In the spring of the eighth year of Hongzhi's reign, cabinet minister Qiu Jun died of illness.
Although Emperor Hongzhi didn't like this Neo-Confucian master very much, he still ordered to leave the imperial court and posthumously give Qiu Jun "Taifu" and the posthumous title "Wenzhuang". To show respect for Neo-Confucianism.
If there is a vacant cabinet chair, someone will naturally need to fill it.
Jin Yiwei Zuo Tongzhi was on duty.
Chang Feng is discussing matters with a group of brothers.
Qian Ning said: "Recently, officials in the capital have been speculating about who will join the cabinet. Some people have even started gambling."
Chang Feng played with a jade ring that the governor of the East Factory could give him money, and said, "Those boring officials from the capital have nothing to gamble with, right?"
"The prosperous age of Hongzhi will bring peace to the world. Give this group of people nothing to do!"
Qian Ning smiled and said: "If those Beijing officials want to win, I will give you a generous gift, Mr. Chang. You should be the first to know the names of the new cabinet members."
Chang Feng nodded: "Yes. Whenever the emperor intends to let anyone into the cabinet, he will first order our Jinyi Guards to check their private files."
Fatty Xu, who was in charge of taming the elephant, said while eating sweet bananas: "Ahem. It's no use thinking about it. The new cabinet member must be Li Dongyang, the right minister of the Ministry of Rites."
"Even my father knows that the emperor has been cultivating Li Dongyang as a quasi-cabinet member over the years."
Shi Wenyi interjected: "Our eyes and ears in Beizhen Fusi reported that in the past few days, there have been a lot of people giving gifts to Li Dongyang! Those people also bet that Li Dongyang will join the cabinet."
Chang Feng quickly asked: "Did Li Dongyang accept those gifts?"
Shi Wenyi replied: "Li Dongyang not only closed the door to thank guests, but also hung a dried salted fish at the door of the house. Mr. Chang, you are very knowledgeable, what does this mean?"
Chang Feng talked eloquently: "This is an allusion to the story of Hanging Fish refusing bribes. In the late Han Dynasty, the famous minister Yang Xu served as the prefect of Nanyang. One of his subordinates gave him a carp as a gift."
"Yang Xu repeatedly gave in, but the Prime Minister couldn't refuse. He just took office, how could he reject someone thousands of miles away and create a gap between him and his deputy?"
"So he accepted the carp. But he didn't eat it. He hung the fish on the rafters. Over time, the fresh fish turned into dried fish."
"Since then, Yangxu has been known as the 'Xuanyu Prefect'."
"Yu Qian once wrote a poem praising Yangxu when he was in Shaobao, saying: There are no greeting guests in front of the gate of Shengxi, and there are hanging fish in the perfect kitchen. I pillow my pillow under the south window with the breeze, and leisurely read a few volumes on the bedside."
Shi Wenyi raised his thumb: "Master Chang is so knowledgeable! Listening to Master Chang's teachings, it feels like a spring breeze."
In fact, the allusion of Xuanyu refusing bribes is so famous, how could Shi Wenyi not know about it?
He deliberately pretended to be ignorant and gave Chang Feng, the big shopkeeper, a chance to show off his knowledge.
Shi Wenyi was able to become the envoy of Beizhen by flattering horses and serving people, so he naturally had various abilities.
Qian Ning and others all agreed: "Master Chang is knowledgeable!"
Chang Feng smiled slightly: "Everyone, I have been appointed Zuo Tongzhi for more than a month. Today, I will set a rule for you by telling the allusion of hanging fish and refusing bribes."
"If the water is clear, there will be no fish, and if the people are careful, there will be no disciples. I will not let the robes of the Jin Yiwei become ascetics and live a miserable life."
"Official official silver, illegal silver, Cheng Yi, Jie Jing, Bingtan Jing, etc. I have no objection to you accepting it."
"If Wei Li's private treasury is rich by the end of the year, I will also use half of the balance to give you New Year's money according to your grade."
"But I want to warn you. Some money can be taken, and some money cannot be taken!"
"For example, the bribes of the officials involved. For example, the official money given by subordinates for promotion!"
"Once I find out that you have taken money that you shouldn't have taken, I will punish you severely!"
Chang Feng's words were both humane and majestic.
All the subordinates expressed their opinions one after another and resolutely followed the instructions of the big shopkeeper.
At this moment, a strongman entered the duty room and said, "Master Chang, Marquis Xing'an wants to see you."
Xing'an Hou, the patriarch of the Chang family, Chang Feng's nominal grandpa.
Chang Feng broke off all contact with the Xing'an Marquis Mansion after Emperor Hongzhi ascended the throne.
Chang Feng was a little strange: What could he do to me?
Chang Feng ordered: "Brothers, go down and do errands first. Call the old Marquis to come to the room on duty."
Sun Guishou, Qian Ning, Shi Wenyi, Wang Miaoxin and others all quit the check-in and went on their own errands.
Fatty Xu stayed. Raising an elephant is really no big deal. He was too lazy to go to the Elephant Training Center. On weekdays, he would either hang out in Chang Feng's room and chat, or go to Yihong Building to indulge in incense and jade.
Not long after, Mr. Hou entered the check-in room.
It’s really thirty years in Hedong and thirty years in Hexi. The old Marquis, who had arranged Chang Feng and his son to sit at the children's table at the family banquet, actually knelt down and kowtowed when he saw Chang Feng!
Chang Feng hurriedly supported the old Marquis: "Master, ancestors kneel to their grandchildren, I will be struck by five thunders from the sky!"
The butt determines the head. Chang Feng has been in power for nine years and is no longer the reckless young man he was before.
When he first gained power, he went to the birthday of the old marquis with a revengeful mentality. In front of so many people, he was ridiculed.
Now that I think about it, it's really unnecessary.
After all, they are relatives from the same family. The seniority is there again. It doesn't sound good if people lose face when they become prosperous.
On the other hand, if it hadn't been for the insult that the old Marquis had given to the Chang family and his son. How could Chang Feng be so progressive? I'm afraid it will be difficult to achieve what we have today.
The old Marquis said with a tearful tone: "I shouldn't have looked down on you and your father at the beginning. When I came to see you today, I really encountered something like the sky falling. I can't deal with it."
Chang Feng helped the old Marquis onto a chair and served tea to him with his own hands: "Master, please take a sip of tea and speak slowly."
How can the old Marquis think about drinking tea? He said: "My eldest grandson, oh, your cousin Chang Qingyuan was arrested by Dongchang!"
Chang Fengfeng asked calmly: "Oh? Is it involving a murder case?"
The old Marquis shook his head slightly: "That's not true."
Chang Feng said confidently: "As long as he is not involved in a homicide case and does not kill anyone, I guarantee that he will be safe and sound. Can you tell me what's going on?"
The old Marquis told the whole story.
Chang Qingyuan likes to gamble with nobles in the capital.
During the gambling game last night, he drank too much and got into an argument with Cui Yuan, the consort of Princess Yongkang, and punched Cui Yuan in the eye.
Princess Yongkang was Emperor Hongzhi's favorite sister. Is this a big deal?
Consort Cui's servant reported directly to Dongchang. Dongchang sent police officers to arrest Chang Qingyuan.
Chang Feng smiled and said: "Ahem. I thought it was a big deal. You sit here for a while, I will go to Dongchang to find people."
"Fat man, you can drink tea and chat with me for a while."
The old Marquis never expected that Chang Feng would agree so happily and thank him profusely.
Changfeng came out of Jinyiwei and went to Dongchang.
Governor Qian Neng was in the check-in room eating Yanchuan red dates sent by Wang Shu from Shaanxi.
Qian Neng smiled and said: "Hey, the big shopkeeper of Jinyiwei is here! Try the Yanchuan red dates sent by that old bastard Wang Shu. Hey, they are all so sweet!"
Chang Feng said: "I have something to ask my boss for!"
According to the rules set by Emperor Taizong, Dongchang supervises the Jinyiwei. Therefore, everyone in Jinyiwei privately called Dongchang Governor Qian "the boss".
Qian Neng asked: "What's the matter? You, the big shopkeeper, need to take action personally?"
Chang Feng replied: "Ahem. My cousin beat Prince Consort Cui yesterday because of gambling."
Qian Neng put down the red dates in his hand and said, "Huh? Are you talking about that kid from the Xing'an Marquis Mansion?"
Chang Feng nodded: "Yes, that's him. He is my cousin of the same race who has not been in the fifth server."
Qian Neng thought for a moment and said, "How could I forget? You are from the Xing'an Marquis lineage. This is really a flood that has washed away the Dragon King Temple. The whole family no longer recognizes each other."
"Come on, let Chang Qingyuan go!"
After saying that, Qian Neng forced Chang Feng to give a handful of red dates: "Try the dates and wait a moment."
Chang Feng ate two red dates and praised: "It's really sweet."
Qian Neng smiled and said: "That old bastard Wang Shu deliberately disgusted me. He said in the letter that the fertilizer applied to the jujube trees was his feces and urine."
After Chang Feng heard this, Zao Pi choked his throat and coughed violently.
It took him a while before he came to his senses: "The prince is still so funny!"
Not long after, two bannermen brought Chang Yuanqing over.
Qian Neng complained: "If you had reported Chang Feng's name earlier, Dongchang wouldn't have arrested you!"
Chang Yuanqing, a mute man, eats Coptis chinensis. He believed that Chang Feng had a grudge against the Xing'an Marquis Mansion, and if he used his banner, he might be punished even more miserably.
Chang Feng said: "Cousin, you have to restrain yourself in the future. Today is not the Yongle Dynasty where our ancestor was favored. The Xing'an Marquis Mansion has long since declined."
"It's not good for you to offend anyone, but you would offend the emperor's brother-in-law."
Chang Yuanqing said repeatedly: "Ah, my cousin taught me a lesson."
Qian Neng said to Chang Feng: "You can let him go. But there must be an explanation from Prince Consort Cui."
Chang Feng nodded: "That's easy to say. I'll take my cousin to the princess's house to make amends to the prince-in-law."
Qian Neng said: "This is the best."
Chang Feng suddenly remembered something, and he smiled and said: "Duke, I'm sorry. Do you have a banknote with you? I came out in a hurry and didn't bring a banknote."
"When you go to make amends, you must give the consort some money to make amends."
Chang Feng and Qian Neng now have a very close relationship. I am so strong that I can directly ask for a loan.
Qian Neng took out a two hundred taels of silver notes from his sleeve and said half-jokingly: "No, two hundred taels. That's what I meant. Remember to pay me back, kid!"
"Don't get it to the end. If your cousin causes trouble, I'll pay for it."
Chang Feng took the banknote unceremoniously: "How can I do that? I will send someone to pay you back your old money later this afternoon."
Chang Feng led Chang Qingyuan to Princess Yongkang's mansion.
The princess mansion is not that easy to enter. The concierge was as arrogant as if he was worth 2,580,000 yuan.
But the concierge treats Chang Feng differently. Who doesn’t know that Master Chang of Jin Yiwei is now the emperor’s most favored minister?
The concierge didn't even dare to accept the door bag, and led Chang Feng and Chang Yuanqing to Cui Fuma.
Cui Fuma's right eye socket is still swollen.
Chang Feng said quickly: "Cousin, why don't you kowtow to the Prince Consort and apologize?"
Consort Cui said angrily: "I didn't expect this guy to be your cousin."
Chang Yuanqing kowtowed to Cui Fuma: "I drank wine before playing Sic Bo last night, and I was drunk with the strength of the wine. Please be magnanimous, Prince Consort."
Chang Feng smiled and said: "Prince-in-law, you have a lot of money, please spare him this time! Oh, this is the gift money."
After speaking, Chang Feng presented the two hundred taels of silver notes.
Cui Fuma did not refuse the banknote. He said: "I don't have to give other people's face. I want to give you the face of Jinyiwei's great shopkeeper."
"That's all, get up. Don't be so shady next time!"
Chang Yuanqing said quickly: "How dare there be a next time. Oh no, you will beat me next time."
Cui Fuma asked Chang Feng: "Why hasn't your sister come to see the princess these days and take her to fish for bastards by the Yongding River?"
"The princess was still talking about your sister this morning."
Emperor Hongzhi's three younger sisters were similar in age to Chang Tian, and they had fun with her.
Chang Tian grew up in the folk market. The princesses loved her city entertainments. For example, a popular entertainment activity in the old capital is tortoise fishing on the Yongding River.
Chang Feng smiled and said: "Don't mention it, the prince has become obsessed with playing shuttlecock these days, and he asks her to play shuttlecock with him every day."
Cui Fuma smiled and said: "Your sister is really loved by everyone. She is the favorite in the capital. From the princesses to the prince, everyone kisses her as if they were born from the same mother's womb."
Chang Feng said: "I'll talk to her. Let her find the princess tomorrow and go fishing for tortoises by the Yongding River."
Cui Fuma nodded: "Okay. I know you are a busy person, so I won't let you have lunch."
Chang Feng led Chang Yuanqing out of the princess mansion.
Chang Yuanqing held up his hands and said, "Thank you, cousin! This time, it's all thanks to you that I can escape."
"The Xing'an Marquis Mansion had something wrong with you in the past. I will apologize to you!"
Chang Feng waved his hand magnanimously: "What happened in the past is in the past. Nine years ago, when I was young and short-tempered, I bumped into the old man. I feel ashamed when I think about it now."
"Blood is thicker than water. You can't write two regular characters in one stroke."
Chang Feng led Chang Yuanqing to Jinyiwei.
The old Marquis was surprised: "You rescued people so quickly? That's Dongchang!"
Fatty Xu smiled and said: "Master thief, Chang Feng entering the East Factory is like entering his own dining room. Getting people from the East Factory is as easy as cracking a melon seed in the dining room."
The old Marquis expressed his gratitude again.
Then he asked tentatively: "Look, we wrote you into our family tree."
Chang Feng held up his hands and said: "Recognizing your ancestors and returning to your clan is like finding your roots. I'd like to trouble you to enter the family tree."
"But there is no need to change the name. If the name is changed, I'm afraid the officials in the capital won't know which one is Chang Qingfeng."
The old Marquis clapped his hands: "Okay! It's all up to you. Enter the family tree without changing your name! Among the two generations below me in the Chang family, you are the most promising!"
Chang Feng smiled and said, "It all depends on the virtues accumulated by our ancestors."
The old Hou Ye and his grandson were sent away. Fatty Xu asked Chang Feng: "Why is your attitude towards the Chang family so different from nine years ago?"
Chang Feng said: "I have experienced so many things in these years. I have a lesson. That is, you can't be too mean!"
"After all, it's the same surname and ancestor. Besides, even ordinary people don't want to see poor relatives."
"Also. If the old Marquis hadn't asked me to be a child's table with my father, my father wouldn't have sold all the family property and sent me to Jinyiwei."
"Maybe I am still a poor scholar taking the exam. How could I have the power and wealth I have today?"
Fatty Xu sighed with emotion: "Oh, what a man in his thirties says is different from a stupid man in his early twenties."
Chang Feng also sighed: "Yes. In the blink of an eye, we are both thirty years old. We are living like a wild ass!"
In the evening, Chang Feng returned to his house.
Today is the day when the soon-to-be brother-in-law comes to have dinner.
According to the rules, engaged men and women cannot meet in private at will.
Chang Tian couldn't see Huang Yuan for a few days, and it was like a cat scratching him.
Chang Feng simply asked Huang Yuan to come to his house every seven days to have dinner together.
After dinner, he could learn the art of eight-legged stockings making with Huang Yuan.
This fall, Huang Yuan will take the Beizhili Township Examination. If you can win the exam. In the spring of next year, he will go to Gongyuan side by side with Chang Feng to take the Chunwei exam.
The family sat down in the dining room.
Chang Tian doesn't look like a unruly princess at all, but rather has the shyness of a young daughter-in-law who has never married.
While eating, Chang Feng said to his brother-in-law: "Your father always suffers from leg pain. Governor Shi just sent me some prairie wolf skins two days ago. Take them back and make your father's bed."
Huang Yuandao: "Thank you, Brother Chang."
Chang Feng asked again: "Is it satisfactory to study in the Imperial College?"
Huang Yuandao: "It's very satisfying! The people who came to give lectures are all Neo-Confucian masters and great Confucians of the time. Several of them have also been examiners of the provincial examination."
"Thanks to Brother Chang, I was able to get such a good opportunity to study."
Chang Feng smiled and said: "Thank you to Eunuch Qian. He helped you get the prison certificate."
Huang Yuan suddenly asked: "Brother Chang, if you are named on the gold list next year and win the Jinshi, will you continue to be a royal guard or become a civil servant?"
Chang Feng said: "It depends on the emperor's wishes. You don't have to think so far. I don't expect to be a Jinshi next year."
"As long as you get a few more circles on the test paper, it's enough to be worthy of the hard study time of lighting a lamp and boiling oil."
The family just finished eating. Chang Feng and Huang Yuan went to the study room to discuss the exam essays they had recently written.
Chang Feng lamented that studying really depends on talent.
Huang Yuan was only sixteen years old, and his articles were infinitely more sophisticated than his!
He was a little regretful: with Huang Yuan's talent and learning, he might even be able to enter the second class in the future. However, he was to be the guest of honor of the princess and could not hold any actual position.
Huang Yuan didn't care about this matter. From ancient times to the present, sixteen is the age to believe in love.
For the sake of the one he loves, he is willing to be an official for the rest of his life. What's more, there is also the virtual title of guest of honor in the clan's mansion, which can guarantee a lifetime of wealth and honor.
Late at night, Chang Feng went to Liu Xiaoyan's bedroom.
Needless to say, the couple had a fight.
After that, Liu Xiaoyan began to tell Chang Feng gossip about the ladies' circle.
Liu Xiaoyan said: "I heard that Liu Zhang, the Minister of Industry, is interested in cabinet chairs. He is looking around for them."
Chang Feng snorted coldly: "Cabinet cabinet ministers are different from ordinary official positions. They need to be appointed by the emperor. There is no point in doing so."
Liu Xiaoyan said: "People die for money, and officials die for their duties. Mrs. Liu doesn't even wear gold hairpins or gold bracelets recently."
"It is said that all her jewelry was sold by Liu Butang. The money obtained was used to find the elder's son."
Chang Feng disagreed: "It's a waste of effort. Even if all the family property is sold, who will the money be given to? Is it possible to give it to the emperor to buy cabinet chairs?"
Liu Xiaoyan was half lying on the mandarin duck pillow: "My sisters all said that Li Dongyang has the best chance of joining the cabinet, followed by Xie Qian."
"Li Dongyang is slow-tempered and good at planning. Xie Qian is a good talker, and any smart person can get him out of a ditch."
"But why doesn't the emperor allow Ma Wensheng to join the cabinet? In terms of qualifications, who in the civil and military affairs of the entire dynasty can compare with Ma Wensheng?"
Chang Feng said: "Don't you understand this? There is a check and balance in selecting cabinet members."
"It is precisely because Ma Wensheng is senior and has been in charge of the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Personnel for many years that he cannot be allowed to join the cabinet."
"If he joins the cabinet, I am afraid that both the first and second assistants will listen to him. The most important thing is that the emperor will also be afraid of him."
Chang Feng believed that Liu Zhang could not buy cabinet chairs by sending money.
He was wrong. At the critical moment of promotion, key people are needed to help.
That person is not necessarily Emperor Hongzhi.
Liu Zhang gave all the money to Bingbi, the eunuch of rituals, and Li Guang, the steward of Kunning Palace.
(End of chapter)
