The First Gongsheng of Ming Dynasty

In the early morning of the court meeting, the three cabinet members held back their energy and prepared to send Yang Yiqing to Liaodong at the court meeting to suppress him while further gathering him so that he could return to the "right path."

However, before the ministers entered the palace, Xiao Jing, the eunuch in charge of the ceremony, came with several people.

When Liu Jian and others saw this posture, they were all wondering, could it be that the emperor was unable to go to court because of illness?If you cannot argue directly with the emperor in court, your work efficiency will be greatly reduced. After all, many memorials will be left unchecked, and even if they are approved, many of them are not directly authorized by the emperor.

"Everyone, Your Majesty has decreed that only the cabinet ministers, ministers, ministers and other officials will accompany our family to the palace." Xiao Jing, as the messenger, brought Zhu Youtang's decree.

The ministers felt baffled, and many looked at Liu Jian, Ma Wensheng and others with doubtful eyes, trying to find the answer from them.

But the cabinet and ministers were in a state of confusion just like everyone else.

An official from the Sixth Section came forward and asked, "Eunuch Xiao, is this morning a matter for the inner court? Or is it something else? Isn't it against the rules to do this?"

Xiao Jing said: "Your Majesty's decree is the rule. Please return to your respective positions. Do not neglect the court's errands."

Seeing that there were still people who wanted to come forward and fight, Liu Jian stepped forward and said: "Everyone should keep his duties."

Because others didn’t know what kind of medicine the emperor was selling in his gourd, even if some people had objections, they all returned to their places in the end muttering in low voices. Those who left the palace left the palace, and the remaining top civil servants followed Xiao Jing. Pedestrians enter the palace.

……

……

After the group entered the main palace of the palace, they did not go to Fengtian Hall, but passed through the Zuoshun Gate in the direction of Wenhua Hall.

Xie Qian quickly walked to Liu Jianjian's side and whispered: "Today is not the day for the feast, why are you asking me to wait?"

Liu Jian remained silent.

Even Li Dongyang winked at Xie Qian, meaning let's stop talking nonsense.

Xie Qian, on the other hand, looked over at the two ministers of the Ministry of War in the group, and muttered: "Zhang Bingkuan is not here either, so I don't know what he is doing."

When the group finally arrived at the Wenhua Hall, they saw that the crown prince Zhu Houzhao and more than a dozen officials from the East Palace had been waiting for him. Among the group of people was Zhang Zhou. Xie Qian pointed at Zhang Zhou. Just as he was about to say something, he suddenly realized that there was nothing wrong with Zhang Zhou standing with the lecturer of the East Palace, because Zhang Zhou's status as a bachelor was still retained.

In addition to the officials in the East Palace, there were also eunuchs from the palace, including Li Rong, Zhang Yong and others.

"Dear ministers and ministers, there are also gentlemen from my family. I have been waiting here for a long time."

Zhu Houzhao was not very old, but he seemed very imposing when he spoke. He walked over and said to the ministers who entered the palace: "My father has been in poor health recently and is unable to take care of the government. He specially asked me to handle the affairs in the Wenhua Palace as the prince. I am young, have little talent and knowledge, and know very little about court affairs. I hope you can give me more advice."

Liu Jian stepped forward and said, "Does your Majesty mean to let the prince temporarily supervise the country?"

Xiao Jing smiled and said: "Mr. Liu Ge, your Majesty has never mentioned the idea of ​​supervising the country. The prince has no experience in governing the country. He is just here to listen. If you have anything to do, you can do it in front of the prince in the Wenhua Hall. Just tell me directly."

Liu Jian frowned slightly.

To say that it can be stated directly is equivalent to saying that the court affairs are spread out, but this Wenhua Palace is no different from Fengtian Palace. The most important person who makes the final decision is missing from the Wenhua Palace. Many times, the ministers' memorials are deliberately targeted. The emperor proposed that now that the emperor is no longer the rightful owner, why should he argue with a fool like the prince?
It's like the company held the most important shareholders' meeting, but the major shareholder took leave and couldn't come. He only invited his son, who had no decision-making power, to attend the meeting. No matter how capable the people around him were, there was no final decision-maker, and the meeting couldn't be discussed.

Zhu Houzhao said with a gentle smile: "Dear gentlemen, the desks and seats inside have been prepared. Please move forward."

After saying that, Zhu Houzhao turned around and went inside.

A dozen or so officials from the East Palace, led by Wang Hao, Liang Chu and others, also went to the Wenhua Hall.

On the other hand, Zhang Zhou was the only one standing there with a half-smile but not a smile. He looked kind-hearted, but it was easy for Liu Jian and others to think that this was a provocation. Who made these ministers have no choice but to follow Xiao Jing, while Zhang Zhou had already After entering the palace, first go to the Wenhua Palace to accompany the prince?

With the status of Mr. Prince, he has a unique advantage in accompanying the prince to listen to politics.

……

……

Inside the Wenhua Hall.

The ministers sat down.

Different from the usual court meetings, this time it was more like a banquet. The average status of the ministers who came here was higher than that in the court, and their age and seniority were also higher. This may be due to this. Accompanying the prince to listen to government affairs for the first time required time to adapt and prepare, but the emperor was considered very considerate and allowed everyone to sit down.

Zhu Houzhao sat on the throne that should have belonged to him as the prince, listening as usual, and beside him sat Zhang Zhou and Wang Hao on the left and right, who were his "right-hand men".

In this way, even the chief minister of the cabinet could only sit on the left side of the guest seat, and the rest of the people sat in their respective seats according to the seniority ranking in the court.

As the eunuch in charge of the ceremony, Xiao Jing stood behind Zhu Houzhao, as if he usually accompanied Zhu Youtang to attend court meetings. On the contrary, Li Rong, Zhang Yong and others sat on chairs behind Zhu Houzhao, just like observers.

"My lords, please don't be restrained. If you have any questions, just report them. I have a lot of things that I don't understand. I will report them to my father later and let him make a decision."

Zhu Houzhao still looked polite.

This is the first time that he has shown his ability to govern in front of others as the prince overseeing the country. He seems to cherish the opportunity, but at best it is just for fun. Let him sit there all morning, and he will be depressed to death.

Those ministers present who did not speak seemed to be waiting for others to speak, or were looking for someone with authority to come out and show off.

Zhu Houzhao said: "Since you gentlemen won't tell me, let me tell you first."

As he spoke, Xiao Jing stretched out his hand and immediately began to take out the memorial from his arms.

You ministers have nothing to mention, but what you usually mention will be submitted in the form of memorials. Since I, Zhu Houzhao, came to listen to politics as the prince without any preparation, wouldn't I be laughed at by you?

"I have seen the ministers of the DPRK and China who have not been dealt with recently, and through the suggestions of Mr. Zhang, Eunuch Xiao and others, I learned that the most important undecided matter now is the revolt of the Jurchens in Liaodong, and the successive rebellions in southern Liaoning and other places. The Jurchens plundered the village, and the previous strategy of settling the Jurchens did not seem to be working. What do you think?"

Zhu Houzhao smiled.

It seemed that even what he said was planned for him in advance.

The ministers present were already ready to make a move.

If no one came out to make an announcement before, it was because they felt that such an announcement was unnecessary, but from the way the prince started, they realized that today's so-called political discussion was probably serious. In addition to the absence of the emperor, he actually had an identity. The people who decide things are there.

Especially Zhang Zhou.

If Zhang Zhou and Zhu Houzhao made the decision at the same time, and even the Supervisor of Ceremonies had no objections, wouldn't the emperor still approve it?

It doesn't seem to make much difference whether the emperor makes the decision on the spot or not.

In an instant, the level of the political discussion in the Wenhua Hall seemed to have increased several notches.

Liu Jiandao: "The Jurchens were placed in various places in Liaodong, in the name of dividing and conquering them. However, they were scattered and unable to control them in detail, which led to internal chaos. There were conflicts between the Jurchens and the Han people. If they were settled in the same place, , regardless of the increase in crimes such as fighting, robbery, and robbery, it is also easy to cause malpractice in local governance. I ask that the Jurchens be relocated to western Liaoning, northern Liaoning, etc., either to guard the borders or to be placed in wild lands. "

Zhu Houzhao nodded and said: "It is difficult to manage if they are scattered. If they are put together, it is easier to control. Is that what you mean?"

Liu Jian cupped his hands and said, "Yes." "But." Zhu Houzhao said, "Now that things have happened, if they are resettled again, doesn't it mean that they will form a Jurchen village again? They will form tribes again. The local disruption is even greater.”

Xie Qian couldn't help but remind him: "Your Highness, Mr. Liu Ge's intention is to send the Jurchens to guard the border, place them in earthen fortresses and other places close to the Tatars, and use the border troops to scare them. Stay safe and behave yourself.”

Zhu Houzhao said: "Thank you for reminding me, but I still think that this is not a good way to solve this matter."

I go.

Xie Qian almost wanted to hit someone after hearing this.

You are a young boy who has never been to court or dealt with government affairs. You promised to come just to listen, so where do you get so many opinions?Isn’t this a good solution to this problem?Then can you tell me what's the best solution?Why don't you go to heaven?

Zhu Houzhao looked down at the palm of his hand. He didn't know what he was thinking, but he said quietly: "As far as I know, the Jurchens are brave and good at fighting. If they are given the soil to survive and continue to hunt and herd, they will follow them." Just like our ancestors, they repeatedly came to cause impact on the Ming Dynasty's borders, causing considerable border disasters."

Xie Qian said: "The policy of Jisi was decided by Emperor Taizu of the Ming Dynasty. It was to use barbarians to control barbarians. If they were incorporated into Han territory, it would be harmful to the interests of the Han people."

Zhu Houzhao asked: "Then why can't they be resettled in more places? It doesn't have to be in Liaodong, it can be in the south of the Yangtze River, or in the southwest. In short, they can be settled wherever they can, and they can be given land to cultivate. We can also let them do business, change their living habits, and no longer make a living on horseback, wouldn’t it?”

Xie Qian was a little angry again. This time he glared at Zhang Zhou first.

It seems to be saying, weren't you the one who suggested the prince's weird ideas?Listen to what all this nonsense is about?

Zhu Houzhao immediately turned his attention to Zhang Zhou and asked, "Mr. Zhang, do you think my suggestion is okay?"

Zhang Zhou smiled and said: "His Highness's proposal has ideas, but it may be a bit troublesome to implement. Regardless of whether there is idle land in various places to settle the Jurchens, the current situation in Liaodong is to put down the rebellion first. Defeat the Jurchens Serve, let’s talk about how to arrange it.”

Who said that if this kid has an idea, it must be someone else’s suggestion?
Even though this kid is young, hasn't gone to school for a few days, and is playful and prone to making trouble, he really has a lot of ideas, and sometimes he's unconstrained by his imagination.

Zhang Zhou also wanted to say, people like you, please don’t treat this naughty kid in front of you as a child or grandson of the same age who has never been affected by your family. This kid’s appearance alone is inferior to that of ordinary adults. If you have more contact with him, Will understand.

"Yeah." Zhu Houzhao nodded, seeming to agree with Zhang Zhou's statement.

Suppress the Jurchen rebellion first, and then discuss resettlement.

But Xie Qian on the side felt unhappy after hearing this, and interjected: "Hey, Duke Cai, the matter must be settled clearly. If I remember correctly, the matter of caressing the Jurchen people in various places in Liaodong was brought up by you. Now If there is trouble in Fumin, we can no longer wait until the rebellion is suppressed as before. We should make a decision as soon as possible to avoid chaos later."

After Xie Qian finished speaking, several people around him couldn't help but cast their eyes on him.

You should thank Yu Qiao for being sharp-tongued.

You are just saying that although Zhang Bingkuan is a great fighter, he may actually be a layman in the field of Anbang and governance. Otherwise, why would the placement of Jurchens be such a mess?
The chosen angle is very tricky and can be regarded as "hitting the snake seven inches".

Zhang Zhou smiled and said: "Xie Ge's words are reasonable. Maybe I neglected this matter. How about following Liu Ge's suggestion and placing the Jurchens in the Liaodong Army afterwards?"

Liu Jiandao: "I'm just suggesting that we have to wait for the outcome of the court meeting to determine the specific matter."

Old Liu is also a smart man. He knows very well that Zhang Zhou wants him to "take the blame". If the Jurchens are placed close to the border troops and rebellion occurs again, who will be responsible?

The tradition of civil servants is that when it comes to resisting, one cannot do anything but shirk responsibility.

Zhu Houzhao couldn't listen anymore and frowned: "This won't work, that won't work either. I have decided to propose to my father to put down the Jurchen rebellion first, and then discuss how to settle them. Just follow Mr. Zhang's suggestion."

Now even the fool present could see it.

Compared with Zhu Youtang's "biased listening and partial belief" towards Zhang Zhou, this young prince simply respected Zhang Zhou like a god and would accept whatever Zhang Zhou said.

At least your father has discussed it with us. Although most of the time he adopts Zhang Bingkuan's opinions, sometimes Zhang Bingkuan has to compromise on some things because of your father's attitude.

what about you?
With your blind obedience, if you are really allowed to ascend the throne in the future, then you will not be Zhang Zhouyitang, and he will have the final say in everything?There is no room for discussion or maneuver with us?
"Your Highness..." When Li Dongyang saw this posture, he naturally wanted to regulate Zhu Houzhao as the Crown Prince and Tutor.

Zhu Houzhao interrupted Li Dongyang and said: "Mr. Li, if I remember correctly, yesterday it was you who proposed that Yang Yiqing, governor of Ningxia, lead troops to Liaodong to quell the Jurchen rebellion, right? It seems that he was asked to lead the slaves. Regarding the affairs of the Dusi, should he be the governor of northern Liaoning?"

Li Dongyang was at a loss for words for a while.

I was also worried about the prince's attitude towards Zhang Zhou, and wanted to have a good discussion with the prince. Who knew that the prince was not as generous as Xie Yu Qiao in the matter of being sharp-tongued, so he pushed him back directly.

Zhu Houzhao said: "In terms of countering the rebellion, I believe that the most experienced one should be to find Uncle Xin Xin. He did a very good job when he was fighting against the Jurchens in Liaodong. When he was there, the Jurchens and other foreigners were so silent that they even gave a damn. I don’t dare to let go... Ahem, but now Uncle Xinxin has more important errands to do. I propose that Tang Yin, who once assisted Uncle Xinxin in Liaodong, be the governor of Liaodong, and also patrol Northern Liaoning, Nuergandusi, etc. What do you think?"

Even the emperor would not speak like this.

When everyone heard Zhu Houzhao talking so eloquently, they immediately recommended Tang Yin. Everything seemed to be planned, which deepened Zhang Zhou's suspicion of influencing the prince's opinion.

Even in some people's minds, this matter can be finalized.

Ma Wensheng said: "His Royal Highness, although Tang Yin has experience in serving Liaodong, he has no experience in destroying cities and demolishing strongholds, and he lacks thoroughness in leading troops. As for the post of governor, someone else should be chosen... and The post of governor of Liaodong is related to the stability of border affairs in Liaodong and should not be confused with the affairs of Ping Jurchen."

to this meeting.

The ministers also found that there was no essential difference in the atmosphere between the discussions in the Wenhua Hall and the court discussions in the Fengtian Hall.

It's just that their opponents changed from the combination of Zhu Youtang and Zhang Zhou to Zhu Houzhao and Zhang Zhou.

The prince has no decision-making power and is just coaxing the children to play... This idea may have been there at the beginning, but now they no longer dare to take it lightly.

Zhu Houzhao asked: "Does that mean that Wang Xian, the governor of Liaodong, should not be replaced? Then why not just let him lead the troops to quell the Jurchens? There were riots by the Jurchens in various places in Liaodong. As the governor of Liaodong, he failed to do his best to calm the people. responsibilities, isn’t it natural to replace him?”

As soon as these words came out, the ministers present felt even more that this boy seemed to know quite a lot.

You know Tang Yin, maybe someone mentioned it to you, but Wang Xian...you guys know that?
Xiong Xiu, the Minister of War, said: "Your Highness, Wang Xian, the governor of Liaodong, has experience in defending against enemies. He has advantages in resisting Tatar invasion and deterring Tatar and other tribes. Moreover, he has been in office for less than half a year, so it is not appropriate at this time. Transfer.”

"Less than half a year? It seems not even three months, right?" Zhu Houzhao frowned.

Xiong Xiu said: "This is even more unsuitable for transfer."

Zhu Houzhao said: "This is not a commander-in-chief change before the formation. Why shouldn't he be transferred? No matter how powerful Wang Xian is, he just listened to Mr. Zhang's suggestion and led his troops to ambush on the grassland to steal the credit of the Liaodong general! This is all! The palace actually feels that the former governor of Liaodong, Lu Wan, is a good candidate to run the army. Otherwise, why did the Jurchens start to cause trouble when Liaodong was replaced by Wang Xian?"

The civil servants present felt that it was a bit tiring to argue with this guy.

The emperor is often pragmatic, reasonable and balanced, but this guy seems to be determined and won't change anything, and he doesn't know what compromise is.

Now the prince actually seriously explained to them why they must do this...

"Tang Yin, do you think it's inappropriate?" Zhu Houzhao asked coldly.

Liu Jiandao: "It is not appropriate for Tang Yin to lead troops in northern Liaoning."

"Does it have to be Yang Yiqing?" Zhu Houzhao said, "If this person fails to pacify the Jurchens in Liaobei, how will he be punished?"

Liu Jian said coldly: "It's too early for the prince to say this. If he sends his ministers to lead the troops with the expectation of condemnation, he will lose trust and the people in the army will be unstable. This matter should be reported to His Majesty before making a decision." "(End of chapter)