Emperor Ming Dynasty

During the period of Chinese feudal society, it was basically an autocratic monarchy, but the strange thing is that all the monarchs had to promote their own opinions, not arbitrary.

Emperor Taizu of the Ming Dynasty emphasized in May Wuwu, the ninth year of Hongwu, that the emperor and his ministers must adopt talented people when discussing matters: "There has been no country since ancient times that did not rely on talented people and managed it independently."

Because it has a noun-dufu.

Who are the only husbands in history?King Li of Zhou, Xiang Yu, Emperor Yang of Sui...

None of them are good people.

Therefore, although the monarchy of the Ming Dynasty was extremely autocratic after the prime minister system was abolished, the more they lacked something, the more they had to publicize it.

For example, if Wen Yanbo dared to speak in the Ming Dynasty, His Majesty shared the world with the scholar-bureaucrats, not with the common people, at least he would have to be beaten like a prison.

In this way, the monarch is superior, and in his eyes, there is no distinction between civil and military officials and ordinary people.

Mere lamb, how dare you steal the power of the farmer and turn against you?

Of course, it is precisely because of this that the monarch has little help. The Ming Dynasty can only rely on eunuchs, while the Qing Dynasty relies on house slaves (Nobles of the Eight Banners).

Therefore, in power, the most taboo thing is that the monarch personally ends the game.

The detached position is the foundation for the monarch to maintain autocracy.

As long as the emperor does not end, the feathers will always be hurt, not his body.

For example, this time, the emperor personally arranged for the governor of Beihai.

If the task is completed well, the emperor's face will certainly be bright, but it is just icing on the cake.

And if the person is corrupt or incompetent, then the emperor will lose face and his own prestige will be hit.

If something goes wrong, it is the fault of the cabinet; to gain glory is the means of the emperor.

This is also why, for hundreds of years in the Ming Dynasty, the cabinet issued bills and drafted a statement. If the emperor was dissatisfied, he would either stay or reject it, and he would never change it himself.

Once he gets off in person, it means that the emperor is dissatisfied with him, and something big will happen.

For example, in the third year of Jiajing's reign, Jiajing personally went off the court, dismissed Yang Tinghe from his official position, and respected his father as emperor. Yang Shen and other ministers wept in the hall, killing 27 people on the spot, and more than [-] people were imprisoned.

Or Zhu Yuanzhang in the early Ming Dynasty, in order to abolish the Zhongshu Province, insisted on holding a court meeting, enumerating Hu Weiyong's major crimes, and uttering the reasons for abolishing the Zhongshu Province, and then all the ministers bowed down and agreed.

This is public opinion.

For the Governor of Beihai, even if Zhu Yixi had a candidate in mind, he had to ask the cabinet ministers to propose it, and then he agreed.

On the surface, the emperor obeyed the public opinion, but inside he had his own ideas.

If not satisfied, then open again.

Hints, reminders, guesses, and so on.

However, in the Ming Dynasty, there were three kinds of public discussions, the court meeting (challenge meeting) and the court meeting (the cabinet, six ministries, the Metropolitan Procuratorate and other important ministers).

and cabinet meetings.

To put it simply, it was the meeting between the emperor and the cabinet elders.

Scale from large to small.

Similarly, as in the later generations, the general assembly will talk about small things, and the small will talk about big things.

This cabinet court meeting was held quietly.

Qianqing Palace.

The first person to enter was Zhu Mou, the chief assistant, who walked with his head held high and full of confidence.

Then came the second assistant, Feng Xianzong, who was dressed in a slender scarlet robe, showing a shrewd and capable appearance.

Du Yinxi and Yan Yingyuan entered almost at the same time, but Yan Yingyuan was half a step behind, and followed closely behind to cross the threshold.

"Squeak-"

The door was closed immediately, the curtains were pulled down one by one, and candles were lit.

Whale candles mixed with spices stood in a plug, almost as thick as an adult's arm, more than three feet long, and a puddle of candle oil was piled up on the candle stand.

At the same time, an incense burner was also lit, exuding wisps of green smoke, which was to remove moisture and insects.

The four sat facing each other, with Zhu Mou on the upper left, Feng Xianzong on the upper right, Du Yinxi on the lower left, and Yan Yingyuan on the lower right.

Although the eunuchs brought tea, they all closed their eyes and meditated without saying a word.

Suddenly, a eunuch said loudly: "Your Majesty is here—"

"Your Majesty is welcome——"

Several people spoke in unison, and then knelt down in unison.

"Be flat!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Zhu Yixi was sitting on the soft couch inlaid with gold and jade, unconsciously fiddling with Yu Ruyi with both hands: "I'm calling you here today to discuss these few things."

"About Mobei and Beihai, do you have any regulations?"

"The old minister thinks that the vastness of the North Sea makes it unsuitable to be a vassal state. We can set up a governor's mansion or a general's mansion in Beihai."

Zhu Mou said softly: "This is also the opinion of the cabinet."

"En." Zhu Yixi nodded: "Then set up the Beihai Governor's Mansion, just like the old thing in Chahar, where the prime minister is the military administration."

"However, Mobei will be set up as the Mobei General's Mansion to lead the military administration of the region, but it will be under the jurisdiction of the Governor of Mobei."

As he said that, the emperor said again: "Since Shaowu, it has become a common practice to divide vassals and establish a country.

In the past, the three tribes of Khalkha and the Chechen Khan tribe were occupied by the Manchus, and there are still many tribes left in their land. If they are ignored, they may become a serious disaster in the future. "

"So, I intend to use this land to establish a pro-vassal. Its name is Fuguo, which happens to be the blessing of the king's benevolence and filial piety. When he goes to the vassal, he will enshrine the incense of the Yan family."

Of course, there is no reason to object to this kind of thing.

No one wants to fight against the emperor.

"However, for the governor of Beihai, do you have someone from your family to choose?"

After talking about the prelude, the main show came.

Several people made eye contact, each with their own thoughts.

The cabinet is integrated externally, but internally it is in disarray.

Zhu Mou, as the chief assistant, stood up and said in a respectful voice: "I believe that the position of governor of Beihai requires both the army and the government, not only to be able to resist the counterattack of the Manchu Qing, but also to govern Beihai.

The minister thought that Zhao Langxing, the right servant of the Ministry of Officials, was cautious and cautious. He had successively served as the magistrate and governor. He was proficient in civil affairs and military affairs, so he could be appointed. "

The emperor's face remained unchanged, and he looked at Feng Xianzong.

The latter did not dare to be sloppy, and hurriedly got up and said: "I think the words of the chief assistant are not bad, and you can restrain the group of Tartars with both civil and military skills. I think Zhao Shilang is good, but there is still one person who is stronger than him, or the last suitable."

"Oh? Who?"

Zhu Yixi became interested.

"Wang Fuzhi, Minister of the Ministry of Punishment."

Speaking of him, Feng Xianzong can be said to be eloquent: "He was called a Jinshi with a scarred face at the time. He was honest and honest, and he was repeatedly evaluated as excellent. He served in the local and imperial courts. He used to be the magistrate of the county. Make the place peaceful..."

"The subject thinks that he has a courageous personality and is known for his benevolence and filial piety, so he is indeed the best candidate."

Hearing his words, Zhu Mou cried out secretly.

It was only at this time that he remembered that the emperor once visited Wenyuan Pavilion at night and praised Wang Fuzhi, who was more than a step better than Zhao Langxing.

At this time, Du Yinxi stabbed him with a knife: "I also think that Mrs. Wang is very good."

When he arrived at Yan Yingyuan, he could only say: "I am ashamed, I don't have anyone in my heart."

Two to one.

Zhu Mou glanced at Yan Yingyuan angrily, and hated him more than Feng Xianzong and Du Yinxi.

When Yan Yingyuan saw it, his heart tightened and he sighed secretly.

But he still bit the bullet and pretended not to see it.

The emperor thought about the two of them, but he didn't seem to see the eye contact of the four people below.

"It must be Wang Fuzhi!"

"Your Majesty Shengming!"

Several people echoed.

Immediately, the candidate for General Mobei was mentioned.

In this regard, Feng Xianzong, who had won a great victory, did not fight too much, and Xiong Yingjie, the Marquis of Luzhou recommended by Zhu Mou, became the general of Mobei.

Surrounding General Horqin, the emperor finally considered the effect of appeasement, so he appointed Chahar General Wang Chunqing as the general.

Chahar cannot do without a governor for a day, and the importance of its proximity to the capital, so Du Yinxi recommended the former governor of Luzon, and now the left servant of the Ministry of Rites, Jin Bao.

In this way, Ming Dynasty has two capitals, 25 provinces, four major generals' mansions (Jilin, Heilongjiang, Mobei, Horqin), three major governor's mansions (Chahar, Luzon, Beihai), and a total of 34 provincial administrations. unit.

At the same time, it should be noted that the governor's mansion and the governor are two concepts.

The Governor's Mansion is basically located in the frontier, and it belongs to the military and government. It is the top leader of the local area. It has greater power and freedom. Generally, there is no governor.

The governors, such as the governors of Shaanxi, Gansu and Guangdong, are mainly responsible for the military affairs of one or several provinces. They do not have the leadership power over the governors, political envoys and other officials under their command, and can only ask for their cooperation.

There is a big difference in the official titles of the two governors.

The governors of the frontiers generally have the title of Yudu Yushi of the Metropolitan Procuratorate, while the governors of the inland are more often given the title of Minister of the Ministry of War, or Shangshu.

The difference between the General’s Mansion and the Governor-General’s Mansion is that under the General’s Mansion, there are officials such as ministers, academicians, etc., which can be said to be an enhanced version of the governor; while the Governor-General’s Mansion is dominated by the military and government. more focused.

The general can command the army in an emergency, suppress the rebellion, and has the right to supervise the officials below him, but he has no right to appoint or dismiss.

In terms of independence, the Governor's Mansion is greater than the General's Mansion than the Governor.

In terms of finance, they are all paid on a [-]-[-] basis, and even because of taxes, they can be paid [-]-[-], which is larger than the self-retention in the interior.

It can be said that the Governor's Mansion is the real official of the frontier.

It is impossible not to give power. In the age when there was no telegraph and telephone, if everything is requested, the day lily will be cold, and arbitrary power is essential.

Therefore, generals mostly use military generals, and governors are literati.

Then, they discussed the reward for the Battle of Beihai.

As the coach, Chen Dong overthrew the Fengjing Mansion of the Qing Dynasty, took Beihai, and made great achievements, enough to be promoted to the Duke.

The emperor thought for a moment, and then said: "Just be Ping Guogong!"

"The food town is five thousand households (annual salary five thousand stones, 5000 yuan)."

The threshold of the Duke is five thousand stones, and the highest is ten thousand stones.

Chen Dong's achievement of destroying the country is still a bit empty after all, five thousand stones are very suitable.

"As for Marquis Zengying of Dongchang, he has traveled thousands of miles to ensure logistics supplies, and has made outstanding contributions. Let's be promoted to the Duke of Chang!"

Naturally, no one dared to object.

After all, he is the prince's father-in-law, and he has been guarding the border for many years. Even if he has no credit, he still has hard work. A prince is not too much.

Immediately, the Marquis was discussed again.

There are not many people who have been promoted to Marquis this time, there is only one stone pillar uncle Ma Wannian.

Because the preparation time for this war was too long and the end was too short, Man Qing escaped quickly, which basically belonged to the first battle to determine the universe.

Being able to support two dukes is basically all kinds of favors, otherwise one of them is reluctant.

"As expected of the grandson of Mrs. Qin Liangyu, Ma Wannian is good, so let's be promoted to Marquis of Zhangde, with four thousand households in Shiyi."

The following uncles, sons, men, and even the school lieutenants belong to the Ministry of War to check to prevent mistakes and omissions.

The cabinet supervises, and the emperor only needs to stamp his seal.

Among the nobles, the earl can let the emperor take a look, the marquis can remember it in his heart, and the duke can miss it.

Discussed some state affairs, the promotion of officials, the filling of vacancies, every carrot and hole in the officialdom, the selection of officials above the fourth rank, the emperor must go through.

It was almost an hour before it was over.

Forget it, the emperor didn't entertain them, so they separated.

After returning to Wenyuan Pavilion, in just one morning, the Tongzheng envoy sent two baskets of memorials.

Local and central, all colors are available.

The secretaries in the cabinet are classified according to the priorities and the departments in charge of the cabinet elders, and they dare not make the slightest mistake.

Zhu Mou looked at the hill piled up in front of him, and sneered: "The memorial is still the same, it's just changed by an old friend."

After saying that, he buried his head in it.

After the three of Feng Xianzong returned to Wenyuan Pavilion, they were silent one after another.

Yan Yingyuan sighed, his face full of helplessness.

Along the way, he wanted to get close to Zhu Shoufu several times, but was repeatedly rejected, obviously he had run out of friends.

"Although I didn't express my position today, I didn't object. I left a bit of decency. Why?"

"If there is no self, Kui Xiang, you are helpless."

According to common sense, even if he betrayed, he should be confirmed. Who would have thought that Zhu Shoufu would slap him regardless.

Now force him to get close to Feng Xianzong.

It's just an exchange of interests, and I'm not your subordinate either!

After the yamen were dismissed, Zhu Mou returned to the mansion, very angry.

He entered the study room, grinded it alone, spread out the rice paper, and just wrote...

When Yan Yingyuan returned to the mansion, the crowd waiting in line at the gate had already become a long queue of hundreds of steps.

He changed his clothes, and when he came out, he saw the steward and said, "The servant of the Ministry of Punishment, Mrs. Wang, is asking to see me."

According to common sense, generally speaking, those who talk about the rules first send the greeting card, saying when to come to visit, the host's family is ready.

This kind of unexpected visit is presumptuous and easy to offend people.

However, for Wang Fuzhi, Yan Yingyuan is still magnanimous.

"Wang Fuzhi thanks Zhongtang."

Wang Fuzhi, who had a scar on his face, was only fifty years old, but at this moment he was full of energy and had a serious look.

"I'm just raising talent for the country, and Nong, you are suitable for this position, but this is both an opportunity and a danger."

Yan Yingyuan taught: "You must be cautious at all times, and you must not be sloppy."

Sichuan, Chengdu Prefecture.

The former magnificent Shu Palace was demolished and reduced to a flat land on which many mansions were built.

In the seventh year of Shaowu, with the gradual increase of the customs, the emperor looked down on the former Shu King's farm, ordered everyone to return to the original owner, and re-established the land deed.

As a result, [-] households and nearly [-] hectares of land have benefited.

Almost less than half of the people in Chengdu.

After years of recuperation, even though several prefectures in Chongqing were ceded as Chongqing Province, the population of Sichuan continued to increase.

By the end of Shaowu 19, the total population of Sichuan exceeded 800 million, approaching 900 million.

As a result, Sichuan is prosperous and is a first-class place to be an official.

(End of this chapter)