prosperous age

Upon hearing that Zhang Juzheng had docked in Linqing and even went into the city to find a doctor, Wei Guangde had some guesses in his mind.

"Zhang Ji, go find Physician Zhao right away and find out the details of his condition."

Also, ask who has gone to see him and what they think about these things.

After speaking, Wei Guangde stared at Zhang Ji, waiting for his reply.

"I understand, sir. I'll go and find out right away."

Zhang Ji hurriedly agreed.

Previously, when inquiring about Zhang Juzheng's condition, they dared not investigate openly, but could only inquire indirectly.

Now that Zhang Juzheng has left, the imperial physicians who treated him have lost their protectors.

Wei Guangde wanted to inquire about the former Grand Secretary's condition, and Zhang Ji couldn't imagine why Physician Zhao would refuse.

Zhang Ji had already left, and although it was already night in the capital, a curfew was in effect both inside and outside the city.

But that only applies to ordinary people; it's nothing to the powerful and wealthy in the capital.

Wei Guangde truly did not expect that the power left behind by Zhang Juzheng would be so incompetent, and would disintegrate so quickly.

This wasn't actually a good thing for Wei Guangde, because it muddied the waters.

Previously, there were roughly three factions in the court: one was Zhang Juzheng and his group, the other was him and his people, and the third was the Qingliu faction.

The Qingliu faction is very capable, but as long as they don't do anything that would anger both heaven and man, they generally stay out of trouble.

Don't be fooled by their constant impeachments and rants; it's all just talk.

In terms of aggression, they were far less aggressive than he and Zhang Juzheng, who were truly vying for power and profit.

There's no way we can afford not to fight; there's a group of people watching us.

If there is no struggle, people's hearts will fall apart.

Now that Zhang Juzheng is gone, his subordinates have split into two, with Wang Zhuan and Zhang Siwei as their respective leaders.

Now is the time for them to unite people's hearts, and the competition they face will likely far surpass what they experienced during his time with Zhang Juzheng.

Wang Zhuan was betting on entering the cabinet, while Zhang Siwei's goal was to replace him as the Grand Secretary.

Thinking of this, Wei Guangde couldn't help but put his hands on the armrests and look down at the chair he was sitting on.

"This position is just so-so, but there are still countless people eyeing it."

After speaking, Wei Guangde himself started laughing.

Yu Youding

Suddenly, this person came to Wei Guangde's mind.

That day, Shen Shixing stayed until the end with him, and the three of them chatted for a while. It seems that not only Yu Youding had ideas, but Shen Shixing probably also hoped to bring this third-ranked scholar into the cabinet.

As for himself, there wasn't a single fellow townsman in the Hanlin Academy, so even if Wei Guangde wanted to exert his influence, it would be difficult.

Fortunately, I am still young and can remain in power for another ten years or so. I just hope that someone will come up to take over and prevent my faction from declining due to a lack of talent.

About two hours later, Zhang Ji returned to his study, panting.

"Master, we've found out."

Zhang Ji closed the door as soon as he entered, then quickly walked to Wei Guangde's side and whispered his report.

"what's the situation?"

Wei Guangde asked.

"According to the imperial physician, Lord Zhang's health has been severely damaged, and he is only being kept alive by medicine."

Zhang Ji's words startled Wei Guangde; they were laced with danger.

"more specific."

Wei Guangde urged immediately.

"According to Physician Zhao, if we keep him on the IV drip, we can ensure that Lord Zhang can return to his hometown. As for how long he can live, that depends on fate."

Zhang Ji continued.

Wei Guangde sat up straight and said incredulously, "So you're saying there's no chance of it getting better?"

"It's hopeless. Lord Zhang consumed too many tonics earlier, which depleted his life force. Even a miracle couldn't save him."

"Right now, it's just holding on by its last breath. Once it's released, that'll be about it."

Zhang Ji said in a low voice, "That's why he was in such a hurry to leave the capital, afraid that something might happen on the way."

"I understand. What about the rest?"

Wei Guangde nodded slightly; he had actually guessed the reason.

The ancients took the death of a person far from home very seriously, always believing that the soul would not be able to find its way back home and would become a wandering ghost.

Therefore, as people age, they all yearn to return to their roots.

"I left home young and returned old, my accent unchanged but my hair gray."

This poem perfectly captures the lifelong wandering and longing of countless travelers.

No matter how much a person achieves in the outside world, what official position they hold, or how wealthy they become, when life comes to an end, their most persistent thought is often not fame and fortune, but those two words: "Go home."

For Chinese people, dying far from home is not just a geographical regret, but also a deep-seated fear and sorrow.

The placement of the soul and the return of bloodlines are the deepest and oldest folk beliefs.

Only when the soul returns to its homeland can it find peace.

Hometown is the place where the soul departs, and also the coordinates most familiar to the soul.

People firmly believe that only by returning to their homeland can the souls of the deceased find their way home, find peace, and be spared becoming "wandering ghosts" in a foreign land.

This view holds that wandering souls are lonely and helpless, unable to receive offerings and incense from their descendants, which is a great tragedy.

Return to the ancestral graves to continue the family line.

Ancestral graves are not just places where ancestors are buried, but also the "roots" that connect a family's bloodline.

Being buried in the ancestral grave signifies a formal return to the family lineage, reunion with ancestors, and joint protection for future generations.

This is a recognition of bloodline and a responsibility to pass on family traditions.

To die far from home means to be "broken" from this bloodline.

This strong desire to return home is also an explanation to future generations and a continuation of family ties. It not only facilitates tomb sweeping and maintains family bonds, but also serves as an education about one's roots.

Choosing to settle down in one's hometown is itself a silent lesson for future generations: no matter how high you fly or how far you go, never forget where your roots are.

This sense of "roots" is an important reason why Chinese culture has been able to continue uninterrupted.

It teaches children what "fundamental" and "origin" mean.

This is a return to a philosophical level, the ultimate embodiment of the idea of ​​"harmony between man and nature," that is, reconciliation with heaven and earth and the cycle of nature.

Zhang Juzheng feared he would die in the capital, so he chose to return to his hometown at the last moment.

Wei Guangde unconsciously looked south and muttered, "Uncle, you've really let go."

Faced with death and the nation, Zhang Juzheng ultimately abandoned the country and gave up the Ming Dynasty that he had cherished for most of his life.

"According to Physician Zhao, several people did indeed visit him a few days ago to inquire about Grand Secretary Zhang's condition, including Wang Zhuan, the Vice Minister of Rites."

Then, Zhang Ji whispered a few names.

Wei Guangde merely frowned slightly. The situation was a bit murky, with not only Feng Bao's people but also Zhang Siwei, and even so-called upright figures like Xu Xuemo and Xu Guo.

"Ha ha."

Wei Guangde couldn't help but burst into laughter, realizing that he had become a well-behaved student.

Everyone is scheming behind the scenes, while I restrain myself by adhering to the principle of "not competing is competing".

Shen Shixing, he must have his eye on the position of Vice Minister, he's got the ability.

"Prepare an invitation and send it to the residence of Yu Youding, the Vice Minister of Rites, tomorrow, inviting him to a banquet at his residence tomorrow evening." Wei Guangde instructed Zhang Ji, then gestured for him to leave.

Yu Youding was his backup plan. If Pan Sheng, recommended by Zhang Juzheng, really ran into trouble, Wang Zhuan would definitely not be able to enter the cabinet. Otherwise, how could he and Feng Bao cooperate?

"hiss"

Suddenly, Wei Guangde gasped, realizing that Feng Bao was about to be in trouble.

Regardless of the actions taken by Emperor Wanli or Zhang Siwei's counterattack against Feng Bao, this man will soon lose power.

In this situation, why should I give Feng face? Zhang Siwei probably wouldn't let Feng keep his way; he would definitely try to obstruct it in every way possible.

Let Zhang Siwei confront Feng Bao, and we can just stand by and watch.

Given their shared lineage, Wei Guangde really couldn't interfere in Feng Bao's misfortune, as it would damage his reputation as Grand Secretary Wei.

The next day, Wei Guangde entered the cabinet to carry out his duties and encountered Shen Shixing on the way.

"Does Ru Mo have any plans tonight?"

After a brief chat, Wei Guangde asked a question.

"Is Shandai treating us to dinner tonight?"

Shen Shixing smiled.

Before entering the cabinet, and during casual conversation, no one discussed official rank or position.

In fact, this was the case for all civil officials in the Ming Dynasty.

Those who flaunt their official power at all times will only be ridiculed behind people's backs.

To be frank, we were all actually scholars who had passed the imperial examinations; we just had different roles in the revolution.

"It was just a private banquet, a gathering of some capable officials and bureaucrats in the court to get to know each other better."

After all, Uncle Da has left, and we will still need to cooperate sincerely in future affairs of the court. It's not a bad thing for everyone to exchange ideas.

Wei Guangde smiled and said.

"Okay, I'll be there on time tonight."

Shen Shixing smiled.

Then, the two walked together into the Huiji Gate and headed towards the Inner Cabinet.

"My lord, there are three more memorials impeaching Lord Pan today, from the Censorate."

As soon as Wei Guangde reached the door of his duty room, Lu Bu quickly came to greet him, eagerly opened the door, and whispered something in his ear.

Upon hearing this, Wei Guangde abruptly stopped, glanced at Lu Bu, and then slowly walked towards his duty room.

"The memorials have already been placed on your desk; these are the three on top."

Lu Bu stood by the door and whispered something.

"Go and do your work."

Wei Guangde waved his hand, gave instructions to Lu Bu, and then went behind his desk.

Every day when I come here, my desk is piled high with memorials, which are the memorials from various places that were received by the Office of Transmission from yesterday afternoon to this morning and sent in, categorized and sent in.

He picked up one of the memorials, opened it, and immediately memorized the name of the person who submitted it.

After setting it aside, Wei Guangde read through the other two memorials one by one and memorized their names.

Zhang Siwei is really willing to spend money. In just a few days, he hastily sent out six people from the Censorate to impeach Pan Sheng. He is afraid that Zhang Juzheng's followers will all join Pan Sheng's side and affect his future.

After Lu Bu brought over the tea, Wei Guangde sat down, took a couple of sips, and instructed Lu Bu, "Check what kind of memorials were sent to Grand Secretary Zhang, and bring me the catalog."

Wei Guangde will not underestimate Zhang Siwei now; his frequent actions clearly indicate that he had planned this all along.

For Wei Guangde, it's a matter of winning one faction over the other; as the Grand Secretary, he's in a position of great righteousness.

It doesn't require all cabinet ministers to be loyal to him; he himself wouldn't dare to do that if he wanted stability.

In fact, securing the position of Grand Secretary is quite simple, just like the one sitting high on the throne.

Pick out the most radical person as an opponent and rally others to attack him.

It can be said that everyone who enters the cabinet has their own ideas, and what they want is to maintain a balance.

Wei Guangde could be in the middle, letting Zhang Siwei cause trouble on one side, while supporting Shen Shixing to fight against him on the other.

As long as he maintains control over the six ministries, no one can overthrow him.

This was also the method used by the Jiajing Emperor to control his subordinates. At first, he promoted Zhang Cong to suppress Yang Tinghe, and later he promoted Yan Song to become the enemy of all officials. He deliberately created rivals and let them fight each other.

After all the back-and-forth fighting, one side finishes its act and another takes its place, but in the end, it still requires Chief Minister Wei to make the final decision.

The six ministries, the departments with real power, were the main battleground for the struggle for power.

The cabinet is all talk and no action; the real power struggle is in the six ministries.

Just as Wei Guangde composed himself and began to process the memorials on his desk, Lu Bu entered the duty room again.

"My lord, Minister Zeng of the Ministry of Justice has arrived and has important matters to discuss with you."

When Wei Guangde heard that Zeng Shengwu had come to see him, he immediately put down the memorial he was holding, got up and went out to greet him, saying, "Quickly invite him in."

Soon, Wei Guangde led Zeng Shengwu into the duty room.

“Sansheng, you’ve been promoted to Minister of Justice, but you haven’t come to my office for some time now.”

Wei Guangde greeted him with a cheerful smile.

"The Grand Secretary is very busy with official duties, so I wouldn't dare to come here casually if I didn't have something to do."

Zeng Shengwu smiled.

"It's good that you're here. I was planning to write you a note and invite you to my house for drinks tonight."

Wei Guangde said with a smile.

"When we're drinking, the steamed buns will arrive. You should take a look at this first."

As he spoke, Zeng Shengwu's smile vanished. He pulled a file from his sleeve and said in a low voice, "Someone beat the drum in my Ministry of Justice to appeal for justice. It's a big deal, an old case that's been around for a long time, but it involves the imperial family."

"Ok?"

Wei Guangde's smile vanished, and he immediately took the file and began to read it, his brows furrowing instantly.

"It's an old case."

Wei Guangde had quickly finished reading the case file and muttered something under his breath.

The matter did involve members of the royal family, but it's actually a thing of the past.

Emperor Xianzong of Ming's mother was a concubine surnamed Zhou. Her father was named Zhou Neng, and her two younger brothers were named Zhou Shou and Zhou Yu. They were respectively enfeoffed as Marquis of Qingyun and Earl of Changning, and were granted a lot of land.

During the reigns of Emperor Xianzong and Emperor Xiaozong of the Ming Dynasty, the two brothers were extremely arrogant and always bullied the people. Emperor Xianzong treated these two uncles well and did not punish them.

After Zhou Shou's death, his son Zhou Ying was arrogant and domineering. Because of his troublemaking, Emperor Shizong of Ming punished him many times.

In order to alleviate the burden on the national treasury, Emperor Jiajing of the Ming Dynasty decided to abolish the titles of relatives of the emperor. Therefore, after Zhou Ying's death, Zhou Shichen could not inherit the title and could only serve as the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard with a salary in the court. As a result, his family gradually declined.

After Zhou Shichen's wife passed away, he had no money to remarry, so he lived with his maid Hehua. In addition, there was a servant named Wang Kui in the house.

In September of the sixth year of the Longqing reign, while the funeral of Emperor Muzong of Ming was being held in the capital, a group of desperados broke into Zhou Shichen's home and robbed him.

Zhou Shichen was killed. Hehua hid in the shadows, waiting for the robbers to leave. She and Wang Kui were terrified and could only tremble and be at a loss.

At this time, news of Zhou Shichen's abduction and murder reached the ears of Zhang Guowei, a centurion of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, who immediately led his troops to Zhou Shichen's home.

The Zhou family had a neighbor named Lu Jin. He was originally asking for money for the meat, but when he heard that the government was bringing soldiers to arrest people, he quickly hid under the bed.

Zhang Guowei sent men to search for Lu Jin and found him. He believed that Lu Jin had conspired with Hehua to murder Zhou Shichen. After being severely tortured, Wang Kui confessed, but Hehua and Lu Jin cried out that they were innocent and refused to admit their crimes.

Lacking strong evidence, the Ministry of Justice became anxious. Hehua and the other two were tortured severely and had no choice but to confess. In the fourth year of the Wanli Emperor's reign, they were executed by slow slicing.

How did you obtain this file?

Wei Guangde asked. (End of Chapter)