Because Zhang Zhou wanted to plan to send troops again, the emperor brought the court into a "wartime state", and the cabinet had to keep one person on duty at night, Li Dongyang volunteered to take over the job.
When Liu Jian went to discuss the rotation with Li Dongyang, he asked with special concern: "If it's not convenient for you to talk to outsiders, just talk in private without leaking it."
Li Dongyang smiled.
With the strong relationship among the three-person iron triangle in the cabinet, Li Dongyang certainly did not worry that if he told Liu Jian, Liu Jian would leak it.
But he still just shook his head and said that he could not say: "The matter is of great importance, and the prophecy is nonsense, why should we take it seriously? Maybe after a few days, it will still be peaceful."
or?
Liu Jianxin said, in the past, we didn’t take Zhang Bingkuan’s words seriously, but after everything became a reality, we should know that his mouth was really open. You knew that things were likely to happen and that the situation was serious, but you deliberately said
You're a bit of a jerk, you Li Dongyang shouldn't be the kind of person who makes people appetizing, right?
"Yeah." Liu Jian didn't force it, "Then, Binzhi, go back early and come over before nightfall. I'll discuss it with you if I have anything to do."
…
…
After Li Dongyang left the duty room, Liu Jian first handed over the necessary preparation work to the person in the study room in the imperial examination room, sent the person away, and then called Xie Qian to the desk.
The two of them sat down.
Xie Qian understood Liu Jian's purpose and said with a smile: "Bin Zhi has something he wants to say but can't, and he can't say it. It's probably related to his personal matters. Is that what you mean?"
"Um."
Liu Jian nodded, "I have also thought about it for a long time. The thing that is so closely related to him now must be something related to the Kong family."
"Oh?" Xie Qian obviously didn't think so.
Liu Jian, you can guess that the incident is related to the Kong family just from Li Dongyang's hesitation. Is the connection too far-fetched?
Liu Jiandao: "It's not that he didn't want to say it, but he was afraid that Zhang Bingkuan would actually tell the truth. After the incident, he didn't say it in advance, which would lead to unfounded criticism from others. However, this kind of thing made him unable to speak beforehand. The matter was related to his
In terms of choices and positions, apart from his marriage to the Kong family, would anything else make his attitude so abnormal?"
Xie Qian thought about it for a moment and smiled bitterly.
After listening to Liu Jian's words, I thought it was nonsense at first, but the more I thought about it, the more it made sense.
"What's going to happen to the Kong family? How can we keep him from telling you?" Xie Qian asked in return.
Liu Jian was powerless this time.
Even though he was the chief minister of the Ming Dynasty and had a very good control over the political context, from Li Dongyang's hesitant words, it is impossible to think that Kong Hongxu, the eldest son of the Confucius family, would actually set fire to his palace at home.
This question is a bit out of scope.
Seeing Liu Jian's serious face and not answering, Xie Qian asked instead: "Do you think this will end badly after it happens?"
Liu Jian shook his head and said: "Since your majesty is willing to speak clearly to the guest and not hide it, it means that even if this matter happens, it will not harm the foundation of the Ming Dynasty. It must be said that this matter is related to the Kong family. Now both uncle and nephew are in the Kong family."
Is it possible that someone in the capital wants to use their uncle’s and nephew’s questions to express themselves?”
Xie Qian said: "Do you want me to go talk to Dongzhuang?"
"Inappropriate." Liu Jian immediately objected, "You are putting Bin's name on the fire. Since he was willing to tell us that something happened, he must have been concerned about the impact of the matter, so he didn't tell you and me. If he rashly announced it to the outside world,
, what would His Majesty think?"
Xie Qian was smiling bitterly again.
The person who asked the question didn't give an answer or let the question be asked, so what are we guessing here?
Liu Jian added: "I think with Binzhi's resourcefulness, we should have expected that even if we spread his words now, it will not help. Either it will happen before our eyes, or others will not be able to predict it at all." The reason is pointless."
"Haha." Xie Qian said with a smile, "That's really good at riddles. This guest is a bad learner. Don't mention anything in front of him in the future. Let him try what you and I can't find today. Anxious!”
"You..."
Liu Jian glanced at Xie Qian, but the two of them had no grudge against Li Dongyang.
…
…
Meeting at court the next day.
That day was the day when the "Da Ming Huidian" was officially published as a book. It was approaching Zhu Youtang's birthday, so a classic book could be regarded as the best gift to Zhu Youtang.
The emperor wanted to be both civilized and martial, and he also wanted to leave his name in history by compiling books and writings. The "Da Ming Huidian" summarized the previous rules and regulations set by the Ming Dynasty. It can be regarded as an encyclopedia of the Ming Dynasty officialdom. It involves matters such as customs and education.
Such a book is of great significance to the reputation of Zhu Youtang Mingjun.
The book is completed.
Naturally, the credit for the revision of the book was also distributed. The first credit did not belong to Zhang Zhou, but to the three nominal chief editors of the cabinet. However, since the three of them were already prime ministers and assistants, their official positions remained unchanged for the time being, but it was Zhu Youtang. It was said on the spot that there would be rewards.
The so-called awards, in fact, Zhu Youtang has already decided in his mind, which is to confer titles such as young master to the three of them, and he is also going to give them jade belts and python robes.
But all this will not happen overnight and will have to be implemented in the future.
The three chief editors have made great contributions, but they only gave verbal praise and no actual rewards.
All the ministers present also knew that this so-called first meritorious service was just a pretense. The ones with real merit and promotion were the people below who really worked hard.
"... Added the deputy chief editor Zhang Zhou, a minister of the Hanlin Academy, who was a bachelor of the Hanlin Academy and the Shaoqing of Taichang Temple; Cheng Minzheng was a bachelor of the Hanlin Academy and was in charge of the affairs of the Nanjing Hanlin Academy; and Lin Han, the emperor of the country, who was a minister of wine and the minister of rites, was an official. Minister Zuo of the Ministry; entered the Hanlin Academy to serve as a lecturer on Liang Chu, served as a bachelor of the Hanlin Academy, and served as the Young Master of Zhan Shifu..."
Fifty or sixty people were given official posts at one time.
However, except for those who have made greater contributions, most of the remaining people will have to be slowly drawn up in the next few months. After all, it does not mean that they can all be promoted at once, one carrot after another, and only the key official positions will be arranged first. The remaining ones who serve as readers, lecturers, editors, and editors have to adjust their official positions one by one.
What the ministers present were most concerned about, and also the most jealous of, was naturally the fact that Zhang Zhou was directly promoted to be a bachelor and a young minister of Taichang Temple due to his merits in writing books.
You must know that among these two positions, the bachelor's degree is not a part-time job. If you are a bachelor, you are a bachelor. This is when a new scholar has entered the court for less than half a year... If you add in the general system that Zhang Zhou is carrying now The positions of Xuanda Military Affairs, Minister of the Ministry of War, and Yushi of Zuodu...
It seems that it is not impossible to say that Zhang Zhou is currently the most powerful person in the Ming Dynasty besides the emperor.
Of course, if Zhang Zhouruo is transferred back to the capital, it is basically impossible to give him the official position of Minister of the Six Bubu or Yushi of the Zuodu. Even the minister of the Five Temples is not enough. Most likely, he will be given the position of Minister of the Six Bubu, especially the Minister of the Ministry of War. .
The civil servants naturally knew that with Zhang Zhou's current achievements, it was reasonable for him to come back as a minister after completing the general system.
They are thinking about it now.
Since the emperor gave Zhang Zhou the official position of bachelor of the Hanlin Academy and Shaoqing of Taichang Temple, it would be perfect for him to come back and take up the empty post of right minister of the Ministry of Rites.
In other words, Zhang Zhou's return to the court emptied his power. Even if he continued to stay in the Hanlin system, he might be promoted to a Hanlin bachelor or even join the cabinet in the future, which would affect the central decision-making of the Ming Dynasty. But at least Zhang Zhou had a strong influence on the imperial court. The harm will be minimized in a short period of time.
…
…
The court discussion that day also included the completion of the "Da Ming Hui Dian" book and awards.
After this incident, Zhu Youtang asked General Dai Yi to announce in public that Zhang Zhou sent troops to Weininghai for daily patrol.
Because this news had been spread the day before yesterday, the ministers present did not think it was too strange.
Zhu Youtang seemed very excited and said: "...the government's management of the grasslands used to be mostly on paper. After sending out troops, even if there were results, they would immediately withdraw. Now they have to build cities on the grasslands and use herdsmen to graze. Long-term management and management of farming can be regarded as setting the standards for the future of the country and the security of the border fortress. I actually hope that Bingkuan can stay in the border for a long time to frighten Di Yi, but the whole court cannot be without him."
The minister heard this.
What does this mean?
The emperor wants to recall Zhang Zhou so soon? That’s not right! It’s obviously the time for Zhang Zhou to send troops, is it really okay to mention this?
"In addition, Huo Si, the leader of the Di Yi tribe, will arrive in the capital in three or four days. The Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of War will make arrangements to welcome him as appropriate." Zhu Youtang added.
The minister didn't understand again.
The emperor asked the Ministry of Rites to arrange the reception, which is understandable, and the Ministry of War was involved... Even if the fire screen was once a headache for the Ministry of War, but now he is paying tribute as an envoy, what does this have to do with the Ministry of War?
Many people looked at Liu Jian and Ma Wensheng, as if they were waiting for them to come out to set the tone, and also wanted them to clear up the doubts of the unclear minister.
However, neither the cabinet nor the six ministers expressed any intention to object or comment.
…
…
The meeting ended.
As soon as they left the Fengtian Hall, a group of people surrounded Liu Jian and others, as if they were holding a small meeting after the big court meeting.
Xie Qian wanted to drive them away, so he waved his hands and said, "Your Majesty wants to send people from the Ministry of War and the Governor's Mansion, or use artillery to scare Di Yi. Is it difficult to understand?"
He Jian, the right minister of the Ministry of Punishment, said: "Mr. Give it to someone else?”
"Yes." Someone from the back of the crowd chimed in, "One person has so many official positions. Who should the court listen to when things happen?"
"hehe."
Xie Qian looked at him with disdain.
Feelings, you guys are all looking forward to Zhang Zhou staying in the northwest, right?
Returning to the imperial court will affect the balance of official positions in the capital of the Ming Dynasty. Do you think it is a good thing for him to stay in the northwest and continue to prosper in the northwest border town of the Ming Dynasty?
Seeing that Xie Qian's attitude turned bad, Li Dongyang was afraid that he would say something bad again, so he took the initiative and said: "Everyone, even if Zhang Bingkuan returns to the court, he will probably be given a title, and he will no longer be responsible for the six ministries in the court. .Now that no one has returned, are you taking precautions or adding to the chaos?"
Xie Qian looked at Li Dongyang.
You didn't let me speak, probably because you were afraid that what I said would be unpleasant, but it seemed that what you said was not easy to hear.
These ministers in front of you are all loyal ministers of the Ming Dynasty. You directly say that they are causing trouble...
You are awesome.
The left minister of the Ministry of Industry once said: "My guest, now your Majesty favors treacherous people and gives more and more appointments to one person. This trend cannot last forever. You should be advised and corrected in time."
This also explains why these officials were so excited after this court meeting, and they went to find three cabinet ministers at the gate of the palace to ask for their explanations.
It's because the emperor gave Zhang Zhou more and more officials, and it didn't sound like one person could resist it. From the Dudu Mansion, the Six Ministries, the Metropolitan Procuratorate, the Border Town General System, to the Hanlin Academy, and even
In yamen such as Taichang Temple, Zhang Zhou's position is held in it.
If you add the "Lai Guogong" who is about to be named, it will be even more terrifying.
And it is often good for a minister to wear two hats.
This will make the ministers feel... very unfair!
This breaks the rules!
It's not about Zhang Zhou's ability, it's about the emperor not being able to reward him so much at once.
Tu Fu, the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, also came out and sighed: "If this situation is serious, I am afraid it will set a bad precedent for future kings to employ people. Everything should be based on the court's regulations. And Zhang Zhou was promoted, even though he had meritorious service.
But most of them came from His Majesty's personal seal, and it was difficult for the officials to get involved from the beginning to the end."
As the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, Tu Fu seems to have the most say in this matter.
In the eyes of these traditional civil servants, Zhang Zhou's promotion was based on merit rather than the emperor's mood.
If the emperor felt that Zhang Zhou had made great contributions, he would promote him once. If he felt that any position was lacking, he would add one to you. If he felt that you were useful, he would transfer you...
If the emperor alone can have the final say, then what is the purpose of the system of court consultation? The Ministry of Civil Affairs of the Ming Dynasty can also be disbanded!
Xie Qian said cheerfully: "Having too many skills is not a burden, and so is having too many officials. If you feel it is unfair, you can jointly submit a petition... Haha, I didn't say anything."
Expect the cabinet to persuade the emperor?
useless!
Even if you join forces and put pressure on the emperor, it will probably only increase Zhang Zhou's arrogance and cause estrangement and conflicts between the emperor and his ministers. Shouldn't the way to suppress a person be to dig holes and set up obstacles for him?
There are no traps or stumbling blocks. His merits are getting greater day by day, and his abilities are getting more and more trusted by the emperor. He is just talking nonsense here, saying that he should not be given so many official positions.
If you don't say it yourself, just slap the blame on us, the prime ministers and ministers, and let us, the ministers and ministers, say that the conflict between the monarch and his ministers caused by emotions only has to do with our cabinet and has nothing to do with you civil servants, right?
"It's gone!"
Liu Jian was too lazy to say anything.
It is only when you are in a high position that you realize how helpless things are.
While he wanted to be a gentleman and wait for Zhang Zhou to fall into trouble, Zhang Zhou's achievements were getting bigger and bigger day by day, and he gained more and more trust from the emperor, and the officials below did not let them get ahead without knowing the truth...Liu Jian was really tired.
Liu Jian walked in front and walked straight away.
Li Dongyang, Xie Qian and others also quickly followed.
The remaining people saw that even the cabinet no longer interfered with Zhang Zhou's rise, so they naturally had opinions in their hearts. They discussed jointly submitting a memorial to persuade the emperor, but more people chose to leave in silence.
They can reach an agreement on jointly putting pressure on Liu Jian and others.
But if they were to submit a joint petition to remonstrate, they would not be able to reach a consensus.
As the saying goes, if the sky falls, the taller one will hold it up. When the court encounters difficulties, the higher officials should be held responsible. Most people want to hide behind and enjoy the benefits.
But the problem is...
No matter whether he is a high official or a high official, there is nothing he can do about the problem of Zhang Zhou's rise.
…
…
Lin Han was promoted.
The son of the State was a minister of wine and the right minister of the Ministry of Rites, and he was promoted to the left minister of the Ministry of Personnel. Although he was a third-rank official, he jumped from an old scholar studying scholarship to a full-time minister in the Ming Dynasty, second only to the position of minister.
Moreover, Lin Han's promotion clearly meant "transferring from academic position to being promoted to minister".
When Lin Han returned to the Imperial Academy, there was almost a long queue of officials, students and others who came to congratulate him. Even many officials from the Sixth Ministry and the Five Temples came to congratulate him.
"From now on, the affairs of Beiyong will be left to others."
Lin Han looked a little regretful in front of others.
From the third year of Hongzhi, he has been in charge of the Imperial College’s sacrificial wine, and he has been working there until now. His reputation seems to have been tied to the Imperial College for a long time. He suddenly wants to leave the Imperial College to work in the Ministry of Personnel. Even though he understands that this is a promotion, he still hesitates in his words.
With regret.
Liu Chun, the visiting Hanlin editor, asked with a smile: "I wonder who will take over Lin Jijiu's position and take charge of Beiyong's affairs?"
"This...the court has not yet decided. It will be discussed in court in the next few days."
Lin Han really didn't know who would replace him as the principal of Ming Dynasty's top university.
Historically, the person who succeeded Lin Han was Xie Duo, who had been a priest at the Imperial Academy in Nanjing. He was also an old scholar. However, Xie Duo was more leisurely than Lin Han and was living a comfortable life in his hometown.
"Everyone, I will go to the Ministry of Civil Affairs tomorrow. There are many things that I will not be able to hand over in time, and I cannot entertain you today. I apologize for my understanding."
"What are you talking about, Mr. Lin? In the future, when we both serve as officials in the court, we need to give you more advice."
"yes!"
Lin Han knew that the reason why he was so popular was because he went to work as a left servant in the Ministry of Personnel, which was most closely related to the officials of the Ming Dynasty.
When he faced such a situation, he still felt very uncomfortable.
I am so popular all of a sudden... I feel like a daughter-in-law has become a mother-in-law. She is not used to being a mother-in-law yet. That is to say, she is not very good at using the power she has, and she does not know how to put on airs and show off in official circles.
…
…
Lin Han saw off the guests and then went to his dormitory to meet his family. He was also moving soon.
It wasn't the Imperial Academy's wine ceremony. He couldn't live in the dormitory built by himself in the Imperial Academy, and his family had to move to a new place with him.
When he arrived at the courtyard where the female relatives lived next door to the dormitory courtyard, Mrs. Ruan, her mother-in-law, and Lin Yi were packing their things.
"master."
Mrs. Ruan stepped forward and saluted.
Lin Han said: "There is no need to take away the things that cannot be moved. There will be new houses and beds at the Ministry of Personnel, and new bedding can also be purchased."
When Mrs. Ruan heard this, she thought her husband was rich.
What she didn't know was that in addition to giving Lin Han an official position, the emperor also gave him a material reward. Even if it wasn't much, it was definitely more than Lin Han's annual salary.
"These are..." Lin Han then saw the silk and satin that had just been moved out of the house.
Lin Yi immediately lowered his head, his face a little red.
Ruan said: "It was sent by Yi'er's husband's family. They are fine tribute brocades. They are all made of bright red satin. They are said to be for wedding dresses... How about buying a new court dress for the master?"
"
When Lin Han heard this, he frowned and said, "These are tribute materials that ordinary people can't live with. What do I mean by wearing them out?"
Although the official robes of the fourth rank and above of the Ming Dynasty are all scarlet robes, with different patches on the front and back to distinguish the official ranks, Lin Han will not wear Yunjin robes easily. He has not received the imperial gift and is not qualified to wear it.
When Lin Yi heard this, she felt very nervous.
I was afraid that my old father would be angry and have these materials sent back.
She actually likes them quite a bit. What unmarried girl doesn't like these exquisite clothes?
