It should be said that Hu Hui, the Minister of Rites, has the least sense of existence among the six ministers and seven ministers.
He is neither as strong as Wang Wen of the Ministry of Personnel, nor as scoundrel as Shen Yi of the Ministry of Revenue, nor as daunting as Yu Qian or Chen Yi, nor like Chen Xun, who has disciples all over the government and the public.
Hey, I seem to have missed something... Forget it, it's not important anyway, continue...
In short, although this eldest uncle has profound qualifications and various honorary titles, he is far less popular in the court than others.
Even some of the affairs of the Ministry of Etiquette itself were not taken care of by the old man. He basically left them all to the two assistant ministers.
When he went to court, he would squint his eyes most of the time, as if awake but not awake. He would smile when he saw people, like a kind and generous elder, far more like an unattainable old man.
Therefore, his old man's reaction this time indeed surprised everyone in the court.
But, immediately after, they understood what the prestige of the Five Dynasty veterans was!
After Hu Xi finished speaking, the first person to stand up was Wang Ao from the cabinet. The chief minister who had been silent from beginning to end stepped into the palace and said.
"Your Majesty, I think what Hu Shangshu said is reasonable. In the eighth year of Xuande's reign, Li Shilang was promoted to Jinshi. A third-grade minister actually lacks experience in handling general affairs."
"Now that the country is stable and the court is full of talents, it is the right time for Li Shilang to go to Beijing to gain experience. The post of right chief envoy to Guangxi is still vacant. I recommend Li Shilang to go to Beijing to serve in Guangxi to govern the government and calm the people."
Li Xian's face suddenly darkened.
How did he offend the chief minister and send him to Guangxi as soon as he opened his mouth?
Of the thirteen Ming Dynasty's Provincial Chief Constables, the three that were notoriously desolate were the Guangxi Chief Executive, Guizhou Chief Executive and Yunnan Chief Executive.
Anyone who goes to these three places will lose a layer of skin.
When it comes to personnel issues, the one that cannot be avoided must be the personnel department.
As a result, the eyes of the officials all fell on the Heavenly Official Wang Wen.
Mr. Wang's face didn't look very good at the moment. Looking at the high-sounding chief assistant, he sighed in his heart.
Bah, old guy, don't think he doesn't know that there is no good thing in the cabinet even if there is one in it. Every one of them, when they get the opportunity, want to compete with the officials for power.
Li Xian should be transferred to the outside world, but where should he be transferred to the outside world? It is your turn as a cabinet minister to say?
With the same calm face, Wang Wendao strode into the palace.
"There are rules for the selection of officers. The Minister of Rites is a third-grade official, but the Chief Envoy of Guangxi is a second-grade official. Since Li Xian was transferred due to incompetence, is there any reason to promote him?"
"Nowadays, Guizhou Miao is in chaos and is peaceful. It is time for ministers to go to pacify the people. Therefore, according to the wishes of the Ministry of Officials, Li Xian can be appointed as the right deputy capital censor to patrol Guizhou."
Wang Wen's words were as sharp as ever, almost saying that your cabinet is too unprofessional and it's better not to get involved in this matter.
but……
Who is this unprofessional person, Mr. Tianguan? !
When did official positions in the Ming Dynasty start to be based only on rank?
In fact, if you were someone who didn't understand the official system of the Ming Dynasty, you would definitely feel that Wang Ao was defending Li Xian and Wang Wen was suppressing Li Xian.
But in fact, just the opposite!
Although the Administrative Office is nominally the highest governing body of a province, since Xuande, the power of the Administrative Office has been greatly reduced. The main reason is that each province has begun to set up governors, which were originally only temporary. It was sexual, but later, it gradually became a permanent official position.
Strictly speaking, a governor is an official dispatched by the central court. He is usually concurrently served by the deputy capital censor or the censor of the capital. He has the power of supervision. At the same time, most governors have "errands" granted by the court, such as assistant governor. In charge of military affairs, he was also in charge of food and wages, in charge of salt law, governor of water transportation, etc.
As a result, the powers of the Administrative Envoy were divided into a large part, and relatively speaking, it was the most important part.
Gradually, the governor became a local feudal official, while the Administrative Envoy Office was reduced to an agency that handled some daily local affairs. Really important matters had to be handed over to the governor or directly reported to the court.
The most obvious point is that in both the Hongwu and Yongle dynasties, the chief envoys were directly transferred to the six ministers.
However, since Xuande, it has basically been reversed.
Not to mention being transferred to the position of Minister of the Six Ministries, the chief envoy was transferred to the position of Minister of the Six Ministries, which was considered a promotion.
Therefore, the plan mentioned by Wang Ao is the real relegation.
As for what Wang Wen said, it can only be regarded as a neutral statement.
After all, although the minister of the Ministry of Rites is noble, he has no real power after all. The governor is a feudal official who oversees the area on behalf of the imperial court. A powerful governor can even intervene in military affairs. Although his rank is limited, he is usually only the third-rank right deputy and censor. title.
However, if the ability is strong enough, it is not impossible to be promoted to the governor of the right capital.
Therefore, Wang Wen's words are obviously to express his anger with the cabinet.
However, what is surprising is that Wang Ao did not persist. After being in power for so long, elders like Wang Ao have basically become immune to Wang Wen's verbal attacks.
He cupped his hands and said: "Why should Chief Otsuka be angry? Selection is the responsibility of the officials. I can only recommend one or two. If it is not appropriate, the officials will discuss it later."
After saying that, Wang Chief Assistant Shi Shiran returned to the court, but there was an inexplicable smile on his lips.
Wang Wen was not a fool after all. Seeing Wang Ao let go so easily, he immediately realized that he had taken all precautions, but still fell into the trap of this old thief.
From the beginning, this guy had no intention of really suppressing Li Xian. After all, Li Xian, a minister with a clean background, had deep connections in the court.
The cabinet relies on interpersonal relationships to coordinate internal and external affairs. How could such a short-sighted person be the first to appear?
Wang Ao's move was nothing more than taking advantage of the sensitivity of the Ministry of Personnel regarding the power of Quan's election and recommendation to give Li Xian a good deal!
The transfer from the Minister of Rites to the Right Chief Envoy of Guangxi obviously meant a relegation, which posed a problem for Wang Wen.
In theory, the transfer of third-rank officials should be nominated by the Ministry of Civil Affairs and reported to the emperor for approval. If the emperor hesitates, the emperor will issue a court decision.
As a result, the cabinet has now taken the lead and taken away the power of nomination.
If Wang Wen does not stand up to stop it, then the cabinet will definitely follow this example and find ways to erode the power of the Ministry of Personnel.
They have done this kind of thing before.
However, if he wanted to speak, he was riding a tiger. If he just spoke to agree with Wang Ao's opinion, there was actually no need to speak at all. On the contrary, it seemed that the officials could only follow the footsteps of the cabinet.
Therefore, when Wang Wen speaks, his opinions must be different from those of the cabinet.
Then, either further demote Li Xian and move him to a local magistrate or an inspector.
However, this was equivalent to being demoted two levels in a row. Although Li Xian made a mistake, he had just gone to welcome the Supreme Emperor back to the court. Even if Hu Hui came forward to punish him, he would not be so harsh.
Therefore, Wang Wen actually had no other choice but to give Li Xian a relatively good way out and send him out of Beijing, but without suppressing him too much.
So, the current situation emerged...
Wang Wen took a deep look at a certain chief minister and secretly cursed the old fox in his heart. He was indeed the boss of the cabinet. His timing was so wonderful.
When he said this, no matter what Wang Wen did, the cabinet would benefit.
If Li Xian is demoted according to the cabinet's plan, the cabinet will be involved in the election, and it will definitely take further measures in the future. If it refutes the cabinet, then Li Xian escapes again, and it will definitely feel sorry for them. It is simply a sure thing. A profitable business.
Of course, there may be other meanings. Wang Wen's eyes faintly glanced at one or several people in the cabinet, but in the end, he didn't say much, just said.
"Your Majesty, the Ministry of Official Affairs has announced that Li Xian, the minister of etiquette, will be appointed as the censor of the right capital of the Metropolitan Procuratorate, to patrol Guizhou and to assist in military affairs. Please give your permission."
This can be regarded as a formal statement on behalf of the Ministry of Personnel.
Zhu Qiyu sat on the throne and had a panoramic view of everything happening underneath.
Naturally, he knew Wang Ao's intentions, and he even saw more.
However, he had no intention of interfering.
For Wang Wen, he gave enough trust and power. If in this case, the cabinet still usurps the power, it can only be said that Wang Wen's ability is insufficient.
Excessive maintenance and emphasis are sometimes not a good thing.
On the contrary, Wang Ao was quite satisfied this time.
Although the incident happened suddenly this time, what the cabinet often needs most is the ability to handle emergencies.
To reconcile internal and external affairs and smoothen the situation of the government, it is not just about forming parties and forcing one way, but also taking advantage of the situation and maneuvering, which are also the methods available to the cabinet.
Therefore, although Wang Wen, as his confidant, was put in a position, Zhu Qiyu did not intend to find a place for him. On the contrary, after he came to court, he might need to give some rewards to the cabinet.
Thoughts were swirling in his mind, but Zhu Qiyu did not nod directly, but said to Hu Ming.
"Uncle Da Zong, do you think this proposal from the Ministry of Civil Affairs is appropriate?"
After Mr. Hu finished showing off his majesty, when the two kings were quarreling, he had already returned to his old and sleepy look.
At this moment, the squinted eyes opened, the great uncle cupped his hands and said.
"The selection is under the control of the officials, and Lord Tianguan is also a veteran. I have no objections. Everything is at your Majesty's discretion."
So, the emperor on the throne nodded, finally cast his eyes on the person involved, and asked in a gentle voice.
"Li Shilang, the Ministry of Civil Affairs has proposed to transfer you to be the governor of Guizhou. Are you unwilling?"
I……
Li Xian wanted to cry but had no tears.
Your Majesty, you, Master Tianguan, and Uncle Da Zong have already made a decision. Why do you still ask me?
Will you stop adjusting if I say no?
Sighing, Li Xian cupped his hands and said: "Your Majesty, don't worry, I will do my best to provide for the government and the people, and live up to the great trust of the court."
Thus, this matter was completely settled.
Mr. Hu returned to court and continued to sleep. Mr. Wang from the Ministry of Staff began to hold grudges on his wat board. Mr. Wang from the Cabinet was proud of himself.
Only Li Xian moved step by step from the hall to the court class.
If nothing unexpected happens, he will have to say goodbye to this palace that symbolizes the absolute political center of the Ming Dynasty for a long time to come.
In court affairs, some people are always happy and some are worried.
Li Xian is not the only one who feels helpless with such a result...
As order was restored in the court, the sun was already high in the sky.
Today's morning court has actually been going on for a long time. Many ministers have begun to relax as the dust of Li Xian's incident has settled...
After something like this happened, I'm afraid there won't be anything major to discuss next.
They arrived at the palace early in the morning to attend court. At this moment, the elders all wanted to go home and have breakfast.
However, for Zhu Jian, he can't wait any longer!
Didn't you hear what Mr. Hu just said? After leaving the court, the old man will personally preside over the ministry meeting. At the latest tonight, before the key is handed down at the palace gate, the ceremony for the prince's departure from the cabinet will be finalized.
By that time, it will be too late!
So, taking a deep breath, gritting his teeth, Zhu Jian stepped out of the queue and said.
"Your Majesty, I have this memorial."
As he spoke, he took out a memorial from his sleeve and raised it high above his head.
From a distance, many ministers could not see clearly what was written on it, but they were slightly dissatisfied with Mr. Zhu Ge who had interfered with everyone's work at this point.
However, the elders standing at the front of the class immediately saw the large characters written on this memorial.
"Requesting the Crown Prince's Mansion to be Subordinate to Officials"!
As a result, several elders exchanged glances with each other, and their expressions suddenly became solemn. Even the drowsy Hu Shangshu suddenly had a sharp look in his eyes.
Sure enough, it's still here...
The chamberlain walked down the imperial steps, presented the memorial to the imperial case, and placed it in front of the emperor.
Visibly to the naked eye, the ministers saw that the emperor's originally calm gaze suddenly fell on Zhu Jian in the palace, with a strong sense of scrutiny.
Zhu Jian stood in the hall, silent.
The emperor's eyes also closed at the touch of a button. He stretched out his hand to open the memorial and read it carefully.
After a moment, the emperor seemed to hesitate, but in the end he waved his hand to Cheng Jing who was standing aside.
Therefore, the latter understood, respectfully stepped forward to take the memorial, and then began to read.
"Zhu Jianjin, the great scholar of Wenyuan Pavilion, Minister of the Ministry of Household Affairs, reported."
"I heard that the crown prince is the foundation of the country and the country. Going out to study in the East Palace is a matter of joy to the world. The crown prince is established, all the people will return to their hearts, and all the ministers will be at peace."
"However, since the founding of my dynasty, all officials in the East Palace and cabinets have been appointed. Even though the prince is young, he must learn the principles of saints and be prepared for national affairs. Otherwise, he will not be able to bear the weight of the country and bear the hope of all the people."
"The prince does not have Zhan to serve in the government, and the government affairs cannot be practiced. Without left and right spring squares, there is no way to hold lectures and reading banquets. This is a sincere court official who has neglected his duty. I am insensitive and dare to ask Your Majesty to think twice before leaving the cabinet to prepare the government. The establishment of government officials is actually an ancient ritual and cannot be abolished."
"Your Majesty's love for the prince is known to the world and all the ministers appreciate it. However, the East Palace is the reserve of the country and should be cultivated strictly from an early age. Therefore, your majesty should give up your love and order the imperial court to set up Zhan Shifu, left and right. Chunfang, to assist the prince, is the king of the country and the father of all people."
"…………"
The memorial is not too long and I read it quickly.
The elders, who were still hungry and distracted, immediately looked at each other in confusion after Cheng Jing's voice fell, and forgot all their emotions.
The hall was quiet for a moment, and then there was boiling discussion.
At this time, with the sound of the whip from Yushi Jiuyi, the emperor spoke.
His old man's face remained calm, as if this memorial was no different from ordinary government affairs, and he said calmly.
"This matter is so important that it is difficult to discuss it clearly in court today, so we will disperse for the time being."
"Tomorrow at Mao hour, the court will discuss this!"
