Gao Jingshi's every move in the capital attracted much attention. The news of his "rush to" the Yuanfu Mansion was naturally quickly learned by various forces in the capital. Everyone was trying to figure out the story behind this move, but they just let it go.
No matter what they think, they really can't understand it.
Not only have these uncles and nephews been very close, but their political stances are almost exactly the same. Therefore, it is impossible for Gao Pragmatic to go to his uncle out of anger. Then... logically speaking, there is only one possibility, and that is
They were in trouble.
But what trouble could happen now?
The Mongols were defeated last year and will not be able to regain their strength for a while. If Gao Pragmatic does not look for their bad luck, they will have to burn incense. There is absolutely no possibility of large-scale border violations. If we talk about small-scale border violations... Li Chengliang again
If he is not a pig, he is also a rare tiger general. Can't he settle a small matter?
It doesn't look like there will be any more trouble in southern Xinjiang. The morale of the Ming army is now at its peak. Even if the demons and ghosts in southern Xinjiang are unwilling to do so, they should at least wait until the army retreats before causing trouble again. Isn't making trouble now just a gift?
This is really strange.
However, they soon received new news: less than half an hour after Gao Pingshi entered Zhang University's scholar's residence, he came out accompanied by two brothers, Zhang Jiazheng and Zhang Taizheng.
What dispute.
Gao Pingshi didn't stay at the gate of Zhang's Mansion for too long. He left the capital all the way as usual and went back to Xinzhai White Jade Tower.
The Baiyu Tower was heavily guarded. When Gao Jingshi returned to the Baiyu Tower, the news was considered broken, but no one noticed that there were fewer people in Gao Jingshi's accompanying honor guard before leaving the city.
After Chen Ju went to court, he went to Neidong Factory. Like everyone else, he soon heard about Gao Pingshi breaking into Yuan Fu Mansion. He also thought it was very strange. He originally wanted to send someone to inquire about the news, but
After thinking for a while, I gave up and went to the Waidong Factory in person.
As expected, it didn't take long for someone to come to see him with Gao Gongbao's name card, saying that he had something important to report. Chen Ju called the person in, and was about to ask the person's intention, when the man wearing a brown shorts from the Gao family's family directly handed it over.
A letter said: "The Governor doesn't need to ask any more questions. My master said everything is in the letter. Please take a look at it."
Chen Ju did not dare to neglect, and quickly went to receive the letter in person. He found that the letter was actually painted with fire paint, and judging from the pattern, the fire paint heraldry was not the "book and sword" that Gao Pragmatic usually used, but
The gold leopard print of the Zhang family in Puzhou.
Chen Ju immediately understood that this was the seal written by Gao Jing in the Zhang family. There was no seal of his "Book and Sword" there, so he could only make do with the Zhang family's golden leopard.
This meant that the situation was so urgent that Gao Pragmatic had to pass the news on to himself before he even had time to return home.
He quickly and carefully opened the paint and took out the letter to read.
"Brother Linggang: I received an urgent report from Puzhou. It is said that my grandfather is seriously ill and the doctors are at a loss. I am afraid that a big change is coming, so I have asked the Yuan Fu to discuss the addition of cabinet ministers as soon as possible... Brother Lao, please state the reason before your Majesty. Don't say more.
Thank you very much for delaying. My sincere thanks for being pragmatic."
Chen Ju was very familiar with Gao Jingshi's handwriting, so this letter must have been written by him, but he had never seen Gao Jingshi write in such a sloppy way. From the writing point of view, the letter was also extremely straightforward, as if it were in person.
Oral narration is ordinary, and it is not the high pragmatic style of the past.
As for the content of the letter, Chen Ju took a deep breath. Without saying anything, he turned on the light and burned the letter to ashes.
"Go back to Gao Gongbao quickly and tell him that Chen Ju knows how powerful he is and will go back to the palace to make arrangements. Please rest assured."
The servant thanked him, said goodbye, and turned to leave.
Chen Ju hurried out of the central hall and shouted: "Hurry and prepare the sedan, prepare the sedan, and go back to the palace!"
Although Admiral Dongchang's green sedan was impressive, it couldn't get up quickly, so it was natural to switch to a smaller sedan to avoid delays.
Gao Pangshi didn't rest after returning to Baiyu Tower. He immediately ordered someone to arrange an ordinary carriage. He changed into a sky-blue horse carriage, took only a horseman and two followers, and quietly hurried back to the capital in a light carriage.
He went directly back to Zhaohui Jinggongfang's No. 1 Scholar. As soon as he entered, a servant told him that Zhang Xinzhai and Wu Huanzhou had been there for a while and were drinking tea in the flower hall. Gao Pragmatic didn't say anything.
Then he quickly went to the flower hall.
"Mr. Shinzhai, the students are late. Senior Brother Wu is also here?"
Gao Jingshi entered the flower hall directly. Zhang Xueyan and Wu Dui were both a little surprised, but thinking about the situation in the afternoon, they didn't care about this rudeness and stood up at the same time.
Zhang Xueyan said with concern: "I'm sorry, you are so anxious to come to me and me, and you came so secretly, but what happened?"
Wu Dui, who was admitted to the Jinping List late in Zhang's studies in Yan, was a junior, so he didn't rush to talk, but just nodded, with the same concern on his face.
"Well, there is indeed something... or there may be something." Gao Pingshi asked the two of them to sit down and said, "Both of you are outsiders, so if you have anything to say, please just say it. The student's grandfather—that is, Yuan Fu's father—
- Critically ill."
This news was like a bolt from the blue. Zhang Xueyan and Wu Dui were stunned for a moment. Neither of them responded immediately.
Zhang Xueyan and Zhang Siwei happened to be in the same department of the same year, so they reacted quickly. His expression immediately changed and he asked, "Have you invited a famous doctor to see you?"
This was a nonsense out of urgency. What was Zhang's net worth in Puzhou? Why did he need to ask about hiring a famous doctor? So Gao Pragmatic just smiled and nodded.
Zhang Xueyan himself immediately realized that these words were a bit panicky, and immediately asked: "What does Yuan Fu mean?"
Gao pragmatically said: "Yuan Fu has decided to meet with Emperor Shu early tomorrow morning to add new cabinet ministers." Then he added: "The students have also informed the Second Master of Ceremonies about the news and asked them to report to the Emperor. This time
The matter of adding cabinet ministers will not be delayed."
Why do you emphasize that "there will be no delay"? Because generally speaking, when the chief minister proposes to add cabinet ministers, the emperor will usually "disapprove" at the beginning - as soon as the chief minister says to add me, he agrees. Isn't that right?
Say that I think your cabinet has done a terrible job, and I also hope that some people will come in to help right away?
So Gao Jingshi specially asked Chen Ju to go to Huang Mengyu, and the two of them went to the emperor to show their strength.
The implication is that Your Majesty, please don’t handle it according to the usual situation. If you practice Tai Chi on this matter, maybe Mr. Zhang will ascend to heaven before the "process" has been "completed" - and that Zhang Siwei will have to resign immediately.
, and directly closed the door to thank guests, packed his bags and prepared to go home, Ding Yousuo, this matter of adding cabinet ministers may be ruined.
As for what it means to be "destroyed", it certainly means that it was not added according to Zhang Siwei's original intention. For example, the person who was added in the end was not chosen by Zhang Siwei.
In fact, this is usually unlikely, but there are occasional exceptions, because generally speaking, although Zhang Siwei has the right to recommend before leaving, he cannot just write the name of the person or people he really wants to recommend, but also
I have to write a few more to avoid being criticized by the outside world. And in this way, if the emperor does not understand his true meaning and happens to choose a "display", it will be a bad thing.
However, after Gao Pragmatic said this, Zhang Xueyan and Wu Dui became nervous at the same time.
Of course, Gao Pragmatic couldn't have asked them to come for a chat. Calling them here at this moment must be related to the important matter of adding cabinet ministers. The only problem is that there are already five ministers in the cabinet, namely Zhang Siwei, the chief assistant, and Zhang Siwei, the chief assistant.
When the second assistant was applied for, the following group of assistants were Yu Youding, Xu Guo and Pan Sheng.
Even if Zhang Siwei and Ding You resign, there will still be four cabinet ministers left. Generally speaking, just adding one more cabinet minister is enough.
Who's on?
Even if everyone is an important minister of the Real School, they cannot be completely calm at this time - this is to become a cabinet minister, who wouldn't want to? Who can give it to others in a cool and unrestrained manner?
The two of them had even begun to guess that Gao Pragmatic invited them here, perhaps to appease the other minister who "lost the election" while announcing the results.
The hope in Wu Dui's eyes flickered for a moment, and soon dimmed. He felt that he might have no hope this time - Zhang Xueyan was on the gold medal list two subjects earlier than him, and he was older. At the same time, Zhang Xueyan was the Minister of Household Affairs.
Under normal circumstances, it is easier to join the cabinet than the Minister of War.
But Gao Pangshi took a deep breath and said: "Yuan Fu means to recommend both of them to join the cabinet at the same time to assist the government."
Zhang Xueyan and Wu Dui were both stunned.
at the same time?
Is the cabinet going to appoint seven ministers at once?
Zhang Xueyan also knew that he was the one who had a better chance of joining the cabinet, so he was reluctant to speak. Wu Dui took the initiative and said: "Are the seven cabinet elders a little... rare?"
Gao pragmatically said: "There was an old story about seven assistant ministers in the cabinet during the Tianshun period. Although it is rare, it is not bad. Besides, Yuan Fu may Ding You at any time, and Mr. Yu Ge..."
Yu Ge has been ill for so long that he can't get out of bed now. It's not surprising that he will go to Hexi anytime. What's the big deal if he makes arrangements early?
Besides, even if he is not dead, he has not been "on duty" for several months now. The cabinet can't keep doing this, right? The cabinet ministers don't get overtime pay!
When Gao Pragmatic said this, Zhang Xueyan and Wu Dui also reacted and looked at each other, both of them were very satisfied.
But Zhang Xueyan immediately asked: "If this is the case, who will take over the Ministry of Household Affairs?"
It happened that Wu Dui also asked: "Who should I give the Ministry of War to?"
Gao pragmatically said: "Yuan Fu's current intention is to hand over the household department to Shen Zhonghua (Shen Li) and the military department to Liang Ganji (Liang Menglong). I wonder what you two want?"
Wu Dui first said: "Liang Menglong... I think it's okay."
Of course there is no problem with Liang Menglong's ability. The only problem is his teacher, and his teacher is Zhang Juzheng. However, Zhang Juzheng never complained a word after his fall. He even wrote to his disciples many times, asking them to serve as officials well and not to think about it. Gao Gong tried to hold Gao Dang back, so after observing for a period of time, Gao Gong reused Liang Menglong.
After that, Gao Gong passed away, Guo Pu assisted the government, and then Gao Jingshi became an official to regain Annan. Liang Menglong continued to work steadily, and then formed an alliance with Gao Jingshi, who was in Liaodong. Now he can be regarded as a member of the practical school.
Zhang Xueyan hesitated for a moment and said: "Shen Zhonghua's knowledge is certainly good, but he has been working in the Hanlin Academy and Zhan Shifu. He has neither been sent to other places nor served as a court official. He suddenly became the chief minister... Will it be difficult to adapt?"
Difficult to adapt is obviously a polite way of saying it. Zhang Xueyan’s meaning is actually very clear: Shen Li has been working as a Hanlin academician and has never actually handled general affairs. But now, in the process of reform, he is suddenly asked to do most of the chores. Can he do the job of being the most detailed and troublesome Minister of Household Affairs?
Gao Pragmatic sighed and said: "Mr. Xinzhai is worried, Yuan Fu actually has the same concern, but if Shen Zhonghua is not used, there is no more suitable candidate at the moment."
Zhang Xueyan was stunned, and after thinking about it carefully, it was really like this. Even if the qualifications of other outsiders were similar to Shen Li's, their current job levels were still a bit lower. If they entered the center, they would at most be assigned to serve as a minister.
And if you don't choose from outside officials, there is no Hanlin academic officer who is more suitable than Shen Li. Including Chen Jingbang, although he is the same age as Shen Li, he is younger than Shen Li, and he also has no experience in handling general affairs. It would be better to choose Shen Li than him.
This is embarrassing, and it really responds to the worries I had back then, and it feels a bit like I'm not doing anything right.
Zhang Xueyan thought for a long time, and found that there was no better candidate, and he was speechless.
None of the three people considered recommending anyone outside the Real School to be the Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, because everyone knew that the Ministry of Revenue was different from the Ministry of Rites, the Ministry of Punishments and even the Ministry of Works. It was directly related to the success or failure of the reform and must be controlled by oneself. Only in human hands.
Does the party work together to defeat differences? Maybe, but reform is absolutely impossible without real power and financial power, not to mention that almost any reform now is inseparable from the support of the Ministry of Household Affairs.
Although Shen Li may not be the most suitable candidate for the Secretary of the Ministry of Finance in terms of ability, at least there is no problem in terms of loyalty. He is not only a student of Gao Gong, but also a native of Yucheng, Henan. It can be said that he does not even have a chance to jump to the counter-revolution .
Zhang Xueyan had nothing to say, so he had to ask: "Since Yuan Fu has decided, the official will naturally agree, but I don't know what Mr. Xu Ge said? Also, Mr. Pan Ge is willing to support us this time?"
Gao pragmatically said: "Mr. Xu Ge should be at Yuan Fu's house at this time, and Yuan Fu must be able to reach an agreement with him. As for the youngest Pan Ge... the students have already sent someone to contact him, so there must be no big problem."
Pan Sheng, this person was able to enter the cabinet because of the help of the Practical School. In addition, he has a kind personality and generally will not refuse Gao Pragmatic who "kindly treats him". In addition... Gao Pragmatic also sent a message, He was allowed to exchange the Yunnan War treasure banknotes in his hands at the original price - this old man quietly bought 40,000 taels of Yunnan War treasure banknotes last time.
Following Gao Pragmatic's words, he made thousands of taels in vain from this alone, and all he had to pay was to express his support for Yuan Fu's recommendation. It was like money falling from the sky, why not take it?
After some discussion, both Zhang Xueyan and Wu Dui thought there was no problem, so they said goodbye to Gao Pragmatic, put on their bamboo hats, and left quietly through the back door.
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