Four hundred and seventieth eight chapters involuntarily
Inside the Zuoshun Gate, in the Wenyuan Pavilion, Li Shi, the most low-key and indifferent chief assistant of the Jiajing Dynasty, was sitting in the middle hall, flipping through the memorial.
Suddenly, a person from Zhongshushe hurriedly walked into Wenyuan Pavilion and shouted to Li Shoufu in panic: "Mr. Pavilion! Something big happened again!"
Li Shoufu raised his eyes and recognized the person who had just followed Zhai Luan out on business.
He remembered again that Zhai Luan had said that he was going to inspect Qin Dewei outside the Meridian Gate, but why only one person from Zhongshushe came back?
Thinking of this, Li Shoufu suddenly had a very bad premonition.
Sure enough, I heard the person from the middle school continue to report: "Just now Mr. Zhai Ge fell into coma in public and has been sent home!"
Even Li Shi, a good old man who was kind to others and took "no fighting" as his way of life, couldn't help but be angered at this time.
Do you, Qin Dewei, want to openly ride on the head of the cabinet? Even if you are a Jiajing man, there must be a limit to your arrogance!
Li Shoufu put down the memorial, stood up and shouted: "What a lawless boy! I will go to see the saint and expel this person!"
The people in the middle school quickly stopped Li Shoufu: "The old feudal lord of the Zhai family is gone, so Elder Zhai Ge was shocked to hear the bad news and couldn't bear it and fainted!"
Li Shi: ""
Confucius said, think twice before acting, don't judge people by their appearance, what is good is what is good.
Embarrassing or not, let's not talk about it. If Zhai Luan and Ding You leave, there will definitely be trouble in the court again.
Thinking of this, Li Shoufu, the only remaining bachelor in the cabinet, felt an even greater headache.
The person in the middle school room reported again: "Then Qin Dewei is still waiting in the east room outside the Meridian Gate. Is he still inspecting it?"
"Order him to go home and wait!" Li Shoufu said without hesitation. People have to believe in evil, and he is afraid that he will be destroyed too.
Moreover, according to the official rules of the Ming Dynasty, the imperial envoy cannot resume normal work until the inspection of his duties is completed.
In an extraordinary period, Li Shoufu didn't want Qin Dewei to resume work, so please stop making trouble at home!
So Qin Dewei ran away today in vain and still did not get the inspection results.
If not, then no, just go home and take a vacation. Anyway, the kind of writing work in the Hanlin Academy, it doesn’t matter whether you recover or not.
But Qin Dewei had just left the east chamber and was about to leave the palace to go home when he saw Huo Tao coming out of the Meridian Gate.
The two of them met face to face. It was really a narrow road for enemies.
Everyone in the officialdom of the capital knew that Huo Tao's number one enemy was Xia Yan.
During the ninth to tenth year of Jiajing, the two sides fought to the point of death.
The result was that Huo Tao spent two months in jail and then resigned from office and returned to his hometown. Only then did the story of Huo Tao come back to life and pass by Liaocheng.
But now there is a rumor in the capital that Qin Dewei, with his extraordinary skills, may have succeeded in replacing Xia Yan and becoming Huo Tao's number one enemy.
At this time, Qin Dewei suddenly felt grateful that he was a Hanlin official and could stare at Huo Tao.
According to the rules, low-level officials should avoid the way when they meet high-ranking officials, but Hanlin Ci officials who are of noble status do not need to observe this courtesy, and they do not need to avoid anyone they meet.
Qin Dewei didn't bother to talk to Huo Tao about etiquette and didn't give way, so he just walked on.
Huo Tao was a big shot in the court, so of course he would not give way to Qin Dewei, so he just walked on his own.
So the two of them walked side by side into the left door of Duanmen.
In the dark and narrow doorway, the two suddenly felt awkward walking side by side again, and they stopped in unison.
Huo Tao was followed by a ninth-grade junior official, who was probably a clerk of the Metropolitan Procuratorate and was running errands with Huo Tao, the chief officer.
I don't know if he was afraid that the famous Qin Dewei would take action, or if he wanted to please Huo Tao, he shouted at Qin Dewei: "Don't be rude!"
When Qin Dewei heard this, he turned to look at the Meridian Gate and sneered at Huo Tao: "Huo Zhongcheng ran to the palace very diligently. I admire him!"
The following official shouted again: "Huo Zhongcheng has been promoted to the censor of Zuodou. What's wrong with thanking the saint in front of him!"
No wonder! Qin Dewei suddenly realized that he had actually been mentally prepared for this. This is the damn political balance!
Zhang Fuking and Fang Xianfu, the leaders of the Yili sect, both left, so it was reasonable to promote Huo Tao, another backbone of the Yili sect to balance the court.
If he didn't do things like this, he wouldn't be the Emperor Jiajing.
Qin Dewei wanted to make a few words of ridicule, but suddenly he remembered Zhai Luan and Ding You, and couldn't help but congratulate him heartily: "Congratulations to Huo Dazhongcheng!"
According to the political tradition of the Ming Dynasty, the ministers who were elected to the cabinet generally had official titles from the Ministry of Personnel or the Ministry of Rites (either fictitious or real), and occasionally from the Ministry of Husbandry, but it was impossible for Zuodu Yushi to directly join the cabinet.
Huo Tao was considered a figure who had a place in the emperor's heart, and he was also a hero of the Great Rites Conference. If he could have an official title such as Minister of Rites at this time, he would really have the qualifications and possibility to directly join the cabinet.
But he was promoted to Zuodu Yushi, which means that he will definitely have no chance to join the cabinet this time.
Emperor Jiajing was not crazy. He could not go through all the trouble to get Huo Tao into the cabinet and replace him with the Ministry of Personnel or the Minister of Rites. Politics was not like that.
Huo Tao didn't know what opportunity he had missed, and was confused. What did Qin Dewei's "congratulations" mean? Was he having a seizure again?
Then he subconsciously kept a straight face and scolded: "There is no need for you to congratulate me! You are duplicitous and extremely hypocritical!"
So Qin Dewei explained again: "Something happened in Zhai Ge's hometown just now, and he wants Ding You!"
Huo Tao: ""
He suddenly felt that Zuodu Yushi was not good at all. As expected, as long as he met Qin Dewei, his mood would definitely be ruined!
Huo Tao was shocked and subconsciously blurted out: "Did you do it?"
Qin Dewei was furious when he heard this: "The dignified President Xian opened his mouth in such a despicable and vicious manner!
What you lost was just the opportunity to join the cabinet, but what Mr. Zhai Ge lost was his mother!"
Then he waved his sleeves and said: "Anyway, you, the censor of Zuodu, have no qualifications to join the cabinet. It's useless to think about it so much. I'll leave now!"
Huo Tao couldn't help but retorted: "Then Xia Yan can't get his wish!"
Qin Dewei sneered: "Then please tell Official Xia! Why are you saying harsh words to a junior like me?"
The sudden appearance of the great scholar Zhai Luan immediately seemed to add fuel to the fire. Now the cabinet will definitely need to recruit new candidates.
The ministers secretly complained that the turmoil caused by the departure of two bachelors last month had just stabilized, but another one left; at the same time, they were gearing up to take advantage of each other.
There are only so many top positions, and if one suddenly becomes vacant, there will definitely be a chain reaction.
Qin Dewei had just finished dinner that day when he heard someone coming.
After asking, the visitor claimed to be from the Xia government and had been ordered to invite Qin Hanlin to come over.
Qin Dewei couldn't help but burst into laughter. Master Xia couldn't hold back his anger at this moment. However, he actually knew how to take the initiative to invite him, which was a sign of improvement.
We live together in Gaoshangfang District, Xicheng, not far apart, but Qin Dewei still rides a horse.
Following the Xia family servant who was leading the way, something felt wrong as he walked. Qin Dewei shouted: "Where are you going?"
The servant of the Xia family replied: "My master ordered Qin Hanlin to enter through the side door and not through the main entrance."
Qin Dewei asked with a stern face: "I have walked past the main entrance of the palace, how dare you, the master, look down on me, the number one scholar?"
The servant of the Xia family said with a bitter face: "That's not what I meant! At this time, we must not let others see Qin Hanlin getting close to my master!
After all, Qin Hanlin, your reputation is too famous, so I'm afraid it will have a bad influence on my master."
Qin Dewei: ""
Since you're afraid of having a bad influence on your Xia Guan, why did you invite me here?
But for the sake of the overall situation, Qin Dewei had no choice but to curse and enter Xia Mansion through the side door.
When I entered the study, I found that three or four people were already seated, all of them were Master Xia's confidants.
Qin Dewei scanned the circle and found no historical celebrities. He once again observed a moment of silence for Master Xia's ability to recognize people.
Thinking of Yan Song who had been promoted by Master Xia to the position of Minister of Rites in Nanjing and was only one step away from returning to the capital, Qin Dewei wanted to tell the truth. Master Xia's ability to recognize people might not be as good as Master Feng.
Even compared with the treacherous prime minister Yan Song, the bad guys like Zhao Wenhua and Yan Maoqing under Yan Song can be regarded as leaving their names in history, but you, Master Xia, don't even have this.
At this time, everyone else in the study was sitting, but Master Xia himself was standing. Probably because he couldn't sit still, he was pacing back and forth in the open space of the study excitedly.
Anyone can understand the reason for Xia Yan's excitement. As the Minister of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, he is naturally the number one candidate to replace the bachelor, not to mention that Xia Yan is very popular with the emperor.
But to be honest, Qin Dewei didn't want Master Xia to join the cabinet.
Master Xia's character of "cocking his tail when he is proud" is a typical example of "the higher you climb, the faster you die".
Besides, most of the senior officials in the court today are Jinshi in the Hongzhi Dynasty or the early years of the Zhengde Dynasty. There are many people with official qualifications of thirty years or more.
Master Xia, on the other hand, was a Jinshi in the middle period of Zhengde. He had less than twenty years of official experience and had a smooth sailing without any setbacks. He was only in his early fifties, so why rush to join the cabinet.
It would be great to be a civil servant and a heavenly official, with great power and benefits.
But Qin Dewei's words didn't count. He couldn't even express this idea. It would have no use except offending others.
Xia Yan looked up and saw Qin Dewei, and greeted happily: "Qin Banqiao came just in time, I just need your advice!"
Although Qin Dewei didn't have much enthusiasm, he still had to deal with it. He asked casually: "As the saying goes, know yourself and the enemy, who else is likely to join the cabinet?"
Xia Yan replied: "We just had a discussion and there were about this many people."
In the Ming Dynasty, when judging who was a candidate for cabinet ministers, one was based on family background, the other was based on official title, and the third was based on seniority.
I won’t go into details about my background. If you are not a Hanlin scholar, you will not be admitted to the cabinet. If you don’t have a Hanlin background, don’t even think about it.
I have also talked about official titles. Generally, they are affiliated with the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of Rites, and occasionally the Ministry of Household Affairs. For example, although a certain Shangshu of the Ministry of Punishment and Governor of the Beijing Camp is also a top-level official, he will definitely not be able to join the cabinet directly.
As for qualifications, it means the number of years you have been in office. It is useful even if it is useful, and it is useless even if it is useless.
Combining the above three items, we can almost determine the range of candidates for cabinet ministers.
Of course, the final result mainly depends on the emperor's mood.
In addition to Xia Yan, the Minister of Civil Affairs, the following are on the recognized list this time:
Gu Dingchen, the Minister of Rites, Xu Zan, the Minister of Hubu, Dong Qi, the left minister of the Ministry of Personnel and a bachelor of the Hanlin Academy, and Wen Renhe, the right minister of the Ministry of Personnel and a bachelor of the Hanlin Academy.
After Qin Dewei read the list, he felt that except for Gu Dingchen, there was no one who could play very well.
Then he said to Xia Yan: "This situation is very clear. Is there anything worth describing?
Just keep an eye on Uncle Gu and prevent him from suddenly exerting his strength."
This was Qin Dewei's sincere words. If he were Xia Yan, the most important thing he would have to guard against was Gu Dingchen's sudden and coquettish behavior.
For example, the last imperial examination promoted things like "Jiajing Man". After all, this was the person who discovered the "function of Qing Ci".
Xia Yan worried about gains and losses and said: "The power of heaven is unpredictable and difficult to fathom. Even if you guard against others, you cannot guard against them.
Therefore, we still have to put our heads together and think of more words that can impress the emperor and make him confirm it."
This is what Qin Dewei is good at. He opened his mouth and said: "Isn't it hard to think of words?"
It is rare to see Master Xia ask such a courteous and virtuous question: "I would like to hear the details!"
Qin Dewei said nonsense seriously: "Now this Li Shoufu is from Beizhili, and Mr. Zhai Ge who just joined Dingyou is from Shandong and is now from Shuntian Prefecture, so the new cabinet minister should be a southerner, right?"
The major imperial examination provinces are just a few places. If you look at the cabinet ministers in recent years, Zhang Fujing is from Zhejiang, Fang Xianfu is from Guangdong, and before that it was Mr. Yang Ge.
So for the sake of balance, it’s Jiangxi’s turn this time.”
Xia Yan patted the armrest and agreed: "That's okay! The emperor should be able to accept it."
Qin Dewei was speechless. He was just talking casually, but Master Xia actually took it seriously.
Then Qin Dewei remembered his chance encounter with Huo Tao outside the Meridian Gate, and reminded him: "Don't just focus on the people on the list, but also be careful of other people! For example, Huo Tao will definitely take a sniper attack."
Mentioning this old rival, Xia Yan sneered: "He will definitely not be honest. Although I don't know how he will do things, I can't be afraid of him!"
But it is impossible to say that Xia Yan is not worried. After all, it is a bit like the enemy is in darkness and we are in the clear.
But how to guard against Huo Tao? Xia Yan couldn't think of it.
After thinking for a while, he said to Qin Dewei: "I predict that during the banquet in a few days, the emperor will probably mention the matter of adding additional cabinet ministers.
After all, this is an occasion where all important ministers are present, and at that time, the courtiers will probably be allowed to discuss and recommend candidates."
Qin Dewei nodded, it was indeed very possible.
Even if cabinet ministers can be appointed by the emperor, it is best to look at the attitude of the ministers.
It's perfectly normal to take advantage of the sutra banquet where ministers are gathered to find out.
Xia Yan asked again: "You must go to this scripture feast."
If Huo Tao makes trouble, just let Qin Dewei go out to fight. Xia Yan's solution to the problem is so simple and simple.
Qin Dewei actually didn't have much motivation to go. He frowned and said, "My imperial envoy is still undergoing inspection. Logically speaking, I can only concentrate on waiting for the results. Is he qualified to attend the banquet?"
Xia Yan shouted: "You are a top scholar after all. If you want to go, just go. Who can stop you?"
Jingyan is a lecture given by Hanlin poets to the emperor. Except for some important ministers, Hanlin officials must be eligible to attend.
With Qin Dewei's status as the number one scholar, even if he is still on an errand inspection, if he insists on squeezing into the Wenhua Hall, who can stop him from entering?
Qin Dewei sighed, there are too many times when officials cannot help themselves.