The flowing water in the rockery was gurgling. Zhu Mou was sitting on the wooden pole, holding the fishing rod tightly, like a fisherman.
The koi in the water are as strong as puppies, and their scales of various colors are dazzling under the sunlight.
Yan Chongxin couldn't sit still, and his mood became more and more anxious. It took a long time to calm down.
He raised his head and touched his temples, where there were already strands of white hair.
Starting from Hanzhong, then to Huguang, Nanjing, and Beijing, for ten years, he worked hard and paid too much for the emperor.
I'm nearly fifty, is it wrong to be a secondary assistant?
"Although it's a little too eager, isn't it just in line with your intention?"
"What's your intention?" Zhu Mou turned his head and said softly: "It's unpredictable, so don't guess it easily. If it's even the slightest bit different, it will be terrible."
Yan Chongxin closed his eyes, listened to the sound of running water in his ears, and sighed: "It's true that it's a bit urgent, but it's not possible to be in a hurry!"
"I understand!" Zhu Mou said softly: "But if you are so eager, it will be counterproductive."
"Now in the court, His Majesty's new policies are coming one after another, from north to south, and there is almost no delay."
"The cabinet is the center of the imperial court. Stability is the top priority and turmoil must not occur. Although you have complied with some of the wishes, you missed this..."
Hearing this, Yan Chongxin sighed, his face full of melancholy.
Only then did he understand that although the emperor needed someone to check and balance Zhao Shu in the cabinet, he was too eager to perform and failed to grasp the balance, thus destroying the stability of the cabinet.
Hence, it is counterproductive.
After figuring this out, he seemed to have aged ten years for a moment.
Zhu Mou on the side couldn't bear it and sighed softly: "You are still young, so don't be in a hurry now."
"Mr. Zhang Ge has worked until he is in his seventies, and you still have twenty years left!"
Yan Chongxin was amused by these words: "Seventy years is rare in life. How many people live to be seventy?"
"With the change of cabinet, will the eight ministries also be moved?"
Zhu Mou put away his fishing rod at this time. It seemed that a fish had taken the bait, and his face lit up with joy.
"That's right." Yan Chongxin didn't hide anything from him, and said calmly: "But you are not in a hurry. The Ministry of Husbandry and the Ministry of Rites have already done it, so what are you afraid of?"
When Zhu Mou heard this, he rolled his eyes and said nothing.
If possible, he would like to go to the Ministry of Civil Affairs.
As a Heavenly Official, his power is second only to the Cabinet Ministers, and even as powerful as the Second Assistant.
Personnel power is extremely important in the officialdom, even the life gate.
But it's a pity that he is only twenty-two years old and still has to hang around in the Sixth Department. This time he must be in the Military, Works, and Punishment Departments, and there is no chance in the Civil Service Department.
Yan Chongxin also brought a fishing rod at this time and imitated his example to catch fish.
What is good above will be replicated below.
The emperor liked fishing, and the civil and military ministers had to imitate the same, and they also had to cultivate their sentiments.
There was a trace of schadenfreude in his eyes as he looked at Zhu Mou.
Compared to him who waited a few years, Zhu Mou was in a worse situation. He was rotated among the six ministries and had to wait at least another seven or eight years before he could join the cabinet.
After all, how can there be an elder in the world who is in his forties?
Doesn’t that mean he has to be active in the cabinet for twenty years? It leaves no way for future generations to survive.
Even if the emperor is willing, many officials are not.
Of course, doing both sides of the same thing and playing around in the six movies is also good for cultivating abilities, and at least it can also cultivate some confidants.
It's not bad to accumulate a lot of time, but waiting is too tiring.
The two of them exchanged words, which was an opportunity for them to talk.
I believe this friendly relationship will last for many more years.
As long as Zhu Mou does not enter the cabinet for a day, the relationship between the two can continue and take care of each other.
Zhang Zhai.
It's extremely lively today.
In order to praise Zhang Shenyan's hard work, the emperor gave his wife a royal title, and she was treated like a guest in the house.
In the past, I was cautious in my words and deeds.
Mr. Zhang Ge, for his rare permission to do something grand, attracted many people's attention, and his family was very happy.
The reason why Zhang Shenyan wanted to become an official was not only because of his old age, but also because he suffered from back gangrene. Although he was much better after repeated treatments, his body and bones were still failing him.
Therefore, he wanted to return to his roots and go home to retire.
"Dad, why are you unhappy today?" The eldest son was puzzled.
"I'm just feeling emotional." Zhang Shenyan shook his head and sighed: "My life has been full of ups and downs. After the Jiashen Incident, the situation was unpredictable. I never imagined that I would have the status and glory I have today."
"Thank you for going to Huguang that year!"
At this time, someone suddenly came to report that Jiang Yueguang, the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, and Gao Hongtu, the Minister of the Ministry of Punishments, asked for an audience.
Hearing the two men, Zhang shook his head cautiously: "Let them come in."
Afterwards, the two ministers also came slowly.
The two sat down, and the servant brought hot tea, and then left. Except for Zhang Shenyan's son who was waiting at the side, no one else was seen.
The three of them are strange. In theory, they are all former members of the Donglin Party.
However, their native places are in the north and they are not pure Donglin Party members.
It is precisely because of this that the close relationship between these people allowed Zhang Shenyan to still be able to deal with Zhao Shu's strength with ease.
"Brother Jin Ming, are you really going to retreat?" Gao Hongtu didn't hesitate and asked directly.
"You all know about my illness. I have worked hard for the Ming Dynasty for half my life, and I have a clear conscience. Now I can live in peace and enjoy the prosperity of the Ming Dynasty."
Zhang Shenyan beat his legs and chuckled.
Jiang Yueguang on the side was about to speak but stopped.
Looking at the two people's coquettish postures, Zhang Shenyan didn't understand what they were thinking. He shook his head decisively and said: "Brother Yanwen (Zhi Gao Hongtu) and Ju Zhizhi (Jiang Yue Guang), it's better not to have this position now.
idea."
Jiang Yueguang was silent, but Gao Hongtu still maintained his desire.
In this life, which civil servant does not want to be a prime minister? Even if he is half like a cabinet minister, he is still a prime minister.
"Brother Jin Ming." Gao Hongtu's voice was soft, as was his character, soft yet tough: "If you retreat, who can come up?"
"Wang Ba County (Wang Yingxiong)!" Zhang Shen said: "He is also from Donglin. He was the first to follow the emperor and is trustworthy."
"Then he is six years younger than me." Gao Hongtu continued, and then stopped talking.
Wang Yingxiong was born in 1589, Gao Hongtu was born, and Jiang Yueguang was born in 1583, almost a generation apart.
Hearing these words, Zhang Shenyan narrowed his eyes.
Emperor Shaowu tabooed party disputes. Although there is no upright party like the Donglin Party in the Ming Dynasty today, there are still some factions.
When Donglin Party members like them are gone, they naturally stick together to keep warm.
And if Wang Yingxiong ascends to the cabinet, it will be equivalent to the younger generation climbing to the front, which will immediately overturn the relationship with Jiang and Gao.
Gao and Jiang would definitely not be able to bear this.
After all, I have reached this position, and in a sense, my face is more important than my official position.
This faction will naturally be forced to disband, and the two of them may even become officials.
Gao Hongtu, Jiang Yueguang, is also nearly seventy years old.
"I see."
Zhang Shenyan sighed.
He seemed to have said something, but also seemed not to have said anything.
But Gao Hongtu and the two left with a sense of satisfaction.
Not to mention the long-term relationship, Zhang Shenyan's character is worthy of their trust.
At night, Wang Yingxiong also came to visit.
Compared to the two of them, Wang Yingxiong had a louder voice and a slightly lustful expression in his eyebrows, which he did not try to hide.
He originally had such a rough character, and he suffered a lot because of it back then.
"It will be a great regret for the court that Duke Zhang has left."
Wang Yingxiong sighed, then asked about his family's affairs, and finally even patted his chest and said: "Young Master will definitely not accept this."
Wronged."
Seeing him like this, Zhang Shenyan suppressed his dissatisfaction.
He was an upright man, and he wanted to explain some things about running the country, but he didn't expect Wang Yingxiong to directly talk about his son, which was simply a humiliation to him.
"How can this be compared to Zhao Shu? Are you afraid that you will be tricked by applause?"
Zhang Shenyan sighed repeatedly.
The civil service system is extremely repulsive to independent prime ministers, or even powerful prime ministers.
Because the emperor only transfers so much power, and if there is too much power, other people will have less to eat and will naturally become dissatisfied.
How could he feel at ease and hand over all his political resources to Wang Yingxiong?
The next day, Zhang Shenyan asked for the bones.
As usual, the emperor refused and rewarded him with a large amount of property so that he could spend his old age peacefully.
And, he received it in person.
Zhu Yixi's impression of Zhang Shenyan was not good at first, but it improved a lot later.
If Zhao Shu, the first assistant, is smooth and sincere, then Zhang Shenyan is upright and upright, rarely inconsistent with his words and deeds.
Compared with many people who are not caring and want to focus on agriculture while doing business properly, he bluntly asked for support for businessmen.
Maybe it has something to do with him being from Shanxi.
Reduce checkpoint exploitation, crack down on card-stealing, and strictly impose taxes, so as to use business taxes and utilize the people.
For example, he was very dissatisfied with the Commercial Tax Department at first, thinking that tax supervisors like Wanli were exploiting and ravaging the people, but later after learning the truth, he greatly supported and appreciated it.
At a young age, he and I have sex, and we have a good relationship.
In addition to the imperial edict, Zhu Yixi even prepared to give him a knighthood in the end, which can be regarded as the most benevolent and righteous act.
"His Majesty--"
Perhaps he let go, but Zhang Shenyan showed his old age. He held up his hands and wanted to say something, but the emperor stopped him and asked someone to put a chair down and sit down.
"You and I have been kings and ministers for many years, why should we be so formal?"
Zhu Yixi always respected the old and loved the young, so he kindly chatted with him about the past, the shogunate in Huguang, the war in Nanjing, and the current New Deal.
Basically, it was the emperor who was talking, and occasionally Zhang Shenyan intervened. It was a mutual favor between the emperor and his ministers.
"Come on, it's too hot in the palace, let's find a cooler place."
When they came to a pavilion, the emperor said regretfully: "In more than a month, I will go to Yuquan Mountain, but Zhang Qing's family will return home."
"I don't know when we will meet next time."
These words made Zhang Shenyan's eyes turn red and he was shaking so much.
"When Zhang Qing leaves, there are only three people left in the cabinet. One or two more have to be added. I wonder if the Qing family has any recommendations?"
Zhu Yixi felt a little emotional and asked directly.
Zhang Shenyan was the one who wanted to retire, so he had no scruples and said bluntly: "In my opinion, although the prime minister is from a prefecture or county, the governors and important ministers are still not as good as the eight ministers."
"That's true."
The emperor nodded. Although the senior ministers were of high rank, they were a bit intimidating once they entered the cabinet, not to mention that there were not many senior officials.
The only choice is among the eight ministerial books.
"I think Gao Hongtu, the Minister of Punishment, is quite good."
"I thought you would recommend Wang Yingxiong!"
Zhu Yixi was a little surprised. After all, the two of them had a great conversation last night and it lasted until midnight.
"This recommendation is not very good." Shaking his head, he said bluntly:
"Gao Hongtu's qualifications are not good, and he suddenly becomes the second assistant. I'm afraid the cabinet will be in chaos."
"The position of second assistant is so powerful, how can it be given to each other privately?" Zhang Shenyan became anxious, coughed a few times, and said: "I think that Gao Hongtu, regardless of his qualifications, ability, and gentle personality, is suitable for coordinating all parties..."
"Five people?" The emperor understood instantly.
It turns out that this is to turn that four-person group into a five-person group.
He thought about it.
Theoretically speaking, the more decentralized the power of the prime minister, the more centralized the imperial power.
Of course, for the founding emperor, it was
Even if there is only one, he will not be afraid and can still be defeated.
However, when it comes to Gao Hongtu's gentle personality, it inevitably reminds him of Wang Yingxiong's straightforward personality.
This is very different from Lu Daqi in the cabinet.
It would be hilarious if these two people collided.
I really need a few gentler people to neutralize it.
Moreover, Gao Hongtu was old after all, and he would only be busy in the cabinet for a few years, which would just satisfy his desire to be the prime minister.
This is a good thing about adult beauty, and it does not delay the emperor's win over people's hearts.
"I understand." Zhu Yixi nodded: "The recommendation from the Qing family is extremely appropriate."
Seeing the emperor's approval, Zhang Shenyan was relieved.
Subsequently, Zhang Shenyan begged for the bones three times in a row, and failed twice in a row. Finally, the emperor had to allow it.
Some rewards are of course mentioned.
Immediately after the imperial edict was issued, Wang Yingxiong resigned from the position of Minister of the Ministry of Household Affairs and directly entered the cabinet as his second assistant.
What is surprising is that Gao Hongtu, the Minister of Punishment, also joined the cabinet and became the fifth cabinet minister.
The most unlucky one belongs to Lu Daqi.
No matter in terms of qualifications or anything else, he couldn't compare to Gao Hongtu, so he could only be relegated to fifth place, still ranked last.
The cabinet immediately settled down within a short period of time.
Funnily enough, among the five cabinet members, except Wang Yingxiong, who is from Sichuan, the other four are all from the north.
In a sense, this is still a Northern cabinet.
The officialdom was a mess, and many people shed tears as they bid farewell to Zhang Shenyan, who returned to Shanxi to retire, and then watched eagerly what happened in the cabinet.
Without him, among the eight divisions, two positions were suddenly vacant. I don’t know how many people were eager to take the position.
Who knew that what was waiting for them was another unexpected imperial edict - splitting.
That's right, the split of the household department.
As early as a few years ago, the emperor was particularly dissatisfied with the bloated household department.
In charge of the country's territory, fields, household registration, taxes, salaries and all financial matters.
It annexed the Shaofu of the Qin and Han Dynasties and the three divisions of the Song Dynasty, which can be said to be extremely large.
Now that Wang Yingxiong has come down, the emperor will naturally attack him without hesitation.
The Ministry of Household Affairs is divided into three parts: the Ministry of Civil Affairs, which is responsible for land and population affairs; and the Ministry of Finance, which is responsible for tax collection and budget.
The Account Department is specifically responsible for Taicang, distributing salaries, and keeping accounts.
As a result, the eight ministries were changed to ten ministries, namely the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Personnel, the Ministry of Industry, the Ministry of Rites, the Ministry of War, the Ministry of Household Affairs, the Organization Department, the Lifan Yuan, the Ministry of Civil Affairs, and the Ministry of Finance.