prosperous age

The Yongshou Palace was set on fire, so of course Emperor Jiajing would not just let it go.

This is the place where he has lived for many years, and he is still very affectionate. He is eager to rebuild one so that he can live in it again in his lifetime.

Eastern buildings mainly use wood. In addition to fast construction, maintenance is also extremely convenient. For example, Yongshou Palace can be completed in two years if sufficient materials are prepared. Compared with Western stone-based buildings, it takes ten years or ten years A few years, or even a hundred years is incomparable.

However, in the Ming Dynasty, the timber available for mining on Chinese land gradually became scarce, either in the extremely cold places in the north, or in the south of the Yangtze River and the southwestern border.

However, although it is difficult to collect wood, it is the residence of the emperor after all. Emperor Jiajing can't believe that he can't find enough materials.

With so much wood in the three main halls, didn't it take a few years to get together?

The reconstruction of the three main halls is about to be completed and should be completed next year.

This matter still has to fall on the head of the cabinet and let the cabinet take the lead in handling it.

However, Emperor Jiajing was not a political novice either. Although he had made up his mind, he did not immediately summon the cabinet ministers to discuss the matter. Instead, he quietly recuperated in Yuxi Palace for three days before summoning his ministers.

Early this morning, shortly after the three academicians entered Wenyuan Pavilion, Xiyuan sent someone to summon them, and the three immediately got up and went to Xiyuan to have an audience. In Yuxi Palace, they finally saw Emperor Jiajing.

There was a big fire in Xiyuan, it is impossible to say that there was no discussion in the court. There was news in the palace that the emperor was fine, but the elder Ge asked to see him the next day but was rejected, which also caused some rumors to spread in the court. .

When summoned three days later, Emperor Jiajing did not mean to break these rumors.

Moreover, in these three days, the words and deeds of the officials have always been recorded by people from Dongchang and Jinyiwei with small books.

"The Qing family is flat."

After Yan Song and other three cabinet ministers saluted, Emperor Jiajing spoke lightly on the throne.

When the three of them entered Yuxi Palace, they saw Emperor Jiajing on the throne. Compared with the past, his complexion was paler, and it seemed that he was frightened.

The three of them thought so, but they didn't stop their movements, and saluted Emperor Jiajing as soon as they entered the palace.

"Today's summons is still due to the influence of some rumors in the court. I think you all know what they are talking about."

Emperor Jiajing said straight to the point after the three got up, without leaving any room for it.

Outer dynasty, headed by the cabinet, now that there are so many rumors outside, the cabinet is duty-bound.

"The minister is guilty."

Helpless, as soon as they got up, Yan Song, Xu Jie and Yuan Wei knelt down and confessed again.

They also know the rumors outside, but they are not easy to pursue. Most of them are low-level officials, some people who are free from the center of power, and only they have rich imagination to spread certain things.

Emperor Jiajing talked about this matter at the beginning, and naturally he was the first to overwhelm the three academicians, so when he said later that he wanted to rebuild the Yongshou Palace, there would be much less resistance.

Of course, the factory guards are not for nothing. Emperor Jiajing also heard the words of Gao Yao in the cabinet before. He knew that the cabinet would definitely try to prevent him from rebuilding the Yongshou Palace first.

Daming's finances are not rich, and the end of the year is the end of the year. The debts owed before have to be settled, and more of them are delayed until the next year.

The news that Xiyuan summoned the cabinet ministers had already spread to the outer court when the three of them left Wenyuan Pavilion, and Prince Yu's Mansion naturally knew the news.

Prince Yu's mansion has informants in the palace, of course they don't believe the gossip and rumors in the court, but Yin Shizhen, Zhang Juzheng and others are also sitting together to discuss, in fact, there is nothing to say, just to see if the emperor will track down and punish him this time source of rumors.

"Can it be tracked down? I don't know where the news came from first."

Wei Guangde shook his head and said with a smile, even if he was the first person to say this, he would say "heard of it", how to check?
He doesn't know how to protect the mythical factory guards, although they are really powerful.

In the past, he thought that the factory guard's spies would really fly into the minister's house and eavesdrop on the roof, eaves and windows. He has been an official in the court for many years, and he has long since disbelieved.

"But the rumors in the past two days are really big, and it is said that His Majesty was burned in the fire, and someone risked his life and rushed out of the flames with the emperor on his back."

Yin Shizhen shook his head and smiled.

"Hey, I know it's just rumors, why are you talking about these things, by the way, Your Highness hasn't gotten up yet?"

Zhang Juzheng stroked the beautiful beard under his forehead and asked.

"No, I asked Eunuch Li first. His Highness has favored a court lady in the past two days. He must have played late last night, so he hasn't woken up yet."

Yin Shizhen sighed.

The three of them were sitting together talking and laughing, while Tang Ruji, who had just joined the palace next to him, could only watch them chatting nonsense, but he was a bit speechless.

"It's been a few days, and it has never been said who will take over as Minister of Rites. Will it be decided this time?"

At this time Zhang Juzheng spoke again, his eyes still sneaking towards Tang Ruji's side, perhaps wanting to see his reaction.

But Tang Ruji just sat there quietly, didn't say anything, and there was no emotion on his face, he looked like an old monk in meditation.

In fact, entering Yu Wangfu may be a good job for most people, but it is a hard job for some people, it is really life is worse than death, and life is like a year.

"Ruji, what do you think? Who will take over the post of Minister of Rites?"

Yin Shizhen is now the head of the officials in Prince Yu's mansion, so naturally he still has to take care of the newcomer, so he leads the conversation to Tang Ruji.

"The lower officials don't know, the Sacred Heart is unpredictable, hehe."

Tang Ruji just laughed and fooled.

To be honest, there is now a vacancy in the position of Minister of Rites, and there are many rumors about the Outer Court, but many people look to Nanjing, after all, there are still a group of people there, and their grades are enough.

As far as the officials in Beijing are concerned, there are really not many who are qualified to secure the position of Minister of Rites.

"Okay, don't talk about it anymore, you should contact the Ministry of Industry and the Ministry of Households to rebuild the Yongshou Palace as soon as possible."

Emperor Jiajing wants to rebuild his residence, the world, can't the emperor provide a palace?

Therefore, no matter how hard Yan Song and Xu Jie tried to persuade them, it was useless, so they decided directly.

"Yes."

"According to the order."

Yan Song, Xu Jie and Yuan Wei could only nod in agreement at this time.

When dissuading, it was mainly Yan Song and Xu Jie who were talking, and Yuan Wei didn't want to be isolated, so he only said a few words and got the meaning.

"There is one more thing."

Just when the three of them thought that the main purpose of today's summons had been achieved and they should leave, Emperor Jiajing said as if suddenly thinking of it.

"Before, the post of Shangshu of the Nanjing Household Department was vacant, but there were not many things in the past, so the servant below can preside over it, but now the pressure on Jiangnan to suppress thieves is huge, and many provinces in Jiangnan have asked for relief and sent them to the capital this year. gold flower silver.

Do you have a choice for this? "

The voice of Emperor Jiajing came to the three people's ears, and the three cabinet ministers were a little surprised.

In fact, the six ministers in Nanjing have always been inconsistent. It is not that they are not all matched, but that some positions are deliberately left for the convenience of promotion or distribution of ministers.

At present, there are few government affairs assigned to Nanjing, and each ministry can run well with a servant sitting in charge, but today, listening to what Emperor Jiajing said, it seems that he wants to unify the military pay for suppressing thieves in the south of the Yangtze River.

Among them, Yan Shoufu was undoubtedly the one whose interests touched the most.

Before, the control over the military pay of the Jiangnan Jiapai was all in the hands of Hu Zongxian. Although the censor had been impeaching Hu Zongxian for stealing and stealing the military pay, there was always no evidence to investigate, and in the end it was nothing.

Now it is time to appoint the Shangshu of the Nanjing Household Department to take charge of Jiangnan's money and food.
Yan Song was still pondering over this matter, when he heard Xu Jie answering: "Your Majesty, I can't think of anyone who is suitable for the moment, will I push it with the Ministry of Officials?"

Yan Song knew that he could not be silent at this time, so he said without waiting for Emperor Jiajing to speak: "Your Majesty, the situation in the south of the Yangtze River has stabilized, so there is no need to send more officials."

"Fujian thieves are still raging everywhere. Where is it stable? A few days ago, Jiangxi went to the memorial to ask for a reduction in this year's tax money for the suppression of thieves."

Xu Jie frowned and said.

"Hu Zongxian has already sent troops to expel the traitors in the north of Jiangxi, and completely closed their way to the north. Now, only when Tan Lun takes office can he lead his troops to go south to suppress the traitors. The situation has been brought under control, and it is only a matter of time before the rebels are wiped out."

Yan Song replied politely.

"Okay, don't argue."

At this time, Emperor Jiajing on the throne suddenly said, and then he got up and walked down slowly, and said in front of Yan Song: "If you can push it, you don't need it, I already have a candidate, and the three of you will make an order when you return to the cabinet. Supervisor."

Hearing that Emperor Jiajing had a candidate, the three cabinet ministers bowed and obeyed orders.

"Governor of Huguang, Sichuan and Guizhou, Huang Guangsheng, made great contributions to appeasing the local area, and was promoted to Minister of the Nanjing Household Department, and he was added to the crown prince Shaobao."

After finishing speaking, he looked at the other two, and said: "The position of Governor-General will be pushed by the Ministry of Officials."

"According to the order."

All three cabinet ministers responded.

"Huang Guangsheng's decree was drafted directly by Yuan Wei when he returned to the cabinet, but Zhonghe Huating, you go to the Wuyi Hall to call the Ministry of Households and Ministers of the Ministry of Industry to discuss the rebuilding of Yongshou Palace. Today I want the results.

back off. "

After speaking, Emperor Jiajing turned around and walked back to the throne, and the three cabinet ministers including Yan Song could only resign.

Naturally, the three of them could only act according to the order. Yuan Wei went directly to the cabinet to draft an order, and then had to deal with cabinet affairs, while Yan Song and Xu Jie could only take over this hot potato.

Looking at the back of Yuan Wei going away, it is certain that the two of them are unhappy.

The easy job was given to Yuan Wei, and Emperor Jiajing was really partial.

In fact, it is a draft purpose, where it cannot be written.

As for taking over the matter of rebuilding the Yongshou Palace, maybe both of them will be scolded by foreign officials.

But since they were ordered, they could only accept it.

When Gao Yao and Lei Li arrive, Gao Yao must be the first to attack. Of course he will not argue to see the emperor. Noisy in front of the steps.

Xiyuan, Wuyi Hall.

The two academicians and the two ministers talked for a long time before they finally settled on a general strategy.

In fact, when Gao Yao was summoned, he knew that there was nothing he could do. All he had to do was make a gesture and force Yan Song to find a way to solve the financial difficulties.

"Gao Yao, stop talking."

Yan Song rubbed his forehead to comfort him, and then said: "The reconstruction of Yongshou Palace, although the bulk of it comes from the tax money handed over from below, is not all of it after all.

This time I call the shots, and the Ministry of Industry will take the lead, using the materials from the Fourth Division of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce as the expenditure for the reconstruction of Yongshou Palace.

In fact, it is said to be a reconstruction, but there are too many materials to be purchased there. Lei Shangshu will spend more time. After the completion of the three main halls, there should be a lot of wood and stone leftover. Pad it with material silver. After all, at the end of the year, all officials will also celebrate the New Year, and the Ministry of Households has difficulties to understand.

Make a good account, and we will sit down and talk about how to apportion the money when the time comes. "

After finishing speaking, Yan Song looked at Xu Jie and said, "Huating, what do you think?"

"I have no opinion."

Xu Jie nodded, there was nothing wrong with Yan Song's method.

In the Ming Dynasty, tax revenues were not all collected by the household department, but many yamen had their own income, and the local taxes and servitors would distribute them and send them to each yamen.

Ordinarily, the reconstruction project should be mainly financed by the Ministry of Industry, but the reconstruction of the three main halls is too costly, the Ministry of Industry has no money in name, and there was not enough money to be supplied by the Ministry of Households before, so Gao Yao made a big fuss occur.

"what about you?"

Saying that, Yan Song looked at Gao Yao and Lei Li again.

Gao Yao can accept it now, as long as he doesn't ask for money from his household department before the year, he will talk about it after the year, so he naturally nods.

Lei Li also knew that this should be the best way.

Starting from the materials of the three main halls, there will not be too many materials in the short term. In fact, everything is to delay the Chinese New Year. Now they are sitting together to give Emperor Jiajing an attitude. If the emperor is satisfied, naturally they cannot shake their heads and refuse.

"Since that's the case, then it's settled. Huating will write a question book and hand it over."

Yan Song said to Xu Jie again.

"Elder Ge, there is one more thing."

Lei Li said again at this time.

"What's the matter?"

Yan Song frowned, it wasn't that he didn't have any objections before, why is there something else.

"The rebuilding of the Yongshou Palace is not a matter of one day, where will His Majesty go during this period?"

Lei Li asked.

"Your Majesty seems to be in Yuxi Palace temporarily."

Yan Song replied.

"The Yuxi palace is narrow and narrow, and the land is vast and near the water, so it cannot be kept for a long time. The Yongshou Palace is an important place where the emperor was ordered. Renovate in time to inherit the family."

Lei Li said.

"You mean, Yuxi Palace is not suitable for His Majesty to live in?"

Yan Song looked at Lei Li and asked.

"Exactly."

Lei Li replied.

Yan Song looked at Xu Jie. At this time, Xu Jie had already started writing the title book, which was the arrangement for rebuilding the Yongshou Palace. Hearing the conversation between the two, he didn't feel like he stopped writing and looked up.

Yan Song and Xu Jie looked at each other for a moment and understood what the other meant.

"You guys will arrange this when you go back. Huating and I will go to see His Majesty later and talk about it."

Yan Song had no choice but to say.

After Gao Yao and Lei Li left, Yan Song read the inscription written by Xu Jie, and then the two set off to return to Yuxi Palace to seek an audience again.

Not long after, the two were called into the palace.

After reading the title book written by Xu Jie, Emperor Jiajing was immediately overjoyed, and he was full of praise for Yan Song and Xu Jie's ability to handle affairs.

"Your Majesty, Lei Shangshu."

At that moment, Yan Song told Emperor Jiajing what Lei Li had mentioned.