Chapter 27 Clues, Storm is Coming

The issue of the performance evaluation system was discussed in the regular court for the entire morning.

Finally, we came up with a charter.

The memorial submitted by the cabinet only asked whether some rewards could be given to officials with good performance in the examinations on the basis of the existing ones.

The final vote for the pilot project was taken by Shuntian Prefecture, Nanzhili, and Fujian Provincial Administration.

All parties were not very satisfied, but they all agreed reluctantly. This can be regarded as the result of the game between all parties.

When the memorial was reported to Concubine Li, there were two more changes.

Concubine Li asked Feng Bao to send the memorial back to the cabinet for reconsideration and gave two instructions.

One is that the 100,000 taels that the Ministry of Revenue owed to the inner court did not have to be returned after the summer. It could be used as a reward under the performance evaluation system and would be distributed by people from the inner court in due course.

Another thing is to include the Needlework Bureau in the scope of performance evaluation, and Zhang Hong was assigned to this task.

There was nothing wrong with the former, but Feng Bao's attitude towards the latter was very fierce, and he insisted on excluding Zhang Hong.

Concubine Li is a person who is easily influenced by others.

Whom she takes depends only on who spoke last.

In the end, he was taken away by Feng Bao's godson.

When Zhu Yijun heard the news and rushed to Concubine Li's bedroom, Feng Bao was walking out of the hall.

"Your Highness, the eunuch is here to greet you." Feng Bao was the first to pay his respects.

When Zhu Yijun saw the eunuch behind Feng Bao holding a stack of memorials, he knew he was late.

He sighed inwardly. After all, they had been master and servant for many years, and it was not something that could be convinced in just a few words.

At this moment, he suddenly thought, didn't Li move into the Qianqing Palace to accompany his studies in history?

After what he has done now, will you still move?
If they move into the Qianqing Palace again, he will be watching Concubine Li and give her advice every day, and he doesn't believe that such a thing will happen again.

This thought flashed through his mind, and his face was gentle: "Otomo, please get up quickly."

"Otomo, you have worked hard in serving me and my mother."

Feng Bao smiled flatteringly and said, "Your Highness, you are embarrassing me. Your Majesty and Your Highness need my humble body. I am so happy."

"Your Highness, the Queen Mother has asked the eunuch to do something. I am leaving first and will come to the Qianqing Palace later to accompany Your Highness in learning to read and practice calligraphy."

These eunuchs have some knowledge - without some knowledge, they cannot be eunuchs, they have to be knowledgeable.

Feng Bao was the best among the eunuchs. He was well versed in scriptures and had excellent handwriting.

On weekdays, when Zhu Yijun was reviewing his lessons, practicing calligraphy and writing in the afternoon, Feng Bao would come to serve him for a while.

Recently, Zhu Yijun had been deliberately showing off his intelligence and had not given Feng Bao any opportunity to teach him a lesson or correct him, but Feng Bao still insisted on coming to serve him.

Zhu Yijun nodded gently: "You can go by yourself."

Feng Bao bowed again, bent over and walked out, keeping a very humble attitude.

Just as the two passed each other, they both stopped smiling at the same time, with different expressions on their faces.

Zhu Yijun stood there, with his face turned sideways, watching Feng Bao's shadow gradually disappearing into the distance out of the corner of his eye.

Stand for a while.

Zhu Yijun then took a step forward and walked towards Concubine Li's bedroom with a slightly cold expression.

He used Li and Gao Yi to exert influence, and just as he had decided on the outline of the performance evaluation system, it changed immediately after just one turn.

Not only was there one more Beijing and one more province added to the pilot program, but Zhang Hong's peach was also picked by Feng Bao.

He is indeed a capable person who has climbed to a high position on his own, not a puppet on strings.

Well, at least it's roughly correct and I have achieved my goal.

Eat as much as your stomach can hold.

With such emotion, he walked out of the hall.

Zhu Yijun smiled skillfully again and walked in: "Mother, I am here to greet you."

When he entered the palace, he saw that Concubine Li was not handling official business, but was actually doing housework.

Seeing her son coming, Concubine Li hurriedly greeted him, "Just right, come here, let mother see how tall you are."

Before Zhu Yijun could figure out the situation, he was dragged down and tortured by the palace maids and his size was measured.

After he finished, he remembered that Concubine Li had promised him that she would make him a new coat.

Zhu Yijun said helplessly: "Mother, winter is still a long way off."

Concubine Li gave him a glare and said, "You don't understand women's work, why are you talking so much? It will be too late to make the coat in winter, so mother can make it now, just make it a bigger size."

Zhu Yijun pursed his lips and refused to continue arguing.

While doing her maid work, Concubine Li casually said, "I heard that you said in the daily lecture this morning that you wanted the teachers to test your knowledge with mother?"

Zhu Yijun nodded and half-jokingly said, "That's because mother suspected that I didn't study hard last time, so this time she will test me on time."

To make interpersonal relationships appear close, you always have to make some intimate jokes.

If you are always submissive and serious, you will never be able to get close to your leader.

Concubine Li knew her son was joking and glared at him: "You have no respect for your elders."

Zhu Yijun licked his cheeks and came closer: "Mother, I have worked hard in my training, so I naturally want you and the teachers to see the results. Otherwise, wouldn't it be like walking in the night in brocade clothes?"

He looked like he wanted to show off in front of others and never mentioned supporting the Kaocheng Law.

If you talk about some things too much, the traces of their being made become too obvious.

Concubine Li said, "That's true. It's a good thing that you have confidence in your studies. I agree."

"However, the teachers will test you. I, mother, don't understand the Four Books and Five Classics."

Zhu Yijun explained: "I just recited the interpretation, and my mother tested me with the book."

"Besides, there is also the Queen Mother."

The two palaces have to step in on this matter, otherwise the standards won't be high enough and the song won't become popular.

If we only talk about officials, there will always be people who think that the officials, as subordinates, are covering up their mistakes and muddling through things.

Moreover, the two palaces were testing him, and being able to observe his learning progress in person was a subtle and silent strategy.

It doesn’t matter that Concubine Li doesn’t understand much, at least Empress Chen is a qualified examiner, which is helpful in promoting his reputation for being a studious person.

Having said that, after hearing this, Concubine Li's face suddenly turned cold.

Turning his face away, he said unhappily, "Then go ask your mother. She is ignorant, so you can just act as a show."

After that, she made the excuse that she was busy doing housework and had no time to take care of him, and let Zhu Yijun go back to the Qianqing Palace to review his lessons.

Zhu Yijun was confused when faced with Concubine Li's sudden anger.

By the time he reacted, he had already been asked to come out by the palace maids, and was standing outside the palace alone and in a dishevel.

It was not until he paced on the road and pondered for a long time that Zhu Yijun realized that there seemed to be some rift between his mother and Empress Chen.

Only then did he remember that on the day he first traveled through time, when he mentioned that he wanted the two palaces to supervise his studies, Concubine Li looked noncommittal.

From then on, every time Empress Chen was mentioned, it was always a bit bland.

Zhu Yijun had a strange look on his face. Could it be that he was facing some old grudge in the harem?

The more he thought about it, the more it seemed right.

The principal wife was banished to another palace, but the concubine was honored as the mother of the harem because of her son. It would be strange if there was no rift between the two.

Zhu Yijun was secretly annoyed, and also blamed himself for having a very good character in his previous life. He was not sensitive at all to the affairs of the harem, so he realized it only later.

Indeed, learning never ends.

It was a pity that I was kicked out too quickly, and before I could remember to offer my opinion on the results of the Needlework Bureau exam.

Forget it. It was a last resort. After all, Feng Bao had already taken the memorial to the cabinet, and there was little chance that Concubine Li would change her mind. Feng Bao would take charge of this matter. When he found any mistakes, he would have to use them to his advantage.

If he dared to pretend to obey but actually disobey, it would be a good thing, as it would erode Concubine Li's trust.

Instead of dwelling on this matter, I might as well think about how to bring Feng Bao down.

Thinking of this, he turned around and gestured to Jiang Keqian who was not far away.

Jiang Keqian got the signal and trotted over: "Your Highness, what do you want me to do?"

Zhu Yijun asked: "What has Yuanfu done recently?"

A young prince with only one army, he did not have the ability to depose the head of the Imperial Household Department with a single word. If he wanted to overthrow Feng Bao, he could only wait until he gained momentum first, and then he could take advantage of the situation.

This matter still falls on Gao Gong.

Why aren't the two of them fighting?
How can he gain the benefit without any blood being shed?

Since Gao Gong is at war with Feng Bao, how could he just hold back and not take any action?
Jiang Keqian hesitated and said, "The Prime Minister is still the same as before. Even in the past two days, his communication with court officials has not been as frequent as before."

Zhu Yijun was helpless. He couldn't urge Gao Gong to work, right?
I could only nod and say, "Just keep watching."

After saying that, he glanced at Jiang Keqian again, and seeing that he had dark circles under his eyes these days, he couldn't help but comfort him: "Just get things done, don't be too impatient, and make sure to rest."

Jiang Keqian's body was obviously paused, and he replied in a somewhat unclear voice: "I understand."

Zhu Yijun waved his hand, signaling Jiang Keqian to leave.

But in my heart I was still thinking about Gao Gong.

Yuanfu, what exactly do you want to do?
……

"Li, what exactly are you going to do?" Gao Gong asked puzzledly.

When Feng Bao just reported the two palaces' intentions, several cabinet ministers could not hide their surprise.

Not only did Concubine Li generously promise, she would keep the 100,000 taels owed by the Ministry of Revenue to the imperial treasury as a reward for the performance evaluation system.

He also intended to let the inner court try out the performance evaluation system.

The sun really rose from the west.

Gao Yi was very impressed and said with a smile: "I didn't expect Concubine Li to be so magnanimous. She is really neat and tidy."

The imperial treasury has always paid money to the Taicang warehouse, and this is the first time that Grohe has seen money returned.

really!

His idea was correct. As long as the new monarch was well educated, they could reconcile internal and external affairs and work together to govern the country.

After the new emperor takes power... the Ming Dynasty may be reborn from the ashes.

Zhang Juzheng had a complicated expression on his face: "In that case, let's draft a new bill. First, finalize the performance evaluation method, and then we can discuss the details slowly."

When he first heard about the money being paid from the imperial treasury, he didn't think much of it. After all, the emperor of the Ming Dynasty was used to winning people's hearts.

If the Ministry of Revenue pays, a system can be established, but if the treasury pays, it may be gone at any time.

That precocious saint may have been thinking of temporarily cutting off his own flesh in order to win people's hearts.

But after the court meeting ended this morning, Zhang Juzheng heard that Zhu Yijun had taken the initiative to ask for examination results and asked the lecturers and the two palaces to supervise the course.

He immediately understood the meaning, that this was an intentional attempt to support the performance evaluation system.

This distant support inevitably made Zhang Juzheng feel a special feeling.

Now, he heard that Concubine Li was going to use the performance evaluation method in the Needlework Bureau, and he felt even more confused.

How cunning is this new monarch, and how much of him shares the same ideals with him?
Gao Gong didn't think too much about it and nodded: "I'll draft a new bill right away."

Then he picked up the pen and started writing.

Taking advantage of this gap, Gao Gong said, "Oh, there's one more thing I forgot to mention."

Gao Yi and Zhang Juzheng looked over.

Gao Gong did not even raise his head: "I have discussed the matter of the mausoleum with the Ministry of Works. It will be located at Tanyu Ridge in Tianshou Mountain. The court will discuss it tomorrow. I will inform you in advance."

The two nodded. This was the right thing to do. Tianshou Mountain was a place that had been chosen long ago. Tanyu Ridge was also chosen by Buddhism, Taoism and the Ministry of Works. The two had also heard about it in the past few days.

Gao Gong continued, "Zi Xiang is not as strong as Shu Da. He may not be able to bear the hot weather. It is better for Shu Da to go."

Gao Yi wanted to argue, but then he thought that he was really old and it was better to keep himself useful instead of trying to be tough.

He could only give Zhang Juzheng an apologetic look.

Zhang Juzheng paused, then smiled and said, "It is only natural."

"Where are the people accompanying you?"

Although he was replying casually, Zhang Juzheng couldn't stop rubbing his knuckles.

Logically speaking, Gao Yi was indeed too old to visit the mausoleum, so it was Zhang Juzheng who should have come forward to visit.

But...Gao Gong shouldn't be able to explain.

Zhang Juzheng understood Gao Gong, and he never bothered to explain such matters as they should be.

According to Gao Gong's personality, it should be just a casual remark that pointed him out.

Her current attitude of consolation made him realize that something was wrong.

Gao Gong did not expect that a simple habit of his would expose his true colors, and he was still unaware: "According to the old quota set in the seventh year of Jiajing, the Minister of Revenue Zhang Shouzhi, the Right Vice Minister of Rites Zhu Dashou, and the Left Vice Minister of Works Zhao Jin have already been determined."

"As for the rest, we'll go find another censor and a secretary, and we'll discuss it in court tomorrow."

"As for the people who want to go to the inner court, let them decide for themselves."

Zhang Juzheng's thoughts turned into a thousand, but he nodded calmly: "After the ascension ceremony, I will set off."

At this time, Gao Gong had just finished writing the draft bill.

He called over an official on duty and ordered him to deliver it to the Imperial Household Department.

"Okay, wait until the two palaces approve the performance evaluation law tomorrow, and then we can go to the Ministry of Personnel for detailed discussion."

The performance evaluation system currently only discusses the general direction, whether to do it or not, and how to do it.

However, in order to implement it specifically, a detailed plan must be discussed again. Not only must previous investigations be reviewed, but all kinds of archives from Shuntian Prefecture, Nanzhili and Fujian Provincial Government must be compiled.

After each department of the Ministry of Personnel comes up with a detailed plan, it will be compared with other ministries and the six departments. This will take at least two or three months.

But Zhang Juzheng had already put his mind at ease. At this point, the balance among all parties had been achieved, and that was enough.

Even if Gao Gong retired afterwards, his former students and subordinates, as well as other parties and factions, would still accept the outcome of this matter.

This way, there is no need to wait and waste time to bring all parties together again. This time, at least half a year of effort can be saved.

On the contrary, Gao Gong's reaction just now made Zhang Juzheng quite suspicious.

He had some guesses in his mind, but he wasn't sure.

Zhang Juzheng was secretly thinking about Gao Gong's plan. He bowed and went back to his duty room.

Seeing that everything was fine, Gao Yi followed closely behind.

Just as Gao Yi was about to step out of the door, he heard Gao Gong's voice behind him.

"Zi Xiang, wait a moment."

Gao Yi turned around in confusion.

Gao Gong slowly stood up from behind the desk.

He walked up to Gao Yi, looked him up and down, and sighed, "Zi Xiang has a lot more white hair now."

Gao Yi just thought it was a reminiscence, then shook his head and said, "Time is unforgiving."

Gao Gong looked at his old friend, stretched out his hand and squeezed Gao Yi's arm, and said with emotion: "Zi Xiang, after His Highness ascends the throne, you should also take a few days off to rest."

　Note 1: Zhang Shouzhi, the Minister of Revenue, Zhu Dashou, the Right Vice Minister of Rites, Zhao Jin, the Left Vice Minister of Works, Lu Shude, the Chief Censor of Rites, Yang Jiaxiang, the Censor of Jiangxi Province, Yi Kejiu, the Director of Works, and others, together with Ju Zheng, went to Tanyu Ridge of Tianshou Mountain to inspect the mountain tomb.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)