Wang Qiong was overjoyed after receiving the imperial edict. After more than ten years, he went from Zhejiang to Shaanxi, and the step he had tried so hard but could never get closer suddenly arrived.
In fact, it took him several years to realize that today's emperor is very assertive. Since he was arranged to be in Shaanxi, he must have a purpose, just like when he was asked to go to Zhejiang.
So there is almost no other way except patience and hard work.
But this kind of waiting was very tiring, and now he finally got through it, and he was suddenly the Minister of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, which was a step to the emperor's side.
People are in high spirits when happy events happen, so he rushed to the capital at full speed, just thinking that he could get this 'status' as soon as possible, and then live the pleasure of being the nine ministers of the dynasty as soon as possible.
Even after entering the palace, Zhu Houzhao could still see some joy from the corners of his eyes, even though he tried his best to hide it.
It’s true that people become more greedy as they get older.
There is a saying that young people should be warned against lust, middle-aged people should be warned against fighting, and old people should be warned against greed.
It’s about the temptations that men are most susceptible to at every stage. Old people are no longer capable of lust, and they may be tired after fighting for a lifetime, but it’s hard to stop being greedy.
For example, Emperor Qianlong was a greedy person in his later years. He was fond of everything from antiques, calligraphy and paintings to rare treasures.
Wang Qiong put on Jiuqing's round-collared red robe, privately embroidered official robes, and wild beast crowns. This was the glory and wealth in the world. On the contrary, Zhu Houzhao himself only wore a blue uniform because it was not a formal occasion, which made him look much more elegant.
Zhu Houzhao was not going to teach him how to be the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel when he was newly appointed as the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel. It was his business and he could just change him if he didn't do well.
He is mainly concerned about three things, one is the horse politics in Shaanxi, the other is the local people's sentiments, and the third is the successor of the governor of Shaanxi.
Wang Qiong stood beside the emperor and said: "Shaanxi is close to the border, and the imperial government has newly conquered Xinjiang. Although it is a pioneering move, there were originally a majority of foreigners outside Jiayuguan Pass. Yang Yiqing was sparse immigrants in order to enrich the border. However, at the same time, Shaanxi also entered He met many foreigners."
This is what it should be. Since they are all the territory of the Ming Dynasty, people from Shaanxi can go to Xinjiang, and people from Xinjiang can naturally go to Shaanxi.
How to manage a place where multiple ethnic groups live together requires some means and wisdom.
Zhu Houzhao thought deeply, "What Ai Qing said is true. It seems that the governor of Shaanxi needs to be entrusted with talented people."
"I have a person whom I would like to recommend to the Emperor."
"You are now the Minister of Civil Affairs. This is not a recommendation. This is your responsibility. But it is not urgent yet. Let's wait."
Wang Qiong encountered obstacles here, and immediately realized in her heart that the emperor did not like people leaving but leaving their names behind, and leaving uncleanly.
"Yes, I will obey your Majesty's will."
Zhu Houzhao naturally knows that this kind of person has many thoughts, because along the way, he has seen the complexity of people's hearts in the world, and he will certainly not be simple.
Looking at his face, you can tell that this guy has a lot on his mind.
This is a completely different kind of official from Wang Hao and other Qingliu officials.
But it is impossible for him to monopolize power. He can only seize power, be greedy for money, and exclude dissidents...
But such people are often the best at getting things done.
The famous Prime Minister Zhang Juzheng never used Hai Rui, a world-famous upright official, because he felt that such a person was stubborn in his work and did not know how to adapt. Of course, his moral standards were very high, so he could be enshrined instead of being pulled out to do things.
In fact, when it comes to their achievements, some people do compare Wang Qiong and Zhang Juzheng.
This man was also the hero in history who quelled King Ning's rebellion. Everyone knew that this credit belonged to Wang Shouren, but Wang Shouren was only the governor of Southern Jiangxi at the time, and he had to obey the court's orders to act.
Don't be an official if there is no one above.
At that time, Wang Shouren's superior was Wang Qiong, who served as Minister of War.
Many thoughts flashed through Zhu Houzhao's mind. When he returned to the old man, he saw that he had wrinkles, heavy bags under his eyes, and his hair was grayer than the last time he saw him.
Fifty-seven years old.
In ancient times, the top and smartest politicians had an unfathomable feeling after reaching this age after their official career.
"Are you...from Shanxi?"
Wang Qiong was slightly stunned, "Yes, I am from Taiyuan, Shanxi."
"Chenghua passed the examination in 20 years?"
How come this reminds me of ancient times?
"My experience as a veteran is not worth mentioning, let alone His Majesty's concern."
Zhu Houzhao crossed his arms and hugged his chest. He was standing straight. The minister next to him was slightly rickety, but this guy was old. He had seen some records about him in the ten years of Jiajing.
It seems that he has returned to the court to serve as an official.
I can’t remember exactly, but it should be something like this.
"So, you are also a veteran of three dynasties."
"I have not considered this. I am just a minister of His Majesty."
"If it is, it is, if it is not, it is not. Why don't you think about it? You, Wang Qiong, are the elders of three dynasties. Even though I am the emperor, I can't force you to say that you are the elders of two dynasties, right?"
Wang Qiong chuckled. The emperor's tone was calm, but he was still happy in his heart.
"You don't have to think too much, just think it's me chatting with you. Sometimes it's boring in the palace." Zhu Houzhao continued to recount his past, "You have been the director of the Ministry of Industry, a doctor in Dushui, and worked in Hangzhou, Xuzhou, etc. I have served as magistrate in many places, as chief envoy in Shandong and Henan, and as governor in Zhejiang and Shaanxi. I should be very familiar with civil and military matters. After so many years, I have finally reached the stage of Minister of Civil Affairs, but you are almost there It’s the age of hearing.”
Wang Qiong said with a smile: "Your Majesty is well-educated and knowledgeable, and what he said is correct. I am fifty and seven years old this year. But looking back at the past, I always feel that my time has been wasted and I have not done anything for your Majesty. I feel deeply guilty." .”
Zhu Houzhao knew that this guy's "hypocrisy" could not be corrected for a while, so let him talk nonsense like this, but he wanted to say something very true, "I sometimes think about whether I can live to fifty-seven...or, Let's put it this way, if you feel that you only have a few years left, what will you think then? My dear, I am not cursing you. Your position as an official is indeed getting bigger and bigger, but at the same time, your days are getting shorter and shorter."
Wang Qiong nodded, "What your Majesty said is true. Especially after the destiny, the old minister felt that his teeth were loose and his energy was declining. He was no longer what he was before."
Zhu Houzhao's eyelids twitched, "Is that so? Can you do a good job as Minister of the Ministry of Civil Affairs?"
Wang Qiong's heart trembled, "Your Majesty, don't worry, the emperor's orders are on your side, and I will do my best, and there will never be any mistakes or omissions."
Really, this kind of person will continue to behave here if he is not scared.
Zhu Houzhao looked at him with a "you know" look, and made a smiley expression.
Wang Qiong's eyes glanced up and then dropped quickly like a knee-jerk reaction. He probably knew that his mind was being read, and it was in front of the emperor, so he chuckled twice.
It doesn't matter,
As an emperor, you are not afraid that the ministers will love being an official, but you are afraid that the ministers will not love being an official.
"I definitely believe that Aiqing will not make any mistakes. What I said just now is to remind Aiqing that as a person and as an official, you have been wonderful for most of your life. Don't make mistakes in the last two or three steps."
Wang Qiong immediately became serious.
The emperor said meaningfully: "Since I came to the throne, I have also experienced many officials who have stepped down from high positions. They are either old or weak, or they have made mistakes. This is what everyone must do. Although I am a bystander, sometimes I I can't help but feel sad. The relationship between a monarch and his subjects is easy to say, but it is not easy to realize it. Wang Qiong, I hope you and I can have this kind of relationship between a monarch and his subjects. It will be a good story when it is passed down to future generations."
Wang Qiong no longer hesitated, and immediately lifted up his official robe and knelt on the ground, "The emperor's kindness to meet you, I will deeply appreciate it. As the emperor said, I am already half dead in the earth, and I don't have much life left. In addition to being loyal to the emperor, , Effectiveness, I have nothing to think about!"
"stand up."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
"Let's make a three-part agreement, shall we?"
Wang Qiong was slightly confused, "Three chapters of agreement?"
"Yes." Zhu Houzhao nodded, turned around and pointed at You Zhi, "After you become the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel in Beijing, don't send any more money to You Zhi."
You Zhi had no reaction to these words, but Wang Qiong was so frightened that he knelt down as soon as he got up.
"Your Majesty... Your Majesty..."
When he was about to 'talk nonsense', Zhu Houzhao leaned over to help him up again, and lowered his voice a few degrees, "I have no intention of pursuing you, and you should not make up any lies to deceive me. Bribing and deceiving the emperor, These two crimes are not the same."
Wang Qiong only felt that his whole body was thrown high into the sky, and then fell rapidly. Under the great fear, his train of thought was stopped.
After the emperor finished speaking, he actually nodded his head, which was regarded as acquiescence.
But Zhu Houzhao really had no intention of pursuing him. Not to mention You Zhi, he had befriended Liu Jin when Liu Jin was here.
Gudong, Wang Qiong swallowed his saliva, and when he looked at the emperor again, he couldn't help but feel fear in his heart.
This is Emperor Zhengde.
"The second point of my appointment with you is a little difficult for you, but I must have this request of you, that is, you must not deceive the king."
Wang Qiong thought to herself, "Your Majesty is so kind to my old minister, how can I deceive you?"
"I'll listen to what you said for the time being. But I still need to make it clear to you first. You are not a person like Wang Hao, and I will not ask you in the same way as he does. Otherwise, I will rely on you to make friends. Chamberlain, I can take care of you. In a word, if I find you cheating on me...you have to understand it yourself,"
"Old minister understands that there is no need for the emperor to say more. I will definitely raise my head to see you."
Zhu Houzhao didn't know whether it would work or not, but he still had to explain it to him, and it would be fine to play a 60-70% role. "The third point is, I will grant you the right to secretly fold. You don't need to talk to anyone about this matter." .Actually... in my opinion, with your ability, you are very suitable to be the Minister of the Ministry of Civil Affairs. Because you understand my holy will, you will not make a big mistake in the matter at hand. I really don’t know how to solve it. A note is passed into the palace. Just tell it truthfully. Upload and distribute it, tell it truthfully, and don’t make it complicated yourself. Do you understand?”
It is difficult to subdue such an old man. In the final analysis, Zhu Houzhao is just a combination of kindness and power.
"Youzhi."
"My slave is here."
"Return the money you have taken from others over the years to the Ming Dynasty official." Zhu Houzhao looked sideways at Wang Qiong, "Wang Qiong, You Zhi has saved a lot of money for you. You are not related to me, but you are not related to me." I have saved a lot of property for you through hard work. You have to treat You Zhi to a nice drink and explain this kindness clearly. Besides, with this money, you will take less in the future. If you really want to take it, go with it. I will explain the reason clearly."
Even though Wang Qiong had a lot of experience as an official, he had never seen an emperor behave like this in the history books. He was already filled with admiration and said sadly: "Old minister, thank you for your forgiveness!"
"Okay, you two go ahead."
Wang Qiong has given You Zhi a lot of money over the years. After all, he is the eunuch in charge of the ceremony, so he must not be stingy in his dealings.
But he didn't expect that You Zhi would tell the emperor everything.
Now that I think about it, some of the things he did when he was patrolling Shaanxi seemed to be what You Zhi, the Supervisor of Liturgy, meant, but in fact they were just the emperor's words through You Zhi's mouth.
When he accompanied You Zhi on the way out of the palace, his mood gradually stabilized after a long time.
When I looked at You Zhi again, I felt like I wanted to scold you but didn't dare. After all, this old eunuch had sold him off so well, "Eunuch You!"
You Zhi also understood, and he bowed and said, "Don't be surprised, Heavenly Official. Our family's qualifications are stupid and we can't deceive the emperor no matter what. As for the silver we have earned over the years, a total of 128,000 taels will be delivered later."
This was the money that the imperial edict wanted to give him. Although Wang Qiong felt uncomfortable receiving it, he still had to take it.
Moreover, the emperor asked him to treat You Zhi to a drink to repay his kindness, so don't be stupid and take it for what it is.
The money has been calculated clearly and will not be given away in the future. This is clearly a 'break-up drink', so there is no need to worry about them continuing to make friends after drinking it.
There is an old saying that it is easy to destroy trust between people, but difficult to establish it.
From today on, Wang Qiong will no longer trust You Zhi. Why do you keep keeping him?
Wang Qiong's mood was complicated. He had just arrived in the capital, and he had already felt how deep the water was after taking a walk in the Forbidden City.
Alas, this righteous emperor, the old man looked back deeply and finally left the palace.
