Volume 1: Rectifying the Chao Gang Chapter 15: Inquiring about Xu Pu
Within a few days, the first minister of the cabinet, Wan An, and the second minister of the cabinet, Yin Zhi, were laid off one after another, causing an uproar in the whole court. Many ministers privately discussed whether Liu Ji would be laid off. After all, three of the cabinet ministers and two of them had already returned home. If Liu Ji had not If something goes wrong, they have to go over quickly and curry favor to pave the way for their own future.
Zhu Youtang, the civil and military leader of the Manchu Dynasty, naturally understood in his heart that he had been sending people to reward Liu Ji these days, just to make all officials think that Liu Ji was deeply trusted by him and would be the next chief minister of the cabinet. If he dismissed Liu Ji again, there would be no way A suitable candidate may not be able to suppress the opinions of hundreds of officials. The officials of the Ming Dynasty were really powerful enough to compete with the Internet trolls of later generations.
In the immediate urgency, Zhu Youtang urgently needs a new force to rise to curb the pedantic scholars in the court and the inactive civil and military ministers. Zhu Youtang pulled out Xu Pu's inscriptions from the pile of memorials on the Long Case. These days Xu Pu has recommended many talents for himself since he became the Minister of Civil Affairs. Zhu Youtang was very satisfied that it was at least a hundred times better than the original "Six Ministers of Clay Sculpture"!
Thinking of this, Zhu Youtang shouted: "I have told you to tell Xu Pu, who is temporarily taking charge of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, to come to the palace."
At this time, Xu Pu was busy with the staff and heard the angel announcing his entry into the palace. Xu Pu felt a little uneasy. Since the last time he had the courage to impeach the chief minister of the cabinet, Wan An, for nine crimes, he had not seen the emperor for more than half a month. , what is the purpose of declaring him into the palace at this time? But it is certain that it is not a bad thing, otherwise His Majesty would not adopt his opinion and remove Wan An.
After entering Xinuan Pavilion, Xu Pu did not dare to raise his head to see Zhu Youtang. He just bowed respectfully and said: "Xu Pu, the left minister of the Ministry of Officials, comes to see your majesty."
"No gifts, just a seat."
When Zhu Youtang saw Xu Pu coming, he also sat up and took a closer look at the 17th chief minister of the Ming Dynasty's cabinet. Seeing that he had white beard on his temples and a kind face, his favorable impression increased a little.
"I heard recently that you have promoted many people in the civil service department, including your nephew Wu Yan. Is this related to this?"
"In reply to your majesty, since your majesty has asked me to temporarily take over the post of Minister of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, I have to take responsibility. The people I promoted are all outstanding talents of our Ming Dynasty. As for my nephew Wu Yan, he is indeed talented, and I am just doing it because of his talent. Applicable.”
Zhu Youtang nodded and asked: "Since Aiqing has promoted some capable people, why are those who committed some crimes arrested and imprisoned? Do you also try your best to rescue them?"
"It's not easy to cultivate a talent, and you can't just throw it away because of some minor mistakes. If you teach carefully and patiently, these people who have made mistakes will still be useful talents to Ming Dynasty if they correct themselves!"
Zhu Youtang saw Xu Pu's fluent answers and thought that he had indeed seen the right person. Xu Pu in history was someone who cared for talents and was an honest official."
Not only have Tatars invaded recently, but even Annan dared to send troops to invade the border. Annan is now Vietnam and has been China's territory since the Qin Dynasty. Although during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms, Wu Quan separatized Annan and broke away from the Southern Han Dynasty and gradually became independent. It has always been a vassal state of China. Mr. Yongle even sent Zhang Fu to lead his troops deep into Annan to eliminate the Hu family's regime and establish Jiaozhi. Although Ming Xuanzong Zhu Zhanji abolished the Chief Envoy of Jiaozhi, it still belonged to the Ming Dynasty after all. Little brother, now the little brother starts to beat the big brother, what's going on?
Zhu Youtang happened to ask Xu Pu about this matter: "Recently, Annan dared to invade the Ming Dynasty border. I want to send ministers to deal with it and teach Annan a lesson. What do you think?"
Xu Pu thought for a while and said: "I don't recommend it. If foreign countries invade, it is enough for the relevant yamen to issue orders and deal with it. There is no need for your majesty to send envoys personally. If Annan ignores it, in order to maintain the dignity of the emperor, your majesty will
It is necessary to send a large army to conquer a long distance, which is really a waste of people and money."
Zhu Youtang sighed and said: "After all, the national treasury is still in short supply. I have recently decided to disband the Beijing army, and the Ministry of War has submitted many objections. The British Duke Zhang Mao has been restricted in doing this, and he can't let go. I
I want to replace the governor to disarmament, but I don’t have a candidate in mind.”
When Xu Pu heard what Zhu Youtang meant, didn't this imply that he was recommending talents? It meant that the people he had promoted before were still recognized by Zhu Youtang. Otherwise, it would be such a big deal to abolish the Beijing camp and re-elect the governor, what would your majesty do?
I will ask myself.
When dismantling the Beijing Camp, one must recommend officials who are resolute and resolute. The kind of people who say one is one but not two. To put it bluntly, they have a single mind and work hard to the end.
Xu Pu replied directly without thinking: "I have a recommendation from someone who has a straightforward personality and is not afraid of powerful people. He is worthy of the important task of disarmament."
"Oh, is there anyone like this in Ming Dynasty?"
"Replying to Your Majesty, this man's name is Wang Shu. He previously served as the Minister of the Ministry of War and the Censor of the Left Deputy Capital in Nanjing. Now he is working as a farmer at home."
In fact, Zhu Youtang had already guessed that Xu Pu wanted to recommend Wang Shu. The reason why he asked deliberately was to get Xu Pu to say it himself. Even if he appoints Wang Shu in the future, he must let him understand that it was Xu Pu who gave you the position, so that Wang Shu would have his heart in mind.
I am grateful and help Xu Pu more in the court, so that Xu Pu will not be alone and weak, and it will be difficult for anyone in the court to listen to him.
Zhu Youtang smiled and said: "I have heard about this person you mentioned. Not long ago, he handed me a memorial. I think it was well written, and I have already ordered someone to summon him to Beijing. It turns out that
I still can't think of any official position to assign to this person. After hearing your recommendation, let him do the disarmament!"
Xu Pu is not stupid. He instantly understood the meaning behind Zhu Youtang's words. Wang Shu was called by me to help you. You recommended his official position. He will be very grateful to you.
"Your Majesty is wise!" Xu Pu replied, of course he had to thank Zhu Youtang for his kindness.
"Today I summoned you to the palace. In addition to asking you some trivial matters, there are also a few important things. Firstly, two ministers have left the cabinet, and it is urgent for new people to join the cabinet to assist the government. Secondly, I want you to discuss it.
This year’s fiscal budget and settlement of last year’s fiscal expenditures are, after all, the first year of “Hongzhi”.”
After listening to Zhu Youtang's words, Xu Pu felt a sense of joy in his heart. If it was not what he expected, he might have a place among the new cabinet ministers. And it seemed that there were others entering the palace today, not just himself.
.Some of the worries are because I am afraid that I am overthinking, or is there someone else among the ministers in the cabinet?
Seeing that Xu Pu was deep in thought, Zhu Youtang ignored him and let him think about it first. He turned around and asked the little eunuch next to him: "Why haven't Liu Ji, the minister in charge of the cabinet, and several other ministers come yet? Hurry up."
Let me remind you. These days, I have noticed that you are all around me. What is your name?"
As soon as Zhu Youtang asked him his name, the young eunuch quickly knelt down and replied: "In response to the emperor's words, the younger one's name is Li Guang!"
Chapter completed!