In Jingzhou Mansion, the Zhang family was both happy and worried.
Fortunately, in the fourth year of Jiajing's reign, a child was born in the family.
There are more things to worry about.
"What's the point of...? The palace of the Prince of Liao will be gone if...it's gone. When...you serve as a soldier and eat the royal food, it's not the same...wherever you go?" The old man pointed at his son first, and then at his grandson. He was long-winded, "If you don't pass the exam, then... you won't pass the exam. In the future, you will take new... new things, and you are not... not sure. Why don't you... just... teach your son well! Not everyone... they all say that scholars are... ...Can I also be...be...a minor official? Just...even if I become a Western...Western...teacher, I can still...support my family!"
After training his son and grandson, the old man's stuttering problem seemed to have disappeared. He looked at his great-grandson with crooked eyes: "Good boy Bai Gui!"
In the third year of Jiajing, King Zhu Zhige of Liao died of illness not long after he was granted the title of king. This incident was one of the three vassal kings who died in Huguang in the third year of Jiajing.
The first was the King of Chu, then the King of Liao, and finally King Ji who was caught after treason and eventually "died" of illness in prison due to his advanced age.
Among them, the death of King Liao is the most strange.
Although he had indeed been a bit dissolute just after seizing the throne, he would not die of illness if his body was weak.
The case was not discovered until May of the fourth year of Jiajing. This case involved both the Chu vassal and the prefect of Jingzhou at that time, and Zhu Zhichun, the prince of Guangyuan County, was particularly closely related.
It is a major case involving the throne and new laws.
The final solution was that the King of Chu was demoted to a commoner, and the Chu vassal was demoted to a county king.
Including the prince of Guangyuan, several princes of Liao Dynasty were demoted to common people.
Although the Liao dynasty was still there, Zhu Zhige did not have time to leave his son. In the end, it was the Mao clan who was praised for his contribution to stabilizing the situation of the Liao vassal during the Huguang rebellion. The emperor ordered a young son to be adopted from a side branch as the heir.
The point is: His Majesty's policy towards the clan has changed. As soon as the palaces next to the Temple of Earth in the south of Beijing were built, all the kings from all provinces would move to the capital.
Living in the capital, where do you need a dedicated ceremonial bodyguard and bodyguard?
Zhang Zhen is going to lose his job.
Zhang Wenming, who had just become a father, failed again in the provincial examination last year. When "Ming Pao" came at him with simplified Chinese characters and new styles, Zhang Wenming only felt a black eye.
Throughout the twelfth lunar month, his mood was very depressed.
Learning new things is difficult enough. How many new things will need to be learned again in the future to adapt to future imperial examinations?
His son giggled in his grandfather's arms, and Zhang Wenming let out a long sigh.
Zhang Juzheng, who was called Bai Gui because his great-grandfather had a dream before he was born that the moon fell into a water urn and a white turtle climbed out of it, is only eight months old now. He cannot give me advice like Gao Gong.
Gao Gong has a father who is of the fifth rank, but the Zhang family only has one royal guard and a failed scholar. Now the future of Zhang Juzheng's father and ancestor is in doubt.
"I heard someone say that news has spread in the Dusi Yamen that all provinces are recruiting troops. After Huguang suppressed the rebellion, there were a lot of elite soldiers. We need to change them first." Zhang Zhen also sighed along with him, "I'm old. , why would you want me to recruit soldiers? You can’t even eat the imperial rations.”
There are four generations in the family, and only Zhang Cheng, who is called "Zhang Jianzi", is quite angry with his son and grandson: "Hungry... we will not die of hunger! We... we will suffer... be a little bit bitter, for... it will be in vain. Gui…Gui Jide!”
Zhang Zhen and his son looked at each other helplessly. Zhang Cheng was indeed kind-hearted. Even if there was only a bowl of gruel at home, he would still share half of it to help the poor and feed monks.
Zhang Cheng is always optimistic, and Zhang Zhen can only look at his son: "If you really feel that it will be difficult or impossible to pass the exam in the future, it is better to listen to your grandfather. Know the simplified characters well and study new knowledge, maybe you can get it Find a job in that small college."
After saying that, he looked at his father: "After the Lantern Festival, my son will ask someone to ask. I am afraid that we will also set up a public security department in Huguang. My son cannot be a recruiter, so he should try his best to find a job in the Jingzhou Prefecture Public Security Bureau."
"Isn't... isn't this just... a way?" Zhang Cheng nodded approvingly, and then looked at his great-grandson, "I'm hungry... I can't be hungry... Bai Gui!"
Zhang Baigui, who was less than one year old, stared at his eyes, reached out and grabbed his great-grandfather's beard and giggled happily.
…
On the twelfth day of the first lunar month, in Xiangshan County, Ningbo Prefecture, Zhejiang Province, the magistrate Xu Jie hosted a banquet for the newly appointed magistrate He Yunyuan.
In the Xiangshan County Government Office, Xu Jie first took him to identify everyone, then handed over many official documents and files, and finally invited He Yunyuan to sit down in the backyard of the County Government Office.
Today there are three tables lined up in the county government office, one with a master and two auxiliaries.
On the main table, in addition to Xu Jie and He Yunyuan, there were also the county magistrate, the chief registrar, the edict, the inspector, and the historian.
At the other two tables, there were officials from the six-room secretary, the Chengfa Office, the Taxation Bureau's Delivery Office and other county-level yamen.
"Sit down, all sit down." Xu Jie, still acting like a county official, asked the officials to sit down as well.
In Xiangshan County, these are all the "big shots" present.
Seeing Xu Jie lowering his hand, the officials just bowed respectfully: "Thank you, Sir Langzhong."
He Yunyuan looked at the people in Xiangshan County who would be under his control in the future, and then looked at Xu Jie.
He was only twenty-four. Of course, it was not only his mentor Yan Song who was the governor of Zhejiang who could suppress these slick old officials.
Of course, it was also because of his background as a flower boy and his expectation of a bright future. In the sixteenth year of Zhengde, the first Tanhualang after the new king ascended the throne, is now the governor of a province.
He Yunyuan also expressed his sincere gratitude: "Master Xu first served as Zhejiang vassal, and then as magistrate of Xiangshan County. The people lived and worked in peace and contentment. Along the way, I heard many people praising Master Xu for his honesty and talent. Now Master Xu has been promoted to the Nanjing official department, and the people of Xiangshan are prosperous." Yes, it’s hard to separate.”
Xu Jie looked at him and felt that his words were of low quality.
At that time, Yin Mengchun of the Yingtian Prefecture and the Nanjing Ministry of Household Affairs planned and issued the official document that allowed Southern Zhili and the three provinces of Zhejiang, Huguang, and Jiangxi to clarify the old mistakes in science and technology. He was the sixth rank of the Zhejiang Chief Envoy by Yan Song. He was promoted by half a level and transferred to Xiangshan to be the county magistrate.
To transfer him here, it can only be said that there may be problems here in Yan Song's judgment.
In the past two years or so, Xu Jie's main job was to maintain stability, and he could not be said to have made any achievements.
"In the two years I have been in Xiangshan, I can only say that I have not made any major mistakes." He was modest at first, and then said to He Yunyuan with a smile: "Hezhi County has taken office. This year, we have to clear the land and reform the county government office. There is a long way to go. "
He Yunyuan couldn't help but look at the officials in other counties.
Yes, the task is very heavy and very troublesome.
Can he, a county magistrate with a civil servant background, be able to handle these people? I have to rely on their help for many things after taking office.
"Mr. Xu is familiar with the situation of the county, so please feel free to give me some advice. You have been in Xiangshan for a long time, and I hope you can work together to help me manage everything this year."
He envied Xu Jie very much. The new law was about to be implemented in all provinces, and he was promoted to the more noble rank of fifth-grade doctor. How much trouble would be saved?
Twenty-four-year-old Zheng5pin!
"It's not about giving advice. If the county has any doubts, I will tell you everything I know." Xu Jie picked up the chopsticks first, "Talking while eating."
While dealing with He Yunyuan, Xu Jie continued to ponder the purpose of his appointment.
The Nanjing Civil Service Examination was conducted among the officials of the Qing Dynasty. The Beijing Civil Service had already set up the general director-general of each department under the Vice Minister, and when Yang Gelao was about to arrive in Nanjing to serve as the governor of Yingtian, Yan Song attended in Beijing. Why did you help him implement this appointment during the national policy meeting?
Xu Jie knew that he would only be able to get these answers from Yan Song after he set off to Hangzhou.
The Nanjing Ministry of Civil Affairs has the power to evaluate officials in Nanzhili, and this part of the evaluation power was not restricted by the Beijing Ministry of Civil Affairs in the past. It can be said that the promotion of many officials in the Southern Zhili Province is actually in the hands of the Nanjing Ministry of Civil Affairs.
And the person he was going to take up his post was none other than the Doctor of the Examination Department.
Although there were also the Right Minister and the Minister of Civil Affairs of Nanjing, he was not a figure that could be easily ignored after he went to Nanjing.
"Sir Xu, this year's reform of the government offices, the officials are all designated, and the officials are called officials based on their background and the handymen. I wonder if Mr. Xu has any suggestions for the selection of the chief officials of the offices and yamen in Toishan Mountain?"
As soon as He Yunyuan asked, the rest of the people at the other two tables and this table all pricked up their ears and held their breath.
Xu Jie was preoccupied with two things. He first looked at him deeply, and then said: "I have told them many times about this matter before. Although the officials in the county have the right to recommend them, they still have to be decided by the province. . It is better for Hezhi County to make its own decisions on who to recommend."
Officials with a juren background should not be underestimated. He Yunyuan wants to sell him out and use himself to build a good relationship with Yan Song?
The power to appoint officials at the county level has been delegated to the provinces. The so-called provincial decision, isn’t that Yan Song’s decision?
In the past, officials could only be awarded official status if they passed the nine-year merit examination. Those officials were also miscellaneous officials and could not actually enter the selection sequence for chief officials. With the current reform, it is possible for officials to climb to the rank of Zhengliupin County Magistrate in the future.
In addition, according to the new rules, in the future, the county magistrate will only be responsible for important affairs in the county. The county will also have a county magistrate and a civil affairs officer. The chief officials of the Criminal Department and the Taxation Department will all be in the seventh rank!
He Yunyuan looked sincere: "Master Xu is governing well, why should I waste too much time and delay the important matter of clearing the land? Today, all the assistant officials and ministers are here. Everyone has to settle down before we can negotiate an agreement. Use your heart and mind to share your worries for Lord Dutai, and manage Xiangshan for your majesty!"
It seems that as long as he is recommended by Xu Jie, he will do the same thing. He will not pretend to listen to Xu Jie's opinions first, and then use his power of recommendation to manipulate the county officials.
Twenty-four-year-old Xu Jie also felt the feeling of being hugged. A smile appeared on his face: "I will only tell Mr. He what I have learned about you in the past two years. Mr. He knows people well and handles them well."
As he became drunker, Xu Jie suddenly realized some problems.
With Yan Song's backing, he was able to leave some reliable team members during his tenure in Xiangshan. Yan Song held the power of appointing officials at the county level during his tenure in Zhejiang. How much power should he leave behind that should not be underestimated?
The governor of every province is like this. How can your majesty prevent the provinces from running their own affairs in the future and prevent local officials from supporting themselves in power?
…
On the fourteenth day of the first lunar month, in the Forbidden City, there will be a luncheon at the Yangxin Palace and a dinner at the Qianqing Palace.
Today, Zhu Houcong first wants to have dinner with Yang Tinghe.
After the Lantern Festival tomorrow, Yang Tinghe will set off for Nanjing.
This was his special farewell.
Zhu Houcong looked at the much older Yang Tinghe with emotion: "I suddenly realized that it has been almost five years. I have been so heartbroken by the great master, and I feel really sorry for him."
In compensation for Yang Tinghe's resignation as Prime Minister and Minister of State, his title was upgraded from Taibao to Taifu.
There are too many lice but it doesn't itch. Anyway, he is the first living Sangong in the Ming Dynasty. Yang Tinghe did not refuse, not to mention Fei Hong was also added as a Taibao.
Living the three nobles seems to be the threshold for enjoying the Ancestral Temple.
"I have received your majesty's favor, and I can only do my best." He expressed his attitude. "After I went to Nanjing, I first discussed the strategy with Wu Dinghou and Eunuch Zhang. This year, I will inspect the capital and I will not cause trouble in Nanzhili."
During the Hongwu period, it was initially set that the examination for officials in the capital should be held every three years, but later it was changed to every ten years, which was called the Beijing Examination. During the Hongzhi period, the test was changed to every six years. Counting from the 16th year of Zhengde, the fifth year of Jiajing was the sixth year after Zhu Houcong succeeded to the throne.
The long-awaited Beijing-Censorship will be launched when the new law of Jiajing Five Years is implemented in all provinces. This is naturally a big reshuffle.
If the Beijing and Southern Beijings implement this inspection in place, the new law will go more smoothly next year.
The Nanjing Jingcha is also responsible for weakening Nanjing's influence.
After the formal national policy meeting ended, in the twelfth lunar month, the new advisers actually held another national policy meeting. As a person who resigned as Prime Minister and Minister of State, Yang Tinghe naturally attended.
The important issue discussed was Southern Zhili.
Zhu Houcong solemnly picked up the wine and said: "I leave all matters in the south of the Yangtze River to the Grand Tutor. The Grand Tutor even set off southward before he could arrive in Beijing. I feel really inexplicable."
"On my way south, I will probably be able to meet Quanzi in Linqing." Yang Tinghe quickly responded, "Quinzi is reckless. Your Majesty, as the Right Minister of the Ministry of Household Affairs, leads the Jiangxi Qing officials. Please bear with him."
"Yongxiu has been practicing in Guangdong for several years and is familiar with the new laws. He leads the officials of Jiangxi Province and is capable of cooperating with his younger brother to manage Jiangxi's grain and tax affairs."
"...Your Majesty has great trust, but I am frightened."
The governor of Jiangxi is Yang Tingyi, and the general responsible for the Jiangxi Cleaning Department of the Ministry of Household Affairs is Yang Shen. Yang Tinghe's "fear" is sincere.
What he felt back then was the hostility and wariness of the new monarch towards him. After becoming the leader of the new party, he felt the emperor's almost "undefended" trust in their Yang family.
Yang Tinghe naturally knew where the emperor's defense was, why Jiangxi?
Because Jiangxi's literary style is very prosperous, there are many officials and gentry, headed by the current Prime Minister and Minister of State.
In the past, Fei Hong was the governor of Sichuan and guarded Yang Tinghe's lair; now Yang Tingyi is the governor of Jiangxi and guards Fei Hong's lair.
The Yang family, despite the pressure from people all over the world to almost dominate Jiangxi's civil affairs, should hand over a model answer sheet for the implementation of the new law.
Not only that, Yang Tinghe also had to go to Southern Zhili in person to prepare for the emperor's long-term task of completely holding the entire empire's tax land in his hands.
Only in this way can we ensure that the emperor's holy love for the Yang family will not diminish in the future when the Yang family encounters any eventuality.
This is just a defense. Yang Tinghe did not forget that the emperor had important matters waiting for him.
Since the emperor and his ministers were "candid", the efficiency of communication has become much higher, let alone in private like this now?
Yang Tinghe quickly left, leaving the emperor to deal with the next big thing.
Zhu Houcong made a brief preparation and then told Huang Jin: "Get ready to go to Wuying Palace!"
The bell tower of Huangming University in the distance has rang thirteen times, and people should have gathered at Wuying Palace.
The Wuying Hall has been renovated, and the Military Affairs Council will be formally established.
There is one permanent general staff officer of the Military Affairs Council in Beijing, currently held by Yang Yiqing.
There is no fixed quota for the number of staff officers, but there are four permanent members in Beijing. Currently, they are Gu Shilong, Duke of Jingguo, Li Quanli, Bo of Xiangcheng, Ma Yong, Director-General of the General Department of Public Security, and Peng Ze, who has been reactivated as a full-time staff officer of the Military Affairs Conference. At the local level, there were also two frontier generals recommended by Yang Yiqing, as well as two honorable ministers, Guo Xun and Zhu Qi.
If there are important matters to be discussed at the military affairs meeting, Wang Shouren, the Minister of War, Zhang Jing, the Minister of Military Affairs, the Assistant Manager of the Beijing Ying Rongzheng of the Metropolitan Procuratorate, and the Governors of the five prefectures will also be present.
Now these people are gathered in Wuying Hall.
Among them, although there are many honorable ministers, the most respected position is to participate in strategies.
The layout here is similar to the National Policy Palace.
Now everyone is seated and there is not much greeting.
They are all waiting for the owner of the throne to arrive.
In the corner of the hall, there is also a larger clock.
At just a quarter past one in the afternoon, a voice came from outside the palace: "The emperor has arrived!"
Everyone in the hall stood up and left their seats, and Zhu Houcong's figure appeared at the door.
"I will see you, Your Majesty!"
Zhu Houcong walked towards the throne during the ceremony, then pressed his hands: "Everyone, sit down."
After looking around at everyone, Zhu Houcong said to Yang Yiqing: "General Staff Yang, let's get started."
Yang Yiqing was still adapting to his new identity, but he knew that this military affairs meeting was the highest power center for the emperor to control the military power of the Ming Dynasty.
He nodded and said loudly: "Your Majesty has ordered that this military affairs meeting will officially begin. The first item on the agenda is to discuss the candidates for the commander of the Ming Dynasty Capital Division and the general director of the Public Security Department."
How do the provincial governors control this? The most powerful thing is the separation of military and political affairs. Military power is always in the hands of the emperor.
The commanders of the local commander's department and the general director of the public security department all belong to the military, and their strength of force is just different.
Don't forget that there is also a special service team from Jinyiwei under the provincial public security department.
To grasp this military power, determining the candidates is naturally the top priority.
Zhu Houcong actually already knew this list in his mind, but he wanted to go through it again at this meeting.
The meeting progressed item by item, and then came to the most important agenda item.
Yang Yiqing looked at the emperor, and Zhu Houcong began to preside by himself.
He looked around at everyone first, and then said solemnly: "Everyone must remember to keep this agenda confidential. If it is leaked to the outside, and it is finally found out, no matter who it is, no matter what official position it is, we will kill without mercy!"
Everyone was shocked and didn't know what was going to happen next.
Zhu Houcong explained the rules clearly first, and then said: "The foreign inspection agency came to report that Mo Yongdeng, the powerful official of the Cochin Li Dynasty, Anxing King, had acted disobediently, and he was afraid that a usurpation of the throne was imminent. The Li family is weak and may not be able to escape this disaster. . If Jiaozhi changes hands, the Li family will definitely ask me to send troops to rescue it. Major events are planned in advance. I intend to regain Jiaozhi as a basis for attacking the Tartars from the north in the future. From today on, you can make detailed plans and make decisions based on the overall situation. Strategy.”
Wang Shouren was shocked, and the ministers had inexplicable expressions in their eyes.
The new law will naturally be pushed forward, and the external war will not start immediately.
But the emperor's eyes were already looking beyond the Ming Dynasty.
The planning started several years in advance, and what he told his ministers was a clear fact: when the new law was first completed, the Ming Dynasty local guards were restructured, and the soldiers were well-prepared, the emperor would definitely raise troops to expand the territory.
During the Jiajing Dynasty, a prime minister was first among the civil servants, and a new duke was appointed among the military officials.
And what will happen if there is such unparalleled martial arts in the future?
(End of chapter)
