The First Gongsheng of Ming Dynasty

Chapter 227 The Order of the East Palace Lecture
March 26.

This day was Zhang Zhou’s first day of work as a Hanlin editor. Zhang Zhou, as an ordinary Hanlin, was allowed to attend the court meeting at Meridian Gate. Of course, the content of the court meeting that day had nothing to do with him directly. The emperor asked him to It seems to be "for another purpose".

And on the same day, the last court meeting was in progress regarding who would succeed Cheng Minzheng as a Hanlin scholar.

The civil servant faction recommended two people.

One is Liang Chu, the Hanlin attendant, and the other is Yang Tinghe, the Hanlin attendant. The civil servants deliberately skip Li Jie, Jiao Fang, and Wang Jia, who are now serving as attendants or lecturers. It seems that they want to introduce new forces in the Hanlin system. , on this point obviously differs from the emperor's opinion.

The emperor's own meaning has been kept secret, but Xu Qiong still recommends a third candidate who is different from the orthodox Hanlin system.

"Your Majesty, I believe that Zhang Yuanzhen, a scholar of the Imperial Academy in Nanjing, should be selected as a Bachelor of the Imperial Academy. This person is famous for his filial piety. He has been in charge of the Southern Imperial Academy for many years and has quite a lot of experience."

Xu Qiong, as the Minister of Rites, is not tolerant of Liu Jian and other forces. His choice is more about using power to fight against the most powerful system of imperial civil servants.

As for Zhang Yuanzhen...

Zhang Zhou, who listened to the court, was very aware of this person's ability. Speaking of it, he was the kind of person who was neither strong nor weak, but stayed away from the official circles of the capital all the year round, and was always in a semi-leisure state in Nanjing. It was the emperor who was deeply concerned about the death of Cheng Minzheng, and the position of Hanlin Bachelor remained vacant for more than a year until April 13th of Hongzhi. A Hanlin bachelor, that is, Liang Chu, who was a Hanlin attendant at that time.

As for Yang Tinghe...

I'm sorry, Yang Tinghe started to keep the system after his mother's death in April of the 12th year of Hongzhi, and he didn't return to the court to handle affairs until 14 months of the 27th year of Hongzhi.

Don't look at Yang Tinghe's awesomeness during the transition period from Zhengde to Jiajing, but the problem is that in the seniority ranking of the Imperial Academy today, Yang Tinghe and Liang Chu are not at the top in terms of seniority. There are Jiao Fang, Wang Jia and Li Jie on it. In the history of Hongzhi, there were no more candidates for the cabinet.

Until October of the first year of Zhengde, Jiao Fang, as an ally of Liu Jin, then the leader of the Eight Tigers, became the fourth member of the cabinet after the Big Three. Then in December of that year, Wang Jia joined the cabinet.

As for Yang Tinghe's entry into the cabinet, it was October of the second year of Zhengde.

Now just discussing who will succeed Cheng Minzheng as a Hanlin scholar, the atmosphere in the court is very gunpowder. Zhang Zhou feels that this is more resistance than pushing himself to be a servant, because this Hanlin scholar has moved the traditional civil servants in the court. basic disk.

On the court tweets, there was a fierce debate about who would be the Hanlin bachelor, and each stated the advantages and disadvantages of these candidates, while Zhang Zhou was thinking: "Old Cheng, old Cheng, how unlucky do you think you are? If not Because you are in this position, maybe even if you take bribes and count money at home every day, no one cares about you, but it’s a pity that you don’t have any political consciousness.”

……

……

Ting pushed for a long time, but there was no result.

But in terms of coming and going, they are still among the three, and Xu Qiong has gradually fallen into a disadvantage.

Zhu Youzhang finally said: "I think it's not a bad idea to take the family of the scholar Wang Jia and Wang Qing as the Hanlin Bachelors!"

Only now did the courtiers understand the candidate that the emperor had in mind.

We fought back and forth for our feelings, but none of them met His Majesty's expectations. It's no wonder that His Majesty's face has been gloomy since Tingtui began.

Some ministers are also pondering, now that they want to choose the Hanlin Bachelor, why not choose from the Bachelor of Attendance and the Bachelor of Attendance?The only one who is a Bachelor of Attendance is a Bachelor of Attendance in Nanjing Hanlin... This intention is a bit unusual.

"My dear family, Wang Qing's family has been a lecturer in the East Palace for the past two years. They have been able to work hard and have made many achievements in imperial edicts. I think he also has his own opinions and judgments in terms of selecting talents and appointments. Why? Don't you recommend him?" The emperor asked directly.

I like such a good person very much, why do you always mention some "marginal characters"?
Even if you don't mention Wang Jia, you can mention Jiao Fang and Li Jie.

I also know that Jiao Fang's character is a bit weird, you look down on her, but what about Li Jie?They are all the current pillars of the Imperial Academy, why do you insist on promoting Yang Tinghe and Liang Chu?

Liu Jian could hear the urgency of the emperor's words, and the emperor was about to entrust the order directly. He said: "Your Majesty, regarding the appointment of the Imperial Academy, we might as well wait for a long-term discussion in the next few days. It is best to select a delineated candidate, and whether to add others? "

Now the emperor is a little paranoid, and Xu Qiong also favors Zhang Yuanzhen, and has some disputes with traditional civil servants.

Liu Jian felt that since we couldn't make a decision for a while, we should first determine a direction, and then we would make a fuss about Yang Tinghe and Liang Chu's momentum, and they would be promoted.

Zhu Youtang said: "There are four candidates, which are a bit too much. If we want to decide, we will also choose three people."

This means that Zhang Yuanzhen and Wang Jia are no longer moving, and your faction of cabinet ministers must also make a sacrifice to remove one of Yang Tinghe and Liang Chu. The chief assistant will make a statement on this matter.

Liu Jian heard the intention, he said: "Then your majesty, the old minister recommended Yang Jiefu."

"Okay." Zhu Youtang said, "Then select these three people. Let's discuss other matters."

……

……

The three candidates for Hanlin Bachelor are Yang Tinghe, Zhang Yuanzhen and Wang Jia.

It seems that this court discussion will continue for a while before it can produce results, and the candidate for the Hanlin Bachelor's position is not very urgent. The reason is that the cabinet has actually taken over the task of making the imperial edict for Cheng Minzheng, and the Imperial Academy will also be in charge of the academician. Zhan Shi's errand with Zhan Shifu was divided.

The errand is not important, but the cabinet candidates hidden behind this errand have become the focus of the struggle between the DPRK and China.

Even if it is a traditional civil servant faction, it will be divided into small factions, and many people are jealous of this job. People in the Hanlin system, such as Wang Hua, Liu Ji, Zhang Bing, Jiang Lan, Wu Wei, Bai Yue, etc., also respect the Hanlin scholars. The positions are eyeing, but they are not enough to be promoted as candidates at this time.

In the court, it seems that Liaodong is still preparing for the war.

Only Zhang Zhou said that Duoyan Sanwei would come again, but ordinary ministers thought that Zhang Zhou was hysterical.Besides, Daming still has famous generals like Wang Weining, aren't they afraid that they will be Wang Weining's first stop on the grassland?
It is more in their interest to pay attention to who will be the Hanlin bachelor.

……

……

After the court meeting ended.

Zhang Zhou didn't leave, but followed Xiao Jing to Qianqing Palace, but before he walked a few steps, he saw Zhu Youtang waiting for him there.

"... Bingkuan, you have also seen that I actually want to recommend Wang Jizhi, but there are quite a few voices against it."

Zhang Zhou really wanted to say, Your Majesty, why do you insist on contradicting the civil servants?
But think about it.

Now the emperor may feel that his "wings are stiff".

Zhu Youtang said: "Do you know why I use Wang Jizhi?"

Zhang Zhou smiled wryly, "It's not because of the minister, is it?"

"Hehe." Zhu Youtang said with a smile, "You are right. It is because of you. What I think is that if he becomes a Hanlin Bachelor, there shouldn't be so much estrangement between him and you. Today you also want to When I went to the Hanlin Academy to take up my post, I already had people say hello to Wang Jizhi, no matter whether he is a Hanlin bachelor or not, when you give lectures in the East Palace, you must cooperate with each other."

"This...is not easy to cooperate with. Your Majesty should know that this minister is a newcomer, no matter how polite Bachelor Wang is, he will only treat him as a handyman."

Zhang Zhou knew how much he weighed.

If the prince was taught in the traditional way, Wang Jia would definitely not accept him.

He didn't expect Wang Jia to change some of his prejudices against him, so what if he was a teacher?Wang Jia still has his traditional airs of civil servants. Zhang Zhou discovered when the emperor arranged Jiangnan candidates to visit his teacher that the arrogance in Wang Jia's bones could not tolerate newcomers.

Zhu Youtang said: "If he can cooperate with you, you can cooperate with him. If you can't cooperate... I have an idea, so that you can speak to the prince alone. Specifically, you will know after you go there."

"..."

Zhang Zhou was also a little speechless.

You also said that the promotion of Wang Jia to the Imperial Academy is helping me?Turning my face away would put me in a position of opposition to Wang Jia.

Your Majesty, we are a little insincere.

"Bingkuan, do you think the chances of Jizhi competing with the other two are great? If I insist, I should get Liu Ge and the others to agree?" Zhu Youtang asked Zhang Zhou's opinion seriously.

Zhang Zhou wanted to say that when you become emperor, the person you choose must be the priority.

But I'm afraid that Wang Jia, like Cheng Minzheng, will be in bad luck once he receives special care.

Zhang Zhou said with a smile: "If it's these three people, then Bachelor Wang's chances are still great."

"Hey!" Zhu Youtang sighed, "I think Yang Jiefu's ability is not low. In the past two years, he has taught the prince and compiled books. He is very good at it. It's just that his qualifications are lower. In fact, I still admire him very much, without your relationship, it would not be impossible to be promoted to him."

The directness of the emperor also made Zhang Zhou feel that he might also be deeply involved in the court's employment.

From the perspective of his interests, it is indeed better to promote Wang Jia than Yang Tinghe.

People from the traditional faction, who would take Zhang Zhou seriously?

Wang Jia has always been his teacher, and Wang Jia is not a core member of Liu Jian and other factions. When he encounters pressure in the court in the future, he will naturally think of asking Zhang Zhou for help.

Zhang Zhoudao: "I have a bad premonition, it's related to Shi Yang's speech. I'm afraid that something will happen to his family in the last two months, which will delay his official career."

"Ok?"

Zhu Youtang looked puzzled.

Dai Yi next to him hurriedly asked: "Mr. Zhang, you mean, there may be... accidents in the Zuntang that Shi Yang talked about?"

Zhang Zhou sighed: "I don't know the reason behind it, but I guess Yang Shisao's family members are all in Sichuan and Shu, and they can't stand the bumpy journey. It can be speculated. It can only be said that it may be so.”

"This……"

Zhu Youtang had no objection to Yang Tinghe at first.

In other words, Yang Tinghe is not yet qualified to make the emperor feel disgusted. Yang Tinghe's current status is just a "small role".

Xiao Jing said with emotion: "It's a pity that it can't be like Mr. Zhang rescued Wei Ninghou..."

The speaker has no intention.

Zhu Youtang said: "Go, send someone to Yang Qing's house in Beijing, tell him about it, and prepare him mentally. If possible...give him a three-month vacation and let him go back and have a look. .”

"Your Majesty, this...is probably inappropriate."

Dai Yi almost tried to persuade him.

Now Zhang Zhou just said that Yang Tinghe's parents may be in danger of life, and Yang Tinghe himself is still competing for the candidate for the Hanlin Bachelor. If you do this, Your Majesty, you will not let the ministers of the court think that you are using some unconventional means to catch up A competitor for your proposed candidate?
Zhu Youtang said: "I know what you mean. I have absolutely no selfishness in this matter. I just want Yang Qing's family to prepare early. Is this wrong? Let him go back to visit relatives and be filial. If they are If you feel that I have selfish intentions, you can wait for him to come back and give him a Hanlin Bachelor."

The emperor was also very angry.

Zhang Zhou has already said that Yang Tinghe may encounter a change in his parents, I understand him and let him go back and have a look.

No matter whether it is to go back to serve parents, even if it is just to go back and see them for the last time, that is a great gift. For Confucian officials, who doesn't care about the name of filial piety?

Besides, there is no rule that only one academician can be promoted.

If it doesn't work, I will promote all three candidates to be Hanlin Bachelors at once, and see who dares to make irresponsible remarks!
……

……

Inside the Imperial Academy.

Wang Jia is also sorting out some materials in the "Da Ming Hui Dian". Now the Hanlin Academy's affairs, because the "Xianzong Shilu" has already been compiled, in addition to the main tasks of teaching the prince and enacting edicts, the main task of compiling books is This collection of administrative laws and regulations of the Ming Dynasty can be regarded as the greatest ambition of Emperor Hongzhi in governing the country, writing books and leaving a name in history.

At this moment, Liu Ji brought news to Wang Jia.

"...Jizhi, when the candidate for the Imperial Academy was discussed in today's court meeting, you were proposed by His Majesty."

As a bachelor's attendant, Wang Jia didn't need to go to the court every day. Generally, he only needed to go to the court during routine court meetings or celebrations during the festivals.

The imperial court in the Ming Dynasty emphasizes official business. You go to the yamen if you have something to do, and you don’t go if you don’t. Generally speaking, no matter how low the official position is, there is a place for it. See if there is any relevant memorandum of the person in charge corresponding to the corresponding event on that day.

Wang Jia said: "I have just been promoted to a bachelor's degree, how can I be eligible to be promoted to a bachelor's degree in the Imperial Academy?"

Liu Ji said with a look of envy: "Your Majesty appreciates you, are you not happy? Originally, Mr. Xie Ge came out to recommend people who were Jiefu and Shuhou, and the one from the Ministry of Rites recommended Zhang Yuanzhen from Nanjing. Press Shuhou down, leaving three people as candidates, it seems that you have a good chance of being selected. After all, you were hand-picked by His Majesty."

Although Liang Chu was the first to become a Hanlin scholar in history, in terms of seniority, Yang Tinghe is actually higher than Liang Chu.

It was only because Yang Tinghe missed the selection of Hanlin bachelors this time, and Yang Tinghe was earlier than Liang Chu in the order of later joining the cabinet.

Not long after talking here, Xiuzhuan Liu Chun came from outside to inform: "Xueshi Wang, the supervisor of ceremonies is here, please go over and talk. It's about the Donggong Jin lecture."

Wang Jia frowned.

Why did you suddenly mention Jin Lecture?
Could it also have something to do with the fact that he was nominated by the emperor as a candidate for the Imperial Academy?

Liu Ji said with a smile: "Hurry up, I guess the matter shouldn't be too small. From now on, you will be in charge of all matters concerning officials in the East Palace, and you won't find anyone else in the future."

……

……

In the Hanlin Academy, the three Hanlin members of the new department, namely Xiuzhuan Zhang Zhou, Editor Lun Wenxu and Sun Xu, accompanied by the eunuch Xiao Jing, the supervisor of ceremonies, came to the Imperial Academy to report on their work.

This treatment...

It's a headache just looking at it.

No matter who saw this scene, they knew that Xiao Jing's arrival had nothing to do with Lun Wenxu and Sun Xu, it was all for Zhang Zhouzhou's sake.

After Xiao Jing met with the members of the Hanlin Academy, he didn't even stay with Zhang Zhou, but left Wang Jia alone to discuss matters related to the Eastern Palace's lecture.

To put it bluntly, he represented the emperor to divide the "scope of responsibility" for Wang Jia.

"...Your Majesty means that the lecturers of the East Palace will be divided into two classes in the future, and the first class will still be led by you. Everything will remain the same, but on the third, sixth, and ninth days of every ten days, or as otherwise notified Time, the second group of people will go in and give lectures..."

Xiao Jing spoke very vaguely.

Wang Jia frowned and said, "There is already a division of the schedule in the talk on the banquet day, why do we need to divide it into the talk in the East Palace?"

Xiao Jing smiled without saying a word.

"Then Eunuch Xiao, how dare you ask how the two classes should be divided?" Wang Jia only thought that the emperor wanted to divide the current lecturers in the East Palace into two classes.

Xiao Jing said: "The first class will remain the same as before. As you know, Mr. Zhang has been added, who is the new champion Zhang Zhou. As for the second class, if Mr. Zhang is busy with work, it will remain the same."

"what?"

Wang Jia didn't understand.

Is this taking out Zhang Zhou alone?
Xiao Jing said with a smile: "There is no need to hide anything. Your Majesty's intention is to take Mr. Zhang as the foreman of the second shift. As for how to proceed with the lecture, it is up to him to decide."

Now it was Wang Jia's turn to frown.

It doesn't matter if Zhang Zhou is a lecturer in the East Palace in the capacity of Hanlin Xiuzhuan, it's okay to follow along, sort out the lesson plans, and even come out to give a speech.

Zhang Zhou is the number one scholar and a Confucian official who passed the traditional imperial examination, so he is naturally not weak in talent and learning.

But if Zhang Zhou is asked to lead a group of people to give lectures to the prince...

Where are these people from the Hanlin Academy now?

"No way, Xueshi Wang, this Mr. Zhang is not only talented in reading ancient and modern times, but also in astronomy and geography all night long. He can also control the celestial phenomena. If such ability can be awarded to the crown prince... Of course, His Majesty can't say that on the face of it. , as long as you understand, don't tell others... If the prince really learns this, isn't it... amazing?"

Wang Jia took a breath.

To put it bluntly, it's because Zhang Zhou is so capable, and all of us combined are not as good as him, is that what you mean?

"But don't worry, usually, Mr. Zhang will go with you when the lectures are held in the Eastern Palace, and he will never overwhelm the host. We're fine with each other."

(End of this chapter)