Written by Wang Ting, courtesy name Jingqing, nickname Liantang, a native of Huazhou, Shaanxi. In the eighth year of Wanli period, he was awarded the title of editor of the Hanlin Academy and became an official. He was appointed minister of Dali Temple at that time and was a senior official of Zhengsanpintang.
Previously, the matter of Zhao Fengwei, son of Zhao Zhigao, privately levying a salt tax of 70,000 taels, had to be handled by Wang Tingzhuan, the minister of Dali Temple. It is precisely because of this that Gao Pragmatic can easily cover up the past for Zhao Zhigao and his son.
The three "First Class Immortals" of Gengchenke are Gao Pragmatic, Xiao Liangyou, and Wang Tingzhuan. Needless to say, among them, they are highly pragmatic. Wang Tingzhuan has already introduced that the remaining one is Xiao Liangyou, who was ranked second on the list. He was the right minister of the Ministry of Rites at that time and was also a senior official of the Third Grade Hall.
By the way, Xiao Liangyou was also Xiong Tingbi's tutor - a tutor refers to a person who serves as an examiner and selects a certain person in the Hanlin Academy's Shujishi examination held after the Jinshi examination. In other words, Xiao Liangyou selected the paper that Xiong Tingbi was selected as a Shujishi after the mid-term examination.
Xiong Tingbi was born as a Jinshi in the 26th year of Wanli. Since he was born with the same Jinshi background, it means that he did not do well in the examination where the average scorer was the best.
In fact, in the 26th year of Wanli, in addition to the three first-class Jinshis in the Wuxu Ke Jinshi Gold List, there were also 57 second-class Jinshis, which made the number sixty, and Xiong Tingbi was not even among the top three. Just ranked 115th.
It stands to reason that with such achievements at that time, it was really unlikely that Gao Pragmatic would be able to become a Jinshi in Guanzheng, but Xiong Tingbi also had advantages. His advantage is that Gao Pragmatic's understanding of the history of the late Ming Dynasty made a deep impression on Xiong Tingbi. In the palace examination held after the palace examination, Xiao Liangyou, the right minister of the Ministry of Rites, was one of the examiners of the palace examination.
Therefore, Xiong Tingbi successfully passed the selection and became a Shujishi. After disbanding, Xiong Tingbi quickly received the transfer order and became one of Gao Pragmatic's Guanzheng Jinshi.
To put it more clearly, in fact, Gao Jingzhi greeted Xiao Liangyou behind his back and directly "recommended" Xiong Tingbi, which made his life different from the original history.
But whether it's a shady story or not, there is such a relationship between Xiao Liangyou and Xiong Tingbi. Xiong Tingbi also regards Xiao Liangyou as his teacher and usually calls him "Entang".
Since the three Gengchen Yijia had always been on good terms in the same year, Xiong Tingbi naturally bowed to Wang Tingzhuan as his disciple when he met him. This was also an important reason why Gao Pragmatic wanted to appoint Wang Tingzhuan as the governor of Gansu and Xiong Tingbi as the governor of Gansu.
Speaking of which, the pragmatic and pragmatic people are somewhat similar to Zhu Yijun in employing people. Generally speaking, once he recognizes this person, he will delegate power and let him do what he wants. Even if he does not do well at the beginning, he will not immediately change his mind and face the battle. Instead, we will eliminate interference factors for him and continue to support him in completing the booking work.
Of course, it would be a shame if the person still failed to do a good job despite all difficulties. The accounts before and after must be calculated together. If you are not careful, you will be punished for multiple crimes.
This matter is worth pondering: these monarchs and ministers employ people in very similar styles, and they have not made any major mistakes for so many years. If I have to make a simple evaluation, I can only say: "There are Bole and then there are thousand-mile horses. There are always thousand-mile horses but there are not always Bole." What a true statement!
Gao Pingshi said he wanted to see Wang Tingzhuan, so naturally he didn't go to the Yamen of Dali Temple to visit him in person. Even if we don't talk about the current status gap between the two sides, even if we only look at the nature of this matter, it can only be that Gao Pragmatic sent someone to notify Wang Tingzhuan to pay a visit to the cabinet.
Why? Because this is the task that the chief assistant has to hand over! It's like your boss is going to put more responsibilities on you and ask you to take on responsibilities elsewhere. Why don't you take the initiative to go to your boss to ask for work instructions before leaving? Instead, you have to ask your boss to come to you in person? If you really have this awareness, then you might as well stop doing it as soon as possible.
Wang Tingzhuan was currently reviewing the case files in Dali Temple. Suddenly he heard that the cabinet sent a Guanzheng Jinshi to come and asked to see the Tingwei by name. He couldn't help but feel moved in his heart and immediately put down the case file and ordered to be summoned.
[Note: Dali Temple Qing has several elegant titles, such as Tingwei, Qiuqing, Jiqing, etc. The Ming Dynasty liked to use official titles in the Han Dynasty to refer to dignitaries, so Tingwei was often used to refer to the ministers of Dali Temple. For example, when Gao Pingshi was appointed as the censor, he was often called "Gao Zhizhi". This "Zhizhi" comes from The "Embroidered Clothes Direct Point" in the Han Dynasty. ]
Wang Tingzhuan had just tidied up his appearance when the Guanzheng Jinshi from outside had already strode in. As soon as he entered the door, he bowed his hands and said: "Students pay homage to Mr. Endang." [Note: You can use "Sir" here, because it is Calculated according to "the master of heaven and earth". ]
Wang Tingzhuan took a closer look and saw that the person was tall and tall. Although he was wearing civilian clothes, he looked like a warrior. Who could it be if it wasn't Xiong Tingbi?
"Oh, it's Fei Bai, why are you not on duty today and come to my place instead?" Wang Tingzhuan said, then stood up and walked forward, supporting Xiong Tingbi's saluting arms.
Xiong Tingbi stood up straight and said with a smile: "Entang didn't know something. Today, Yuan Fu summoned two ministers in the cabinet to discuss matters. It took more than an hour before they stopped, and immediately after that, the students came to invite Entang."
"Yuan Fu wants to see me?" Wang Tingzhuan thought for a moment and asked, "Do you know what it is?"
Xiong Tingbi stretched out his hand and pointed to the west and said: "The students did not attend the meeting, but I think it must be...Gansu."
Sure enough. Wang Tingzhuan nodded slightly and asked, "Does Yuan Fu have a designated time?"
"Go immediately." Xiong Tingbi replied.
"In that case, don't keep Yuan Fu waiting for too long. I'll go with you." Wang Tingzhuan stood up immediately, then thought about it and said, "Did you come in a sedan or not?"
"The students were on their way and came on horseback."
"The horse will be left in Dali Temple for now. I will send someone to take it back to you later. You can ride with me in the carriage for now. I have something to talk to you about."
"I have my wish, but I don't dare to ask my ears. Entang, please."
"please."
The two of them said that and went straight to the stable without stopping. Nowadays, the atmosphere of the Ming Dynasty has changed due to highly pragmatic reasons. Although officials still mainly ride in sedan chairs when they want to make a show, if they are in a hurry, they will most likely choose to ride in carriages.
Since the invention of spring shock absorbers in Jinghua, horse-drawn carriages have made rapid progress and have now become a must-have item for the upper class. Even many wealthy businessmen, big and small, love to buy them. After all, businessmen are not allowed to ride in sedan chairs in name, but horse-drawn carriages There are no restrictions and it is very suitable for them to use.
Wang Tingzhuan's carriage was quite luxurious, but he was not shy about using it because it was a birthday gift given to him by Gao Pragmatic in the name of Gao Yuan on his 40th birthday. No one would have anything to say when he came - Gao Pragmatic and He was a good friend of the same age, and Gao Yuan treated him as his disciple. Who dares to make irresponsible remarks when a student sends a carriage to the teacher so that the teacher doesn’t have to travel too hard to give lectures? Oh, you don’t know anything about respecting teachers?
Wang Tingzhuan's carriage is spacious and well-furnished. The teacher and student are sitting in it. There is even a small coffee table in front of them, with two cups of tea already placed on it.
"Fei Bai..." Wang Tingzhuan called Xiong Tingbi and asked, "What changes have occurred in the war situation in Gansu recently?"
"There are indeed quite a few changes, but it's a long story. Entang asked the students to give a brief explanation." Xiong Tingbi said, briefly describing the content of the victory letter sent by Liu Wei today.
After hearing this, Wang Tingzhuan frowned deeply and said in deep thought: "This is strange, why did Xu Lizhai do this?"
Xiong Tingbi did not expect Wang Tingzhuan to ask such a question, so he hesitated slightly and said: "Based on the general situation, Xu Lizhai's move is nothing more than jealousy of the talented and capable, and at the same time he wants to shirk his previous responsibilities... However, Entang is Do you think there’s another reason for this?”
"I don't think it's that simple." Wang Tingzhuan shook his head slightly and said, "Xu Lizhai had been keeping a low profile for many years and was known for his wise judgment in solving cases. It can be seen that he is thoughtful and thoughtful and is not someone who takes Meng Lang lightly.
Admiral Liu is Yuan Fu's favorite general. How could Xu Lizhai not know this? Now that you know it, but you still treat it like this, I'm afraid you can't just explain it by saying that you are jealous of the talented and jealous of the capable. "
Xiong Tingbi originally didn't think so deeply, but now after hearing Wang Tingzhuan's explanation, he suddenly felt that there must be a reason. However, Xiong Tingbi's talent lies in doing things, but he does not understand the intrigues in the officialdom so deeply, and he can only remain silent for a while. After a long time, he asked: "Then according to Yi Entang, what is the purpose of Xu Lizhai's move?"
Wang Tingzhuan first sneered slightly, and then said: "Have you ever noticed something different: Yuan Fu not only prepared tens of millions of taels of military pay for this Western Expedition, but also mobilized supplies from the Ministry of War and the seven provinces. This shows that in In his calculations, the scale of this battle must be huge.
However, in such a war, so far only one candidate has been selected for the Admiral of the Conquest of the West, and there is no civil servant to control the Admiral of the Conquest of the West... Feibai, don't you think this is unusual? "
Xiong Tingbi nodded and said: "What Entang said is absolutely true. As a rule, it is only right that a civil servant should be appointed as the manager of such a war." After a pause, he added: "If that's the case... Could it be that Xu Lizhai has taken a fancy to it? This manager position has not yet been set up? But can he succeed by doing this?"
Wang Tingzhuan muttered: "From our point of view, it is naturally difficult for him to do what he did. But Fei Bai, you have to know that this is because you and I know some of Yuan Fu's plans, but he Xu Lizhai doesn’t know!
In his opinion, now that the military strategy has not yet been established and the army (Li Wen, the governor of the three sides) is old, isn't he, the governor of Gansu, the best candidate for the western economic strategy? However, he has a big hidden danger at this time, that is, he has easily lost Jiayuguan and Suzhou before. Although the court has not pursued this matter, it is because the court has not been able to pursue it at the moment..."
When he said this, Xiong Tingbi subconsciously asked: "Why is it not convenient to pursue it?"
Wang Ting wrote: "If he is here, Ganzhou is still there. If the court changes its commander before the battle, wouldn't it be playing into the hands of Buri Hatu? It should be noted that Ganzhou was still surrounded by Buri Hatu at that time."
"Oh, that's it." Now Xiong Tingbi fully understood the twists and turns, and sighed: "When Entang said this, the students understood. Originally, although Xu Lizhai knew that losing Jiayuguan and Suzhou was a serious crime, but Because Ganzhou was in crisis, and he was supervising the battle in Ganzhou in the name of Fujun, he knew very well that he would not be held accountable at that time.
However, when Admiral Liu arrived in Gansu and solved the siege of Ganzhou, the imperial court no longer had to worry that a change of commanders before the battle would lead to a defeat in Ganzhou and even the east of Ganzhou. In this way, Xu Lizhai and Xu Fujun would be in danger.
Therefore, Xu Lizhai would be eager to let Admiral Liu pursue Burihatu, because in his opinion, whether Admiral Liu's move was a victory or a defeat, it would be useful to him. "
Wang Tingzhuan said happily: "Of course. As long as Admiral Liu listened to his order and went to pursue him, then if he won, it would be Xu Fujun's ingenious calculation that the Tatars were afraid of the power of our army and did not choose the route, so they were bitten." Tail. In this way, although Admiral Liu has merit, the credit is actually inferior to him.
If Admiral Liu goes after him but is defeated, that's okay. I expect that his reply to the court will definitely say that this was due to Admiral Liu's negligence and the entire army was arrogant and lazy, which is why this defeat was achieved. However, I think he will eventually plead a little for Admiral Liu, saying that although this battle is defeated, it also shows that the Tatars are really powerful..."
"Hmph!" Xiong Tingbi sneered and said, "This is to prove that the failure of Jiayuguan and Suzhou was not his fault!"
"Isn't that exactly the case?" Wang Tingzhuan chuckled and shook his head: "Originally, he was the only one defeated, which was too conspicuous, but if a famous general like Admiral Liu, who has been on the battlefield for a long time, also lost, wouldn't it reflect his defeat? Is it reasonable? Even if Yuan Fu is dissatisfied with him, he will still have to surrender because his beloved general will be defeated. In this way, won't Xu Lizhai be able to pass the test?
What's more, everyone is half-measured anyway, so the eldest brother should not laugh at the second brother. As long as Yuan Fu does not plan to pursue Admiral Liu for this, then Xu Lizhai will naturally be fine. Not only will nothing happen, but according to what I said before, it seems that Xu Lizhai is the most suitable person to wear the hat of conquering the West. Fei Bai, don’t you think so? "
"Yes, it's really shameless!" Xiong Tingbi's face turned red with anger, and he gritted his teeth and said: "Fortunately, Admiral Liu is worthy of being a famous general in our dynasty. He actually flew over Guanshan Mountain and successfully recaptured Suzhou in a surprise attack. Although Suzhou could not stop Burihatu's troops. The Tatars, but at least it was still a great victory, which ruined Xu Lizhai’s big plan!”
Wang Tingzhuan took a sip of the slightly cool tea and Shi Shiran said: "Although Xu Lizhai's plan is brilliant, who is Yuan Fu, who can tolerate him showing off his tricks here? I dare say, even if everything goes as he wants, After all, Yuan Fu can also find a way to divert him. The Western Conquest Strategy that he has been thinking about forever will pass him by in the end. "
Xiong Tingbi nodded repeatedly at first, but finally said in surprise: "Transferred? Doesn't Yuan Fu intend to punish him severely?"
"I don't think so." Wang Tingzhuan shook his head slightly and said: "Based on my understanding of Yuan Fu, what he cares most about is always how to get things done, not anything else. Even if Xu Lizhai has a problem, Yuan Fu is currently I won’t touch him.”
"Why is this?" Xiong Tingbi was still puzzled.
"Because what Yuan Fu needs most at this moment is stability between the DPRK and China, so before the overall situation of the Conquest of the West is decided, no one can hold him back overtly or covertly, and this requires him to make a gesture, even if Xu Lizhai is guilty , and he won’t pursue it—at least not now.”
Xiong Tingbi suddenly realized, and then sighed: "If you say you are dedicated to serving the public, Yuan Fu is really a role model in the world."
Wang Tingzhuan suddenly laughed and said, "Now you and I have the opportunity to serve the public good, but I wonder, Feibai, are you ready?"
Xiong Tingbi understood this sentence, and immediately puffed up his chest and said resolutely: "Tingbi should do his best!"
——
Thanks to book friend "Cao Mianzi" for your reward and support, thank you!
Thanks to book friends "doni", "klauszx", "Yu Jian Fei Peng Chong Lou", "Ling Qi Zhao Bi Xin" for their monthly ticket support, thank you!
PS: I remember that I set this chapter to be published regularly at 10 o'clock last night. I don't know why it failed. I just went home and opened the background of my mobile phone and took a look and found that it was not updated. I had to quickly go to the PC and update it manually.
(End of chapter)
