The First Gongsheng of Ming Dynasty

Chapter 432

Capital.

When the candidate for the new Minister of the Ministry of Officials is still undecided.

Zhou Jing retired.

He and Ni Yue were on the front and rear, because it involved the distribution of military supplies in the Northwest and Liaodong, the storage of autumn grain, etc., and the war was not over, so Zhou Jing's position as Minister of the Household Department was suspended. After the war in the Northwest subsided, Zhou Jing There is no reason to rely on the court.

After Zhou Jing left, the seat of Minister of the Ministry of Finance was replaced by Yu Zhong, the censor of the right capital, according to the previous agreement.

Because Xu Jin and Li Mengyang, the left and right servants of the household department, were not promoted, it is reasonable to say that they would still assist Zhong Zhong to manage the household department as the left and right servants. Governor of Pianguan.

This shocked the ministers of the DPRK and China.

Xu went into Biantouguan, that is, Shanxi Town as the governor. The original governor Wang Qiong must have been appointed otherwise, even though the emperor did not directly say that Wang Qiong returned to the court as a servant...but look at this posture , he returned to the court as the right servant of the household department, which seemed to be a matter of course.

After the dissolution of the court.

Xu Jin was a little annoyed, this was the second time he was tortured by the emperor after Zhang Zhou gained power. No one wants to do this kind of errand, and being the governor of Pianguan is considered a "serious errand". After all, everyone knows that Pianguan is now the border town that the emperor pays most attention to in the nine border towns.

"Old Liu Ge, what do you think His Majesty means?" Xu Guan, Minister of the Ministry of Industry, went over to ask Liu Jian what he meant.

After Zhou Jing retired, after Tu Yu, Bai Ang, Xu Qiong, and Ni Yue, the imperial court made changes to the position of Shangshu for the fifth time within a year. Up to now, only Ma Wensheng and Xu Guan have retained the original six Shangshu. bit.

Xu Guan also knew very well that Ma Wensheng was probably going to be promoted to Minister of the Ministry of Officials, but Xu Guan didn't have that kind of luck.

Liu Jian didn't reply.

Xie Qian who was on the side said: "When Wang Dehua returns to the court, His Majesty wants him to be the servant of the military department? Or the servant of the household department? Or the right servant or the left servant?"

Only Xie Qian's words would be so sharp at this time.

Wang Qiong made remarkable achievements in the first battle of Liaodong Ningyuan, but he was not knighted afterward. The achievements he has made are far greater than Wang Qiong's.

So don't look at Wang Shouren's short time in the court and his lack of qualifications, but he is qualified to be promoted to the title.

As for Wang Qiong...

No matter how hard-working, it is also the way of a traditional civil servant. After making meritorious service in Bianzhen, his civil position has been improved, and the position of Lord Wu is still almost meaningless.

If in the past leading troops to kill hundreds or thousands of Tartars, they could return as an earl, but now it is different. Zhang Zhou and Wang Shouren have raised the eligibility line for titles in the court a lot. With Wang Qiong's ability, he can Keeping the front line, if he is given another ten years, he will not be able to obtain the meritorious service of obtaining the title, so it is very reasonable for the emperor to directly let him return to the court as a servant to assist Zhang Zhou who is about to return to the court.

Li Dongyang said: "As usual, the left servant of the household department should be promoted by the right servant. If Wang Dehua returns to the court as the right servant of the household department, it will not break the rules."

This reflects the attitude of the cabinet on this matter.

Wang Qiong's return from Piantouguan as the governor is a "disintegration" of Zhang Zhou's forces in the northwest. Let Wang Qiong be the right servant of the household department. The household department is still in the hands of the traditional faction. How do you think Zhang Zhou wants to obtain finances? With enough support from the government, it is not enough for Wang Qiong to be the right servant of the household department.

Xie Qian said with a smile: "Binzhi, how do you know that His Majesty asked Wang Dehua to come back to be the left servant of the household department?"

Li Dongyang was also silent this time.

Looking at Xu Guan who opened the chatterbox next to him, he was also silent at this time. He seemed to see that the cabinet had no plan for the emperor's sudden transfer to the Northwest, and it seemed that he didn't know that Wang Qiong would be appointed by the emperor next time. Yu how the official position.

He wanted to ask who would succeed him as Minister of the Ministry of Industry, but judging from this posture, it seemed that the cabinet had now lost the authority to speak to the emperor as an official at the Central Department Hall level.

To put it bluntly, the emperor is now more willing to make some self-advocacy after adopting Zhang Zhou's opinion, and the cabinet's authority as a consultant minister has been stripped away.

……

……

Inside the Qianqing Palace.

Li Rong, on behalf of the Supervisor of Rituals, came to send Zhu Youtang some memorials to be reviewed, while Zhu Youtang was coughing all the time.

Even though Zhang Zhou proposed to ask Zhu Youtang to eat more protein-rich foods, Zhu Youtang's health was too poor. Now it was the end of autumn and early winter, and Zhu Youtang was suffering from wind and cold again.

"Your Majesty, the Xinuang Pavilion has been repaired almost, and you will be able to move in in half a month." Li Rong said with concern.

The matter of building the Nuan Pavilion was handled by Zhang Zhou before he left. However, the emperor wanted to fight in the northwest and at the same time wanted to build a new palace. The ministers would naturally have opinions on building it next to the Qianqing Palace. Zhang Zhou raised money through mining.

Zhu Youtang also held his breath.

Since the ministers in the court do not support me in anything, then I will prepare some money, food and materials on my own. I don’t need you to intervene in what I want, and I don’t need the court. In name, all the money from the inner government is used. You will never Are you looking for trouble?
In fact, the amount of money Zhang Zhou obtained after opening the mine began with Zhang Zhou opening the coal mine in Xishan before he passed the Jinshi examination in the spring of the 12th year of Hongzhi. After two years, the private assistance he provided to Zhu Youtang has reached Nearly 20 taels.

Most of it was used in border administration, and the surplus could be used to build a warm pavilion.

The huge palace of Qingning Palace only cost more than 6 taels of silver, and the construction of a Nuan Pavilion only cost 3 to [-] taels of silver, and the repair can be more delicate.

Zhu Youtang sighed: "Bingkuan hasn't come back yet, but the heating he mentioned works really well. Now that I have nothing to do, I like to go to the Qingning Palace to greet the Empress Dowager. After sitting down for a while, I feel that the windows are bright and clean." , are reluctant to leave."

Li Rong smiled and said: "Yes, Your Majesty, if the Xinuan Pavilion is completed, it will definitely be brighter than Qingning Palace, and it will be like spring all year round."

"Ha ha."

When Zhang Zhou was mentioned, Zhu Youtang's face turned a little bloody, and then his gaze fell back to the pile of memorials in front of him.

It's like it's his daily chores that make him feel tired.

"Is there any objection to Xu Jin, the left servant of the household department, who is not transferred?" Zhu Youtang asked.

Li Rong said: "Not yet."

It means that there is no criticism of Xu Jin's foreign transfer in the memorial, which shows that Xu Jin's foreign transfer is in line with the interests of civil servants.

Zhang Zhou has too much power in the frontier political system. Xu Jin's replacement of Wang Qiong will make the most important military fortress in the Northwest, back to the control of the traditional civil servants, in exchange for a left servant of the household department. It is also worthwhile for traditional civil servants.

Zhu Youtang nodded and said: "Then the next step, I am going to let Wang Qiong return to the court as the left servant of the household department. Do you think there will be some resistance?"

Only then did Li Rong know that the emperor had just made a replacement, or a swap.

Xu Jin changed Wang Qiong, there was no such thing as Li Mengyang's promotion to the left servant, and Wang Qiong was the right servant of the household department. It can be said to be simple and straightforward.

Li Rongdao: "As a rule, when the governors of a region in the northwest return to the court, most of them serve as the right servant, but it is not without precedent. It is also common for the left minister to transfer to Beijing to be the right servant."

Zhu Youtang said: "Didn't I already decide to let Li Shishi, the left governor of Shandong, transfer the capital to be the right servant of the Ministry of Punishment? What else do they want?"

The implication is that there is already a confrontation with Wenchen.

Knowing what I have decided, you civil servants always like to make irresponsible remarks, so I will not discuss with you. First, I will transfer Xu Jin out, and then announce that Wang Qiong will succeed Xu Jin as the left servant of the household department. I ask you whether you accept it?
Li Rong asked: "Wang Qiong transferred to Beijing, as the left servant of the household department, to cooperate with Lai Guogong to handle the dispatch of money and food?"

"Yes, and no." Zhu Youtang answered ambiguously, it seems that only in front of Li Rong, he would tell the truth, if it was Xiao Jing, Zhu Youtang would not answer this kind of question directly.

In other words, with Xiao Jing's prudence, he would not rashly ask such important matters related to policy.

This also reflects Li Rong's high morals, and his courage to share the emperor's worries, even if sometimes it seems that his focus is a bit out of bounds.

Zhu Youtang said: "No matter what the Nine Sides are dispatching, they cannot coordinate with one person. Even Zhen and Bingkuan are unable to persuade those Qingliu ministers in the court."

Li Rong felt a little sympathetic when he heard it.

During the Hongzhi period, the imperial power had actually begun to be suppressed by the power of the ministers. The civil servants had a far greater control over the government than the emperor. All major events and small sentiments in the court basically had to be approved by the civil servants... Regardless of the emperor's personnel The dispatch took the lead several times, but for the stronghold of the traditional civil servants, the iron triangle of the cabinet, the emperor could not replace and transfer.

"I just want to arrange a few more people who can speak up in the court." Zhu Youtang seemed to be aggrieved when he said this.

Look at me as the emperor.

People in the court do not support my decision, and Bingkuan must always come forward to support it. Even Bingkuan was pushed out of the capital by them. Now he has finally been transferred back, but there are few people in the court who can sincerely cooperate with him There are very few of them.

It's hard for me too.

As for Lin Han... Even if he is closer to Zhang Zhou, can it be said that Lin Han is on Zhang Zhou's side in all major issues?

Even Lin Han can't do it, so how can I count on the new Secretary of the Ministry of Punishment, Wang Shi?Or are they counting on Ma Wensheng and Qi Zhong?
"Maochun, you are an old man in the palace. You watched me grow up. Now the court is different from that of the previous emperor. I want to use some people who are convenient, but I don't know where to find them." Zhu Youtang said earnestly. Said, "Although Yang Peng can do something, but he is too good at making money, I and Bing Kuan don't like it, but he can do something at least."

Li Rong lowered his head and made a gesture of respectful listening.

What the emperor said in front of him was related to Li Rong's personal interests.

"When he comes back to court with Bingkuan, I won't let him enter the Rites Supervisor. The job of admiral Dongchang is still handed over to you. As for Yang Peng, let him assist the admiral Shenjiying, or let him stay in the imperial court. Supervisor Ma, you have recently taken over and are in charge of investigating the private discussions of various officials in the capital regarding my use of mercy."

Yang Peng was not in the capital, and the emperor wanted to know the minister's opinion on his use of Zhang Zhou, so he secretly sent Li Rong to investigate directly.

To say that Admiral Li Rong supervised Dongchang can be traced back to the Chenghua period, and he is a leader among them.

"The old slave takes orders." Li Rong hurriedly cupped his hands.

Zhu Youtang smiled and said: "After Bingkuan returns to Beijing, I will join hands with him to clean up the court, and strive to completely pacify Tatar within three years. If you think there are any ministers, you can recommend them to me. Yes, you might as well tell me, and I will consider it as appropriate."

Li Rongdao: "This old slave dare not talk about the employment of people in the court."

Zhu Youtang looked appreciative and said: "I asked you to recommend it. You don't have to shy away from it. This is also for the long-term stability of the country. I also want to find some helpers for Bingkuan."

The implication is that if you have any good ministers, especially those who have a close personal relationship and seem to have nothing to do with Zhang Zhou, you will recommend them to me in private. North Korea and China have extensive connections.

Even if others wanted to go to Bingkuan, they had to hold it tight, and they were ashamed to go directly to Bingkuan with the cheek. The more civil servants above the fourth rank, the more they cared about their own face.

But it will be much more convenient for you, Li Rong, to contact the hands.

And it's not easy to attract people's criticism. Gradually find these people in the court and support Zhang Zhou in major issues. In this way, I will be more handy in employing people...

To put it bluntly, the emperor just wanted to cultivate "his own people" in the court, even though these people seemed to be promoted through some unconventional channels, but the emperor didn't seem to think that this was breaking the rules or anything.

"The old slave used to have contacts with some ministers, but they didn't establish personal relationships. If His Majesty allows the old slave to contact them secretly... Of course, the old slave is testing their tone in the name of Dongchang. The old slave is willing to come forward. And it does not mention that this was ordered by His Majesty."

Li Rong is very knowledgeable.

It is a taboo thing for internal ministers to communicate with the ministers of the court. Of course, Li Rong cannot admit that he has a close personal relationship with the ministers of the court.

Zhu Youtang smiled and said: "It's the best, Zhengqing and Shaoqing in the imperial court, as well as ministers, doctors, and even people from Nanjing official circles, as well as local governors, vassals, and seniors, you can recommend them. But Maochun, I don't want you to develop contacts among the internal officials, do you understand?"

"Yes, yes." Li Rong immediately understood what the emperor meant.

You can get in touch with foreign ministers by order, test their tone, and let them enter the court to help Bingkuan.

The reason why I seek you is firstly because you are highly respected, and secondly because you are old and frail.

If you want to "inherit" this kind of resources, that is, hand over these resources to the successors of the internal officials, it means that you have formed a force yourself... This is what I don't want to see.

So what I expect from you is...

You can have contact with foreign ministers, but not with internal ministers, even Xiao Jing, Wei Bin and Chen Kuan, you have to keep your distance.

I just want to use you to shine for me alone before you die.

……

……

In Nanjing City.

Zhang Zhou hasn't left yet, and the pursuit of King Zhongling's responsibility is still going on.

Zhang Zhou also asked Zhu Houzhao to participate in this matter.

"...Sir, are you saying that King Ning has ulterior motives, and those in Ning Fan are all thinking of rebelling against the court? Are they so bold?" Zhu Houzhao looked incredulous.

There is no king's soil under the whole world, and there is no king's ministers on the coast of leading the soil.

As the heir apparent of Ming Dynasty, Ben Gong actually knew that someone was trying to usurp the throne?
Zhang Zhoudao: "Don't you think that I went to criticize Ning Fan casually and provoke trouble deliberately?"

Zhu Houzhao shook his head and said, "That's not what I mean. Mister is benevolent and righteous. He has no relationship with King Ning. How can there be any enmity? Or do you mean that Mister, you have figured out that they will be detrimental to the court in the future?"

Zhang Zhou didn't shy away from it this time, and nodded directly: "There is indeed such a tendency."

"Hiss." Zhu Houzhao clenched his fists and said, "Then kill them!"

Zhang Zhoudao: "Prince, are you trying to punish the vassals by catching wind and shadows? In this way, the opposition of the vassals of the Ming Dynasty will be greatly objected. The prince should also know that my vassals of the Ming Dynasty have a lot of influence in various places. If they join forces to target the court, or even the minister, the pressure on the minister will still be great."

"Are you afraid, sir?" Zhu Houzhao asked with a narrow smile.

"Prince, you must pay attention to evidence when doing things. Apart from evidence, people's inner defense is just like the generations of Ningfan who have always had the heart of disobedience. From the former emperor to the present majesty, they all know it, otherwise they will Not to take their guards, nor to guard against them."

"But there is no evidence, everything is just speculation, and the court also needs to stabilize Ningfan to set a model for the suzerains and vassals everywhere, so as to reflect the imperial court's respect for the suzerains and vassals. tolerant."

After hearing these words, Zhu Houzhao raised his head and said, "It's so complicated. I know he has a different intention, but I haven't found any evidence, so I just let it go?"

"En." Zhang Zhou nodded.

"Then sir, what are you going to do now? Have you found evidence? Why do you want people from Yidong Factory to go to Jiangxi?" Zhu Houzhao looked puzzled.

"The one to be captured this time is King Zhongling, who secretly made weapons. He is the uncle of King Ning. He claims to devote himself to Daming, but in fact his heart is too dark, and he even secretly slaughtered the people in the mansion. It is said that they are killing innocent people indiscriminately...and treacherous people with ulterior motives!"

In front of Zhu Houzhao, Zhang Zhou almost came to a conclusion on Zhu Jinzhui's crime.

From the historical records to the investigation of the East Factory, everything met Zhang Zhou's expectations.

Zhu Houzhao said: "Is that to kill one as an example?"

"Kill?" Zhang Zhou shook his head, "For suzerains and vassals, we must not only be on guard, but also be lenient. If there is no actual act of rebellion, but only some contrary actions, according to the rules, it will only be demoted to the status of a concubine." People, guard the imperial mausoleum and think about their mistakes, or transfer to other places to guard the border. But it is not impossible to knock mountains and shake tigers!"

The two are talking.

Yang Peng appeared at the door.

"Is there something wrong?" Zhu Houzhao asked with a straight face.

Yang Pengdao: "Your Highness, Master Zhang, just heard the news that King Ning has learned that Dongchang is secretly investigating the matter of King Zhongling, and has already reported to the court to impeach you for interfering in the affairs of the clan's family. ...are also included in the impeachment list."

Zhang Zhou said with a smile: "We have made moves, and they won't sit still. The confrontation has just begun."

(End of this chapter)