In the Hall of Yangxin, under the imperial steps, the elders and the six ministers gathered together.
In recent times, although there have often been party disputes in the court, it has generally been peaceful and uneventful. It has not been a long time since all the important officials of the court gathered in the Yangxin Hall to discuss matters like today.
Therefore, no one dared to neglect this gathering in the Yangxin Hall.
When entering the Yangxin Hall, all the ministers from Zhou Shangjing on down looked solemn.
On the contrary, Emperor Deqing on the imperial steps looked relaxed and casual at this time.
After all the ministers saluted Emperor Deqing and greeted him, Emperor Deqing put his hands aside without any fuss, then raised his head and said: "My dear friends, I have finally arrived. I have been waiting for you for a long time. This is not the place."
Hall of Supreme Harmony, there is no need to be more polite... I am summoning you this time, what is the purpose of my summons, all my dear friends have always won my heart, you can guess some of it even if you think about it, right?"
Just as Zhao Junchen pretended to be confused in front of Zhou Shangjing before, now that he heard Emperor Deqing's inquiry, all the ministers were also pretending to be confused.
Although most of them had guessed some of Emperor Deqing's plans and each had their own wishful thinking, they would not show it in front of Emperor Deqing.
After all, it would not be a good thing for the emperors if their ministers could guess the emperor's thoughts and plans, and Emperor Deqing especially would not like it.
Therefore, after all the ministers looked at each other for a few times, the chief minister Zhou Shangjing came out on behalf of everyone and replied: "Your Majesty, is it about the imperial examination and the southern tour?"
Emperor Deqing smiled and nodded, as if that was all he had on his mind, and praised: "It is for the imperial examination and the southern tour, Zhou Shoufu really knows my heart. Earlier today, I took a look at the almanac and found that it was
It's almost March. I'm thinking that March in spring is when the beauty of the south of the Yangtze River is at its peak, and the climate is also suitable. It's also a good time for me to go south for inspection, so the next palace examination must be carried out as early as possible, and wait until the palace examination is over.
Now, I can go on my southern tour with peace of mind, Lin Shangshu. Regarding the palace examination, how are the preparations made by the Ministry of Rites?"
Lin Wei came out and respectfully replied: "Your Majesty, although it has only been a few days since the imperial examination ended, everyone in the Ministry of Rites also knew that your majesty's southern tour was coming and time was tight, so they did not dare to delay. All matters related to the imperial examination have been
Everything has been prepared. As long as His Majesty gives the order, the imperial examination can be held within ten days."
Emperor Deqing nodded with satisfaction and ordered: "In that case, the time for the palace examination should be set in ten days. After the palace examination is over, we will prepare for five or six days. I will set off on a tour to the south. Lin Shangshu,
The preparations before and after the southern tour also need to be properly arranged by the Rites Department. Your Rites Department should pay more attention these days to make sure nothing goes wrong."
Lin Wei quickly assured: "Your Majesty, please rest assured that the Ministry of Rites has already prepared, and the next step is just to follow the steps, and there will never be any mistakes."
"The Ministry of Etiquette has always been able to handle affairs, and I am very relieved." At this point, Emperor Deqing changed his subject and said: "Speaking of which, during my southern tour, although the prince will supervise the country, the center of the capital also needs to have important ministers in charge.
And I have been thinking about it for some days. I have also listened to a lot of opinions from hundreds of officials, and I feel that it is most suitable for Huang Yourong and Huang Ge to stay in Beijing to assist the government. What do you dear ladies think?"
The ministers had already been mentally prepared for Emperor Deqing's decision and were not surprised. In addition, Shen Changmao had now formed an alliance with Huang Yourong and would no longer fight with Huang Yourong, so after hearing Deqing After Emperor Qing's inquiry, all the ministers agreed.
After getting the consent of all the ministers, Emperor Deqing nodded and announced: "Since all the dear ministers have no objections, the matter is settled. Mr. Huang Ge, please discuss it with the ministers next. Decide on a list of the hundreds of officials in the DPRK who will accompany you south and who will stay in Beijing to manage the government. This matter must be decided as soon as possible. After the list is finalized, it will be submitted to my imperial review."
At this time, Huang Yourong has returned to his former smiling tiger image, with a gentle smile on his face, but extremely cold eyes.
After hearing Emperor Deqing's decree, Huang Yourong did not show any pride. He just walked out of the queue quickly and thanked him: "I accept the decree! Your Majesty trusts me. I dare not live up to your holy hope, and I will assist His Royal Highness with all my heart. I will never let your Majesty have any worries during your southern tour, and I hope your Majesty will feel at ease!"
Emperor Deqing nodded and smiled: "The prince is young and inexperienced. He really needs your help. During my southern tour, you should take the opportunity to teach him well. You are an old minister, and I can trust you."
After hearing what Emperor Deqing said, Huang Yourong naturally promised not to mention it.
However, after Huang Yourong returned to the queue, his eyes glanced over Zhao Junchen intentionally or unintentionally.
There was deep malice in his eyes.
Obviously, while Huang Yourong is staying in Beijing to assist the government, his power will be unprecedentedly great, and he will definitely take the opportunity to create some trouble for Zhao Junchen.
Zhao Junchen was naturally aware of this, but he just smiled indifferently and didn't care.
Emperor Deqing seemed to be aware of these little moves between Zhao Junchen and Huang Yourong, but he seemed not to be aware of them. He just changed the topic and said slowly: "However, whether it is the palace examination or the southern tour, everything will This is a major event that attracts the attention of the world. Dear ministers, you are all important ministers of the imperial court. I hope that you will put the overall situation first and work together to stabilize the situation in the DPRK and China. During this period, no chaos must occur, otherwise it will only be seen by the world. What a joke, when the time comes, both the court’s face and my face will not look good.”
While speaking, Emperor Deqing looked around and paused for a moment on Huang Yourong and Zhao Junchen. The warning was obvious.
After hearing Emperor Deqing's warning, all the ministers agreed in unison. As for Huang Yourong and Zhao Junchen, their expressions were particularly solemn and serious.
However, although the promise was a promise, it was still difficult to predict what Huang Yourong and Zhao Junchen really thought.
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Now, as Zhao Junchen analyzed to Zhou Shangjing before, the purpose of Emperor Deqing summoning the ministers this time was firstly to prepare for the imperial examination and the southern tour, and secondly to give Zhao Junchen and Huang Yourong a warning.
But the most important thing is the fact that the official positions of real power in the DPRK are currently vacant.
Now, the first two things have been agreed upon, but the most important thing has not yet been discussed.
Therefore, all the ministers were waiting attentively.
Sure enough, after Emperor Deqing hinted at warning Zhao Junchen and Huang Yourong, he suddenly turned the topic to Feng Po, the Minister of Punishment: "Feng Aiqing, how old are you now?"
After Feng Po was silent for a moment, he slowly came out of the queue and said, "Your Majesty, I am now seventy-three."
Emperor Deqing said with emotion on his face: "I didn't expect that you are already seventy-three. Seventy-years are rare in life. I remember that when I first met you, you were still a sentencing inspector in Jiangsu Province. In the blink of an eye, you were already
Twenty years have passed, and you have reached your seventies."
As he said that, Emperor Deqing looked at Feng Po with concern. He asked again: "Speaking of which, you are the oldest person in the whole court now. In recent years, you have been taking leave in the morning court."
, I’ve been absent for most of the time, and I think I’m getting older. So my body can’t support it, right?”
Although Feng Po was old, he was not an old fool after all. After hearing these words of Emperor Deqing, he immediately understood the profound meaning of Emperor Deqing.
In fact, he had already vaguely anticipated this.
Therefore, Feng Po suddenly knelt down, bowed his head and said: "I am ashamed of myself. I have seized a high position in recent years, but have been mediocre and inactive. I have been deprived of the emperor's salary. However, I have failed to be loyal to the emperor. I... I asked you to retire and return home."
Emperor Deqing sighed, as if he was very reluctant to leave, and said: "You are an old minister, and I have had a relationship with you for more than 20 years. I am reluctant to let you go. However, with your current age and body, if I continue to use you,
In other words, I am harming you. I really can’t bear it... That’s all. I will allow you to retire and return to your hometown. You will be rewarded in a few days. You can just go back to your hometown and spend your remaining years in peace. I remember that you have several descendants who are also at the imperial court.
As officials, I will naturally take care of them in the future, so you don’t have to worry."
After receiving Emperor Deqing's order, Feng Po first saluted Emperor Deqing, then silently stood up, took off his official hat, held it in his arms, and then silently stepped aside.
Next, no matter what happened in Yangxin Hall, it had nothing to do with him.
On the other side, several other ministers dismissed Feng Po after seeing Emperor Deqing say a few words. In addition to the previous vacancies of real power officials in the court, there was now another vacancy of Minister of Punishment. They all had eager eyes.
, ready to move.
The first one who couldn't help it was Mr. Cheng Yuandao.
As a confidant of Prince Zhu Heyu, Cheng Yuandao felt that he should help the prince to gain some benefits at this time, so when Feng Po had just retired, he couldn't wait to speak first.
"Your Majesty, now that Feng Shangshu has retired and returned to his hometown, Yan Pengfei, the Minister of Punishment, was detained for interrogation. Now, of the three chief officials of the Punishment Department, only Li Lide, the right minister of the Punishment Department, is left. The lack of manpower will inevitably affect the affairs of the court, so I would like to ask Your Majesty to make another
Select talents to supplement." After a pause, Cheng Yuandao continued: "I believe that Mr. Cao Rongcao, the Crown Prince's Shaobao, has mentored the Crown Prince over the years, carefully protected himself, and has always been shrewd and capable. He is the best person to take over as the Minister of the Ministry of Justice.
Candidate."
After hearing what Cheng Yuandao said, Emperor Deqing frowned slightly. Now that Feng Po had just retired and returned to his hometown, and he was still in the Yangxin Hall, Cheng Yuandao couldn't wait to jump out to fight for the benefits. He was a little too anxious, although he was above the officialdom.
It is the norm to "take the tea away and cool it down". However, some efforts to save face also need to be done. Cheng Yuandao is now a little out of his mind.
However, Emperor Deqing did intend to leave some of the vacant official positions in the court to the prince, so although he was dissatisfied with Cheng Yuandao's eagerness, he still did not criticize them.
However, although Cheng Yuandao was the first to fight for it, except for a few of the officials in the prince's party, most of them had the same shortcoming - that is, these people did not lack knowledge or character.
There is no shortage of prestige, but there are always questions about his ability and experience.
Therefore, Cheng Yuandao's suggestion was quickly refuted.
"Your Majesty, I believe that the position of Minister of the Ministry of Punishment needs to be replaced by someone. However, Cao Rong, the Crown Prince's Shaobao proposed by Mr. Cheng Ge, is by no means a suitable candidate. Although Cao Shaobao is a great scholar in the world, before he served as the Crown Prince's Shaobao, Cao Rong
At the highest level, he had only served as Minister of Taichang Temple. He was only in charge of rituals and sacrifices, and was not proficient in the investigation methods of the Ministry of Punishment. Now that the former Minister of Punishment, Feng Shangshu, has retired and returned to his hometown, and the former minister Yan Pengfei has been detained pending trial, we need someone who is good at this.
Officials are in charge. The veteran believes that the most suitable candidate now is Henan Inspector Lin Chengze, and I hope your Majesty will learn from it." Huang Yourong said as he stepped out.
Although Lin Chengze, the inspector general of Henan, was recommended by Huang Yourong, he was actually a member of another elder Shen Changmao. Obviously this was part of the cooperation between Shen Changmao and Huang Yourong.
Sure enough, as Huang Yourong came out to speak, Shen Changmao also came out to express his agreement.
On the other side, Song Qiwen, the official secretary, came out and said: "Your Majesty, Zhang Bochong, the governor of Shandong Province, is about to serve as governor. He has served as local governor in Yunnan, Guangxi, and Guizhou. His political achievements during his tenure were all outstanding. Now,
His age is also suitable, and I think he is the best candidate to take over as the Minister of Justice. As for Lin Chengze, proposed by Mr. Huang Ge and Mr. Shen Ge, his term has not yet expired, and his performance evaluation by the Ministry of Civil Affairs has not been very outstanding.
I think I still need to continue to practice in this place. Please give me your Majesty’s advice.”
Many people say that half of Zhou Shangjing's power in the court came from the official department. Although it is a bit exaggerated, there is some truth in it.
The Ministry of Personnel is in charge of the assessment, promotion and transfer of officials all over the world. It is not an exaggeration to say that it is the core government office in the court. After Zhou Shangjing took control of the Ministry of Personnel, he naturally had no disadvantages when competing with others.
For example, now, Song Qiwen just said "There are not many outstanding points in the performance evaluation", which immediately reduced Lin Chengze's hope of taking over as the Minister of the Ministry of Justice. Even if Lin Chengze has the support of Huang Yourong and Shen Changmao, he cannot avoid it.
Over the years, Emperor Deqing wanted to rectify the official department more than once and free it from Zhou Shangjing's influence. However, Zhou Shangjing's management of the official department was more solid than Zhao Junchen's management of the household department. If it were not for Zhou Shangjing's close disciples,
It was impossible to secure the position of Minister of the Ministry of Personnel. After several attempts, Emperor Deqing had to give up temporarily because the Ministry of Personnel was too important and in order to avoid turmoil in the country.
On the other side, following Song Qiwen's speech, Zhou Shangjing also came forward, but he did not directly fight for the position of Minister of the Ministry of Punishment for his disciple Zhang Bochong. Instead, he changed the subject and said: "Your Majesty, in addition to the position of Minister of the Ministry of Punishment, now there are
There is also a Minister of Justice, a Minister of Works, and a Deputy Inspector-General, a total of three vacancies. The veteran believes that suitable candidates should be found to replace these vacancies as soon as possible."
These words of Zhou Shangjing are reminding the major factions in the DPRK that there are many vacant official positions of real power in the DPRK. They do not need to focus only on competing for the position of Shangshu of the Ministry of Justice, but they also imply the intention of cooperating with other factions to carve up the positions.
.
Of course, among the major factions in the DPRK, Zhou Shangjing has the greatest power, and naturally he will get the greatest benefits.
While the major factions in the DPRK were speaking one after another, Zuo Lanshan, Minister of Industry, could not help but wink at Zhao Junchen.
Zuo Lanshan didn't know that an agreement had been reached between Zhao Junchen and Zhou Shangjing, and thought that Zhao Junchen would try his best to fight for Li Lide's position as Minister of the Ministry of Justice, so he saw that the major factions were speaking one after another, but Zhao Junchen remained silent, and he couldn't help but feel anxious.
.
Zuo Lanshan didn't know that if Zhao Junchen was now determined to fight for Li Lide to be the Minister of the Ministry of Justice, then he would not let Feng Po retire and return home.
In fact, Emperor Deqing probably did not want Li Lide to take over the position of Minister of Punishment. After all, if this were the case, half of the six yamen in the court would be controlled by Zhao Junchen. By that time, Zhao Junchen's power would also develop.
Being separated from Emperor Deqing's control was something Emperor Deqing never wanted to see.
Therefore, Emperor Deqing allowed Feng Po to retire and return home.
However, due to various considerations, now Zhao Junchen should fight for it even if he is just pretending.
Therefore, under Zuo Lanshan's constant hints, Zhao Junchen finally stepped forward and said: "Your Majesty, I think that the Ministry of Punishment is now vacant, and an official who is familiar with the Ministry of Punishment should take over the position of Minister of Punishment. I recommend Li Lide, the Minister of Punishment.
This person is very capable and has served in the Ministry of Justice for many years, so he is the most suitable candidate."
As Zhao Junchen came out to speak, Zuo Lanshan also quickly came out to express his agreement.
However, due to Li Lide's lack of qualifications, achievements, connections, etc., although Zhao Junchen recommended him, he was quickly refuted by the major factions.
Of course, Zhao Junchen also found various reasons to refute the candidates proposed by several other cabinet elders without giving in - including Zhang Bochong proposed by Zhou Shangjing.
Although Zhao Junchen had reached an agreement with Zhou Shangjing, Zhao Junchen did not want Emperor Deqing to know this.
…………
In this way, after a long quarrel between several ministers and the six ministers, the official positions of real power in the court were vacant, and the replacement candidates were finally decided.
In the end, with the full support of the chief minister Zhou Shangjing and the official minister Song Qiwen, the former chief envoy of Shandong Zhang Boxhong became the new minister of punishment. This person did have very few black spots, so although other factions wanted to oppose it, they could not
No reason could be found, and Zhou Shangjing's group also benefited the most from this.
And just as Zhou Shangjing guessed, because Zhao Junchen failed to secure the position of Shangshu of the Ministry of Justice for Li Lide, Emperor Deqing agreed to take Li Lide as the chief envoy of Shandong out of compensation considerations. In this way, under Zhao Junchen, he finally
Having a feudal official will bring long-term benefits to Zhao Junchen.
Then, under the strong recommendation of Zhao Junchen, Qin Huaiyuan, the former Shaoqing of Dali Temple, became the new Minister of Punishment.
In addition, another vacancy for the Minister of Punishment was taken by Shen Changmao's disciple Lin Chengze. The position of Deputy Inspector Censor was taken by Cao Rong from the Prince's party. As for the Dali Temple left by Qin Huaiyuan after he took over as the Minister of Punishment,
The vacant position of Shaoqing was taken by Huang Yourong's disciple Shi Zexian.
Obviously, although the prince has not yet returned to the capital, Emperor Deqing still reserved some benefits for the prince. With the alliance between Huang Yourong and Shen Changmao, the situation between the DPRK and China has become more balanced again. Emperor Deqing has no regard for these two Mr. Ge also changed his attitude and began to support him again.
It is worth mentioning that under the direction of Emperor Deqing and because of the full efforts of Zhou Shangjing's group, the vacancy of Minister of Industry was eventually taken by Zhou Shangjing's protégé, Ye Shanghong, the former Prime Minister of Shuntian Prefecture.
Obviously, while Zhou Shangjing was cooperating with Zhao Junchen this time, he also planted a nail in Zhao Junchen's territory, and he had no good intentions.
Emperor Deqing also supported this, and apparently intended to cause unhappiness between Zhao Junchen and Zhou Shangjing.
In this way, many vacant official positions in the DPRK were finally replaced by candidates one by one.
…
After the dust settled, all the ministers secretly calculated the pros and cons, and at the signal of Emperor Deqing, they resigned one after another.
Zhao Junchen was also calculating the pros and cons and gains of this time in his mind, and was about to leave with the ministers when Emperor Deqing suddenly spoke: "Zhao Aiqing, please stay, I have something to say to you."
…
Well, the second update today, two chapters in one!