I was compiling the daily records during the Wanli reign

Chapter 65: Zhang Juzheng summoned to the Wenhua Palace, and Shen Ziheng of the Hanlin Academy was promoted

Wenhua Hall, in front of the throne.

Little Wanli sat up straight and said to Feng Bao beside him, "Please summon me, Prime Minister!"

soon.

Zhang Juzheng strode in.

The young Wanli glanced at the joint memorial of Shen Shixing and Wang Xijue and said, "Prime Minister, I think that the examination curriculum that Shen Xueshi and Wang Jijiu have prepared for me is very thoughtful and deserves a generous reward."

"Although my workload is heavy, it's not as arduous as the three ministers handling state affairs. However, I feel that my current weakness lies in the practical aspects of state affairs, not theoretical knowledge. Therefore, I also feel that this method is not feasible for the time being!"

"Your Majesty is wise!" Zhang Juzheng bowed.

Zhang Juzheng put the two memorials together, actually wanting to test the decision-making ability of the young Wanli.

If the young Wanli rejected this memorial on the grounds that "the schoolwork is very tiring", he would not be able to properly handle the resignation memorial of the Minister of Revenue Wang Guoguang.

Zhang Juzheng would scold the young Wanli and then teach him the correct method.

As an emperor, you cannot complain or feel tired, otherwise all your ministers will get used to it.

Today's schoolwork is hard and tiring.

How can he handle the larger and more complicated affairs of state in the future?

Zhang Juzheng was quite satisfied with the young Wanli's answer that "practical work is more important than schoolwork", and next he wanted to hear how he would deal with Wang Guoguang's resignation.

It was very difficult to find a good reason to keep Wang Guoguang.

……

immediately.

Young Wanli opened Wang Guoguang's resignation letter again.

"Prime Minister, I would like to approve the resignation letter from the Minister of Revenue Wang Guoguang." Little Wanli said.

Zhang Ju was a little surprised.

He gently stroked the long black beard that hung down to his abdomen and looked at the young Wanli, wanting to hear the reason.

The current Zhang Juzheng.

I really like the fact that little Wanli questioned his proposal.

Because this shows that young Wanli is thinking.

Although most of his questions were invalid, Zhang Juzheng was able to hear the problems of the young Wanli and then help him solve them.

This method is particularly helpful in training the young Wanli to handle the practical affairs of state.

Little Wanli glanced at Shen Nian and continued, "Just now, I asked Shen Jiantao."

"Since becoming Minister of Revenue in the fifth year of the Longqing reign, Minister Wang has resigned in July of the sixth year of the Longqing reign, in February, March, and December of the third year of the Wanli reign, and on the ninth day of this month, including today, for a total of six times. His reasons for resignation are mainly twofold: one is to return home to care for his elderly relatives, and the other is to retire due to old age."

The historian in charge of the daily records, in addition to recording notes, was also responsible for reading and compiling the memorials of the ministers, and including the content related to the young Wanli.

Therefore, the daily record officials were most clear about many of the matters reported by ministers.

It is normal for Shen Nian to be able to accurately state this information.

Little Wanli slowed down.

"Actually, I know that Minister Wang is too tired and has suffered too much humiliation. He deserves a break and is entitled to one. After all, he is over sixty years old. However, I do not want to force him to retire completely. I would like to wait for him to rest for a year or two, and then, if his health allows, I will re-employ him."

"Also, I understand that Minister Wang has completed the Wanli Accounting Records. This is a significant achievement and should be commended. What do you think, Prime Minister?"

Zhang Juzheng frowned slightly, looking hesitant.

As the purse of the Ming Dynasty, the Ministry of Revenue seemed to have money, grain and mines.

In fact, the Minister of Revenue was very aggrieved.

Everyone wants to grab money from this purse. No matter how much or how little is given, people will be accused of being partial and unfair. At the end of the year, when there is a deficit, there will be even more complaints!
The reason why Wang Guoguang was able to work in this position for five years was that he was capable and competent.

Especially since the implementation of the Performance Evaluation Law, every account has been calculated clearly and precisely, which has greatly reduced the pressure on the cabinet.

of course.

Zhang Juzheng also knew that Wang Guoguang and other department heads often argued and quarreled over the allocation of money and grain, and sometimes even fought, which made him very tired.

However, because he was so handy, Zhang Juzheng really wanted to keep Wang Guoguang.

Zhang Juzheng also had a backup plan.

However, the backup candidate he had in mind had a worse reputation and was also his fellow townsman and the same year, so it was not appropriate for him to recommend him.

He would only recommend a backup candidate unless Wang Guoguang was determined to leave and could not be retained.

Zhang Juzheng thought for a moment and said, "Your Majesty, I also think that Minister Wang should take a break, but there are no other suitable candidates at the moment. The performance evaluation system has shown initial success, and I am afraid that without Minister Wang, the Ministry of Revenue will face serious problems."

Little Wanli raised his head and said crisply, "Prime Minister, what do you think of Yin Zhengmao, the Minister of Finance of Nanjing?"

Zhang Juzheng was stunned.

The person mentioned by Xiao Wanli was the same person as the candidate he had in mind.

Yin Zhengmao, the current Minister of Revenue in Nanjing, is a fellow townsman and the same age as Zhang Juzheng, and they have a very close friendship.

Although Yin Zhengmao was a civil servant, he had outstanding military talent. However, he had one biggest problem: greed.

Notoriously greedy.

If the current Ming Dynasty really investigates corrupt officials according to the standards used during the founding period of Zhu Yuanzhang.

When the regular court is in session, arrest five people in the Huangji Palace with your eyes closed. It is likely that all five of them are corrupt officials.

It is tacitly allowed for officials today to collect some regular fees and make some gray income.

After all, the salary is too low and the treatment is too poor.

But Yin Zhengmao is different.

When he was a local official, he was impeached by the censors for embezzling taxes from the people. When he joined the army, he was impeached by the censors for embezzling soldiers' pay.

He is greedy wherever he goes and has a very bad reputation.

But this man was very talented in military affairs and could always make up for his sins with his merits.

In the fourth year of Longqing's reign, Guangdong and Guangxi rebelled. Gao Gong, the then Prime Minister, sent several people to suppress the rebellion, but all returned without success.

Finally, Zhang Juzheng recommended Yin Zhengmao to Gao Gong.

At that time, many officials opposed it, believing that this man was too greedy. If he were a military commander, he would definitely be greedy for military pay. If his words were used, a head of the Ministry of Revenue must be sent to follow him.

Gao Gong had no one else to use, so he said something that made Yin Zhengmao greedy and famous.

The gist of the argument is: If one million taels of silver were allocated to Yin Zhengmao, even if he embezzled half, it would still be enough to quell the rebellion; if an honest official were sent, he might not embezzle even a tael, but he would still be incapable of getting anything done, and the court might spend millions more taels, still failing to solve the problem. (This quote is from "Those Things About the Ming Dynasty")
Then, Yin Zhengmao put down the rebellion in just a few months and returned victoriously.

Later, when Zhang Juzheng became the chief minister, because Yin Zhengmaoyi was impeached many times, he was transferred to Nanjing for semi-retirement and became the Minister of Revenue in Nanjing.

But unexpectedly, Yin Zhengmao did quite well.

"May I ask, Your Majesty, why did you choose Yin Yangshi (Yin Zhengmao, courtesy name Yangshi)? His reputation is not very good!"

Zhang Juzheng smiled helplessly.

The young Wanli replied, "The Prime Minister once said: 'We should focus on the long term and employ people based on their strengths.' I think Yin Zhengmao has done a good job at the Nanjing Ministry of Revenue, and his temper makes him more likely to control the court's purse strings. He's worth a try."

"Of course, if he still dares to embezzle money under my nose and under the command of the Prime Minister, it will not be as simple as dismissal!" The young Wanli's tone became stern.

Young Wanli was influenced by Feng Bao and felt that corrupt officials were the easiest to deal with.

After it is used up, if corruption is confirmed, the property will be confiscated directly.

The money still belongs to his Zhu family.

"I have no objection!" Zhang Juzheng said with joy.

If he recommended him, there would definitely be officials who would oppose him, but if the young Wanli appointed him personally, it would be legitimate.

The current Ministry of Revenue really needs Yin Zhengmao, a catfish, to stir up some trouble. If he dares to continue to embezzle money in front of the emperor and under the supervision of countless censors, he will be courting his own death!

At this moment, Zhang Juzheng was very pleased. The young Wanli thought exactly as he did, and had obviously done his homework privately, investigating Yin Zhengmao and other officials who were qualified to be promoted to the Minister of Revenue.

This hard work deserves recognition.

Even though Feng Bao and Shen Nian gave the young Wanli some advice, Zhang Juzheng was still happy.

Because little Wanli was walking in the direction he expected, and was getting straighter and straighter.

At this time.

Little Wanli said again: "Prince, although the new policy is important, you should also pay attention to rest and don't hurt your body!"

"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I will take good care of my health!"

Hearing this, Zhang Juzheng felt as if he were suddenly standing in front of a cool ice jar in the scorching heat of June, or suddenly wearing a mink cloak in the freezing cold of winter.

He was very happy and murmured in his heart: Your Majesty has grown up, Your Majesty has grown up, I have taught you well!

Afterwards, Zhang Juzheng withdrew.

A smile appeared on Shen Nian's face. Reading the memorials from officials frequently was indeed useful.

He completely guessed Zhang Juzheng's thoughts.

Shen Nian taught the young emperor not to complain, to focus on the practical affairs of state, and to choose a suitable candidate for the position of Shangshu, all of which was in line with Zhang Juzheng's expectations.

As for the sweet words that little Wanli said later, he just improvised.

Shen Nian's help to young Wanli was not out of selfish motives.

He saw that Zhang Juzheng's habitual way of teaching the young Wanli was to let the young Wanli make mistakes first, and then correct him, with all words of criticism and scolding, and he always placed great expectations of being a "king like Yao and Shun" on the young Wanli.

How could a young boy bear this?
If this continues, the young Wanli would be trembling with fear every time he was summoned to an audience, and would not dare to think at all, and would even hate political affairs.

Shen Nian's move was intended to cultivate the young Wanli's favor towards the government and make him more confident so that he would be more reliable after taking power.

……

In the afternoon, inside the Ministry of Revenue.

When the Minister of Revenue Wang Guoguang saw the big red word "准" on the resignation letter, his eyes reddened and he cried with joy.

He bowed five times and kowtowed three times toward the Forbidden City, shouting, "Your Majesty is wise! Your Majesty is wise! Your Majesty is wise!"

It is very difficult for an official of his level to retire.

He is tired.

He felt that if he continued, he might die in office.

Now, I am finally free.

Immediately, he ordered people to organize the "Wanli Accounting Records", which was expected to be completed before the end of the month, and then he would be able to return home.

……

It was dusk that day.

Shen Nian wrote in his diary: "On February 15th, Prime Minister Zhang Juzheng summoned me to the Wenhua Hall... to discuss the resignation of Minister of Revenue Wang Guoguang. The emperor said: 'Approve it. Appoint someone with experience. Nanjing Minister of Revenue Yin Zhengmao can be appointed to replace him.'"

……

At the end of February, the weather gradually warms up and everything gradually comes back to life.

The city of Beijing became more prosperous and bustling as merchants began to flow in in large numbers again.

Memorials from all over the two capitals and thirteen provinces of the Ming Dynasty were constantly sent to the capital by post soldiers, and almost every day there were matters that needed to be reported to the cabinet or handled by the cabinet.

Big and small, a myriad of things.

For example: an earthquake struck Jiliao, drying up the Luan River; Nanjing Minister of Rites Pan Sheng was transferred to Nanjing Minister of Personnel; Shaanxi Provincial Censor Geng Mingshi requested to return home due to illness; Huangmei County Juren Qu Jiusi and Student Zhou Gu beat up the local magistrate Zhang Weihan...

At that time, only Zhang Juzheng could handle such complicated government affairs in an orderly manner.

……

March 1st, afternoon.

Inside the Hanlin Academy, the grass and trees began to turn green.

Review Hall.

Shen Nian was sitting at the table, reading recent memorials.

Xu Lang, the director of the Ministry of Personnel's Wenxuan Qingli Division, strode in, followed by a clerk holding a tray covered with a red cloth.

The Wenxuan Qingli Division was mainly responsible for the appointment, dismissal, transfer, reward and punishment of officials.

The clerk behind was holding a red cloth tray, which must have contained the appointment documents and official seals.

This means that someone in the Review Office is going to be promoted.

Swish!
Wang Zudi, Zhao Yongxian, Liu Chuxian, and Liu Kezhen all looked at Shen Nian at the same time.

Based on Shen Nian's performance in lectures in Japan, he should have been promoted as an exception long ago.

Xu Lang strode up to Shen Nian and said with a smile, "Reviewer Shen, recommended by Minister Ma and Academician Shen, reviewed by the Ministry of Personnel, and approved by the Cabinet, your performance in the exams is excellent and your daily lectures are excellent. Effective immediately, I will be promoted to the position of Hanlin Editor."

"Here are the appointment documents and official seals. You can go to the Ministry of Rites to get your new official uniform and crown and sash. I hope Editor Shen will continue to do his best for the country and help the emperor!"

"Shen Nian thanks the court for its great grace. I will do my duty conscientiously and will never slack off!" Shen Nian took the appointment document and official seal.

At this moment, he was promoted from the seventh rank to the regular seventh rank.

Officials of his rank, after receiving notice of promotion, usually go to the Ministry of Personnel to collect relevant documents.

Xu Lang, a sixth-rank official in the Ministry of Personnel's Wenxuan Qingli Division, personally delivered it to him, which shows how much importance he holds in his hands.

"Master Xu, thank you for your hard work!" Shen Nian said with a smile.

"It's my job, it's my job!"

……

After Xu Lang exchanged a few words with Shen Nian, he left the review room.

Wang Zudi, Zhao Yongxian, Liu Chuxian, and Liu Kezhen all stood up and gathered around Shen Nian's table.

They were envious, but knew that this was what Shen Nian deserved.

According to Shen Nian's performance.

They were not surprised even if he was promoted to the sixth rank editor.

In the future, Shen Nian might sit in the Bachelor's Hall or even the cabinet duty room.

After all, he was only twenty-six years old.

"Brother Ziheng, congratulations. I am very proud to work with you. Don't forget your original intention!" Wang Zudi said with a smile.

Zhao Yongxian gently hit Shen Nian on the shoulder and said, "Keep moving forward. I know you can do greater things for the country!"

"Ziheng, when I praise you to outsiders in the future, I can't use Shen Ziheng from our Review Office, but Shen Ziheng from our Hanlin Academy!" Liu Chuxian said.

Liu Kezhen looked reluctant.

"Brother Ziheng, I really don't want you to leave!"

After saying that, Liu Kezhen's eyes turned red. He was most grateful to Shen Nian. Without Shen Nian's help, he might have been exiled.

"My four brothers, what are you doing? It's as if I'm going on a long journey!"

"I'll just turn right and move to the house next door. We can still eat together, drink tea together, and drink wine together. It's only two steps away. We'll definitely see each other every day. It won't be considered a farewell!"

"Ha ha ha ha……"

Hearing this, the four of them couldn't help but laugh out loud.

But there was a hint of sadness in the laughter.

It seemed that the distance was less than twenty steps, but if they changed halls, they would no longer be able to benefit from Shen Nian's influence.

(End of this chapter)