Preface
In Chinese history, there have been many outstanding financial wizards, and Xia Yuanji is one of them. As the Minister of Finance of the Ming Dynasty, he became a banner in the financial management of the Ming Dynasty with his superb financial wisdom and decisive actions.
However, one of his actions was even more eye-catching: kneeling on the ground and borrowing for three days, Zhu Di gave him 25 years. This seemingly incredible transaction was finally exchanged for the two prosperous eras of the Ming Dynasty.
In that turbulent era, how did a young man from humble backgrounds rely on his talents and moral character to embark step by step on the road of assisting the king? How did he make great contributions to the prosperity of the country in the era of change?
1. The dream of a son of a poor family to study
In the early years of the Ming Dynasty, in a small village in Xiangyin, Hunan, there lived a family. The eldest son of the family, Xia Yuanji, has been bright and studious since he was a child, but his family is poor, and his father is only a private school teacher, relying on teaching to maintain the family's food and clothing. Fate never seemed to favor the family.
Natsuharayoshi's father died young, leaving his mother and three young children to depend on each other. As the eldest son, Natsuhara is well aware of the burden on his shoulders. He inherited his father's business and became a private school teacher, supporting his family with a meager income. Even though he lived in poverty, Natsuhara never gave up his dream of studying. He was diligent and studious, studying hard day after day, and finally passed the examination in 1390.
This achievement opened the door to Xia Yuanji's career. He was selected to enter the Guozijian for further study, and during his Taixue period, he once again showed his extraordinary talent. Once, Ming Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang inspected Taixue and saw that other students were talking loudly, and there was only one person who was immersed in hard study, and that person was Xia Yuanji.
Zhu Yuanzhang was impressed by him, and after inquiring and learning his name, he immediately promoted Xia Yuanji to be the head of the household department, opening a new chapter in his career. During his tenure in the Ministry of Households, Xia Yuanji was conscientious and handled government affairs in an orderly manner. His talent aroused the jealousy of some people, and some people denounced Xia Yuanji to Zhu Yuanzhang. However, Ming Taizu wisely decided to put the false accuser to death after finding out the truth.
Xia Yuanji's honest and honest style won the trust of the monarch. This young man from a humble background, with his diligence and talent, embarked on his official career step by step and became an important minister in the court. His story gave hope and encouragement to young people from poor backgrounds.
2. Choices in the Battle of Jingjing
In 1402, Zhu Di, the king of Yan, launched the Battle of Jingjing, invaded Nanjing, and forced Emperor Jianwen to abdicate. At this moment of sudden change, Xia Yuanji rushed back to the capital, only to find that his name appeared on Zhu Di's liquidation list.
According to convention, most of Emperor Jianwen's former ministers could not escape death. However, Xia Yuanji did not panic, but calmly came to Zhu Di and knelt down and begged him for three days. He had to sort out the accounts of the household that had been confused by the war within three days so that they could be handed over.
Zhu Di was shocked by Xia Yuanji's request. At this life-and-death moment, a person is still thinking about work? Everyone present gasped and speculated whether Xia Yuanji was crazy. But Natsuhara showed extraordinary calmness and courage. He is not afraid of personal misfortune, but always puts the interests of the country first, and this kind of loyalty and responsibility impresses Zhu Di.
Zhu Di was silent for a moment, and then crossed out Xia Yuanji's name on the spot. Three days later, Xia Yuanji sorted out the accounts of the household department and presented a detailed financial report to Zhu Di. Zhu Di was greatly appreciative, and immediately appointed him as the left squire of the household department, starting his journey to assist the new monarch.
This story vividly shows the character and talents of Natsuhara Yoshi. In the face of personal safety and national interests, he did not hesitate to choose the latter. He is not a "smart man" who is good at speculation, but a "wise man" who has the courage to take responsibility and work hard to prosper the country.
It was with this character and talent that Xia Yuanji won the trust of the monarch and the love of the people, and became one of the most dazzling political stars in the early Ming Dynasty.
3. Lay the foundation for the prosperity of Yongle
After Zhu Di ascended the throne, Xia Yuanji devoted himself to the work of revitalizing finances. He proposed a series of reforms to Zhu Di, including the abolition of redundant personnel, the reform of the tax system, and the rectification of the salt and money law. These suggestions are all to the point of the times, beneficial to the country and the people, and have been adopted by Zhu Di.
Xia Yuanji believes that after the war of the Jingyan Campaign, the people are living in hardship and urgently need to reduce the tax burden. As a result, he asked for tax reductions in Hebei, Henan, and Shandong, and attached a detailed tax reduction plan. Zhu Di was very satisfied after reviewing it and immediately approved the implementation.
In addition, Xia Yuanji also found that some of the household system was too rigid, which was not conducive to the long-term peace and stability of the country. He put forward more than 30 reform proposals to Zhu Di, involving finance, taxation, warehousing, tuntian and other aspects. These suggestions are simple and easy to follow, so they were all adopted by Zhu Di one by one.
Through these reforms, the financial situation of the Ming Dynasty was greatly improved, laying a solid material foundation for the future "Yongle Prosperous Age". Xia Yuanji's foresight and execution made Zhu Di look up to him with admiration and became one of the most trusted and relied on ministers.
In 1403, a severe flood occurred in Zhejiang, and local officials misgoverned the country, resulting in widespread damage and boiling public resentment. When Zhu Di was worried, Xia Yuanji took the initiative to ask Ying to go to disaster relief. He rushed to Zhejiang overnight, went deep into the disaster area in civilian clothes, and worked day and night.
When his entourage held an umbrella for him to shade the sun, Xia Yuanji said: "The people are still suffering, how can I enjoy the cool under the umbrella?" After a year of dredging and control, the flood in Zhejiang has finally been solved, and the people live and work in peace and contentment. However, Xia Yuanji's advice was against his ears, and he also angered Zhu Di. In 1421, Zhu Di wanted to go on another northern expedition, but Xia Yuan Jili advised him. He united with a number of ministers to write to dissuade him, but was imprisoned by Zhu Di and his family property was confiscated.
He was successively promoted to important positions such as the head of the household department and the prince and young master, and became one of Zhu Di's most relied on courtiers. With the assistance of Xia Yuanji, the financial situation of the Ming Dynasty was greatly improved, laying a solid foundation for the future "Yongle Prosperous Age".
Fourth, the wisdom of the rule of Renxuan
In 1424, Zhu Di died. Zhu Di's son Zhu Gaochi succeeded to the throne as Mingrenzong. He immediately ordered the release of Xia Yuanji, who had been imprisoned by Zhu Di for many years. After Natsuhara Yoshishi regained his freedom, he wanted to return to his hometown to mourn because he learned of his mother's death while in prison.
However, Akihito said to him, "Qing is an old minister, and he should work with me in difficulties." Qing is mourned, but I am not mourned?" these words deeply moved Xia Yuanji. He understands that this is the time when the country needs him most. As a result, Xia Yuanji resolutely stayed in the court and assisted Akihito in handling government affairs.
At Natsuharayoshi's suggestion, Akihito adopted a series of policies to benefit the people, such as providing relief to the victims, reducing taxes, and building water conservancy. These measures have greatly improved people's livelihood, the people live and work in peace and contentment, and the society has presented a peaceful scene. Xia Yuanji also made efforts to rectify the rule of officials, severely punished corrupt officials and corrupt officials, and promoted honest and honest people, so that the government became more and more clear.
In 1425, Ming Renzong unfortunately died early, and his son Zhu Zhanji succeeded him as Ming Xuanzong. Xia Yuanji, as a "Taifu", gave earnest teachings to Ming Xuanzong and helped the young monarch grow up as soon as possible. Ming Xuanzong also respected Xia Yuanji very much, and often listened to his opinions with an open mind.
With the assistance of Xia Yuanji, Ming Xuanzong worked hard to govern the country, and was diligent in government and loved the people. He eliminated redundant personnel, reduced taxes, severely punished corrupt officials, and rewarded farmers, so that the country's finances were abundant and the people's livelihood became richer and richer. At the same time, Ming Xuanzong also attached importance to cultural governance, opened up the way of speech, and appointed talents, so that the politics were clear and the culture was prosperous. The history is known as the "rule of Renxuan", and Xia Yuanji has made great contributions.
epilogue
Xia Yuanji's life was a model for officials in the Ming Dynasty. He came from a humble background, but with his talents and virtues, he embarked on the path of assisting the king step by step.
He was loyal to the country, loved the people, did his best, and died. With his wisdom and diligence, he assisted Ming Chengzu, Ming Renzong, and Ming Xuanzong to create the two prosperous eras of the Ming Dynasty.
Xia Yuanji's deeds have been passed down through the ages and have become a model for later generations of people with lofty ideals. He used his life to interpret what is a true loyal and good minister. His character and ability are the precious spiritual wealth of the Chinese nation.
Today, when we cherish the memory of Xia Yuanji, we should inherit and carry forward his noble sentiments of "serving the people, loving the people, being honest and enterprising", and serve the country and the people with practical actions.