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Acting beyond one's authority is a taboo in official circles both at home and abroad in ancient and modern times. Even if one obeys the authority in a hurry, it will still violate taboos and break the rules. Zhao Junchen's overstep of authority this time is even more serious. An imperial minister who is in charge of disaster relief matters Because they seized the leverage of local officials, they forcibly rectified the officialdom of several northwestern provinces and ousted frontier officials. They not only interfered in local government affairs, but also interfered with border defense and military affairs... In short, based on the circumstances of this matter, The background, influence, and particularity are destined to be recorded in history books in the future. If Emperor Deqing lets Zhao Junchen off easily, if officials follow his example in the future, the entire officialdom will be in chaos.
Therefore, if Emperor Deqing wanted to severely punish Zhao Junchen, the reason would be very sufficient. Just four words "to serve as a warning to others" would be enough! Even if Zhao Junchen has made great achievements in the northwest this time, not many people will have objections!
However, what Zhao Junchen did on the surface was that he was devoted to the public affairs. He could not have known that he had committed an official taboo, but he was willing to put himself in danger for the sake of the overall interests of the court. If Emperor Deqing had really punished Zhao Junchen, It also seems a bit unhuman and will chill the loyal ministers, especially since there are still many things in the court that cannot be separated from Zhao Junchen, so it is even more difficult to do it.
Therefore, Emperor Deqing was inevitably a little hesitant.
Seeing Emperor Deqing's silence, several pavilion elders looked calm on the surface, as if they were just waiting for Emperor Deqing's decision, but most of them felt a little expectant or nervous, eager to know Emperor Deqing's attitude.
People like Shen Changmao, Cheng Yuandao and others all hope that Emperor Deqing will punish Zhao Junchen. Zuo Lanshan naturally hopes that Zhao Junchen will have no merits. As for Zhou Shangjing, Liang Fuchen and others, they are neutral and believe that rewards and punishments are acceptable. Everything is based on the attitude of Emperor Deqing.
In the end, Emperor Deqing pondered for a long time and then said slowly: "As for Zhao Junchen's overstepping of authority...it has indeed broken the court rules. Even if Zhao Junchen's actions were all out of public interest, he should not be leniently spared... However, the current situation in the northwest still requires Zhao Junchen’s efforts to maintain it, and we should wait until this year’s border war is over.”
After hearing what Emperor Deqing said, Shen Changmao, Cheng Yuandao and others all looked happy, while Zuo Lanshan looked worried.
Emperor Deqing's words seemed to have an inaccurate attitude, but he never said the word "extenuating circumstances" from beginning to end. The hidden meaning was very clear that Zhao Junchen's act beyond his authority this time must be to do something wrong. Punitive, but we must wait until the situation in the northwest stabilizes. The severity of the punishment will depend on Zhao Junchen's merits this time. If Zhao Junchen's merits are greater, the merits will be offset, and a small punishment will be a big warning. But if Zhao Junchen This time, not only did he not achieve any meritorious service, but he actually ruined the northwest border defense. He was the perfect scapegoat, and he was bound to be in bad luck.
Emperor Deqing's decision also took into account the attitude of the northwest governors. The northwest governors have committed serious crimes now. It is because of Zhao Junchen's guarantee and advice that they have the opportunity to make meritorious deeds. Only then will the situation in the northwest be stable. If Emperor Deqing If Zhao Junchen is moved, the governors of the northwest will inevitably think too much, and the situation in the northwest will be unstable. Therefore, in order to stabilize the situation in the northwest, Emperor Deqing also gave Zhao Junchen a chance, and everything will be postponed until later!
Having said this, Emperor Deqing turned his eyes to Liang Fuchen again and ordered: "Liang Fuchen, after you arrive at Huamachi Camp, ask him to go to the hinterland of Shaanxi and Gansu and be responsible only for disaster relief. Once the disaster relief is on track, he will Let him return to the capital as soon as possible... In addition, you must investigate Zhao Junchen's actions in the northwest in detail and then report it to me!"
Liang Fuchen was stunned for a moment, but soon understood the meaning of Emperor Deqing. After nodding, he said in a deep voice: "I understand."
Emperor Deqing was worried that Zhao Junchen would take the opportunity to interfere with military power.
Then, after Emperor Deqing pondered again for a while, he turned his eyes to the other pavilion elders and said with a serious expression: "You must keep it secret and never spread it about the northwest governor's collusion in appeasement! In addition, the issue of border defense Getting more serious is the top priority of the imperial court at the moment. If there is chaos in the north, the rest of the places should do their best to maintain stability. If chaos breaks out in various places, it will be difficult for the imperial court to control the situation. Therefore, the central government's plan for the six departments in Nanjing has been postponed for the time being. …Also, the center of the imperial court must work together as one, and as ministers of the cabinet, you must also lead by example and there must be no more internal strife and internal strife, do you understand?”
Since Zhao Junchen left Beijing, the major factions in the imperial court have been ready to take advantage of the opportunity to encroach on the sphere of influence of the "Zhao Party". Because Zhao Junchen's power and influence have approached Emperor Deqing's psychological bottom line, Emperor Deqing has no regard for all parties. The partisan approach has been one of acquiescence.
However, changes have occurred in the northwest, and Zhao Junchen has become the core figure in the chaos in the northwest. Emperor Deqing will punish Zhao Junchen for overstepping his authority afterwards. He can limit the development of Zhao Junchen's power in an open and honest manner, but he does not want Zhao Junchen to do so. Junchen was too cold-hearted, so he gave such a hint and warned the elders not to covet "Zhao Dang" anymore.
The elders naturally understood Emperor Deqing's hint, and most of them felt helpless, but they did not dare to go against Emperor Deqing's will. After looking at each other, they all bowed and said: "I obey!"
Next, Emperor Deqing discussed with several cabinet elders how the court would once again support the northwest border defense. In the end, more than 30,000 guardsmen were removed from the northern provinces, plus 20,000 forbidden troops, and a batch of grain and grass. Pay money and rush to the northwest for support as soon as possible.
During this period, Shen Changmao thought that Hou Jin had been quite honest and submissive in recent years, but Mongolia had become a major concern again, so he proposed that the imperial court allocate 5,000 Guanning cavalry from the Liaodong military town to support the northwest. However, Shen Changmao's proposal was However, he encountered strong opposition from Zhou Shangjing, Liang Fuchen and others, and even Emperor Deqing did not support him.
Although Hou Jin has been keeping a low profile in these years, he is just cultivating his health and accumulating strength. He is still ambitious and covets the territory and wealth of the Ming Dynasty at any time. The current invasion of the Mongols may be a good opportunity in Hou Jin's eyes. How could Emperor Deqing, Zhou Shangjing, and Liang Fuchen have the vision to mobilize the military strength of Liaodong border defense? Doesn't it give Hou Jin an opportunity to take advantage of it?
Under the rebuttals of Zhou Shangjing, Liang Fuchen and others, Shen Changmao was naturally speechless and a little embarrassed. Emperor Deqing looked at Shen Changmao with some disappointment, vaguely feeling that Shen Changmao's ability and vision were really not suitable for the position of chief minister of the cabinet anymore.
Emperor Deqing discussed with the elders for nearly two hours and finally asked them to leave the imperial study.
During the discussion, all the pavilion elders were assigned some urgent tasks. After they left the imperial study room, they went about their business.
After the other elders had gone away, Li He walked up to Zhou Shangjing and asked with confusion: "Elder Zhou, when I was in the imperial study room, I saw that His Majesty was extremely dissatisfied with Liang Fuchen, and he might want to punish him." As for him, why do you want to suddenly plead for him? Your Majesty has repeatedly established prestige for Liang Fuchen during this period. It is obvious that he wants him to take over the position of chief minister of the cabinet. This is a serious problem for you. Isn't it just right for us to take the opportunity to get rid of him? ?”
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