Siheyuan: tomb robbing? I am serious about hunting.

Chapter 973 Love

Chen Yuan answered fluently with his modern knowledge reserves. From building water conservancy projects to encouraging land reclamation, from developing commerce to establishing education, many of the ideas he put forward were refreshing to Zhu Yuanzhang. "You, a scholar, have some knowledge." Zhu Yuanzhang stroked his beard, with a flash of admiration in his eyes, "I order you to be the prefect of Fengyang, and manage this land well. If you do well, I will reward you heavily." In this way, Chen Yuan became the prefect of Fengyang. As soon as he took office, he began to implement a series of reform measures. He organized the people to build canals, introduced new farming techniques, and increased grain production; he also set up markets to encourage merchants to come and go and promote commercial development. At the same time, he also opened a school and enrolled poor children for free. Under Chen Yuan's governance, Fengyang Prefecture quickly regained its vitality. The people lived and worked in peace and contentment, the granaries were gradually filled, and the streets and alleys were praising the reputation of Prefect Chen. These news naturally reached Zhu Yuanzhang's ears. In the third year of Hongwu, the remnants of the Northern Yuan invaded the border. Zhu Yuanzhang summoned all his ministers to discuss countermeasures, but found that none of the civil and military officials in the court could come up with a feasible plan. At this moment, he remembered Chen Yuan. "Xuan Fengyang prefect Chen Yuan to Beijing!" Zhu Yuanzhang gave an order, and Chen Yuan rushed to the capital. In the court, Chen Yuan analyzed in detail the characteristics of the Northern Yuan army and the terrain of the border, and proposed the strategy of "fortifying the walls and clearing the fields, luring the enemy deep into the country, and attacking them in groups". He also suggested creating a new type of firearm to enhance the combat effectiveness of the Ming army. Zhu Yuanzhang was very satisfied with Chen Yuan's strategy and immediately appointed him as a military officer to go on the expedition with Xu Da. On the battlefield, Chen Yuan relied on his understanding of history and modern military knowledge to make many suggestions for the Ming army. The firearms he designed played a huge role in the battle, and the Northern Yuan army was defeated. After returning to the court, Zhu Yuanzhang was overjoyed and appointed Chen Yuan as the Minister of War. Chen Yuan knew that being with the emperor was like being with a tiger. Although he was valued by Zhu Yuanzhang, he always kept a low profile and was cautious. As his power grew, Chen Yuan also faced more challenges. Some ministers in the court were jealous of his talent and often slandered him in front of Zhu Yuanzhang. But Chen Yuan relied on his wisdom and political achievements to resolve crises again and again. In the eighth year of Hongwu, Chen Yuan proposed to Zhu Yuanzhang a proposal to reform the bureaucracy. He believed that the bureaucracy of the Ming Dynasty was too large, inefficient, and prone to corruption. He suggested streamlining institutions, clarifying responsibilities, establishing an assessment system, and selecting talented officials. This suggestion caused an uproar in the court and touched the interests of many ministers. For a time, memorials impeaching Chen Yuan flew to Zhu Yuanzhang like snowflakes. But Zhu Yuanzhang rejected all objections and supported Chen Yuan's reforms. With Chen Yuan's efforts, the reform of the bureaucracy was gradually implemented. Although there were many obstacles in the process, it finally achieved remarkable results. The efficiency of the court was improved, and corruption was curbed to a certain extent. However, as time went on, Zhu Yuanzhang's suspicion became more and more serious. Especially after the Hu Weiyong case and the Lan Yu case, everyone in the court was in danger. Chen Yuan also felt the crisis. He knew that it was time to retreat. In the 13th year of Hongwu, Chen Yuan submitted his resignation to Zhu Yuanzhang, saying that he was weak and sick and wanted to retire and return home. Zhu Yuanzhang did not agree at first, but Chen Yuan was firm. In the end, Zhu Yuanzhang approved his request and rewarded him with a large amount of gold and silver treasures. After leaving the capital, Chen Yuan returned to Fengyang. He used the money rewarded by Zhu Yuanzhang to open a college and was committed to cultivating talents. He compiled the knowledge he learned in modern times into teaching materials and taught them to students. In March in Jiangnan, the spring rain is like butter. Su Nianqing faced the bronze mirror, tied up her long hair high, put on a navy blue gown, and put a bamboo flute on her waist. The person in the mirror had sword eyebrows and star eyes, red lips and white teeth, and looked like a handsome scholar. She raised the corners of her lips with satisfaction. The Su family has been a single-line family for generations. Now her father is seriously ill, so she has to dress up as a man to participate in this year's Spring Examination to continue the family's glory. On the day she entered the capital, the guard of honor of Prince Gu Yunzhou happened to pass by. Su Nianqing was squeezed to the side of the street by the crowd, and when she looked up, she saw the man in a black brocade robe on horseback. Gu Yunzhou had an upright figure and beautiful eyebrows and eyes, but the expression on his face was as cold as ice, as if he was keeping people away from him. "What are you looking at! Haven't you seen the prince?" Su Nianqing lowered her head quickly when the attendant scolded her. She secretly complained in her heart: It's just a prince, what's so great about him. With the Spring Examination approaching, Su Nianqing rented a quiet courtyard and studied hard until late at night every day. One day, she was pacing in the courtyard with a book in her hand, and suddenly heard a melodious piano sound coming from next door. The piano sound was sometimes passionate and sometimes gentle. Su Nianqing was fascinated by it and couldn't help taking out the piccolo to respond to the piano sound. At the end of the song, a chuckle came from the next door: "I didn't expect that such a kindred spirit lived across the wall." Su Nianqing looked up and saw a man in white leaning against the courtyard wall, holding a broken jade fan in his hand. It was Gu Yunzhou whom he met that day. Su Nianqing was startled, but she bowed calmly and said, "I am Su Yan, and I am honored to meet you. May I know your name?" "Gu Yunzhou." The man raised his eyebrows, and a hint of interest flashed in his eyes, "Mr. Su's flute sound is unique." Since then, the two often played across the wall and talked about poetry and songs. Su Nianqing found that Gu Yunzhou, who seemed indifferent, was actually a well-read person with unique insights. Gu Yunzhou was also attracted by Su Nianqing's talent and free and easy style. Unknowingly, the two became close friends. On the day of the Spring Examination, Su Nianqing sat in the examination room and wrote furiously. She had been well-read since childhood, and with the blessing of modern thinking, her articles were naturally different from others. On the day when the results were announced, she was ranked first and became the new champion. In the Golden Palace, Su Nianqing knelt down and listened to the emperor's reward. She caught a glimpse of Gu Yunzhou beside her. He was looking at her thoughtfully with a hint of doubt in his eyes. Su Nianqing's heart tightened, fearing that he would find out that she was a girl. "Su Qing's family is outstanding in talent and learning. I order you to serve in the Hanlin Academy and assist the prince in his studies." The emperor's voice sounded. "I obey your order." Su Nianqing kowtowed to thank him. After entering the Hanlin Academy, Su Nianqing's contact with Gu Yunzhou became more and more frequent. Gu Yunzhou often called her to the palace on the pretext of discussing academic matters. The two chatted in the study room and it was late at night before they knew it. One day, Gu Yunzhou suddenly asked, "Su Yan, are you married?" Su Nianqing panicked, but pretended to be calm and said, "Not yet." "Why?" Gu Yunzhou asked, "With your talent, there must be many people looking for marriage." "I am devoted to my studies and have no intention of falling in love for the time being."