The First Gongsheng of Ming Dynasty

After talking about the official duties, Zhang Zhou gave instructions to the two of them about meeting the emperor and performing their future errands.

Zhu Feng on the side seemed to have something to say, but because Lu Wan and Tang Yin were nearby, he was too embarrassed to speak.

After getting down to business, Zhang Zhou invited a few people to watch the show, and then Zhang Zhou called Zhu Feng into the private room next door.

"If you know your moral integrity, just say it if you have something to say." Zhang Zhou said.

Zhu Feng coyly told Zhang Zhou about Ning Tong's request.

Zhang Zhou said: "The second prince is sick. Although I have not visited him, as far as I know the problem is not serious. It is normal for children over one year old to get sick more often. The imperial physician in the palace can actually take care of him within a reasonable range." experience."

That is what he said, but Zhang Zhou knew very well that if imperial doctors could treat the diseases that infants and young children often suffer from, the death rate of young princes would not be so high.

"It's you." Zhang Zhou added, "While others are making progress, you don't still want to stay in the capital and hang around, right? You don't want to go to Liaodong, and you find it bitter and cold in the northwest. So what kind of job do you think is more suitable for you?"

Zhu Feng looked frustrated and said, "I don't know either."

Zhang Zhou saw that Zhu Feng was indeed the kind of person who had no idea, and might need someone else to show him a clear path.

"In the eyes of outsiders, you, Marquis Anbian, are second to none in the entire Ming Dynasty from his birth to his personal achievements. You are such a generous man. How come you are so indecisive in personal matters?"

Zhang Zhou also hated him for not arguing.

Zhu Feng said: "Outsiders don't know anything about me, so I can pretend to be in front of them, but in front of Brother Zhang, I really have nothing to pretend. How about Brother Zhang help me arrange it."

"Then I'll make a plan for you and inform you later. I've been taking a good rest in the capital recently. Maybe I'll be leaving in a few days." Zhang Zhou said.

When Zhu Feng heard this, he knew that Zhang Zhou had already made plans and arrangements for him. Although he didn't know what they were, he seemed to trust Zhang Zhou very much.

Then he... nodded to indicate that he could accept it.

……

……

Before dawn the next day, Zhang Zhou entered the palace.

He had to go to see Zhu Youtang in advance.

In the Qianqing Palace, the lights were a little dim, and Zhu Youtang looked very tired physically and mentally. When Zhang Zhou saw the king coming, he wanted to go up and remind him that if you are not in good health, you should not focus too much on the house and curtains. Although I I also know that you are harmonious now, but that doesn’t mean you can be strong-willed.

"Bingkuan..."

When Zhu Youtang saw Zhang Zhou, it was like seeing a relative.

Zhang Zhou came forward to greet him.

Zhu Youtang asked Wei Bin, who came with Zhang Zhou, to sort out some memorials and prepare to take them to the court. Zhu Youtang himself asked Zhang Zhou to sit down, and the monarch and his ministers had some communication first.

"Bingkuan, are you saying that you plan to ask Zhijie to go to Jizhou with you?" Zhu Youtang was a little surprised after hearing Zhang Zhou's request.

Zhang Zhou said: "Yes."

Zhu Youtang sighed: "This troop dispatch is just like the ordinary military exercises in various towns. If you go to Jizhou to arrange the troop dispatch, I'm afraid the noise will be loud again."

"Back to Your Majesty, I went to Jizhou just as a side trip. This time I was not going to send troops, but I was going to Yongping Mansion to further expand the iron mine. Recently, the amount of iron used by the court in all aspects has increased sharply, and the current output is no longer enough. It’s enough.”

Zhu Youtang seemed to know that Zhang Zhou was going there for business, but he was reluctant to leave. After thinking about it, he said, "You don't have to go either."

Zhang Zhou said: "I will be back in less than a month."

Zhu Youtang saw that Zhang Zhou had to go, so he agreed and said, "Go early and come back early."

Wei Bin on the side asked: "Then Marquis Anbian went with Cai Guogong to let him send troops from Jizhou?"

Because in the Li Jian, Wei Bin had frequent and close contacts with the generals in various towns, which also made him more concerned about the situation in each border town. If Zhu Feng stayed in the capital, he would be just a small person waiting to die, or even very inconspicuous. , but if Zhu Feng arrives in a place like Jizhou, he will be at the rank of general soldier, and it will have a great impact on the power structure of the border town.

Zhu Youtang said: "If Zhijie leads troops from Jizhou, it can be considered as a training for him."

Zhang Zhou said: "I also have the same idea. Anbian Hou has not had the opportunity to make achievements in the past two years. He should be given more training to avoid being rusty in the art of war and strategy."

"Okay." Zhu Youtang is not that attached to Zhu Feng. In the eyes of the king, no matter how loyal Zhu Feng is, he is just a chess piece. "Then let him lead the troops again. Even if he can't get any credit, he can still Go and gather some military morale. I can't let go of Jizhou and Liaodong recently. Bingkuan, you just happened to reorganize the military affairs in the past. You can figure out the rest yourself. I won't put more pressure on you. I believe you can Take care of it."

……

……

Fengtian Hall, court meeting.

In the dynasty that day, civil servants and military officials took sides, and the protagonist of the day was the appointment ceremony of two members of the Zhang Party, Lu Wan and Tang Yin.

Because Zhu Youtang had greeted Liu Jian in advance, and with the support of Zhang Zhou, Tang Yin was able to obtain the position of admiral of Yizhou Shanchang without any trouble. A new scholar who had entered the court for less than two years could be Being promoted to such a high position is not only enviable, but also laments the power of Zhang Zhou's party.

But Lu Wan's appointment as the right minister of household affairs seems to be a bit of a hindrance at the moment.

Because Wang Yan, the current right minister of the Ministry of Revenue, had a very good conduct and official reputation in the court, the emperor wanted to arrange for him to be appointed governor of Datong, but there were many objections.

Because in the eyes of outsiders, Wang Yan should have been promoted to Zuo Shilang, and could even be the Minister of the Sixth Department of Nanjing, instead of being sent to the northwest at the age of 70 to help others... After all, the current announcement The Grand Governor's residence was in Datong, and Wang Yan became deputy to the young boy Wang Shouren.

Zhu Youtang saw that many of the ministers below had come forward to object, and their opinions seemed to be unanimous. He was also a little angry, but he tried to remain calm and said: "I only wanted to make such an arrangement after careful consideration. Uncle Xin Xin has made great achievements on the grassland one after another. , having him in charge of Datong can intimidate Di Yi, but after all, he does not have much experience in governing, so it is inevitable that he will be deficient in this aspect."

It means that Wang Shouren is very good at fighting, but in the end he is still a novice when it comes to managing people's livelihood and local affairs, and he needs an old man to guide him.

Putting it this way, it seems more reasonable to send Wang Yan there.

Is that because I don't trust you and assign you?
wrong!

It is precisely because I believe you can cultivate Wang Shouren well that I let you go. This job cannot be done by someone else.

When it came to this matter, it was naturally difficult for ordinary ministers to speak out. Many people were waiting for the cabinet to come out to express their opinions and make the emperor change his mind. However, because Liu Jian received the emperor's separate instructions in advance, after Liu Jian returned, Naturally, the emperor's thoughts must be conveyed, so that it is difficult for the cabinet to speak out at this time.

If Li Dongyang or Xie Qian came out to object, it would mean that the cabinet did not understand the emperor's "painstaking efforts". Although the emperor might be persuaded to stop, this would deepen the gap between the emperor and the cabinet.

The three people in the cabinet naturally had to consider whether they wanted to fall out with the emperor because of a royal figure.

Ma Wensheng, the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, stepped forward and said: "Your Majesty, if Wang Yan goes to Datong, it will be difficult to complete the handover of the Ministry of Revenue in the past few months. He should make a decision after the summer grain collection. .”

"Isn't it just a few days away?" Zhu Youtang said, "It's almost June, haven't the summer grain collection situations in various places been reported yet?"

At this time, Wang Yan came out and said, "Your Majesty, there are still droughts in many places in the north this year, and tax revenue has been further reduced."

Zhu Youtang said: "It's time to change. In the past two years, there has not been much pressure on the treasury. This is all due to the previous battles against the Tatars, which achieved great results at a small cost. Northwest Peace , the cost is naturally not that big. But Bing Kuan has to manage things well."

When the emperor said this before, the ministers had a hundred opinions and dissatisfactions in their minds, and they were all thinking of how to refute it.

Now they have become accustomed to it, and they seem to be too lazy to argue with the emperor. If you think Bingkuan is powerful, then so be it, do as you like.

Zhu Youtang said again: "I propose that Lu Wan and Lu Qing's family, who were promoted to Zijingguan, Daomaguan, Juyongguan, Baoding and other places, should succeed Wang Qing's family as the right minister of the Ministry of Household Affairs, using their experience in governing affairs in the past few years. , I believe that I can handle the errands of the Right Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, and that Wang Qing’s family can go to Datong to take up his post with peace of mind.”

I don't want to pretend anymore. I transferred Wang Yan away just to make room for Bingkuan's people.

At this moment, Ma Wensheng was still standing outside, hoping that he would continue to object, but when Ma Wensheng heard this, he understood why no one in the cabinet spoke out.

Immediately, Ma Wensheng returned to the court.

"If no one objects, the matter will be settled." Zhu Youtang said.

Lu Wan came out and took the order: "I obey the order."

You are so eager to accept the order before I have given you the final decision. Are you already impatient to become a minister?Even if you have experience as a governor, with your qualifications, are you sure you can do the job of the right minister of household affairs well?

There were also many ministers who set their sights on Zhang Zhou and Wang Qiong.There are also people who go to see the clock.

After all, Zhong Zhong is the Minister of Household Affairs. If he comes out to object, he may still have a certain right to speak.

However, Zhong Zhong's own status is not stable, and his position as Minister of Household Affairs is more of a compromise between various forces. As a traditional civil servant, Zhong Zhong was a traditional civil servant. When he rose to become Minister, the structure of the DPRK and China had already been formed. In his view, It seems that he does not have the strength to confront Zhang Zhou.

"Also," Zhu Youtang said, "I am going to send Bingkuan to the Jizhou area on official business, so I should tell you all in advance."

Liu Jian then came out and asked, "I wonder why your Majesty sent Cai Guogong to Jizhou?"

Zhu Youtang looked very secretive and said: "I can't tell you this yet, but it may be different from what you think. When the time comes, Marquis Anbian will go with him."

The minister will inevitably think.

What do we think, Your Majesty, how do you know?

and many more!

Zhang Bingkuan took Zhu Zhijie and went to Jizhou. Wasn't this just to fight?Are they doing something big from Jizhou to arrange some big event?Another expedition to the grassland or something?

……

……

The meeting ended.

In the court that day, Zhang Dang became the biggest winner. He got two minister-level official positions at once, allowing Zhang Zhou's power to gain a firm foothold in the court instantly. It seemed that Zhang Zhou was no longer fighting alone.

After the court meeting, Liu Jian's face was still gloomy, because he knew that the emperor had bigger plans behind him.

That is to further upgrade Lu Wan and Tang Yin from their current positions to the official rank of "Commissioned Officer". By then, these two people will even be able to compete with their cabinet.

"Three pavilion elders, please tell me, what does your majesty mean? Why did you send Zhang Bingkuan to Jizhou? You also said that it is different from what I and others thought. Does your majesty know what we think?"

After the court meeting left the Fengtian Hall, many ministers gathered around Liu Jian and the other three before they reached the Meridian Gate.

Xie Qian smiled and said, "You guys really don't have any ideas?"

"If Mr. Zhang goes to Jizhou with Marquis Anbian, what good things can happen?" someone in the crowd asked.

Xie Qian's eyes swept around him, and without stopping, he said, "Hey, your Majesty, maybe what you are saying is that you have such thoughts?"

A group of people couldn't help but look at each other.

Can you do this?

Li Dongyang said: "If you have any questions, why don't you ask me face to face?"

This is because I feel that this group of people is quite annoying. They did not come forward to object in the court, but now after the court meeting, they are questioning the three members of their cabinet.

We can understand that you don't have the guts to question the emperor, but Zhang Bingkuan is also participating in the court meeting today. Why don't you go and shoot at him?
But this group of people seemed to be convinced of the truth and did not communicate with Zhang Zhou. Perhaps they felt that even your cabinet could not deal with someone, so why should we go?
"Does His Majesty's appointment to Lu and Tang go beyond the scope of the court discussion? Is this the official entrustment entrusted by His Majesty?"

Ma Wensheng came over to relieve the three cabinet members. He said in a deep voice: "What do you think is going on now? Do you think that during the wars in Ningxia, His Majesty forgot about rewards based on merit? Or do you think that after the wars in Ningxia, Will Your Majesty maintain the old attitude towards affairs between the DPRK and China?"

This is relatively straightforward.

You guys have no brains.

The Battle of Ningxia had just ended a month ago, and it seemed that the emperor did not reward meritorious service. He did not reward meritorious ministers, including Yang Yiqing and Cui Yuan, as they should have.

Cui Yuan was just arranged to be the deputy commander-in-chief of Ningxia, while Yang Yiqing transferred Nuer Gandusi to the governor, which was more like a demotion.

But the emperor has a title in his heart. Who does the emperor think is the biggest contributor to this battle?

Isn’t it his Bingkuan?
Since Zhang Zhou is going to be rewarded for his merits, what should be done?You can't give Zhang Zhou another official position, right?Didn't his people get rewarded in the end?You regard the promotions of Lu Wan and Tang Yin as rewards for Zhang Zhou's victory in the battle of Ningxia. Is it easier to understand it this way?

Liu Jian couldn't help but glance at Ma Wensheng. Even Liu Jian had never thought about this angle, but Ma Wensheng explained it so concisely and clearly.

It's a bit like emphasizing other people's ambitions.

Xie Qian smiled and said, "Does it mean that if Cai Guogong and Anbian Hou have new military exploits in Jizhou, more people will be rewarded for it?"

In addition to making excuses, these words are also a reminder, should we find a way to prevent Zhang Zhou from participating in certain war plans without incident, or even gaining military exploits for this?With his efficiency in gaining military glory, I'm afraid it won't be long before all the people in the court are his.

"Don't talk about such unwarranted things." Liu Jian reminded sternly, "In a forbidden place, be careful what you say and do!"

Then everyone dispersed one after another.

Liu Jian and the other three also headed towards the cabinet duty room with a strange atmosphere.

……

……

After the court meeting, in addition to Zhang Zhou, Tang Yin and Lu Wan, guided by Wei Bin, went to Qianqing Palace to receive an interview from Zhu Youtang.

Inside the Qianqing Palace.

Zhu Youtang first treated the two people with high courtesy and specially gave them seats, which made them feel flattered.

"I don't know if Bingkuan has told you that my next plan is to have the two ministers join the listening office to assist in handling some military affairs in Beijing. In addition to the Beijing camp, I will also send memorials to the border towns outside. Wait, you can participate in the voting process. If I have relevant matters, I will summon you at any time or send someone to ask for your opinion."

Zhu Youtang smiled and said what he meant.

The two of them were still sitting cautiously, but after hearing this, they couldn't help but get up.

There was a dreamlike and unbelievable panic in their hearts... Being a minister is already very impressive, are we already so awesome that we can challenge the cabinet?

"Look back, I will ask someone to take you to the check-in room at Shangting Office. It won't be long before you go there to run errands, but not now."

Zhu Youtang said: "The war in the border town is not over yet, let's wait until it is. When Qin Hong returns to the court, his errand will be taken over by Wang Qing's family, the minister of household affairs, and there will be a new one at Shangting Department. A face appears and it’s yours.”

Tang Yin hurriedly said: "Your Majesty, I am new to officialdom, so I'm afraid it will be difficult for me to handle such a big event."

Lu Wan was a little anxious after hearing this. Tang Yin could get such appreciation from the emperor, so why did you back down?It doesn't matter if you back down, the key point is that we are on the same page now. If the emperor changes his mind, will that mean that my status as a member of the government will be over?

You can't harm the interests of both of us with your ideas, right?
Zhu Youtang said: "Tang Qing family, you don't have to belittle yourself. Although your affairs in Duobi City and North Korea are not worthy of publicity, I know your ability. As Bingkuan said, you are not a mediocre person, but sometimes Your potential needs to be stimulated, and you must also face up to your own abilities."

Tang Yin was confused when he heard this.

Do I have super powers myself?Why don't I know?What am I looking at?

"As for you, Lu Qing's family, I have recently reviewed all of your past official achievements and resumes. I am also amazed at your achievements in military and political affairs. I am also wondering why, with your ability, the court has never mentioned it before. Ji He recommended me? If Bingkuan hadn't mentioned it, I wouldn't have known there was a talent like you." Zhu Youtang said.

Of course Zhu Youtang couldn't understand.

Because Zhang Zhou uses "open book examination" when hiring people, digging out a person from the highest point of history, and even uses history's summary and characterization of the person to decide whether the person is available.

Can it be compared to the authorities?
Just like Lu Wan, he has mixed reputations, but his ability is definitely outstanding, and more importantly, he is eager for quick success and good at communicating with others.

To put it bluntly, it is easy to be bribed.

It can only be said that he had poor eyesight and failed to see Prince Ning's ambition.

Lu Wandao: "I'm just doing my duty and I don't dare to forget my duty as a minister."

Zhu Youtang smiled and said: "Then you are the only one who is outstanding. Bingkuan singled you out from so many officials, and you should try your best to repay his trust and my respect for you." ( End of this chapter)