I, Jiajing, successfully cultivated immortality

Chapter 759 It’s time to come to an end
"Father, you are right. The child is thinking, how about just using these slaves to build roads?"

Hearing Yan Shifan's words, even the well-informed Yan Song could not help but be stunned for a moment. For him, this seemed to open the door to a new world.

"Use slaves to build roads..."

Immediately, Yan Song was seen supporting his chin with one hand, and he couldn't help but fall into deep thought.

Seeing that Yan Song had not responded to this, Yan Shifan on the side quickly added: "Father, in this way, we don't have to waste people's energy and can get things done at the same time. Isn't this the best of both worlds?"

After that, Yan Song came back to his senses, looked in the direction of Yan Shifan, and said slowly: "That being said, the imperial court has explicitly banned slave ownership. Although no one cares about it in private, we really want to get this matter On the table, the resistance is huge!”

"Besides, how to deal with those slaves will also become a problem. The most important point is, how to collect the court's taxes?"

When Yan Song said this, he withdrew his gaze from Yan Shifan, changed the subject, and continued: "Instead of thinking about these messy things, it is better to pay more attention to the current situation."

"Do you still remember what Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng said in front of everyone after they returned to the cabinet?"

When Yan Song finished speaking, a look of doubt appeared on Yan Shifan's face. After thinking about it for a moment, he tentatively spoke.

"Father, are you talking about what Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng mentioned before, about His Majesty wanting to set up a temporary organization to be responsible for delivering battle reports from the front?"

"Father, please forgive me for speaking bluntly. Isn't this a good thing? Your Majesty should be considerate..."

Before Yan Shifan finished speaking, he saw Yan Song's expression of hatred for steel and reprimanded him: "Yan Shifan, you idiot, think about it carefully. Is this matter so simple?"

"As soon as the battle was won on the front line, His Majesty was impatient to set up a new organization. You must know that the Shenji Battalion, commanded by Duke Cheng Guo personally, made great achievements in this battle."

"In my opinion, Your Majesty is clearly paving the way for the clan and nobles to return to the court!"

After pondering for a moment, Yan Song expressed his opinion with determination.

After listening to Yan Song's analysis, Yan Shifan still felt lucky and said: "But... but father, I remember, didn't Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng mention that this institution was temporarily established? It should be structured It’s not a threat, is it?”

When Yan Song heard this, he just glanced at Yan Shifan indifferently and said slowly: "Although this institution is said to be temporarily established, whether and when it should be abolished is not a matter of His Majesty's word!"

Hearing this, Yan Shifan's pupils suddenly shrank, his face was full of disbelief, and his heart was filled with huge waves.

No one could have imagined that this seemingly inconspicuous thing was actually the emperor paving the way for the clan and nobles to return to the court.

After that, Yan Shifan suppressed all the chaotic thoughts in his heart, looked in the direction of Yan Song, and asked cautiously: "Father, if this is the case, should we stop it? If we let those clan members and nobles return, As for the court, I’m afraid…”

Yan Song took in the expression on Yan Shifan's face, shook his head in an incomprehensible manner, and said slowly: "No need, it is inevitable that the clan and nobles will return to the court. If anyone dares to stand in the way, Your Majesty will kill him." Life!"

"Rather than making enemies of those clans and nobles, it's better to take action in advance and form a good relationship!"

When Yan Song said this, he looked Yan Shifan up and down with cloudy eyes and said meaningfully: "Speaking of which, Gao Hanwen, your student, didn't he have a very happy conversation with Zhang Yuangong, the son of the British Duke Zhang Rong? "

"You might as well start from this aspect, and you can save a lot of trouble by then."

When Yan Shifan heard this, after being stunned for a moment, a look of sincerity appeared on his face. He leaned down and respectfully said, "Thank you, father, for your advice. I know what to do next!"

Seeing that Yan Shifan listened to his warning, Yan Song couldn't help but feel a trace of relief on his face.

Immediately, he was seen stroking his beard, looking away from Yan Shifan, and said slowly: "Okay, it's getting late, let's do this for today!"

"Yes, father, you should also rest early. The child will leave now!"

After the words fell, Yan Shifan stood up from his seat, bowed to Yan Song, and then left the study.

After Yan Shifan left, Yan Song shakily stood up from his seat. At this time, Yan Song's face was filled with an inexplicable look.

Then, he came to the bookshelf nearby, took down the "Spring and Autumn" that he had read countless times with his skinny hands, and stroked it gently.

"If everything goes well, the day will not be far away when the imperial court will completely eliminate Ada Khan!"

"Xu Jie, Xu Jie, the grudge between us should come to an end. Your family has invaded not only the people's fields, but also the military fields of the guards."

"Xu Jie, as the second minister of the cabinet, you allowed the family behind you to annex land, causing harm to the countryside, causing complaints among the people, and destitute the sergeants of the guard. When the incident happens, I want to see how you explain it to your majesty!"

"If I don't bring you down, how can I safely step down from the position of chief minister of the cabinet!"

When Yan Song said this, his face was full of determination and he clenched his fists unconsciously.

……

On the other side, Zhang Juzheng's residence in Beijing.

Although it was getting very late, Zhang Juzheng still had no intention of resting at this time. The orange light in the study room vaguely reflected Zhang Juzheng's figure.

At this time, Zhang Juzheng was sitting behind the desk, reading the letters sent by Ma Ziqiang with special concentration.

"Mr. Zhang Ge, I'm a low-ranking official, Ma Ziqiang. I'm so presumptuous in making trouble this time. I hope that Mr. Ge won't blame me!"

"It has been some time since Xianguan came to Jiaxing, Zhejiang. During this period, Xianguan found through investigation that Zhejiang has implemented the policy of exempting taxes for one year from the imperial court."

"In addition, the official also discovered some problems. When collecting taxes, the people, regardless of whether they are rich or poor, bear the same tax, which is unfair."

"Xiaoguan also learned from some villagers that when the government collects taxes, officials often take this opportunity to exploit and squeeze the people. In Xiaguan's opinion, the main reason is..."

After Zhang Juzheng finished browsing the contents of the letter, he couldn't help but stroke his beard, his face full of relief.

"Well, I was indeed right. This Ma Ziqiang is a malleable talent. With the talents he has shown, he should be able to be reused in the future."

"If we want to implement the reform measures, we cannot avoid the help of these people!"

After that, Zhang Juzheng gathered his thoughts, spread out his paper and pen, and wrote a reply with a brush dipped in ink.

Time passed by slowly. I don’t know how long it had passed, but Zhang Juzheng put the brush in his hand back to its original position.

After confirming that there were no errors or omissions in the letter, Zhang Juzheng felt relieved and put it into an envelope.

After doing this, Zhang Juzheng summoned his cronies and gave instructions: "Send someone to deliver this letter to Ma Ziqiang as soon as possible!"

Naturally, the confidant did not dare to go against Zhang Juzheng's words. Immediately, he carefully took the envelope from Zhang Juzheng's hand and said respectfully: "Yes, sir!"

After that, the confidant did not stay in the study for too long, but turned and left the room.

After the confidant left the room, Zhang Juzheng was seen rubbing his temples with his hands, a look of exhaustion that could not be concealed on his face.

"After the battle on the front line is over, it should be easy to relax!"

After comforting himself in this way, the candle on the desk was blown out. After that, Zhang Juzheng returned to his room to rest.

After lying on the bed, Zhang Juzheng tossed and turned for a long time, but still did not feel sleepy at all.

Scenes from the day flashed through his mind like a slideshow.

At this moment, Zhang Juzheng's mind suddenly flashed back to what the emperor had said in front of him and Gao Gong during the day.

"I'm thinking about setting up a temporary organization specifically responsible for sending frontline military information to me. In this case, it can also lighten the burden on you. What do you think?"

Then, Zhang Juzheng shook his head, as if he wanted to get rid of all the chaotic thoughts in his mind.

"What is the purpose of what Your Majesty said earlier? Is it to reduce the burden on the cabinet, or is it for another purpose?"

"Besides, isn't this timing too coincidental? As soon as Duke Cheng Guo made great achievements on the front line, His Majesty planned to set up a new agency to deliver military information on the front line."

"Whether it was the previous examination specifically held for the clan and nobles, or this time letting Duke Cheng Guo command the Shenji Battalion to participate in the war, it has shown His Majesty's determination to support the clan and nobles."

"Will it be the same this time..."

After thinking about it, Zhang Juzheng felt an overwhelming sleepiness coming over him, and he fell into a deep sleep.

……

In the next few days, news of the great victory at the front and the annihilation of 30,000 enemies spread thoroughly.

As soon as this news came out, both high-ranking officials and ordinary people were excited.

After all, after so many years, the imperial court finally reversed its decline and turned from defense to offense.

Moreover, 30,000 enemies were wiped out in one battle. This was a great victory that had never been imagined before!
And with the help of caring people, the deeds of Zhu Xizhong, the Duke of Chengguo, who personally led the Shenji Battalion and rushed to the front line to fight bravely, also spread.

In the past, people's impressions of clans and nobles were mostly about dissolute children who relied on the glory of their ancestors, idle around all day, had no knowledge and skills, and hung out in brothels and gambling houses.

But now, the facts tell them that among the clans and nobles of the Ming Dynasty, the above-mentioned people are not the only ones.

And in order to be loyal to the emperor and the country, Zhu Xizhong, the Duke of Chengguo, disregarded life and death and personally led the troops to fight against the vicious Tatar army!
Out of curiosity, some people deliberately learned about the identity and status of Duke Cheng Guo Zhu Xizhong. After finding out the facts, they couldn't help but feel a lot of admiration.

According to the information we have found, Cheng Guogong's lineage can be said to be full of loyal people. Zhu Neng, Duke of Chengguo, had earlier accompanied Zhu Di, King of Yan, in the campaign against Mobei. During the Battle of Jingnan, he led his army to seize the Nine Gates of Peiping and defeated Geng Bingwen, Li Jinglong and others successively, achieving great military exploits.

In the fourth year of Yongle, Zhu Neng was appointed as the General of the Conquering Yi and conquered Annan for the Ming Dynasty. Unfortunately, he died of illness in the army.

In the 22nd year of Yongle, Zhu Neng's son, Zhu Yong, accompanied Zhu Di, the founder of the Ming Dynasty, to conquer Mongolia in the north. After Xuanzong of the Ming Dynasty came to the throne, he assisted him in quelling the rebellion of Han King Zhu Gaoxi.

Now, Zhu Xizhong, the Duke of Chengguo, has taken over the burden of his ancestors and personally led the Shenji Battalion to fight against Anda Khan who came to invade the border of Ming Dynasty, throwing his head and blood for Ming Dynasty.

Let me ask, how can this not be admirable?
After the deeds of Cheng Guogong's lineage gradually spread, whether it was the Imperial College or the market tea shop, when the name of Cheng Guogong Zhu Xizhong was mentioned, they could not help but praise it.

Even the image of the clan and nobles in the minds of the people has improved a lot.

At this time, the Forbidden City, Qianqing Palace.

Jiajing was sitting on the dragon chair, listening to the report from Lu Fang.

"Your Majesty, I have already completed the things you asked me to do. Now the public's opinion of Duke Cheng is extremely high!"

"Not only that, the students of the Imperial College were also very impassioned after learning about the corresponding deeds!"

After listening to Lu Fang's report, Jiajing had a look of ridicule on his face and said to himself: "Humph, don't these ministers in the court usually jump out and say a few words about everything? Why, Mute?"

Lu Fang, who was on the side, couldn't help but have a look of fear on his face when he heard Jiajing's words. Immediately, after considering his tone, he said cautiously: "Your Majesty, as you said, there is no official in the government or the public who can stand up." Have your say on this!”

When Lu Fang said this, he paused and then added: "As if nothing happened."

After Jiajing heard Lu Fang's words, he nodded slightly and said: "Yes, I understand. Lu Fang, go and bring Mr. Yan Ge and the others over to me, and tell them that I have something important to discuss with them!"

"Yes, Your Majesty, I will go and inform Mr. Yange and the others now!"

After responding, Lu Fang did not stay in the Qianqing Palace for too long, but left directly.

Looking at Lu Fang's leaving figure, Jiajing clenched his fists unconsciously and said silently to himself: "Huh, I thought I could get away with this by pretending to be stupid, but I won't agree to it!"

……

Meanwhile, the Forbidden City, the Cabinet.

At this time, the atmosphere in the cabinet was a bit dull, no one spoke, everyone was dealing with the memorial sent by the subordinate staff in front of them.

Yan Song put aside the completed memorial in his hand, looked around, and took the lead in provoking the topic.

"By the way, Duke Cheng Guo, who has been leading troops in battles abroad recently, has received a lot of praise!"

When Yan Song finished speaking, the atmosphere in the room instantly fell into stasis.

After all, anyone with a discerning eye can see that the emperor was behind the whole thing, in order to take this opportunity to enhance the influence of the clan and nobles.

It is precisely because of this that both the government and the public have expressed silence on this matter.

There are huge differences in the interests between the civil servant group, the clan, and the noble group.

Compared with the civil servant group, the emperor naturally has more trust in the clans and nobles who are closely related to the Ming Dynasty and have blood ties with him. When the time comes, the influence of the civil servant group will inevitably decline.

There are only so many positions in the court, and no one can give up the interests in their hands.

Not long after Yan Song finished speaking, Xu Jie stood up not far away, laughed twice, and said in agreement: "Yes... yes, you must know that Duke Cheng Guo has made a great achievement this time. It’s normal to be praised for your military exploits!”

After Xu Jie finished speaking, he looked in the direction of Yan Song and asked, "What do you think, Mr. Yan Ge?"

Yan Song knew that Xu Jie was asking about his position in a subtle way.

Later, after Yan Song organized the words in his mind, he stood up and said: "Well, what Mr. Xu Ge said makes sense, I think so too."

After that, Yan Song paused for a moment, and then continued to add: "But your Majesty has always made clear rewards and punishments. Duke Cheng Guo has made such a great contribution, I'm afraid your Majesty..."

After hearing what Yan Song said, the expressions on the faces of the rest of the people became ugly.

In their view, what Yan Song wanted to express was very clear, that is, the emperor might take advantage of Cheng Guogong's great achievements and use rewards as an excuse to send clan members and nobles to the court.

While everyone was still racking their brains to think about the next response, they heard a rush of footsteps outside the cabinet.

Not long after, a subordinate official quickly entered the cabinet.

After the subordinate official entered the cabinet, he subconsciously looked in the direction of Yan Song and Xu Jie, leaned down, and reported in a deep voice: "Master Ge, Eunuch Lu is outside asking for an audience!"

"Eunuch Lu, why is he here? Could it be that..."

Just as everyone in the cabinet was thinking, Xu Jie came to his senses first, looked in the direction of the subordinate official, and said: "Well, I understand, please invite Eunuch Lu in!"

"Yes, Mr. Xu Ge!"

After receiving the specific instructions, the subordinate official did not hesitate at all. He immediately bowed his hands to everyone and then walked away.

Not long after, under the guidance of the former subordinate, Lu Fang walked in quietly.

Afterwards, when everyone saw this situation, they all stood up from their seats and saluted Lu Fang respectfully.

"I've met Eunuch Lu!"

Seeing this situation, Lu Fang's face was filled with a warm smile. She waved her hands and said in agreement: "You don't have to be so polite. Our family came here this time in compliance with His Majesty's order and specially invited you to do it." A brief account of the Qing Palace!"

When Lu Fang finished speaking, everyone present had different expressions.

After all, they had just guessed that the emperor might take advantage of Cheng Guogong's great achievements and use rewards as an excuse to send clan members and nobles to the court, when Lu Fang came.

"Everyone, come and visit our family!"

"Yes, Eunuch Lu!"

After that, everyone, led by Lu Fang, embarked on the road to Qianqing Palace.

……

Forbidden City, inside the Qianqing Palace.

"Your Majesty, Mr. Yan Ge and the others are here!"

After leading Yan Song and his entourage to the Qianqing Palace, Lu Fang leaned down, turned her gaze to Jiajing, who was sitting on the dragon chair, and reported respectfully.

When Jiajing heard this, he glanced over Lu Fang's body, nodded, and responded in a subtle way: "Yes."

Immediately, Lu Fang came to stand beside Jiajing, like a sculpture.

Later, under the leadership of Yan Song, the chief minister of the cabinet, everyone knelt on the ground and said in unison: "I bow to your majesty, long live my emperor!"

When Jiajing heard this, he gently rubbed the carved dragon head on the dragon chair with his hand, turned his eyes away, and said: "Well, everyone, get up!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

After receiving Jiajing's permission, everyone slowly stood up from the ground.

As soon as everyone got up from the ground, they heard Jiajing's slightly emotional voice: "My beloved ministers, you have been working day and night on state affairs recently. In order to get the battle report from the front line to me as soon as possible, you even did not hesitate to send two cabinet ministers. Night watch in the cabinet.”

"I am very pleased that all of you, my beloved ministers, are so loyal to the country!"

When everyone heard the emperor's words, they couldn't help but feel a thump in their hearts. They knew that what the emperor really wanted to say lay behind.

Then, Jiajing changed the subject and continued: "All of you, dear ministers, are cabinet ministers and the pillars of our Ming Dynasty. You should take better care of your body!"

"Therefore, in order to reduce the burden on your shoulders, I plan to set up a temporary organization called the Military Aircraft Department. The Military Aircraft Department will have the position of Minister of Military Aircraft, with a rank of five, and a number of military counselors, with a rank of The seventh grade."

"The responsibility of the Military Aircraft Department is to deliver the battle reports from the front line to my hands. In this way, you don't have to stay in the cabinet every night, and you can be much more relaxed. Dear friends, what do you think of my idea?"

After Jiajing finished speaking, he looked in the direction of Yan Song and others, quietly waiting for their response.

Xu Jie, who was on the side, after thinking for a long time, plucked up the courage to stand up and said slowly: "Your Majesty... Your Majesty, as a minister, you should share your worries for your Majesty. If a temporary organization is set up because of such a trivial matter, will it? Is there anything inappropriate?"

"I don't feel it's hard at all, but I feel very happy. After all, this is all for your majesty, for the court, for the country of Ming Dynasty and the people of Ming Dynasty!"

When Xu Jie said this, his face was full of perseverance. He looked in the direction of Jiajing and said solemnly: "For your majesty, I am willing to endure any hardship!"

When Yan Shifan on the side heard this, he felt a familiar feeling in his heart. He always felt that he had heard Xu Jie's words somewhere.

After Xu Jie, everyone leaned down and said in unison: "For Your Majesty, I can endure any hardship!"

(End of this chapter)