The meeting ended.
Zhu Youtang called Wu Hao, the eunuch of Qin Tian Jian, Cheng Minzheng, a scholar of Hanlin Academy, and Lin Han, a scholar of Guozijian, to Qianqing Palace to discuss something important.
The other ministers left the palace respectively.
After the civil servants left Fengtian Hall, many came over and surrounded Liu Jian.
They seemed to be looking for an "explanation" from Liu Jian.
"Mr. Liu Ge, please tell me. Li Guang has just left, and His Majesty favors the alchemist. Doesn't it mean that there will be another sycophant in the court?"
The minister's opinion was very strong.
It was obvious that he had regarded the unknown alchemist as a powerful enemy.
As the chief assistant, Liu Jian must first take a commanding position and not express his position easily.
Xie Qian joked and said with a smile: "Someone can predict earthquakes in advance, which is equivalent to doing an errand for Qin Tianjian. Why should you be so resistant?"
It means Xie Qian.
Now some people predict that earthquakes can save the common people at dawn. Not only are you unhappy, but you also seem to be facing a formidable enemy.
Doesn’t it mean that you only care about party strife and don’t care about the life and death of the people?
When the ministers heard this, they found that the attitude of the three cabinet ministers towards this matter was very ambiguous.
Listen to the meaning...
The cabinet had no intention of admonishing the emperor to stay away from "traitors"?
Li Dongyang said: "If this person only prophesied a fire in the palace or predicted an earthquake, and did not do anything harmful to the court, then he should not be forcibly dissuaded."
Tu Dan, a member of the Etiquette Department, protested: "If His Majesty breaks the Ming Dynasty's etiquette due to his treacherous words, it will be too late to dissuade him."
"right!"
Many people agree with Tu Dan's statement.
This is to nip things in the bud, how can we allow traitors to take advantage of it?
When the emperor asks questions, he can only ask us ministers, and no one can jump on our heads. This is both a principle and a competition.
At this time, as a civil servant leader, how can your cabinet retreat?
Even the old man named Zhang, the British public, started to get upset, saying that he wanted to promote the alchemist to the position of Imperial Supervisor. Wu Xun had already taken action, and we still had to wait for that guy to bring disaster to the country and the people before taking action, but nothing happened. Too late.
Liu Jian really couldn't bear to listen and said coldly: "Let's discuss it later."
It means that if you want to participate in the impeachment, you should participate in the impeachment yourself, and don't involve the cabinet in everything.
Or are you not confident that you can bring down this treacherous traitor that the emperor believed in? You have to let our cabinet come forward, and you are fanning the flames behind the scenes?
Want to fuck yourself!
…
…
Inside Renshou Palace.
Qingyun Hou Zhou Shou and Changning Bo Zhou Yu stopped by to visit the Queen Mother Zhou after the court meeting.
Empress Dowager Zhou was in a good mood and asked some questions about the family. Suddenly she looked at Zhou Shou coldly: "...I have been staying behind closed doors for the past few days. Is this because I am recovering from an illness?"
Zhou Shou said: "The Queen Mother has recovered from her illness."
"Hmph!" Empress Dowager Zhou said, "Everyone else has used medicine for the epidemic in the capital, why don't you? If there is another acne epidemic next time, will you still stay at home? As a relative of the country, why don't you set an example? Regulate all people?”
The Empress Dowager Zhou was angry because Zhou Shou used his old age as an excuse to let others take care of something, while he hid himself from others.
Wait until the plague is over before running out to get a cure.
Zhou Shou looked ashamed.
He also knew that this sister was most concerned about the responsibility and face of the royal family, but he obviously did not take the lead in this matter.
Queen Mother Zhou asked again: "I sent someone to tell you earlier that Xiaoying and Xiaotang should go and study with Zhang Bingkuan. Have you made arrangements?"
"Not yet." Zhou Yu said, "Sister, it's not that we don't want to, it's really not necessary. Recently, they all have received errands from the Governor's Mansion, and they are usually busy with official duties..."
"What are you busy with?"
Queen Mother Zhou was very impatient again.
The two younger brothers seemed not to have listened to her words at all.
"Someone came to tell Aijia early this morning that he was right about the earthquake in Xinye, Henan. Such a person can gain His Majesty's trust. Your Majesty will definitely ask about any major military and political matters in the future. You can't even see this direction. Accurate? When the Ai family closes their eyes, who in the Zhou family will take it seriously? "
Queen Mother Zhou was angry.
Zhou Shou said: "The Empress Dowager, your Majesty is the most filial."
"Xiao also wants to be with the Ai family while they are alive. Haven't you seen how domineering the Zhang family is now? Sometimes the Ai family can't be persuaded. That's a matter between Your Majesty and his wife. The Ai family is still here, and the Zhang family can't do anything to you. From now on, will anyone protect you if something happens to you?"
Empress Dowager Zhou was actually preparing for her death.
She knew that she was already old, and she was seventy years old. For an old lady of this age, let alone some sudden illness, even if she was not sick, she would just let it go.
But the Zhou family seems to be used to being protected by her, and they have no sense of crisis at all.
Zhou Yu said: "Sister, don't be angry. When we get back, let the two young families go over and take a look."
"Okay!" Empress Dowager Zhou said, "This matter cannot be delayed. I heard that the second son of Duke Cheng's Zhu family is with Zhang Bingkuan every day. Even the son of the British father's Zhang family is also over there. You must hurry up. pay attention to."
Brothers Zhou Shou and Zhou Yu couldn't help but look at each other.
It seemed that the Empress Dowager did not close her eyes or listen at all in the palace, and knew more about everything outside the palace than they did.
…
…
After the emperor met with Wu Hao, Cheng Minzheng and Lin Han.
Xiao Jing was immediately sent to Zhang Zhou's house.
On the one hand, he wanted to inform Zhang Zhou that the Xinye earthquake had occurred, and on the other hand, he wanted to ask about any other natural and man-made disasters recently. By the way, he also wanted to convey the emperor's "good intentions."
Xiao Jing ran to Zhang Zhou's house, only to find that Yang Peng was visiting.
Xiao Jing looked at Yang Peng who had just come out of the door, frowned and said, "What are you doing here?"
Yang Peng said hurriedly: "Eunuch Xiao, I didn't hear about the earthquake and came here to inform you. By the way... talk about the reconstruction of Qingning Palace."
"Yeah?"
Xiao Jing is sneering.
You Yang Peng, don’t think others can’t see it. You’re just here to curry favor with Zhang Zhou. Knowing that he can’t be overthrown now, you probably want to repeat your old tricks and play matchmaking with Li Guang, right?
"The humble job went first."
Yang Peng did not expect to be so unlucky that when he came to see Zhang Zhou, he would also meet the Governor of Dongchang, and judging from Xiao Jing's attitude, he seemed to have a strong opinion of him.
He left with his head down.
After Xiao Jing watched Yang Peng walk away, he seemed to have made up his mind, probably to transfer Yang Peng elsewhere.
…
…
"Eunuch Xiao? Didn't Eunuch Yang come to inform you before? Do you still want to come in person?"
Zhang Zhou was also straightforward.
Without concealing the news of Yang Peng's arrival, Xiao Jing was also thinking, Mr. Zhang wouldn't think that Yang Peng was sent by me, right?
Yang Peng, Yang Peng.
If you act arrogantly, your good days will be limited.
Xiao Jing smiled and said: "Your Majesty actually knew that the earthquake would happen a long time ago, otherwise it would not be mentioned in the court. Your Majesty also had a little dissatisfaction with the ministers about this matter, but it has all disappeared. Mr. Zhang told him with his strength. Those ministers, you are an expert, not a charlatan."
"Haha, really?" Zhang Zhou didn't feel honored at all.
You say I'm not a charlatan, but I'm not?
Zhang Zhou said: "Is there no reward? If not, there is no need to say anything to Eunuch Xiao. I am quite busy here."
Xiao Jing was embarrassed.
Without even saying a few words, Zhang Zhou was about to issue an eviction order. He was also thinking, if he had brought the royal reward to the door, would the treatment he received be better?
This guy is so awesome, why are he so stingy?
"Mr. Zhang, to put it bluntly, everyone has this love for money, but you can't break your principles because of a little greed, otherwise... no matter how capable you are, it will be difficult to persist for a long time." Xiao Jing remind.
Zhang Zhou was surprised and said: "Eunuch Xiao, what are you talking about? In addition to getting some rewards from your majesty, what else do I want? Your majesty's rewards can't be said to be my corruption, right?"
"That's not possible." Xiao Jing said quickly.
Zhang Zhou said: "That's right, I have saved a little. That's because I have lived a hard life and know the pain of a family not having enough to eat. Only when people are down and out will they realize the importance of accumulating grain to prevent hunger. I have never experienced the pain of hunger. People can't understand my mood. Look what I'm saying to Eunuch Xiao, Eunuch Xiao, do you have anything else?"
"Yes, yes."
Xiao Jing smiled bitterly.
When talking to Mr. Zhang, there is always endless gossip.
It's obvious that this guy just likes to talk nonsense.
Xiao Jing said: "Isn't that right? His Majesty summoned Wu Jianzheng of the Qintian Prison before and told him that if there are any matters such as Liuren's class in the future, he should seek more opinions from others and not be complacent. In fact, what your Majesty meant is, Just ask him to ask Mr. Zhang’s opinion more often.”
"Oh." Zhang Zhouyi was startled, then shook his head, "The ugly thing is, I don't have time to take care of an apprentice, and I'm not good at it. I don't know how I figured it out."
"You really know how to joke."
Of course Xiao Jing took Zhang Zhou's words as self-effacement.
But in fact, Zhang Zhouzhen doesn't know how to do divination. If he is really asked to do a divination process, although sometimes he can forcefully explain it and make it far-fetched, the secret will definitely be exposed in front of an expert in astrology like Wu Hao.
"Also, His Majesty also summoned Cheng Min, Bachelor of Political Science, and Lin Jijiu, the Imperial Academy Master, today. He told them that he would select several talents from the Imperial Academy for official appointment."
"What does this mean?"
Zhang Zhou heard that the Imperial Academy's selection of talents seemed to be aimed at him.
Xiao Jing smiled and said: "Actually, what your Majesty means is to find an opportunity for Mr. Zhang to serve as an official."
"hehe."
Zhang Zhou smiled.
Zhu Youtang was afraid that he would not be able to pass the Jinshi examination and left a way out for him.
Xiao Jing said: "Your Majesty has not told Bachelor Cheng and Lin Jijiu clearly, that is to say, all the supervisors in the Imperial College can write some articles, poems, current affairs policies, etc., and give the title in the name of Mr. Lin Jijiu. The title is here... …”
"this……"
Zhang Zhou was a little speechless.
We agreed to let Lin Han give the questions, so why did Xiao Jing send them over first?
Xiao Jing really took out a piece of paper with a title written by the emperor himself.
Inscribed by Yubi personally...
Zhang Zhou felt that this still contained Emperor Hongzhi's calligraphy.
Tsk tsk.
"Actually, it's just a matter of situation. You just answer the questions, show off your talent and knowledge, and send them to Beiyong. At that time, the Hanlin Academy will find a few Hanlin attendants, lecturers, etc. to help with the details... Don't worry, Mr. Zhang. This is also a matter of establishing a good relationship in advance, and our family will make it clear that you...will be chosen!"
Zhang Zhou felt like he had heard something.
The emperor deliberately opened a back door for him under the pretense of "fairness and impartiality" to prevent him from failing the exam next year and then looking for reasons to prepare for the exam for three years and not be able to serve the court.
So Zhu Youtang also skipped the steps and made an internal decision, allowing you to be selected as an official in the imperial court as a top student in the Imperial College.
In the Ming Dynasty, it was not uncommon for people to be promoted to official positions, but once they accepted the dismissal, it meant that they would not participate in the imperial examination again in the future.
To bring people into the court, local officials could basically only reach the prefect level, that is, the fourth rank. It was rare for someone to be transferred to the six ministries as an errand, let alone enter the Hanlin Academy.
Of course, there are some special cases. Those who were able to hold the positions of Six Bu Shangshu, Zuodu Yushi, Shilang, etc. were mostly in the early Ming Dynasty.
The most recent one is Jia Jun, the former minister of the Ministry of Industry, who passed away just in the eighth year of Hongzhi. He was the first person in the Ming Dynasty to be appointed minister.
If there is a precedent, then the emperor can make some fuss.
Zhang Zhou said: "Eunuch Xiao, isn't this... not good? As a scholar, I shouldn't accept this kind of thing."
The emperor and the ministers below joined forces to conduct this kind of small circle selection, and also made internal decisions.
If this got out, it would give him a bad reputation.
Of course, Zhang Zhou’s goal is not just to be a civil servant. Recently, he has also been studying hard in order to get a Jinshi... Although it is a bit difficult, if he can get a few questions in the exam next year, wouldn’t the chance be great? big?
Xiao Jing smiled and said: "Don't worry, except for Your Majesty, Eunuch Dai and our family, no one else will know."
"Didn't you say that Eunuch Xiao still wants to teach people from the Hanlin Academy?"
"No." Xiao Jing said, "At that time, His Majesty will personally transfer the test questions to the palace, and make decisions through His Majesty's inspection..."
Zhang Zhou secretly thought that this was probably the highest level of cheating!
The emperor, the ceremonial supervisor, the eunuch in charge, and the factory owner of the East Factory teamed up to help a person cheat.
If old man Lin Hanlin knew about this, he would probably vomit blood and die on the spot.
Xiao Jing said: "What's more, this is not the imperial examination selection for the Ming Dynasty. It is just a temporary addition. Of course, it is up to your Majesty to decide how to select."
The final right of interpretation belongs to the organizer...
Zhang Zhou thought to himself, it’s good to just decide unofficially. Anyway, it’s convenient to have one more channel.
If you really want to fail the exam, you have to prepare for another three years, and still have to deal with the fame and fortune fair, I'm afraid it will be even more powerless.
"Mr. Zhang, you have studied the details in the past two days, but the topic will be made public later. This is not a leak. As long as you are a supervisor of the Imperial College, you are eligible to report it. Congratulations on your ranking in the imperial class." Xiao Jing smiled. Arch hands.
He even pretended to congratulate him.
Zhang Zhou said: "It's a little early, isn't it? I'm still waiting for next spring..."
"No conflict. Our family will leave first. You don't have to send it off. If it delays your preparation for the national exam, I'm afraid our family won't be able to shoulder the responsibility."
Xiao Jing looked humble, smiled and left.
Although Zhang Zhou did not send him directly out of the door, he still sent him to the front yard. After being urged by Xiao Jing to invite him, he returned to the inner yard.
…
…
"Husband, what is that...father-in-law here for?"
Jiang Pingyu came to deliver tea earlier and saw Zhang Zhou meeting distinguished guests in the palace, so she did not dare to come in and disturb him.
Because those who followed Xiao Jing in the courtyard were all armed with swords.
Zhang Zhou said: "Oh, it's Eunuch Xiao from Dongchang, here to deliver the test questions."
"What test questions? Do you know how to take the test?" Jiang Pingyu's eyes were a little more expectant.
Zhang Zhou took out the test questions and looked at them. They were just questions about current affairs. There were three questions in total, all of which were asked by the emperor himself.
The exam rules have also been set. Not only must there be these three test questions, but also some additional items, such as poems, meanings of the Four Books, etc. You can also make some discussions about personal ambitions and the current situation, but they must not involve the royal family or the court. event.
Zhang Zhou said: "It's impossible. The examiner of the general examination has not yet been decided. How can there be questions for the general examination? But... it's almost the same."
(End of chapter)
