After the cabinet announced the news that Hu Zongxian had been appointed to the cabinet and appointed Minister of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, an uproar soon arose in both the government and the public.
Although before this, many officials secretly speculated that after Hu Zongxian was transferred back to the capital this time, he would definitely be reused by His Majesty.
But they never expected that His Majesty would give Hu Zongxian such preferential treatment.
Not only did Hu Zongxian join the cabinet, but he was also appointed as the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel. You must know that since ancient times, the Ministry of Personnel has been the head of the six departments, and the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel has been revered as the "Heavenly Official" by all officials!
Now Hu Zongxian is not only the cabinet minister, but also the official minister. The sum of these two things is not simply one plus one equals two, but one plus one is much greater than two!
To put it bluntly, at present, except for the emperor, the chief minister of the cabinet, and the second minister of the cabinet, the remaining civil and military officials have to rely on Hu Zongxian's breath.
This is a true sense of power wielding power, not to mention that the current chief minister of the cabinet, Yan Song, is Hu Zongxian’s teacher!
Thinking of this, the officials couldn't help but take a breath, but soon the clever officials reacted and began to send people around to inquire about Hu Zongxian's preferences.
At this time, the bulletin board outside the cabinet was surrounded by officials who had already heard the news, including many senior officials wearing scarlet robes.
Among the crowd, there was only one official in a scarlet robe. After reading the contents of the piece of paper posted on the bulletin board, he couldn't help but take a breath, stroked his beard, and said with emotion: "Hey, Your Majesty. I really value Mr. Hu... No, Mr. Hu Ge!"
When the words fell, an official wearing a scarlet robe stood up next to him and said with emotion: "In recent years, Mr. Hu Ge has led his army to exterminate Japanese pirates along the southeast coast, put down rebellions many times, and established a solid foundation for the imperial court. You have made great contributions, and it is natural for you to be reused in this way!”
This official's words quickly won the approval of many officials present. Some people said with emotion: "Yes, Mr. Hu Ge has worked hard for so many years and has made great achievements. Now, he finally got through it. He is the "Heavenly Official"!"
At this moment, a sharp-eyed official stood up, pointed to the piece of paper posted on the bulletin board, and then said: "Hey, look, does the handwriting on this piece of paper look like Mr. Yan Ge's?" His handiwork?"
After the words fell, everyone gradually realized that Hu Zongxian was not only a bachelor of Zhongji Palace and the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, but also a teacher who was the chief minister of the cabinet!
Thinking of this, everyone couldn't help but have a flash of fear in their eyes.
And those officials who had spoken nonsense against Hu Zongxian because of Ma Ningyuan's case had turned extremely pale at this moment, and their bodies began to tremble uncontrollably due to too much fear.
After all, Hu Zongxian is now the Minister of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, and he can crush them to death with just a move of his fingers!
No, Hu Zongxian doesn't even need to do it himself. As long as he reveals his intentions in this regard, countless people will take action to curry favor with Hu Zongxian, and they won't stop until their families are ruined and they die without a place to bury them!
Just when those officials were extremely frightened, they heard a long sigh.
Everyone looked around and saw an old man wearing a green robe, with gray hair and a stooped figure. His face was full of complicated expressions, and he was talking to himself.
"Well, I and Mr. Hu Ge were both Jinshis in the 17th year of Jiajing. Mr. Hu Ge is now the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel and the Grand Scholar of Zhongji Palace. But I am still stuck in the same place after so many years..."
Seeing this situation, many officials present stepped forward to comfort him after being silent for a long time.
…
Until Hu Zongxian returned to the inn where he was staying in a sedan chair, he still had not reacted to the shocking fact that Jiajing appointed him as the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel and the Bachelor of Zhongji Palace.
From going to the Qianqing Palace to meet His Majesty, to His Majesty allowing him to join the Cabinet, and being appointed as the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, all of this was like a dream to Hu Zongxian!
Then, Hu Zongxian took a deep breath and forced himself to calm down.
After that, Hu Zongxian carefully took out a few house deeds and 50,000 taels of silver notes from his sleeves and placed them on the table not far away - these were the gifts given to him by Jiajing not long ago.
There is no doubt that those house deeds are located in excellent locations. They are the most prosperous streets in the capital, and they are only a few minutes away from the Forbidden City.
The touch of paper made Hu Zongxian feel a hint of reality. Everything that happened today was replayed in his mind like a slide.
Hu Zongxian did not expect that Jiajing would trust him so much. Logically speaking, a high-ranking official like him would have the emperor's spy in his family. This was a tacit understanding between the ministers and the emperor for a long time!
In Hu Zongxian's view, Jiajing could have taken advantage of the opportunity given to him to install his own house, but Jiajing did not do so, and instead allowed himself to choose his slaves at will.
All of this demonstrates the emperor's trust in himself!
After a long time, Hu Zongxian came back to his senses, with an extremely resolute look on his face. He made up his mind and said silently to himself: "Your Majesty, I will definitely live up to your trust. I will fulfill my duties as a cabinet minister and serve as the leader of the cabinet." What a great official!"
"Your Majesty is a wise and wise minister, Hu Zongxian, and I am willing to swear allegiance to your Majesty to the death!"
After Hu Zongxian finished speaking, he knelt down on the ground with a solemn expression and bowed three times in the direction of the Forbidden City.
After that, Hu Zongxian slowly stood up from the ground, took out a book from his accompanying luggage, and read it with great concentration.
Not long after that, there was a knock on the door. Seeing this, Hu Zongxian put the books in his hands aside and gave instructions.
"Come in!"
After the words fell, there was only a "squeak" sound, and the door of the room was pushed open. After a while, Yi Cheng, who was responsible for managing the inn, entered the room.
Hu Zongxian saw that Yi Cheng had a troubled expression on his face and seemed hesitant to speak. He raised his eyebrows and asked, "Do you have anything to do with me?"
When the postmaster heard what Hu Zongxian said, he immediately knelt on the ground with a thump. After considering his words, he spoke carefully.
"... Mr. Hu Ge, there are many officials outside who want to visit you. You... you see..."
"Tell them that I am tired from traveling all the way and am ill. Please let them leave!"
Upon hearing this, Hu Zongxian glanced at the postmaster, waved his hand, and gave the order.
Hearing this, the postmaster showed an expression of relief on his face. Immediately, he slowly stood up from the ground and said respectfully: "As ordered, Hu... Mr. Hu Ge, I will keep your words intact." Tell them!"
For the Yi Cheng, such an ending couldn't be better. He couldn't afford to offend Hu Zongxian, nor could he afford to offend the officials outside.
With Hu Zongxian's words, he could go and persuade the officials who came to visit Hu Zongxian at the inn without any worries!
After that, the Yi Cheng did not stay in the room at all, but left directly.
After the postman left, Hu Zongxian turned his eyes away and said with emotion: "Oh, I got the news so quickly!"
After asking Yi Cheng to come forward and send away the endless stream of officials who came to visit, Hu Zongxian picked up the previous book again and started reading it boredly.
Time passed slowly like this. Gradually, the sky became dark, and orange candlelight lit up in the inn. There were only a few pedestrians on the street, and occasionally there were a few pedestrians returning from the night, hurried on their way.
At this moment, there was a slight knock on the door. Seeing this, Hu Zongxian put down the book in his hand and gave instructions.
"Come in!"
When Hu Zongxian finished speaking, the door of the room was pushed open, and the former Yi Cheng walked in. Beside him, there was also the housekeeper of Yan Mansion.
After the Yi Cheng brought the person there, he left the room with great discernment. When the Yi Cheng left, he also closed the door of the room with him.
Naturally, Hu Zongxian still had some impression of the housekeeper of the Yan Mansion. However, before he could ask, the housekeeper of the Yan Mansion leaned down and said respectfully: "The master specially sent the young man here to invite Hu Zongxian." Mr. Ge is going to the house for a banquet!"
When Hu Zongxian heard this, a look of surprise suddenly appeared on his face, and then he nodded and gave instructions.
"Well, I am planning to find a time to visit the teacher. Please lead the way!"
"Yes, Mr. Hu Ge!"
Later, under the guidance of the housekeeper, Hu Zongxian got on the sedan that had been prepared and marched towards Yan's Mansion.
…
As usual, many officials who came specially to visit gathered at the entrance of Yan's Mansion.
However, what was different from the past was that the normally closed door of Yan's Mansion was opened for the first time today, as if to welcome some distinguished guest.
Soon, the officials realized one after another that the distinguished guest that the Yan Mansion was to welcome today was none other than Yan Song's student, Hu Zongxian, the cabinet minister and minister of the Ministry of Personnel, who had just joined the cabinet!
Thinking of this, the officials who came to visit were more in awe of Yan Song, and they were more eager to hug the big tree of Yan Song.
After all, Yan Song has been the chief minister of the cabinet for more than 20 years. He has many party members and can be said to have overwhelming power!
In addition, his son Xiaoge Lao Yan Shifan also joined the cabinet not long ago. Now, even Yan Song's student Hu Zongxian has officially joined the cabinet. Not only that, Hu Zongxian also serves as the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel!
In the eyes of others, Hu Zongxian's ability to successfully enter the cabinet and concurrently serve as the Minister of Civil Affairs must have been supported by Yan Song, the chief minister of the cabinet. At the same time, this also strengthened their determination to move closer to Yan Song.
After all, who doesn’t want to be the next Hu Zongxian!
While the officials who came to visit were daydreaming in their minds, the sedan chair Hu Zongxian was riding in had already arrived at the gate of Yan's Mansion, and with the help of his servants, he got out of the sedan chair.
As soon as Hu Zongxian got off the sedan, the officials surrounded him like vultures. Their faces were full of flattery, and they began to try every means to get closer to Hu Zongxian.
Seeing this, the housekeeper of the Yan Mansion on the side coughed twice, then stepped forward and said apologetically: "Everyone, to be honest, my master is looking forward to meeting Mr. Hu Ge as soon as possible!"
After hearing this, those officials reluctantly gave up. Seeing this, Hu Zongxian nodded slightly to the housekeeper, and then followed his footsteps and entered Yan's Mansion through the main entrance.
After entering Yan Mansion, you first need to pass through a long corridor. The road is paved with neat stone bricks. Green bamboos are planted on both sides of the road. The green color makes people feel relaxed and happy.
Along the way, Hu Zongxian did not have any communication with the housekeeper. After the housekeeper took Hu Zongxian to his destination, he turned around and left.
Then, Yan Song was seen tremblingly coming out of the room with the support of Yan Shifan.
Seeing this, Hu Zongxian quickly leaned down and saluted Yan Song respectfully: "Student Hu Zongxian, I have met the teacher!"
Hearing this, Yan Song's face was full of smiles. He waved his skinny hand to Hu Zongxian, and then said: "Ruzhen, you are here. Come, let the teacher take a good look at you!"
After hearing Yan Song's words, Hu Zongxian came to Yan Song immediately. After that, Yan Song put his skinny hand on Hu Zongxian's head and stroked it gently, as if he was remembering something.
Later, Yan Song came back to his senses, looked directly into Hu Zongxian's eyes, and said with emotion: "Ruzhen, you have suffered so much for so many years. As a teacher, I didn't help much in the end!"
When Hu Zongxian heard this, a look of humility appeared on his face at the right time, and he responded: "What, the teacher is joking. If you hadn't recommended the student to work in Zhejiang, the student would not be where he is today!"
"The kindness you gave me as an advisor will be remembered by the students for the rest of their lives!"
When Hu Zongxian said this, he paused for a moment and then continued.
"Besides, when the front line was short of food and salary, weren't you the teacher who tried your best to mediate behind the scenes and fully support the students?"
When Yan Song heard Hu Zongxian's words, he couldn't help showing a look of sadness on his face, as if he was lost in memories.
Afterwards, Yan Song came back to his senses, shook his head slightly, looked at Hu Zongxian with an apologetic look, and said slowly: "Ruzhen, you see, this person is prone to talking nonsense as he gets older. Today I invited you to my house to celebrate you, why did you bring up such unpleasant topics!"
When Hu Zongxian heard this, a look of panic flashed across his face, he lowered his head and said respectfully: "According to the students, the teacher's body is quite strong!"
Yan Song seemed to be quite impressed by Hu Zongxian's words. He saw a smile on his face, stroked his beard, looked away from Hu Zongxian, and followed up with instructions.
"Okay, stop standing outside, let's go in, let's get drunk and rest today!"
After that, Hu Zongxian followed Yan Song's footsteps and entered the room.
The table in the room is filled with all kinds of delicacies, and there are even many rare game meats.
Beside the table, there were several graceful maids, responsible for picking up food and pouring wine for everyone.
Later, Hu Zongxian, Yan Song, and Yan Shifan sat at the same table. After they sat down, the maid on the side came forward to fill their wine glasses.
"Come on, Ruzhen, the teacher will give you a toast to celebrate your official entry into the cabinet!"
After the words fell, Yan Song stood up from his seat tremblingly, picked up the wine glass, and spoke to Hu Zongxian solemnly.
"teacher……"
After hearing this, Hu Zongxian quickly stood up from his seat, picked up the wine glass with unusual respect, and clinked it with the wine glass in Yan Song's hand. Hu Zongxian's wine glass was naturally lower than Yan Song's wine glass.
With a crisp sound, Yan Song raised his head and drank all the wine in the glass.
Seeing this, Hu Zongxian also drank all the wine in his glass.
After the glass of wine was finished, the maid on the side was about to step forward to pour wine for Yan Song, but was stopped by Yan Shifan's eyes.
Seeing this situation, Yan Song couldn't help but have a look of displeasure on his face, and reprimanded: "It's rare to encounter such a good day today, I want to drink a few more drinks!"
When Yan Shifan heard this, he immediately lowered his head and carefully comforted him: "But father, your body..."
Before Yan Shifan could finish his words, he was coldly interrupted by Yan Song: "Isn't your father still alive and kicking? A few glasses of wine are nothing."
Seeing this situation, Hu Zongxian stood up and comforted him: "Teacher, Mr. Xiao Ge is right, you should pay more attention to your health!"
However, Yan Song seemed to be in high spirits today. Even though Yan Shifan and Hu Zongxian tried to persuade him many times, they could not change his determination.
Afterwards, everyone started drinking one glass after another. Later, Yan Song fell first because he was too drunk. In the end, it turned into Hu Zongxian and Yan Shifan pouring wine on each other.
Seeing that Yan Shifan was drunk and unconscious, Hu Zongxian ordered the maid to take him down to rest, then he personally supported Yan Song and walked slowly towards Yan Song's room under the guidance of the maid.
…
After sending Yan Song to the room, he asked the maid for a bowl of sobering soup, lifted Yan Song up, and carefully served it with a spoon.
During this process, Yan Song gradually woke up, and then he sat up from the bed, shook his head, looked at Hu Zongxian, and said with emotion.
"Alas, Ruzhen, it seems that people cannot accept old age. I think back when the teacher was young, he would never get drunk even after a thousand cups of wine. Even Xia Yan, the then chief minister of the cabinet..."
When Yan Song said this, he seemed to realize something and stopped abruptly, his eyes full of loneliness.
Hu Zongxian knew that Yan Song was thinking of the past. After all, Yan Song had overthrown Xia Yan, the former chief minister of the cabinet, and had just assumed his current position. To Yan Song, Xia Yan was both a mentor and a friend. exist.
Xia Yan and Yan Song were originally from the same hometown. It can be said that Yan Song was able to go from the Imperial Academy to the position of second minister of the cabinet without the help of Xia Yan. However, later on, the two sides gradually broke apart due to different philosophies.
It only took a short time for the two sides to go from being both teachers and friends to outright enemies. In the end, Yan Song stepped on the corpse of the former chief minister of the cabinet Xia Yan and sat on the throne of the chief minister of the cabinet. I have been sitting there for more than twenty years.
While Hu Zongxian was still thinking about how to comfort Yan Song, he heard Yan Song's voice ringing in his ears.
"Ruzhen, when this person gets old, it is easy to think of the past. Those past events are like being engraved in his mind, and he can never forget them!"
"Teacher, you..."
Hearing Yan Song's words, Hu Zongxian was about to offer words of comfort, but was interrupted by Yan Song waving his hand.
"Okay, let's listen to the teacher. When the teacher was still in the Imperial College, Xia Yan was already in a high position. In order to get close to him, the teacher tried every means to get closer to him in the name of a fellow countryman. Later... …”
Yan Song talked for a long time, starting from his acquaintance with Xia Yan, the former chief minister of the cabinet, to the gradual breakup between the two parties, and ending with Yan Song overthrowing Xia Yan and taking the position of chief minister of the cabinet.
Yan Song told Hu Zongxian everything that happened without any reservation.
After telling the whole story, Yan Song seemed to have been relieved of some heavy burden, and his face was filled with relief.
Afterwards, Yan Song looked away from Hu Zongxian and said to himself: "But the teacher does not regret it. Even if the teacher is given another chance, the teacher will still take action against Xia Yan. If he does not die, the teacher will have to died!"
Because he had been talking for too long, Yan Song suddenly felt his mouth was dry. Just when he was about to pour himself a cup of hot tea, Hu Zongxian, who was not far away, had already taken the lead and handed the hot tea into Yan Song's hand.
Yan Song took the hot tea, took a sip, looked at Hu Zongxian, and said slowly: "Ruzhen, what do you think after listening to this?"
When Hu Zongxian heard this, he thought about it for a moment, and then responded: "Teacher, from the student's point of view, both you and Xia Yan, the former chief minister of the cabinet, have their own faults!"
Yan Song seemed to have expected such an answer from Hu Zongxian, and then he looked directly into Hu Zongxian's eyes and spoke word by word.
"Ruzhen, you have to remember that if you want to survive in the officialdom, you must first be hard-hearted. Everyone is expendable except yourself!"
"Only by surviving can we have a future!"
"The officialdom is dangerous, and if you miss the mark, you will lose everything. Only by keeping this in mind at all times can you be able to guard against those open and secret arrows. Now that you have joined the cabinet and hold the position of Minister of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, you should be everywhere. Be careful!"
"You know, there are countless people watching you behind your back. You must pay more attention. The teacher is old and can't teach you much anymore!"
"When the teacher retires from the position of chief minister of the cabinet, no one will be able to protect you. You, the official minister, will become a thorn in their side!"
Hu Zongxian was quite moved when he heard Yan Song's words. Then he saw Yan Song kneeling on the ground very solemnly and said in a deep voice.
"Student Hu Zongxian, thank you teacher for your teaching!"
"Well, get up!"
Seeing this situation, Yan Song couldn't help but feel a hint of relief on his face.
He knew that Hu Zongxian had listened to his words and kept them in mind.
But at the same time, Yan Song couldn't help but feel a trace of worry in his heart.
He is worried about Yan Shifan. In his opinion, Yan Shifan is the smartest person now, but has no big picture at all.
If he is no longer here, how will he be able to fight against those people? (End of chapter)
