prosperous age

Chapter 704 803 The oppressed Zhang Juzheng

The news of Ma Sen becoming an official was even more shocking than the news of Hong Chaoxuan being deposed. This was the Minister of Household Affairs.

The vacancy of such an official position suddenly made many people think about it, especially Liu Ziqiang, the left minister of the Ministry of Revenue.

He knew that Ma Sen wanted to leave, so over the past year, whether he was in the position of right minister or left minister, he had been conscientious in his work, lest there be any mistakes, and his purpose was nothing more than to become one of the candidates.

When you reach the third-grade official position, there are many difficulties before you can go any further, and you have to pay attention to opportunities.

Finally, he got the news and his name was included in the list of cabinet ministers as he wished, waiting for the emperor to check it.

Although he temporarily took over the Great Seal Management Department because of Ma Sen's future ministry, he had no intention of doing government affairs. Instead, he was considering the pros and cons of himself and Liu Tigan, and wondering who the emperor would choose in the end.
He was troubled in the lobby of the household department. He felt a little restless and got up and moved around from time to time.

At this time, a fast horse had already entered the Anding Gate, and went all the way south around the imperial city. Soon it arrived outside the gate of the General Affairs Office. After the messenger dismounted, the reins were handed over to the officer on duty outside the gate, and then he quickly walked in. Run, unloading the bamboo tube holding the letter from behind as he ran.

Not long after, the general envoy hurriedly left the Yamen, entered the imperial city and went directly to the cabinet.

At this time, the news that Zhao Bingran, the governor-general and minister of Liao Dynasty, was seriously ill and unable to serve was also spread rapidly in the official circles of the capital.

This time, Zhao Bingran's condition was severe and he could no longer continue working. There was no way to delay it any longer.

Another second-grade official position is vacant. It feels like there will be a major change in the ranks of important officials in the court this year. People are constantly begging for leave for various reasons. Such a concentrated outbreak is rare even in the Jiajing Dynasty.

However, some people in the capital can still see clearly that this sudden explosion is the result of the cabinet's indecision in handling affairs.

Just take Ma Sen. He proposed to beg for leave last year. If there is no suitable candidate for the cabinet, the emperor will directly refuse it and let him stay in office.

Zhao Bingran had been ill for two or three years. Although he had a backup plan and transferred Tan Lun back from Guangdong, he was assigned to be in charge of this year's parade as soon as he arrived in the capital. Naturally, he was unable to take over Zhao Bingran's position as governor.

To put it bluntly, the current cabinet is divided into three factions, and many people can still see that.

The group of assistants Chen Yiqin, assistant ministers Yin Shizhen, and Wei Guangde were the most powerful. They had the trust of the emperor above and the support of Yu Zhuan's old friends below.

Then it was the turn of the first assistant Li Chunfang and the assistant minister Zhang Juzheng, each with a small group.

Li Chunfang was very gentle in everything she did, and she often made mistakes. Maybe the three groups had their own plans behind the scenes, so she delayed some personnel arrangements that should have been dealt with long ago, and finally broke out, leaving two second-grade official positions vacant.

But no matter what, the position is vacant, and those who have the opportunity to take the position will naturally be active.

For a time, a scene that only appeared during the New Year and holidays appeared outside the residences of Li Chunfang, Chen Yiqin and others, with long lines of officials and friends rushing to visit.

Of course, those who are familiar with him will come directly to ask for an interview, while those who are not familiar with him will contact friends in Beijing and Mr. Ge to help introduce him.

There have been more than a dozen people coming to Wei Guangde's house in the past few days. In fact, most people know that the minister of household affairs has already been selected for the cabinet, so many people are eyeing the position of Governor Jiliao, and some want to find out the details from him. Who is most likely to come to the top.

Because whether it is the Minister of Hubu or the Governor of Jiliao, once someone is arranged to take over, the original position will inevitably be vacant. Although they cannot compete for these two important official positions, they can settle for the second best and pursue the official positions that others have given up. .

This requires information on who will take over, or to manage the relationship in a targeted manner.

And in addition to the two second-rank official positions, aren't there also positions for the left and right ministers of the Ministry of Justice?

Officialdom is all about exchange of interests. Although it is difficult for Wei Guangde to monopolize an official position, there are four official positions. As long as he has a good relationship with other people, there is still hope for an exchange.

Especially in the current cabinet, the Yuzhuan family is the most powerful and should win more official positions.

At this time, in the cabinet, several ministers thought about the matter for two days and held a cabinet meeting today.

"The purpose of transferring Tan Lun from the north was to prepare to succeed Governor Zhao. Now that Governor Zhao is in such a situation, of course we cannot delay it any longer.

In the meantime, it would be better to inform Your Majesty today to appoint Tan Lun, Governor of Jichang, Baoding and Liaodong Military Affairs. "

After the pleasantries, Li Chunfang picked the topic, and Wei Guangde answered directly.

Tan Lun didn't want to be the third-in-command in the Ministry of War. He still wanted to go out. He couldn't get used to staying in the capital, and he had already discussed this matter with Wei Guangde.

However, he was also worried that because he was responsible for the Grand Parade, someone would come out to compete with him for the position of governor.

As for Wei Guangde, he naturally felt that it didn't matter and took over the errands of the Grand Reading. The British Duke Zhang Rong had already made an agreement with Cheng Guo Gong Zhu Xizhong, Ding Guo Gong Xu Wenbi and others, and he would take over if there was a chance.

The news also reached Wei Guangde's ears through Xu Wenbi.

Well, as a middleman, the deal can be concluded without the need for matchmaking, so Wei Guangde would naturally do such a deal.

"But Minister Tan is in the process of planning the parade. Who can take over at this time? It won't be long before the parade is held.

This grand parade will be attended by representatives from surrounding vassal states. As far as I know, envoys from many countries have arrived in Beijing to watch the ceremony.

In my opinion, since the matter is serious, it is best to find another person. It is better for Minister Tan to prepare for the grand review and make arrangements after the ceremony is completed. "

Zhang Juzheng said.

What he expressed was that he hoped that Governor Ji Liao would be replaced. Although he originally thought that Tan Lun was a suitable candidate to take over, he forgot that Tan Lun was from Jiangxi.

After this man arrived in the capital, he became close to Wei Guangde and Zhu Heng, Minister of Industry.

Nowadays, everyone is just conciliating each other, and behind the scenes, they are still trying to sabotage each other's employment plan. Therefore, at this time, Zhang Juzheng still hopes to prevent Tan Lun from taking office on the grounds that the parade ceremony is related to the national system. They will nominate another candidate, so that he can people will have the opportunity to compete for one or two.

The current governor of Xuanda, Chen Qixue, had a close relationship with Xu Jie. After Xu Jie became an official, his transportation in the capital was all connected with Zhang Juzheng. He had long wanted to transfer from Xuanda to Jiliao.

Although the official residence of Governor Ji Liao is not in the capital, it is close to the capital. If there is any trouble in the capital, you will know it.

Only if he had closer ties with the capital, would he have a chance to compete for a higher position, such as Minister of the Ministry of War, or Yushi of Zuodu of the Metropolitan Procuratorate.

As for the candidate for Governor Xuanda after the matter is completed, Zhang Juzheng naturally has someone.

Mr. Xu Ge's legacy is very deep. Even if some people have become distant from him, the vast majority of people can rely on him.

After the two expressed their intentions, the room was quiet for a moment. In fact, this was just waiting to see if anyone else wanted to propose a candidate.

However, it is obvious that Li Chunfang, Chen Yiqin and Yin Shizhen have no intention to speak, which means that the selection this time is actually based on who Zhang Juzheng prefers to succeed Zhao Bingran.

The normal procedure is of course for Tan Lun and this person to conduct an investigation to see who is more suitable for the position of Governor of Jiliao, and then the cabinet can report the candidate to the palace.

When the emperor establishes a cabinet, he does not need to participate in such time-consuming and laborious activities. He can only appoint people.

All such disputes and wrangling were left to the cabinet ministers to handle.

"I wonder who my uncle would recommend?"

Seeing that no one wanted to speak, Li Chunfang glanced at Chen Yiqin. He knew it was his turn to answer the question, so he asked. "I recommend the current Governor of Xuanda, Chen Qixue. Governor Chen has worked very hard in Xuanda for several years. During this period, he defeated the Mongolian army many times, seized a large number of horses and cattle equipment, built 84 miles of the Great Wall, and built thousands of piers and camps. .

Uncle Shu felt that Governor Chen had served in the Northland for many years and was quite familiar with the Mongolian army, so he was the perfect candidate for Governor of Ji Liao.

You must know that the Jiliao Governor-General's jurisdiction is sensitive and requires experienced officials.

There is no doubt about Shilang Tan's ability, but after all, he lacks experience in fighting against the invaders in the north. Compared with the two, he is slightly inferior. "

Zhang Juzheng talked eloquently. He pointed out that one of the key responsibilities of Governor Jiliao was to defend the capital, which required an official with rich experience in defending the North.

As for serving in Beidi, it seems that Tan Lun's shortcomings are really there.

Wei Guangde knew that Tan Lun had served as governor of Shanxi Province. At that time, the imperial court actually intended to train him as a candidate for governor of the Nine Borders.

But the quarrel between Hu, Gui, Sichuan and Guangdong and Guangxi was so serious that he only stayed in Shanxi for more than half a year before being transferred urgently.

With such a short time, Wei Guangde was embarrassed to use it to talk perfunctorily.

Wei Guangde glanced sideways at Zhang Juzheng, and then said: "Of course Governor Chen's contribution to the appointment of Xuanda cannot be erased, but after all, years are there. Is it possible that in two years, the Governor of Jiliao will have to be replaced again?"

Wei Guangde directly talked about age. Chen Qi's academic qualifications were definitely sufficient, but age was a big issue.

If Gyeonggi wants to be safe, Jiliao must first be stable, so it is naturally not suitable for frequent changes of generals.

Tan Lun was only in his 50s, so he was more suitable for the position of governor of Jiliao than Chen Qixue, who was in his [-]s.

If he takes over, he can stay in this position for at least ten years, provided of course that he is not transferred back to the Ministry of War in the capital.

For people like Tan Lun who have been designated as military civil servants, their future can only be as Minister of War, and there is nothing else to strive for.

"Furthermore, last year, Shilang Tan had inspected the defense of Jizhou and Changping, and he had a lot of insights. He already knew the Jiliao area quite well.

It will be a matter of course for him to take over as Governor Zhao.

If Governor Chen takes over, the defense of Xuanda will be vacant again, and someone familiar with the area will have to be arranged to replace him.

As you can imagine, it is a taboo in the art of war to change generals at the same time in the two important towns of the Ming Dynasty and Gyeonggi.

Who can guarantee that Anda Khan will not seize the opportunity to launch a surprise attack? Shandai does not want to see the Gengxu incident happen again in our Longqing Dynasty. "

Wei Guangde first said that Tan Lun could take over Zhao Bingran's position at any time, and also said that it was taboo to change the governors of the two towns at the same time, so as to wake up others and gain support.

Of course, this support is mainly for Li Chunfang.

Regarding this matter, neither Chen Yiqin nor Yin Shizhen would disagree with him. After all, they are all on the same side.

In fact, just last night, they had already communicated at the wine table.

"It's no big deal for Minister Tan to be transferred to Jizhen, but who will be in charge of the grand review?"

At this time, Li Chunfang suddenly interjected and asked, pointing out this matter, naturally he wanted to compare the impact of mobilizing Chen Qixue and see which side was more important.

“For the Grand Parade Ceremony, in the past, the Fifth Military Governor’s Office was responsible for this duty. Although the Ministry of War now takes over many duties, after all, some systems cannot be circumvented.

I have reported the preparations for the Grand Review to Your Majesty in a memorial a few days ago, so I think everyone knows about it.

For the moment, there is no need to worry about whether Shi Lang Tan still needs to continue to be responsible for this matter. All ministries are already well prepared.

Even at the health centers in other places, the training is actually done by people sent by Qi Jiguang.

Therefore, my idea is to let Tan Lun leave this job and go to Jiliao to take over Zhao Bingran's position, and then the Fifth Army Governor's Office will select someone to be the coordinator of the parade.

I'll go a few times a month without going amiss. "

Wei Guangde was doing everything he could to ensure the success of the parade.

It's not that he is bragging. After he last saw it, although the Ming army's review troops still need to continue training, the big framework has been developed. As long as the current training status is maintained, everyone will be shocked in a few months.

In this regard, Wei Guangde still has confidence.

Of course, he would not tell Qi Jiguang that he also wanted to go out, one by one.

If the two people in charge of the parade went out together, Li Chunfang would probably be worried that the parade ceremony would be spoiled, and would choose to side with Zhang Juzheng.

"Qi Jiguang's name is well known to me, and he must be trustworthy."

Li Chunfang nodded slightly after receiving the explanation.

“I also think it’s best to follow the original court’s plan and let Tan Shilang be the governor of Jiliao military affairs, and the grand parade ceremony be transferred to the Fifth Army Governor’s Mansion.

This is a military matter. Although the Ministry of War is in charge of it, it is still not justified in the end. "

Yin Shizhen interrupted at the right time and said.

Although Chen Yiqin didn't speak, he nodded. Only Zhang Juzheng was angry.

Chen Yiqin, Yin Shizhen and Wei Guangde are just singing double acts. What they are actually competing for is Li Chunfang's vote.

Even if it cannot be won in the end, the matter will be passed through a vote, unless Li Chunfang uses the privilege of being the chief assistant to deny it.

But doing so will only create a gap between the three of them and Li Chunfang, which is not in Li Chunfang's interests.

"Then let's do it. I will report to His Majesty today and let Tan Shilang Governor Ji Liao according to the original plan of the court."

Next, Li Chunfang brought up the matter of the dismissal of two ministers from the Ministry of Justice.

Normally, when an official position becomes vacant, the Ministry of Civil Affairs should be responsible for selecting candidates, but the Vice Minister is a third-rank official, and the Ministry of Civil Affairs can only manage the transfer of officials lower than the fourth rank. Therefore, Emperor Longqing still arranged for the matter to be discussed by the cabinet first, and if it was not suitable, it would be recommended by the court.

Regarding the matter of Minister of Justice, the three of them had actually discussed it last night. If they wanted to take the position of Minister of the Left, the Minister of the Right would throw it out to see if Li Chunfang had a candidate.

Of course, the best result would be for Li Chunfang and Zhang Juzheng to fight for it, creating a gap between them.

There is no doubt that Wei Guangde, who originally had no position, was interfered by Zhang Juzheng on the governor of Jiliao, and Li Chunfang happened to have a candidate. Naturally, the final result was that Zhang Juzheng was left empty-handed, and the position of right minister of the Ministry of Punishment was taken by someone promoted by Li Chunfang.

But what Wei Guangde didn't know was that because of today's events, Zhang Juzheng, who was still a little wavering, finally made an important decision.

(End of this chapter)