prosperous age

In the capital, in the Imperial College Record Hall.

"Dong Fen recommended Chen Yiqin as the right servant of the Ministry of Rites?"

Wei Guangde shook the note in his hand, and smiled at Zhang Juzheng, "Dong Shangshu also knew to show his love to Prince Yu's Mansion, but unfortunately, it was too late."

Previously, after Chen Yiqin and Ding You returned to Beijing, they stayed in the Imperial Academy and took charge of the affairs of the Imperial Academy as a lecturer.

Dong Fen was quite scheming. After he became Minister of the Ministry of Rites, he immediately asked for an order to recommend Chen Yiqin, the former lecturer of Prince Yu's Mansion, as the right servant of the Ministry of Rites.

"His Royal Highness really decided to move Dong's position?"

Hearing Wei Guangde's words, Zhang Juzheng asked.

"Why, Dong Shangshu found Mr. Xu Ge?"

Wei Guangde asked curiously.

You must know that Dong Fen had nothing to do with Xu Jie before, but judging from Zhang Juzheng's intentions at this moment, it seems that Xu Jie intended to protect Dong Fen's identity.

"Yes."

Zhang Juzheng didn't hide it in front of Wei Guangde, he just nodded and admitted the matter.

"Mr. Xu Ge agreed in order to win over an obedient minister?"

Wei Guangde continued to question, but he also thought secretly, as expected by King Yu, Zhang Juzheng still turned towards Xu Jie in the end, without any scruples about His Highness's feelings.

"The teacher believes that as long as Dong Fen is obedient, it is not a bad thing to keep him in the Ministry of Rites."

Zhang Juzheng replied.

Now King Yu's Mansion is dissatisfied with Dong Fen. If King Yu cannot be persuaded to let go of his prejudices, then Dong Fen's position will definitely be difficult to secure.

Looking for Wei Guangde is actually testing the attitude of King Yu's mansion. If Zhang Juzheng alone persuades him, it may be counterproductive. If Wei Guangde can keep the same opinion as them, maybe King Yu will listen to it.

However, Wei Guangde lowered his head in thought at this moment.

What he was thinking about was not whether Dong Fen would stay or not, but he had already realized that the relationship between Mr. Xu Ge and Prince Yu's Mansion would soon break down.

Without him, Xu Jie protects the position of director, not only to subdue a minister-level official to speak for him, but also to continue to suppress Gao Gong.

In fact, the big reason why King Yu was so determined to move Dong's position was to create a vacancy in the six ministries of the imperial court.

Looking at the current ministers and monks' books, the most moving one is Dong Fen, who has just come to power and has an unstable foundation.

Although there is another Guo Pu, his foundation is more stable, which is not comparable to Dong Fen.

In fact, Guo Pu served as Minister of the Ministry of Officials in the 40th year of Jiajing, but because his father died and returned to his hometown Ding You, and now he is still in court, it is natural to be appointed as Minister of the Ministry of Officials.

Moreover, Ding You in those two years also allowed Guo Pu to escape the most turbulent years of the Ming Dynasty. At least he didn't have to face the dissatisfaction of King Yu and Xu Jie. Naturally, they would be stupid to provoke Guo Pu .

Gao Gong had been in the position of minister for several years, and Wei Guangde could tell that even if Emperor Jiajing wanted to suppress people in Prince Yu's residence, as long as there was a vacancy in the position of Minister, only Gao Gong could fill it.

Of course, if it is a special minister like the Ministry of Industry and the Ministry of War, Gao Gong must be very difficult to do.

But if it is the Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of Officials, it will naturally be different.

"It's hard."

Wei Guangde just looked up at Zhang Juzheng, then shook his head at him and said, "Brother Uncle, it's best not to get involved in your teacher's matter, or it will be bad for you."

Although Wei Guangde has been on guard against Gao Gong and Xu Jie, he can't complain about Zhang Juzheng.

At least, Wei Guangde lacked confidence in competing with Zhang Juzheng for official positions and rights, so he reminded him at this time.

Hearing Wei Guangde's words, Zhang Juzheng seemed to let out a sigh of relief, but immediately cupped his hands and said, "Thank you for your concern, I know it's dangerous."

Wei Guangde nodded, he didn't want to be hated by King Yu, and let him lose the opportunity to adjust the ills of the Ming Dynasty.

Yes, Wei Guangde's heart is not so pure.

None of Gao Gong, Zhang Juzheng, and Xu Jie could see the problems that existed in the Ming Dynasty.

The civil and military people of the Manchu Dynasty understood the shortcomings of the Ming Dynasty, but who had the courage to make changes?

No, there seems to be only Zhang Juzheng in the civil and military affairs of the Manchu Dynasty.

Wei Guangde is well aware of the importance of reform, but in Chinese history, all reformers without exception ended in misery.

He didn't want to repeat the same mistakes, and the Ming Dynasty had to reform again. After thinking about it, the best way is to let Zhang Juzheng take the lead. He beat the side drums. The results must not be lost.

This move can at least prolong the life of the Ming Dynasty for a hundred years, and his descendants should have a better tomorrow.

Dynasty change, this is an unchangeable process, the only thing to do is to try to avoid some things he doesn't like from happening.

Home country and country, Wei Guangde chose home country at this time.

But Zhang Juzheng didn't know Wei Guangde's plan, and he was a little touched at the moment, because Wei Guangde's words were all for him.

Of course, he could understand Xu Jie's plan.

But after all, it was the teacher's intention, and he couldn't change it.

"His Highness wants you to impeach him?"

Zhang Juzheng asked.

"how you said that?"

Wei Guangdeqi asked.

"His Royal Highness often calls you back to the palace during this time, it's hard to know."

Zhang Juzheng explained.

Wei Guangde nodded in relief, "Your Highness does have this intention, I want to wait a little longer, but His Highness is not patient enough after all."

"Is Shan Loan planning to impeach him in the near future?"

Zhang Juzheng asked.

Wei Guangde smacked his lips, "I do have that intention, but I'm still waiting for an opportunity, so I can't just talk and bite. I, Wei Guangde, can't do that kind of thing."

"Dong Shangshu is indeed greedy for money. This is a taboo for an official."

Zhang Juzheng said pointedly.

Hearing this, Wei Guangde raised his eyes and stared at Zhang Ju for a while, then smiled and nodded slightly, "I've been taught."

Zhang Juzheng's words should be directed at him.

But Wei Guangde is not surprised either. It is impossible to say that no one gossips behind his back during his family's life in the capital.

The nature of Chinese people is like this. In front of him, there is nothing but flattery and flattery, saying that Wei Guangde is righteous, but behind his back, it is not that Wei Guangde's family may deduct military pay and exploit the people, or how can he get so much money? money.

Those officials that Wei Guangde worked for didn't have much oil and water for him to touch.

In this era, the officialdom is really dark.

The well-oiled officials, everyone sharpened their heads and wanted to win, for the yellow and white things. They took the money with peace of mind and no guilt at all.

It can only be said that the power of unspoken rules is infinite.

The money earned within the rules is called skill, not greed.

If Wei Guangde was a well-off official and made a lot of money to support them, they would be envious and jealous, but they would only say that Wei Guangde would be an official.

But if it wasn't for the money obtained in this way, then the money came from improper sources and would be cast aside.

Zhang Ji, the housekeeper of Wei Guangde's house, has a good relationship with many business owners and shopkeepers, and even cooperates in business in private. Wei Guangde didn't deliberately hide it, and the way he came from is very righteous, but in the eyes of the officials, the money he earned in this way has not been used in office. Take the money you deserve.

At the very least, Wei Guangde has his own morals.

As for the others, Wei Guangde thought that Zhang Ju's forehand should not be able to reach Jiangxi.

Cheng Shoujie should not talk nonsense about the matter of wooing Cheng Shoujie by himself, and he will take some of those things himself, and then send some to the capital. In short, they all have to be shared, but it will be a matter of time .

However, this matter is really a bit shady.

Wei Guangde sent Zhang Juzheng away and continued to read, but his thoughts had already flown back to the Imperial Academy.

It seemed that Chen Yiqin would not stay in the Imperial Academy for too long. This time, regardless of whether Dong Fen was dismissed from get out of class or not, he should return to the Ministry of Rites and start his official career from then on.

So who will take over the Hanlin Academy?
Gao Yi or Wang Daren?
Gao Yi is a bachelor of the Hanlin Academy, and still has the title of the right servant of the Ministry of Rites, but Chen Yiqin has always been in charge.

Now if Chen Yiqin enters the Ministry of Rites as the right servant, will Gao Yi be promoted to succeed Gao Gong?
From this point of view, Wang Daren, a Bachelor of Attendance and lecturer, has a high chance of being in charge of the Imperial Academy.

Now it seems that the possibility of Gao Gong replacing Dong Fen as Minister of Rites is undoubtedly the greatest.

It can't be said that King Yu attached great importance to the impeachment of Dong Fen, which is the result of Gao Gong's hard work behind the scenes.

It seems that Gao Gong has become smarter now. He wants to win the position of Minister of Rites, but he also knows that he will no longer come out in person, but instead let Yu Wangfu take the initiative, secretly helping him, and let himself contribute to his promotion.

The more Wei Guangde thought about it, the more uncomfortable he felt.

After finishing the yamen in the afternoon, Wei Guangde left the yamen, and was about to get into his own carriage in front of the door, when a servant in the distance trotted over.

The person Wei Guangde knew, Li Fang's godson, looked like he was looking for him.

Wei Guangde stood there and waited for a while, when the servant ran close, he saw him reach into his bosom, took out a letter and took it in his hand.

"Master Wei, this is a letter that Godfather asked me to send to you."

Wei Guangde reached out to take it, but he didn't open it to look at it.

"I see."

Wei Guangde just said something, then gestured to the entourage next to him, and went straight into the carriage.

At the servant's place, there are followers who give him rewards.

Even though he was ordered to deliver a letter, for Eunuch Li's sake, Wei Guangde couldn't make this trip in vain.

Although Wei Guangde had already guessed what was in the letter, nine out of ten it was the fact that Dong Fen received money from Yan's family and the testimony of witnesses.

After getting into the carriage, Wei Guangde unsealed the letter and took out the letter. He opened it and saw that it was indeed so.

"3000 taels of silver, a box of jewelry, hehe, this Dong Fen is not ordinary."

Wei Guangde shook his head lightly, then put away the letter and put it in his arms.

He kept this letter of little use.

Wei Guangde also didn't intend to tell King Yu that he was going to let Ouyang Yijing take action, after all, he had premeditated it, and it was not easy to steal the limelight.

Returning to Wei's mansion while the carriage was swaying, Wei Guangde ordered in a low voice to Zhang Ji, the housekeeper who came out to greet him after getting off the car: "Send someone to invite Lord Ouyang to come to my mansion tonight for a talk."

"Yes, sir."

Zhang Ji bowed and saluted in response.

He tried his best to complete the errands that Wei Guangde ordered, and he would not ask why.

Just asking him to invite someone is not a big deal.

Not long after dinner, Ouyang Yijing arrived as promised and was taken into the study by him.

"Shan Loan, why did you call me here?"

Although there were some guesses, Ouyang Yijing still pretended to be confused and asked with understanding.

"Dong Fen's matter, how did the investigation go, did he confiscate the Yan family's money?"

Wei Guangde didn't take out the letter immediately, but asked about his harvest.

"Only two witnesses were found. They saw someone sending a box into Dong's residence, but they didn't know who it was."

Ouyang Yijing said depressingly, "Afterwards, I arranged for them to secretly watch the family members of the Yang family and the Fan family. They did identify one family member of the Yang family, but they still lacked complete evidence."

"Then what are you going to do? Don't play this matter?"

Wei Guangde asked.

"I'm also worried. As Meng Xian said, if there is no proof, it would be a bit of a shame to directly impeach the Ministry of Rites."

Ouyang Yijing pretended to be a little distressed and said.

"Brother Si Zhi is playing bureaucratic tricks on me, ha ha."

Wei Guangde just smiled, turned around and took the "evidence" sent by Li Fang from the desk, turned back to look at Ouyang Yijing, and continued: "I also sent someone to investigate secretly when I came back, this is what they sent news, let's see."

After speaking, Wei Guangde handed Li Fang's letter to Ouyang Yijing.

At this time, Ouyang Yijing took the letter from Wei Guangde with both hands as if he had found a treasure, and quickly opened the letter paper to read.

"3000 taels of silver, and a box of pearls and jade, what a big deal."

Ouyang Yijing exclaimed.

This sum of money is enough for him to live in the capital for ten years, of course not including the expenses of going to the gold-selling caves in Goulan Hutong.

"According to the above, if you find someone to investigate again, you must provide solid evidence. Otherwise, if your impeachment fails, you can wait for the thunderous revenge of Master Shangshu."

Wei Guangde said cheerfully, making it impossible to see his real intention at all.

Not to mention, the more Wei Guangde dealt with this matter lightly, Ouyang Yijing really couldn't be sure of Wei Guangde's real thoughts.

"Shan Loan, I've heard people say that Prince Yu seems to dislike this Dongfen Dong Shangshu very much. I don't know if it's true."

At this point, Ouyang Yijing couldn't pretend anymore. Although he had some guesses, he still chose to ask.

It's better to ask in front of Wei Guangde than to be confused.

"Your Highness really doesn't like him."

Wei Guangde said lightly.

This matter is really not a secret. After all, people in Prince Yu's mansion have a lot of talk, and they heard the news without seeing Dong Fen, so they hurriedly leaned towards Xu Jie.

In fact, Dong Fen couldn't see the situation. Below him was Gao Gong, a die-hard member of Prince Yu's Mansion.

If he wanted to serve King Yu directly, unless he had to give up the position of Shangshu and let Gao Gong take over, maybe King Yu would consider letting him take another official position.

But is he willing?
Of course not.

After finally climbing to the Minister of Rites, if he went one step further, he would be a cabinet scholar of the Ming Dynasty, which is equivalent to getting a gold medal for avoiding death.

Therefore, even though he knew that he was disliked by King Yu, he still wanted to save himself once, betting on whether he could hit the cabinet position before King Yu ascended the throne.

Hearing Wei Guangde's answer, Ouyang Yijing was overjoyed, and then disappeared quickly.

"I understand. I'll find someone to investigate again in the past two days, and I will report this matter later."

Ouyang Yijing bowed and said.