Chapter 005 Royal Offspring

Looking at Emperor Chongzhen's demeanor, it is impossible not to agree to this matter

To reform the imperial examination system for selecting scholars is a matter of great significance and considerable difficulty. However, for Emperor Chongzhen, he did not hesitate at all. This matter, for him, only held benefits and no drawbacks. Therefore, he immediately nodded and said, "Alright, no problem, is there anything else?"

If Zhang Mingwei can become a person similar to Confucius, elevating scientific and technological knowledge to a status comparable to the Four Books and Five Classics, it would only bring benefits and no drawbacks to the Ming Dynasty, and he would certainly be willing to do so

Although Zhang Mingwei had mentioned it a bit earlier, it was somewhat vague. Therefore, he followed up to express his gratitude. Alternatively, understanding what Zhang Mingwei was pursuing would also allow him to be completely at ease

At this moment, upon hearing his daughter's words, he couldn't help but feel a deep sense of comfort, while also harboring a tinge of guilt towards her. However, after seeing Zhang Mingwei agree, he cast aside this thought and had the Crown Prince pay his respects to Zhang Mingwei as a junior.

Under the command of Wang Cheng'en, these inner palace attendants swiftly arranged the banquet, and soon exited, leaving only Wang Cheng'en to serve.

However, Emperor Chongzhen immediately recalled something and called over Princess Kunxing, speaking to Zhang Mingwei in a very serious tone: "Sir, I am all alone, with no one close by. My eldest daughter is well-educated and knowledgeable, proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting; she can serve you as your maid, attending to your needs on my behalf."

Although she did not see how her fate would unfold, she was very clear in her heart that as a child of the royal family, during the time of dynastic change, there would never be a good outcome.

However, just as he was about to pick up his chopsticks, he paused again upon taking a look.

Moreover, from his true intentions, under the value system of later generations, he cannot accept this arrangement with a clear conscience

At this moment, he also understood. Emperor Chongzhen was treating him as a lifeline, providing him with reassurance while also wanting to bind him together with the greatest benefits.

Your Majesty, this is unacceptable!" Zhang Mingwei came to his senses and hurriedly refused, saying, "How could the esteemed princess of the Great Ming serve as my maid? Moreover, we in the future...

Thus, the great hall fell silent once more

After a pause, he added: "If the Ming Dynasty remains stagnant, even if it temporarily revives, the Western barbarians will inevitably surpass the Ming in the future"

Thus, his expression was equally solemn, imitating the manner of Emperor Chongzhen, with his hands clasped in a gesture of respect as he returned the greeting. He then earnestly said: "Your Majesty must have seen the advancements in technology of later generations, right? Such as the iron beasts running on the ground and the iron machines flying in the sky, and so on. These inventions and creations rely on the development of scientific knowledge. Our Ming Dynasty has always focused on the Four Books and Five Classics, and relying solely on these will not enable the technological progress of the Ming. Therefore, my aspiration is to disseminate knowledge and resolve doubts in the Ming Dynasty, to promote scientific and technological learning. This point, Your Majesty, you must assist me with!"

Beneath the candlelight of the palace, the table was filled to the brim. No matter how impoverished Emperor Chongzhen was, when hosting guests, he would not only serve vegetables and radishes.

Emperor Chongzhen made such arrangements; to say that he did not feel heartache for his daughter would be false. However, from his perspective, there was no choice; he had to do it this way

Having been an emperor for so many years, and at over thirty years of age, he certainly understands a thing or two about human relationships and the ways of the world. Zhang Mingwei promised to do his best to help him, and he naturally must offer something in return

Zhang Mingwei also looked at her and reminded her, "In this matter, choose according to your true intentions, without any other concerns."

Thus, Zhang Mingwei further clarified his ultimate goal after traversing to the Ming Dynasty, and Emperor Chongzhen felt very reassured. For a moment, the atmosphere in the palace became very harmonious.

It is not that he is being pretentious, but rather that he is concerned. If Princess Kunxing is forced to be his maid, with her royal status, if she were to target him, it would truly be a headache for him

The prince Zhu Cilang beside him was also taken aback, looking at his sister in disbelief, then glancing at his father, but he did not see a hint of jest on his father's face

Before he finished speaking, Emperor Chongzhen interrupted him with a very serious expression and an extremely earnest tone, saying: "If the Ming Dynasty perishes, being part of the royal family would instead be the greatest misfortune. Now, both I and you must strive to save our nation; as a member of the royal family, she naturally must do her part."

Zhang Mingwei listened and, after a moment of contemplation, said again: "In summary, in all aspects of the Ming Dynasty, there will be an influence of scientific and technological knowledge. At that time, Your Majesty must certainly support the initiatives related to these areas"

He certainly does not know that Emperor Chongzhen has his own plans for doing this

After the formal greetings, Wang Cheng'en led the palace eunuchs and maidservants of the Imperial Supervisory Office in.

In fact, there is another issue, which is that it is already dark, the palace gates are locked, and an adult man who is not a eunuch is still in the palace

Promoting scientific and technological knowledge will undoubtedly involve all aspects such as politics, military affairs, and culture, influencing the direction of the entire Chinese nation and significantly impacting future generations! If a solid foundation can be established during the Chongzhen era, it would be quite commendable

Thus, he quickly turned his head and instructed Wang Cheng'en, saying: "Da Ban, convey the imperial decree, I am dining here. Have the Imperial Kitchen prepare a more sumptuous meal, as I wish to entertain the esteemed guest!"

Aren't these quite a lot?" Zhang Mingwei couldn't help but respond with a smile.

Upon hearing this, Emperor Chongzhen exclaimed, isn't that so!

Emperor Chongzhen was taken aback upon hearing this. Seeing his very serious expression, he ultimately nodded, turned to Princess Kunxing, and asked, "Did you hear what the gentleman said?"

Zhang Mingwei was stunned, what does this mean? Asking Princess Kunxing to be his maid? This is a huge joke, isn't it

Zhang Mingwei was speechless, realizing that Emperor Chongzhen had this plan from the very beginning. Therefore, when summoning the Crown Prince, he also conveniently summoned Princess Kunxing.

Not long after he finished speaking, he turned to glance at Zhu Cilang, then turned back to Zhang Mingwei, emphasizing in a resolute tone: "Moreover, I will regard this matter as a family instruction, advising the future emperors of the Ming Dynasty to fully support you and the knowledge of science and technology!"

Princess Kunxing's eyes were slightly red; she did not look at her father, the Emperor, but instead raised her head to gaze at the stranger before her. Although her voice was not loud, it was exceptionally firm as she said: "In times of national crisis, with the family and country in peril, as a daughter, I am already anxious for being unable to alleviate my father's worries and share in the affairs of state. Now that I have the opportunity to contribute my part, I would not hesitate to serve as a maid, and even if it costs me my life, I would do so without reservation"

Zhang Mingwei looked at him, slightly taken aback. However, he could see sincerity in the eyes of Emperor Chongzhen, and after a moment's thought, he understood.

Thus, Zhang Mingwei said earnestly: "Your Majesty, whether or not there is a princess to serve as my maid is irrelevant. Since I have already stated my position, I will do my utmost to assist you. If Your Majesty insists on this matter, then I too have my own insistence; this must be agreed upon by Princess Kunxing herself!"

Wang Cheng'en immediately responded and went to convey the imperial decree

The prince Zhu Cilang, who was beside him, remained silent and merely observed. Upon hearing his sister's words, he was truly shocked. At the same time, he felt a pressure he had never experienced before.

Zhu Cilang listened from the side, continuously nodding. It is important to note that he has seen documentaries, so how could he not yearn for the various possibilities of the future

Emperor Chongzhen was deeply moved when he suddenly heard this sound, which immediately brought him to his senses

Zhang Mingwei listened and looked into Princess Kunxing's eyes, sensing that this was her heartfelt words. In the end, he nodded and said: "Alright, I agree!"

"It is truly inappropriate to let the gentleman go hungry!" Emperor Chongzhen said to Zhang Mingwei, and then invited him to take a seat

He is concerned with fewer trivial matters and is currently learning these, thus he has come to understand them before Emperor Chongzhen, hitting the nail on the head with his words

At that moment, Emperor Chongzhen had already watched the documentary and witnessed the power of the scientific and technological advancements mentioned by Zhang Mingwei. Therefore, upon hearing this, he was immediately overjoyed and quickly replied: "Absolutely no problem, sir, please tell me how I can assist you"

Emperor Chongzhen, upon hearing the rhetorical question, was slightly puzzled and had not yet reacted. Meanwhile, the silent Prince Zhu Cilang, who had been listening, excitedly interjected, saying: "Are you concerned with the teachings of Confucius, wishing to stand alongside the Sage?"

Thinking of this, Emperor Chongzhen could not help but feel very pleased, and immediately said sincerely to Zhang Mingwei: "I understand your wishes, sir! Please rest assured, I will definitely support you wholeheartedly, without any ambiguity!"

To a certain extent, this pursuit is even considered to be of a higher value than the position of an emperor

At this point, he paused for a moment and then added: "In today's world, only my daughter knows your background and has witnessed some events of the future. With her by your side, she will be able to converse with you and assist you in many matters. Moreover, since you aspire to be a person like Confucius, how could you possibly treat my daughter unfairly!"

The knowledge that Zhang Mingwei aims to disseminate is to be compared with the Four Books and Five Classics, which implies that his aspirations are not at the level of Zhu Xi, but rather on par with that of Confucius.

Emperor Chongzhen waited for a while, and seeing that Zhang Mingwei had not spoken again, he asked with a hint of surprise: "Is that all? Is there anything else?"

At this moment, Emperor Chongzhen had too many questions to ask, and the people around him also had a belly full of doubts seeking answers; therefore, no one paid attention to these details

The most important point is that the imperial examination system should incorporate knowledge of science and technology. Zhang Mingwei had long considered this and immediately responded, "The Four Books and Five Classics represent the academic thought; they cannot be discarded. If we also include knowledge of science and technology and place it on an equally important level, then the Ming Dynasty would effectively have two legs, enabling it to run forward and reach a new pinnacle of humanity"

Alright, let us strive for this goal

Zhang Mingwei did not think too much about it, but at this moment, upon hearing the conclusion drawn by the Chongzhen father and son, he felt that if he could become a sage like Confucius, it would indeed be quite good, to be remembered by future generations

Emperor Chongzhen turned to Zhang Mingwei, his expression very solemn. Suddenly, he clasped his hands together, bowed, and said in an extremely earnest tone: "In this critical moment, you, sir, have resolved to assist me, which deeply moves me! Please, sir, state clearly what I can do for you."

Princess Kunxing was also taken aback; no matter how she thought about it, she never expected that as the esteemed Princess of the Ming Dynasty, she would one day become someone else's maid. If she had not heard her father speaking seriously, she would have truly thought she was dreaming

This was prepared by the imperial chef, and with the enticing aroma wafting through the air, Zhang Mingwei did not hold back and decided to eat first and speak later