The First Gongsheng of Ming Dynasty

Chapter 320 Believe in Your Vision

As soon as Zhang Zhou returned to the capital, Zhu Youtang took Zhang Zhou to ask questions, hoping to find out Zhang Zhou's whereabouts in the northwest all at once.

Seeing that the sun had set to the west and the sunset was about to come, even Dai Yi and the others who were next to him were ready to pass the meal.

Obviously, it was very likely that Zhang Zhou was going to spend the night in the palace, and a long talk was not enough, and it was very likely that there would be an evening talk by candlelight.

"Bingkuan, look at the guarding eunuchs in Liaodong, so Zhang Yong will go. Who do you think is the best choice for the governor of Du Yushi and the commander-in-chief?" Seek Zhang Zhou's opinion on employment.

Not that he wanted to ask.

It is imperative to ask.

The people who were recommended by the imperial court in the past felt very uncomfortable in the end, but they were recommended by Zhang Zhou, and each one was better than the other.

I am afraid that people will compare with others.

Zhang Zhou said with a smile: "I believe that in order to employ more people, we must recommend talents, not their background and seniority."

"En." Zhu Youtang nodded.

"When I was in Xuanda, I also inspected the local officials more, and even the officials from the three sides. I will pay more attention. I found that Lu Wan, the supervisory censor of Shaanxi Province, is very talented. I want to recommend him to supervise As a censor, he went to Liaodong to assist in local military affairs and supervision."

The people recommended by Zhang Zhou did not follow the routine.

Even Dai Yi and the others were thinking that if Zhang Zhou wanted to hire someone, he would probably use someone close to him, or someone who had contact with him in Datong, Xuanfu, right?

Don't employers look at how close they are to themselves?

Zhu Youtang was also very curious: "Have you ever had contact with this Lu Wan?"

Zhang Zhou said with a smile: "Returning to Your Majesty, I have never had any contact with him, and I haven't even passed a letter."

"Then you..." Zhu Youtang hesitated, "Can you trust him?"

It means, let’s use some “insiders”, preferably trustworthy ones. If you don’t have any contact with this kind of connection, and you don’t listen to you after using it later, isn’t it useless?
Zhang Zhou naturally understood what Zhu Youtang meant.

Changing to another emperor, I was afraid that the officials below would form a party for personal gain, but now Zhu Youtang was afraid that Zhang Zhou would not form a party or seek personal gain, because Emperor Hongzhi had been emperor for so many years. The supervisor of ceremonies is Li Guang who committed suicide, otherwise who else can he rely on?
Finally, there was Zhang Zhou, who squeezed out a piece of heaven and earth from the monolithic court hall of civil officials. Of course, the emperor hoped that Zhang Zhou would add some bargaining chips to this heaven and earth.

Zhang Zhoudao: "As far as cronies are concerned, if I only use mediocre officials who are vain, I'm afraid it will be difficult to achieve great things. On the contrary, those who are capable but know the current affairs are the first. This is what I can do at present. If there is anything wrong with what I thought of, I hope His Majesty will forgive me."

Recommending Lu Wan was certainly not Zhang Zhou's whim.

Based on his current situation, there are a lot of capable people in the court to recommend talented people, such as Liu Daxia and Yang Yiqing, they are considered awesome figures, but the key is that they will not listen to him if he recommends them.

When these people carry out the government affairs of the border town, they all pay attention to the rules. It is impossible for them to obey the emperor's order directly, let alone obey the orders of a close minister of the emperor.

Unless it is some officials... who are both capable and know how to be "sophisticated". Zhang Zhou just picked out a few representative figures from history. Minister, it is impossible to say that Lu Wan is incompetent, but it is also very biased to say that Lu Wan is a model for governing the country in the future.

But the problem is that in extraordinary times, Zhang Zhou needs such extraordinary people.

A plan was established to flatten the grassland in the next five or six years. With the current background and status of Lu Wan and others, before they completely degenerated, Zhang Zhou took care of the matter.

How to use these people in the future depends on the mood of the emperor and Zhang Zhou.

Zhu Youtang said with emotion: "It's rare that you, Bingkuan, have the heart to recommend talents for me while governing the army. Since you have mentioned this person, I won't let him be a supervisory censor, so I will be directly promoted to the right." The censor of the capital, the governor of Liaodong. What do you think?"

"Your Majesty, with his current official position, if he is so promoted, will the court officials..."

What Zhang Zhou meant.

We can use it slowly, without having to promote people in place all at once.

Governor Wang Qiongsheng still relied on Ningyuan's military merits, and directly promoted a little-known Lu Wan to such a high position as governor of Liaodong. Are you afraid that the ministers of the DPRK and China will attack us less?

Zhu Youtang smiled and said, "I trust your vision."

It doesn't take too many words.

As long as he is recommended by you Zhang Bingkuan, I will definitely use him, regardless of his ability, anyway, there will be a chance to verify him in the future, right?
Zhang Zhou nodded, and it was hard for him to comment on the emperor's behavior.

I was also thinking in my heart, no wonder those ministers regarded me as a thorn in the side. If I were one of the orthodox civil servants in the court, seeing the emperor trusting a close minister so much, the emperor would not hesitate to recommend anyone to be the governor, and the emperor would agree without hesitation, and I would do the same. Treat him as an enemy, regardless of his ability.

Isn't the most important thing in officialdom is "rules"?But what exactly are the rules, who can say clearly?
……

……

The sun finally set and it was dark.

"Your Majesty, it's getting late, and it's time for the minister to leave the palace." Zhang Zhou talked with Zhu Youtang all afternoon, and the time passed quickly.

At least Zhu Youtang still has more to say.

Dai Yi smiled and said: "Mr. Zhang, you just came back, so you can't spend more time with His Majesty?"

Zhu Youtang raised his hand and said, "This time the north will no longer use troops. Bingkuan will stay in the capital for a long time in the future. There are still many opportunities for the monarch and ministers to meet each other. Why rush?"

It roughly means that the future will continue day and night, why bother to fight for the day and night?
Zhang Zhou pondered for a while, why did this sound so strange?

I'm very capable, but I can't be chained to the palace. Is it okay to chat with you?My ability does not lie in giving advice to others, but in my grasp of history and the pulse of the future.

Having said all this...you scumbags can't understand.

"Bingkuan, you haven't seen your family members for a long time, it's time to go back." Zhu Youtang seemed to be considerate of Zhang Zhou, but he didn't forget to give Zhang Zhou an official promotion, "I have written to you earlier , tell you that after you return to Beijing, you can be added as the Duke of Lai, so as to control the military affairs of the Beijing camp and other departments."

Zhang Zhoudao: "I think it's better to stay in the court. If you really have the name of Duke, I'm afraid it's..."

It's not that Zhang Zhou doesn't care about titles, but that with titles, civil servants have more reasons to let him leave the current civil service system, allowing him to change from a decision maker to an executor who obeys orders.

In Daming, Wu Xun's weakness has not been fundamentally improved because of his appearance. Besides, taking over the defense of the Beijing camp as the Duke of the State seems to be trusted by the emperor, but in fact he is just like those Wu Xun who once obeyed him. If there is a direct conflict of interests, then he is really... The emperor does not love his mother or love him, and it is all supported by the emperor.

Zhu Youtang said: "It's a pity not to confer a title on your military merits."

Zhang Zhou said with a smile: "The matter of the title is nothing more than a title. I think it is enough for me to gain His Majesty's trust to control military affairs and help me realize the ideal of leveling the grassland."

Zhang Zhou's goal is fundamentally different from Wang Yue's.

Wang Yue fought for personal fame and fortune, while Zhang Zhou fought for the ideal of a time traveler.

Of course, while fulfilling the ideal, one will also achieve success and fame, and can also bring a free life. There is no conflict between the two parties... But in Zhang Zhou's view, the great cause is not successful because a title traps him, so that It just doesn't make any sense.

Zhu Youtang smiled and said: "Even if you are given the title of duke, it is not impossible for you to stay in the court as a civil servant. Since ancient times, even in the period of Taizu Taizong, there are many people who have been promoted and entered the prime minister."

Zhang Zhoudao: "But Your Majesty, with the current situation in the court, can you accommodate a courtier who is both civil and military?"

"This……"

Zhu Youtang also hesitated.

If Wu Xun went out and entered the prime minister before changing the civil fortress, that would be too rare and ordinary. Which one of Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Di didn't win the country on horseback?Who can he trust if he doesn't trust Wu Xun?Of course, in terms of employing people, Zhu Yuanzhang obviously did not have such a big measure, but Zhu Di did a better job in this regard.

But after the Tumu Fortress, Daming's Wu Xun really changed from a central decision-making level to a vassal of civil servants.

After that, all the policies of Ming Dynasty came from civil servants. While Wu Xun ran with him, any bright spots would be contained by civil servants, and it was difficult to fundamentally improve until the end of Ming Dynasty.

"I have to make this matter clear to those courtiers, and I still reserve your position as duke of the country for you," Zhu Youtang said.

In this matter, Zhu Youtang did not force himself.

What's more, Zhu Youtang also knew that if Zhang Zhou was ranked as the Duke of the State, he would be attacked more. From his perspective as the emperor, Zhang Zhou's promotion to the Duke of the State was based on military merit and ability.

But those civil servants and Confucian scholars below are unreasonable. They will think that Zhang Zhou's promotion is all due to his close relationship with the emperor.

"However, you must take the positions of Bachelor of Imperial Academy Attendant, Minister of Taichang Temple, Zuo Shilang of the Ministry of War, and Zuo Dudu of the Rear Army Commander's Mansion." Zhu Youtang said with a smile again.

Attending a bachelor's degree was discussed before.

But the last three items...Zhang Zhou suddenly felt that even if he was not the Duke of Lai, he would still be regarded as a thorn in the eyes of those civil servants in the court.

But it's true that people are capable, and they are easy to be envied wherever they go.

Zhang Zhoudao: "Your Majesty, the position of the left servant of the Ministry of War...you really..."

He wanted to remind, if you really want to give me the position of Zuo Shilang, how will the current Zuo Shilang Wang Zongyi arrange it?

"Bingkuan, you don't have to worry about that." Zhu Youtang said, "All I can say is that before the next year, I will let you have the post of minister no matter what, but some things will take time."

On the one hand, Zhu Youtang wanted to reuse Zhang Zhou, but on the other hand, he knew that on the core issue, he still had to be controlled by those civil servants.

If you give it directly to the left servant of the Ministry of War, you will easily be chattered by the ministers in the court. If you are directly promoted to the minister... the court and the opposition will be lively.

This presents the embarrassment of being an emperor. While wanting to break the ice in the situation where the Chinese courtiers are in power, at the same time, he is afraid that the ice will melt too fast and cause the water to drown himself... It is necessary to prevent and use it. This is where the emperor is helpless.

In this regard, Zhang Zhou felt that Zhu Youtang was relatively calm and restrained.

He didn't ignore it, and insisted on using Lai Guogong and Minister of the Ministry of War to challenge the civil servants.

Of course, Zhang Zhou also knew that this had something to do with the fact that he had only risen to prominence for a short time. It has only been a year...he has already reached his current status.

In a few years, it is estimated that when the emperor wants to use him, he will not bother to discuss with the ministers, and those ministers may become more... accustomed to it.

……

……

When Zhang Zhou left the palace, he was sent off by Wei Bin.

Wei Bin was lighting a lantern in front, followed by Jinwuwei and Jinyiwei, who were escorting him behind.

This time Wei Bin came out with Zhang Zhou, he was the one who took the initiative to invite Ying. Obviously he wanted to negotiate with Zhang Zhou for Liaodong's interests.

Apparently the emperor also knew about the Northwest system, most of which had unexplained ties to Wei Bin. This move was actually an opportunity for Wei Bin to "show allegiance" to Zhang Zhou. In the past, I had to use you, relying on you in the frontier army The system cultivates some "insiders", but you people are so incompetent that you actually engage in such tricks in Liaodong?
Now replace a group of people, don't make trouble, it's best to cooperate obediently and let the Liaodong military and political system complete the transition.

Wei Bin asked: "Mr. Zhang, I wonder if you have any good candidates to recommend for the Liaodong General Army Officer?"

The emperor also asked this question before, but Zhang Zhou didn’t answer directly. He probably meant that… the use of martial arts should be decided by the emperor himself. You can take all the straw bags on the right path, so are you afraid that the people you use are incapable, Your Majesty?

The point is not how to use troops, but how to make decisions, and whether he listens to His Majesty, in other words, whether he listens to me.

Zhang Zhoudao: "I don't know what Eunuch Wei thinks about this?"

"No... dare not." Of course Wei Bin couldn't be ignorant.

Zhang Zhou sighed: "Actually, the current situation in Liaodong is not wrong from the following point of view. It's just that the little Tatar prince raided Duoyan Sanwei, which made the situation in Liaodong suddenly tense. Moreover, North Korea and Jianzhou Jurchen are also ready to move. Liaodong is also related to the future destiny of Ming Dynasty..."

"How do you say it?" Wei Bin looked puzzled.

Zhang Zhou shook his head: "It's not clear, but most likely, Ming's powerful enemies in the future may come from Liaodong."

"Oh."

Wei Bin seemed to be thinking.

As the leader behind the group of people who run Liaodong, Wei Bin still has some understanding of the situation in Liaodong... Compared with the situation in other places on the Nine Borders, Liaodong's geographical location is too complicated because there are many vassal states there, and some The relationship between the tribe and Daming is also very complicated.

The more complicated the place, the easier it is for moths to appear. Wei Bin probably understood that Zhang Zhou also wanted to simplify the complicated situation in Liaodong.

Seeing the palace gate, Zhang Zhou smiled and said: "If Eunuch Wei has any thoughts, just tell me, there is nothing to avoid."

Since Wei Bin's power in Liaodong is deeply rooted, even if he replaces the guarding eunuch, governor, and commander-in-chief at one time, if he wants to stabilize the situation in Liaodong and everything goes according to Zhang Zhou's expectations, then it will be impossible. Wei Bin's cooperation is needed.

This is officialdom.

Can't be killed with a stick.

Wei Bin smiled and said: "How dare our family interfere with your decision? You can use anyone, our family is willing to help Mr. Zhang, and hope that Mr. Zhang will raise more points in the future."

This is a simple and first wine.

But Zhang Zhou can also see that Wei Bin is actually reluctant. After all, Liaodong has such a big interest, and the military and political system can almost be decided by the governor's yamen alone. To communicate directly with the Sixth Department of the Central Committee, this kind of power... It is not easy to let him go directly.

Since you can't think about it, let's think about it slowly. Anyway, Zhang Zhou didn't go to Liaodong in person, and there is still room for negotiation and negotiation.

……

……

"Your Majesty, Mr. Zhang has gone back to the residence. Will he be allowed to go to court tomorrow morning?" It seemed a pity that Xiao Jing didn't send Zhang Zhou off in person.

Now the supervisors of ceremonies can also see that if they want to have a stable position, they must have a good relationship with Zhang Zhou.

The cabinet ministers of the court, the six ministers, and the Zuodu censor are very stable, but their supervisors are likely to undergo a change of blood. Dai Yi has been reprimanded by the emperor recently because of his old age. Each according to their own ability.

Originally, Xiao Jing also thought he was the best candidate, but because the emperor wanted to balance the relationship between Wei Bin and Zhang Zhou, the power in Liaodong was given to Zhang Zhou, and Wei Bin might be given some compensation.

Zhu Youtang said: "He has traveled thousands of miles back to Beijing, and when he returns home, why should he reunite with his wife, children, and children, and he will not have to go to court tomorrow."

Xiao Jing hurriedly said: "Your Majesty, you didn't tell Mr. Zhang before, do you still need to send someone to inform?"

"En." Zhu Youtang nodded.

I was too happy to talk earlier, so I didn't pay attention to the morning affairs in the next day.

Now the emperor is going to have a little headache... When Zhang Zhou came back, he said that he would give Zhang Zhou the left servant of the military department, but there is no vacancy for the left servant of the military department. It depends on his ability as the emperor.

"Your Majesty, the Prince's side..."

Xiao Jing reminded again.

That is to say, the prince is still in a state of confinement. Although he has not been locked in a small black room all the time, he is not even allowed to go out of the door of the East Palace, and he does not even come to see the emperor and empress at ordinary times.

Zhu Youtang said: "His birthday is coming soon, I will let him go first. In addition, Bingkuan will deal with the affairs around him first, and then go to teach the prince later!"

"Yes."

Xiao Jing did this, in fact, he was trying to fight for the prince, and also for himself to make a good impression in front of the prince.

"Bingkuan has returned to the court. Should the marriage between him and the daughter of the Lin family be completed?" Zhu Youtang suddenly thought of this.

"Yes." Xiao Jing said.

Zhu Youtang smiled and said: "It's just right, it's time to hold a wedding. When he gets married, I plan to attend it in person. With him, not only will all the generals on the border surrender, but even the court officials... There are also people with high morals and high esteem It can be used by me."

Xiao Jing was thinking.

Aren't the civil and military officials of the Manchu Dynasty all your majesty's subjects?Why do you say that?

Zhu Youtang said: "A few years ago, the position of Shangshu in the court should also be adjusted. There has been no change in the past two years. The court is like a pool of stagnant water, and we should also introduce fresh water."

(End of this chapter)