Mr. Dongye does not refer to Meng Dongye of Mengjiao in the Tang Dynasty, but to Guo Pu who followed Gao Gong to become an official in the first year of Longqing.
Guo Pu, named Zhifu, known as Mr. Dongye in the world, was from Anyang. In the 14th year of Jiajing's reign, he was promoted to Jinshi, selected as a good scholar, and became the right minister of the Ministry of Rites. In March 1942, he resigned and returned home to watch his father's funeral. In April of the 44th year, Emperor Shizong summoned Pu back to Beijing to take up a post. Guo Pu was unwilling to take up the post because he had not finished observing the system. However, Emperor Shizong wanted to use him because he wanted to be an upright and honest official. However, his request was not approved, so he had to leave home and serve as an official again. Ministry of Finance.
In March of the 45th year, Guo Pu concurrently served as a bachelor of Wuyingdian, and entered the cabinet at the same time as Gao Gong. At that time, the chief assistant of the cabinet was Xu Jie. In December of that year, Jiajing died and Longqing ascended the throne. When Xu Jie drafted the imperial edict, he deliberately did not discuss it with Gao Gong and Guo Pu, which caused dissatisfaction between Gao Gong and Guo Pu, and the estrangement between them deepened. In May of the first year of Longqing, Xu Jie used the power of his words to set off the "Manchu Dynasty reverse Gong" trend, and Gao Gong became an official in anger. In September, Guo Pu was angry that Xu Jie was good at it and returned to his hometown as an official. After retiring from old age and returning to his hometown, he returned to his hometown of Anyang and lived in seclusion in the eastern suburbs of Anyang, living a life of ordinary people.
Guo Pu had a very good relationship with Gao Gong, and their governance philosophies were relatively similar. However, Gao Gong had wanted to resurrect Guo Pu and had privately messaged him to negotiate, but Guo Pu rejected him because he thought his mother was filial.
Afterwards, Gao Gong and Gao Pragmatic talked about the matter, and Gao Pragmatic's uncle felt that the reason why Guo Pu refused to resurrect might not be just to fulfill his filial piety for his mother - he was a Jinshi in the 14th year of Jiajing, and he had more qualifications than Gao Gong. But in Long Qing's eyes, he is definitely inferior to Gao Gong. If he uses Gao Gong's power to return to the capital and join the cabinet again, will he be under Gao Gong or above Gao Gong?
Guo Pu is two years older than Gao Gong. He got Jinshi two subjects earlier and entered the cabinet at the same time. Normally, he should be ranked before Gao Gong, but once he recovers, it will not be certain. Therefore, this is a very difficult matter. Once it cannot be handled, Well, not only will it not achieve the effect of one plus one being greater than two, but it may conflict with the high arch.
Therefore, Gao Jingshi thought of a way to invite Guo Pu back to the capital under the pretext of becoming his disciple. As for his recovery, he could think of a way later. Gao Gong agreed.
As for why Gao pragmatic objected to Gao Gong's recommendation of Gao Yi to join the cabinet, but insisted that it was more appropriate to rehabilitate Guo Pu, apart from Gao Yi's lack of responsibility, there was another point: longevity: Historically, Gao Yi himself died shortly after Longqing's death. He was also frightened by Gao Gong's downfall and soon coughed up blood and died; Guo Pu was different. He lived until the 21st year of Wanli, at the age of eighty-three.
If Guo Pu can get up and return to the pavilion, and if nothing unexpected happens later, he can take care of Gao Pragmatic until he is thirty years old.
This advantage cannot even be matched by his uncle Zhang Siwei.
Of course, in addition to this, it is also very important whether the relationship between Gao Gong and Guo Pu can always maintain harmony. However, Guo Pu is known as the "elder" and does not have a strong desire for power. As long as Gao Gong can maintain due respect for him, it should not be a big problem.
But what Gao Pangshi didn't expect was that he would be ridiculed by Guo Pu as soon as he met Guo Pu.
Gao Pragmatic respectfully asked to see Guo Pu according to the rules. The Guo family was poor, and Guo Pu only had a couple of old servants here. After bringing Gao Pangshi and Zhong Gu into the small courtyard, Guo Pu didn't put on any airs, and met Gao Pangshi and Zhong Gu in the main room.
But Gao Jingshi had just paid a visit to him, and Guo Pu looked at Gao Jingshi and Zhong Gu expressionlessly, and said: "In the past, Zhongxuan Zhiyan quoted two lines of Han Yu's poems, does Gao Shi know? "
Gao Pingshi was startled for a moment, then he reacted and nodded, but he didn't know what Guo Pu meant by this.
Yan Song was in power at that time and had been the chief assistant for many years. Because of his old age, he often took charge of affairs at home. One time Gao Gong went to Yan Song's house to report to him. Because there were so many people hugging Yan Song at that time, Yan Song's housekeeper also met many senior officials. Seeing that Gao Gong was only a fifth-rank official, he didn't take him seriously. He ignored him and asked Gao Gong to wait.
Gao Gong's temper was certainly not faulty, but he was too lazy to argue with a servant. When Yan Song came out to see him, he laughed deliberately. Yan Song was surprised and puzzled when he saw him laughing suddenly, and asked him why he was laughing.
Gao Gong said: "I just saw Yuan Fu coming out. The officials present were very respectful. I couldn't help but think of Han Yu's poem, 'The big chicken comes proudly, but the little chicken waits in fear'."
As soon as these words came out, the scene immediately became awkward, because Gao Gong compared Yan Song to a big chicken and all the officials present to chickens, and scolded everyone. The faces of the officials present were ugly.
Seeing Gao Pu pragmatically, Guo Pu nodded and said calmly: "Today is different. The little chicken comes with pride, and the big chicken follows suit."
Magistrate Zhong was suddenly embarrassed. He wanted to refute, but he didn't dare to take advantage of Gao Pragmatic's words, so he was at a loss.
Gao Pingshi was also shocked and thought to himself: What is going on? Why is Mr. Guo so disrespectful and scolding Zhong Gu and me? Or does he think that I am a playboy and rely on the power of my third uncle to exert power in the local area?
However, Gao Pragmatic was very good at dealing with such an old man. Not only did he not explain, but he took it upon himself and excused Zhong Gu at the same time: "Shibo's lesson is that it was the boy who was rash. But Mr. Zhong County just I just came to guide the way at the request of the young man. This is all the young man's fault. I hope Shibo will see clearly." After saying that, he stepped forward and bowed.
Guo Pu was a little surprised by Gao Pragmatic's reaction, but his expression did not change. He glanced at Zhong Gu lightly and said, "In that case, Mr. Zhong County, now that the new year is approaching, you must be busy, so there is no need to delay here. ”
Zhong Gu was angry in his heart, but he didn't dare to get angry in front of Guo Pu. His face turned blue and white, and he forced a smile and said, "Thank you Mr. Guo for your understanding. I won't bother you that night. I'll come back for advice later when I have time." .”
Guo Pu nodded slightly: "Your Majesty, please go slowly. Old Huang, see the guests off for me."
The old servant came to Zhong Gu and made a gesture of invitation: "Your Majesty Zhong County, please."
Zhong Gu turned around and left without saying a word, his face tense.
Gao pragmatic seemed to have not seen him before, and he raised his hand to Guo Pu and was about to speak.
Guo Pu waved his hand and said calmly: "Zhongxuan has already told me your purpose of coming in the letter."
Gao Pingshi's eyebrows twitched slightly and he asked respectfully, "I wonder if I have such an honor?"
Guo Pu did not answer, but just looked at Gao Pragmatic, and said slowly: "I heard that Gao Shi studied in Beijing for half a year, founded Jinghua soap, supplied it to Dauchi, and marketed it in both capitals; he also opened Jingxi Carboniferous, making briquettes, which became popular in the auxiliary industry. Ji; then encircle and level the land, force the guards to move to the town, mine and smelt iron... If you are fighting for gold today, you can say that you are making money in a good way."
Gao pragmatically said: Could it be that he wants to accuse me of being greedy for money?
However, for a veteran minister like Guo Pu who lives in poverty and loves his country, it is not surprising that Gao Pragmatic would have such an accusation. He admitted it without changing his expression and said: "This is a move that is convenient for both the government and the people. I have put a lot of thought into this." .”
Guo Pu laughed and turned cold: "So, you are quite contented? Well, I won't argue with you. Since Zhongxuan has sent you here, and I have been ministers to him for many years, if I just send you away, , it would be rude. Since you want to become my teacher under his orders, I have to take the exam, do you dare to accept it?"
