Chapter 580 Things are getting big!
After hearing Gao Gong's words.

Li Chunfang's already gloomy face became even darker, and his heart sank.

Ministers are allowed to dig the ground in the Forbidden City with princes who have just left for school. Where are the ancestral laws, court rules, and royal etiquette?
Today Yan Shaoting can lead the prince to dig the ground, tomorrow he can demolish the wall of Wenhua Palace, and the day after tomorrow he will dare to lift the glazed tiles on the roof of Huangji Palace!
But he did not directly refute Gao Gong's words, but glanced sideways at Gao Yi.

The latter was the Minister of Rites before entering the cabinet, and was in charge of tasks in the Ministry of Rites, Imperial College, Zhanshifu, Honglu Temple, etc. in the cabinet.

Li Chunfang immediately asked, "Zi Xiang, when the prince left the palace to study, the court selected talented officials to serve as daily lecturers. Has something like this ever happened?"

When Li Chunfang shifted his focus to Gao Yi, seemingly wanting to make trouble for him from a social point of view, Gao Gong could not help but glance at him from the side.

Gao Yi felt dissatisfied and turned to look at Li Chunfang.

From the corner of his eye, he could naturally see the look Gao Gong gave Li Chunfang.

Gao Yi's expression was unremarkable, and he said calmly, "Although there is no precedent in the imperial court, the education of the prince is related to the country, and agriculture is the most important of all things in the world. Although there has been no such thing in the past, since the emperor has already given an oral order, it is not wrong for Young Master Yan to take Prince Jun to do this today."

The order from above cannot be disobeyed.

This is GROHE’s answer.

Li Chunfang's plan failed and he was very angry. He felt that both Gao Gong and Gao Yi seemed too flattering.

Unexpectedly, neither of them objected to this unethical act.

In this great Ming Dynasty, I am the only one who still cares about rules and etiquette.

But without the support of the people in the cabinet, Li Chunfang could only look unkindly at Yan Shaoting, who was still digging the ground and picking up stones with Zhu Yijun, and snorted coldly, expressing his dissatisfaction.

The others were enjoying the work, just smiling as they watched Yan Shaoting and Prince Zhu Yijun busying around in the open space in front of the Wenhua Palace.

Zhao Zhenji nodded and said, "All people in this world eat grains. Although it is reasonable for Prince Jun to dig the ground on the first day of Master Yan's teaching. If Prince Jun can always remember the difficulties of farming, the people of our Ming Dynasty will surely have a better life in the future."

His words almost indicated that he regarded Zhu Yijun as the crown prince of the Eastern Palace and the future successor of the Ming Dynasty.

Li Chunfang glanced at Zhao Zhenji with dissatisfaction, and became more and more annoyed.

Now Yan Shaoting took the prince to dig the land, get close to farming, and experience the difficulties of farming.

Of course you, Zhao Zhenji, would say that.

If it were really someone else, I'm afraid the words you, Zhao Zhenji, would have a different meaning.

Yuan Wei looked around and turned to look at the officials in Wenyuan Pavilion: "The sun is getting hotter, prepare some cold tea... No! The prince is still young and can't drink tea, so send some cold boiled water, and ask Eunuch Feng if we should prepare some meals, don't let the prince go hungry. Farm work is the most hungry thing."

Officials working in the cabinet immediately made preparations.

And in front of Wenhua Hall.

Although he knew that his unique lesson today had attracted a lot of attention, Yan Shaoting didn't care at all.

He just held the rake in his hand and dug the ground beneath his feet silently.

Fortunately, this is in the palace, and the palace servants usually only walk on the paved areas.

Although nothing is planted on the land under my feet, the soil is not hardened.

However, after being busy for so long, his palms really couldn't bear it anymore and were aching slightly.

But when he turned around and looked at Zhu Yijun who was following him and picking up pebbles from the mud, his original idea of ​​stopping for a while was dispelled.

Anyone who does farm work knows this.

You cannot take a long break while working. Once you take a break, it will be extremely difficult to resume.

The best way is to work while counting the time to take short breaks.

In order to maintain his image as a teacher, Yan Shaoting simply slowed down his hands, straightening up in between to wipe the sweat off his face and take a breath.

Wait until you reach the edge of the brick and stone floor in front.

Yan Shaoting then looked back.

I actually work the fastest.

The nobles from the Hanlin Academy and the Zhanshi Mansion who were giving Zhu Yijun a daily lecture in the Wenhua Hall today still had a large section of ground to dig, but they were all already sweating profusely.

When everyone saw that Yan Shaoting had actually finished digging the land in front of him, they all stared at him eagerly.

This job is so tiring!
Some people had already started to complain in their hearts.

I thought that I had studied hard for decades just to pass the imperial examination and become an official in the court one day.

Now that I have indeed passed the imperial examination, I have been appointed to the most prestigious official position in the court and have done the most coveted work. But I never expected that I would have to work in the fields myself, digging the ground with a hoe and a rake.

Some of them were born in poor families. Many years ago, their parents worked in the fields. Only they were able to study and take the imperial examinations.

Now I am even more angry.

I study so that I don’t have to farm.

But now that I have studied and become an official, I am still digging the land and farming.

Then I have read this book in vain!

But they only dared to say these words in their hearts, and they didn't dare to shout them out in front of Yan Shaoting.

Instead, Zhu Yijun followed Yan Shaoting and picked up a bamboo basket of pebbles. His face was already covered in sweat and his cheeks were red, but he didn't look annoyed at all.

Seeing the gentleman stopped.

Zhu Yijun immediately picked up the bamboo basket with both hands. Because there were indeed too many pebbles in the basket, the little kid could only carry the basket with his belly bulging and stagger to Yan Shaoting in three or two steps.

It's like accomplishing a huge thing.

Zhu Yijun's face was full of pride. He slowly put down the bamboo basket, patted his muddy hands like an adult, and then looked at Yan Shaoting with his head held high.

"Master Yan! I wasn't lazy at all. I picked up all the pebbles!"

"Am I great?"

Facing the little brat's eager eyes for praise, Yan Shaoting laughed: "Great! Prince Jun is the best and most powerful! If Wuyou came... No! Even if there were ten Wuyou, they would not be as powerful as Prince Jun!"

Hearing the teacher's praise, Zhu Yijun's face showed even more pride, and his little face covered with mud was full of smiles.

But he soon fell in anger again: "Sir...you are wrong! I am Wuyou's boss, Wuyou is my younger brother. Even if he is not as good as me, I am at most..."

The little kid raised his hands and counted his fingers one by one seriously.

Finally, he raised his head and looked at Yan Shaoting affirmatively.

"At most, I am better than the three Wuyous!"

This time, not only Yan Shaoting couldn't hold it in anymore, but even the noble officials next to him couldn't help but burst into laughter.

Just at this time.

The water prepared at Wenyuan Pavilion has also been delivered.

Feng Bao led his men to deliver the water and said, "Young Master, you have worked hard to teach the prince and practice what you preach. I have never seen such a noble thing since the time of Master Taizu."

As he spoke, Feng Bao brought Yan Shaoting a glass of cold boiled water.

As for the other people present, they naturally did not receive such treatment. Seeing that they could only take a break, they all rushed to get water to drink.

Yan Shaoting took the water, thanked him, and didn't say much.

At this time, Feng Bao turned around and looked at Zhu Yijun, whose face and body were covered with mud. His eyes were full of heartache. He walked forward, squatted down, and carefully brushed the mud off Zhu Yijun's body.

"Prince Jun performed the best today. If His Majesty and His Majesty knew about this, they would definitely praise the prince."

As he spoke, the damn Feng Bao actually took a cup of soup mixed with honey and brought it to Zhu Yijun's mouth.

Yan Shaoting just took a look and the corners of his mouth twitched twice.

This damn Feng Bao must have prepared the honey water early this morning after knowing what he was going to do.

No wonder this guy will be able to take power in the inner court in the future. Zhu Yijun became happier and happier.

After drinking the honey water, without waiting for Yan Shaoting to speak, he glanced at the ground next to him that had not been dug yet, and then looked at the Japanese lecturers who were squatting next to him drinking water.

"Gentlemen, my father and mother always said that we should never give up halfway through a task. I want to pick up all the stones here."

As soon as these words came out.

The Japanese lecturers, who had not rested for long, all looked painful.

Yan Shaoting smiled as he picked up the rake beside him and walked over to the ground where he had not finished digging. "Prince Jun is right. We, the officials, cannot give up halfway."

After saying this, he continued to take the lead in digging the remaining ground.

Seeing this, everyone could only sigh silently and continue to use farm tools to dig the ground.

Zhu Yijun became even happier.

After Feng Bao poured out all the stones he had picked up in the bamboo basket, the little person ran back and forth on the field carrying the empty bamboo basket.

Li Chunfang, who had been guarding in front of Wenyuan Pavilion and watching the movements in front of Wenhua Palace, was already dumbfounded.

He looked surprised: "Do we really have to finish digging up the entire plot of land today?"

Yuan Wei curled his lips silently, and then said, "It looks like it's only two or three acres of land. It won't take long to dig it up."

Li Chunfang snorted, "I think Yan Shaoting is just trying to gain fame, and he deliberately dragged the prince to make trouble in front of us."

This is very sour.

But putting aside the original intention, once this word gets out, it will definitely resonate with many people.

Gao Gong finally couldn't help it and looked at Li Chunfang: "From what I can see, Young Master Yan dug more land than anyone else today."

"Motosuke!"

Li Chunfang was very angry. He looked at Gao Gong and shouted loudly.

But Gao Gong had already ignored him and walked towards the Wenhua Palace.

Halfway there.

Gao Gong then turned around and looked at the officials gathered in front of Wenyuan Pavilion and Huiji Gate.

"I have long felt that the open space in front of the Wenhua Palace looks dull. The palace rules prohibit planting trees to block the view. But if we plant crops and vegetables here, we can eat the food and vegetables we grow ourselves when we work in the palace in the future."

After finishing speaking.

Gao Gong said nothing more and walked straight to the Wenhua Palace.

When Gao Gong was shouting to the people around him, Yan Shaoting had already noticed it.

Wait until Gao Gong came over.

He immediately put down the rake, leaned against himself, and bowed with both hands: "Prime Minister."

Gao Gong nodded at Yan Shaoting with approval on his face: "Agriculture comes first in everything, and food is the primary need of the people. No matter how much you say, it is better to experience it yourself and lead by example."

After finishing speaking.

Gao Gong looked at Zhu Yijun who was still digging the ground and picking up pebbles happily.

"Today I will follow the example of Shao Bao and dig up the empty land in front of Wenhua Palace so that we can plant crops in the future."

Finished speaking.

The prime minister of the dynasty picked up a rake and started digging on the other side of the ground where Yan Shaoting and his team were digging.

The Prime Minister was even quite skilled in putting down the rake before digging the ground. He spat into his palms, then held the rake with both hands, one in front and one behind, leaned his body slightly, and started digging the ground.

Looking at Gao Gong's movements and appearance, he was actually very familiar with farming.

I saw Gao Gong starting to dig the ground himself.

The officials in front of Wenyuan Pavilion and Huiji Gate all rushed forward to grab the few farm tools.

Yuan Wei, as a cabinet minister, snatched a hoe from some official, and then shouted to Yan Shaoting, who was already showing surprise, "The root of governance lies in agriculture, and we should focus on farming. When the fields are harvested, I will plant millet and sorghum. When taxes are ripe and tributes are paid, I will encourage and reward officials. Today, the Grand Tutor encourages learning, the prince is involved in farming, and the Prime Minister is digging the land. How can I fall behind?"

Yan Shaoting's face was all smiles.

Yuan Wei, the minister of Qingci Pavilion, is indeed true to himself. He always makes a fuss before doing anything.

And what he said about the root of the problem being agriculture came from the Thousand Character Classic.

Zhu Yijun was also startled when he saw a large group of people rushing over to dig the ground. He held the bamboo basket in one hand and grabbed the corner of Yan Shaoting's clothes with the other, looking up and asking, "Master Yan, what did he mean?"

Yan Shaoting squatted down with a smile on his face: "To answer Prince Jun's question, this is Yuan, the cabinet minister. The three sentences the minister just said are from the Thousand Character Classic, which means that the foundation of governing a country lies in agriculture. No matter the emperor, ministers or people, they must devote themselves to developing agriculture. Throughout the year, in spring, the land must be cultivated and various grain seeds must be planted. When it is the harvest season in autumn, the people will have grain to pay taxes to the court. Whoever grows the best grain will be praised and rewarded, and whoever does not grow grain well will be punished."

The little brat tilted his head and looked at the group of people who were working in the open space opposite with a suspicious look on his face.

Yan Shaoting was not in a hurry to explain, but just stared at the little brat silently.

After a while.

Zhu Yijun smiled and said, "Master Yan, I understand! Just like just now, I was the best at picking up stones, so Master Yan and Feng Baodaban praised me."

Yan Shaoting finally nodded with a smile on his face.

Zhu Yijun then said: "So from now on, if anyone doesn't work hard, doesn't farm well, or doesn't let others farm, he will be spanked!"

Yan Shaoting raised his eyebrows.

I had planned to teach the kid about the king's rewards and punishments much later, but I didn't expect that this kid could already understand a thing or two from today's farm work.

Is he a genius?

Yan Shaoting looked at the little brat twice more.

Just when Yan Shaoting was confused, Gao Gong and others were rushing to dig the ground.

Quietly.

No one knew when it started, but the emperor actually appeared quietly at the Huangji Gate with Concubine Li.

When Yan Shaoting and others discovered that the emperor had also come.

Zhu Zaigui already had a hoe in his hand.

There was no time for everyone to salute.

Zhu Zaigui waved his hand with a smile on his face: "I thought it was almost time, so I came to attend the court. I didn't expect to see you all here. Since the prince's homework today includes farming, I will naturally set an example. Please don't laugh at me when you see that I am not familiar with farming."

Talking.

In front of everyone, the emperor actually started to swing the hoe vigorously and dig heavily into the ground.

Everyone saw that when the hoe fell to the ground, the emperor's eyes trembled slightly and the corners of his mouth twitched.

Apparently he used too much force and was shocked.

Yan Shaoting's eyes widened.

I just wanted to bring the little kid to experience the hardship and effort of farming, but I didn't expect Gao Gong to come with people from the cabinet.

The emperor is here too!
Even the emperor himself started digging the ground with a hoe.

unconsciously……

Things seem to have gotten out of hand!

…………

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(End of this chapter)