Chapter 21: The accumulated problems lead to illness, and I will try my best to persuade you to make progress

At the same time, in Ciqing Palace.

……

"What? Are you saying that now all the wealthy families in Huguang are privately opening mines!?"

Zhu Yijun spoke almost in surprise.

Zhang Hong secretly broke into a cold sweat.

These two days he finally caught a eunuch who went to Huguang to collect taxes. After carefully interrogating him, he came early this morning to report to the Crown Prince.

But the story behind this is complicated. He was shocked when he first heard it yesterday. Now seeing the Crown Prince's reaction, he is naturally more cautious.

He replied honestly: "Master, the eunuchs who went to our palace can only see the leopard through the tube, and what they saw may not be true."

Zhu Yijun was too lazy to listen to these comforting words.

He paced back and forth in the hall, thinking about what Zhang Hong had just said.

The Ministry of Civil Affairs is the scientific name for the province among the two capitals and thirteen provinces.

Huguang is one of the thirteen provinces and has many iron and copper mines.

Now Zhang Hong actually told him that the prefectures of Huguang not only dared to privately grant mines to the major aristocratic families, but also dared to openly add two to one to make it five! ?

How audacious is this?
Mines! They are the source of ironware, weapons, and coins!
What is the purpose of opening a private mine?!

He muttered to himself, "What does Governor Wang Daokun do for a living?"

Seeing that the crown prince was just mumbling, Zhang Hong didn't know whether to respond or not. After thinking for a while, he replied: "Your Highness, Governor Wang only concurrently serves as the Minister of War."

The implication is that although Wang Daokun holds a high position, he only has the power to deploy troops and cannot direct government affairs.

Zhu Yijun said in a cold voice: "What about the Provincial Administration Commissioner? Doesn't he know about it?"

The Provincial Administration Commissioner's Office, commonly known as the Provincial Governor's Office, is an important office in charge of the politics of a province and is responsible for receiving, publicizing, and administering government.

Compared with the governor, the provincial government is the permanent government office of a province.

He really didn't believe that the highest official in a province would say he was completely unaware of the matter.

Zhang Hong pondered and said, "Your Highness, last year, Sun Yizheng, the Left Governor of Huguang, was promoted to the prefect of Shuntian Prefecture. The successor, Tang Bin, the Left Governor, is not from Huguang."

"In February of this year, the Ministry of Personnel transferred He Bangqi from the Sealing and Inspection Department to be the Right Counselor of the Huguang Provincial Government. In March, another censor was transferred there."

The governor is the head of a province, and it is obvious from the words that the previous governor, Sun Yizhen, was from Huguang.

As for the transfer of the Ministry of Personnel to the local level, there is naturally a story behind it.

But Zhang Hong did not say anything extra. After spending these few days together, he gradually understood how wise and talented the person he served was.

Sure enough, Zhu Yijun frowned even more tightly.

He understood what Zhang Hong meant. This was because after Tang Bin took over, he still had Sun Yizhen, who had left office for Beijing, as his backer. The new governor Tang Bin had no control over the situation at all.

Perhaps the central government had discovered the clues long ago - Sun Yi was still unsure whether it would rise or fall.

Or maybe it was simply that Tombin reported the matter later.

In short, the Ministry of Personnel and the Censorate sent people down, and even the palace sent people to inspect the taxes.

Of course we can't not send people down. This is not a problem that can be solved with just an imperial edict.

Do you want to be well-informed about the political situation and command the local governments by imperial decrees? That is not governing the country, it is a simulation game.

Not to mention now, this matter will always be a big problem.

When he was in office, no matter how big the problem was, he had to handle it himself under the covers.

Even though he used harsh words to ask them to make changes, their subordinates still just dealt with it perfunctorily.

No matter whether it is a big or small matter, if we don't send a few people from each department to form a special team, there will be no chance of uncovering the truth.

With today's transportation and letter delivery conditions, it is certainly more difficult to deal with the Huguang region.

But after this group of people went down, there was no movement from the other two parties, and the people in the palace were simply driven back by this humiliating method.

I'm afraid the water is unfathomable.

"Sun Yizheng..."

Zhu Yijun silently made another list, feeling somewhat helpless.

This is probably not just Sun Yizhen's problem. It is not something that a mere Shuntian prefect can handle. There must be more than just him involved.

From the central government to the provincial governors and local prefectures, the aristocratic families and powerful people formed a dense network.

Now it is called erosion, but in his previous life, he called it landslide.

Dealing with Sun Yizhen, even if there are ten or a hundred others, will not help.

If we want to clarify the administration of officials, we cannot be stretched too thin and must start with top-level design. The corruption in the Ming Dynasty was really too serious - if mines were opened privately like this, in a few years, the place would be filled with people who privately stockpiled weapons.

However, whether it is the selection of officials or the elimination of malpractices, the cooperation of the Ministry of Personnel is required.

Zhu Yijun pressed his brows in deep thought and sighed.

The Ministry of Personnel was in the hands of Gao Gong. Even if he was willing to conspire with Gao Gong on this matter, Gao Gong would not let him get involved.

This matter still has to fall on Gao Yi.

After he ascends the throne, Gao Gong will certainly have to retire. At that time, Zhang Juzheng can be appointed as the chief minister and Gao Yi can be in charge of the Ministry of Personnel.

I have been trying to conquer Gao Yi these days, and have been quite effective. If I give him more time, I will be able to hide behind the scenes and influence him.

There has been a lot of trouble recently, and at first glance it is the performance evaluation system advocated by Zhang Juzheng, which may not be an opportunity.

Even from his point of view, it was still too crude, simply a drastic measure.

Should I intervene? How should I intervene?

If he could use this opportunity to interfere in personnel matters and show Zhang Juzheng his support for the new policy, it would not be a bad idea.

That is, we also need to pay attention to the means.

"Your Highness, it's time to go to Wenhua Palace. Today is the day when all officials persuade the emperor to ascend the throne." Zhang Hong called him softly.

Zhu Yijun came to his senses.

He looked up at the sky and nodded.

As soon as he walked out of the palace gate, Jiang Keqian came up to him and followed behind him.

This was a back door opened by Zhu Xizhong, which naturally allowed Jiang Keqian to guard the Crown Prince at any time.

Even if he moved to the Qianqing Palace later, these people would still be by his side.

Jiang Keqian's talents were not outstanding, but he did have many strengths.

He is a man of few words but acts decisively. He has been working hard these days and has not made any mistakes in the tasks he has been assigned.

Zhu Yijun glanced at him and couldn't help but praise him: "You did a good job."

Yesterday afternoon, when he went to pay his respects to the two palaces, Concubine Li kept praising him for growing up and becoming sensible, which made her feel relieved.

I guess he must have been proud of himself in front of many noble ladies.

In addition, he intentionally showed his intelligence, kindness, innocence and filial piety in his daily lectures, which won him praise from many daily lecture officials. Even Gao Yi couldn't help but praise him a few words.

As a result, some court officials who had a deep affection for the scholar-officials gradually began to respect him and privately felt that he had the potential to be a wise ruler.

With these efforts both inside and outside, he has gained a lot of reputation in the public opinion field.

Although it seems to have no practical effect, its invisible influence is so great that it can only be understood tacitly.

The effect will be more obvious after some further fermentation.

By then, he would no longer be the naughty and bad-tempered crown prince, and he could successfully separate himself from the Zhu Yijun of the past.

It was no longer Zhu Yijun who could be tripped up by Feng Bao, forced to write a confession of guilt by Concubine Li, or denigrated by Gao Gong at will.

Even if he overturned the table, there would still be some more moralists who would die for him.

Etiquette means power, and reputation means influence.

No rush, take your time, he still has time.

Next, he had to continue to exert influence on Concubine Li, at the same time take down Gao Yi and slowly infiltrate the personnel appointments and dismissals.

There are so many things that can be done.

Jiang Keqian was unaware of these twists and turns. He just held on to his thigh firmly and said, "It is my duty to share your worries. I dare not take credit for it."

Zhu Yijun asked: "Have my close ministers made any moves recently?"

Seeing that he will ascend the throne in four days, these people should be more active.

It is best to have foresight in advance, otherwise it will be too late to intervene and you will be caught off guard for no reason, which would be bad.

Jiang Keqian lowered his head and said, "I was just about to report this to His Highness."

"Lord Gao rarely leaves his house, and has no visitors. But he did go out yesterday to look for a few calligraphy and painting shops, and it seems that they are framing the calligraphy sent by His Highness."

Grohe really has the temper of a toad, jumping when poked.

He has reached the position of a cabinet minister, and no one dares to challenge him, so he is too lazy to move.

Jiang Keqian continued, "Mr. Zhang has been in private contact with Shangshu Lu Diaoyang and the governor of the warehouse Wang Shihe recently."

Zhu Yijun walked in front, paying close attention and listening carefully.

Zhang Juzheng's contacts were all from the New Party, and for the time being there were no signs of any action.

"As for Yuanfu, he has quite a few contacts with officials, including the censor Han Ji, Song Zhihan..."

Zhu Yijun waved his hand to interrupt him: "You don't need to say anything, just get to the point."

Jiang Keqian said hurriedly: "Yes, Your Highness."

"In addition, the Minister of Personnel Zhang Siwei and the Minister of War Yang Bo also paid a secret visit."

"The son of Yin Zhengmao, the governor of Guangdong and Guangxi, also came to visit yesterday."

"There are also some people whose identities are unknown. I sent people to follow one or two of them. They should be the servants from Nanzhili who delivered the message." "In addition, the Nine Ministers, such as the Censor Ge Shouli and the Ministry of Revenue Zhang Shouzhi, also had their servants deliver the message."

Zhu Yijun looked solemn.

A few days ago, Gao Gong blatantly rejected the order of Concubine Li, so he became alert.

Even if Gao Gong's methods were not good enough, there was no reason why he could not see that once Concubine Li became Empress Dowager Li, he, Gao Gong, would suffer.

But he was clearly fearless, which made him suspicious.

Now he frequently interacts with court officials. What exactly does he want to do?
"Can you tell me what they are talking about?" Zhu Yijun asked slowly.

Jiang Keqian paused, feeling a little embarrassed.

He said carefully: "Your Highness, Yuanfu's home is also quite simple, with few servants."

This is what it means that you can’t place anyone there.

Another honest official.

Zhu Yijun had a strange look on his face. He felt like a villain who was dealing with an honest official.

Jiang Keqian suddenly said, "Your Highness, there is news from Zhang Siwei."

Zhu Yijun looked at him.

Jiang Keqian continued: "The Prime Minister seems to have promised to let Wang Chonggu join the cabinet in exchange for the handing over of Xuanda's military and political power."

Ok?
Zhu Yijun frowned, feeling even more surprised.

When will it be Gao Gong's turn to take the cabinet seat?
Gao Gong was so powerful, wasn't he afraid of being purged?
How was he going to fulfill his promise? Did he really think that the two palaces would recognize his promise?
He slowly exhaled a breath of turbid air: "Just keep staring."

There is no point in thinking too much. Today is the sixth day of the first lunar month. In four days, he will ascend the throne. He wants to see what tricks these people will use.

……

Wenhua Hall, side hall.

"Mr. Ge."

"Mr. Gao."

Gao Yi arrived later, and many officials outside the hall came to greet him.

"Master."

Gao Yi turned around and saw his disciple Wang Dingjue and his elder brother, Wang Xijue, who was one of the top three candidates in the imperial examination.

He said unhappily, "What seat, what division? I've said it so many times. When it comes to public affairs, it's called the division."

Although he had reprimanded him, Gao Yi thought of the Crown Prince who always addressed him as "Sir" when working, and his expression was quite complicated.

Wang Dingjue quickly admitted his mistake.

Wang Xijue also said, "Lord, Yuan Fu and Lord Zhang are here, waiting for you."

Gao Yi nodded, apologized and went to his shift.

Seeing him walk away, Wang Dingjue sighed, "Brother, you see, Master's personality is much more likable than that of Yuanfu and Zhang Gelao, right?"

Just now, when the two of them were paying their respects to Gao Gong, they were not even looked at.

Zhang Juzheng responded indifferently, but he seemed to be in a trance.

Wang Xijue shook his head: "As long as you have this idea, you will never be able to do anything practical."

How can I be a good guy now that I am in the cabinet?

If you are not tough in implementing the new law, you will be fooled.

Gao Yi's personality makes him unsuitable for the cabinet, but rather suitable for returning to the Ministry of Rites.

He was in no mood to teach his younger brother a lesson, and just waited for the crown prince.

Ever since he came to the capital, he had never stopped hearing rumors about this person, and he really wanted to see what kind of person he was.

If it was a piece of rubbish that was hyped up, Wang Xijue would have to record it carefully in his own inscription.

I just hope that it's really as good as the rumors say.

Just at this moment, a eunuch entered the side hall and said a few words to Gao Gong.

Gao Gong just coughed lightly, and all the officials hurriedly moved and went to their respective shifts.

Wang Xijue knew that the prince had entered the palace and was waiting for the officials to see him, so he quickly pulled his brother back to his seat.

He was not able to participate the first two times I tried to persuade him to join, so today was the first time I saw him.

"Go up to the palace!"

Following a shout, the sounds of bells, drums and ritual music slowly rose from the rear hall.

Wang Xijue followed closely behind him and entered the main hall from the side hall.

On both sides of the hall, the Jinyiwei in Qilin robes and Feiyu costumes stood tall and mighty, looking at him fiercely.

Two ceremonial officers stood at the foot of the imperial steps, examining the ministers with expressionless faces.

Wang Xijue quietly raised his eyes and glanced at his own row.

Snapped!Snapped!Snapped!
Amid the sounds of ritual music, three whip cracks were heard.

Wang Xijue looked up and saw the eunuch in charge of the Imperial Household Department waving his whip and singing something.

His shift was later, so I couldn't hear what he was saying clearly.

Wang Xijue only saw the figure of the child in kimono sitting upright on the imperial desk.

All the ministers bowed down with their tablets in hand.

The Ministry of Rites had informed Wang Xijue of the procedure in advance, so he naturally knew what to do. He bowed and said vaguely, "We respectfully welcome His Royal Highness the Crown Prince to the throne."

"I wish your Highness good health."

The two ceremonial officers had already stood up and were walking back and forth among the shifts.

A pair of eyes, like an eagle, patrolled all the officials.

At this time, even leaving a drop of sweat would be a crime of disrespect that would lead to dismissal from office.

"I am fine."

Wang Xijue only heard a slightly childish, but steady and calm voice.

It sounds quite calm, but unfortunately it is not clear.

If he didn't know the consequences, he would have wanted to step on the ceremonial officer and look at the imperial desk.

Boom!Boom!Boom!
The sound of bells and ritual music rang out again.

Wang Xijue realized that while he was distracted, Gao Gong had already stepped out to make a statement to persuade him to enter.

The senior official in red robe was the first to raise the tablet in his hand.

Wang Xijue hurriedly followed his colleague and said a beat later: "I believe that God blesses the people and makes him a king to bring prosperity to the world. The father has the world and the son wants to rule for ten thousand years. Moreover, the people who came to the court all hope to return, and the ancestral temples and the country have a master."

……

"Although I am guilty and have not forgotten my grief, I have to think of the great trust I have entrusted to me. I am deeply worried and beg you to help me. I hope that you will finally be able to comfort the people."

As the letters of persuasion continued, the voices of all officials gradually became unified.

After the palace, the Huangzhong bell rang and the ritual music sounded melodiously.

Inside the hall, there was a roar like thunder and deafening sounds.

Wang Xijue was just a spectator at the time, but he couldn't help but get excited with the crowd with his mind in a mess.

The gradually unclear words and sentences were slowly shouted out along with the loud voice.

……

"I hope Your Highness will always bear in mind the words of the emperor, and that you will be favored by the emperor from an early age, and that you will carry out the emperor's plan and restore the emperor's style, shine his holy virtue like the sun and the moon, continue the phoenix calendar and lay a grand plan, and prolong the country's prosperity for eternity."

When he finished reading the last sentence, Wang Xijue's back was almost wet, but he still knelt there and dared not move.

Wang Xijue secretly raised his eyes and glanced at him.

Just at this moment, the Crown Prince slowly stood up from the imperial desk.

He left aside the support of the eunuch Feng Bao.

The Crown Prince seemed to be looking down at all the civil and military officials inside and outside the palace.

He answered in a clear voice: "You have made your request twice and three times, and it is sincere and earnest."

"The throne is of great importance, and it is difficult to remain vacant for long. Moreover, I have received the will of the emperor, and I dare not decline it."

The Crown Prince paused, and the atmosphere in the palace became more solemn.

The military, civilians and officials were all waiting for the Crown Prince's reply. There was no sound in the hall, and one could hear a pin drop.

Wang Xijue's heart also stopped moving and rose to his throat after hearing these words.

He was inexplicably looking forward to the Crown Prince's next words.

Wang Xijue moved his back uncomfortably, trying to drive away the emotion, but subconsciously held his breath, waiting for the prince's words.

Fortunately, the person above finally spoke again.

The Crown Prince uttered a few words slowly, his pronunciation clear and heavy: "I will do as you ask."

It was as if I witnessed the final stroke of a painting, as if an object that had fallen into the air had finally landed, and as if I could finally exhale a deep breath.

This sentence met everyone's expectations.

Wang Xijue no longer needed to follow the rhythm of the crowd. Almost subconsciously, he performed three bows.

He shouted loudly: "The Holy Dynasty continues, the Ming Dynasty is fortunate!"
-
ps: There will be an extra chapter around midnight in the evening, to ask for monthly tickets at the end of the month and the beginning of the month, and of course, there is also the catch-up reading on Tuesday.

　Note 1: (November of the fifth year of Longqing) In the year of Xinwei, Sun Yizheng, the Left Governor of Huguang Provincial Administration, was promoted to the position of the Governor of Shuntian Prefecture, and Tang Bin, the Right Governor of Huguang Provincial Administration, was promoted to the position of the Left Governor of this temple.
　　(February of the sixth year of the Longqing reign) He Bangqi, a Langzhong of the Ministry of Personnel's Seal Verification Department, was promoted to Right Counselor of the Huguang Provincial Administration Department - "The Veritable Records of Emperor Muzong of the Ming Dynasty"

　　
　
(End of this chapter)