After reading through those files, Yang Ning discovered that the functions of the Dongchang had a distinctive feature. That is, all detective work was carried out around whether there was any harm to the court and whether there was rebellion. And the recorded information was also It revolves around this "focus of work". But there is not much useful information. Most of them are trivial things about the current vassals, civil and military officials in the court, and ordinary people, as well as some random guesses and conjectures.

Such a large, meticulous and efficient "secret agency" is doing such piecemeal work. It is a waste of resources. Yang Ning couldn't help but sigh in his heart. At the same time, he also secretly made up his mind: since he controls such a powerful force, .Then the Dongchang's organizational structure, functional focus, and investigation scope will have to be changed by himself. And its notorious image among the people will also be changed by his own hands.

In the secret room, he thought quietly for a long time. Yang Ning gradually formed a plan in his mind. He just waited for it to be implemented step by step in the future.

...

On the 11th day of the first lunar month of the first year of Wanli, Zhang Juzheng, the chief minister of the Imperial Cabinet of Emperor Wanli of the Ming Dynasty who succeeded to the throne, led the civil and military officials to jointly submit a proposal and issued a decree. The late emperor and his aunt, Chen, were honored as the "Empress Dowager Rensheng". .Living in Cining Palace; honoring the late emperor's noble concubine, and his biological mother Li as "Empress Dowager Cisheng". Living in Ciqing Palace. Because the emperor was young, the officials specially invited Empress Dowager Cisheng to temporarily stay in Qianqing Palace to give guidance to the new generation. Responsible for the emperor's affairs and taking care of the new emperor's daily life.

At the same time, Emperor Wanli issued a special decree granting amnesty to the whole country. As a result, a group of elderly eunuchs and elderly palace maids in the palace were allowed to be released from the palace. A group of criminals with relatively minor crimes in prisons in various prefectures and counties were also pardoned. At the same time, Congratulations to the new emperor on his accession to the throne and the conferment of the two queen mothers on the throne. The whole world celebrates.

As a rule, when a new emperor succeeds to the throne, he must issue an edict of amnesty to the world. But at the same time, the Jin Dynasty granted two empress dowagers. This set a precedent since the beginning of the Ming Dynasty. It naturally violated the ancestral system. It stands to reason that there should be civil and military officials. They will try their best to oppose it. But now the former chief minister of the cabinet has just been forced to serve by Concubine Li in a thunderous way. Thinking of Gao Gong's opposition to this matter before, people with discerning eyes still don't understand the reason. Who will touch this bad luck again? .

Therefore, as soon as the imperial edict was issued, all the civil and military officials immediately came forward to praise the new emperor's wisdom and filial piety. For a time, there was a flood of flattery. Even the dull and pedantic old ministers who did not change their past and sour Confucianism. The slightest wave of opposition was quickly submerged in a sea of ​​praise and praise.

The next day, Emperor Wanli held a grand celebration ceremony for the promotion of the Queen Mother of the Two Palaces in Jianji Hall. All civil and military officials gathered together, all dressed in new clothes and beaming with joy. The scene was grand and lively. Empress Chen and Li The two principal concubines, wearing phoenix crowns and harems, sat on the dragon and phoenix golden thrones, one on the left and the other on the right. They were also very happy. It is conceivable that Concubine Li was happy. But Queen Chen's joy was also intentional. He did not feel angry or annoyed because Concubine Li was promoted to the title of Empress Dowager at the same time as him.

In fact, since Longqing passed away and Wanli succeeded to the throne, Empress Chen has immediately realized that her status has declined. Although she has loved Wanli very much since she was a child, and Wanli is also very close to her. But in any case, Concubine Li is Wanli's biological mother after all. .In addition, Concubine Li has always been strong. After Wanli ascended the throne, Concubine Li naturally followed the rising tide. But she was always in a relationship. The loss in her heart must be inevitable.

But what kind of person is Li Guifei? She has obviously thought of this. Therefore, in the days since Long Qing's death, Li Guifei has not treated Empress Chen any differently. On the contrary, she has become more respectful to Empress Chen. Not only is there something wrong He always consulted her when he had nothing to do. He even told Wanli to go to the Yangsheng Hall to pay his respects every day. He also made sure to go there after the morning court.

These actions of Concubine Li made Empress Chen feel warm in her heart. She became even closer to Concubine Li. At first, rumors spread that Concubine Li also wanted to be promoted to Queen Mother. Before Concubine Li could speak, Empress Chen had already taken the initiative to mention it. She expressed her strong support for this matter and actively made suggestions. Even when the matter was opposed by Gao Gong of the cabinet, she also expressed her strong indignation, which made Concubine Li on the side look a little embarrassed.

After the grand and complicated celebration, Concubine Li... no, should be said to be "Queen Mother Li" now, summoned Zhang Juzheng, Feng Bao, and Yang Ning to the East Nuan Pavilion of Qianqing Palace to discuss matters.

The two newly-minted queen mothers did not take off their makeup, and each wore a dazzling and luxurious costume of the queen mother. They showed their grace and luxury. Especially the queen mother Li. She was even more elegant, bright and incomparable.

Yang Ning and the other three people bowed according to the rules and met the two empress dowagers. They each expressed their congratulations. The two new empress dowagers were laughing and talking and looked very interested.

After the three of them were seated, Empress Dowager Li asked Zhang Juzheng, "Mr. Zhang, I don't know how the filling of the official positions vacated by those officials who followed Gao Gong and volunteered to serve is going. The candidates have already been selected."

Zhang Juzheng looked respectful, cupped his hands and replied: "The minister is about to report this matter to the two empress dowagers and the emperor. This time there are two first-rank ministers in the cabinet. The Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, the Minister of the Ministry of Hubu, and the Minister of General Affairs. There are also nearly ten first-, second-, third- and fourth-rank positions in the imperial court that are vacant, such as Zuo Shilang of the Ministry of Rites, Youdu Yushi of the Duchayuan, and Zuo Shaoqing of Dali Temple. And here is a list of officials drafted by the minister to fill the vacancies. Please contact the Queen Mother. The Emperor’s review.”

With that said, Zhang Juzheng took out a folding book from his sleeve. Qiu Deyong, who was standing aside, hurriedly stepped forward, took the folding book and sent it to Queen Mother Li.

Queen Mother Li frowned, but did not accept the offer. Instead, she glared at Qiu Deyong and scolded: "Do you understand the rules?"

Qiu Deyong shivered with fright. He immediately understood and hurriedly forwarded the fold to the Empress Dowager Chen. The Empress Dowager Chen smiled slightly and said to Empress Dowager Li: "What are the rules and regulations? You also know that I have always been too lazy to worry about these things. Whenever there is a problem in the future, My sister and Jun'er have the final say on all important matters in the court. Don't make things difficult for my frail and sickly body. Besides, even if you let me see it, my sister won't know whose name is who."

Hearing what Empress Dowager Chen said, Empress Dowager Li smiled and said: "Sister, please don't say that. I see that my sister looks much better in the past two days. In the future, I will have to worry more. How can I worry about these troubles alone?" .”

"Okay, okay. Sister, I'll do whatever you want. Alas, you can't bear to see my sister worry about it." Empress Dowager Chen joked. Then she urged: "You'd better read the information quickly. Don't delay the business."

Taking the fold from Qiu Deyong, Queen Mother Li opened it and took a closer look. Yang Ning noticed that Concubine Li had just opened the fold and took a first look at it. Her expression was startled. She raised her eyes slightly, as if she was looking towards her. After taking a glance, Yang Ning was puzzled. She subconsciously looked at Zhang Juzheng. She saw Zhang Juzheng sitting quietly, with a calm look on his face.

Queen Mother Li read the booklet and handed it to Wanli who was standing aside. Wanli opened it and started reading.

After Wan Li had finished reading, Queen Mother Li pondered for a moment. Her eyes seemed to glance at Yang Ning very quickly, and then she said to Zhang Juzheng: "This is the list of candidates. It's nothing else. It's just..."

Empress Dowager Li paused. Zhang Juzheng hurriedly stood up and bowed and said: "The candidates for filling the vacancies in this list are all choices made impartially by the ministers based on their character, ability and other aspects. There is only one choice among them. The transfer of Wang Guoguang, the Minister of the Ministry of Punishment, to the Minister of the Ministry of Hubu... I think both the Queen Mother and the Emperor knew that this Wang Guoguang was Wei Chen's future in-law. However, Wei Chen felt that the Ministry of Hu Bu was the most important among the six departments. Mr. Wang's ability was still Yes. As the saying goes, 'Don't avoid relatives when you are in charge'. I will be bold... Ah. If the Queen Mother and the Emperor feel that there is something wrong, I can think about it again..."

Queen Mother Li and Queen Mother Chen looked at each other. Just then they shook their heads and said with a smile: "Mr. Zhang, don't worry too much. This is not what the Ai family is referring to..."

Zhang Juzheng was stunned and said hesitantly: "What does the Queen Mother mean..."

"What the Ai family means is that the candidates for the six ministries and nine ministers recommended by Mr. Zhang are all suitable. It is just the proposal of 'addition to the cabinet' that the Ai family thinks is unnecessary."

Yang Ning's heart was moved. No wonder Queen Mother Li always looked at her intentionally or unintentionally after reading the brochure. But it turned out that Zhang Juzheng had asked himself to be added to the cabinet in the brochure. He had discussed this matter with Queen Mother Li two days ago. Unexpectedly, Zhang Juzheng asked Zhang Juzheng to add him to the cabinet. He is so cautious as an official. He made a suggestion to add cabinet ministers so quickly.

"Your Majesty, I am the only one in charge of the cabinet now. I really can't cope with it. Besides, this... this is not in line with the court rules." Zhang Juzheng explained.

Empress Dowager Li waved her hands and said: "Is there anything that is against the rules? These are extraordinary times. The Ai sisters are from women's families, and the emperor is young. Everything still requires a lot of work for Mr. Zhang. We will discuss the matter of increasing the cabinet later. Well, please take care of Mr. Zhang for now. Both the Yi family and the emperor absolutely trust Mr. Zhang."

"The Queen Mother..." Zhang Juzheng looked excited. He suddenly knelt down and bowed with tears in his eyes: "The two Queen Mothers and the Emperor have so much trust in Wei Chen. Wei Chen... Even if Wei Chen is ruined, he will definitely devote himself to death. And that’s it.”

Seeing that Empress Dowager Li was just a simple token of trust, it made the future generation of famous ministers so excited and showed their loyalty. Yang Ning couldn't help but sigh in his heart. This ancient scholar's concept of loyalty to the emperor and his master is really deep-rooted. If it were him, it would really be true. I no longer have this thought and awareness.

Yang Ning originally thought that this matter would be over. However, Zhang Juzheng thanked Wan'en, but still insisted on increasing the cabinet. He also told Empress Dowager Li a lot about the necessity of increasing the cabinet. If the official system of the imperial court must not be violated, he alone It was difficult to support the people alone, etc. In the end, Empress Dowager Li had no choice but to accept his recommendation. Yang Bo, a veteran minister who was transferred from the Ministry of War to the Ministry of Personnel, and Lu Tiaoyang, the Minister of Rites, were added to the cabinet. The two ministerial positions still held concurrently.
Chapter completed!