Emperor Ming Dynasty

"Too much hurry?"

The flowing water of the rockery was gurgling, and Zhu Mou sat on the wooden pole with his buttocks, holding the fishing rod tightly, like a fisherman.

The koi in the water are as strong as puppies, and the fish scales of various colors are dazzling under the sunlight.

Yan Chongxin couldn't sit still anymore, his mood became more and more anxious, and it took a long time to calm down.

He raised his head and touched his temples, where there was a trace of white hair.

Starting from Hanzhong, then to Huguang, Nanjing, and Beijing, in ten years, he devoted himself to the emperor and paid too much for the emperor.

It's nearly fifty years old, is it wrong to be a second assistant?

"Although I'm a little anxious, isn't this just in line with what I want?"

"Shangyi?" Zhu Mou turned his head and said softly: "The changes are unpredictable, so don't speculate lightly. Once there is a slight difference, it will be a disaster."

Yan Chongxin closed his eyes, listened to the sound of running water, and sighed: "It's true that I'm in a hurry, but I can't be in a hurry!"

"I understand!" Zhu Mou said softly, "But if you are so eager, it will backfire."

"Now above the court, His Majesty's new policies are coming out one after another. From north to south, there is almost no delay."

"The cabinet is the center of the imperial court. Stability is the top priority, and there must be no turmoil. Although you have met some of the above wishes, you have missed this..."

Hearing this, Yan Chongxin let out a long sigh, his face full of melancholy.

Only then did he understand that although the emperor needed someone in the cabinet who could check and balance Zhao Shu, he was too eager to perform and failed to grasp the balance well, which undermined the stability of the cabinet.

As a result, it backfired.

After thinking this through, he seemed to be ten years older in an instant.

Zhu Mou on the side couldn't bear it, and sighed softly: "You are still young, don't be in a hurry right now."

"Mr. Zhang Ge worked until he was in his seventies, and you still have 20 years left!"

Yan Chongxin was amused by these words: "A life of seventy has been rare since ancient times, how many people live to be seventy?"

"Cabinet change, is the Eighth Ministry also moving?"

At this time, Zhu Mou put away his fishing rod, and it seemed that some fish had already been hooked, and his face was filled with joy.

"That's right." Yan Chongxin didn't hide from him, and said calmly: "However, you are not in a hurry. The Ministry of Household Affairs and the Ministry of Rites have already done it, so what are you afraid of?"

When Zhu Mou heard this, he rolled his eyes and said nothing.

If possible, he wants to go to the official department.

As a heavenly official, his power is second only to the cabinet ministers, not even inferior to the second assistant.

Personnel power is extremely important in officialdom, even vital.

But it is a pity that he is only forty-two years old, and he still has to wander around the six departments. This time he must be in the three departments of military, engineering, and punishment, and the official department has no chance.

Yan Chongxin also brought a fishing rod at this time, imitating his example, and started fishing.

What is good at the top will be effective at the bottom.

The emperor likes fishing, and the civil and military ministers have to learn from it, and they have to cultivate their sentiments.

Looking at Zhu Mou, there was a trace of schadenfreude.

Compared to him waiting a few years, Zhu Mou was in a worse situation. He took turns playing circles among the six departments, and he would have to wait at least another seven or eight years before he could join the cabinet.

After all, how can there be a elder in his forties in the world?
Doesn't that mean he will be active in the cabinet for 20 years?Will there be a way to survive for those who come later?

Even if the emperor is willing, many officials are not happy.

Of course, having two sides to one thing and going around among the six parts is also good for the cultivation of ability, and at least it can also cultivate some cronies.

It's not bad to accumulate a lot of money, but the wait is too exhausting.

The two of them exchanged words, but they had an opportunity to talk.

I believe that such a friendly time will continue for a long time.

As long as Zhu Mou does not enter the cabinet for a day, the relationship between the two can continue and take care of each other.

Zhang house.

It was very lively today.

In order to reward Zhang Shenyan's hard work, the emperor bestowed a first-class imperial order on his wife.

Mr. Zhang Ge, who used to be cautious in his words and deeds, gave a rare permission to make a big deal, which made many people look sideways, and his family was very happy.

The reason why Zhang Shenyan wants to become an official is not only his age, but also the reason of back gangrene. Although he has recovered a lot after many treatments, his body is not good enough.

Because of this, he wanted to return to his roots and go home to provide for the elderly.

"Father, why are you unhappy today!" The eldest son was puzzled.

"I'm just feeling emotional." Zhang Shenyan shook his head and sighed: "My life has been full of ups and downs. After the Jiashen Incident, the situation is unpredictable. I never expected to have the status and glory I have today."

"Thanks to going to Huguang back then!"

At this time, someone suddenly came to report that Jiang Yueguang, Minister of the Ministry of Officials, and Gao Hongtu, Minister of the Ministry of Punishment, asked to see him.

Hearing the two, Zhang Shenyan shook his head: "Let them in."

Afterwards, the two ministers also came slowly.

The two sat down, the servant brought hot tea, and left. Except for Zhang Shenyan's son who was serving, there was no outsider.

The three of them are strange, theoretically speaking, they were all members of the Donglin Party.

However, their native places are all in the north, so they are not pure Donglin Party members.

It was precisely because of this that the close relationship between the few made Zhang Shenyan still able to handle Zhao Shu's dominance with ease.

"Brother Jin Ming, are you really going to retire?" Gao Hongtu didn't hesitate and asked directly.

"You all know about my illness, and I have a clear conscience after working half my life for Ming Dynasty. Now that I am retiring safely, I can also enjoy the prosperity of Ming Dynasty."

Zhang Shenyan thumped his leg and smiled lightly.

Jiang Yueguang on the side hesitated to speak.

Looking at the awkward posture of the two, Zhang Shenyan couldn't understand what they were thinking, and shook his head decisively: "Brother Yanwen (in the picture of Gao Hong), brother Ju Zhi (in the picture of Jiang Yueguang), it is better not to have this position now. idea."

Jiang Yueguang was silent, while Gao Hongtu still maintained his desire.

In life, which civil servant does not want to be a prime minister?Even half of them, like cabinet ministers, are prime ministers.

"Brother Jin Ming." Gao Hongtu's voice was soft, like his character, soft but with toughness: "If you retreat, who can go up?"

"Wangba County (Wang Yingxiong)!" Zhang Shen said: "He is also from Donglin, he was the first to follow the emperor, and he is also trustworthy."

"Then he is six years younger than the two of us." Gao Hongtu continued, and then fell silent.

Wang Yingxiong was born in 1589, and Gao Hongtu and Jiang Yueguang were born in 1583, almost one generation behind.

Hearing these words, Zhang Shenyan narrowed his eyes.

Emperor Shaowu tabooed party disputes. Although the Ming Dynasty did not have any aboveboard parties like the Donglin Party, some factions still existed.

The embers of the Donglin Party like them naturally huddled together to keep warm.

And if Wang Yingxiong came to the cabinet, it would mean that the younger generation climbed to the front, and the relationship with Jiang and Gao would be overturned immediately.

Gao and Jiang must have found it hard to bear this.

After all, he has achieved this position, and face is more important than official position in a sense.

This faction will naturally be forced to disband, and it is even possible that the two will also retire.

Gao Hongtu and Jiang Yueguang are also nearly seventy years old.

"I see."

Zhang Shenyan sighed.

He seemed to say something, but he didn't seem to say anything.

But Gao Hongtu and the two left with a little satisfaction.

Not to mention the years of relationship, even Zhang Shenyan's character is worthy of their trust.

At night, Wang Yingxiong also came to visit.

Compared to the two of them, Wang Yingxiong's voice was louder, and there was a slight color in his brows and eyes, and he didn't try to hide it.

He originally had such a rough personality, and he suffered a lot because of it back then.

"The imperial court regrets Zhang Gong's departure."

Wang Yingxiong sighed, then asked about his family affairs, and finally even patted his chest and said: "Your Excellency will definitely not be wronged."

Seeing him like this, Zhang Shenyan suppressed his dissatisfaction.

He is a square person, and he wanted to explain some matters of governing the country, but he didn't expect Wang Yingxiong to directly talk about his son, which was simply a humiliation to him.

"In this way, how can it beat Zhao Shu? I'm afraid he won't be tricked into applauding?"

Zhang Shenyan sighed again and again.

The civil service system is extremely repulsive to independent ministers, or even power ministers.

Because the emperor transfers so much power, if there are too many powers, other people will eat less and will naturally be dissatisfied.

How could he rest assured that he would hand over all political resources to Wang Yingxiong?
The next day, Zhang Shenyan offered to beg for the bones.

As usual, the emperor did not allow it, and rewarded him with a lot of property to let him spend his old age in peace.

And, personally interviewed.

Zhu Yixi had a bad impression of Zhang Shenyan at first, but it improved a lot later.

If the chief assistant Zhao Shu is tactful with seriousness, Zhang Shenyan is upright, upright and rarely inconsistent with words and deeds.

Compared with many people who are not in the right mind, while asking for emphasis on agriculture and business at the same time, he bluntly asks for shirt dealers.

Maybe it has something to do with him being from Shanxi,

Reduce checkpoint exploitation, crack down on eating cards and taking money, and strictly impose taxes, so as to take business taxes and use people.

For example, he was very dissatisfied with the Commercial and Taxation Department at the beginning, thinking that tax supervisors like Wanli exploited and ravaged the people, but after learning the truth, he greatly supported and appreciated it.

Given his age, he has been with him for eight or nine years, so he has a good relationship.

In addition to the imperial order, Zhu Yixi even prepared to promote him to the title of title, which is considered as the utmost benevolence.

"His Majesty--"

Maybe he let it go, Zhang Shenyan showed his old self, he cupped his hands, and wanted to say something, but the emperor stopped him and asked someone to put a chair to sit down.

"You and I have been monarchs and ministers for many years, why are you so rigid?"

Zhu Yixi has always respected the old and loved the young. He chatted with him kindly about the past, the shogunate in Huguang, the war in Nanjing, and the current New Deal.

Basically, it was the emperor who was talking, and occasionally Zhang Shenyan interrupted, because the emperor and his ministers benefited from each other.

"Come on, it's too hot in the hall, let's find a cooler place."

When they came to a gazebo, the emperor said regretfully, "In a month or so, I will go to Yuquan Mountain, but Zhang Qing's family will return home."

"Until the next time we meet, I don't know when it will be."

These words made Zhang Shenyan's eyes turn red and he trembled uncontrollably.

"As soon as Zhang Qing leaves, there are only three people left in the cabinet, and one or two more people have to be added. I wonder if the Qing family has any recommendations?"

Zhu Yixi was quite sentimental and asked directly.

Zhang Shenyan was the one who was about to retire, so he had no scruples anymore, but said bluntly: "In my opinion, although the prime minister is in the prefecture and county, the governors and governors are still not as good as the eight ministers."

"That's true."

The emperor nodded. Although the ranks of the governors and ministers are not low, they are a bit scary when they jump into the cabinet, not to mention that there are not many seniors.

The choice is only in the eight books.

"I think Gao Hongtu, Shangshu of the Ministry of Punishments, is pretty good."

"I thought Qing would recommend Wang Yingxiong!"

Zhu Yixi was a little surprised. After all, the two of them had a very happy conversation last night, which lasted until midnight.

"This recommendation is not good." Shaking his head, he said bluntly:
"Gao Hongtu's qualifications are not good, and he suddenly joined the second assistant. I'm afraid the cabinet will be in chaos."

"The sub-assistant position is so powerful, how can you give it to me privately?" Zhang Shenyan was anxious, coughed a few times, and said, "The old minister thinks that regardless of seniority, ability, and gentle personality, Gao Hongtu is suitable for regulating all parties..."

"Five people?" The emperor instantly understood.

Turns out it was turning that foursome into a fivesome.

He thought about it.

Theoretically speaking, the more dispersed the power of the phase, the more concentrated the imperial power.

Of course, for the founding emperor, even if there is only one, he will not be afraid, and he can still be abolished.

However, when it comes to Gao Hongtu's gentle personality, it inevitably reminds him of Wang Yingxiong's straightforward personality.

This is quite different from Lu Daqi in the cabinet.

If the two collide, it will be quite lively.

It really needs a few gentle people to neutralize it.

Besides, Gao Hongtu is old after all, and he won't be busy with joining the cabinet for a few years, just to satisfy his prime minister's desire.

This is a good thing for the beauty of adults, and it will not delay the emperor's popularity.

"I see." Zhu Yixi nodded: "The Qing family's recommendation is extremely appropriate."

Seeing the emperor's approval, Zhang Shenyan was relieved.

Afterwards, Zhang Shenyan begged for the bones three times in succession, and refused twice in a row. In the end, the emperor had no choice but to allow it.

Some rewards are all mentioned.

Immediately, with the imperial decree, Wang Yingxiong resigned as Minister of the Household Department and directly joined the cabinet as the second assistant.

What is surprising is that Gao Hongtu, Shangshu of the Ministry of Justice, also joined the cabinet and became the fifth cabinet elder.

And the most unlucky one belongs to Lu Daqi.

No matter in terms of qualifications or anything else, he couldn't compare to Gao Hongtu, so he could only be relegated to fifth place, or the bottom of the list.

In a short period of time, the cabinet immediately settled down.

It's fun to say, among the five members of the cabinet, except for Wang Yingxiong who is from Sichuan, the other four are from the north.

In a sense, this is still a Beiren cabinet.

In the officialdom, there was a lot of pitfalls, and many people shed tears to bid farewell to Zhang Shenyan, who had returned to Shanxi for retirement, and then watched the cabinet's movements eagerly.

Without him, in the eight parts, two positions were vacated at once, and I don't know how many people are eager to be in the position.

Who knew that what was waiting for them was yet another unexpected decree—split.

That's right, the split of the household department.

As early as a few years ago, the emperor was particularly displeased with the bloated household department.

In charge of the country's territory, fields, household registration, taxes, salaries and all financial matters.

It annexed the Shaofu of the Qin and Han Dynasties and the Three Divisions of the Song Dynasty, which can be described as extremely huge.

Now that Wang Yingxiong has come down, the emperor will naturally attack him without any hesitation.

The household department is divided into three parts: the Ministry of Civil Affairs, which is in charge of land and population matters; and the Ministry of Finance, which is responsible for tax collection and budgeting.

The Ministry of Household Affairs is responsible for Taicang, the payment of salaries, and the accounting of expenditures.

As a result, the eight ministries were changed to ten ministries, namely the Ministry of Punishment, the Ministry of Officials, the Ministry of Industry, the Ministry of Rites, the Ministry of War, the Ministry of Households, the Ministry of Organization, the Li Fan Yuan, the Ministry of Civil Affairs, and the Ministry of Finance.