangde deeply understood Emperor Longqing's love for Zhu Yijun, he also felt that it would be a little late if he waited until he was ten years old to start teaching.

In fact, when the prince Zhu Yijun was in the harem, in addition to playing around, he also learned to read with his ministers, but he only read the "Three Character Classic". Perhaps this was the reason why Emperor Longqing was not in a hurry to let him go out to study.

However, Wei Guangde knew that perhaps the gossip in Yuzhuan had entered Emperor Longqing's heart.

If you leave the court to study at the age of ten, wouldn’t you be able to directly study the Four Books, Five Classics and Historical Records?

Wei Guangde felt that he understood the emperor's idea, and planned to arrange for him and Zhang Juzheng to give lectures to Zhu Yijun when the prince turned ten.

Of course, he would not go to the emperor to verify this guess. He would just wait a few years.

But seeing Gao Yi so excited, he hurried over to bring him tea and water. It would be unlucky if Gao Yi really fell into the room while he was on duty.

Huo Yi, the Secretary of the Ministry of War, also stood up and gave him a gentle pat on the back. The other ministers and other officials also looked concerned, but it was not clear what they were thinking.

After drinking some water, my mood calmed down, and Gao Yi gradually recovered.

"Mr. Wei Ge, go talk to the First and Second Assistants. You should convene the cabinet and the six officials to discuss this matter. The prince's education is the foundation of the country and must not be delayed."

Gao Yi quickly said to Wei Guangde, his face started to flush again as he spoke, and he was obviously excited again.

"Okay, okay, I'll send someone right away to ask the First Assistant, Second Assistant, and other cabinet ministers to come here. Let's discuss how to do this first and whether we need to request the order again."

Wei Guangde was happy in his heart, but it never showed on his face. Instead, he said with a sad look.

Based on Wei Guangde's understanding of Li and Chen, even if he invites them over now, he will only give them good words to comfort them. After all, it is the emperor's decision.

In fact, the ministers didn't care much about the prince's study, whether it was early or late, and only those imperial readers who were qualified to be the prince's teachers were interested.

At present, Emperor Longqing is in his prime, who among the ministers would be interested in a child.

Wei Guangde couldn't see through Zhang Juzheng's mentality. The look in his eyes that day was meaningful, but he couldn't figure it out for the time being.

Call the scribes and arrange for them to invite Li Chunfang and Chen Yiqin to come over.

Not long after, after the two arrived together, Wei Guangde told what happened in a few words.

When facing them, Wei Guangde naturally looked helpless.

"Zixiang, since Your Majesty has already acted arbitrarily, let's not argue anymore.

The prince's lectures are a major matter related to the country and are very important, but I have also heard that His Highness is very talented. Although he did not go to school, he was able to read and write in the harem. "

As soon as Li Chunfang opened her mouth, she was interrupted by Gao Yi after saying a few words: "Master Chief Assistant, how can His Royal Highness study with an eunuch? Your Highness should study with Confucian scholars and virtuous people. This is absolutely not allowed."

Chen Yiqin behind him first glanced at Wei Guangde and saw that he had no intention of speaking. He knew he wanted to stay out of the matter, so he had to step forward and start to comfort him.

Not long after, Zhang Juzheng and Yin Shizhen were also notified. In fact, they also heard the news when they were on duty, and the news came from Li Chunfang's duty.

The memorials ordered by Emperor Longqing will be sent to his duty room as soon as they come out of the palace and distributed.

Some matters need to be handled directly back to the various yamen, so naturally they can be sent directly there.

As for those that require the attention and coordination of the cabinet, it is natural to arrange the errands, decide who will be responsible, and hand over the memorandum to him for distribution.

Haoshu Nai said that he finally appeased Gao Yi for the time being, but he did not give up. Instead, he agreed with Li Chunfang and Chen Yiqin to convene a cabinet meeting tomorrow to discuss the matter.

After everyone was sent away, Wei Guangde straightened his official robes and then smiled and said: "I didn't expect that Gao Shangshu has such a stubborn character. I didn't notice it before."

As he spoke, he shook his head and arranged for Lu Bu to clean up the room on duty.

It's past the time for the official office to be released, and they were all harmed by Gaoyi.

However, when he walked out of the cabinet, he met Zhang Juzheng outside the door, accompanied by Chen Yiqin and Yin Shizhen.

"Shan Loan, come to my place for a drink. It's been a long time since we've had a drink together."

Zhang Juzheng smiled when he saw Wei Guangde coming out.

"good."

Wei Guangde saw Chen Yiqin and Yin Shizhen there and knew that they must have agreed to Zhang Juzheng's invitation. Although it was a bit abrupt, he still agreed.

After leaving the palace, they told their servants to go back and report the news, and the four sedans started walking in a row in the same direction. The destination was naturally Zhang Juzheng's mansion.

In fact, Zhang Juzheng said that they hadn't drank together for a long time, which was just an excuse.

During the New Year, several members of the cabinet found a place to have a drink together.

After all, we are all colleagues, and we never see each other when we look up. Calculating, the time has only lasted two months.

When I arrived at Zhang Juzheng's mansion, I sat in the flower hall and rested, while the servants prepared a banquet.

The four of them sat together and talked about political affairs for a while, and then talked about Yu Zhuan's past. The chat was quite lively.

"Shandai, what do you think about His Majesty's arrangements for the prince to enter school at the age of ten?"

After sitting at the table and downing a few glasses of wine, Zhang Juzheng said to Wei Guangde.

Wei Guangde smiled and realized that Zhang Juzheng seemed to be very concerned about this matter. It seemed that the look he gave him that day was that he wanted to work together to promote this matter.

Although Emperor Longqing was only middle-aged, Zhang Juzheng seemed to be unable to wait to become the "Prince and Tutor".

"Uncle, although I didn't read your majesty's approval, I can roughly understand your majesty's thoughts.

Once the prince leaves the palace to study, his schedule will be the same as mine.

After all, the prince is still young. As a father, I understand his deep love for his son. "

Wei Guangde smiled and said, "As for Gao Shangshu saying that the prince should not associate with eunuchs, but should study with scholars and sages, I don't agree with it.

The teachers in the inner study hall are all Hanlin bachelors. You and I didn't have the opportunity to go to the inner study hall to give lectures. Otherwise, the palace would not know how many people would call us sir when they saw us. "

"Haha. Yes."

Zhang Juzheng smiled, he knew what Wei Guangde meant, and there was no rush.

Wei Guangde is not in a hurry, and Zhang Juzheng cannot be in a hurry either.