When the Communications Department of the Ministry of War's "Preparation for Japan" memorial was questioned and criticized by a large number of civilian officials, the military attachés basically watched the excitement.
The main reason is of course that the military attache does not have decision-making power, and the other is his contempt for North Korea's direction.
Since the founding of the Ming Dynasty, the main enemy has of course been the northern barbarians. In other directions, even if there are enemies in Annan and Burma, some people may believe it.
As for the direction of North Korea, it really makes people have no idea at all. After all, there has been no war here for two hundred years.
Only Li Rusong, the left governor of the rear army governor's office, took the content of this memorial to heart and pondered it in his mind all day long.
Li Chengliang, a veteran who was forced to retire, looked at his absent-minded son who came to greet him, and scolded Li Rusong severely on the pretext that today's greetings were not sincere.
Then he asked: "What are you thinking about? Is it more important than saying hello to your father?"
Li Rusong replied: "I visited Ye Da Sima years ago to apply for a job, and wanted to go out to become a general. Ye Da Sima said that I would wait for the right time.
Now that I saw Lin Jiuyuan's Feng Bei Wanshu, I was thinking to myself, could this be what Ye Da Sima said about the time of day?
If we really want to fight in Korea, our Liaodong Army must be the main force. Who will be the main general next to my Li family?"
Since the Longqing Peace Conference, the Liaodong Army may be regarded as the frontier army with the most combat experience.
After all, the Longqing peace treaty was aimed at the right wing of the Northern Barbarians, and the left wing of the Northern Barbarians, where the Great Khan was located, was still regarded as an enemy by the court. The main frontier army confronting the left wing of the Northern Barbarians was Liaodong Town.
Li Chengliang, who had been at odds with the Beirut left wing for more than 20 years, had never thought about going in the direction of North Korea.
He asked his son suspiciously: "You have been told to wait for the right time? A master like Lin Jiuyuan wouldn't fabricate enemy information just to let the Li family take charge of the army, right?"
Li Rusong replied: "If it is not a fabrication, then Lin Jiuyuan is telling the truth. Son, I tend to believe Lin Jiuyuan's prediction."
Li Chengliang said thoughtfully: "If Ning believes that he is there, he should have made preparations in advance. Fortunately, I left not long ago and can still use my strength in the Liaodong Army."
Li Rusong asked: "How to prepare?"
Li Chengliang said viciously: "The first batch of troops to be sent out in a hurry will definitely be the Liaodong Army. Prepare to be defeated first, otherwise why would you use my Li family to return to Liaodong?"
Li Rusong: "."
He disagreed with his father's thoughts, but he couldn't persuade him, let alone spread the word.
Old General Li looked at his son again, snorted coldly, his eyes were complicated.
If something happens to North Korea, it seems that his son is his biggest competitor for returning to Liaodong?
When Lin Tailai, who was far away in Suzhou, sold a flaw to the imperial court by "preparing Japanese scholars" and stirred up a few waves of troubled waters, the time came for the Hanlin Academy to let go of the old and embrace the new.
There is a competition every three years. After the competition, new people will be admitted to the Hanlin Academy. Sandingjia and a number of Shujishi will enter the Hanlin Academy to work or study.
In view of the fact that the Hanlin Academy has not had much actual work in recent years, many people have proposed not to select new Shujishi this year.
After all, the main job of the Hanlin Academy, in a nutshell, is to interact with the emperor. Whether it is giving lectures in class, acting as a consultant, compiling books, drafting edicts or writing poems, they are all essentially interacting with the emperor.
But in recent years, the emperor has been hiding in the palace and cannot come out. How much affairs can the Hanlin officials have?
It is true that there is no need to recruit too many new people, and there will be nothing to do once they come. Haven’t you seen that even Lin Jiuyuan’s work focus has gradually shifted to the outside world?
However, the cabinet suggested that the Hanlin Academy can select Shujishi, but the number should be smaller, instead of selecting twenty or thirty people as in the past.
Except for the newcomers, the old people were sent away, which was called dispersal, and official positions were formally assigned to the concubine and gentry from the previous department. The best ones were retained as Hanlin officials, and the others were appointed as Shizhonghe censors.
Han Shineng, the Shujishi instructor who had only been in office for two months, found that he had suddenly become a powerful figure.
Whether selecting new concubines or arranging old people, you have the most say, and everyone above and below you respects your opinions.
This made the poor old Hanlin, who was in his sixties, feel a little elated. It seemed that he had never enjoyed power so much in his life.
When I was still in Suzhou a few years ago, I never expected that after moving to Beijing, I would be in such a simple mode.
Maybe it has something to do with the big change of leadership between the cabinet and the Hanlin Academy. There is little authority in the CI system.
Zhou Yingqiu and Dong Qichang, the previous batch of concubines, successfully stayed in the Hanlin Academy and officially took up their posts as editors.
Then the two of them visited Han Shineng together and asked, "Is there any regulations on the selection of new concubines?"
Han Shineng was very surprised. What does the selection of Shujishi have to do with you two? You two have just got rid of your status as newcomers.
Dong Qichang explained: "In the past three years, Lin Jiuyuan has been very concerned about the teaching work of Shujishi and often delivered lectures in morning classes.
The two of us have compiled Lin Jiuyuan's lectures into a book, which can be used as a basis for selecting concubines in the Hanlin Academy. It can also be used as teaching materials when new people come in in the future."
Teacher Han was instinctively disgusted and felt that he had been greatly offended. He acted like an old man and scolded: "What does the selection and training of Shuji scholars have to do with you two?
Even Zhao Shoufu, the cabinet minister, and Huang Xueshi, who is temporarily in charge of the affairs of the Hanlin Academy, did not interfere much with me!
You two, juniors who have only been hospitalized for three years, how dare you point fingers in front of me!"
Dong Qichang shook his head. This old man may have been absent from the court in recent years, so he was a little confused about the current situation.
If it hadn't been for the decline in the number of Ci officials in recent years and his Suzhou origin, this old-timer might not have been elected back to Beijing.
Zhou Yingqiu pulled the eloquent Dong Qichang aside, took a step forward, and sneered at Professor Han:
"Old seniors, have you ever thought about why Zhao Shoufu and Huang Xueshei don't interfere with you much?
That's because there are rumors that you almost joined the Lin Mansion as a palace master in Suzhou, but were sent to the capital by Lin Tailai!
Therefore, others think that you and Lin Jiuyuan have some close relationship, so they give you a courtesy!"
Han Shineng: "."
Is that true? Why hasn’t anyone said it to themselves?
With a "pop" sound, Zhou Yingqiu threw a book on the table and continued:
"Since you have benefited from Lin Jiuyuan, don't shirk your responsibilities! You have to use this "Excerpts of Lin Jiuyuan's Lectures" if you want to use it, or if you don't want to use it!
Lin Jiuyuan said, if you don’t change your thoughts, change your people! Believe it or not, after Zhou Yingqiu publicly cut off from you, the first person to deal with you was Zhao Shoufu? "
Dong Qichang still persuaded with kind words: "Senior Han! You don't want to go back to Suzhou in despair without accomplishing anything, right?"
Han Shineng silently put away "Excerpts of Lin Jiuyuan's Lectures", and Zhou Yingqiu and Dong Qichang left.
Walking outside, Zhou Yingqiu sighed: "I don't know when Jiu Yuanjun will return to the court. It's not a long-term solution to always rely on us people to scare people by pulling tiger skins. Even Tao Hui is a bit too careful."
Dong Qichang replied: "Three years after entering the dynasty, he has become so tyrannical. If he doesn't keep a low profile, what will happen to him?"
After waiting for a while, Han Shineng temporarily left the Hanlin Academy and went to Wenyuan Pavilion to visit the chief minister Zhao Zhigao.
The Hanlin cabinet is an integral body, so other ministers generally do not visit the cabinet, but senior Hanlin officials have no such scruples.
What's more, Han Shineng and Zhao Zhigao are of the same age, and they are both older in the same year, so they have a lot in common.
In the middle hall of Wenyuan Pavilion, Han Shineng showed "Excerpts of Lin Jiuyuan's Lectures" to Zhao Shoufu.
He also asked: "Can this be used to select and teach the common people?"
Zhao Zhigao replied: "Why not?"
"But is this too much?" Han Shineng asked.
Then Zhao Shoufu said to Lao Tongnian very gently: "If you really can't tolerate this, there is no need to force yourself.
There is still a vacancy in Zhan Shi Mansion, you can transfer to Zhan Shi and you can still shine."
Han Shineng: "."
What it means to say the coldest words in the warmest tone, I finally realized it today.
After sending Han Shineng away, Zhao Fu summoned other cabinet ministers for a meeting.
Now that Zhu Geng has arrived in the capital from Zhejiang, and all cabinet ministers are in place, some things cannot be delayed any longer.
"The three of you have not been given palace titles so far. I want to petition the Holy One, but I don't know who should go first." Zhao Zhigao said.
Zhu Geng, who had just started working in Wenyuan Pavilion, said: "Actually, there are more important personnel matters in the court than the palace number I am waiting for, right?
When I passed by Suzhou, Lin Jiuyuan also asked why the Minister of Rites is still vacant."
Zhang Wei and Li Chun: "."
The first person who spoke was Lin Jiuyuan. If he hadn't raised his head and glanced up, he would have thought it was Zhao Shouxu talking!
Zhao Zhigao explained to Zhu Geng: "As for the appointment of the Minister of Rites, I previously petitioned for direct appointment, but the emperor also issued an order to let the Ministry of Personnel recommend him."
Although the Book of Rites is one of the six ministers, its attributes are somewhat similar to those of officials such as the Hanlin and the Great Scholars. Legally speaking, they can be directly appointed by the emperor or recommended by the court.
Then Zhao Zhigao continued: "But Wang Tianguan of the Ministry of Personnel privately revealed the secret to the cabinet, saying that now high-ranking ministers have their own uses, and it is difficult for the Ministry of Personnel to recommend candidates.
If you force the recommendation, you can only super-promote the candidate, but the power to super-promote the CI minister should belong to the Holy One, and the officials would not dare to specialize in it."
Zhu Geng sighed and said: "In the past year, there have been frequent dispatches by the ministers, and there is not enough use. The embarrassment of the officials is understandable. Lin Jiuyuan also foresaw that the Minister of Rites would have difficulty in giving birth."
Among the current front-line senior poets, Zhang Wei, Zhu Geng, and Li Chun have all joined the cabinet. Yu Shenxing and Chen Yubi have all appeared in other ministries as ministers. Huang Fengxiang presides over the work of the Hanlin Academy, and Shen Yiguan and Ding You , Luo Wanhua has just been deposed.
As for Zhao Yongxian, the left minister of the Ministry of Rites, his reputation is a little worse, and he was admitted to the imperial examination in the fifth year of Longqing, so his qualifications are somewhat lacking compared to today's first-line ministers.
Therefore, it is not that the Ministry of Personnel completely shirks its responsibilities, or is afraid of offending others. According to the rules of the system, it is really difficult to find a suitable Ci Minister to be the Minister of Rites.
If there are not enough senior ci officials, unless they are promoted from the second and third tier ci officials, the emperor can only make the final decision.
Zhao Zhigao always felt that Zhu Geng seemed to have something to say, and that he might have brought Lin Jiuyuan's latest spirit, so he took the initiative to ask: "Do you have any other opinions?"
Zhu Geng replied: "I don't have any opinions, but when I was passing by Suzhou, I heard Lin Jiuyuan say that if there is really no suitable candidate, we might as well let the cabinet minister serve as the Minister of Rites.
This kind of thing is not without precedent. It can be used as a stopgap measure. Young people like Lin Jiuyuan are more flexible."
In the Ming Dynasty system, the cabinet and the six ministries were separated and physically isolated.
However, in extraordinary times, it is not uncommon for a bachelor to work concurrently as a minister, but it is extremely rare.
If Zhao Zhigao realized something, he glanced back and forth at Zhang Wei and Li Chun, and then suddenly said: "Then please help Li Fushun."
Li Chun almost jumped up and blurted out: "Why?"
Only a fool would think of becoming the minister of the Ministry of Rites of Lao Shizi while the calamity of the country has not been lifted! It is not possible to hold an official position at the same time!
Zhao Zhigao patiently explained to Li Chun: "Both Zhang and Zhu came directly from the countryside and may not be familiar with the details of ministry affairs.
And you were previously the right minister of the Ministry of Rites, so you happen to be familiar with the affairs of the Ministry of Rites, so it is most appropriate for you to shoulder the responsibility of the Ministry of Rites.
There is really no one to recommend in the Ministry of Personnel, so I would like to ask you to take charge of the Ministry of Etiquette for the time being.
After I report it to the Emperor, it will be considered as the common opinion of the cabinet and the Ministry of Personnel."
Zhu Geng and Zhang Wei nodded in agreement, both expressing their opinion.
Li Chun: "."
Why did he suddenly force himself into a blind corner, with no way forward and no way back?
If you are also a minister of the Ministry of Finance, in order to avoid being suspected of being exclusive, it is not suitable to be the first assistant or second assistant, right?
Zhang Wei asked Zhu Geng half sarcastically and half jokingly: "What else did Lin Jiuyuan say when you passed by Suzhou?"
Zhu Geng replied: "It happened that Shen Wumen returned to Suzhou, and Lin Jiuyuan told Shen Wumen that Yu Li, the chief minister, should not recommend cabinet ministers.
Shen Wumen said that this was authorized by the emperor, and there was nothing he could do about it.
Lin Jiuyuan also said that even if the chief assistant recommends a candidate, in order to prevent dictatorship, this person should not directly occupy the position of first assistant or second assistant.
Otherwise, ambitions will expand and the cabinet will have no peace. In the end, Shen Wumen was silent."
Zhang position: "."
Isn't he himself the candidate recommended by the former chief assistant Shen Shixing? Does this mean that he has to avoid suspicion and it is inconvenient to be the second assistant?
At this time, Zhao Zhigao also said: "It makes sense."
Finally, Zhang Wei slapped the case angrily and said, "Is it possible that Lin Jiuyuan can be regarded as a model based on just a few words?"
Zhu Geng concluded: "Lin Jiuyuan said that his thoughts were all from the perspective of sharing the emperor's worries. As long as the cabinet reports truthfully, the emperor will understand.
Otherwise, the cabinet would be delayed for two or three months, unable to even decide on the order of cabinet ministers, and could not elect the Minister of Rites. This would be too incompetent.
It’s better for him, a clear observer, to see more clearly!”
Zhao Zhigao showed off the style of a chief assistant and said decisively: "We can't delay it any longer! Lin Tai said that we must first solve the existing problems, and then solve the good ones.
Therefore, you should decide on a style first. If it is not suitable, you can find an opportunity to adjust it later.
Today I am going to announce it, with Zhu Shanyin as the second assistant, Li Fushun as the third assistant and in charge of the Ministry of Rites, and Zhang Xinjian as the fourth assistant!"
Zhang Wei was speechless. When Zhao Zhigao and Zhu Geng teamed up to trick Li Chun, he didn't speak.
Now the two Zhejiang guys started to trick him and made him the last fourth assistant, but there was no one to speak for him anymore.