Chapter 457 456 spread all over the world
Hearing that Emperor Jiajing liked to watch "Yongle Dadian", Wei Guangde couldn't help but feel moved.
As far as he knows, there are very few "Yongle Dadian" surviving from later generations, and a considerable part of them are not in the country, but were plundered by foreign powers in the late Qing Dynasty.
Wei Guangde had seen the "Grand Canon" set of books in the palace, but the fire that broke out immediately left him with no time to take a closer look. So far, he only has one feeling, that there are too many books.
As for how Emperor Jiajing ordered this set of books to be placed later, he didn't know.
However, he still knew that since the fire, it had become difficult for even people in the Hanlin Academy to borrow the "Dadian".
Is the "Grand Ceremony" stored in the palace safe?
Wei Guangde knew well that fires could break out in the Jiajing Emperor's residence and directly razed the palace to the ground, which shows that the palace may not be safe.
Although it is not known whether the "Yongle Dadian" was destroyed during the Ming Dynasty, it is worth considering that the original "Dadian" and the original manuscripts stored in Nanjing were burned.
"Brother Chen, do you want to make meritorious service?"
Wei Guangde suddenly said something for no reason.
"What merits have you accomplished?"
Chen Ju asked curiously.
There is more strife in the palace than in the imperial court. Who doesn't want to work hard to climb up the ladder? Even if he has the support of his godfather Gao Zhong, he still hopes to be promoted faster.
"Don't you, Your Majesty, like "Yongle Dadian"? Do you know how many sets of "Yongle Dadian" there are in total? What's the situation now?"
Wei Guangde asked with a smile.
"have no idea."
Chen Ju shook his head, "Although I have read "The Great Code", I really don't know how many sets there are in this book."
"Then let me tell you, there are two sets of "Yongle Dadian". The one in the palace was copied when Chengzu moved to the north. The original "Dadian" and the original manuscript are both in Nanjing, but"
"But what?"
Chen Ju asked. He had already vaguely sensed what Wei Guangde meant, but it was still a little vague.
"After the draft was finalized in the fifth year of Yongle, Emperor Chengzu Taizong was very satisfied with it. He personally wrote the preface and named it "Yongle Dadian". It was originally hidden in Wenyuan Pavilion in Nanjing. In the 14th year of the Orthodoxy, there was a fire in Nanjing Wenyuan Pavilion. "Yongle Dadian" and The original manuscripts were burned."
Wei Guangde said calmly.
"Burned?"
Chen Ju asked in disbelief.
"Burned."
Wei Guangde still said in a calm tone, as if it had nothing to do with him.
In fact, this matter really has little to do with him.
It is difficult for a private person to collect a book like "Yongle Dadian". The books are so vast that even if one hires someone to copy them, the amount of work required is beyond the reach of ordinary people.
"you mean"
Chen Ju frowned. He knew "Yongle Dadian". It was a library, not a book with two books, or a cupboard with two cupboards.
"Since Your Majesty likes "Yongle Dadian", you might as well find an opportunity to tell His Majesty and have more printed for promotion. This is safer and you don't have to worry about burning this huge book in a fire. "
Wei Guangde said calmly.
In ancient times, repairing books was considered a virtuous policy. Even if it cost energy and money, civil servants would raise their hands in favor and would never object, because this showed the royal family's respect for culture and the importance they attached to scholars.
"Let me think about it, this is too big, so many books."
Chen Ju's head felt heavy when he thought of this, and he shook his head unconsciously.
Except for the imperial court, no one else would take up this thankless job of printing books.
The contents of "Yongle Dadian" are too complex, and it is not easy to find a place to stack the complete set of books. Not many people may have the ability to collect them.
Chen Ju had already thought that if he brought it up, Emperor Jiajing might have this idea, that is.
"Okay, Brother Chen, looking at your sad face, those who don't know may think that I asked you to personally pay for the printing, haha."
Wei Guangde smiled and then said: "Your Majesty has experienced so many fires. I think he may have an idea in his mind, but it has not yet been formed. If you bring it up, your Majesty will definitely look at you with admiration, not to mention that this matter will not fall on you. On the head.
Even if it wasn't a cabinet minister who took the lead, a certain minister from the Ministry of Rites would be in charge of this matter, and it should mainly be an errand of the Hanlin Academy. "
Seeing that Chen Ju was still hesitating, Wei Guangde continued: "If you really want to do this, you must seize the opportunity. If you don't let others report to His Majesty first, you will miss the opportunity."
Time flies into December, and the 40th year of Jiajing is almost over.
Beginning at the beginning of the month, British Duke Zhang Rong and others began to apologize to the suburban temple community non-stop. However, no one expected that on this day, the Royal Horse Prison in the palace was burned again by a fire. The fire was so powerful that more than ninety rooms were burned down. room.
All the officials in the court had to sigh in private. In the past two years, Emperor Jiajing seemed to be at odds with Lord Huodexing, and he always set fire to things.
Such remarks naturally fell into the eyes of Emperor Jiajing through the factory guard's secret report, but he was somewhat helpless.
In the past two years, there have been a lot of fires in the palace.
The three main halls had not been repaired due to the sky fire, and the Yongshou Palace where he lived was devoured by fire. Not long ago, the Royal Horse Prison was burned down again.
"Huang Jin, pass on the decree and ask for careful attention to everything in the palace. The sky is dry and everything is dry, and water leakage is strictly prevented."
Emperor Jiajing was also helpless and could only order Huang Jindao.
The palace is too big and there are too many people there, so I can only give you a warning.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Huang Jin hurriedly agreed.
However, when this scene fell into the eyes of Chen Ju, who was standing in front of the palace gate, he couldn't help but think of what Wei Guangde said two days ago.
Emperor Jiajing also had a copy of "Yongle Dadian" in front of him, which shows that he really liked this book and often carried it with him.
But seeing him in his eyes was not enough, he needed a chance, a chance to speak in front of Emperor Jiajing.
Even if he is the emperor's personal attendant, it does not mean he is qualified to talk to the emperor.
Those who don't follow the rules will only die miserably.
"The three hall project should be completed next year."
At this time, Emperor Jiajing spoke again.
"Yes, Your Majesty, I took a look yesterday. The main hall has actually been built, but the painter's work has not been finished yet. I heard from the supervisor of the Ministry of Works that there should be no problem."
Huang Jin replied.
"Where's the Yongshou Palace?"
In the past few days, Emperor Jiajing had not even left the Yuxi Palace due to physical reasons, so the only way to know the situation outside was through Huang Jin and others.
"The Ministry of Industry has arranged for people to start cleaning up Yongshou Palace, and construction can start next spring."
Huang Jin replied hurriedly.
While the two were talking, several people walked in at the gate of Yuxi Palace, and Chen Ju recognized the first one at a glance as his godfather Gao Zhong.
Obviously, the time has come to send the memorial again. This is the time when the Director of Ceremonies has sent the memorial for the past two days and asked the emperor to preview it.
Gao Zhong and Chen Ju hurriedly sent a message inside. After receiving Emperor Jiajing's permission, Gao Zhong walked into Yuxi Palace with the memorial.
When walking into the palace gate, Chen Ju stepped forward naturally, took several memorials from Gao Zhong, put them in his hands, and then entered the hall.
The memorial in Gao Zhong's hand was naturally chosen as an official matter that needed to be dealt with today. As for the memorial in the arms of the chamberlain behind him, it depended on Emperor Jiajing's physical condition.
If it is possible, of course it will be dealt with together. If the emperor feels unwell, then it will be postponed for another day and the same treatment will be done tomorrow.
The procedure for handling memorials is still the same. The following is read by the chamberlain, Emperor Jiajing gives his opinions, Gao Zhong approves, and only waits for Huang Jin to use his seal later.
"The Ministry of Rites reported that this year there have been many disasters in the world, especially earthquakes. They may occur in one day, or in one place in several provinces several times. The soil may even crack and sand may surge up, and houses may collapse. Countless people may be killed or injured. The blame lies with the disaster. I ask all ministers, both internal and external, to fast, practice meditation, and meditate deeply on the secrets and practice their profession diligently in order to return to God’s will.”
A young chamberlain read aloud the memorial in his hand and handed it to Gao Zhong next to him to wait for Emperor Jiajing to give his opinion.
This memorial was obviously written by Li Chunfang, the Minister of Rites, and Yuan Wei of Shanzhai. He was fasting and practicing self-reflection. After all, Emperor Jiajing liked this.
"After a major disaster, there will be a major epidemic. I have heard that people often die because of injuries after major disasters and lack of timely treatment.
Earthquakes are a warning from God, but they cause death to the people."
Emperor Jiajing did not give his attitude directly, but murmured.
"Observing the disasters reported, I admire the benevolence of God, and I feel vigilant in my heart. All ministers at home and abroad work hard to repair the disasters and devote themselves to their deeds."
With a slight sigh, Emperor Jiajing said this and waved his right hand lightly.
Gao Zhong signaled, hurriedly took the memorial and recorded the last words spoken by Emperor Jiajing in the memorial.
However, when Emperor Jiajing finished speaking, Chen Ju felt something. He raised his head and looked at Emperor Jiajing on the throne. His mouth opened but he did not make any sound.
Immediately, Chen Ju noticed that the emperor's eyes were on him, and he quickly lowered his head, not daring to look up.
"Chen Ju, what did you want to say just now?"
Emperor Jiajing asked.
It turned out that after Emperor Jiajing finished speaking, he was looking around the room and happened to see Chen Ju's movements, especially the slightly open mouth.
Emperor Jiajing just asked casually and did not want to get any decent opinions from Chen Ju.
There were so many people in the court who had read poetry and books that it was really not the eunuch's turn to give his opinion.
However, Emperor Jiajing called Chen Ju by name, and Chen Ju did not dare to shut up. He hurriedly stepped forward, knelt down, and replied: "Back to your lord, I just thought of a book I had read before. I remember it was outside the palace." I saw it when I was young, but I also heard people say that it was printed by Emperor Chengzu Taizong during the Yongle period and distributed throughout the country."
"What book?"
Emperor Jiajing asked curiously.
"Easy Recipes for Hygiene."
Chen Ju lowered his head and replied.
"Oh, "Easy Hygiene Recipes"?"
Emperor Jiajing frowned, as if recalling what kind of book this was, as if he had seen it somewhere before.
However, after thinking for a while, Emperor Jiajing still had no clue, and then asked: "What book is that?"
"Your Majesty, the book "Easy Simple Prescriptions for Health" was written by Hu Hu, the former Minister of Rites. It is said that he compiled a collection of folk single prescriptions when he was the minister of the Ministry of Rites. In addition to the treatment of common folk diseases and trauma, it advocates prescriptions. It should be simple, most prescriptions only have one or two flavors and are mostly easily available."
Chen Ju replied hurriedly.
"oh."
After listening to Chen Ju's words, Emperor Jiajing felt that the book written by Hu Hui was quite in line with the profound meaning of Taoism's "Tao to Simplicity", so he nodded slightly.
"I understand what you mean, Huang Jin. Quickly find "Easy Hygiene Prescriptions" and show it to me."
Emperor Jiajing was no longer interested in handling official duties, but became interested in the book mentioned by Chen Ju.
After a while, Huang Jin found "Easy Hygiene Prescriptions" from the inner study room.
"A doctor is a sage's art of benevolence to the people. The collection of records is rich, and he has made great progress in Yongle, so he was specially awarded."
Emperor Jiajing took the book and read the preface to "Easy Prescriptions for Hygiene". He nodded slightly, and when he read "The preface of Xuande, Dingwei, Jiazi, Ronglu, Shaofu, Shaofu, Minister of the Ministry of War and Luling Yang Shiqi, a scholar of Huagaidian University", his face changed. The upper belt was slightly surprised.
"This book was printed and distributed by the imperial court?"
Emperor Jiajing looked at the description on the page and asked curiously.
"Your Majesty, I have asked about this book. It was written during the Yongle period. Hu Shangshu presented it with a stereotyped version. It was approved and printed by the Ministry of Rites during the Xuande period."
Huang Jin on the side immediately replied.
Emperor Jiajing nodded slightly and whispered softly: "Fuyi Huangtian brings good fortune, and pays great treasures to Yuanliang; when the Holy Emperor reigned in the Ming Dynasty, Dianqun was born in Yongle. The sound of teachings permeates the world, and benevolence spreads throughout the region."
Emperor Jiajing flipped through the book and read it for a long time, then closed the book in his hand and said to Huang Jin: "Instruction to the Ministry of Rites to re-engrave the Simplified Health Prescriptions written by Hu Hu, the former Minister of Rites, and spread them throughout the world."
"According to the order."
Huang Jin hurriedly agreed.
"Chen Ju, not bad."
Emperor Jiajing looked at Chen Ju again, smiled and praised him.
Chen Ju was instantly elated. Although he did not receive a real promotion, it was rare to receive the praise of Emperor Jiajing.
"Actually, I didn't say anything, I just thought."
When Chen Ju said this, he suddenly stopped and didn't know whether he should continue the topic.
Emperor Jiajing gives you face, but you can't be indecisive.
Chen Ju suddenly thought of the rules in the palace, so he had to brake in time.
As for the fact that he called himself a "slave" instead of a "minister" in front of Emperor Jiajing, it was also because his rank was too low, and only eunuchs with status like Huang Jin and Gao Zhong were worthy.
"Whatever you want to say, just say it."
Emperor Jiajing was in a good mood at the moment, and his head had not hurt in the past two days, so he spoke easily.
Chen Ju listened, but he was also thinking about whether to continue talking. He secretly glanced at his godfather Gao Zhong.
However, Gao Zhong frowned slightly at this moment and just nodded when he saw Chen Ju looking over.
The emperor seemed very happy at the moment, but he couldn't pretend to be mute, as this might make the emperor think he was dishonest.
Moreover, the way Chen Ju glanced at him just now would be very troublesome if it fell into the eyes of the emperor.
Therefore, to solve the possible troubles, it is natural to let Chen Ju say whatever comes to his mind.
"This slave just thinks that the Ming Dynasty ruled the country with culture, and the inner-city economics factory also printed a large number of books and spread them all over the world. The purpose is not to spread the style of literary practice to the people."
Having said this, Chen Ju glanced at Emperor Jiajing on the throne. Seeing his expressionless face, he knew that he could not delay any more and went straight to the topic. Then he said: "When I was sorting out the imperial belongings two days ago, I recorded the text. There is a copy of "Yongle Dadian" left in the palace. It was not found at the time. It was probably lost in the fire, but I just didn't want His Majesty to keep it with him so that it was not damaged.
It is naturally good that the emperor wants to engrave the "Easy Prescriptions for Hygiene" today, but the servant feels that it seems necessary to engrave multiple sets of the "Yongle Dadian" to prevent any loss. "