Seeing Wang Shaowei talking about age and qualifications, Wang Zaijin couldn't sit still and immediately retorted:
"Da Situ is wrong. Age and seniority are important, but they cannot be used as a reason to deny a person's ability. If Hong Chengchou is really talented, let alone being a Jinshi a few years ago, so what if he is not a Jinshi?"
Wang Shaowei was immediately speechless by what he said. After looking at Wang Zaijin, he could only wave his sleeves and return to his original position.
"What Great Sima said is true. A person's ability cannot be measured by age and seniority. The war between the Han Dynasty and the Xiongnu was so important. Huo Qubing was not even twenty years old when he was appointed as a hussar general and commanded an army."
"Emperor Xiaowu discovered the amazing talent hidden deep in his heart, and Huo Qubing was able to soar to the sky and become famous throughout the ages!"
It seems that His Majesty has high expectations for this Hong Chengchou. All the ministers present know that Hong Chengchou is already confirmed as the governor of Liaodong. The next step is just a matter of appointment.
Although many people were still unsure, they felt somewhat confident after hearing His Majesty's relaxed yet firm tone.
Since he came to the throne, His Majesty has begun to drastically reorganize the imperial court, killing countless people and appointing countless officials. So many people have not been killed or missed, which shows that His Majesty has a vicious vision.
"I know you are unsure, but you can wait and see. Hong Chengchou will impress you and will not disappoint me."
Although Hong Chengchou is not safe in his old age and is willing to become a lackey and traitor, his talent and ability are beyond doubt. It is not that such a person cannot be used, but it depends on how you are.
At this time, promoting him to serve as governor of Liaodong is undoubtedly the best choice, because he will not compete with Xiong Tingbi for power. Even if he wanted to, he did not have the capital.
"The cabinet will first draft the imperial edict on the appointment, and then I will formally deliver the edict after I meet Hong Chengchou!"
"According to the order!"
"Although the position of governor has been settled, it does not mean that Liaodong is under control. Their local influence and network cannot be ignored, so I want to cut off one of their arms to increase the chance of winning!"
Xu Guangqi said doubtfully:
"I wonder who your Majesty is talking about?"
Colonel Zhu You pointed at the imperial case and said slowly:
"Guangning Councilor, Wang Huazhen!"
Wang Shaowei, the Minister of Civil Affairs, quickly stepped forward and said:
"Why did your Majesty do this? Although Wang Huazhen is also an official of the Donglin family, he has not neglected his duties, nor has he taken bribes."
At this time, Wang Huazhen did not reveal his true nature. In the eyes of the world, he was still a loyal minister who served the country and the people.
I have to say that these people are really good at disguise, and what they do behind the scenes is superb. If this were to be the future, it would not be difficult to get a golden horse or golden rooster.
"My dear, don't be blinded by the superficial appearance of the matter. Which of the officials from the same party as him didn't behave like Hai Rui before he was convicted?"
"But what happened next? Who is not a corrupt worm in the country? You can't see a person's true face by just looking at him from the front. People's hearts are separated from each other!"
"As far as I know, this Wang Huazhen is also a senior member of the Donglin Party. He is very close friends with Zhang Heming, Yuan Yingtai and others. You have seen the true faces of Zhang Heming and Yuan Yingtai. Do you think he can Keep to yourself?"
"Even if he is a truly upright and capable minister, he is still a thief who only cares about his own interests, deceives the court, and protects criminals. According to the laws of the Ming Dynasty, I cannot convict him?"
Wang Shaowei was speechless by the emperor's words and couldn't find any reason to refute, because what his majesty said was indeed correct.
Other ministers also felt that His Majesty's words were reasonable. Wang Huazhen was indeed suspicious. I'm afraid he was not much cleaner than Yuan Yingtai.
The so-called preconception, since you want to kill Wang Huazhen, you must not hesitate. Zhu Youxiao added:
"Guangning is an important choke point connecting the four states of Liaoning and Shenyang to western Liaoning, and it is also an important rear protection city for the two cities of Liaoning and Shenyang. During the Hongwu period, when Taizu granted the vassal to the Thirteen Sai Kings, the vassal territory of the King of Liao was in Guangning! "
"How can such a crucial place be left to be guarded by someone who is unclear and has no talent or merit? Doesn't this put millions of our soldiers and people in Liaodong at risk?"
"I dare to say that Wang Huazhen is definitely colluding with the local generals, otherwise he wouldn't be able to stay there for such a long time!"
Xue Zhen, the Minister of Punishment, couldn’t help but said:
"How can your majesty judge someone by just words? Isn't this too hasty? If you wrongly accuse a loyal minister, wouldn't you lose the heart of a scholar in the world?"
These people are really stubborn. There is no point in trying to reason with them. They just accept the truth. Unless you come up with irrefutable evidence, they will always have a reason to argue with you.
"After all, you have been the Minister of the Ministry of Punishment for such a long time. You must have visited places of punishment and prison frequently. You must have seen all kinds of prisoners. Don't you understand the concept of being an accomplice?"
Zhu Youxiao said to him angrily.
Seeing that the emperor's words were slightly angry, Xue Zhen immediately bowed and said:
"I am being pedantic!"
After saying that, he immediately returned to his original position. It doesn't matter if you say a few words, Your Majesty won't argue too much with you. If you say too much, your position may not be guaranteed.
But Zhu Youxiao has no intention of letting him go. It seems that you have become too lazy after being the minister for a few months. Why don't I give you a warning?
"Xue Zhen, as the Minister of the Ministry of Punishment, is in charge of laws and prisons, but she does not defend loyalty and treachery. Instead, she exonerates the suspect and is fined two months' salary. If she speaks without restraint, the crime will be increased!"
The emperor's words meant that he had lost two months' salary. Xue Zhen was really on the verge of crying.
Xu Guangqi had no objection to the emperor's idea. After thinking deeply, he stepped forward and said:
"Your Majesty, even if Wang Huazhen is guilty of knowing the truth and failing to report it, he has no fault during his tenure. Even if he did, the court does not have evidence of his crime at this time. If he is dismissed rashly, I am afraid it will cause criticism!"
"Your Majesty, although there are very few officials from the Donglin family in the DPRK, their influence in Shilin and other places cannot be ignored. If they really attack him without any reason, those people may be spreading rumors to cause trouble, and they will not harm your Majesty's reputation. OK!"
Wang Xiangqian and Xu Guangqi had the same view. Neither of them believed that now was a good time to capture Wang Huazhen.
"Your Majesty, there is just Wang Huazhen, so what if he colludes with those big families? Wang Huazhen may be a traitor, but he is not a fool. How can he act as a vanguard for those big families?"
What Wang Zaijin said makes sense. No one is a fool, let alone these powerful officials.
"Although this is the case, the top priority is to stabilize Liaodong and solve the big problems. During this period, no mistakes or instability are allowed. This Wang Huazhen can never stay in Guangning anymore and must be replaced! "
Your Majesty has made up his mind, and no matter how hard you try to persuade him, it is useless. The ministers have no choice but to support the emperor again.
"Then who does Your Majesty plan to replace?"
Zhu Youxiao thought for a while and then slowly said: