The power of the eunuchs in the Ming Dynasty began in Hongwu, developed in Yongle, and flourished in orthodoxy. Later, Wang Zhen's arrogance of power triggered civil wars, and fell again. However, even if it fell back, it only fell back to the normal range from excessive strength.
When Emperor Taizu founded the country, he explicitly prohibited eunuchs from intervening in politics. However, this iron law only lasted for a few decades.
After Emperor Taizong ascended the throne, for some reason, he set up an internal study hall to teach eunuchs to read, and also set up an east factory to be responsible for detective work. He even reused a group of talented eunuchs. The most typical one is the Sanbao eunuch Zheng Zheng. He, with his huge fleet, made seven voyages to the Western Ocean, which was a glorious sight.
The system of guarding eunuchs was born on this basis. In the first year of Hongxi, Emperor Renzong ordered eunuch Wang An to be the guarding eunuch of Gansu Province, and this name came into being.
During the Xuande Dynasty, the number of guard eunuchs was gradually increased in various places. By the early years of Zhengtong, it became a permanent system. Each inland province and each border town had a guard eunuch to take charge of military affairs together with the admiral.
So from this perspective, the emergence of Wang Zhen is not accidental. Behind Wang Zhen's power is the increasingly large eunuch force. With the support of the imperial power, it spreads throughout the place and begins to become the emperor's confrontation with foreign dynasties in order to achieve the goal. The external manifestation of the purpose of authoritarian centralization.
After the emperor ascended the throne, although he was more wary of eunuchs interfering in politics due to the civil war, it was not considered a suppression of eunuchs.
At best, it can only be regarded as limiting the eunuch's power to a relatively reasonable range.
Although Wang Zhen and his party members were sentenced to death, the system of guarding eunuchs in Dongchang and other places remained unchanged.
On this basis, the power of eunuchs was actually similar to the civil service system of foreign dynasties, forming a comprehensive coverage from the central to local governments.
However, the difference is that under the civil service system, the emperor controls hundreds of officials, with ministries, courtyards, temples, and prisons each performing their own duties. The cabinet is in the middle to coordinate, to protect the inside from the outside, and the court to govern the local areas. The hierarchy is clear and the governance is clear. Yamen, the imperial court and local governments, and local governments were intertwined and intertwined with each other. Ultimately, they all came together with the emperor to form a huge bureaucratic system.
However, the power of the eunuchs was much more monolithic. Whether they were the ceremonial supervisors in the inner court or the local guarding eunuchs, they were actually extensions of the imperial power.
There is no superior-subordinate relationship between them, nor any overlap in daily affairs. Each of them is directly subordinate to the emperor himself, assisting the imperial power in controlling foreign dynasties and localities.
The greatest advantage of this system is that it ensures that imperial power will not be hijacked by eunuchs.
Different from the institutional power of eunuchs in the Tang Dynasty, although the emperors of the Ming Dynasty also reused eunuchs, the strong independence between the ceremonial supervisors, the guarding eunuchs, and the guarding eunuchs ensured that there would be no eunuchs. A situation emerged that was above the imperial power.
As domineering and arrogant as Wang Zhen, what he could actually control was only the Dongchang. Even in his heyday, he was also in charge of the Supervisor of Ceremonies, but these powers were limited to the inner court.
There were guards in imperial robes in the East Factory of checks and balances, and the ceremonial supervisors all judged their power based on the emperor's will. Although the guarding eunuchs in various places were afraid of Wang Zhen, what they were essentially afraid of was the emperor's favor for Wang Zhen, not Wang Zhen himself.
Therefore, rather than saying that Wang Zhenquan dominated the government and the public, it is better to say that the imperial authority suppressed all officials.
Under a system like the Ming Dynasty, any eunuch could only remain humble in front of the emperor.
From this perspective, officials from foreign dynasties actually had no way to interfere with the eunuchs' affairs.
Whether Cheng Jing serves as the eunuch in charge of rituals or as a guard eunuch, it is all a matter of a word from the emperor.
However, the reality is obviously not that simple.
Although it is said that there is no actual superior-subordinate relationship between the ceremonial eunuch and the guarding eunuchs in various places.
But in a sense, this position is the same as the third division and third young master in the outer dynasty, and is regarded as the highest eunuch title by default.
Cheng Jing wants to go to Shanxi to be a guard eunuch. It should be said that there is no difference between holding the palm seal of the Chief of Ceremonies and holding other titles in actual management.
However, this is a political signal.
This means that Cheng Jing went to Shanxi not because he displeased the emperor and was demoted from the capital. On the contrary, he represented the emperor's will and went to Shanxi to supervise military affairs.
Although this is only a subtle difference, when it comes to officialdom, this difference often has a huge impact on actual power relations.
Cheng Jing was a former minister of Prince Tan's palace. With his status, he went to work as a local guard eunuch, and his power was greater than that of ordinary guard eunuchs.
But now, just from Du Ning and Cheng Jing's simple descriptions, two points can be determined.
First, the emperor issued an oral decree and explicitly allowed Cheng Jing to intervene in the affairs of the military camp. Although he was only assisting Du Ning in name, but still, Du Ning's job was the governor of Shaanxi. , the so-called assistance is actually just a nice way of saying it.
For ordinary guard eunuchs, they are limited to supervising military affairs and interfering in local government affairs is absolutely prohibited.
However, although the rectification of military settlements is nominally only for military settlements, in fact, it also includes the private land reclaimed by the army, as well as the resettlement of military settlements' tenant farmers after their farming is occupied, and the redemption policy of land acres. Implementation progress.
All these matters involve local civil affairs.
Judging from the emperor's current intentions, it is obvious that he does not intend to separate these matters.
This also means that Cheng Jinghui has greater powers than ordinary guard eunuchs.
Second, Cheng Jing will become the Shanxi garrison eunuch as the eunuch in charge of the ceremony, which means that his favor will not fade and he will act on behalf of the emperor's will.
His status as a former minister of Prince Tan's palace and the head of the eunuchs, coupled with the emperor's oral instructions and unmistakable divine favor, and most importantly, the post of governor of Shanxi is still vacant. Several factors were added up, and the final result was that although Cheng Jing In name, he is a guarding eunuch, but in fact, it is entirely possible that he can act as a eunuch and perform the duties of a governor.
This is not a good thing for the court...
Watching Cheng Jing and Du Ning leave, everyone present fell silent for a while, no longer feeling the disagreement they had just had in the side hall.
After a while, Chen Xun spoke first, speaking meaningfully.
"Master Tianguan, at this moment, the staff...should do something!"
Wang Wen's face didn't look very good, but at this time, he didn't get angry with Chen Xun. He just snorted and said coldly.
"You don't need to teach me how to do things!"
The words were not nice to hear, but Chen Xun pretended not to hear them and stood there, silently starting to make plans in his heart...
Not long after, the servant from the palace came out and cupped his hands.
"Master Tianguan, Master Zongxian, Chen Shangshu, Your Majesty has summoned us!"
Unlike Du Ning, Wang Wen and others are all veterans of playing right. No matter what kind of thoughts they have in their hearts, they will not show it on their faces.
After entering the palace, everyone bowed, and the emperor obviously didn't mean to say anything, so he spoke straightforwardly.
"A few days ago, the Second Assistant Yu Shiyue gave me a memorial, recommending Liu Dingzhi, Chen Wen, and Li Shao of the Hanlin Academy to join Zhan Shifu as subordinate officials. I have approved it."
"The prince has been out of court for several months to study. Many ministers have reported that all subordinate officials should be prepared. I have thought about it for a long time and feel that it should not be delayed for a long time. Therefore, I have called you here today to hear your opinions."
Ah this...
The emperor did not say what the reason for this summons was.
Although they had expected it before coming, it might be related to Zhan Shifu, but they all felt that it was probably because of Yu Shiyue's recommendation of Hanlin Qingliu.
The court said it was neither small nor big. It was no secret that Chen Xun went to see Yu Shiyue. The identities of the two of them and what they talked about would be known by looking at what they did next.
Not long after the conversation between the two, Yu Shiyue recommended Liu Dingzhi and others. Without Chen Xun's recommendation, it would have been impossible.
However, in their expectations, the emperor should have his own plans for the whereabouts of these Hanlin Qingliu.
So most likely, I came here to discuss this matter.
However, what they did not expect was that the emperor took this matter as an opportunity, but did not use it as a content for discussion.
As soon as he opened his mouth, the emperor directly decided where Liu Dingzhi and others would go and agreed to transfer them to Zhan Shifu.
Not only that, the emperor will continue to add candidates to Zhan Shifu?
The elders were a little unsure of the emperor's intentions.
After looking at each other, Chen Xun, who was the first to instigate this matter, spoke.
"Your Majesty, since you are adding an official to Zhan Shifu, do you want to invite Yu Cifu to come with us for discussion?"
Logically speaking, Yu Shiyue must be informed about Zhan Shifu's affairs.
However, this is for ordinary general affairs. Although Yu Shiyue is the official of the Prince's Mansion, he is a subordinate official of the Prince's Mansion. After all, he is also a court official, and he does not have the power to appoint.
Therefore, if the officials are not present, it is reasonable to ask the officials to come over.
But it is obviously far-fetched to say that Yu Shiyue must be present when discussing candidates for Zhan Shifu...
However, on this occasion, Wang Wen and Chen Yi rarely objected. They obviously wanted to find out what the emperor meant.
Seeing this scene, Zhu Qiyu didn't say much, just went with the flow and said.
"In that case, please ask the first assistant and the second assistant to come together. Wynn, you go and pass the order and let them come together to discuss it."
After a brief pause, the emperor said again.
"It will take some time for the first assistant and second assistant to arrive. Gentlemen, you might as well tell us who you have in mind first."
When Wynn saw this, he immediately understood. He cupped his hands and left to deliver the order.
At the same time, Chen Xun and others could no longer delay. After hesitating for a moment, Wang Wen took the lead and spoke.
"Your Majesty, according to the system, the Zhanshi Mansion will have one person, Zhan Shi, of the third rank, two Shao Zhanshi, the fourth rank, two chief ministers of the sixth rank, and a chief registrar's office, responsible for clerical affairs."
"Zhan Shifu has two Chunfangs on the left and Chunfang on the right, and the Bureau of Economics. There is one senior scholar on the left and Chunfang on the right of the fifth rank. There is one scholar on the left and one on the right from the fifth rank. There is one person on the left and middle right of the sixth rank, one person each for "Yun", one person each for the left and right rank "Praise for Good" from the sixth rank, and there is one person for the "Xima" from the fifth rank in the Bureau of Economic Affairs."
"There should be a total of sixteen officials above the sixth rank."
"Nowadays, there are three people in Zhan Shifu. Yu Cifu is appointed as Zhan Shifu, Zhou Hongmo is appointed as the prime minister of Zhan Shifu, and is acting in charge of Shao Zhan Shishi. There is also Shen Jing, a doctor in the Ministry of War, who is also in charge of Shao Zhan Shishi."
"In the Bureau of Economic Affairs, Yu Yan has been appointed as Xima, which is considered complete. As for Zuo Chunfang and You Chunfang, Zuo Chunfang's bachelor was originally concurrently appointed by Hanlin bachelor Xiao Tan. After Xiao Tan was dismissed, Zuo Chunfang's bachelor was temporarily vacant, and right Chunfang's bachelor was temporarily vacant. The bachelor of Chunfang is Xu Youzhen, and there is also Ni Qian, the right concubine, and De Wan'an, the right envoy, who are responsible for teaching the classics to His Highness the Crown Prince."
"Totaling these people together, there are 16 subordinate officials in the Prince's Mansion, seven of them, and the remaining nine positions are vacant. They are Zhan Shifu, Shao Zhanshi, Fu Cheng, Zuo Chunfang University Scholar, and Zuo Shuzi. There is one person on the left to entrust virtue, one on the left and one on the right in the center of yun, one on the left and one on the right to praise goodness."
"Your Majesty has just announced that Liu Dingzhi, Chen Wen, and Li Shao will be transferred to serve in the Prince's Mansion. I don't know what official positions they will be given. Please tell me!"
As the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, Mr. Wang's professional qualities are still very good.
The resumes and employment status of officials all over the world are basically in his mind. Now that the emperor asked about Zhan Shifu, he naturally immediately reported the current status of Zhan Shifu.
After hearing this, Zhu Qiyu pondered for a moment and asked.
"Do you think these three people should hold any positions?"
If you ask the officials for their opinions...
Wang Tianguan blinked and looked at Chen Xun involuntarily.
Although it was said that Yu Shiyue was the one who submitted the memorial, everyone knew who was really trying to block people.
In this case...
Mr. Wang looked at Chen Xun maliciously, as if he was thinking hard.
This made Chen Xun feel speechless. This old man was really... good at pretending.
After working together for such a long time, Chen Xun was confident that he had some understanding of Wang Wen. This old man usually seemed out of tune, but in fact, he knew the right weight and the right weight, which was not what he showed. A carefree character.
In the selection of officials, fairness is the most important thing!
If Wang Wen couldn't do this, even if he followed the emperor's footsteps, the emperor would not let him be the official.
Not to mention, Liu Dingzhi and others were already approved by the Emperor to be transferred to the Prince's Mansion. Even in front of the Emperor, Wang Wen could not deliberately suppress these people.
So, this old guy's current behavior is, to put it bluntly, just a prank...
Sure enough, seeing Chen Xun's reaction, Wang Wen snorted lightly, then raised his head and cupped his hands to the emperor.
"Your Majesty, Liu Dingzhi and Chen Wen are both ministerial bachelors of the fifth rank, and Li Shao is the ministerial bachelor of the sixth rank. Now is not the time for exams, so as a rule, we should adjust according to rank."
"According to my opinion, Chen Wen can be appointed as the fifth-rank Zuo Shuzi, Li Shao can be appointed as the sixth-rank right middle-level scholar, and Liu Dingzhi, who has many years of experience and outstanding talents, can be promoted one level at his discretion, and can be appointed as the fifth-rank Zuo Chunfang bachelor! "
It should be said that this transfer was relatively fair, and Liu Dingzhi was even promoted one level. It can be seen that Wang Wen had thought carefully about it. As Chen Xun expected, he did not let him go because of that small grudge. Abandon public service for private reasons.
However, unexpectedly, after hearing these words, Chen Xun frowned slightly and stepped forward.
"Your Majesty, I think it's inappropriate!"
