prosperous age

Chapter 621 Chapter 620
Gao Gong was the first to attack, but when Xu Jie counterattacked, his tone was flat, but his weight was light, and Gao Gong was immediately choked by his words.

Although Xu Jie's words contained a lot of sophistry, but Gao Gong didn't want to be exposed in public in turn, and he couldn't hold back his face immediately.

He blushed in shame and couldn't speak.

After such a commotion, no one was in the mood to eat anymore, and a banquet broke up unhappy.

To be honest, knowing that Emperor Jiajing was in poor health and King Yu was about to ascend the throne, Wei Guangde never would have imagined that the first court battle in the Longqing Dynasty would be between Xu Jie and Gao Gong, and it would have been almost from the moment he ascended the throne. Already erupting.

After today's incident, the relationship between Xu Jie and Gao Gong has been completely torn apart, and there is no room for relaxation, even Emperor Long Qing did not expect it.

A good sutra banquet will eventually evolve into what it is now, and I don't know if I will hold grudges against him as the proposer of the sutra banquet after knowing it.

Yes, the idea of ​​Jing Yan was brought up by Wei Guangde, but who knew that such a thing would happen for the first time.

Of course, this kind of thought was thrown out of Wei Guangde's mind in a moment. Emperor Longqing was not such a person. He might not be able to explain right and wrong, but he could clearly see it in his heart.

It's just that the heart is not firm, and it is easier to be tempted by some things.

In the next few days, the government and the public were calm, and the slightly tense atmosphere eased a little. It seemed that this matter had come to an end.

Strangely, after the story of the imperial banquet after the banquet spread, most people said that Gao Gong was not. Obviously, most of the Beijing officials were more inclined to the side of Chief Assistant Xu Jie at this time.

However, nothing happened in the next few days, and everyone gradually calmed down, wondering whether there was another mediation within the cabinet.

In fact, Wei Guangde admired Yang Bo very much.

It wasn't for Chen Ju's reminder, Wei Guangde would never have thought that Yang Bo was the original focus, but he was too good at hiding, so he avoided the matter lightly, but let Gao Gong take the blame and bear Ke Dao's anger.

Of course, Hu Yingjia felt a little helpless when he stared at Gao Gong. Who told him to impeach Li Dengyun, a servant of the Ministry of Industry, and then he heard from others that Li Dengyun was Gao Gong's relative.

Ying Jia felt uncomfortable because of the impeachment of Li Dengyun, and he must have thought about it a lot, but in the end he chose to fight Gao Gong to the death, even at the expense of inciting his colleagues to do it together.

Even though he knew that King Yu and Emperor Longqing were behind Gao Gong, he still resolutely chose to strike, so why hit a stone with an egg?

There is only one possibility, that is, he has great confidence to increase the success rate of impeachment; and the retreat has been paved, and he can retract within the safety line if impeachment fails.

Tuiguan, it seems that Xu Jie also walked the road back then, but now he is the chief assistant of the court.

According to Chen Ju, Wei Guangde also gradually saw a clue in the cabinet.

It seems that Gao Gong often acts domineering, but if you really think about it carefully, you will find that it seems that the old boy Xu Jie is acting on purpose.

If you have to go into details, it is natural that Gao Gong often disagrees with Xu Jie in terms of political views, the two sides argue in the cabinet, and Gao Gong is a person who refuses to admit defeat.

But when it comes to allocating cabinet errands, Xu Jie naturally has the most say, so this scene happened.

Gao Gong is in charge of resentment, and Xu Jie is in charge of grace.

Offending people are all handled by Gao Gong, and good things are naturally handled by Xu Jie.

Gao Gong was not a fool, so he naturally knew the reason for Xu Jie's arrangement, and it was probably the reason why he couldn't help talking about Xu Jie at the imperial banquet.

"Master, Mr. Chen Ge sent a message earlier, please go to the Chen Mansion for a banquet at night."

Today Wei Guangde went home early, and when he entered the door, he was notified by Zhang Ji, and there was a post on the ground.

"Old Chen Ge? Chen Yiqin?"

It took a while for Wei Guangde to remember who he was referring to as Mr. Chen Ge. It was a bit new. Chen Yiqin had been in the cabinet for two months, and this was the first time he had posted a post here to treat him.

"understood."

After returning to the backyard to visit his mother and visit his wife and children, Wei Guangde changed into his normal clothes under the service of the maid, and then went out to Chen's residence.

Having worked together for many years, Wei Guangde and Chen Yiqin are considered familiar, so they went directly.

When Wei Guangde arrived at the Chen Mansion and was welcomed in, he felt a little strange, there were only Chen Yiqin and Yin Shizhen in the study.

Because it was still early, the banquet in Chen's residence had not yet been arranged, so naturally he was brought into Chen Yiqin's study.

"Old Chen Ge, Minister Yin, the younger brother is polite."

Wei Guangde cheerfully went over to the two and said, but looked around suspiciously.

"No courtesy, no courtesy, sit down quickly, brother."

Yin Shizhen laughed happily.

"There is no one else, so I invited you and Zhengfu."

Chen Yiqin glanced at Yin Shizhen, who was not walking, and said.

Of course he knew the meaning of Wei Guangde's actions, but today he really didn't invite Gao Gong.

"Oh, that's why I thought about it, I won't talk about it, I won't talk about it."

Wei Guangde laughed and said, he thought he had figured it out on the way, but Gao Gong might have found out that the direction of the court wind was not right recently, so he wanted to stabilize the basic situation first.

What is the basic disk?
Naturally, it was the old people of Yu Mansion. As long as these people could stand together, they would have an absolute advantage over Emperor Longqing.

Gao Gong is now on the cusp of the storm, so it is natural to ask Chen Yiqin to do the best job of shaking people.

It's just that he didn't expect that Gao Gong didn't know about today's invitation.

After Wei Guangde sat down, Chen Yiqin said: "Since Your Highness ascended the throne, we haven't sat down and chatted like this for a long time.

I think that year, after Su Qing left the mansion for business, we often chatted in the mansion, talked about mansion affairs, and discussed political opinions, and then I also left, leaving the two of you still in the mansion to accompany His Highness. "

"Brother Yifu, it's all over. He Gao Suqing has changed, and I don't know him anymore. Let's not talk about him, it will spoil the atmosphere."

At this moment, Yin Shizhen spoke up.

Yin Shizhen was not speaking out of anger, but changed after the accumulation of many things, a complete change.

It is actually very difficult to change the inherent impression of a person, but it happens easily here in Gao Gong.

"Well, no matter what, everything Su Qing has done is still for His Majesty's consideration."

Chen Yiqin glanced at Yin Shixuan before saying, "It is widely rumored that there are disputes between Su Qing and the chief assistant in the cabinet, and some of them are actually not about loyalty, but about protecting His Majesty."

Hearing what Chen Yiqin said, Yin Shizhen and Wei Guangde also became interested. Obviously Chen Yiqin wanted to say something they didn't know about what happened in the cabinet.

"Before, the cabinet discussed the impeachment of Lin Tingji, Minister of Rites of Nanjing, and the cabinet was also in dispute."

Needless to say who is arguing, Wei Guangde and Yin Shizhen naturally know that it is Xu Jie and Gao Gong who are arguing.

Only to hear Chen Yiqin continue to say: "The cabinet ministers are still arguing about the issue, and the chief assistant is unwilling to offend the speaker, and intends to push the issue to His Majesty, so that His Majesty can decide whether the minister will go or stay."

After saying this, Chen Yiqin looked at Yin Shizhen and Wei Guangde. In his eyes, Yin Shizhen nodded slightly as if agreeing, while Wei Guangde frowned.

"The reason for Su Qing's objection is very simple, he said 'we cannot set this precedent of 'respecting the Holy Judgment'.

In the previous dynasty, when things were indecisive, the reason for asking for a referee was that the first emperor had been in power for a long time and was well-versed in the state system.

It has only been a few days since he ascended the throne, how could he know who is good and who is not?
Let the emperor decide by himself, but how should the emperor judge?

I'm afraid I can only ask the people around me. If things go on like this, major events in the world will be hijacked by Xiaoxiao. '"

Chen Yiqin told Yin Shizhen and Wei Guangde what happened that day in a high-pitched tone, and then the two nodded frequently.

Indeed, what Gao Gong said makes sense. His Majesty has just ascended the throne and has no experience in governing. It is not appropriate to ask for a "sacred judge" at this time.

"Master Shoufu may think that Su Qing is simply making trouble for no reason, and what he wants is not that he has to fight against himself in everything to be happy."

Finally, Chen Yiqin said with a sigh.

"Master Shoufu and Xi Ni's techniques have reached the pinnacle, and they are perfect."

Wei Guangde said with a smile.

Gao Gong's reasoning is correct, but Xu Jie's method is reasonable. This is what old officials should do.

"Su Qing has complained to me more than once in private in the cabinet that Xu Jie is too dependent on words and is used to playing with public opinion, which is not a minister's character."

Chen Yiqin said again.

"Brother Yifu, what do you mean, we should try our best to speak for Gao Suqing no matter when and where?"

Yin Shizhen frowned and asked.

"Anyway, we've worked together for so many years, wouldn't you want to watch him fall?"

From Chen Yiqin's mouth, it shows how bad the current situation is for Gao Gong.

That's right, who would have thought that the most trusted minister of the emperor would face the situation of the full court less than half a year after the emperor ascended the throne. It is reasonable to say that he should be flattered by countless Beijing officials at this time.

"Fortunately, we haven't changed much, hehe, we can still sit together and chat."

Wei Guangde laughed.

"Haha. Actually, if you join the cabinet, I think you, Wei Shandai, will be the second Xu Cunzhai."

"Mr. Xu Ge is tactful in dealing with things, but the bottom line of a literati is still there. He can tell right from wrong. What you said earlier was praising him or hurting him."

Chen Yiqin and Yin Shizhen answered the conversation one after another, the atmosphere in the study was still relaxed, just like in the palace, the three generals gossiped about nothing.

"From Brother Yifu's words, it seems that there has been a change in the cabinet?"

Wei Guangde suddenly put on a straight face at this moment, and asked seriously.

Yin Shizhen, who was still laughing and joking just now, suddenly realized that Chen Yiqin had indeed expressed that meaning before, and Gao Gong might not be able to persist.

"It's hard to say, it depends on how Lord Shoufu will retaliate."

What Chen Yiqin said was naturally the verbal dispute at the imperial banquet that day.

Although Xu Jie has not moved in the past few days, anyone who is familiar with him knows that he does not fight unprepared battles, and he does not know what is wrong with holding back.

Only when he let out his anger and held back his anger, can he talk about it.

"We still have to support each other as much as possible."

Finally, Chen Yiqin said.

Both Wei Guangde and Yin Shixuan nodded, they knew what this meant, not only to help Gao Gong as much as possible, but also to join hands with each other.

"Let's talk about your affairs in the yamen. I'm in the cabinet now. If you need anything, just come to me. It's still the same as before."

So, next, they stopped talking about the cabinet strife, but transferred to their respective yamen.

Yin Shizhen was in the Ministry of Rites, and Wei Guangde was in the Ministry of Officials, both of which were necessary positions to enter the cabinet. After the exchanges between the two of them, Wei Guangde learned a lot about the Ministry of Rites, and so did Yin Shizhen.

If it is relocated, the two can quickly get acquainted with the new yamen.

In Chen Yiqin's previous remarks, there was one thing that he didn't say, that is, Gao Gong really fell, and it might be said that Emperor Longqing wanted to make up for the cabinet again.

Emperor Longqing seemed to think that the firepower was high when everyone collected firewood, so instead of the Jiajing Dynasty's method of only two or three people joining the cabinet, Han Xin sent more troops, the better.

Who will succeed Gao Gong?

Both Yin Shizhen and Wei Guangde have a chance, after all Zhang Juzheng has already entered.

I am afraid that Chen Yiqin's reason for talking about these two in this meeting is only for the two of them.

The cabinet ministers have unknowingly started forming cliques.

It was also on the carriage home that Wei Guangde realized something. Maybe the party struggle in the late Ming Dynasty started here.

There were few cabinet ministers in the Jiajing Dynasty, and everyone had disputes on their own. Although there were forces behind them, they were still personal after all.

In the Longqing Dynasty, the cabinet first began to split, and everyone no longer fought on their own, but actively looked for allies in the cabinet.

Gao Gong and Guo Pu were like this back then, forcing Xu Jie to pull Zhang Juzheng into the cabinet.

But at this time, Wei Guangde's mind lacks the matter of Tu Zemin, should he take this opportunity to talk to Chen Yiqin and Yin Shizhen, if he can get their support.
After thinking for a while, Wei Guangde still decided to clarify the matter. If Chen Yiqin supports it, then he will have a vote in the cabinet.

"What can the two of you do to solve the Japanese problem in the south of the Yangtze River?"

Although it was already the Longqing Dynasty, the pirates in the south of the Yangtze River were still rampant at this time, but they were severely suppressed by Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou, and they were not as noisy as before.

The fundamental reason is that a large number of Japanese pirates were broken up, all of which were sporadic disturbances, so sometimes local governments did not report them.

Japanese pirates are not stupid, it is too easy to attract the officers and soldiers to encircle and suppress them when they gather together, it is better to commit crimes scattered.

"What else can I do besides extermination?"

Yin Shizhen frowned.

"But after killing so many people, the Japanese pirates are still the same, but the large number of Japanese pirates are gone."

Chen Yiqin obviously knew the current situation. After the Japanese pirates were dispersed, it would be very unfavorable for the government and army to encircle and suppress them.

Although the officers and soldiers were neglected in the battle formation, after so many years of fighting, they have picked up a lot of things on the battlefield, especially in large corps battles.

"When I was in Yuyu, His Majesty also asked me about this."

Wei Guangde opened his mouth and answered directly.

"I remember that there was a time when you were often summoned by His Majesty. Could it be that you were discussing a solution?"

Yin Shizhen suddenly spoke at this moment.

Wei Guangde's face remained normal, the palace is only that big, and Yin Shizhen is the number one official in the palace, there are channels to know that things in the palace are normal.

But at that time, Chen Yiqin returned to his hometown Ding You, so he didn't know about these things, so he looked at him curiously, wondering what solution he and the emperor had discussed.

Wei Guangde just nodded, answering some Yin Shizhen's questions, and then continued: "I said at the time that the Japanese pirates wiped out a wave, but there will be new people joining soon. It can only be said that they are all people who can't survive. Only by being a pirate can you survive."

What Wei Guangde said made Chen Yiqin and Yin Shizhen look bad.

The fact that the people are struggling to live is actually because the officials are not good enough to manage the place well.

However, in some environments, it is really not easy to manage well by electing good officials.

These days, the productivity is low, and the agriculture-dominated society depends on God for food.

"The so-called Japanese pirates are actually people who can't survive along the coast."

(End of this chapter)