Zhang Juzheng was particularly puzzled by this. Several times, he almost couldn't restrain his eagerness and asked Jiajing the reason for this.
Immediately afterwards, Lu Fang, who had been waiting beside Jiajing, stood up, faced everyone, and said loudly.
"The third matter discussed by the cabinet this time has been discussed, and now we are starting to discuss the last matter, which is the selection of the new governor-general of Zhejiang and governor of Zhejiang!"
As soon as Lu Fang finished speaking, she turned around and bowed respectfully to Jiajing before returning to her seat.
When Lu Fang finished speaking, everyone present could not help but breathe a sigh of relief.
Because before that, the next person to go to Zhejiang, Hu Zongxian's replacement, has been decided. It is Zhao Zhenji from the Inspectorate. In the final analysis, it is just a formality!
"Phew~ It's finally over!"
With this thought in mind, everyone immediately held their breath and waited quietly for Jiajing's instructions.
Jiajing seemed to have seen what everyone was thinking. After looking around, he nodded and immediately asked.
"What do you think about the candidate for the new Governor-General of Zhejiang and Governor of Zhejiang?"
As soon as Jiajing finished speaking, Yan Song responded without thinking.
"Your Majesty, I think Zhao Zhenji of the Inspectorate is capable of taking on such an important responsibility!"
After Yan Song, Xu Jie also added eagerly.
"Your Majesty, the minister's opinion is the same as that of Mr. Yan Ge. Zhao Zhenji of the Supervisory Council is talented and decisive, and he will definitely be able to take on this important task!"
After Yan Song and Xu Jie, everyone also expressed their opinions one after another. There is no doubt that they all support Zhao Zhenji one-sidedly.
Seeing this situation, Jiajing nodded slightly to everyone and spoke unhurriedly.
"Well, okay, since everyone agrees, then this matter is settled!"
"Next, Zhao Zhenji will go to Zhejiang to take over Hu Zongxian's position!"
When Jiajing finished speaking, everyone bowed to the ground and said respectfully.
"Your Majesty, Holy Might!"
After that, Jiajing looked at Yan Song and gave instructions.
"Yan Song, your cabinet will sort out the matters discussed today, and then announce them according to the procedures!"
Yan Song knew in his heart that when these matters discussed by the cabinet today were announced, there would be an uproar in the court.
"Oh, I hope there won't be too much trouble by then!"
Yan Song prayed like this in his heart, then came back to his senses and assured Jiajing.
"Your Majesty, please rest assured, I will definitely handle this matter well!"
After receiving Yan Song's assurance, Jiajing looked around and then asked.
"Do you have anything else to report to me? If not, let's just stop here today!"
Zhang Juzheng on the side heard what Jiajing said. After hesitating for a long time, he finally decided to temporarily give up his previous idea.
Because he felt that Jiajing did not take this opportunity to expand the examination method for clans and nobles to the whole country. He must have other plans.
After that, Jiajing was seen getting up from the throne and walking towards the outside of the cabinet. Seeing this, Lu Fang on the side quickly followed Jiajing's pace, and the master and servant left the cabinet.
Immediately afterwards, under the leadership of Yan Song, the chief minister of the cabinet, everyone knelt on the ground and saluted respectfully towards Jiajing's leaving figure.
"I will respectfully send you off to Your Majesty!"
After Jiajing's back was no longer visible, everyone got up from the ground one after another.
At this moment, everyone's faces were full of solemnity, because what was about to be announced by the cabinet would undoubtedly cause an uproar in the court.
Among the few people, Gao Gong could only see a look of fear on his face. After swallowing secretly, Gao Gong turned his gaze to Yan Song and asked tentatively.
"Mr. Yan Ge, what should we do next? Could it be that..."
Before Gao Gong finished speaking, he was interrupted by Yan Song. He sighed helplessly, with a look of dejection on his face, and said slowly.
"At this point, we can only do what His Majesty wants!"
When Yan Song said this, he added something in a voice that only he could hear.
"Be sure not to cause any trouble!"
…
On the way back to Qianqing Palace, Jiajing saw that Lu Fang was hesitant to speak, so he immediately stopped, turned around, and asked Lu Fang.
"Lu Fang, do you have anything to say to me?"
Seeing that Jiajing had seen through what he was thinking, Lu Fang raised her head sheepishly, and after organizing her words, she cautiously asked Jiajing.
"Your Majesty, I have something to puzzle you about. I hope your Majesty can answer it!"
When Jiajing heard this, he couldn't help but become interested. He looked at the scenery in the distance and immediately spoke.
"Lu Fang, if you have any questions, it's okay to say it!"
After getting Jiajing's permission, Lu Fang just revealed the doubts that had been lingering in his mind.
"Your Majesty, when Yan Shifan mentioned those measures to restrict the clan and nobles, Zhang Juzheng on the side seemed to have something to say to you, but you..."
"In addition, I feel that if the measures proposed by Yan Shifan can be extended to all civil and military officials, they will definitely have an immediate effect!"
After hearing the doubts raised by Lu Fang, Jiajing couldn't help but be stunned for a moment, then came back to his senses and laughed loudly.
"Lu Fang, I understand what you want to express. Your thoughts are the same as Zhang Juzheng's. He was also hesitant at the beginning whether to raise this matter with me in person!"
When Lu Fang heard this, a look of surprise suddenly appeared on her face. She turned her gaze to Jiajing and spoke subconsciously.
"Your Majesty... Your Majesty, you mean that you have already seen Zhang Juzheng's thoughts?"
Facing Lu Fang's extremely surprised gaze, Jiajing nodded imperceptibly and responded calmly.
"Yeah, that's right."
After receiving Jiajing's answer, Lu Fang became even more confused. After thinking about it for a moment, he continued to ask.
"Then if that's the case, why don't you let Zhang Juzheng..."
After Jiajing heard this, he looked Lu Fang up and down and then said to himself.
"Lu Fang, I don't know if you have ever heard of such a saying: don't worry about the scarcity of people, but worry about the inequality!"
After Jiajing's words fell, Lu Fang immediately fell into deep thought: "Don't you worry about the lack of numbers but the inequality..."
Jiajing saw the doubtful look on Lu Fang's face, and then added: "Yan Shifan thought that I didn't realize the intention behind this, and he wanted to play tricks under my nose. Compared with his father Yan Song, Speaking of which, he is still very young!"
After listening to Jiajing's explanation, an expression of sudden realization appeared on Lu Fang's face, and he spoke excitedly.
"I understand, Your Majesty, what you mean is to deliberately let them think that you are not aware of the intention behind this, so that they can relax their vigilance."
"At that time, after these measures are tested on the clan and nobles, if feasible, they will be officially extended to all civil and military officials!"
"Combined with what Your Majesty mentioned earlier, we should not worry about the scarcity but the inequality."
"At that time, when those clans and nobles have established a foothold in the court, they will take the initiative to ask you to formally extend this measure to all civil and military officials without even having to say a word from Your Majesty!"
When Lu Fang said this, he looked at Jiajing with eyes full of reverence.
"It can be said that Yan Shifan's move is shooting himself in the foot!"
After listening to Lu Fang's analysis, Jiajing just nodded slightly and did not make any comments. After that, Jiajing changed the topic and gave instructions.
"Okay, don't waste time here, go back to Qianqing Palace!"
When Lu Fang heard Jiajing's words, she immediately looked stern and responded respectfully.
"As you command, Your Majesty!"
…
Shortly after this, the cabinet finally announced all the contents discussed in this cabinet meeting.
Unsurprisingly, in addition to the imperial examination, the issue of holding separate examinations for the clan and nobles caused an uproar in the capital, and countless officials talked about it.
"In addition to the imperial examinations, separate examinations are held for the clan and nobles. Who proposed this measure and actually discussed it with the cabinet openly!"
"Yeah, it's a shame they can say it out loud. Bah, it's so shameless!"
"Not long ago, this group of insects supported the addition of arithmetic as a subject in the imperial examination. Now it's good that they don't even have to act. Their fox tails are finally exposed!"
"Isn't this clearly opening the door to convenience for the clan and nobles? What will they do to the scholars in the world?"
Remarks like this continued to spread and ferment in the capital. However, due to the tragic fate of the previous officials, no one in the civil and military circles dared to stand up and openly oppose this matter.
…
The wind direction in the capital could not escape Jiajing's eyes.
At this moment, the Forbidden City, Qianqing Palace.
"Your Majesty, that's all this slave has to say. Do you think we need to take any measures..."
Lu Fang was seen standing respectfully beside Jiajing, reporting the current situation to him.
After listening to Lu Fang's report, Jiajing put the books in his hands aside casually and gave instructions in a leisurely manner.
"Don't worry about it for the time being. If they want to say it, let them do it."
When Jiajing said this, he seemed to suddenly remember something, frowned slightly, then turned his eyes to Lu Fang and asked.
"By the way, Lu Fang, didn't I ask you to send someone to invite the British Duke before? It's been so long, why hasn't the British Duke come yet?"
Hearing Jiajing's words, Lu Fang showed some hesitation on his face. After sorting out his words, he gave a response.
"Your Majesty... Your Majesty, maybe the British Lord encountered something on the road and was delayed?"
"Do you want me to send someone to check on the situation?"
When Jiajing heard the words, he responded in a subtle way, and immediately gave instructions.
"Well, send someone over to check on the situation!"
"As you command, Your Majesty!"
After Lu Fang finished speaking, when he was about to leave, he saw the eunuch guiding him hurriedly into the Qianqing Palace, kneeling on the ground and reporting respectfully.
"Your Majesty, the British Duke has arrived!"
When Lu Fang heard this, she felt as if she had received an amnesty. She immediately stopped, lowered her head, and said nothing.
Soon after, Jiajing waved his hand casually and gave instructions.
"In this case, let the British father come in and see me quickly!"
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
After receiving Jiajing's specific instructions, the guiding eunuch did not stop at all, but turned and left.
Not long after, I saw the British Duke Zhang Rong entering the Qianqing Palace with eager steps.
After entering the Qianqing Palace, he knelt on the ground with a plop, turned his eyes to Jiajing, who was sitting on the dragon chair, and said in a deep voice.
"I bow to your majesty, long live my emperor!"
After Jiajing heard this, he stroked the dragon head carved on the dragon chair with his hand, and said slowly with a warm smile on his face.
"No courtesy, get up!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
After getting Jiajing's permission, the British Duke Zhang Rong got up from the ground.
Immediately, Jiajing looked away from Zhang Rong and turned to speak.
"Come here, give the British Duke a seat!"
"As you command, Your Majesty!"
As soon as Jiajing finished speaking, a eunuch came forward and prepared a cushioned seat for Zhang Rong.
Seeing this, Zhang Rong suddenly had a flattered look on his face, bowed to the ground and thanked Jiajing.
"Thank you for your grace!"
"Um."
After the British Duke Zhang Rong officially took his seat, Jiajing had no intention of following him in circles. Instead, he turned his gaze directly to Zhang Rong and asked.
"Presumably, the British public has received relevant information before this, right?"
Hearing this, Zhang Rong suddenly stood up from his seat, turned his gaze to Jiajing, and said respectfully.
"Your Majesty, to be honest, I have already found out the relevant information on my way here!"
"It seems that His Majesty still has us in his heart. The ministers represent the millions of clans in the Ming Dynasty. Thank you for Your Majesty's grace. Your Majesty is wise!"
After Zhang Rong finished speaking, he knelt down on the ground with a plop and bowed to the ground three times quite solemnly, with an extremely sincere expression on his face.
Seeing this, Jiajing quickly got up from the dragon chair, came to Zhang Rong, and helped him up from the ground.
"The British public statement is serious. No matter what, I will inherit the throne as a clan member. How can I forget you? You are all meritorious ministers who have made great contributions to our Ming Dynasty!"
"His Majesty!"
When Jiajing's words fell, Zhang Rong seemed to be greatly touched, his body trembled slightly uncontrollably, and he couldn't help but wipe the tears from the corners of his eyes with his sleeves.
After Zhang Rong calmed down, Jiajing looked back and continued.
"Although at present, it has been decided to hold separate examinations for the clan and nobles in addition to the imperial examinations!"
"But, Sir, you should also know very well how the civil and military officials view this matter, right?"
When Zhang Rong heard this, the look in his eyes suddenly dimmed. After sorting out the words in his mind, he spoke.
"Your Majesty, all the ministers understand what you mean!"
"Since those in the government and the public believe that this matter is openly opening a back door for the clan and nobles, then we must make some achievements to show them. No matter what, we must not let His Majesty fall. Your face!"
After hearing Zhang Rong's assurance, Jiajing nodded, with a look of relief on his face, and said in a deep voice.
"Well, I'm very pleased that you can think so. I hope you won't disappoint me!"
"Your Majesty, please rest assured, I will definitely do my best!"
(End of chapter)
