Chapter 279 The dust settles on the new cabinet of Pingwa ()
According to the emperor's request, the Department of Civil Affairs and Literature and Selection submitted a list of candidates for this cabinet addition. Since there were three vacancies in the cabinet this time, a total of six candidates were included in the list. After the list was submitted to the imperial court, Zhu Yijun issued an order to the Nine Qingting Courts Discuss.
The six candidates are: Chen Yubi, the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, Zhao Zhigao, the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel of Nanjing, Yu Shenxing, the Minister of the Ministry of Rites, Shen Yiguan, the Minister of the Ministry of Rites of Nanjing, Zhou Yong, the Minister of the Ministry of War, and Zhu Geng, the left minister of the Ministry of Rites.
However, before the court meeting was held, Chen Yubi, the Minister of Civil Affairs, sent a letter to Sanshu to resign. The reason for his resignation was quite interesting. He said that because he was the room master of the then Wenxuan Department doctor when he was admitted to the imperial examination, he joined the cabinet. The recommendation cannot be established. As a teacher, I must avoid it. Otherwise, not only will I not accept the recommendation, I will even resign to show my innocence.
As with the previous procedures, Zhu Yijun rejected the first and second submissions on the grounds that "I do not avoid relatives in internal promotions" and "I am in harmony with you and your ministers", but Chen Yubi still insisted on submitting. In the third request for resignation, the emperor had no choice but to agree that he would not participate in the cabinet meeting.
As a result, the Selection Department originally planned to add one more candidate, but Zhu Yijun vetoed it and asked them not to delay, and just select among the remaining five candidates, and the priority was to discuss it quickly.
In fact, Zhu Yijun really didn't want to procrastinate, and he even felt that the cabinet did not need six assistant ministers at all. According to his insights over the years, only one or two assistant ministers who are truly effective in doing things are enough, not three. If there are too many, it will easily cause the cabinet to fall into contention.
However, this time, considering the war, Zhu Yijun believed that maintaining stability was more important, so he did not insist on "simplifying the cabinet". He only asked for faster court meetings and completed the cabinet.
Before the court meeting, Zhu Yijun specially summoned Gao Jingshi into the palace, under the guise of asking Gao Jingshi whether the money, food and materials prepared for the Korean war were sufficient and whether any measures needed to be taken. In fact, he naturally wanted to ask Gao Jingshi in advance. What are your thoughts on the next composition of the cabinet?
Zhu Yijun knew very well that Wang Jiaping's character was too upright and he had little political power. As the chief minister, he would most likely end up like Li Chunfang.
Of course, Wang Jiaping's personality is almost the opposite of Li Chunfang's, but that doesn't make much sense. Li Chunfang's first assistant was not as effective as the second assistant because of his cowardly personality; Wang Jiaping did have character, but it was a pity that he had personality but no power. No one listened to her words.
In general, Zhu Yijun had predicted that Wang Jiaping, the first assistant, would definitely not be able to control the situation, and the real power would move down to the hands of the assistant ministers behind him.
Who is the assistant minister behind? Liang Menglong. First of all, Liang Menglong is a member of the pragmatic school. Although his nominal status has always been higher than that of Gao Pragmatic, everyone knows the truth. In essence, Gao Pragmatic has the final say. Liang Menglong has the final say in major policies. It is absolutely impossible to contradict Gao Pragmatism.
Secondly, and more importantly, Liang Menglong is already seventy years old. He resigned at the beginning of the year. However, the emperor saw that he was in good health and had just planned to use troops against the Japanese army in Korea again this year. Liang Menglong, as the assistant minister in charge of the Ministry of War, could not It was suitable for him to resign immediately, so he was retained.
Then there was the earthquake in the cabinet. Three cabinet ministers were gone at once, and Liang Menglong was even more unable to leave. He had to wait until next year at least. But regardless of this year or next, Liang Menglong will definitely resign. Zhu Yijun already knew this through Gao Pingshi
If you know the inside story, it should be irreversible.
That is to say, Liang Menglong has always been a die-hard ally of Gao Pragmatic, and will resign next year at the latest. Now naturally he can only be regarded as a transitional figure, or a veteran who is reluctant to stand on the last duty. It is impossible to expect him to go
Take the lead.
In this way, Gao Pragmatic has actually become the first assistant in the heart of the emperor. If there is any major matter, only he can make the decision - including the courage to make the decision and the ability to execute it after making the decision.
Gao pragmatic knew that the emperor wanted to seek stability in the political situation, so Gao pragmatic did not add insult to injury when it came to the proportion of the Xin school in the cabinet, and still gave two places. As for the practical school, Gao pragmatic only proposed to let Zhou Yong
Enter the cabinet to make up for it.
The school of thought and the school of practice are two to one. This is the answer given by Gao pragmatic. Zhu Yijun is very satisfied with this and praises Gao pragmatically for his overall view of the situation as good as ever. At the same time, in order to reward this outstanding performance of not causing trouble for the leader, Zhu Yijun also
Asked Gao Jingshi if he had any other requests, Gao Jingshi proposed that Song Yingchang should return to the court and take over as Minister of War.
Zhu Yijun was greatly surprised and asked: "Now that Song Yingchang has returned to the court to take over as Chief Sima, what will happen to the Korean War?"
"Please come in person." Gao pragmatically said calmly: "The layout of North Korea has been completed, and now we need an important minister to go so that we can smoothly integrate it into the Ming Dynasty."
Zhu Yijun fell silent, and after a while he hesitated and said: "After all, North Korea is a country that Taizu has decided not to conquer. If it takes advantage of others' danger and incorporates it into the territory, will there be any hidden dangers in the future?"
Gao pragmatically replied simply: "It is precisely because of this concern that I want to go in person."
Zhu Yijun thought for a moment again and asked, "What are your plans?"
"First of all, the name must be justified. That is to say, the king of Joseon must first write it three times and insist that the title be enclosed, and then the emperor will approve it. This can establish a firm foothold in the name of justice and avoid the possibility of someone in North Korea using the banner of the Lee Dynasty to incite the people in the future.
trouble.
Secondly, we must turn the tide and save North Korea from collapse, and then defeat the Japanese army in one fell swoop and dominate the world. In this way, we can not only win the hearts and minds of the North Korean people, but also show their power so that those with ulterior motives will not dare to act rashly.
Thirdly, it is to control public opinion, and to strengthen the idea in North Korea for several generations that North Korea's inclusion in the Ming Dynasty is the brightest future for North Korea, and to make everyone in North Korea recognize that "it is better to be a dog of the Celestial Dynasty than a foreigner."
- Your Majesty, Westerners have a special term for this kind of thinking, which is called "convert fanaticism". I can give you a detailed explanation.
This chapter is not finished yet, please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content! The last point is assimilation, which can be used together with the 'convert fanaticism'. Fortunately, North Korea originally had imperial examinations, and has also studied Confucian classics throughout the ages.
, this matter is relatively easy to handle. In addition, my status as the top six scholar can also come in handy at that time."
After hearing this, Zhu Yijun was indeed very satisfied. He relaxed a lot, but he was still a little worried. He asked: "But the changes in the cabinet are so huge now. If you go to North Korea at this time, what will happen to the cabinet and what will happen to the court?"
Gao pragmatic comforted him: "Your Majesty, don't worry. Nan Gong (Wang Jiaping) and Mingquan Gong (Liang Menglong) have the same views on several major affairs of the imperial court. With them working together, there should be no obstacles to the major affairs of the imperial court. As for
For other detailed matters, it only takes two days to contact North Korea through flying pigeons, and I have time to ask for them."
Speaking of this, Zhu Yijun finally felt relieved and said with a smile: "Well, since you have made arrangements, it will save me trouble. However, going to North Korea as you, and having to do such a major thing,
This position of manager seems a little less than solemn..."
Gao Pragmatic was startled for a moment, then shook his head and said: "I think these false names are irrelevant. There is no need to come up with new names for a certain thing. Besides, saying that will make the North Koreans wary in advance, which is not beautiful...
…It’s called Pingwa Jinglue, which is quite good.”
Zhu Yijun thought about it and it made sense, so he agreed. In fact, his original intention was to give Gao Pragmatic another name to show that he, the emperor, valued him. However, since Gao Pragmatic himself didn't think it mattered, then he would just give him another name.
Come up with ideas.
Zhu Yijun also knew in his heart that it was not a good thing to have too many titles, even if it was just a temporary position - governor, governor, weren't they all temporary positions in the past? If now there are additional positions on top of the manager,
What if the manager becomes a permanent position in the future? This manager can take charge of several provinces and have full military and political power over several towns.
After the "top-level secret discussion" was over, the subsequent court discussions became simpler. Finally, after the recommendation of the nine ministers and the approval of Zhu Yijun and Zhu Approval, the new cabinet team was successfully formed as follows:
Wang Jiaping, the Grand Scholar of Zhongji Palace, Liang Menglong, the Grand Bachelor of Jianji Palace, Gao Pragmatic, the Grand Bachelor of Wenhua Palace, Zhao Zhigao, the Grand Bachelor of Wuying Palace, Shen Yiguan, the Grand Bachelor of Wenyuan Pavilion, and Zhou Yong, the Grand Bachelor of Dongge Palace.
At the same time, the emperor decreed that Zhou Yong, a scholar of Dongge University, should resign from the post of Minister of War and be promoted to Zuo Shilang of the Ministry of War. Song Yingchang, who had been pacifying the Japanese war, returned to the court to serve as Minister of War.
The pragmatic scholar Gao of Wenhuadian University concurrently took charge of the Pingwa Economic Strategy, and re-divided the jurisdiction and responsibilities of the Pingwa Economic Strategy: North Zhili, South Zhili, Shandong, Liaodong, North Korea and other places' military affairs are all within his powers, and the other areas are within his powers.
He is also in charge of Liaodong and handles government affairs in North Korea.
In addition to this, in addition to the normal flag of the king's order, a Gao pragmatic Shangfang sword was also given. The authority was for the Ming Dynasty's second-rank civil servants and below, and for the king of Korea and below. Anyone who did not use his life would be beheaded first and then reported.
What is the emperor's power within the country? What is the difference between sects and vassals? That's it.
The imperial envoy I sent made it clear that he was here to conduct business in your country. His power is actually not very great. He only has military and political control. In addition, apart from you, the king, he can kill whoever he wants first. As for if you are right
Are you dissatisfied with this... Don't worry, just be patient for a while. When I'm free in the future, you can come and talk to me.
The imperial edict was issued and the dust settled. No matter how many undercurrents there were before, it has come to an end. However, thoughtful people have noticed that there are still some problems with the composition of the cabinet this time, especially in terms of age and personality.
Let’s talk about the three people who were originally in the cabinet: the first assistant, Wang Jiaping, was sixty-one years old, which is not bad; the second assistant, Liang Menglong, was seventy, and had more than a dozen poems, and he would definitely become an official next year at the latest;
Huadian University Scholar Gao Yinggong was thirty-five years old at the time. He was so young that he was almost certain to become the first assistant in the future. [Note: The above and below are fictitious years.]
Let’s talk about the three new people who joined the cabinet: Zhao Zhigao, a scholar of Wuyingdian, was seventy-five years old at the time, older than Liang Menglong. He was previously the Minister of the Ministry of Civil Affairs of Nanjing. In other words, he was a veteran cadre who had been relegated to the second line.
As a result, due to the sudden downfall of Shen Shixing and Wang Xijue, the Xin School could not find anyone to take over for a while, so they had to push this veteran minister out to support them. I don't know whether he was happy or sad.
Zhao Zhigao's character can basically be compared to Li Chunfang. When the Tatar Qing Dynasty compiled the history of the Ming Dynasty in the original history, Zhang Tingyu, the chief author, commented on him: "Zhigao is the first assistant, more than seventy years old, old, soft and cowardly. He is underestimated by the court officials and criticized.
"Four rises". In other words, when Zhao Zhigao became the chief minister, he was already old and sick, so weak that he had no authority as the chief minister. He was despised by the whole court, and his critics were lined up from Beijing to Nanjing.
You should know that in the original history, the first time Zhao Zhigao served as the chief assistant was in the autumn of the 19th year of Wanli, that is, 1591, but that time was regarded as a temporary one, so let’s not mention it; the second time he really served as the chief assistant was in the 22nd year of Wanli.
Year, that is, 1594.
However, this year is already the twenty-fifth year of Wanli, that is, 1597, so Zhao Zhigao is older than Zhang Tingyu's evaluation... What can such a kind old man do in the cabinet? It's probably just to fill in the numbers.
Shen Yiguan, a bachelor of Wenyuan Pavilion, is sixty-seven years old this year, and he is only three years away from officially becoming an official. However, Shen Yiguan's problem is not mainly his age, but his personality, and his reputation has never been good.
Among the Xin School, he is the one who likes to establish the party the most, far more than Shen Shixing, Wang Xijue and others. This matter is more complicated to talk about, and there are too many things to be reviewed, so I will not go into details here.
To put it simply, people like Shen Shixing and Wang Xijue are at least shameless, or even quite shameless, but Shen Yiguang is different. His basic characteristic is that I am shameless - this is really extremely rare among the Xin School. After all,
The study of mind is the so-called practical study of morality.
So the question is, since Shen has always had such a reputation, why can the Xin School push him out this time? Is there really no one available to this extent? Yes, no.
Although Shen Guanguan has a bad reputation, his ability to build the party is really not bad. Historically, he managed to found the Zhejiang Party despite poor reputation.
At present, the Xin School is being beaten down by the Real School. Now, Zhao Zhigao, who can only be in name but can hardly do anything, will be replaced first. The remaining spot must be found by some means, otherwise the Xin School may be disbanded.
So there is no other choice. The Xin School can only choose generals from the shortest, and let Shen Yiguan step up to take the lead - at least he should be able to ensure that the Xin School's fundamentals are not lost. As for the future... the present is not guaranteed, and the future
Let’s talk about it in the future!
Finally, there is Dongge University Scholar Zhou Yong. He is sixty-five years old at the time. He is definitely not too young to be young, but he can still work for a few years, so he is considered good or not bad.
However, his problem is similar to Zhao Zhigao. Although he does not look senile, his personality... anyway, Gao Pragmatic is what he says, and he is obviously a yes man.
Perhaps to Zhou Yong himself, all this is normal. After all, he was not even qualified to join the cabinet, but now he can join the cabinet with the support of Gao Pragmatic. This is a huge surprise in itself. I have never asked for more in this life.
What? Of course, we must be pragmatic and conscientious in everything we do! As a human being, you must have a conscience, right?
Looking at it this way, the cabinet this time is very mysterious.
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