In the sixth year of Longqing's reign, it was early morning on the third day of June.
…
Before dawn, Gao Yi set out from home and headed for the imperial city.
I bought two scallion pancakes on the roadside and ate them while walking.
It’s not that I don’t have time to make breakfast at home, it’s just that I really don’t have the heart and appetite today.
Yesterday, people from the palace came and gave him a lot of daily necessities for no apparent reason, as well as a few taels of silver as supplements, leaving him confused.
After asking, I found out that it was the Crown Prince and Concubine Li who were asking for grace.
The eunuch's original words were: "Prince Deyin said that your husband has benefited me a lot. How can I bear to see your husband in embarrassment? So the noble concubine obeyed."
He was caught off guard for a moment and stood stunned on the spot.
Gao Yi is different from Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng. He is a traditional scholar, or in other words, he retains part of the temperament of an old-fashioned scholar-bureaucrat.
His behavior is just dissatisfaction with the status quo, and it does not mean that he does not recognize traditional etiquette.
On the contrary, it is precisely because today's world cannot satisfy his yearning for traditional etiquette that he becomes a good old man who just gets by.
It is said that the king treats his subjects like grass and grass, and his subjects treat the king like bandits.
Just as Taizu regarded the scholar-bureaucrats as nothing, Gao Yi also lost trust in the emperor of the old Zhu family because of his attitude towards civil servants.
Not to mention that the Emperor Shizong he served was selfish and excessive, always blaming others; the late emperor indulged in lust and was too lazy to care about government affairs.
How can I get his approval?
But the Crown Prince...he actually focused on his family background, and actually treated him like a disciple and a king and father!
This gift of teacher and student, this intention of being a king and father, in a trance, aroused Gaoyi's long-hidden love of licking the calf and the heart of loyalty to the king.
Scholar-officials should know that if a king treats his ministers like his hands and feet, then his ministers will treat him like his heart and soul!
However, he hesitated.
Is this Concubine Li using the name of the Crown Prince?
Or received guidance from someone?
Even taking a step back, even if the crown prince has this intention, will he have other desires and treat him with a Machiavellian mentality?
But Gao Yi still couldn't help but have a vague expectation in his heart.
Entrusting an orphan to assist the government, the king, the father, the teacher and the students, such a wonderful story, which scholar-officials would not yearn for it. Who would not be moved by the example of Zhuge Wuhou?
Random thoughts and complicated moods kept Gao Yi awake almost all night.
Today is the third day of the Lunar New Year, and every third, sixth, and ninth day is the day when the prince visits the court, so there is no need to talk about it every day. This makes Gao Yi a little disappointed, but at the same time he breathes a sigh of relief.
It was self-evident that he was disappointed, but he was relieved because he really didn't know how to face the crown prince now.
Yesterday, he was entrusted by someone to modify the Japanese sermon. At this time, he felt really uneasy.
Gao Yi kept thinking, walking on the street in a daze.
All yamen are a little bit awkward. Although it is a little later than the early morning, it is still the same.
One after another, court officials wearing official uniforms of different colors gathered in the imperial city.
As a cabinet minister, Gao Yi has a good reputation, so when he meets people on the road, he naturally greets and reciprocates them.
"Mr. Ge."
"Old Gaoge."
"Mr. Ge."
Along the way, people kept bowing their hands and saluting him, making his face almost freeze with laughter, which also made him stop his thoughts.
"Mr. Ge, why don't you get on the sedan and go with us?" A voice came from behind.
Gao Yi turned around and saw a large sedan with six carriages. An old man and a young man inside opened the sedan curtain and greeted him.
When he saw their faces clearly, he remembered that they seemed to be Zhu Xixiao from Duke Chengguo's house, and Jiang Keqian from Uncle Yutian's house.
Oh...Honey, that's okay.
Finally, Gao Yi no longer had to smile back, and turned his head as if seeing the air.
I feel helpless, thinking who is Gao Yi, and even noble people come to get close to him? Do you really think that even a noble man can become Zhu Xizhong?
He didn't take it to heart and walked away.
When they arrived at the imperial city, Gao Yi was stopped again.
"Zixiang, why don't you look so good?"
Gao Yi turned his face and saw that it was Zhang Juzheng, who was walking hand in hand with Lu Tiaoyang, the Minister of Rites.
Lu Tiaoyang followed suit and said, "Mr. Ge."
Gao Yi didn't dare to ask for help, so he quickly returned the gift: "Lv Shangshu, Zuo Kui."
Zhang Juzheng was the second assistant, and Gao Yi came face to face and called Zuo Kui, which means Zuo Xiang, to show respect.
After returning the gift, he smiled bitterly and said: "I'm old. Yesterday, the palace sent fresh bamboo shoots. I ate them all to satisfy my appetite. After eating, I felt bloated and uncomfortable, so I went to bed a little late."
Lu Tiaoyang was amused by him, stroking his beard and laughing: "It's a good thing that Mr. Ge has such an appetite. Unlike me, my teeth are loose and I can't eat even if I want to."
Gao Yi is humble and easy-going, and has a good relationship with court officials.
Zhang Juzheng also said: "Zixiang, just in time, He Qing and I are talking about the crown prince's enthronement ceremony. Come and pay a visit."
Heqing is the cousin of Lu Tiaoyang.
The enthronement ceremony refers to the etiquette, rituals, candidates for various matters, etc. used when ascending the throne.
The three of them walked together, Zhang Juzheng Gaoyi was in front, and Lu Tiaoyang felt half a step behind.
Gao Yi asked: "When will the third persuasion to enter Ding be?"
Zhang Juzheng replied: "The two palaces just approved the memorial yesterday, and it is scheduled to be promoted again on the sixth day of the lunar month. After the crown prince accepted it, he ascended the throne on the tenth day of the lunar month."
Gao Yi pondered for a moment and said: "The country is not at peace, so it is time for him to succeed to the throne."
The day of filial piety in Tianjia often uses the day to represent the month, or the month to represent the year.
Zhu Yijun's period of filial piety was on the twenty-seventh day. The day of the death of the late emperor was on the tenth day of the lunar month. It only lasted ten days, so he naturally succeeded to the throne before his death.
As the Minister of Rites, Lu Tiaoyang had the heaviest burden at this time. He couldn't help but sigh: "The funeral and the enthronement ceremony are not difficult, but the budget of the Ministry of Revenue is tight, and the two palaces are unreasonable."
Gao Yi nodded, this is also the benefit of the cabinet being in power, women can't always defeat the collective decisions of civil servants.
You know, when the late emperor was still alive, he always asked for money from the official department and stuffed it into his own small treasury.
He suddenly thought of something and asked: "Has the matter of Shanling been settled?"
It’s just a matter of choosing a geomantic treasure land to build a mausoleum.
Zhang Juzheng shook his head: "This matter was discussed by Yuan Fu and the Ministry of Industry. We have to look for the dragon and scan the mountains first. We should still be selecting people."
Lu Tiaoyang took over the conversation: "What is undecided now is the matter of the mountain mausoleum and the memorial ceremony."
"The senior expert in Gao Ge is dedicated to his work. How about you write this memorial text?"
The Grand Bachelor of the Imperial Palace has the job of writing sacrificial poems, and almost everyone is good at writing Qingci. What's more, Gao Yi was the Minister of Rites before joining the Imperial Palace, so it is suitable for him.
Gaoyi is good at it: "Just don't think I am illiterate."
Lu Tiaoyang complimented him: "I'm afraid that the old man in the pavilion will be so stubborn that he will make the crown prince complain."
After hearing this, Zhang Juzheng and Gao Yi burst out laughing.
Lu Tiaoyang didn't know why, so he laughed twice in agreement.
"I will go to the public house to prepare the memorial for the court meeting first. We will discuss it in court in the morning."
Gao Yi apologized and took the first step.
Zhang Juzheng and Lu Tiaoyang returned the favor and slowed down.
After Gao Yi left, Lu Tiaoyang slowly said, "Mr. Gao Ge seems to be quite admired by the Crown Prince."
The palace rewards everyone with fresh bamboo shoots.
However, Gao Yi also had an extra reward. Of course, this could not be hidden from the courtiers, and the implications of it are undeniable.
Zhang Juzheng shook his head and said helplessly: "It's just bullying an honest person."
Lu Tiaoyang looked at him doubtfully.
Zhang Juzheng did not dwell on this, but asked about other things: "Has Yuan Fu contacted you privately?"
Lu Tiaoyang shook his head: "I've never looked for you, why would you look for me?"
Zhang Juzheng was the leader of the Chu Party, but the Chu Party was not divided by region. It existed from all over the world. It was only because Zhang Juzheng was from Huguang that he got this name. The regional nature was not as obvious as it would be in the future.
Just like Lu Tiaoyang, even though he was from Zhejiang, he was classified as a member of the Chu Party.
Rather than saying it is the Chu Party, it is better to say it is the New Party.
As for why they didn’t unite around Gao Gong? Wasn’t Zhang Juzheng just following Gao Gong’s lead?
For Gao Gong, his sights are higher, no matter what Qingliu, the Chu Party, the Jin Party, or the Zhejiang Party are all the same, whether it is Yang Bo or Zhang Juzheng, just listen to it.
Zhang Juzheng sighed and spoke in a very low voice: "Before Yuan Fu takes office, we must use his influence to make the six ministers and nine ministers recognize the general plan of the imperial examination, so that we can do things later."
The examination law is the post-secular performance appraisal of officials, and it is also the foundation of the new law.
This kind of attack on the civil service system has always been met with great resistance.
If it cannot be finalized before Gao Gong takes office, it will take a lot of time when he becomes the first assistant to clean up the situation and coordinate all parties.
There is not much time left for him to implement the new law.
Lu Tiaoyang asked curiously: "What are you going to do?"
Zhang Juzheng waved his hand: "I don't know."
"Let's go, let's go to the morning court."
…
Today in Changchao, Zhu Yijun is very silent.
Not only did he not interfere in the court proceedings, he did not even ask Feng Bao around him, causing Feng Bao to peek frequently.
Of course, this is not because he is pretending to be serious, he is really tired!
Work such as copying Buddhist scriptures and notes was more torturous than he imagined.
Yesterday I went back to the East Palace and wrote for two hours. Even now my arms are still a little sore and numb, and my whole body is exhausted. I have to recharge my batteries and think less and talk less.
It's just that this Juzheng is really wicked. Don't give him a chance to bully a child like this.
While Zhu Yijun was resting his mind, he glanced at GROHE through the screen.
It's a pity that these old fried dough sticks are very good at nourishing qi, and there is no clue at all. I don't know if they were touched by yesterday's show of kindness.
It seems that we need to increase our efforts.
The court discussions were proceeding in an orderly manner.
Such as the spring tax situation in each province, the promotion of political envoys by the imperial court, the judicial court of honorary criminal cases, etc.
This was the first time Zhu Yijun met Tingtui and Tingju.
The so-called court recommendation means that when a high-ranking official becomes vacant, the court ministers, that is, Jiuqing, Qiandu Yushi, Jijiu and other officials, will recommend two or three people to the two palaces.
As for court cases, major prison cases, such as those involving nobles, must be decided by the court officials.
As for how to push it and how to discuss it - it turned out to be a popular vote?
Zhu Yijun was surprised to see it. It really felt like a team meeting, and the sense of déjà vu was very strong.
Of course, all parties had a tacit understanding before the public recommendation, and it was exactly the same.
He watched the show intently and found it enjoyable.
After everything was discussed, he thought the court was about to disperse, but he saw Feng Bao taking two steps outside: "Everyone, we have something else to do here."
He looked condescending and said to Gao Gong: "This spring tax should be paid into the palace as a rule. This was the case during the late emperor's time. Yesterday, our family also asked the imperial concubine for an edict and discussed with the court officials. Why is the court debating Yuan Fu's tax today?
Passed?"
Taicang is the treasury of the Ministry of Revenue, and the internal funds are the small treasury of the inner court. Others, such as Taipu Temple, Guanglu Temple, and even each provincial government, also have their own treasury.
Regardless of the size of the yamen, meals are still served in separate pots.
Gao Gong naturally knew about this, he didn't even blink: "I know a little bit about this, and I was just about to tell Feng Dajue."
"Yesterday, as soon as the imperial concubine's order was issued, the Sixth Section refuted it by saying, 'This is a disorderly order and does not follow the imperial edict.' I don't even know the content of the order."
Among the six departments, they are in charge of attendants, advising, repairing problems, collecting relics, and inspecting the affairs of the six ministries and hundreds of departments, which is equivalent to the disciplinary inspection committee.
Similarly, there is also the power to seal and refute edicts. This is part of the etiquette system and is fair and aboveboard.
God Gao Gong is here, and it has nothing to do with you.
Feng Bao was furious, pointed at Gao Gong and said: "Gao Gong! You... are so bold!"
Gao Gong said coldly: "Eunuch Feng, be careful what you say."
Seeing that the ceremonial officer was about to make a move, Feng Bao's chest heaved violently and he retreated with a puff of sleeves: "I will report it truthfully!"
Zhu Yijun watched the whole process, frowning.
This Gao Gong, even if he offended Feng Bao, actually dared to directly ask someone to refute Concubine Li's order, which was really beyond his expectation.
Even if it's just a royal concubine's order, theoretically speaking, it is indeed possible not to obey the imperial edict.
But Mrs. Li will become the Queen Mother in a few days. At that time, it will not be the imperial concubine's decree, but the Queen Mother's decree.
Gao Gong unilaterally blocked the case without any discussion, which can be described as being completely merciless.
Isn't he afraid that Li will liquidate him later?
Although Gao Gong is extremely powerful now, once the two sides have a falling out, and the Li family directly flips the table and ends, then Gao Gong has no other choice but to become an official. This is not the Song Dynasty.
What does he rely on for his confident appearance?
The history of Qing Dynasty is clear, but he cannot know everything. Zhu Yijun only knows that Gao Gong was expelled by the Li family in the end.
But how exactly they will fight is unknown.
Is Gao Gong just a fool, or does he have some back-up plan?
…
On the way back to the East Palace, Zhu Yijun was still thinking about this problem.
Even Zhang Hong came to greet him without paying attention.
Zhang Hong followed him and walked for a long time before he came back to his senses.
"Zhang Daban is here, why didn't you call me?"
Zhang Hong lowered his eyebrows and said, "Master is thinking about something, and I don't dare to disturb him."
Zhu Yijun smiled and was very satisfied with his attitude: "Tell me, what's the matter?"
Zhang Hong paused and told the palace maids and eunuchs to stay away.
Then he said softly next to Zhu Yijun: "Just now, a Jinyi guard on duty in the East Palace came to me privately and said that it was Jiang Keqian who asked to see you. Do you want to inform me?"
Zhu Yijun was stunned.
He asked in confusion: "Jiang Keqian? I don't listen to music. Why do you want to see me?"
He had heard of this man. He was a famous musician in later generations. Why should he be looking for him?
Is Feng Bao going to do that thing again?
Zhang Hong choked for a moment. The crown prince knew that Jiang Keqian was compiling music scores, but he didn't know his identity. It was really strange.
Could it be that... besides Zhang Hong, there is someone else who is loyal to the crown prince?
Thinking about it this way, Zhang Hong felt that it was reasonable. After all, the crown prince had been hiding his power and biding his time for so many years, so he would definitely not have any power at all.
Zhang Hong was even more convinced.
He did not dare to think further, and after thinking for a while, he said: "Master, Jiang Keqian is the direct descendant of the Yutian uncle's house. His grandfather Jiang Lunfang is the younger brother of Empress Dowager Sejong. His father committed adultery after he ascended the throne, and now he has surrendered to Jin Yiwei.
They all have the position of command and service."
"I will serve under Zhu Xixiao."
As soon as he heard about Jin Yiwei and Zhu Xixiao's men, Zhu Yijun suddenly realized.
This was Zhu Xizhong's reply, choosing a down-and-out nobleman to be the vanguard.
However, he had the impression that this guy was a musician, and he thought he was sent by Feng Bao to have fun and kill his mind, so he made a mistake.
Ganqing is from a clan, no wonder he has money and leisure to engage in music.
He pondered for a while and said: "Let him see me directly without having to report."
The so-called openness means whether the meeting is private or aboveboard.
Since he happened to be in charge of guarding the East Palace and it was convenient to meet him, there was no need to see him in public.
After all, many things need to be done secretly, and there is no need to poke sensitive points in plain sight.
Note 1: Among the six departments, they are in charge of attendants, admonitions, repairs, relics, and inspection of the affairs of the six ministries and hundreds of departments. Whenever the edict is issued and implemented, major matters will be reported and minor matters will be issued by the office; if there are any mistakes, they will be sealed and returned to perform. All internal and external chapters should be sparse, copied out by category, submitted to the department, and any errors corrected - "Da Ming Huidian"
Note 2: Jiang Keqian wrote the book "Encyclopedia of Qin Shu - Preface", which includes "Temperature", "Qin System", "Fingering", "Tune", "Qin Playing Sages", etc., and collects 62 Qin music.
Chapter completed!