Chapter 438 Discussing the Prime Minister over Tea
It can be seen from the indispensable "Ruzhi Wenyuan Pavilion" in the official name that the office of the senior scholars of the University is located in Wenyuan Pavilion opposite Wenhua Hall.
But it’s hard to describe the working conditions here.
If you think about it, you will know that several bachelors are crowded together in the Wenyuan Pavilion, and the most spacious and bright central hall has to be used as a "meeting room and public reception room". So how much office space can each bachelor be allocated?
Even though the single room in Wenyuan Pavilion is small and dark, it is still a place where all officials want to come to work.
Today, the cabinet elders held a small meeting in the middle hall to discuss the list of inner court officials who will be dispatched to inspect the nine sides.
For the elders who have many things to do, this is a small matter, unless someone has special interests in the border town area, such as the late chief assistant Zhang Siwei.
Moreover, the selection this time is purely an internal court matter, and does not involve the outer court at all. There is no need to fight with the officials or officials, so it should be very easy.
In Shen Shoufu's estimation, the meeting could be completed in a quarter of an hour at most, and then the emperor would be heard, but as expected, something unexpected happened.
Regarding the candidates reported by the Hanlin Academy, three of the four bachelors expressed their opposition, and the remaining one was Shen Shoufu himself.
Shen Shixing looked at the second assistant Xu Guo, the third assistant Wang Xijue, and the fourth assistant Wang Jiaping with a confused expression.
Except when officials criticize the cabinet, I have never seen cabinet colleagues respond so unanimously.
We are all old, can we be more rational in our actions? Don’t object when you see the words "Lin Tailai".
Opposing this kind of thing just for the sake of opposing it is the style of Qingliu and his gang. Mature politicians with a sense of responsibility cannot have this bad habit.
Xu Guo, the second assistant, said: "This person has just entered the court and lacks experience, so he can easily make mistakes. If he causes unrest in the border towns, the consequences will be disastrous."
Wang Xijue, the third assistant, said: "The responsibility of patrolling the border is very important. To suddenly entrust this new person with heavy pressure is to encourage the growth of young people. It is not the way for the country to nourish scholars."
Wang Jiaping, the fourth assistant, said: "This person wants to travel abroad as soon as he enters the Imperial Academy. He must have different ideas and impure motives. How can he supervise foreign affairs with a public heart?"
I don’t know what they are thinking in their hearts, but they all make sense.
As the first assistant, Shen Shixing could force the report without worrying about the other three people's ideas.
But as a rational and mature politician, he decided to put it aside for the time being. Anyway, the matter was not urgent and it didn't matter how many days it was.
When an opportunity arose to take advantage of Lin Tailai, Shen Shoufu was eager to give it a try and felt that he could delay it for a few more days.
Lin Tailai doesn't have much respect for himself recently. He must give full play to the role of his old comrades in this matter and "teach the scriptures and treasures" to the young people who have just entered the temple, so that the young people know how to follow the rules and do things.
After returning home, Shen Shixing said to his eldest son Shen Yongmao, "I predict that Lin Jiuyuan will definitely come to visit tonight.
If he really comes, leave him alone for half an hour or a quarter of an hour."
Recently, Shen Yongmao has been preoccupied with the compilation of the "Nine Yuan Poetry Collection". Don't think that just putting all the poems together is enough. There is a lot of learning involved.
For the best effect, many aspects need to be considered. For example, should Lin Tailai's poems mocking Wang Lao and the retro faction be included in a separate volume?
After hearing his father's instructions, Shen Yongmao raised his head blankly and subconsciously complained: "You can't even handle Lin Jiuyuan's exams and palace exams. What's the use of this little thing now?"
When a person with Lin Tailai's status comes to the door, even if the host is of high status and does not need to greet him personally, he still has to have a teacher or a junior to greet him at the door. This is what Shen Yongmao plays.
In the evening, when he saw Lin Tailai coming to the house incognito, Uncle Shen felt that this "incognito" was completely unnecessary. Who travels incognito and brings dozens of thugs with him?
Shen Yongmao did not let Lin Tailai go, and took Lin Tailai to the study. As he walked, he said: "My father told you to wait for a quarter of an hour, so I will pretend that you have been sitting in the concierge for a quarter of an hour. Don't tell me after you meet my father."
.”
When Lin Tailai was led into the study by Shen Yongmao, Shen Shoufu waved his hand lightly and asked the good boy to leave.
Shen Yongmao was stunned for a moment, why did he become an outsider? Usually in this situation, he would always be by his side.
But it was hard to disobey his father's orders, so Shen Yongmao had no choice but to walk out.
Lin Tailai saluted and said, "I've always seen Senior Shen!"
"You came to see me tonight for border patrol, right?" Shen Shixing said proactively, "But this morning, the cabinet discussed the matter, and all the other cabinet ministers opposed you, so I put it aside for now."
As he talked, Shen Shoufu became unhappy. What's that look in your eyes, Lin Jiuyuan?
Could it be that he despises his control over the cabinet?
proceed if you can!
Lin Tailai shook his head and sighed: "People's hearts are broken and it's hard to lead the team."
Shen Shoufu seemed to be sizing up the situation and said: "In my opinion, you shouldn't go to the border town. You can't afford to fight against the three elders for this."
Lin Tailai said firmly: "How can I not go? I must go, there is no way I can give up!"
So Shen Shoufu quickly asked: "Why do you want to patrol the border?"
This is what Shen Shoufu is most concerned about. What does Lin Tailai have in mind?
But it's hard for Lin Tailai to explain. He can't say that if he has a chance to fight Japanese pirates in a few years, he must gain some experience in border towns in advance?
Otherwise, if there is no military experience in border towns at all, the imperial court will not be able to send itself to participate in the expedition.
So Lin Tailai could only adapt to the situation and forcefully explained: "This is related to my dignity. This is the first time I have applied for dispatch since I debuted in the imperial court.
Now that everyone knows about my application, I will be very embarrassed if it is ultimately rejected by the cabinet minister."
Shen Shoufu picked up the tea cup and said, "The night is still very long, you can make up your mind slowly."
Lin Tailai quickly changed his mind and said impassionedly: "It is related to the layout of our Suzhou Gang in the next twenty years!"
"I want to hear what you have to say." Shen Shixing looked at the wall, where there was a banner with the word "Control Anger" written on it.
Lin Tailai quickly switched to the human mode again: "I have already received a box of money from Li Rusong, the crown prince of Ningyuan, and promised to help him do something in the border town. How can I break my promise?"
Shen Shixing put on the air of a chief minister and said: "I am very happy that you can visit me when you encounter something, but I don't like the tone of your words."
Lin Tailai smiled and said, "What does the old man like?"
Shen Shixing taught: "In the Hanlin Academy, you can be more arrogant with the dean of the department, but the cabinet is your superior.
Young people who are just starting out should learn to respect their superiors and elders.
If other cabinet elders are always in trouble with you, how much energy do I have to deal with you all the time?
Besides, Mr. Xu Ge is your teacher, Taicang Wangge is your senior fellow countryman, and Mr. Shanyin Wangge"
Shen Shoufu was so sincere and sincere, I feel like teaching even an older child doesn’t take so much effort.
Lin Tailai laughed a few more times. He really couldn't respect these three old buddies from the bottom of his heart.
They were caught up in the historical trend of "fierce fighting between kings and ministers for several years", and each had their own shortcomings, so they all withdrew from politics within four years!
All of them are political "short-lived ghosts". The price-performance ratio of respect is too poor, and the efforts and rewards are completely out of proportion.
If you respect them, then you have to invest something, but if they are finished within a few years, wouldn’t it mean that all the investment was in vain?
If you don't have the ability to change the general trend of "fierce fighting between kings and ministers for several years", then you might as well put all your "respect" into cultivating Mr. Zhao.
Then wait for the melee to be over and collect the fruits, just like the American imperialists in World War II.
However, this information gap advantage unique to time travellers is really difficult to explain to Shen Shixing.
Even Shen Shixing was a deserter after the melee began.
At this time, there was a sudden cool breeze, and the servant outside pointed out that the clouds covered the moon, and a shower was coming.
Tai Lai said: "Everyone in the world regards Lao Lei as the prime minister, but this is not the case. Do seniors know what a prime minister looks like?"
Shi Xing said: "I don't know the details."
Lin Tailai said: "The prime minister can bend and stretch, rise and hide; if he is big, he can stir up clouds and spit out mist; if he is small, he can hide and hide his form; if he is high, he can soar among the temples; if he is hidden, he can lurk in the waves.
"Whether King Xu and other ministers have the appearance of prime ministers, please give me your opinion."
Shi Xing held a tea cup and sneered: "I, the chief minister, don't understand the prime minister."
Tai Lai said: "Don't be too modest."
Shi Xing said: "Xu Guo is strong, decisive and persevering. Can he be regarded as a prime minister?"
Tai Lai said: "If you have an impatient temper, act on impulse, and lack of measure, you will lose the emperor's heart within two years."
Shi Xing said: "Wang Xijue comes from a famous family. He is resourceful and proud of his fame. Can he be a prime minister?"
Tai Lai said: "A good reputation means face, a good strategist and a decisive person, and he can deal with the overall situation with his little cleverness. Within four years, he will be attacked by a group of people and defeated."
Shi Xing said: "Wang Jiaping has an upright reputation and is convinced both at home and abroad. Can he be regarded as a prime minister?"
Tai Lai said: "If you don't know the overall situation and don't know the time, you will try to go against the will and act rashly. In less than three years, you will perish together with others."
Shi Xing said: "What about Shen Li, Zhao Yongxian, Shen Yiguan, Zhu Geng, Lu Guangzu, Sun Qin, Chen Yubi, Luo Wanhua, Sun Piyang and others?"
Tai Lai clapped his hands and laughed and said, "What kind of mediocre people are there to care about?"
Shi Xing said: "Other than this, who else can be called prime minister?"
Tai Lai said: "The prime minister is one who has great ambitions, a good plan, the opportunity to hide the universe, and the ambition to change the world."
Shi Xing said: "Who can be worthy of it?"
Tai Lai pointed to himself with his hand, then pointed back to Shi Xing, and said: "Today, the prime minister's posture is only me and my predecessors!"
When Shi Xing heard this, he was shocked. This man was so arrogant! The tea cup he held in his hand fell to the ground without realizing it.
It was about to rain and there was a loud thunder.
Shi Xing calmly lowered his head and looked at the fragments of the tea cup, saying: "The power of a shock can reach this."
Tailai said with a smile: "Senior, you are the chief assistant, are you afraid of thunder?"
Shi Xing said: "The sage is bound to change with thunder and wind, how can he not be afraid of it?"
Shen Shixing called the servant and came in to clean up the broken pieces of the tea cup.
Then he asked: "Why do you say that Xu Guo is impatient, impulsive, and lacks measure?"
Lin Tailai replied: "He can make himself faint, and you can see it from Xu Guo's attitude towards me.
Although there are rumors in the world that Xu Guo was forced by you, the chief minister, to appoint me as the Huiyuan, but if it were a person with great wisdom, he would definitely use the name of teacher and student to win over me and pressure me with the ethics and morals of teacher and student.
On the other hand, Xu Guozheng was extremely indifferent to me. Maybe he couldn't even get through the test in his own mind.
Looking at it from this perspective, wouldn’t it mean that he is impatient, driven by his own impulses, and lacks measure?”
Shen Shixing continued to ask: "What about Wang Xijue?"
Lin Tailai replied: "First, look at his response to Wang Heng's imperial examination. After I was kicked out of the imperial examination the year before last, he still had the opportunity to enter the Imperial College that year.
Then find a way to get a quota from the Imperial College to participate in this year's examination.
But Wang Xijue insisted on pretending to avoid suspicion, and only recently allowed his son to enter the Imperial College. In the end, didn't he want to pass the Imperial College to participate in the examination three years later?
Second, how did Wang Xijue treat Li Zhi, Yang Keli, and Jiangdong?
It was these three people who strongly recommended Wang Xijue to the emperor. However, after Wang Xijue returned to the court and joined the cabinet, he always wanted to pretend that he entered the cabinet based on public popularity and drew a clear line with those three people.
Then Wang Xijue abused Gu Xiancheng and other Qingliu forces who were friendly with those three people, and at the same time did not benefit from you, the chief assistant.
Politically speaking, isn't this self-destructive? So I say that he has a good reputation but also wants to lose face, and he always wants to use small cleverness to benefit the overall situation, but his methods are not clever."
Shen Shoufu could no longer suppress the shock in his heart. He asked with the last of his composure: "Wang Jiaping?"
Lin Tailai replied: "I heard that at the court meeting before the palace examination, Shen Li of the Ministry of Rites proposed to test the eight-part essay, but Wang Jiaping actually took the initiative to support Shen Li?
Perhaps Wang Jiaping did appreciate the style of the Qing gossip officials and was inclined to support their approach.
Perhaps Wang Jiaping wanted to win over the power of Qing gossip officials to strengthen his weight in the cabinet.
But he forgot one thing. What His Majesty dislikes the most is the combination of the cabinet and the staff, as well as science and education! The last person to do this was Zhang Juzheng!
So I say that if Wang Jiaping doesn’t know the time and goes against the will, what’s the use of winning a reputation?”
Shen Shixing was silent for a long time, his face calm on the surface, but there was already a turmoil in his heart.
Is this analysis that a twenty-two-year-old young man can make?
He now understood why Lin Tailai, a mere sixth-grade rookie, dared to look down on the other three pavilion elders.
This has nothing to do with level, it is a pure level of crushing.
Shen Shoufu took a few deep breaths, suppressed his curiosity, and did not ask Lin Tailai what he thought of him.
He was afraid that after hearing this, his Taoist heart, which he had cultivated for decades, would be shattered.
Lin Tai came and looked out the window, then saluted and said: "It's getting late, I'll take my leave.
As for matters being obstructed by other pavilion elders, if seniors find it difficult to handle, then don't do it.
I can just do it myself, and the old man will hear the good news tomorrow."
Shen Shixing was still in a daze and didn't pay attention to what Lin Tai said, so he subconsciously waved his hand as a farewell.
Shen Yongmao sent Lin Tailai away for his father. When he came back, he saw that his father was still absent-minded and couldn't help but ask:
"What did Lin Jiuyuan say to his father, and why did he end up like this?"
After Shen Shoufu came to his senses, he replied: "He is really a capable minister in governing the world and a hero in troubled times!"
Shen Yongmao: ""
Father, who are you talking about? There isn’t even a subject. It can’t be Lin Tailai, right?