Chapter 73: Talents are measured and talents are used, Shandong rises again

Zhu Yijun gave up his previous idea and let Shen Shixing, who was born in Nanzhili, take the lead in initiating this matter. This would naturally reduce the resistance in Nanzhili, but it would lose its grandeur.

He confessed directly that it was what he wanted to do, and that it was out of consideration for national policy that the emperor should stand up for it.

If we want to curb the abuse of power by local factions, we must start with the emperor and make a statement that the whole country is like a chessboard.

We cannot always go with the flow of the overall situation. When appropriate, we should take the lead.

Half a year after ascending the throne, Zhu Yijun's mentality finally improved and he realized that he was the core.

Although the ministers did not know what the emperor was thinking.

But this grandeur, clarity and effectiveness cannot help but make people applaud - although Sejong's method of letting his subjects take the blame is called brilliant, it is difficult for his subjects to agree with it.

On the contrary, this young prince who is willing to bear the shame of the country has the qualities of a sage king.

Shen Shixing looked at Chen Qing, the powerful and unreserved emperor, and suddenly understood why this man, who was only eleven years old, could make so many court officials bow down to him.

Knowing the pros and cons, and having natural courage!

Being so honest and frank with others, this is what a ruler should be like!
Shen Shixing was slightly distracted, then he stood up, prostrated himself in the snow, and bowed deeply: "Your Majesty, I have been adopted since I was young, my adoptive father is the prefect, and I also grew up in the government office."

"I eat the food provided by the government office and receive the grace of the Ming Dynasty."

"I have studied classics and history, and I am at the center of the government. I understand the unity of the north and the south even better!"

"Even if I am fond of my relatives and fellow villagers, I will never dare to offend the greater righteousness with a small favor!"

"Now, Your Majesty has the ambition to unite the north and the south. How dare I, a minister, disobey you on the grounds of my family and my small village?"

"As for the matter of opening up China and France, I am willing to serve Your Majesty and mediate between the Southern and Northern officials!"

Shen Shixing was the first one to feel pressured by the emperor's words, and he had to express his opinion immediately.

Even though there is a tendency towards the people of Nanzhili in terms of emotions or promotion on a daily basis, there is always a limit.

At least it cannot go against the national policy, otherwise it would be tantamount to cutting oneself off from officialdom.

After Shen Shixing, Yang Bo did not hesitate to sing praises loudly.

He stood up and said in a loud voice: "Your Majesty is indeed a man of pure talent and virtue!"

"This proposal is in accordance with heaven and in accordance with the way of the Tao! If the Kaizhong Method is reopened, your majesty's saintly virtue and divine achievements will surely be recorded in history!"

This was the first time Zhu Yijun saw Yang Bo flattering someone like this. It was much more awkward than when he did it with Li Zaiting.

Although he knew that this move was in the interests of the northerners and that this reaction was normal, Zhu Yijun still got goosebumps and quickly asked Yang Bo to sit down.

Afterwards, several cabinet ministers and Wang Guoguang also expressed their opinions.

Although Yu Youding didn't know what they were here for, he still followed the crowd in paying his respects.

Seeing that a consensus had been reached, Zhu Yijun nodded with satisfaction.

However, although the general direction has been determined, there is still a lot of room for discussion.

Lu Diaoyang cautiously reminded: "Your Majesty, although opening up the Chinese way is indeed a matter of righteousness."

"However, after the Kaizhong Fa was ruined, it was restarted several times, such as Yang Yiqing in the Jiajing period and Wang Chonggu in the Longqing period, but none of them could revive it."

"At that time, Pang Shangpeng was in charge of the nine frontier settlements and listed twenty matters of salt administration in his memorial, with the intention of reviving the merchant settlements. In the end, he still regretted that the settlements had been in disrepair for a long time and it was difficult to achieve any real results."

"If Your Majesty wishes to restart the Sino-Japanese War, I'm afraid we need to discuss it in detail."

The credibility of the salt permit has been ruined. No matter how much people shout out, it will be useless. They just can't exchange it for salt.

However, if businessmen cannot make money, why would they care about benefiting the country and the people?
Therefore, in addition to the central government’s policies, they must also be implemented in practice.

Zhu Yijun nodded and said sincerely: "This matter should be discussed in detail by the cabinet. I have some suggestions, you may wish to refer to them."

Since the emperor has said so, there is no reason for me not to refer to it.

Zhu Yijun raised his palm, sometimes grasping, sometimes pointing: "I have reviewed the gains and losses of the predecessors and have some experience."

"The Kai-Zhong Law cannot be resumed. In the final analysis, the salt merchants still cannot exchange salt."

"If merchants cannot make profits, the central government's policies will be useless."

"The prerequisite for salt merchants to exchange for salt is that the various transport companies have salt and are willing to exchange it with small salt merchants."

According to the current Chamber of Commerce general contracting method, it would be strange for a small salt merchant to exchange for salt.

Zhang Juzheng knew that the emperor was again using the Transport Bureau's model to sell salt.

He immediately stated: "Your Majesty, several big salt merchants in the Chamber of Commerce have had their properties confiscated by the Imperial Censor Hai. This is a good opportunity to show our strength."

It normally takes 20 days to get news from the north and south of Zhili, and 15 days if it is rushed. If you want to get it faster, you will run several horses to death.

Matters in Lianghuai were handled on an urgent basis, so fifteen days ago, on December 8, Hai Rui had already confiscated the properties of Shen Chuanyin and other salt merchants.

Zhu Yijun nodded and let the matter go.

How the changes will be made specifically will depend on how far Hai Rui has come. We can only wait and see.

He continued: "At the same time, in order to keep the salt permits valid, they must not be issued indiscriminately, otherwise they will become waste paper."

"So the right to issue salt permits should be centralized in one place from the six transport offices."

“The source comes from one hole, which makes it easier to take into account all aspects and also easier to trace the center.”

For this kind of financial currency to a certain extent, the right of issuance cannot be left to local governments.

Gao Yi thought about this and felt that it made sense, so he couldn't help but secretly praise it.

He asked, "So, Your Majesty wants to set up a salt tax office to coordinate this matter?"

Zhu Yijun nodded and said: "The quota, production and sale of salt permits are all in the capital. The overall planning of the Salt Tax Bureau, the transportation of salt and the distribution of salt permits will be set up in a separate office."

"The powers of several transport offices and promotion offices can be appropriately taken back."

Zhang Juzheng was in charge of all the civil officials in the country, and it was time for him to take charge.

He looked around at his cabinet members.

Yang Bo fully supported it, Gao Yi thought it was feasible, and Lu Diaoyang was just afraid that it was too radical, but he did not object.

Zhang Juzheng knew what was going on, and he did not hesitate: "Your Majesty has great concerns for the whole world, and we admire you."

"The Cabinet has sensed the Holy Spirit's intention and understood His Majesty's heart. Tomorrow we will discuss this matter with all the courtiers."

“However…the regulations of specific government offices, the ranks of officials, and their powers and responsibilities are not achieved overnight.”

The general direction has been decided, but the specifics still need to be discussed and worked out in court.

This matter involves the north and the south, the Ministry of Personnel, the Ministry of Revenue, the grain transport, and the salt tax. It will always take some time to deal with it. It is not something that can be done smoothly just by the emperor's words.

The cabinet will have to spend a lot of energy to implement this matter.

Now that the year is coming to an end, everything is busy.

The Ministry of Revenue needs accountants, the Ministry of Personnel needs performance evaluations, not to mention that the autumn grain has not yet arrived in Beijing, and Xuanda and Ningxia are already starving for food.

When there are many things to do, it will always take longer to process them.

Since it would take a lot of time, Zhang Juzheng naturally had to talk to the emperor first.

Otherwise, the emperor would feel that the cabinet was not on his side and would angrily say something like he wanted to conquer the world again - it would be hard for him not to remember what happened last time.

Zhu Yijun understood why the old man said this, and nodded in agreement very gently: "That's natural."

"The Lianghuai issue has not yet come to a conclusion. I just want the central government to prepare first, so as to avoid having trouble cleaning up the mess in Lianghuai."

"It's almost the turn of spring and summer!"

"It will also allow the salt merchants to catch up with the summer crops."

Zhang Juzheng breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that the emperor did not immediately press for a result.

However, speaking of the newly established government office, everyone finally understood why the emperor called Yu Youding, a man from the Finance Bureau, to come here.

This is a pre-determined decision.

Yu Youding was a top three scholar and a Hanlin compiler, which was a higher status than several current cabinet ministers. For example, Zhang Juzheng was only a second-class scholar.

He also has the qualifications of a daily lecturer and an imperial lecturer, so it is possible for him to be promoted to a third-rank position.

But...the Capital Transport Envoy is already a third-rank official.

If the new yamen wants to coordinate the six transportation offices and seven promotion offices, it must at least have the same regulations as the grain transport office, starting from the second rank.

Yu Youding is not quite qualified.

Thinking of this, Lu Diaoyang couldn't help but remind him: "The chief official of the Salt Administration Office must be at least a second-rank official. Does Your Majesty have any candidates?"

As soon as Zhu Yijun saw everyone's expressions, he knew what they were thinking.

He couldn't help but smile: "Of course there is, I will discuss it with you."

"How about reinstating the former Grand Secretary of Wuying Palace, Junior Guardian Yin Shidan?"

Everyone's expressions changed.

He was a Jinshi in the 26th year of Jiajing's reign, a scholar-official, and also a lecturer in the late emperor's palace.

After the late emperor ascended the throne, he entered the cabinet only one step later than Zhang Juzheng and Gao Gong.

He had a disagreement with Gao Gong in the cabinet. The two had a fight, but Yin Shidan was defeated by Gao Gong and resigned from his post.

Now the emperor wants to reinstate this person?
Zhang Juzheng immediately understood what was going on and said, "Your Majesty wants to set up the Salt Administration Office in Shandong Province!"

As a former cabinet minister, it was impossible for Yin Shidan to return to the central government.

The reason Gao Gong was able to do this was because he and Emperor Muzong had a deep relationship.

There was nothing worth remembering about Yin Shidan about the little emperor.

Now the emperor wants to reinstate this man and use him in the local area. There is no other reason except to use his political influence.

As for where Yin Shidan’s political influence lies…this person is from Shandong and is now living in retirement in Jinan Prefecture!

In other words, it was Xu Jie, the Shandong Provincial Government.

There are six transportation offices, among which Fujian and Shandong have no salt inspectors.

Shandong and Lianghuai are adjacent to each other and are located on the same line of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal. Both places are represented by the Lianghuai Salt Inspector, who is responsible for governing the country and bestowing benefits on the people.

In fact, it was Lianghuai that took over the management of Shandong Salt Administration.

Now that the salt tax in Lianghuai is too big to be eliminated, the emperor obviously wants to reverse the priorities. Not only does he want to separate Shandong, he also wants to use this to divide the powers of Lianghuai!

When Zhang Juzheng asked this question, everyone reacted.

This is to use Yin Shidan's influence to suppress the salt administration in Lianghuai in Shandong!

Wang Guoguang couldn't help but look at the emperor a few more times.

What a sophisticated method.

The emperor said calmly: "Shaobao Yin is highly respected and well-versed in politics. Isn't this inappropriate?"

Zhang Juzheng did not answer at first.

He just thought, "I understand your Majesty's meaning. I will discuss this matter in court tomorrow."

This is why we need to go back and deduce it carefully.

Yin Shidan is a man of great background.

The former emperor's secret residence, cabinet minister, and grand guardian.

Moreover, this person is also very famous in the poetry world, and his reputation among scholars far exceeds that of Gao and Zhang.

If a person with such qualifications were to really be stationed in Shandong and suppress the Lianghuai salt administration, it would definitely have a miraculous effect.

It’s just… this person’s qualifications are too high, even if he is only used in local areas, we have to consider him carefully.

Zhu Yijun was not worried at all that the cabinet would not approve it, and he added, "The position of deputy may be given to Yu Tanhua, as he and Yin Shaobao are of the same mind as their teacher and student."

Everyone looked at Yu Youding.

Several daily lecturers were appointed, but this one was left out. It turned out that it was for Yin Shidan.

Judging from the time, the emperor probably had the draft in mind several months ago.

It really is a chain of events.

Yu Youding suppressed his excitement and immediately stood up to express his gratitude: "As a talented person, I am afraid that it is difficult for me to handle such a big responsibility if I suddenly rise to such a high position. Only by serving my country with my life can I thank Your Majesty for your trust."

Zhu Yijun helped him up.

He also gave Yu Youding many earnest instructions, asking him to organize the salt administration files carefully, study in depth, guard against arrogance and impatience, and integrate them with specific government affairs after arriving at the local area.

After discussing the business, it was still early, so the emperor started to grill skewers himself and distributed them to his ministers.

Unfortunately, the seasoning is too bland, so the only thing that matters is the taste of the ingredients themselves.

Fortunately, there is no shortage of beef and mutton. If you grill it, it is still delicious just by sprinkling some salt on it.

During this time, Zhu Yijun started chatting again.

"The New Year and Lantern Festival are approaching. I have followed the advice of the Prime Minister and stopped the lanterns for the Lantern Festival. However, people inside and outside the palace complain that the festival atmosphere is not strong enough and have expressed dissatisfaction."

"I just had a sudden idea. Why not set up two or three makeshift troupes in the city, invite some actors and performers, and add to the New Year's atmosphere. It won't cost much. What do you think?"

After that, he added, "The opera troupes and eunuchs in the palace can also go and have fun together."

It’s the New Year, and there’s no choice but to not hold the lantern festival to save money, even if we get scolded.

However, these cost-effective evening parties might as well be made more interesting so that people can enjoy themselves together.

It wouldn't cost much money to just set up a stage and serve as the host, so the cabinet thought about it and agreed.

Everyone chatted about some ideas casually.

The emperor and several ministers each wrote a piece of calligraphy as a lucky draw.

Feeling the current political atmosphere in the cabinet, Zhu Yijun couldn't help but smile slightly.

Just at this time, the topic of changing the reign title and granting amnesty came up again.

Zhang Juzheng and Gao Yi said together, "Your Majesty, Wang Zhigao of the Ministry of Justice reported that the three judicial departments have concluded the case of Mu Chaobi, the Duke of Qian."

"The Ministry of Justice and the Dali Temple believe that this person should be sentenced to death."

"The Censorate thinks that he can be sent to Nanjing for imprisonment."

"We have different opinions. Please make a ruling, Your Majesty."

Although the emperor entrusted the government to the cabinet.

However, the cabinet cannot handle criminal cases involving nobles on its own and must consult the inner court.

In the past, I would ask the two palaces, but since I'm here today, I might as well ask the emperor.

After hearing this, Zhu Yijun finished chewing the mutton in his mouth and asked, "Imprisonment!?"

"This man raped his mother and insulted his sister-in-law, seized his brother's land and property, hid criminals, murdered his own children, and mobilized troops to spy on the court. How can we not kill such a person!?"

Otherwise, why do they say that most of the nobles nowadays are useless?

Since he ascended the throne, the nobles dealt with by the two palaces have repeatedly refreshed his three views.

General Guan Yu of Anqiu Palace killed his brother's wife for adultery and set fire to her house in an attempt to silence her.

Qin Hong, the auxiliary general of Prince Lushan's palace, killed Mu Yan, the general of Prince Wu's palace, in the street because of a quarrel.

And now Mu Chaobi mentioned by the two ministers is even more weird!
He had no right to inherit the title, but he rose to power by killing his nephew.

After he came to power, he raped his mother, insulted his sister-in-law, and seized his brother's land and property. He was later impeached by the censor. As a result, he used the border army's seals and sent scouts into the capital to probe the attitude of the central government.

After the incident was exposed, the central government stripped him of his title and passed it on to his son. He was so resentful that he killed his son!
Why keep this kind of trash around if not killing it?

Zhang Juzheng considered and said, "Chao Bi has been guilty of evil for many years. He plotted to murder his own son and killed innocent people without authorization. Judging from his crime, he deserves death."

"But...the three generations of his ancestors have all made great contributions to the country and have no real record of rebellion, so they should be shown some leniency."

"I think it is better to send him to Nanjing for imprisonment."

Gao Yi also agreed, "Your Majesty, the three judicial officials' judgment of his death penalty is reasonable, but there are still seven days before the reign of Emperor Gaozong and a general amnesty."

"Unless, kill them quickly in the next few days."

"I think that extraordinary things should not be done frequently."

Zhu Yijun was helpless.

He really wanted to kill this man, but the cabinet had already said so, and he didn't want to waste his tacit understanding with the cabinet over such a matter.

He had no choice but to wave his hand and said, "Go ask my mother. I am not good at handling this kind of thing."

After discussing some other things casually, it was already getting late.

All the ministers stood up and left.

Zhu Yijun pretended to send him off, and all the ministers hurriedly extended their favor.

He had no choice but to ask Zhang Hong to send the ministers back on his behalf.

Zhang Hong walked to the front and extended his hand to lead the way, while several ministers went to bid farewell to the emperor.

Zhu Yijun was saying goodbye to his ministers.

Suddenly, Zheng Zongxue, the secretary of the Secretariat, approached the crowd with a red-marked memorial in his hand.

The red mark means expedited.

Zhu Yijun's heart skipped a beat.

He remained expressionless and just shook his head slightly, signaling Zheng Zongxue not to say anything.

The ministers turned their backs to Zheng Zongxue and did not see this scene.

By the time the ministers turned around and left, Zheng Zongxue had quietly put the memorial behind him.

Only after all the ministers had left did Zheng Zongxue hand the memorial to the emperor.

"Your Majesty, an urgent memorial from Nanzhili, five hundred miles away."

　Some readers asked me to save up manuscripts, but I can only write so many every day. During the critical growth period, I can't update less to prevent readers from supporting the book. I really can't save up. QAQ
　　
　
(End of this chapter)