I, Jiajing, successfully cultivated immortality

After the matter fermented for a night, in the next few days, the news about Hou Wenqing, a member of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, who took the opportunity to blackmail the postman while drunk, quickly spread throughout the government and the public.

The spread of the news was so wide and so fast that it was jaw-dropping. Even ordinary people knew that such a number one person existed.

After that, Hou Wenqing himself said that he was ill at home and thanked guests behind closed doors, making the Ministry of Works a laughing stock as well.

After all, the whole thing was too bizarre. After all, Hou Wenqing was a member of the Ministry of Industry and a high-ranking official of the imperial court, but he even wanted to take advantage of this small advantage.

Soon some storytellers sensed the business opportunities and adapted the story into a story to satisfy the curiosity of those who listened.

Gradually, various versions of the story emerged one after another, making the audience laugh, and the storytellers made a lot of money.

Time passed by slowly, and in the blink of an eye, it was time for cabinet discussions.

……

Forbidden City, Qianqing Palace.

In the early morning, Jiajing put on his robes under the care of his personal eunuchs. Soon after, Lu Fang entered the Qianqing Palace with silent steps as usual.

After entering Qianqing Palace, Lu Fang came to Jiajing, leaned down and said respectfully: "Your Majesty!"

"Ah."

When Jiajing heard the words, he just responded in a subtle way.

After that, Jiajing waved his hand quite casually, signaling the eunuch beside him to step back.

After the personal eunuch retreated, Jiajing picked up a storybook novel from the desk beside him.

Then, Jiajing looked in the direction of Lu Fang, raised his eyebrows, and asked with interest: "Lu Fang, do you know what this is?"

After Lu Fang carefully looked at the story novel in Jiajing's hand, she responded tentatively: "Your Majesty, from what I can see, this is very similar to the story novel compiled by the storytellers in the teahouse."

When Jiajing heard what Lu Fang said, he nodded and said, "Well, Lu Fang, you are right, this is a storybook novel."

When Jiajing said this, he paused for a moment and then continued to add: "And this is the most popular story novel in Beijing in recent times. You might as well guess what's in it?"

When Lu Fang heard Jiajing's words, she knew that there was no need to guess any more.

Due to the recent incident of Hou Wenqing, a foreign minister from the Ministry of Industry, who blackmailed a postman after being drunk, it has been widely circulated in the capital, and various versions of the story have emerged one after another.

Out of curiosity, Lu Fang also asked someone to buy the storytellers' novels.

Soon, Lu Fang was attracted by the absurd and funny stories in them. These story-telling novels, without exception, all featured Hou Wenqing, a foreigner from the Ministry of Industry, as the protagonist.

These story-telling novels not only vividly describe the entire process of Hou Wenqing's extortion of Yi Cheng, but also carry out a lot of artistic processing on this basis, which is amazing.

After that, Lu Fang suppressed all the chaotic thoughts in her heart, looked in the direction of Jiajing, and said cautiously: "Your Majesty, these storytellers compiled by storytellers are detrimental to the court's face. Do you want to... "

When Jiajing heard this, he glanced at Lu Fang, shook his head, and said slowly: "No need, just let it be!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

When Lu Fang heard this, she immediately lowered her head and responded without thinking.

"It's almost time, come with me to the cabinet!"

"As you command, Your Majesty!"

After answering, Lu Fang was seen walking out of Qianqing Palace, following Jiajing step by step.

As soon as she walked out of Qianqing Palace, out of the corner of her eye, Lu Fang accidentally glanced at the novel that Jiajing was holding.

"Hey, what is your Majesty doing with a novel?"

Although Lu Fang was very curious about this, he did not choose to ask out loud. He would know sooner or later anyway.

……

Meanwhile, the Forbidden City, the Cabinet.

Taking advantage of the gap before the emperor came, everyone hurriedly dealt with the memorials sent by the subordinate officials.

At this time, Yan Shifan was seen putting the completed memorial in his hand aside. Whenever he recalled what happened last night, Yan Shifan's face unconsciously showed anger.

Last night, Luo Longwen, the minister of the Ministry of Industry, and other officials from the Ministry of Industry came to the house to complain to Yan Shifan.

Recently, Hou Wenqing, a member of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, took the opportunity to blackmail a postman while drunk, which was widely spread in the court and even reached the point where everyone knew about it.

Coupled with the encouragement of those storytellers, in addition to Hou Wenqing himself, the Ministry of Industry also became the target of ridicule from other departments in the Ming Dynasty.

In recent times, whenever officials from the Ministry of Industry go on duty, they will inevitably be criticized by colleagues from other departments.

Many officials from the Ministry of Industry complained about this and wanted to defend themselves, but they didn't know where to start.

After all, such ridiculous things did happen.

In order to avoid these rumors and the criticism behind them, some officials from the Ministry of Industry even chose to report illness and stay at home, planning to wait for the limelight to pass.

"The face of our Ministry of Industry has been completely disgraced by this Hou Wenqing. Just wait, I can't spare you!"

Yan Shifan thought of this and subconsciously clenched his fists.

……

At this moment, a high-pitched voice was heard, bringing Yan Shifan back to reality: "Your Majesty is here!"

As soon as the words fell, everyone in the cabinet immediately stopped reviewing the memorial.

Later, under the leadership of Yan Song, the chief minister of the cabinet, he knelt on the ground and waited for the emperor's arrival.

When they saw the emperor's figure appear in their sight, they all said in unison.

"I bow to your majesty, long live my emperor!"

After Jiajing sat down in his own seat, he glanced at everyone, nodded indiscernibly, and said: "Well, everyone, get up!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

After receiving Jiajing's permission, everyone stood up from the ground one after another and sat back down in their seats.

At this time, Yan Song, who had sharp eyes, discovered the novel that Jiajing was holding.

While he was still curious about this, Jiajing looked around, faced everyone, raised the novel in his hand, and asked.

"My dear friends, do you know what I am holding in my hand?"

Gao Gong recognized the book in Jiajing's hand at a glance. It was the most popular story-telling novel in the capital recently.

Although Gao Gong recognized him, he had no intention of answering.

After all, it was obvious that the emperor was here to punish the emperor, and no one dared to be the one who stood out at this time and get into trouble.

Then, Gao Gong calmed down and glanced at Yan Shifan not far away, his face full of gloating.

Seeing that there was no response, Jiajing turned his gaze away and said to himself: "Since none of you, my beloved, know, let me tell you. What I have in my hand is what I have learned recently. The most popular story-telling novel in the capital!"

"It vividly describes the whole process of a fifth-rank imperial official blackmailing a postman after being drunk!"

"The imperial court will be completely disgraced!"

When Jiajing said this, he suddenly raised his tone, and then slammed the novel in his hand on the table.

Seeing the emperor's anger, everyone in the cabinet had a look of panic on their faces. They all knelt on the ground and admonished: "Your Majesty, please calm down!"

When Jiajing heard this, he did not respond immediately. After looking around, he faced everyone and asked: "Dear ladies, how do you think this matter should be handled?"

At this moment, Yan Shifan, who was kneeling on the ground, knew clearly that as Minister of the Ministry of Industry, he had to shoulder this responsibility.

Immediately, Yan Shifan organized the words in his mind, raised his head, looked in the direction of Jiajing, and said bravely: "Your Majesty... Your Majesty, in view of the seriousness of the matter, let's just do as we said before. How about never using your official position?"

After listening to the suggestions given by Yan Shifan, Jiajing pondered for a moment, nodded, and then ordered: "Well, that's it. When you come down later, your cabinet will announce the results of the process. Get out!"

Seeing that Jiajing had made the final decision, everyone couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief. After all, this meant that the whole matter was over.

In the officialdom, there is naturally no option to eradicate the roots. As a saying goes, the one who started the fire will have no consequences.

Therefore, no matter what, the last trace of decency will always be retained.

……

After that, Jiajing looked back, sat back on the dragon chair, and said: "Everyone, get up!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!" After everyone got up from the ground one after another and sat back on their chairs, they saw Jiajing knocking on the jade pan beside him. With a crisp sound of 'ding', it meant that this cabinet meeting The discussion officially begins.

Then, Jiajing turned around and glanced at Lu Fang beside him.

The latter quickly understood, immediately stepped forward, faced everyone, and said in a deep voice: "Today, there are two main things discussed by the cabinet. The first thing is the various matters related to the war between the imperial court and Amada Khan, and the second thing is For the Enko that will be held by the court soon!”

After Lu Fang finished speaking, he returned to stand beside Jiajing, motionless like a sculpture.

After Lu Fang finished announcing what was discussed by the cabinet, a hint of excitement flashed across Zhang Juzheng's face.

It can be said that everything discussed by the cabinet today is closely related to him.

On the one hand, the imperial court was preparing to go to war with Anda Khan, and his suggestion as the Minister of War was indispensable. On the other hand, Xu Jie had previously promised that he would personally recommend himself to His Majesty as a co-examiner for this Enke examination.

Thinking of this, Zhang Juzheng glanced at Xu Jie not far away calmly, his eyes full of expectation.

"Mr. Xu Ge, you have to stand up later!"

At this moment, Jiajing's voice was heard, bringing Zhang Juzheng back to reality: "If you have any ideas about the imperial court's next war with Amada Khan, just put it forward!"

As soon as Jiajing finished speaking, Xu Jie stood up first and said respectfully: "Your Majesty, I have this report for you!"

When Jiajing heard this, he glanced at Xu Jie, nodded slightly, nodded, and then said: "Speak!"

After getting Jiajing's approval, Xu Jie organized the words in his mind, faced everyone, and said slowly: "Everyone here should have noticed that the weather this year is much colder than before!"

"Due to the influence of the weather, the water and grass on the grassland will be far less lush than before, and it will not be able to support too many people and livestock. In order to get out of the predicament, Anda Khan only had to go south to plunder!"

After listening to Xu Jie's analysis, Yan Song on the side frowned and confirmed to him: "What Mr. Xu Ge means is that Anda Khan will definitely invade this year?"

"Well, Mr. Yan Ge's guess is correct. I'm sure that Anda Khan will invade on a large scale this year!"

"In the past year, although the Tatar cavalry came to harass our Ming border from time to time, the scale each time was not large. It was more like exploring the road than an attack. The imperial court also received Hami guards more than once. , Shazhou Guard, and Suzhou Guard’s reports.”

When Xu Jie said this, he paused for a moment, and then continued to add: "Besides, now, the left-wing Chahar tribe is already under the control of my Ming Dynasty. Weichen speculates that Anda Khan will not know this until he learns about it." After hearing the news, I will definitely have trouble sleeping and eating!"

"You must know that the original left-wing Chahar tribe was expelled from the grassland by the Tumut tribe where Amada Khan belonged. There was an irresolvable hatred between them."

"If one day, the left-wing Chahar tribe regains its strength, then it only needs to join forces with the Ming Dynasty, and the Tumote tribe where Anda Khan is located will be in an unfavorable situation of being attacked from both sides."

"Due to the harsh climate, the water and grass on the grassland were unable to support such a large population and livestock. Therefore, Anda Khan had only one option left, which was to go south to plunder and start a war with the Ming Dynasty to help the tribe survive. This crisis!”

"While going south to plunder and help the tribe survive this crisis, Anda Khan was also able to intimidate the Chahar tribe on the left who was watching eagerly from the side, so that they did not dare to act rashly."

"For the sake of safety, Anda Khan will definitely use all his chips. In other words, the scale of this war will be much larger than before!"

After everyone listened to Xu Jie's well-founded analysis, they already believed 80% of the conjecture that Xu Jie had put forward before.

Then, Yan Song stood up from his seat tremblingly, looked in the direction of Jiajing, and said respectfully: "Your Majesty, I think Mr. Xu Ge's conjecture is reasonable!"

After Yan Song, Zhang Juzheng also stood up and expressed his attitude to Jiajing: "Your Majesty, I also think Mr. Xu Ge's conjecture is correct!"

When Jiajing heard this, the expression on his face gradually became serious.

After pondering for a moment, Jiajing looked in the direction of Xu Jie, nodded, and said in a deep voice: "Well, what Mr. Xu Ge said makes sense. After he comes down, he will formally notify the various border guards to strengthen them." Be on guard, if there is any trouble, report it to the court immediately!"

"At the same time, the Ministry of Revenue can also start transporting supplies such as grain, grass, ordnance!"

"In addition, send an envoy to the Chahar Department on the left wing and ask him to go to war with me, the Ming Dynasty!"

After Jiajing finished speaking, he glanced at everyone and gave the order.

When Jiajing finished speaking, everyone in the cabinet looked stern, lowered their heads, and responded in a deep voice: "As you command, Your Majesty!"

……

After learning that Anda Khan would launch a massive invasion by then, Jiajing's sense of urgency increased to another level.

After all, the next battle with Anda Khan will be a battle related to the national destiny of the Ming Dynasty. As long as Anda Khan can be defeated, there will be no more wars on the borders of the Ming Dynasty from now on.

If unfortunately defeated, the situation of the Ming Dynasty, which was originally on the rise, will definitely take a turn for the worse. Once the elite is exhausted, the Gengshu Revolution that happened in the 29th year of Jiajing may be repeated.

Jiajing couldn't help but clenched his fists when he thought of this.

Then, he glanced at everyone present one by one and asked: "Now that we know that Anda Khan will invade in a large scale, who do you think should be in charge of the imperial army? "

As soon as Jiajing finished speaking, Zhang Juzheng stood up from his seat and responded without thinking: "Your Majesty, I have a personal note for you!"

"speak!"

After receiving Jiajing's consent, Zhang Juzheng suppressed his excitement, looked in the direction of Jiajing, and said respectfully: "Your Majesty, I feel that Governor Yang Xuan of Jiliao should be responsible for commanding the imperial army! "

"Before this, Yang Xuan, the governor of Jiliao, had made great military exploits for the court. Not only did he annihilate the 30,000 Tatar army that came to invade the Ming Dynasty in one fell swoop, but he also captured Jasak Tuhan alive. The minister felt that it was up to him to It’s perfect to be responsible for commanding the imperial army!”

After listening to Zhang Juzheng's proposal, Jiajing thought about it for a moment, nodded, and agreed to Zhang Juzheng's proposal.

"Well, I agree. When the time comes, Yang Xuan, the governor of Jiliao, will be the commander-in-chief, responsible for commanding the imperial army, and at the same time deploying the nine border troops. I will complete my work in one battle and completely eliminate Anda Khan!"

When Jiajing said this, he paused for a moment, faced everyone, and continued: "Then the Shenji Battalion will also go out with the army!"

"What, the Shenji Battalion will also go out with the army!"

Jiajing's words, like a bombshell, soon caused an uproar. At this moment, everyone's faces were full of disbelief.

Although the Shenji Battalion is one of the three major battalions in the capital and plays the important role of guarding the capital internally and preparing for external battles, generally speaking, the Shenji Battalion will not be dispatched.

The person currently in charge of commanding the Shenji Battalion is none other than Duke Cheng, Zhu Xizhong.

According to the emperor's previous statement, when the Shenji Battalion goes out with the army, doesn't it mean that Duke Cheng Guo will also go out with the army?

After thinking about this, Yan Song stood up from his seat tremblingly and raised objections: "Your Majesty... Your Majesty, is there anything wrong with letting the Shenji Battalion participate in the battle? You need to know the success The Duke is my Ming Dynasty..."

Before Yan Song could finish his words, he was interrupted by Jiajing: "Old Yan Ge, do you know what Duke Cheng Guo said when he found me earlier?"

When Jiajing said this, a look of memory appeared on his face.

After thinking about it for a long time, Jiajing came back to his senses and said to himself: "As the Duke of Chengguo of my Ming Dynasty, I have been a minister of the world, and I will retire with my country!"

"Weichen's ancestors all died on the road to expand territory for the Ming Dynasty. If this is the case, then why should Weichen retreat?"

"Ananda Khan has repeatedly invaded the borders of the Ming Dynasty and is a serious problem for the Ming Dynasty. When we raise troops to fight against it, I am not afraid of death. Even if I am unfortunately killed in battle, I have sons and grandsons who can continue to serve the Ming Dynasty." Efficacy!”

After Jiajing finished speaking, he raised his head, glanced at Yan Song, and asked rhetorically: "Old Yan Ge, do you think I can refuse?"

When Jiajing finished speaking, the entire cabinet fell into a dead silence.

Xu Jie on the side wanted to say something, but he opened his mouth but no sound came out.

Time passed by slowly. I don’t know how long it had passed, but Gao Gong stood up and broke the silence.

"Your Majesty, I support sending the Shenji Battalion to join the battle!"

"The Shenji Battalion is originally responsible for guarding the capital internally and preparing for war outside. Since there will be war ahead, the Shenji Battalion, as one of the three major battalions in the capital, naturally has to shoulder its due responsibilities. Therefore, Wei Chen supports This decision to send the Shenji Battalion to join the war!"

After Gao Gong finished speaking, he lowered his head and said no more words.

Hearing this, Jiajing looked Gao Gong up and down, nodded, and cast an approving look at him: "What Gao Aiqing just said won my heart, um, not bad!"

After that, Jiajing withdrew his eyes from Gao Gong, faced everyone, and then said: "As Gao Aiqing said before, our Shenji Battalion of the Ming Dynasty is responsible for guarding the capital internally and preparing for external battles. important task!”

"Many of our clans and nobles of the Ming Dynasty have made great contributions to the court. Some of them died on the way to open up the territory and expand the territory for the Ming Dynasty. Some of them defended the country and stabilized the country for the Ming Dynasty, such as Chengguo Gong Zhu Neng, British Duke Zhang Fu, Guizhou Duke Mu Sheng..."

As Jiajing spoke one name after another, the expressions of Yan Song, Xu Jie and others also changed.

These people are all members of the clan and nobles who have made outstanding contributions to the Ming Dynasty, and now, His Majesty wants to take them out and gag himself.

"Nowadays, just because the person responsible for commanding the Shenji Battalion is a member of the Ming Dynasty's clan and nobles, do we have to avoid it?"

When Jiajing said this, he narrowed his eyes, and the meaning of his words was self-evident.

Seeing the emperor say such heart-wrenching words, everyone present did not dare to respond. At the same time, they also knew that the emperor's mind had been made up.

Yan Song knew very well that as long as something was determined by the emperor, there was no possibility of changing it.

Whether it was when the maritime ban was lifted, or when the Manchu civil and military pressure was forced to implement the policy of integrating grain payments between officials and gentry.

From beginning to end, the emperor never wavered and carried out his will unswervingly.

After thinking about this, Yan Song came back to his senses, leaned down, and said respectfully: "Your Majesty, I agree to send the Shenji Battalion to participate in the battle!" (End of this chapter)