Chapter 65: Renzong Chapter 7: Upstart Bureaucrats, the Defiant Group
Chapter 2190: Renzong Chapter 7: Upstart Bureaucrats, the Defiant Group
The exquisite and gorgeous official car drove up from the long street and stopped in front of the Wang Family Mansion. Under the nervous and attentive service of a group of boy servants, an old man with a delicate appearance but extremely majestic got out of the car and gently stroked the purple on his body. He took off his robe, started to walk steadily, and returned home.
The old man is the grandson of Wang Xuanzhen, the Prime Minister of the dynasty, the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, the former Military Envoy, the Jiangnan Chief Envoy, the Prime Minister, the Inspector General, and the Governor of Shanyang. Sixty years ago, I am afraid that no one would have Would you believe that a family born into "eagles, dogs and claws" could actually become a legitimate and wealthy noble family in the empire sixty years later?
The rise of the Wang family can be traced back to Wang Yinwu, the military moral envoy during Shizu's Kaibao period, but the real founder is Wang Xuanzhen. As the nephew of a criminal minister (Wang Yinwu was executed by Shizu for the Lu Duoxun case), he first started with " The "Dangxiang Rebellion" revived, and he survived the harsh political environment in Shizu's later years in the position of Wu Deshi. He was finally accepted by Emperor Taizong and became a representative official of the Yongxi era.
What's even more valuable is that he can become one of the auxiliary ministers appointed by Emperor Taizong. Although he was quickly squeezed out of the center by the old nobles and Qingliu, and was unable to sustain the glorious Jianlong era, Wang Xuanzhen laid the foundation for the Wang family. , is already deep enough.
Throughout the Sejong era, the Wang family was in a dormant state. Wang Xuanzhen's eldest son, Wang Xuekun, and his second son, Wang Xuepei, also successfully entered official positions. Wang Xuepei, in particular, once served as the chief envoy to Huaidong, although he failed to achieve the achievements and achievements of his father. status, but he has firmly maintained his power and wealth.
As for Wang Shilin, he is the direct grandson of the eldest member of the Wang family. He has shown extraordinary talent since he was a child. He was a scholar at the age of eight and often had amazing insights into current affairs. The period during which he grew rapidly was also the direction of the empire. During the period of Jianlong's prosperity, he also had a profound understanding and insight into the many rectifications and reforms carried out by Emperor Sejong.
Because of his many peculiarities, Wang Shilin received the full support of his father and uncle. After going through Jinshi, Guanzheng, and county and state offices, he was moved to the East Palace in the late Jianlong period.
At that time, Emperor Sejong had not been in Zen for a long time, but he was already showing his age, while the prince Liu Jili was in his prime. Although there were threats from Empress Yang and Liu Jiying, for the Wang family, the prince's orthodoxy was more worthy of investment.
Unfortunately, unforeseen circumstances occurred, and Prince Liu Jili unfortunately passed away at an early age, which interrupted the plans and arrangements of many people, including the Wang family. Perhaps it was precisely because of this that Wang Shilin stood out more quickly.
Since the 20th year of Jianlong, the battle for the right to inherit the throne has lasted for three years. Under the suppression of Emperor Sejong, although some basic "bottom lines" have been maintained, the accompanying swords, swords, open guns and hidden arrows are enough to make people feel uncomfortable. Scalp numbness.
It was precisely in a situation that seemed very difficult and dangerous that Wang Shilin gradually became the most important adviser to Liu Weizhen, who was still the grandson of the emperor at the time, with the help of several suggestions and analysis.
Wang Shilin's strategy is based on "filial piety", "forbearance", and "waiting". However, it is difficult to grasp the propriety and intensity. If Wang Shilin had not always proposed strategies, Liu Weizhen's mediocrity would not have been possible. We can really wait until the day when Liu Jiying "makes a mistake".
Precisely because of the "shared hardships and dangers" during the East Palace period, when Liu Weizhen succeeded to the throne, Wang Shilin also managed to get through well. For this close confidant, the "loyalty" Liu Weizhen gave very generous rewards.
First, he was appointed as the Shaofu, taking over the emperor's treasury, and later he was promoted to the palace supervisor. Within two years, he entered the palace and became the prime minister with the title of imperial envoy. When Fan Zhongyan returned to the court and was appointed minister, Wang Shilin also took advantage of the great changes in the court situation.
, with the support of the emperor, he was promoted to Minister of Civil Affairs and became the top prime minister in the imperial court.
Since Liu Weizhen succeeded to the throne, at the political affairs hall level, he has personally played the game with only two ministers, one is Wang Shilin, and the other is Li Kaiwen, Minister of War. Li Kaiwen is the nephew of Emperor Shizong's original wife, Empress Li, and is the emperor's representative.
uncle.
It can be seen from this that Wang Shilin's status in the mind of Emperor Liu Weizhen was great. Although the orthodox emperor showed himself to be "mediocre", the value and role of the emperor's banner were greatly utilized by Wang Shilin, both for the country and for the emperor.
Has.
It was precisely through Wang Shilin's efforts in the past ten years that the Wang family began to truly shed their ordinary skin and became a family of scholar-bureaucrats in the empire, an upstart bureaucrat.
As a scholar-official standing at the top of the empire, Wang Shilin was loyal to the king and responsible for the country. In addition to both, he could not help but support his personal reputation and family interests.
At this time, when I returned home to attend the court meeting, there was already waiting in the hall a middle-aged man with a solemn face and full of thoughts. Wang Zhimin, who was the Jianghuai Zuoji Envoy of the Du Branch of the Financial Secretary at that time, was Wang Shilin's nephew.
Seeing Wang Shilin return home, Wang Zhimin immediately stood up, hurriedly stepped forward, and took the initiative to take Wang Shilin's hat and crown with an unusually humble attitude: "Welcome my second uncle back home!"
Wang Shilin just glanced at him without saying a word. Under the service of two female maids, he took off his noble but heavy embroidered robe, washed his hands and face, sat down, took a sip of hot tea, and then asked Wang Zhimin: "Sit down."
Can’t stand anymore?”
During the whole process, Wang Zhimin waited patiently, not daring to behave in any way. When asked, he replied with aggrieved words: "My nephew is just unwilling to accept it. How could the situation suddenly change and allow Wang An to occupy the magpie's nest?"
"
"So, you came to ask me for an explanation and an explanation?" Wang Shilin said calmly.
Upon hearing this, Wang Zhimin's face changed slightly and he quickly said: "How dare you, little nephew? I just feel aggrieved!"
Seeing this, Wang Shilin smiled coldly and said: "The official position is important and the country's important weapons are not the private property of my royal family. If you think that I, as a heavenly official, will be absolutely safe in agreeing to your affairs, then you, as an official, will
The union should have come to an end.
The officialdom is ups and downs, the storms are fierce, if you can't withstand the blows, if you only pursue the small profits in front of you, then you must resign and return to your hometown to study and farm, otherwise sooner or later you will fall into it and ruin the reputation of my Wang family!"
Wang Shilin's words were serious. When Wang Zhimin heard this, he felt even more cold water pouring over his head. His legs softened, so he knelt down and said: "My little nephew has lost his wits because of his sharpness. He has failed to teach me how to do it. Please punish me!"
"
"You are already a senior official of the fourth rank, a court official, and you are not a child with a simple education. You still need some education from me all the time?" Wang Shilin scolded coldly.
Wang Zhimin kowtowed again and said: "My nephew knows his mistake! I will never mention the appointment of Jianghaiguan again!"
"Get up!" After examining Wang Zhimin for a while, Wang Shilin said calmly.
"Thank you, uncle!"
"Is a small deputy director of taxation worthy of your pursuit? Are you concerned about the heavy tax revenue of the imperial court, or are you like those who are just like those who are just running around and rushing to the gold sales caves in Shanghai to make money and profits?"
Faced with Wang Shilin's heart-breaking question, Wang Zhimin's face flashed with panic, but he quickly calmed down and said seriously: "Since my nephew has been taught by his second uncle, how can he have such a villain's heart and traitorous ambitions? I just want to
Be loyal to the emperor and serve the country, govern the government and bring peace to the people!"
In response to this, Wang Shilin smiled without comment, and then his tone became lowered again: "Don't you want to know the reason? I will tell you that Fan Xiwen approved a note for Wang Anshi. Do you think I can refuse it directly?"
Hearing this, Wang Zhimin was startled for a moment, then showed anger and said: "How can Mr. Fan give and receive national public offices privately and be nepotistic?"
"Okay! How can you criticize the Prime Minister?" After hearing what he said, Wang Shilin's expression became serious and he shouted sternly.
"yes!"
Having said that, it is actually very difficult for Wang Shilin to expose this matter easily. During the years when Fan Zhongyan was in power, as a civil servant who was deeply trusted by the emperor, he was also a man with good knowledge, ability and means.
As a politician, Wang Shilin cooperated with Fan Zhongyan in many aspects.
Wang Shilin also tried his best to cooperate with Fan Zhongyan's many opinions on the court's selection of talents and training of officials. Although Wang Shilin borrowed Fan Zhongyan's hand to establish his own authority and deploy his own personnel, Fan Zhongyan's interference in the affairs of the Ministry of Civil Affairs
, Wang Shilin is quite patient.
Fan Zhongyan also has a very high opinion of Wang Shilin. There has been a harmonious relationship between the two for a long time. But as time goes by and Wang Shilin's authority is consolidated, this "cooperative relationship" becomes more fragile.
Well, as a chief officer and a "living Buddha" in the political affairs hall, how can you like others' interference, even if you are the prime minister?
Taking the position of Deputy Envoy of the General Taxation Department of Jianghai Customs as an example, Wang Shilin couldn't help but suspect that it was Fan Zhongyan who came to hinder him after learning the news in advance. Because in the past two years, Fan Zhongyan began to have thoughts about the imperial court's favor system.
The measures to control and suppress were very obvious. There were already a large number of powerful children inside and outside the country who lacked talent, lacked moral character or failed to manage affairs. They were removed by Fan Zhongyan's pressure.
In this matter, Wang Shilin instinctively felt repulsed. After all, he himself was a beneficiary of the favor system, but it was indeed inappropriate for the court to be filled with unqualified and powerful children.
In line with the principle of serving the country, Wang Shilin tried his best to coordinate and help Fan Zhongyan clean up a group of mediocre people. However, when this wind blew on his own family, Wang Shilin was actually angry.
After thinking for a while with a serious expression on his face, Wang Shilin suddenly raised his head, showed a relaxed smile, and said: "You can't go to Jianghaiguan, but you can go to the southeast. I have already made plans, and the errand of the Huainan transfer envoy will fall on you.
"
"This time, there will be no mistakes!" Wang Shilin added decisively.
Hearing this, Wang Zhimin looked overjoyed and hurriedly said, "Thank you, uncle, for your support!"
The Huainan Transfer Envoy, from a third-grade official position, is the second-ranking figure in the Huainan Transfer Department. The imperial court's fiscal and taxation transfer system has been implemented for a hundred years. Among the several major transfer departments, the Southeast Transfer Department is the most eye-catching. After all, it is responsible for the southeastern financial and taxation center.
, one of the most important sources of taxation for the imperial court, especially after the rise of overseas colonial trade, it became even more out of control.
The Southeast Transshipment Department covers a wide area, including Huaihe, Liangjiang, Fujian and Zhejiang Provinces. Among them, the Huainan Transshipment Department is responsible for the financial and tax review, collection, and entry into Beijing of Huaihe and Huaihe, and has great power.
In terms of oil and water, Jianghaiguan may not necessarily have the most, but the power and influence are not the same. The key is that this is a real power position. It is conceivable that he can take out such a position and hand it over to his nephew, with the city government
As deep as Wang Shilin, what kind of emotions have accumulated in his heart.
After sending Wang Zhimin away, Wang Shilin was sitting in the hall, meditating for a long time. His old face was always gloomy. When he was thinking, his family never dared to disturb him, until his smart little grandson came to see his grandfather for dinner.
, and then a kind smile appeared on his face again.
However, Wang Shilin secretly said in his heart: "Fan Xiwen, you have been doing this for a long time! You, Fan, can do it, but I, Wang, can't do it?"
In fact, it really can't be done, at least not for the next person. According to the existing rules, the person who succeeds Shangshu Ling after Fan Zhongyan will basically be the representative of the Xungui Group.
The only thing Wang Shilin can strive for is obviously to take office. Based on this, he naturally feels a huge sense of urgency. After all, he is over fifty years old and does not have much time to wait.
Therefore, quietly and inevitably, the "Fan Fan Group" added another main general.