I, Jiajing, successfully cultivated immortality

In just a blink of an eye, it's time to go on duty.

Beijing, Yan's study room.

At this time, the charcoal fire in the room was burning brightly. Yan Shifan looked at Yan Song who was sitting behind the desk not far away, and a trace of worry flashed across his face.

Since coming back, Yan Song has been taciturn and thoughtful.

Just when Yan Shifan mustered up the courage to ask about the reason, Yan Song came back to his senses, sighed helplessly, and asked: "Yan Shifan, in your opinion, why does your Majesty insist on letting the Shenji Battalion go to war? "

When Yan Shifan heard Yan Song's words, he did not respond immediately. After thinking about it for a long time, he cautiously said: "Father, I feel that Your Majesty may want to take this opportunity to support those clans and nobles!"

After listening to Yan Shifan's response, Yan Song nodded and said in agreement: "Well, you guessed it right. The reason why His Majesty insisted on letting the Shenji Battalion go to war was to support the clan and Xun. Noble power, send him to the court step by step!"

When Yan Shifan heard this, his pupils suddenly shrank, and his face was filled with a look of shock that could not be concealed.

Seeing this situation, Yan Song just glanced at Yan Shifan quite indifferently and continued.

"If the Shenji Battalion commanded by Cheng Guogong performs well on the battlefield and achieves great military exploits, His Majesty will be able to use this as an excuse to use the power of victory to send off those clans and nobles in a grand manner. Enter the court!"

"Even if Duke Cheng Guo unfortunately dies for his country in this battle, Your Majesty can still publicize it in the name of comforting the loyal martyrs and greatly improve the image of the clan and nobles in the minds of the world."

"If this continues, sooner or later, my Ming clan and nobles will regain their previous influence!"

After listening to Yan Song's analysis, Yan Shifan gradually realized that the whole thing was a naked conspiracy.

Then, he looked reluctantly in the direction of Yan Song and asked, "Father, can we just watch?"

When Yan Shifan said this, he seemed to suddenly think of something, and tentatively asked Yan Song: "In that case, father, should we do anything when the time comes..."

Before Yan Shifan finished speaking, he was coldly interrupted by Yan Song: "Shut up, you idiot, you dare to go against His Majesty, do you want to die?"

After reprimanding Yan Shifan, Yan Song clenched his fists and said to himself: "The next battle with Anda Khan is not only a battle of revenge for my Ming Dynasty, but also related to the national destiny of my Ming Dynasty!"

"If we win, there will be no more wars in the Ming Dynasty's borders from now on. In this way, my wish will be fulfilled, and I can feel at ease!"

After Yan Song finished speaking, a look of relief appeared on his face.

……

Yan Song's voice was not loud, but it was like a heavy hammer, hitting Yan Shifan's heart hard.

Afterwards, after carefully considering his tone, Yan Shifan looked in the direction of Yan Song and asked with a worried look: "Father...Father, what do you mean by what you just said? Is it...is it possible, do you want to..."

Yan Song took in the expression on Yan Shifan's face. After pondering for a moment, he responded: "Yan Shifan, I said before that no one can stay in the position of chief minister of the cabinet forever!"

"Your father and I have been the chief minister of the cabinet for more than 20 years. I am tired. Rather than letting others kick your father out of the position of chief minister of the cabinet, it is better for you to be wiser, step down voluntarily, and give me a job." Make way for those who are late, what do you think?”

Yan Shifan felt a little at a loss for what Yan Song said. After all, he had been accustomed to relying on Yan Song.

On weekdays, when he encounters any difficult problems, the first thing he thinks of is to see if his father has any solution. At the same time, he gradually gets used to acting under Yan Song's protection.

But now, Yan Song bluntly told him that he had the idea of ​​becoming an official. How could this not shock him?

After that, Yan Shifan seemed to have grasped some life-saving straw. He looked in the direction of Yan Song and continued to ask: "Father, if you step down from the position of chief minister of the cabinet, who will replace you then?" Xu Jie!"

"Once Xu Jie becomes the chief minister of the cabinet, he will definitely launch a liquidation against us!"

When he said this, Yan Shifan's face was full of anxiety.

When Yan Song heard this, the expression on his face did not change much. He just waved his hand and said with unusual certainty: "Don't worry, Xu Jie will not have the chance to become the chief minister of the cabinet!"

Yan Shifan was confused by Yan Song's inexplicable words. He frowned, his face full of confusion, and asked: "Father, what do you mean by this?"

At this time, Yan Song did not mean to answer Yan Shifan's doubts. Instead, he waved his hand casually and said with a tired look: "Okay, it's getting late and I'm a little tired. You can go down first." !”

"Yes, father, please leave now!"

Naturally, Yan Shifan did not dare to violate Yan Song's words in the slightest. After bowing to Yan Song, he walked out of the study.

At this time, Yan Shifan still had a trace of unrealistic fantasy in his heart. He desperately hoped that this was just Yan Song complaining in front of him.

By the time tonight is over, everything will be back to normal.

After Yan Shifan left, Yan Song had an inexplicable look on his face.

Then, he stood up from his seat tremblingly, came to the desk, and gently touched the "Spring and Autumn" that he had read countless times with his thin hands.

At this time, Yan Song suddenly felt a lot of emotion in his heart. Counting from the time when he became an official, these books in the study have been with him for decades.

"After Anda Khan's serious concern is resolved, the Ming Dynasty's borders will be stabilized. By then, Your Majesty will no longer have any worries and will be able to free up his hands to carry out drastic reforms!"

"Whether it is the examination law that is still in the process of being brewed, or the land purification of the whole country, it is not something I can accomplish. I should be wiser, give way to young people as soon as possible, and obediently retire from the position of chief minister of the cabinet. Come down!"

"But before that, we must get rid of Anta Khan, a serious nuisance. And in order to ensure a smooth war, Xu Jie's assistance is indispensable!"

Yan Song thought of this, with a dark and inexplicable look on his face. It was out of this consideration that he reminded Xu Jie at the banquet years ago.

After that, he put down the "Spring and Autumn" in his hand, walked out of the study slowly with his hands behind his back.

Looking at the moon in the distance that was obscured by thick clouds, Yan Song lowered his head and murmured to himself: "Xu Jie, Xu Jie, the grudges between us will soon come to an end!"

……

On the other side, Xu Jie's mansion in the capital.

After being on duty, Zhang Juzheng made a special visit to express his gratitude.

At this time, Zhang Juzheng's face was filled with tears of gratitude. He stood up from his seat, looked at Xu Jie who was sitting in the main seat, leaned down and said respectfully: "Thank you Mr. Xu Ge for standing up during the day." Come out and recommend me to His Majesty!"

Xu Jie, who was sitting in the main seat, heard this, stroked his beard, and responded with a smile: "No, no, wasn't this decided years ago?"

When Xu Jie said this, he paused for a moment and then continued to add: "What's more, I just mentioned it in passing, but His Majesty decided to let you be the co-examiner without even thinking about it. It can be seen from this that, How much your Majesty attaches great importance to you!"

After finishing his emotion, Xu Jie looked in the direction of Zhang Juzheng, pretending to be casual, and asked Zhang Juzheng: "By the way, during the day, what did you recommend to His Majesty for the Sutra Banquet about Guan Ma Ziqiang?" intention?"

Zhang Juzheng couldn't help but feel a thump in his heart when he heard Xu Jie's words. Then he saw him react and respectfully responded: "Mr. Xu Ge, I have no special intention in recommending Ma Ziqiang, the official of the Sutra Banquet. It’s just out of love for talents!”

"Since this person was able to win the first place in last year's provincial examination, it proves that he still has some real talents."

"Mr. Xu Ge, there is a saying that is good. What you see on paper will only be shallow in the end. You must know that this matter must be carried out. Rather than letting him continue to waste time in the position of an official at the banquet, it is better to let him go to the local level to experience After some research, you might be able to find a piece of rough jade, right?"

After hearing what Zhang Juzheng said, Xu Jie nodded and said in agreement: "Well, that makes sense. Empty talk will harm the country, but hard work will prosper the country!"

After that, Xu Jie glanced at Zhang Juzheng and joked: "Having said that, to be valued by Zhang Taiyue, I think this Ma Ziqiang must be talented and ambitious!"

Hearing this, Zhang Juzheng's face was full of humility and he responded respectfully: "No, no, Xu Ge's old words are serious!"

After that, Zhang Juzheng had no intention of hiding it, so he informed Xu Jie about what happened when Ma Ziqiang visited him not long ago.

After listening to Zhang Juzheng's narration, Xu Jie's face was full of emotion: "Well, not bad, this Ma Ziqiang is very motivated."

"You should know that the weather a while ago should not be underestimated. If you stay outside for a while, your whole body will be frozen to the point of unconsciousness, but this Ma Ziqiang can actually wait at the door!"

Zhang Juzheng on the side heard Xu Jie's words and immediately echoed: "Yes, Mr. Xu Ge, I was also moved by this Ma's determination to improve himself, so I decided to go with the flow and help him!"

"As for how far he can go, it all depends on his own destiny!"

After hearing Zhang Juzheng's explanation, Xu Jie felt relieved, nodded, and said slowly: "Yes, it all depends on his own luck!"

After that, Zhang Juzheng chatted with Xu Jie for a while. Seeing that it was almost time, Zhang Juzheng stood up from his seat and said goodbye to Xu Jie.

"Mr. Xu Ge, it's getting late. You should go to bed early and take your leave first!"

"Ah."

Immediately, Zhang Juzheng did not hesitate at all. After bowing to Xu Jie, he walked out of the room.

"This Xu Jie is really sharp, but fortunately, he didn't notice anything strange!"

"After this Enke exam, everything will be different. At that time, we will have to find some good seedlings from those new subjects..."

At this time, Zhang Juzheng had no time to pay attention to the scenery outside the sedan curtain. His thoughts had already drifted to a far away place. …

On the other side, Zhang Juzheng is outside his residence in Beijing.

At this time, Ma Ziqiang was waiting respectfully at the door, standing motionless like a sculpture.

The difference from last time was that Ma Ziqiang's face at this time was full of excitement that could not be concealed, and there was no confusion or hesitation in his eyes.

Shortly after the cabinet deliberations concluded, the news that Zhang Juzheng, Minister of the Ministry of War and Bachelor of Wenhua Palace, personally recommended Ma Ziqiang, the official of the Sutra Banquet, to the emperor spread like wildfire.

As soon as this news came out, it instantly shocked the government and the public. After all, Zhang Juzheng was an important minister of the imperial court and was deeply trusted by the emperor.

In comparison, the Jingyan lecturer named Ma Ziqiang whom he recommended seemed a bit unremarkable.

As a result, everyone's eyes involuntarily shifted to Ma Ziqiang.

On the one hand, they were amazed at his good luck. Less than a year into his official career, he was able to be valued by the cabinet elders. On the other hand, he wanted to learn from him how to catch up with Zhang Juzheng.

Nothing can withstand deep digging. Soon, the whole process of Ma Ziqiang's visit to Zhang Juzheng was announced by the good guys.

After everyone learned the whole story, they couldn't help but be a little surprised.

After all, Ma Ziqiang really wanted to make progress. He was able to brave the severe cold and wait for so long in front of Zhang Juzheng's house. He can be called the contemporary "Cheng Menlixue".

As soon as this news came out, some people ridiculed Ma Ziqiang for his eagerness to seek an official position and only knew how to flatter the official, while more people were secretly envious.

After all, the final result was good. Ma Ziqiang, a humble Jingyan lecturer who had just entered the official career, was strongly recommended by Zhang Juzheng, the Minister of War at the time, and his future future was immeasurable.

In the officialdom, as long as you can climb up, no matter how clumsy the methods in the middle are, as long as you can reach that high position, then everything will be worth it.

Didn't you see that the current chief minister of the cabinet, Yan Song, also relied on overthrowing the former chief minister Xia Yan to achieve his current status?

Ma Ziqiang was naturally aware of these rumors in the court, but he didn't care.

In his opinion, a gentleman does not care about his heart, and no matter what, as long as he can do practical things for the people, then it is worthwhile.

Therefore, after getting off duty, he came here to wait specifically to express his gratitude to Zhang Juzheng.

After all, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If you seize it successfully, your career will be smooth and smooth in the future.

……

Just as Ma Ziqiang's thoughts were racing, he saw the sedan chair Zhang Juzheng was riding in not far away.

At this time, Zhang Juzheng, who opened the sedan curtain and admired the scenery on both sides of the road, naturally discovered Ma Ziqiang waiting at his door.

Seeing this, a look of relief flashed across his face, he stroked his beard and commented: "Well, not bad, this Ma Ziqiang is actually a grateful person!"

After Zhang Juzheng's sedan stopped, Ma Ziqiang, who had been waiting for a long time, immediately came up to him, leaned down and said respectfully: "Mr. Zhang Ge!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Juzheng just glanced at Ma Ziqiang, and then said: "Well, follow me in!"

"Yes, Mr. Zhang Ge!"

After answering, Ma Ziqiang followed Zhang Juzheng step by step and entered the mansion.

Although this was his second visit, Ma Ziqiang was still a little embarrassed about it.

After the servant brought a cup of hot tea to Zhang Juzheng and Ma Ziqiang respectively, he bowed and left.

Then, Zhang Juzheng, who was sitting in the main seat, picked up the tea cup, took a sip, turned his eyes in the direction of Ma Ziqiang, and asked, "What's the matter?"

As soon as Zhang Juzheng finished speaking, Ma Ziqiang stood up from his seat, lowered his head, and responded without thinking: "Mr. Zhang Ge, I came here specifically to thank you. If it weren't for you, , I’m afraid I will never have this opportunity in my lifetime!”

Zhang Juzheng didn't seem to care about this, he just waved his hand quite casually, and then said: "The recommendation of my elder is of course on one hand, but on the other hand, it also depends on yourself, doesn't it?"

When Ma Ziqiang heard Zhang Juzheng's words, he immediately looked stern and promised in a deep voice: "Yes, Mr. Zhang Ge, I will live up to your trust and handle this matter properly!"

Hearing this, Zhang Juzheng nodded. Then, he raised his eyebrows, looked in the direction of Ma Ziqiang, and asked: "You must have heard some of the rumors in the court, what do you think?" ?”

When Ma Ziqiang heard this, he did not respond immediately. Instead, after thinking about it for a moment, he looked directly into Zhang Juzheng's eyes and said in a deep voice: "Mr. Zhang Ge, I don't care about the rumors in the court!"

"The official feels that a gentleman's deeds do not matter his heart. No matter what, as long as it can benefit the people in the end, then it is acceptable!"

Zhang Juzheng had been in the officialdom for many years and had already developed a pair of sharp eyes. He knew that what Ma Ziqiang said was true and he did not care about the rumors in the court.

"Well, that's right. It's really rare to have such an awareness just after entering the official career. Future reforms may need this person's help!"

"It's just a good opportunity to let him go to the local area for some experience, understand the actual situation, and accumulate experience for the future!"

While Zhang Juzheng was still calculating in his mind, he heard Ma Ziqiang's slightly flinching voice, bringing him back to reality.

"Mr. Zhang Ge, I don't understand. Why do you want me to pay special attention to matters related to taxation?"

"Not long ago, didn't His Majesty just issue an edict to exempt the people of the world from taxes for one year?"

Zhang Juzheng heard Ma Ziqiang's words. After pondering for a moment, Zhang Juzheng explained: "Sometimes when a government order is promulgated, it does not mean that it is truly implemented. Local officials shirk and delay from time to time."

After listening to Zhang Juzheng's explanation, Ma Ziqiang looked thoughtful.

Of course, Zhang Juzheng did not tell the truth to Ma Ziqiang. He just wanted to get more accurate information through Ma Ziqiang.

In Zhang Juzheng's view, the current tax system of the Ming Dynasty has many shortcomings and needs urgent reform.

The Ming Dynasty's population tax and land tax were levied based on the Yellow Book and the Fish Scale Book respectively. The Yellow Book is a household registration register for the national population, and the Fish Scale Book is a map drawn after measuring the national land.

During the Hongwu period, the two-tax law since the Tang and Song Dynasties was followed. The tax levied in summer was called summer tax and had to be paid by the end of August. The tax levied in autumn was called autumn grain and had to be paid in February of the following year.

Generally, taxes are mainly paid in kind. In addition to rice and wheat, payments can also be made in money, banknotes, gold, silver, silk, etc.

However, there are also many problems. First, it is unfair that the rich and poor bear equal taxes. Second, it is easy to cause price increases due to improper tax burdens, thereby increasing the burden on the people.

The most important point is that if physical goods are collected, they will inevitably be exploited by low-level officials. There are many examples of low-level officials engaging in malpractice, wasting public food, and enriching their own pockets.

Therefore, in Zhang Juzheng's view, the whip law proposed by Gui E (e) in the 10th year of Jiajing should be implemented, that is, to stop collecting physical goods and merge land taxes, corvees and other miscellaneous taxes in various states and counties into one , only taels of silver are collected.

After the imperial court has cleared all the land in the country, it can levy taxes according to the amount of land. If there is more land, more taxes will be levied, and if there is less land, less taxes will be levied.

In this way, it can not only increase the court's taxes, but also ease conflicts and reduce the burden on the people.

Time passed by slowly. I don’t know how long it had passed. Ma Ziqiang came back to his senses, looked in the direction of Zhang Juzheng, and said in a deep voice: "Thank you, Mr. Zhang Ge, for reminding me. I understand!"

"Ah."

When Zhang Juzheng heard this, he just stroked his beard and responded in an incomprehensible manner.

Afterwards, Zhang Juzheng turned his gaze to Ma Ziqiang and said slowly: "I will give you one more word. In the officialdom, you must be on the same page!"

"My subordinates must take Mr. Zhang Ge's teachings to heart!"

When Ma Ziqiang heard Zhang Juzheng's words, his face was full of gratitude. He stood up from his seat and responded respectfully.

Seeing that the purpose of his trip had been successfully achieved, Ma Ziqiang had no intention of staying any longer. He stood up from his seat at the right time and said goodbye to Zhang Juzheng.

"Mr. Zhang Ge, it's getting late. I'll take my leave first!"

"Ah."

When Zhang Juzheng heard what Ma Ziqiang said, he didn't say anything to persuade him to stay. He just picked up the teacup and responded casually.

After Ma Ziqiang left, Zhang Juzheng looked away, lowered his head, and said silently to himself: "Oh, I don't know when the day will come when I, Zhang Juzheng, can display my ambition!"

After that, Zhang Juzheng stood up from his seat and walked in the direction of the study.

"Mr. Zhang Ge, don't worry, I will definitely live up to your trust!"

At this time, outside the mansion, Ma Ziqiang could be seen clenching his fists, looking away from the distant scenery, and said to himself. (End of chapter)