It was May 19th, the third year of Hongzhi. Emperor Hongzhi made a decree: Zhu Junzhang, the acting king, was debauched and immoral during the period of mourning for his father, and was deposed as a commoner.
In the next five days, all members of the clan, nobles, and relatives who had invested in Runde Grain Company were punished to varying degrees.
Of course, the reason for punishment is not for participating in the sale of stolen goods.
Only Shouning Hou Zhang Luan was not punished and was safe and sound. Emperor Hongzhi was still partial to his father-in-law.
The warehouse case, which originated from the imperial decree to hoard grain in the autumn of the second year of Hongzhi, came to a close.
In order to maintain the stability of the overall situation, Emperor Hongzhi did not initiate the second "Guo Huan Case" in the Ming Dynasty, but dealt with it in a low-key manner.
The young emperor learned a lesson: the emperor who does not bother is the good emperor.
It should be noted that in official cases of officials, it is said that "a little ink on the case, a thousand drops of blood of the people!"
On the emperor's dragon case, it is said: "A little ink on the case, the blood of the people will be stained!"
The Cangchang case was handled by Chang Feng. He believed that since the case was closed in a low-key manner, the emperor would not reward him in a big way.
On this day, Chang Feng was drinking tea in the room on duty.
Fatty Xu said: "My father should have a long memory for this response. The emperor issued an edict the day before yesterday, reprimanding him for writing the wrong form of asking for peace, and fined him three years' salary."
"Actually, my father knew in his heart that he was punished because he got involved with Runde Grain Company. The emperor was beating him."
Chang Feng nodded slightly: "Yes. In the future, you should also advise your father not to take money that he shouldn't take."
Qian Ning was a little disappointed: "I was expecting the emperor to issue an order and set off a major case. Our robes are full of prestige."
Qian Ning is a man who loves great achievements. He looks forward to a big case in the officialdom all day long, so that he can kill with a knife and make a river of blood.
At this moment, a powerful man sent a message: "Master Chang, Eunuch Xiao, the Chief of Ceremonies, has come to deliver the order! Please go to the school grounds to receive the order!"
Chang Feng was a little surprised: "Usually, orders are delivered at the envoy or command envoy's duty station in Beizhen."
Lishi said: "Master Chang, Eunuch Xiao has asked all the people in Beijing to go to the school grounds to listen to the order!"
Chang Feng came to the school ground.
Xiao Jing was not in a hurry to announce the decree. Instead, he drank tea on the table at the military station in the school grounds and waited for all the Jin Yiwei to gather in Beijing.
Half an hour later, the Jinyiwei School Ground was packed with people. All the nearly 7,000 robes in Beijing have arrived.
The Eight Great Thousand Households headed by Chang Feng stood on either side of the commander Zhu Ji and the Nanzhen governor Wang Miaoxin, with their wings lined up.
A gust of wind blew by, and the beautiful flying fish flew fiercely, so solemn and majestic.
Zhu Ji cupped his hands and said, "This is for Eunuch Xiao. In addition to Sun Luan, the governor of the North Town, who is seriously ill and has taken leave, the commanders of Jinyiwei, the governor of Nanzhen, eight thousand households, eight hundred households, one hundred and sixty general banners, and eighty small banners are in Beijing. , three thousand captains, and three thousand warriors all gathered together."
Xiao Jing unfolded the imperial edict and announced: "There is an edict. Sun Luan, the governor of Jinyiweibei Town, is sick and unable to perform his duties. He is allowed to serve as an official and he will be raised with the original salary."
"After inspecting thousands of households, Chang Feng is commendable for being smart, capable, loyal and courageous. He is specially promoted to be the envoy of Beizhen. I appreciate this!"
Chang Feng had long expected that one day he would be promoted to the envoy of North Town.
However, he didn't expect this day to come so quickly!
When the decree was announced, he was stunned for a moment.
Scenes of the past four years flashed through his mind: the evil eunuchs of the previous dynasty were rampant and framed the prince. He accidentally became involved in political affairs. From then on, he began to protect the crown prince and the country, and by chance, he rescued the crown prince's concubine.
The prince ascended the throne and became emperor. He assisted the emperor in getting rid of mediocre ministers, destroying Japanese pirates, protecting the people, fighting against officials, defeating barbarians, and killing giant beetles.
It's all worth it.
Everything he did, no matter whether the means were bloody or not, was for the people's livelihood!
So what if there is no reward.
Now, the emperor finally gave him the high position of governor of Beizhen.
Tears suddenly welled up in his eyes. It’s not an act, it’s from the heart.
Chang Feng kowtowed and shouted: "My lord, Chang Feng, thank you Lord for your kindness!"
Xiao Jing walked up to Chang Feng and handed the imperial edict to him with both hands: "The edict has been conveyed. Congratulations to Chang Zhen, the envoy. If the old eunuch has a spirit in heaven, I don't know how happy he would be!"
Chang Feng stood up with the imperial edict in hand.
Wang Miaoxin and others congratulated him on his promotion.
Zhu Ji always likes to pour cold water on others when they are happy.
Zhu Ji said: "Changfeng, remember, the higher the official position, the greater the responsibility. Don't think that if you are promoted to the governor of Beizhen, you will be content with the status quo or become domineering."
Xiao Jing couldn't stand it anymore. He said half-jokingly: "Commander Zhu, do you know why you are not liked by others?"
Zhu Ji cupped his hands and said, "Please give me some advice, Eunuch Xiao."
Xiao Jing said: "You always like to spoil other people's fun when they are happy! I don't even bother to talk about you!"
After saying this, Xiao Jing left the school grounds.
Wang Miaoxin, the envoy of South Town, shouted: "Congratulations to Mr. Chang on your promotion to the envoy of North Town!"
Seven thousand people shouted in unison: "Congratulations to Mr. Chang on your promotion to the envoy of Beizhen!"
The sound was shocking!
The person with the highest prestige among the Jinyi Guards today is not Zhu Ji, but Chang Feng!
Chang Feng was not only smart and capable, but also led the robes to make great contributions to the court one after another. Moreover, he treats his subordinates with kindness and clear rewards and punishments.
The highest state of being an official is nothing more than "liking your superiors and supporting your subordinates".
Emperor Hongzhi, the big boss of the Ming Dynasty, placed great importance on Chang Feng. All the brothers in Wei supported him.
Chang Feng reached a small peak in his official career.
Chang Feng shouted: "Do your duty! Protect the country! Protect the people!"
Seven thousand people shouted in unison: "Do your duty! Protect the country! Protect the people!"
Zhu Ji looked at Chang Feng's response and felt that his role as a commander was really meaningless.
With the imperial edict for promotion, Chang Feng still had to go to the Central Military Governor's Mansion to prepare documents and go to the Ministry of Personnel to receive his official credentials.
Because although the Jinyi Guards are the emperor's private army slaves, they are still nominally one of the twenty-six guards of the personal army and are affiliated with the Fifth Army Governor's Mansion.
Although the Ministry of Civil Affairs does not care about military attachés, the official credentials of military attachés are still issued by the Ministry of Civil Affairs.
The staff hall.
Chang Feng stood in front of Wang Shu respectfully.
Wang Shu said: "Sit down. I will ask the person in charge below to issue you an official certificate, and the formalities for you to perform your duties will be completed."
Chang Feng said humbly: "In front of famous ministers, there is no place for sitting in a humble position. It is better to stand and wait in a humble position."
There is no one in the world who doesn’t like to be given a high hat. Wang Shu was a capable and loyal minister, but he was not a saint. Therefore, he is not exempt from vulgarity.
Chang Feng's humble attitude and his reputation as a "famous minister" served him well.
Wang Shu smiled and said: "Those who are famous ministers are just false names, just like floating clouds."
Then Wang Shu shouted: "Call the principal Zhang Cai over."
Not long after, Zhang Cai, the thirty-six-year-old sixth-grade leader, came to the lobby.
Chang Feng glanced at Zhang Cai. This glance was insignificant and almost made Chang Feng's jaw drop.
This man is so good-looking! He is simply elegant, graceful, talented, energetic, handsome and unrestrained!
Moreover, his appearance is not as handsome as that of Pan An and his ilk, but has a sense of righteousness.
Jin Dong of the Ming Dynasty belongs to it.
Chang Feng usually comes into contact with countless officials.
But Zhang Cai's appearance is probably unmatched by any official in the current dynasty!
His appearance is just like its name: Cai!
Wang Shu saw Chang Feng's surprised expression and said with a smile: "All the officials who come to the Ministry of Household Affairs have the same expression as you when they see Zhang Cai."
Wang Shu recommended: "Zhang Cai, this is the new envoy of Jinyiwei North Town, Chang Feng."
"Chang Feng, this is Zhang Cai, the head of the Civil Affairs Department of the Ministry of Civil Affairs."
Zhang Cailiang said loudly: "I have admired the Ming Dynasty for a long time, and it is like thunder piercing my ears!"
Zhang Cai not only looks good, but also has a rich and powerful voice.
Chang Feng said: "It turns out it's Master Zhang, so he's polite."
Wang Shu said: "Zhang Cai, you can lead Chang Zhenfu to go to your room and get your official certificate."
Chang Feng followed Zhang Cai to his supervisor's room.
Zhang Cai suddenly discovered that the tiger and leopard vouchers used to open military attache certificates had been used up.
He quickly ordered a clerk to go to the Ministry of Works to get Hubao's receipt.
Zhang Cai made tea for Chang Feng with his own hands: "Chang Zhenfu, please take a sip of tea and wait for a moment."
Chang Feng took a sip of tea and the two started talking.
Chang Feng asked: "In what year did Mr. Zhang join the official department?"
Zhang Cai replied: "I was born as a Jinshi in the spring of this year. I was selected by the Ministry of Personnel to be a political observer for three months. I was promoted to chief last month and entered the Literature and Selection Department."
The Civil Affairs Department of the Qing Dynasty is the most powerful department among the six departments of the Ming Dynasty. It’s equivalent to the central-level organization department, just say it’s awesome or not!
A new Jinshi will generally only be awarded the seventh rank. Enter the Hanlin Academy or serve as a county magistrate.
Zhang Cai's situation rarely occurs. After being named on the gold list, he went to the Ministry of Civil Affairs to observe the government, and was directly promoted to the sixth-rank chief executive within three months. I entered the Literary and Selection Department.
Chang Feng was a little strange. According to Zhang Cai, his ranking should be very high in the second class.
But Chang Feng also participated in the imperial examination this spring. After the palace examination gold list was released, he specifically read the list of gold medals in the Di newspaper.
He couldn't remember Zhang Cai's name among the top ten in the first and second classes.
Chang Feng held up his hand and said: "It turns out that I am a Jinshi official in Jinke. I am ashamed and ashamed that I also participated in the Jinke examination. However, I was not good at learning and my reputation was lost."
Zhang Cai was greatly surprised: "The governor of Changzhen is a military officer, but he actually has the reputation of being a civil servant?"
Chang Feng smiled and said: "My ranking in the examination was not high. I ranked 98th in the Beizhili Township Examination last year. I was only at the bottom of the list."
When officials meet each other for the first time, they should make a cross talk. Pandao is nothing more than asking each other which year the person was elected, which year the person was promoted to Jinshi, what their rank was, and who their master was.
Once they are successful candidates or Jinshi in the same subject, they will build a relationship and become friends of the same age.
It would be even more remarkable if the examiner is the same person. He is a dear fellow disciple under this master.
Zhang Cai is not only good-looking, but also good at talking. He smiled and said: "I was ranked 21st in the Shaanxi-Gansu Provincial Examination last year. However, the academic style of Shuntianfu is flourishing, which is incomparable to that in the northwest."
"The ninety-eight in Shuntian Prefecture's Guilin List are probably equivalent to the top ten in Shaanxi and Gansu in terms of talent and learning."
The imperial examination system of the Ming Dynasty had the power to change the trajectory of life and cross social classes.
According to Zhang Cai, he was just a young scholar last year. Passed the provincial examination and went all the way to Beijing to be named on the gold medal list. He was also assigned to the Ministry of Personnel, and within three months he was promoted from Guanzheng to head of the Literary and Selection Department.
In the words of later generations, Zhang Cai's life failed in just one year.
Chang Feng asked casually: "I don't know where Master Zhang is on the gold list?"
Zhang Cai replied: "Ashamed, the sixty-ninth place in the second class."
Chang Feng almost choked on his tea after hearing this!
Erjia sixty-nine? This is a solid ranking. Can't get into the Hanlin Academy. After struggling to death, he was sent to the local government to become an official or county magistrate.
But Zhang Cai was selected into the Ministry of Personnel, the first of the six departments, to watch the government? Promoted to be the principal so quickly?
Zhang Cai saw Chang Feng's doubts. He pointed at his face: "I've got a lot of success with this skin."
Chang Feng was relieved.
In the Ming Dynasty, whether it is palace examination or official selection, it all depends on face!
Those with outstanding looks will receive exceptional promotions.
Those who look ugly will basically have no chance of having an official career in this life.
This is even more true for the “big challenge” of selecting candidates for office. It doesn't look at talent or academic ranking at all, it only looks at appearance.
For example, Yang Yiqing, a Cantonese, has been a famous child prodigy in Lingnan since he was a child. At the age of fourteen, he won the first place in the Guangdong Provincial Examination.
His articles, abilities, and conduct are all top-notch.
Such a child prodigy came to Beijing to participate in the competition in the eighth year of Chenghua. He ranked among the top five in the tribute test and sat in the first row in the palace test.
However, during the palace examination, because he looked uglier than a dog and had no beard, he looked like a eunuch. Emperor Chenghua ranked him at the 95th place in the top three and at the bottom of the gold list.
Yang Yiqing has been in the officialdom of the capital for nineteen years like a diligent and conscientious donkey. Until now, he is just a fifth-grade Zhongshu Sheren.
Chang Feng thought: Zhang Cai was promoted exceptionally because of his appearance. This is not surprising.
He has a face that probably took decades to appear in Ming Dynasty official circles.
Zhang Cai is also good at building relationships. He said neither humble nor arrogantly: "Since Chang Zhenfu and I took part in the examination in the same year, then we are considered to be in the same year. We will learn more from each other in the future!"
With Chang Feng's current status, Zhang Cai is trying to outdo him.
But Zhang Cai's tone of voice was not flattering at all, and it was in the name of "exchanging knowledge."
The constant breeze is like a spring breeze. There is no sense of disgust at being flattered or forced to have a relationship.
That's what some people are like. He looks pleasing to the eye and speaks like a spring breeze. She is simply the darling of society.
But it’s hard to say whether there is a noble soul or a dirty soul living under the good-looking skin.
At least Chang Feng now has a good impression of Zhang Cai.
Not long after, the clerk brought the Hubao slip and issued Chang Feng his official certificate.
It was already evening, Chang Feng took his official certificate and returned home happily.
Father-in-law Liu Bingyi is here.
Liu Bingyi smiled and said: "Oh, my good son-in-law has been promoted again!"
Chang Feng was surprised: "Old Taishan, your information is so well-informed!"
Liu Bingyi said: "We idle officials spend our days cracking melon seeds, drinking tea and discussing official news."
"When you get promoted, my face will also gain glory."
After speaking, Liu Bingyi pointed to a pot of bamboo placed in the hall. The bamboo is also tied with red silk.
In official circles, when congratulating someone for a promotion, they usually give something as elegant as bamboo as a gift.
First of all, bamboo is one of the three friends of Suihan, with noble character and elegance.
Secondly, it takes the auspicious meaning of "rising higher and higher".
But when Chang Feng saw this pot of bamboo, he felt as if he had eaten a big fly.
He thought to himself: My old Taishan, I'm afraid you don't know that the most cruel death penalty for our Jinyiwei is not Lingchi, but bamboo punishment!
Although I was unhappy in my heart, I couldn't say anything with my mouth. Chang Feng said: "Thank you, Lao Taishan, for the bamboo."
Liu Bingyi sighed: "Oh, I have been an idle official in Taichang Temple for four full years. I seem to be really old. I no longer have any intention of getting promoted."
"The left minister of the Nanjing Ministry of Rites has been vacant these days. Although he is also a sinecure, he always carries the title of 'Ministry Hall'."
"My good friends and colleagues have all used their disciples and money to find this missing person. But I have no interest at all."
Chang Feng asked: "Oh? Why?"
Liu Bingyi said: "I was born in the capital and grew up in the capital. Now that I am old, I want to stay in the capital to take care of myself. I don't want to go to Nanjing."
"Eating the salary of a third-grade official and carrying the name of Xiao Jiuqing. Watching my son-in-law and daughter live a prosperous life. My little grandson grows up slowly. What more can I ask for?"
Liu Bingyi finally understood.
Chang Feng smiled and said: "Old Taishan is right to think so. Peace is blessing."
"If you hold a real position, you will have great power in your hands. But great power is sometimes the source of disaster. Not long ago, Zhang Wei, the right minister of the Ministry of Revenue, died inexplicably."
Liu Bingyi laughed out loud: "Zhang Wei died mysteriously, could it be related to your Jin Yiwei?"
Chang Feng said quickly: "I didn't say anything."
At this moment, the servant announced: "Eunuch Qian, the Supervisor of Ceremonies, and his adopted son are here to congratulate the master!"
Not long after, Qian Neng, Qian Ning and his son entered the hall. There were four servants behind them, carrying a wooden box.
Qian Neng handed over his hand and said, "Congratulations to the Governor Chang Zhen on your promotion. Oh, Liu Siqing is here too. Your son-in-law is really promising!"
The Chief of Ceremony praised his son-in-law for his promising achievements, and Liu Bingyi straightened his back a little.
Normally, the big men in charge of the ceremonial department don't bother to take a serious look at such an idle official like him.
Liu Bingyi said: "Isn't that thanks to Eunuch Qian's cultivation? Otherwise, how could he be promoted so quickly?"
Everyone is a show person, and all they say is to compliment each other.
Qian Neng said: "That's wrong. He was cultivated by the emperor! In addition, my son-in-law is smart, capable, loyal and courageous. In my opinion, his future is much more than that of an envoy from Beizhen!"
"In a few years, the emperor may hand over the entire Imperial Guard to him."
After saying that, Qian Neng sat down on the chair without ceremony.
Chang Feng cupped his hands and said, "Eunuch Qian is overly praised."
Qian Neng smiled slightly: "I came to you today because I have something to ask for. With your promotion, the seat of the Qianhu Inspection Department has been vacated."
"I'm thinking, this guy Qian Ning is the deputy Qianhu. If his immediate boss is someone as sharp and mean as Zhu Ji, he will have to suffer from it in the future."
"So, I ask you to choose a generous and capable person to inspect thousands of households. Choose a good boss for my Ning'er."
If money can be used, there are many twists and turns. In fact, he was testing whether Chang Feng could let Qian Ning take his place.
Qian Ning reminded: "Father, He Yin."
Qian Neng clapped his hands and said, "Hey, why did you forget about the real thing? Ning'er, open the box."
Qian Ning opened the wooden box, and it was full of white silver ingots!
Chang Feng knew at a glance that it was at least two thousand taels!
As expected of the Chief of Ceremonies Bingbi, in order to smoothly promote his adopted son to a thousand households, he spent two thousand taels at once.
Chang Feng walked to the silver box and held up a fifty-tael ingot in both hands: "Eunuch Qian, I'll keep you fifty-tael in gratitude for your kindness. Please take the rest back with you."
Although Qian Neng remained calm, he cursed in his heart: It seems that this guy doesn't give me face. If you don't collect money, you won't promote Ning'er.
Unexpectedly, Chang Feng said next: "Eunuch Qian, you asked me to choose a good boss for Qian Ning. I don't like to hear this!"
"Qian Ning has been with me for so long, and he has both merit and hard work. Why should I put a new boss on his head?"
"The next time I enter the palace, I will ask the emperor for an order. I will be promoted to Qian Ning to inspect thousands of households to make up for the vacancy I left!"
"As for the money, if you don't take it away, I will be suspected of selling out. Then Qian Ning and I are not half-brothers!"
(End of chapter)
