I am Emperor Wanli

Chapter 784 I chose it myself, I have to continue with my tears

Pan Yinglong left Xiyuan and went straight back to Shuntian Prefecture Yamen. He first talked to several officials in the front yard for a while, and then walked to the signing room in the back yard.

Chief Clerk Nangong Ye and Order Clerk Shen Wanxiang were waiting at the gate.

Shen Wanxiang said, "Prefect, Nangong Changshi has asked someone to prepare dinner."

Pan Yinglong stopped and gestured with his right index finger towards himself and the other two people. "Is it enough for the three of us to have a meal together?"

"That's enough. The Chief Secretary has prepared four dishes and a soup."

Pan Yinglong smiled, "Four dishes and one soup. Okay, Nangong is thoughtful. Come in and eat. I am a little hungry after a whole day of meetings."

The three of them sat down. Pan Yinglong didn't have the habit of eating without talking. After taking a few bites, Nangong Ye said, "Qianhe said that the meeting in the West Garden was over today, and the emperor left Lord Hai and Governor Wang behind?"

Pan Yinglong glanced at Shen Wanxiang and asked, "How can you still hear the news in Xiyuan if you stay in Nanhua Gate?"

"Prefect, when you came out, there was a lot of discussion, and I am not deaf to hearing."

"Yes, in Xiyuan, everyone keeps their eyes and ears open, watching all directions and listening carefully."

"The Emperor is going to make major adjustments to the officials?"

Pan Yinglong looked at Nangong Ye, "Nangong really was the emperor's confidential secretary, so his guess was correct. Keep guessing, where does the emperor want to put Hai Gong and Wang Zijian respectively?"

Nangong Ye chuckled, "I am well-informed. I have old acquaintances in the Imperial Household Department and the Public Security Department. I have heard some rumors and I also know the emperor's character, so I won't guess.

Let Qianhe guess."

"Yes, Chizuru, guess."

Shen Wanxiang thought for a moment and said, "Prefect, Chief Secretary, I once went to the Imperial Hospital to do some work and accidentally saw Prime Minister Zhao Gong seeing a patient there. It seemed that he was not in good health.

In the past two years, he has been submitting petitions to retire due to illness. I believe the emperor will use Duke Hai to succeed him and take charge of the Imperial Censorate."

"Well, good, keep guessing."

“I have no idea where Governor Wang is going, but I met Xu Yingyang (Xu Guo), the official of Lord Huo (Huo Ji), a few days ago and talked with him for a while. I heard that Lord Huo was going to stay in Beijing.

I asked one more question at the time, asking who might take over from Mr. Huo, and Xu Yingyang said he wasn't sure either, but he heard Mr. Huo mention it, and it might be Fang Tianguan or Zheng Bingbu."

The position of Governor-General of Sui Da was of great importance. When the emperor transferred Huo Ji back to Beijing, he would definitely consult him on the successor. As Huo Ji's clerk and closest subordinate, Xu Guo must have heard some rumors.

Xu Guo was a merchant from Huizhou. He grew up in a poor family, but was extremely intelligent.

In his early years, he worked as a businessman while studying, and experienced many hardships. At the age of 18, he passed the examination for a scholar. After that, he went to Nanjing Yingtianfu to take the provincial examination six times, but failed the first five times.

When he was almost in despair, he received financial support from Cheng Jue, a wood merchant in Xiuning County, and finally in 1561 he passed the imperial examination and ranked first in the Xinyou imperial examination, known as the Southern Expedition Jieyuan.

In the 1565th year of the Jiajing reign (), the -year-old Xu Guo went to Beijing for the second time to take part in the imperial examination and ranked th among the third class of Jinshi.

Xu Guo had close ties with Huizhou merchants, so it was easy for him to find a way to get close to Hu Zongxian, who also had close ties with Huizhou merchants. It was said that Xu Guo was recommended by Hu Zongxian to be Huo Ji's clerk.

Relatively speaking, we are all family.

Pan Yinglong glanced at his own historian Shen Wanxiang and said nothing.

To be honest, everyone has guessed that the emperor will take this opportunity to reorganize the officials, and undercurrents are surging in the court.

The emperor also informed the leaders of various forces early on, and his intention was very simple.

You factions should quickly coordinate among yourselves and tell me in private what demands you have. I will weigh the pros and cons and consider it carefully.

How to coordinate within factions?

Ordering the historians to communicate privately is a very important step.

It is normal for Shen Wanxiang and Xu Guo to communicate privately.

They first get to know each other clearly, and then the big guys come out for formal negotiations, put forward their demands, bargain, and the faction leaders then mediate.

After we have discussed it internally, we will then tell the Emperor.

If it's still like before, with everyone fighting for their own interests like dogs fighting for food in court meetings, the Emperor won't give you anything.

Hu Zongxian was originally the undisputed leader of the New Party, but after he suffered a stroke, everyone recognized Tan Lun as the leader.

However, as the bigwigs gradually grew older, the new generation of backbone forces of the New Party united around Wang Yi'e and Pan Yinglong respectively, forming two major factions.

The Wang faction had very close relations with the military and nobles, and everyone believed that Wang Yi'e was the best candidate to replace Hu Zongxian and Tan Lun in the future.

The Pan faction has very close relations with the Shaofujian and the industrial and commercial industrial groups.

Everyone believes that Pan Yinglong may rule the cabinet in the future.

But nothing is certain now, so those who need to fight should roll up their sleeves and fight for it.

This time, there was both fighting and unity within the New Party during the reshuffle of all officials. After all, there was still Tan Lun at the top to put pressure on them. Several older generation bosses, including middle generation bosses Wang Yi'e and Pan Yinglong, did not boycott or grudge each other.

"Chizuru, please continue."

"Prefect, I have carefully considered Xu Weizhen's words and feel that Fang Tianguan has the greatest chance of succeeding Mr. Huo. In this case, the position of Minister of Personnel will be vacant, right?
So I wonder if the emperor will let Wang Du take over as the official in the Ministry of Personnel?"

"Impossible!" Pan Yinglong said firmly.

"why?"

Pan Yinglong turned to look at Nangong Ye, pointed at Shen Wanxiang and said, "Nangong, Qianhe is at least half of your student, you should enlighten him."

Nangong Ye smiled and said, "Okay. When Lord Hai takes charge of the Censorate, everyone knows what's going on. Everyone knows what kind of temper Lord Hai has.

"Previously, Prime Minister Zhang's performance evaluation system was just to set rules for all officials. From now on, when Lord Hai takes charge of the Imperial Censorate, he will hold a steel whip and an iron hammer in his hand to make all officials abide by the rules."

image!

Thinking of Hai Rui's dark face, Shen Wanxiang, who had a clear conscience, shuddered in his heart.

"If Wang Yi'e becomes the Minister of Personnel again, it will really leave no way out for the officials of the Ming Dynasty."

Hai Rui would not tolerate any grain of sand in his eyes, but Wang Yi'e really dared to kill people.

One of these two people was responsible for monitoring the officials and correcting official discipline; the other was responsible for evaluating the officials and promoting and demoting them. For the officials of the Ming Dynasty, it was like the Black and White Impermanence coming to their doorstep.

One is in front, holding a magnifying glass to find faults; the other is in the back, holding a machete, and will cut it when he finds faults.

Officials are really going to have a hard time making a living!

It is neither the Longqing period nor the first year of the Wanli reign.

Today's Ming Dynasty official team, after many rounds of forging and tempering through the performance evaluation system and other systems, can be considered a qualified and usable team that can barely cope with the current economic and social development.

Asking Hai Rui to ascend the altar and suppress the evildoers in all directions is completely sufficient.

But if the killing god Wang Yi'e is also put in place, this team of officials that has been trained with great difficulty may be broken up.

Counterproductive!

After understanding this, Shen Wanxiang immediately guessed: "Wang Du will be the Minister of Justice."

Pan Yinglong and Nangong Ye nodded.

Shen Wanxiang asked again: "Who will the emperor let take over as the Minister of Personnel?"

Pan Yinglong and Nangong Ye smiled but said nothing. A clerk was reporting at the door.

"Your Excellency, the Minister of Public Security Zeng requests to see you."

"It's so late, what does Zeng Sanxing want to talk to me about?" Pan Yinglong was surprised for a moment, then said, "Please come in." Nangong Ye also called the servants to clean up the food on the table.

After a while, Zeng Shengwu was brought in.

After greeting each other, Zeng Xingwu glanced at Nangong Ye and Shen Wanxiang and said, "Prefect Pan, Prime Minister Zhang asked me to bring you a message."

Pan Yinglong casually pointed his right hand at Gong Ye and Shen Wanxiang, "Brother Sansheng, please feel free to speak."

Since you don't mind, then I don't mind either.

"Prefect Pan, Prime Minister Zhang said that he fully supports you to be the Minister of Personnel."

Pan Yinglong was stunned.

Nangong Ye and Shen Wanxiang were also stunned.

Although the post of Minister of Personnel was definitely decided by the emperor, Zhang Juzheng, as the prime minister, strongly opposed it, so the matter was difficult to handle.

No matter what, the Ministry of Personnel is always one of the six ministries of the cabinet, and the prime minister has the final say.

Zhang Juzheng's statement meant that Pan Yinglong's appointment as the Minister of Personnel had removed the biggest obstacle, which was definitely good news.

But why did Zhang Juzheng do this?
Pan Yinglong's eyes swept across Zeng Shengwu's face several times, and suddenly a light bulb went off in his mind, and he realized something.

"This is a great opportunity. Where did Prime Minister Zhang arrange for Brother Sansheng to go?"

On the way to Shuntian Prefecture, Zeng Shengwu also figured out his teacher Zhang Juzheng's thoughts.

Jiangsu is the New Party's sphere of influence and the base of the New Party's Pan faction. If he wants to work steadily and achieve results as the governor of Jiangsu, he must gain their support.

That's why the teacher sent me to show goodwill to Pan Yinglong.

I support you to become the Minister of Personnel. My student is currently serving in Jiangsu. Please take good care of him!
After figuring this out, Zeng Xingwu answered Pan Yinglong's question without hesitation: "Master wants me to go to Jiangsu to gain experience as a governor."

Pan Yinglong's eyes flickered, and after thinking for a while, he decided to speak directly to Zeng Shengwu.

"Brother Sanxing, I suggest that when you return, you discuss with Prime Minister Zhang and decide whether to apply for the post of governor of Hunan instead."

Zeng Xingwu's eyes shone, "Pan Fu Yin, why do you say that?"

"Zhang Xiang and San Xing brothers opened their hearts to me, and I didn't hide anything. Someone wants to transfer Wu Ruzhong, the Shaoyin of Yingtian Prefecture, to the post of Jiangsu governor."

Wu Ruzhong, Shaoyin of Yingtian Prefecture?

Isn’t he Wu Cheng’en, ​​the chief secretary when Wang Yi’e was the governor of the grain transport system?

Zeng Shengwu was very indignant.

In his mind, the Governor of Hunan and the Governor of Jiangsu are completely different levels, and their future prospects are also very different.

Originally, he had received the promise from his teacher Zhang Juzheng to be recommended as the governor of Jiangsu Province, and was full of confidence. However, he was hit on the head by Pan Yinglong with a stick, leaving him dizzy.

Why should it be given to that old man Wu Chengen?

How am I worse than him?

Seeing Zeng Shengwu panicking, Pan Yinglong quickly advised, "Brother Sansheng, you should go back and tell Zhang Xiang. Once he hears this, he will understand the whole story."

Zeng Xingwu forced a smile and said, "Then I'll take my leave."

After saying that, he left in a hurry.

Pan Yinglong could not help but shook his head: "Taiyue Gong was busy with state affairs, working day and night, and was exhausted, so he neglected the teachings of the successor.

Zeng Sanxing, his favorite student, was not a very good choice. "

Nangong Ye smiled and said, "Yes, they are far from the same level. But in Zhang Xiang's school, the inheritance between teacher and student is the same. They pay too much attention to power and schemes, and ignore their determination."

Pan Yinglong and Shen Wanxiang looked at him in unison.

Nangong, you are so bold!
Isn't what you mean to say that starting from Xu Jie, Zhang Xiang's school of thought is not upright?
Although there was an ambitious and eccentric person like Zhang Juzheng, he learned all the political tactics from Xu Jie. Otherwise, he would not have been able to control all the officials so well that they would dare not speak out and then be driven to implement the new policies.

Sometimes we focus too much on power and intrigue, and other things are easily overlooked.

Pan Yinglong did not want to say more on this topic, and said, "The emperor asked me about my opinion on the candidate for the successor to Shuntian Prefecture.

According to the emperor's intention, he wants Wu Junze (Wu Dui) from the Honglu Temple to take over as the prefect of Shuntian Prefecture, and let you, Nangong, serve as the Shao Yin."

This is expected.

Anyway, Nangong Ye’s special status is there, no matter who becomes the governor of Shuntian Prefecture, they will respect him, so he seems to be indifferent.

"Wu Junze is a capable official. Fengwu, I believe he can continue to implement your plan to transform the capital, and even do a better job."

Pan Yinglong nodded and said, "The plan I formulated for the transformation of the capital is based on a ten-year period. We have been working on it for nearly five years and have completed the basic work. The rest is even more difficult and tedious.

However, this plan has been approved by the cabinet and the emperor. If it is done well, it will be a great political achievement. Wu Junze must also be aware of the importance of it, so Nangong does not need to worry. "

Nangong Ye smiled, "What am I worried about? I'm worried about Qianhe. He has been with you for three or four years. It's time for him to be sent out and have a good job.

Li Ziming, a classmate of Qianhe in the second year of the Longqing reign, was recommended by the prince to be exiled to Yunnan, where he served as the councilor of the Ministry of Revenue and the governor of Kunming.

Wang Mingshou (Wang Yongji) was exiled to Hubei by Lord Zhuo Wu, where he served as the Tongzhi of Wuchang County and the Dean of General Affairs of Jiajing University.

Chen Yuanzhong (Chen Yubei) was exiled to Sichuan by Duke Dazhou to gain experience under Duke Shiting (Yin Zhengmao).

Zhao Rumai (Zhao Zhigao) was exiled to Henan by Shui Liangong (Pan Sheng) and served as the Tongzhi of Luoyang County.

Feng Wu, where have you decided to send Qian He out?"

Pan Yinglong laughed, "I've already thought about it. Qianhe will follow Zhang Ziyu south to Jinghai to help him manage the food and grass."

"Zhang Ziyu, Zhang Xueyan?"

"Yes, that's him."

Zhang Xueyan was not only Zhang Juzheng's chief cabinet secretary, but also had a special relationship with Wang Yi'e. Why was he helping Pan Fengwu train his secretaries now?

I can’t understand it, I really can’t understand it!

No wonder my career is more difficult than Pan Yinglong and Wang Yi'e's.

Nangong Ye let out a long sigh, feeling indescribably sad.

Zeng Shengwu hurried back to the Cabinet's Affairs Hall, where Zhang Juzheng was still reviewing documents.

After hearing Zeng Xingwu's words, Zhang Juzheng couldn't help but frown. But what worried him even more was Zeng Xingwu's panic-stricken look.

It’s not easy to find a good successor!
Unfortunately, he was busy with state affairs and focused on implementing the Wanli New Deal, so he had no time to look after other things. As a result, all the good talents were snatched away by them.

Just make do with it.

Zeng Shengwu did not notice the subtle changes in Zhang Juzheng's expression. He was now only concerned about knowing why his post as Jiangsu governor was gone.

He still had a little fantasy, hoping that after hearing what he had relayed about Pan Yinglong, the teacher would stand up and try his best to secure his position as the governor of Jiangsu.

But the teacher’s silence made Zeng Shengwu even more panicked.

Teacher, I am your most proud student and your successor!

You can't just sit there and do nothing!
Looking at Zeng Shengwu's sparkling eyes, Zhang Juzheng sighed softly. He had to teach the students he had chosen even if it meant crying.

He coughed lightly and said, "Pan Fengwu asked you to relay these words with good intentions."

(End of this chapter)