Liu Ji is gone. The cabinet cannot be without its chief minister.
Now there are two dear friends left in the cabinet. One is Liu Jian, the second assistant. History books comment on the "Liu Gong" in "Li Gongmou, Liu Gongjuan, Xie Gongyou Kankan".
The other one is cabinet member Xu Pu.
Xu Pu was sixty-four years old. His ancestral home is Fengyang, and he is a fellow villager with his great grandfather.
He has been a child prodigy since he was a child. In the fifth year of Jingtai's reign, at the age of 26, he ranked second in the first class of high school in the palace examination and entered the Hanlin Academy.
Thirty-eight years ago, he was already a famous young talent in the court.
Like Liu Jian, he served as a teacher during the period when Emperor Hongzhi Long Qiandong Palace. During the Chenghua period, he participated in the preservation of reserves and was a minister of Conglong.
Emperor Hongzhi planned to break the cabinet rule of "retiring first and then promoting later", instead of promoting Liu Jian, the second assistant, and promoted Xu Pu to the first assistant of the cabinet.
In the first six years of Emperor Hongzhi's reign. The first assistant is the puppet substitute Liu Ji.
Emperor Hongzhi implemented the strategy of delegating power to the six ministries and weakening the power of the cabinet.
Now that Liu Ji is gone, Emperor Hongzhi's imperial strategy should be adjusted in due course. He plans to gradually take power back to the cabinet.
The power of emperors is ever-changing, as has been the case with all the wise kings of the past dynasties.
In this way, the position of the chief minister of the cabinet is extremely important.
Even if Xu Pu is Emperor Hongzhi's knowledgeable teacher, he must be cautious.
In the words of later generations, Emperor Hongzhi was preparing to conduct another background check on Xu Pu.
This important task naturally fell on the shoulders of Jin Yiwei Chang Ye.
In the main hall of Qianqing Palace.
Chang Feng knelt down in front of Emperor Hongzhi.
Emperor Hongzhi got straight to the point: "Check Mr. Xu's private files. I am prepared to entrust him with important tasks."
Xu Pu and Liu Jian were both teachers of Emperor Hongzhi. Emperor Hongzhi called his close ministers "a certain Qing" and these two people as "Sir".
Chang Feng said: "Yes, Your Majesty."
Emperor Hongzhi said: "This matter is of great importance, you must take it seriously."
Chang Feng cupped his hands and said, "I understand."
Jinyiwei Private File is a good thing.
For example, a person is among the top ten in the first or second class of high school. Ranking high, the future is bright. When they were Hanlin officials, Jin Yiwei began to build private offices for them.
This private file will follow them for a lifetime. Until they returned to their hometown in their late seventies and eighties.
Chang Feng called Fatty Xu to the stall door.
Fatty Xu asked: "Whose private files are we going to check today?"
Chang Feng replied: "Inspecting the cabinet, Mr. Xu Ge."
Fatty Xu was surprised: "The emperor wants to punish Xu Pu? No way, Xu Pu is the emperor's teacher!"
Chang Feng shook his head slightly: "Wrong, the emperor wanted to reuse Xu Pu, so he asked me to check the private files."
The two entered the stall. Investigated Xu Pu's private files.
To be honest, Xu Pu is not a saint. Wrong things have been done and bad things have been done.
How can a person be flawless after thirty-eight years of ups and downs in the officialdom, from being a editor of the Seventh Rank Hanlin Academy to being a cabinet minister? Many things are done out of necessity.
Chang Feng read an interesting anecdote about Xu Pu in his private files.
It is said that after Xu Puzhong was elected, he followed the example of the ancients and examined himself three times a day.
He got two bottles. For every bad thing you do, throw a black bean into the bottle.
Every time you do a good deed, throw a soybean into the bottle.
At the beginning, the number of soybeans far exceeded that of black beans. Black beans are a rare thing, which means he has done very few bad things.
With the title on the gold list, he entered officialdom. The number of black beans gradually increased.
By the fifteenth year of Chenghua, when the official became the right minister of the Ministry of Rites, the quantity of black beans far exceeded that of soybeans.
At that time, treacherous eunuchs such as Wang Zhi, Shang Ming, and Wan An took turns in power. He could only protect the crown prince by protecting himself first, and he did a lot of unintentional things to do this.
It was not until the 23rd year of Chenghua that the imperial concubine party collapsed and Emperor Hongzhi ascended the throne. There are fewer and fewer black beans in his bottle and more and more soybeans.
As of this year, black beans in bottles have become a rarity again. It shows that when the sage king comes to the court and virtuous ministers are in power, he no longer needs to do bad things that violate his conscience.
This is the allusion of Xu Pu's "storing beans and being disciplined".
The next day, Chang Feng came to Qianqing Palace again and reported to Emperor Hongzhi about Xu Pu's private affairs.
The moment he stepped onto the threshold of the Qianqing Palace, from a certain perspective, Chang Feng decided who would become the chief minister of the cabinet.
Xu Pu's character, personal ethics, and official reputation all depend on Chang Feng's words.
If Chang Fengruo's mouth is crooked, Xu Pu will never be able to sit on the chair of the cabinet minister.
It can be seen from this that Chang Feng's position is only from the fourth rank, but he has immense power. The emperor's favor is the greatest authority!
Entering the main hall, Emperor Hongzhi asked eagerly: "How is Xu Pu's character, personal ethics, and official reputation?"
Chang Feng did not directly say "good" or "bad".
After a few years in power, Chang Feng became more and more thief.
He never took the initiative to evaluate whether a minister was good or bad in front of the emperor. Instead, present the facts and try to let the emperor make his own judgment.
Chang Feng reported the anecdotes about Xu Pu's soybeans and black beans to Emperor Hongzhi.
Emperor Hongzhi thought thoughtfully, then smiled slyly: "During the Chenghua Dynasty, Xupu's black beans far exceeded soybeans, which shows that he did a lot of bad things."
"Such a person is not qualified to be the chief assistant, are you right, Chang Feng?"
Emperor Hongzhi was forcing Chang Feng to clarify his point of view. At the same time, Chang Feng was also tested.
Chang Feng said seriously: "Your Majesty. Things should not be judged by their appearance. On the surface, more black beans means that Xu Pu has done a lot of bad things."
"But the essence is that Xu Pu endured the humiliation and tried his best to protect himself in the face of adversity. At the same time, he also protected the crown prince who was hiding in the East Palace."
"If I were to ask you to evaluate Xu Pu, four words would be enough."
Emperor Hongzhi became interested: "Oh? What four words?"
Chang Feng answered loudly and loudly: "It's a great festival without any loss!"
Hongzhi Emperor Long Yan was delighted: "Well said! Chang Feng, you are indeed a talent that I value. You can cut through the appearance to see the essence of people."
"Oh, what a pity! You didn't get a tribute in the first examination. If you have the title of Jinshi, I will let you become a doctor in the Literary and Selection Department of the Ministry of Civil Affairs."
Chang Feng kowtowed: "Your Majesty has given you too much praise."
Emperor Hongzhi expressed his appreciation at the moment when Chang Feng said the four words "No loss in great festivals". It is certain that Xu Pu will become the chief minister of the Ming Dynasty's cabinet, a very popular minister!
This has been the case in officialdom from ancient times to the present. At the critical moment of promotion, key people need to say the key words.
Emperor Hongzhi said: "Chang Feng, you have to continue to take the exam next year. For a person like you to stay in Jinyiwei, a yamen where you can't get a job, it's really a loss of talent!"
No matter how powerful the Jinyiwei were, they were only vassals of Emperor Hongzhi's domestic slaves and the eunuchs of Dongchang. Therefore, Emperor Hongzhi said that Jinyiwei "cannot get on the stage."
Chang Feng kowtowed: "I must keep the emperor's teachings in mind. While running errands, I should also take care of my studies and study hard. I will live up to the emperor's high expectations."
Emperor Hongzhi smiled and said: "Yes. I am very optimistic about you. Go down."
According to historical records: In the fifth year of Hongzhi's reign, Liu Ji was promoted to official position and Xu Pu took over.
There is still half a year until next spring's competition.
With the encouragement of Emperor Hongzhi, Chang Feng performed his duties in Fusi, Beizhen during the day. When I got home at night, I would study hard with my head hanging from my head.
In his prime, he even let Liu Xiaoyan and Mrs. Jiu move into the same bedroom.
Since ancient times, wives and concubines have not lived in the same room. When a wife and a concubine are in the same room, it is very unlucky for the husband to say "there must be one who is my teacher when we are in a threesome" with them.
Chang Feng consciously resisted bad temptations and devoted himself to studying.
In addition to studying hard, he would also invite his friend Zhang Cai to come and discuss knowledge when he had nothing to do.
Jin Yiwei has always had the reputation of being a "house slave". Most civil servants disdained personal relations with him.
But Zhang Cai is different. He is a typical social darling. Not only does he have a harmonious relationship with his civilian superiors, colleagues, and subordinates. He also got along very well with the eunuchs and Jin Yiwei.
That evening, Zhang Cai didn't go home after getting off work and came directly to Changfu.
Chang Feng recently wrote two eight-legged essays for the exam. The two made an appointment to have Zhang Cai judge them tonight and discuss the meaning of the classics at the same time.
As soon as Zhang Cai entered the door, Chang Feng was surprised.
I saw Zhang Cai wearing a white pheasant green robe. This is the uniform color of a fifth-grade civil servant.
Chang Feng asked: "Brother Zhang, you won't be promoted again, right?"
Zhang Cai nodded slightly: "Ashamed. I just hung up my sign today and was promoted to the position of Doctor, Member of the Examination Department of the Ministry of Civil Affairs."
Zhang Cai’s promotion speed is no less than that of Chang Feng!
Just two and a half years ago, he was just a Jinshi in charge of government affairs. He was promoted to chief after three months. He was promoted to Yuanwailang in one and a half years. Now he has been promoted to doctor.
He achieved three consecutive jumps in the official department within two and a half years!
Moreover, among the second ministers of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, who were responsible for examinations and literary selections, they were also called "little ministers" because they had too much power.
Zhang Cai previously served as the director and Yuanwailang in the Literature and Selection Department.
Now, in his new position, the Examination Department, his status is second only to the Literature and Selection Department. It belongs to the second most powerful department among the sixteen departments in the two capitals.
The Department of Merit Examination is in charge of the performance assessment of civil servants across the country. This department can be described by a couplet from later generations.
The first couplet is: "If you say you can do it, you can do it. It's okay if you can't."
The second line is: "If you say no, it won't work, and if you can, it won't work."
Hengpi: Don’t accept it!
Zhang Cai was able to achieve an almost excessive promotion speed because he had two strengths.
One, he looks good. He is a well-known handsome man in the official circles of the capital.
Two, be good at communication. No matter who he is, as long as he comes into contact with him, he will become a good friend and talk about everything.
When his superiors, colleagues, and subordinates mentioned him, no one gave him a thumbs up. Such people are in trouble if they don't get promoted quickly.
Chang Feng held up his hands and said: "Brother Zhang, congratulations! I guess if you go down the road, you will be promoted to a local magistrate. Then you will be transferred back to Beijing for re-employment."
"I'm afraid it will only be ten years before you become a serious Liubu Hall official!"
Zhang Cai smiled and said: "Then let me borrow the good words from my brother Chang Nian!"
People who flatter Chang Feng call Chang Feng "Chang Ye". Zhang Cai always calls Chang Feng "Brother Chang Nian".
Chang Feng felt close to him instead. And the word "Brother Nian" means that Chang Feng is not only a murderous butcher in the Jinyi Guard, but also a scholar.
Chang Feng took two eight-part essays and went with Zhang Cai to discuss knowledge under the maple tree in the front yard.
It is the evening of early autumn, the maple leaves are golden and the sunset is shining. The two sat opposite each other and studied knowledge, just like the acquaintances of Ziqi and Boya.
Nothing is permanent. As time goes by, Ziqi and Boya may become Fu Bi and Han Qi.
At this moment, Liu Jin led a female dog into the front yard.
Chang Feng quickly introduced him: "Brother Zhang, this is Mr. Liu Jin, Ambassador of the Bell and Drum Division."
"Eunuch Liu, this is Mr. Zhang Caizhang, the newly appointed doctor of the Civil Service Examination Department."
From a certain perspective, Liu Jin is a Chang Feng person. When he saw Chang Feng, he always addressed him as "little uncle".
Thanks to Chang Feng's favor, the director of etiquette, Bing Qianneng, took a look at Liu Jingao. This year he was promoted from deputy secretary to ambassador.
Ambassadors are the fourth rank among eunuchs. Going up further, there are third-class eunuchs, second-class young eunuchs, and first-class eunuchs.
Liu Jin quickly exchanged greetings: "Ah, it turns out it's Mr. Zhang, whom I've admired for a long time!"
Zhang Cai said politely: "It turns out to be Eunuch Liu, disrespectful and disrespectful."
This was the first meeting between the Zhengde Emperor and his most trusted civil servant.
It was also the beginning of an alliance between the two dangerous enemies Chang Feng encountered in his life.
Chang Feng pointed to the female dog in Liu Jin's hand: "Xiannephew, this is it?"
At first, Chang Feng kept calling Liu Jin "Eunuch Liu".
Later, he got used to it and called the man who was sixteen years older than him "nephew."
After all, Liu Jin's current official position was obtained by Chang Feng. What's wrong with calling him "nephew"?
Liu Jin smiled and said: "Little Aunt Tangtang said last time that Huzi might not die soon, and she wanted to leave Huzi a heir."
"I took advantage of my rest today and visited six dog markets before I found this young purebred female Laizhou Red."
"No, hurry up and bring it over to match the dog. Oh, look what I said in front of the two great scholars. It's like spreading branches and leaves!"
Liu Jin treats Chang Tian sincerely.
The eunuch has no children. Just like when Wynn regarded the young Chang Tian as his granddaughter. Liu Jin regards Chang Tian as her daughter deep in her heart.
Chang Tian said that as long as Liu Jin knew what she wanted to eat and what she wanted to play, she would dig holes in the mountains to get it for her.
Chang Feng smiled and said: "Tangtang is fishing for tortoise with Zhuangzhuang at the small pond in the backyard. Huzi is also over there. You can go over."
Liu Jin led Laizhou Hong away.
Chang Feng chatted with Zhang Cai until it was time to hold the lantern. The two had a casual dinner and discussed the article for an hour and a half. It wasn't until the bright moon was in the sky that Zhang Cai said goodbye and left.
Chang Feng was about to blow out the light in the study and prepare to go back to the bedroom to sleep.
Liu Jin walked in.
Chang Feng asked: "Why hasn't my nephew left yet? Is the dog worthy?"
Liu Jin said half-jokingly: "It's worthy, it's worthy. I, an imperfect person, am so envious! Asking you how much sorrow you can have is like a eunuch looking at a matched dog."
Chang Feng laughed dumbly: "You really love to fight."
Then Chang Feng stopped smiling: "You're still here so late. Are you looking for me on business?"
Liu Jin knelt down to Chang Feng and said, "Uncle, my nephew has something to ask for from you. I saw you and Mr. Zhang were so absorbed in learning just now that I didn't dare to disturb you."
Chang Feng said quickly: "We are our own family. Why do we have to do this? Please get up quickly."
"As long as it's within my ability, I'll definitely help."
Chang Feng always has a prerequisite for helping others, which is "within the scope of ability."
Liu Jin said: "Over at Kunning Palace, they are selecting suitable courtiers for the prince. I would like to ask my uncle to help me transfer to Kunning Palace."
The courtier, to put it bluntly, is responsible for wiping the little prince's butt after he poops.
Chang Feng was stunned: "The courtier has no rank. You are now the fifth-rank ambassador. Wouldn't it be overkill to go to Kunning Palace to serve the prince?"
Liu Jin is an excellent political speculator. Know when to bet big.
Although today's prince is only one year old, he will become the emperor of Ming Dynasty sooner or later!
It's time to put all my bets on the prince!
Even if I give up the Bell and Drum Division that I just took charge of and start from scratch, I won’t hesitate!
Liu Jin said: "Little uncle. The prince is the prince, and it is definitely not a small matter to serve the prince well. I want to do my part for the prince's growth!"
Chang Feng smiled and said: "The Chief of Ceremonies has no control over the affairs of Kunning Palace. Especially all matters concerning the prince, big or small, require the Queen's nod."
"Your little aunt has a very good personal relationship with the Queen. When your little aunt enters the palace, just ask her to help you say a few nice words in front of the Queen."
Liu Jin was overjoyed and rubbed his hands excitedly: "This, this, I have to trouble my uncle and aunt again."
Chang Feng said: "It's no trouble. I want you to be a courtier. It's not like you're the steward of Kunning Palace."
"Speaking of which, if you want to be the steward of Kunning Palace, Eunuch Li Guang won't give up, haha."
To make mistakes is human. Chang Feng has made many mistakes in his life.
In the autumn of the fifth year of Hongzhi's reign, he transferred Liu Jin to Kunning Palace to serve the crown prince. This was one of the three biggest mistakes he made in his life.
It took him five years to make up for this mistake.
Liu Jin expressed his gratitude: "I owe everything to the support of the Chang family!"
Chang Feng smiled and said, "Didn't Taoist Zhang tell your fortune? It's Tangtang's luck that brings you luck."
Speaking of Chang Tian, Liu Jin suddenly revealed her true feelings: "Oh. My little aunt grows up so fast. She is thirteen years old in the blink of an eye. She has reached the age of engagement."
"I don't know which brat I'm going to take advantage of. That brat has accumulated so many lifetimes of virtue."
Chang was in the limelight: "Don't mention it. I told Tangtang about this a few days ago. Tangtang immediately became angry and almost overturned the table."
"This is a headache for me too. You said you should find an ordinary family. I always feel that Tangtang has been insulted."
"Choose an official. I'm also afraid that people will consider my favor in front of the emperor and intend to get involved through marriage."
Liu Jin reminded him: "Uncle, for men, if you take a bad wife, you can divorce her. You can also take a concubine."
"For the girl's family, marriage is a lifelong event, and there is no room for turning around. You must be cautious."
Chang Feng agreed with Liu Jin's words: "You are absolutely right. Therefore, there is no rush about the engagement. I have to slowly find a suitable husband for Tangtang."
"Actually, the most important thing is that Tangtang likes her."
Let's talk about Zhang Cai leaving Chang's Mansion just now.
Zhang Cai looked back at the gilded plaque of the mansion inscribed by Ma Wensheng.
He thought to himself: Today I met a father-in-law from the inner palace in the Chang Mansion. I need to find a chance to have a drink with this father-in-law and socialize more.
Zhang Caiqin did not go to Chang Feng to discuss knowledge with Chang Feng.
Although Chang Feng was talented and learned, he was always at the lower level among civil servants.
Zhang Cai wanted to explore knowledge, wouldn't it be nice to find a talented person from the Hanlin Academy?
Zhang Cai looked at the people in Chang's house from all directions. Especially the relationship with the palace is very close.
When he had nothing to do, he went to the old house to pave the way for his future career.
At his core, Zhang Cai is a guy who has no profit and cannot afford to be early. Everything you do is ultimately to pave the way for an official career.
His methods of seeking promotion are very clever.
Otherwise, I wouldn’t have become a doctor in the imperial exam in less than three years.
This is how the interactions between friends in official circles are, all with purpose.
Zhang Cai got on the official sedan and headed back home with great satisfaction.
In the words of later generations, Zhang Cai was an exquisite egoist.
Such people will sooner or later commit great evil.
(End of chapter)
