Ming politicians

Zhu Youjian made up his mind to replace the chief minister of the cabinet.

But he ran into a problem.

Zhu Youjian has always remembered the example given by Su Tiancheng. What the Ming court needed was a cabinet minister who could turn the tide, not a tinkering cabinet chief assistant. The current situation is that Shaanxi is undergoing some changes, but the cabinet is not interested in what is happening. This kind of change is very indifferent, even without a basic attitude. No one in the court is interested. Some people even think that the reform of Shaanxi is just nonsense. Anyway, the status of Shaanxi is not important. what a big deal.

If you want to promote reforms in Daming, the biggest difficulty will be in the south.

Most of the officials in the imperial court are from the south, and they each have considerable influence in their hometowns. Moreover, these officials pay great attention to safeguarding their own interests in their hometowns. In addition, the conditions in the south are good. Compared with the north, they are generally rich Some, this is also the main reason why many people don't care about reforms in Shaanxi.

The conditions in the north are worse. For example, Shaanxi, before Su Tiancheng left, was already at the end of its rope. The imperial court had not been able to collect taxes for many years, and it still needed to pay back money, otherwise some government offices would not be able to maintain it. Such a place, No one will care at all.

Whether it is the reform in Shaanxi, or the changes in Jiangning County and Henan Prefecture, none of them have attracted too much attention in the court, which has a direct relationship with the cabinet.

Zhu Youjian understood that if he wanted to carry out reforms in various parts of Ming Dynasty, or to make relevant preparations, he had to create a certain atmosphere, not to mention that officials who supported reforms had the upper hand, but at least such a force was needed.

Wenhua Palace's inquiry shocked Zhu Youjian, who felt the difficulty of reform.Sun Chengzong and Su Tiancheng undoubtedly belonged to the reformers, but they were impeached and even said to be rebellious. If they had no attitude and could not resolutely support them, it would be impossible for the Ming Dynasty to make great progress and development.

Zhu Youjian's talent is not so outstanding.He is not an excellent emperor, but his starting point is good. Since he took the throne, he has always thought of the development of the Ming Dynasty and the people's ability to live and work in peace and contentment. Over the years, he has relied on and trusted many ministers, and the result is often was disappointed.It wasn't until six years after Chongzhen that the situation slowly turned around, all because of the appearance of Su Tiancheng.

With such a precious change, Zhu Youjian of course wants to persevere and expand this unfortunate situation. Unfortunately, the pressure encountered is extraordinary, judging from the current situation.It is really inappropriate to implement some policies.

But replace the chief minister of the cabinet.Let Sun Chengzong, who insisted on reform, serve as the chief assistant of the cabinet, at least it can create a good atmosphere and prepare for future reforms.

Sun Chengzong already knew this meaning, but he wrote a memorial and resigned as the chief assistant of the cabinet.

The reason why he didn't serve as the chief assistant of the cabinet was because he was old.

This reason is also reasonable.But Zhu Youjian believes that this may not be the main reason.

After Sun Chengzong entered the Hall of Mental Cultivation, Zhu Youjian stood up and walked across to Sun Chengzong.

Sun Chengzong hurriedly prepared to kneel down and salute, but Zhu Youjian grabbed Sun Chengzong.

"Sun Aiqing. I have said many times that when you are old, you should not perform this kneeling ceremony. Unless it is the great court and the early court, the rest of the time, you will be exempted from this set of etiquette."

"I thank the emperor for his mercy."

"Sit down and talk. Today, there are only Aiqing and I in the Hall of Mental Cultivation. I have some things that I think are strange. I really want to hear Aiqing's explanation."

"If the emperor has any doubts, just ask, and the minister knows everything."

"The main problem is the chief assistant of the cabinet. I know that Wen Aiqing is also very good. Over the years, he has suffered a lot of grievances. In the court, some people scolded him, some people hated him. If you are not in charge, you don't know the price of firewood, rice, oil and salt. Wen Aiqing did it." There are many things, such as encountering the jealousy and hatred of some people. Therefore, some time ago, I was still a little hesitant, but this time, I was very sad. Wen Aiqing actually said such words. Knowing what's going on, I originally thought to let Aiqing take more charge of the cabinet affairs, it seems that Wen Aiqing may have an idea, so I did this."

"Your Majesty, I believe that Mr. Wen has indeed done a lot in these years to maintain the stability of the government. The Emperor does not need to keep those gossips in mind."

Zhu Youjian shook his head, took out a booklet from the imperial case, and handed it to Sun Chengzong.

"Look at this booklet and see what Wen Aiqing has done. I am not saying that middle officials cannot have contact with court ministers. It is impossible to cut off such contact. But doing things like this really chills my heart." ah."

Sun Chengzong picked up the memorial and looked at it carefully.

Looking at it, his face turned pale. Unexpectedly, Wen Tiren colluded with Cao Huachun secretly. This is not an ordinary thing. It is okay to describe it as treason.

Eunuchs are completely loyal to the emperor, they are the emperor's servants, the most taboo is to collude with the ministers of the court, Wen Tiren is the chief assistant of the cabinet, if it is because of the affairs of the court, what is the connection with Cao Huachun, or some connection with the great eunuch Wang Chengen , this is normal, as long as these connections can be made public.

But colluding secretly is not good for a certain minister. After the emperor knows about such things, he hates them deeply, although such things happen endlessly.

"Your majesty, I think that such things are not very credible. Mr. Wen has been the chief assistant of the cabinet for six years. If he had colluded with the middle officials, he would not have waited until now. As far as I know, In these years, Mr. Wen has never had much contact with the middle officials, even if it involves major affairs between the court and China, it is also coordinated by the rest of the cabinet. If Mr. Wen took the initiative to contact, I would not believe it."

"What Aiqing said is reasonable, and I don't believe it, but this matter is indeed true. I have not wronged Wen Aiqing. As for whether Wen Aiqing took the initiative to contact Cao Huachun, it is not very important. I think, During this period of time, Wen Aiqing thought too much, so much so that she did these things on her own accord."

"Your Majesty, I am here to intercede for Mr. Wen, and I implore the emperor not to punish Mr. Wen for the sake of Mr. Wen's work for the court for many years."

Zhu Youjian had a desolate look on his face.

"I won't do anything. This matter has made me think a lot. It's not the first time that such a thing has happened in the imperial court. I trust Wen Aiqing so much. What can I get? What's the matter?" , why can’t you tell me frankly and honestly, you always have to use tricks behind the scenes, but it’s counterproductive.”

After a moment of silence, Zhu Youjian spoke again.

"It's not easy in the imperial court. I know it all, but I have to rely on you dear ladies. Don't abandon me at such a moment."

Sun Chengzong stood up in a panic and knelt down in front of Zhu Youjian.

"Your Majesty, I don't dare to have such thoughts, I must do my best."

"Ai Qing stood up and spoke."

After watching Sun Chengzong stand up, Zhu Youjian spoke slowly.

"Aiqing strongly resigned from the position of chief assistant in the cabinet. I don't know if there are other ideas."

Sun Chengzong paused slightly.

"Your Majesty, I do have my own difficulties. Your Majesty thinks about the peace of the world, the prosperity of the country and the prosperity of the people. I see it in my eyes, so I dare not do my best. However, after I became the second assistant of the cabinet, everything I did was in line with that of my ancestors. The system is not very consistent, so I think that my image may be questioned by my colleagues in the court. Besides, if I become the chief assistant of the cabinet, my colleagues in the court will be a little flustered, thinking that there will be something big in the court. The action will even involve them. I think that my Ming Dynasty has not completely wiped out the bandits, and the Houjin is also eyeing it. Under such circumstances, the court needs to be stable. It's just these reasons, I can't say it directly. Therefore, I declined on the grounds of age."

Zhu Youjian was stunned for a while, and didn't speak for a long time.

After a long sigh, Zhu Youjian spoke.

"Aiqing's words are beyond my expectation. Aiqing has been in court for many years, and I have encountered many grievances before. I know all about it. Lovely Qing has never justified her. This resignation is also based on her age. The reason, I would rather be blamed by me, Ai Qing's loyalty, the sky can learn from it, please accept my worship."

When Zhu Youjian clasped his fists and checked his head, Sun Chengzong's face turned pale and his body shook a bit. Accepting the emperor's worship is not an ordinary honor.

When Sun Chengzong was about to kneel down again, he was stopped by Zhu Youjian.

"I know all about Aiqing's thoughts. When I ascended the throne, but when I was a weak crown, I suddenly encountered so many things, and I was also trembling. After these years, I figured it out. What should come will always come. Since In this way, it is better to meet these things earlier, Ai Qing, don't refuse, if the situation in Shaanxi is completely improved, I will consider the matter of abolishing the army of the guards in various parts of the Ming Dynasty. I already know that this is the case. The abolition of the guard army is not a simple abolition, it is related to people's livelihood and requires actions in all aspects, so the abolition of the guard army is an opportunity."

Sun Chengzong's throat moved, and finally he just said a word.

"Your Majesty trusts me, and I can only serve you after my death. Even though I am old, I still want to be strong and do my best."

"Okay, Aiqing has such determination, so I feel relieved. I think that the cabinet also needs to be adjusted. Liu Zongzhou, Huang Daozhou, Tang Shiji and others can all enter the cabinet. Over the years, the cabinet has never What changes, there are a lot of things to do now, and this adjustment is also necessary.” (To be continued..)