"Song Wenyi?"
In the Nangong Palace, upon hearing this name, Zhu Qizhen couldn't help but sit up from the couch, straightened up, and frowned.
"Are you sure it's really Song Wenyi?"
In the Chonghua Hall, Zhu Yi, dressed in a unicorn robe, stood respectfully. Hearing the Emperor's question, he nodded slightly and said.
"Your Majesty, it is indeed him!"
"The news I just received is that the man from the Qianqing Palace sent the eunuch Cheng Jing, the eunuch in charge of rituals, to Shanxi to serve as the guard eunuch. He also issued a special edict, saying that Cheng Jing was asked to assist Du Ning in organizing the military settlements in Shanxi."
"Nowadays, people are talking outside that Song Wenyi returned to Beijing to replace Cheng Jing and take charge of the Supervisor of Ceremonies..."
All kinds of news have always spread fastest throughout the imperial court.
Nowadays, Zhu Yi is regarded as the Supreme Emperor's most loyal confidant, at least in the eyes of those in the court.
Therefore, Duke Cheng Guo would go to Nangong to pay his respects almost every two days. Most of the people in the court knew what he was doing.
It is not that ministers have not discussed this situation privately.
However, on the one hand, Zhu Yi had a distinguished status and had the title of Duke, and on the other hand, there was no explicit edict from the emperor not to allow ministers to visit the emperor.
Therefore, this kind of discussion was not brought to the court.
As a result, Zhu Yi ignored these comments even more. From coming to Nangong in a secretive way, to now walking in and out of Nangong in a swaggering manner, as if he had become a close minister of the Supreme Emperor.
Zhu Qizhen frowned tightly, as if he was thinking about something. After a while, he shook his head and said.
"It's not that simple!"
"Cheng Jing left Beijing, if nothing else, to avenge the grudge he was implicated in back then."
"However, it is absolutely impossible for Song Wenyi to return to Beijing to succeed Cheng Jing."
Looking at Zhu Yi's slightly confused eyes, Zhu Qizhen continued.
"You should have heard about this matter. Cheng Jing was a Jinshi in the 22nd year of Yongle. Because of his outstanding talent and learning, he was selected as a Shujishi. After he was dismissed, he was sent to the Jin Palace to become a shrine."
"In the first year of Xuande, Zhu Gaoxu, a commoner of the Han Dynasty, rebelled. Zhu Jixi, a commoner of the Jin Dynasty, secretly obtained more than 200,000 shi of grain from the army in order to support the common people of the Han Dynasty. However, he was reported by the imperial envoys. After the former emperor put down the rebellion, Zhu Jixi was deposed and became the emperor. Although Jing was not involved, he was implicated."
"Originally, the late emperor wanted to sentence Cheng Jing to exile and exile in the army. However, Cheng Jing was willing to die because the punishment of military exile would affect his descendants. The late emperor took pity on his talent and temperament, so he sentenced him to corruption and ordered him to listen in the palace study. use."
"Later... Later, when King Tan opened his palace, he needed someone who was well versed in poetry and literature to teach him. So, after discussing with my mother, I sent Cheng Jing to the palace of Prince Tan to make books and serve as lecturers."
This matter is not a secret.
However, after all, it involves the royal family, so although Zhu Yi knew it before, many of the details were not clear.
At this moment, hearing Zhu Qizhen mention it, some of the mysteries in his heart were gradually solved. After pausing for a moment, he asked.
"Your Majesty, you mean that Cheng Jing came out of Beijing at his own request?"
"Just to avenge the past?"
Although Cheng Jing's reputation in the court has always been good, Zhu Yi put himself in his shoes and realized that if he had been chosen as a concubine in high spirits, he would have a bright future, but it was inexplicable because he had nothing to do with him
For unrelated matters, he was sentenced to corruption and could only bid farewell to his official career for the rest of his life and became a eunuch, which was the most despised by the scholar-bureaucrats.
No matter who you are, no matter how broad-minded you are, you will find it difficult to let go of this matter.
"That's probably it."
Zhu Qizhen nodded and said.
"The Jin Palace should have a lot of involvement in the matter of rectifying the military garrison, but even so, there is no need for a deep palace eunuch to intervene. Not to mention Jin Lian, it is Du Ning himself. Under the current general trend, as long as he is willing to put in the effort, there is no need.
Difficult to solve.”
"However, the emperor sent Cheng Jing over and specifically asked him to assist Du Ning. Apart from wanting to avenge Cheng Jing's past grudges, I'm afraid there is no other explanation."
When he said this, Zhu Qizhen didn't know what he thought of, with a hint of sarcasm in his tone...
Zhu Yi was naturally aware of this keenly, and as soon as an idea came to his mind, he said.
"Your Majesty is wise!"
"No wonder the outer court is talking about it now, saying that the man in the Qianqing Palace has lost his mind. I heard that as soon as the news came out, many officials from the Department of Science and Technology wanted to go to Shu for advice."
"But who would have thought that that person seemed to have expected it. Immediately afterwards, an edict was issued, saying that officials of science and education should strictly abide by their duties and should not arbitrarily discuss matters that have not yet been discussed by the court, let alone interfere with the palace without authorization.
Things in the middle."
"Now that I think about it, I wasn't just preparing for this situation... It seems that Cheng Jing really has a lot of trust in him!"
These words sounded like an exclamation.
However, there is also a sense of yin and yang in it.
Hearing this, a hint of darkness flashed across Zhu Qizhen's eyes, and he hummed softly and said.
"My younger brother is very scheming, but I have long said that it is not easy to be a saint. As time goes by, people will find out some things. No matter how hard you try to disguise them, people will inevitably see them.
flaw."
"Cheng Jing...hum..."
Seeing the overlord's disdainful look, Zhu Yi sighed in her heart, but she didn't show it on her face.
He can naturally guess what this person is thinking now.
In fact, after returning from the Supreme Emperor, Zhu Yi had this feeling, that is, although the Supreme Emperor did not say it with his mouth, he kept comparing himself with the emperor consciously or unconsciously.
This person always pretended to be dismissive of the emperor's excellence, but in fact he cared about it very much.
On the contrary, whenever something proves that the emperor is not as good as him, or has committed the same problem as him, he will be extremely proud.
Zhu Yi had already noticed this.
What happened to Cheng Jing this time probably made him feel that the emperor's long-standing sagacity was just a disguise.
Nowadays, the emperor pretends to be a public servant for personal gain, and asks Cheng Jing to avenge his private vengeance. In fact, it is no different from when he used Wang Zhen in a more important position.
Of course, in Zhu Yi's view, this difference was huge, and he believed that the Supreme Emperor also knew this.
However, in the current situation, it is obvious that the Supreme Emperor ignored the difference intentionally or unintentionally.
However, as a qualified 'courtier', Zhu Yi would not just tell the truth stupidly.
Since the Supreme Emperor felt that treating the Emperor as a king who dotes on eunuchs would make him happy, then he would just think so.
The pride in his eyes flashed away, and Zhu Qizhen quickly came back to his senses and said.
"However, I didn't expect his reform of science and technology. There must be a huge quarrel outside now, right?"
"Your Majesty, it is indeed true!"
Zhu Yi lowered her head and replied.
"After the news came out, many Kedao officials were filled with indignation. They felt that the emperor was blocking the way of speech and not listening to advice. They had already submitted a memorial to oppose the reform of Kedao."
"but……"
At this point, Zhu Yi hesitated again.
Seeing this situation, Zhu Qizhen sneered and said.
"However, it didn't cause any big waves, right?"
Zhu Yi nodded bravely and said.
"Indeed, although many imperial officials protested, almost none of the important ministers in the court spoke out."
"Furthermore, this time the edict was issued directly, not discussed in the morning meeting. Therefore, although there are people at the top, there are not many."
"He chose a good time!"
Zhu Qizhen snorted lightly, his face seemed a little unhappy, and said.
"Nowadays, most of the Kedao censors are out patrolling or supervising the military settlements. There are not many Fengxianguan staying in the capital. He has upgraded the grades of both Shizhong and the chief censor."
"If nothing else happens, the seven ministers in the court should have gotten the news early and been beaten secretly."
"The top ones are unwilling to talk, the people in the middle are getting the benefits, and most of the people at the bottom are not around, so naturally they can't make any trouble."
It was obvious that the Emperor was not happy in his tone, so Zhu Yi thought for a while and said.
"Your Majesty, if I think about it, this matter may not be so easy to solve."
"It is true that there are not many censors in Beijing now, but when the news spreads to various places, I am afraid that the censors who are patrolling outside will not be peaceful."
Ming Dynasty's science and technology officials were never easy to mess with.
Relying on the power in his own hands to hear rumors and remonstrate with the emperor, he can be said to be unscrupulous.
This time, the emperor obviously wanted to limit their right to remonstrate. Under such circumstances, it would be strange for these people not to resist.
Of course, whether you know it or not, since you are in front of the Supreme Emperor, you will naturally want to listen to what the old man likes.
For the Supreme Emperor, what he loves to hear most is naturally when the emperor is in trouble.
However, this time, after Zhu Yi finished speaking, the Supreme Emperor did not react. Instead, he frowned, seeming to be thinking about something.
Seeing this situation, although Zhu Yi was doubtful, he wisely shut up.
For a moment, the Chonghua Hall was quiet.
After a while, Zhu Qizhen seemed to finally think of something and said to himself.
"I see, I understand..."
Hearing this, Zhu Yi raised his head cautiously, but saw that the Supreme Emperor's expression was incomprehensible. He hesitated for a moment, and then asked.
"Your Majesty, what do you understand?"
"Song Wenyi!"
Zhu Qizhen knocked his hand on the table and spoke softly.
"I understand why the emperor wanted to bring him back!"
"Wang Ao, the eunuch who guarded Liaodong and the cabinet minister, was in Liaodong before. If I remember correctly, when Wang Ao defended the city with a sword, he was impeached by the officials. It was Song Wenyi who put in good words for him, and he was finally exempted from punishment.
"
"The two of them have always had a close relationship!"
"This time, the emperor transferred Song Wenyi back to Beijing, not because he really trusted him, nor because he wanted him to succeed Cheng Jing, but because he wanted to help Wang Ao continue to gain a foothold, and at the same time, he wanted to check and balance the increasingly powerful people in the cabinet.
Yu Shiyue!"
Therefore, after being emperor for so many years, Zhu Qizhen still has some background.
At least, he knew all the government affairs of the imperial court.
"Check and balance Yu Shiyue?"
Zhu Yi was a little confused.
So, Zhu Qizhen continued.
"Yes, although Wang Ao suffered a setback this time, the cabinet still needs to be used. In this case, Wang Ao, the chief minister, still has to win over him."
"However, the emperor does not allow him to get involved in Qingliu, nor does he allow him to cultivate influence in the court. Then, if Wang Ao wants to stabilize his position, he can only rely on the overall strength of the cabinet."
"That's the problem..."
"How can a chief minister who has few connections in the government, who has just been impeached, lost his cabinet membership, and temporarily lost his right to vote, persuade other ministers in the cabinet?"
"Especially, there is such a strong secondary assistant!"
These words seemed to be explaining to Zhu Yi, but in fact, it was Zhu Qizhen who was sorting out his own thoughts.
"Yu Shiyue has been in the government for many years. After he joined the cabinet, he has always had a good relationship with Zhang Min. He is also quite prestigious among the outer court. More importantly, he has always had a good relationship with Yu Qian. I remember what you said to me before
However, during this period of time, Yu Shiyue has coincided with Yu Qian on many political views, which shows that the two of them are no longer just personal friends, but have begun to transform into political allies."
"Under this situation, Yu Shiyue has influence in the cabinet and allies in the foreign court. Moreover, he also serves as the official of the Prince's Palace. Even if he himself does not want to steal Wang Ao's limelight, under his background,
Wang Ao will only become less and less present."
"So, at this time, the only thing Wang Ao can rely on is..."
"Holy Grace?"
At this time, Zhu Yi also 'reacted', a little surprised, and said.
"Not bad, Holy Favor!"
Zhu Qizhen nodded proudly and said.
"In the final analysis, the cabinet relies on the power of the emperor. Since Wang Ao, the chief minister, can't rely on anything else, as long as he gets the favor, he can still subdue the entire cabinet."
"Especially at this time, when Wang Ao has no strong external support and strong enemies internally, the emperor transferred Song Wenyi to the capital. In fact, he wanted to use Song Wenyi to completely capture Wang Ao."
"I see……"
Zhu Yi took a long breath and said with a look of admiration.
"Your Majesty is indeed a wise man. All the clues in the court cannot escape your discernment!"
Faced with these compliments, Zhu Qizhen just waved his hand and said.
"If this happens, I'm afraid I will have to change my original idea."
Looking at Zhu Yi's confused look, Zhu Qizhen explained.
"Although the government and the public have discussed that Song Wenyi came back to replace Cheng Jing, I didn't think so at first, because Song Wenyi had an old relationship with Jin Ying, and through Jin Ying's relationship, I regarded him quite highly.
, then he was sent out to control Liaodong."
"It's just that he left the capital early, so not many people know about this relationship. But even so, the emperor will not be wary of him. Even if he is transferred back, he will not be allowed to come into contact with the government."
"However, after thinking about this section, my view has changed. Since what the emperor values is the relationship between Song Wenyi and Wang Ao, and now he wants to restrict science and technology, and needs the cabinet to reconcile internal and external affairs, then
, Song Wenyi must be given an important position."
"Otherwise, Song Wenyi's return to Beijing will be meaningless."
"Of course, it is definitely impossible to be a eunuch holding the palm seal. In addition to the palm seal, there is Huaien and Shu Liang as the eunuch holding the pen. Therefore, when Song Wenyi comes back this time, he will probably be a junior eunuch responsible for the ceremony..."
After frowning and thinking for a moment, Zhu Qizhen suddenly waved and gave a few instructions to the chamberlain.
Then, under Zhu Yi's confused gaze, several chamberlains quickly spread a layer of rice paper on the table.
Zhu Qizhen picked up the royal pen, pondered for a moment, splashed ink, and wrote two words on it with a big stroke of the pen. Then he ordered someone to take out a private seal and stamp it on it.
When the ink was slightly dry, Zhu Qizhen ordered someone to bring the rice paper to Zhu Yi and said:
"After you go back this time, think of a way to hand this thing to Song Wenyi in person and say it was given to you by me. Needless to say anything else, let's see his reaction and then talk back to him!"
Zhu Yi looked at the word "loyalty" on the rice paper in front of her and didn't say anything more. She just cupped her hands and said.
"I obey the decree!"
So, Zhu Qizhen nodded and said.
"What you told me last time, I have thought about the matter of the military government. The British government is indeed weak today, so if you feel confident, just do it, but the matter of honoring the guards, and
Let it go, I know that all noble families are concerned about this matter."
"But Zhu Jian is right about this matter. After all, it involves imperial guards, so we should not act too hastily. Hasn't the imperial court already sent people to the border for selection? Wait until they come back and start to actually form a young army, and then bring this matter up again.
That’s it!”
"yes……"
Hearing this, Zhu Yi's eyes flashed, but she still just accepted the order without saying anything.
This chapter has been completed!