Chapter 91: The old family tree, giving way to the wise

April fifteen.

Xiyuan, beside Taiye Lake.

Zhu Yijun was sitting on a low stool, fishing by the Taiye Lake.

As a rare pastime nowadays, it is also a good way to regulate your mood.

Zhang Hong came to report the matter and was handed a fishing rod while standing aside.

"In addition to money, Master Xu also asked officials and Jinyiwei who were learning mathematics to stay and teach for half a year so that he could start to expand his student base."

Zhu Yijun smiled with relief.

Very energetic.

Just from this one move, you can tell that he is really dedicated to his work.

No matter it is an academy or a salt administration office, if one wants to establish an office in a well-governed country, the first thing to do is to build a building and allocate funds, that is, to form tangible assets first.

Next up is the issue of staffing.

As soon as Xu Jie entered the academy, he demanded that the right to dispose of the money be returned to the academy, and tried every means to fill the temporary establishment, which showed that he was not fooling around.

Zhu Yijun ordered: "Just do as Master Xu said."

"However, the treasury must send people to review the whereabouts of silver every quarter, and at the end of the year, the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Science and Technology will also be called in to review it together, which has become a custom."

There will definitely be a lot of money to be spent in the future, so we cannot leave any obvious loopholes in the early stages.

Zhang Hong responded and accepted the order.

Zhu Yijun remembered something and asked, "Has Wang Shizhen not entered the capital yet?"

He issued an edict to reinstate the emperor years ago. These people are too passive.

Zhang Hong hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, Wang Shizhen's mourning for his mother ended at the beginning of the year and he is already on his way."

Zhu Yijun suddenly realized.

Then he felt helpless. It was really troublesome for a minister to observe mourning.

Unfortunately, there is no good solution.

Zhang Hong glanced at the emperor who was in deep thought, and pulled the fishing rod subtly to drive away the fish that was about to take the bait, so as to prevent the fish from taking the bait before the emperor.

He continued to report: "The matter of the Imperial Censor Hai granting the palace examination has been approved by the Ministry of Rites."

"However... Zhang Siwei said that there is no precedent in our dynasty, so how to implement it still needs to be carefully considered."

This is an ambiguous and vague attitude.

Zhu Yijun sneered.

He knew very well what was going on. This was a urge for him.

Zhu Yijun asked calmly, "Did Yang Bo submit another petition to retire?"

Zhang Hong had already prepared a plan, and he quickly replied, "It was submitted this morning, and has been retained according to His Majesty's order."

Zhu Yijun nodded and said, "Please encourage Yang Bo for me and let him have a good rest. You can recommend a minister to take over the cabinet affairs temporarily. After he recovers, he can return to the cabinet to take charge of the affairs."

Everyone knows who to recommend.

Zhang Hong wrote it down.

Zhu Yijun hadn't caught any fish for a while and felt that his position was not good, so he stood up and changed positions.

He asked casually, "What did the noble who was impeached in the court yesterday say?"

Zhang Hong pulled the fishing rod and said carefully, "Huian Bo Zhang Yuanshan and Chengan Bo Guo Yingqian wrote to ask for a rest, so we have closed the door to visitors today."

"Li Yingchen, the Earl of Xiangcheng, and Zhao Zuzheng, the Earl of Xincheng... went to seek help from Duke Yingguo and Duke Chengguo."

"The two dukes ignored it and asked the ladies to enter the palace to look for the two queen dowagers."

Zhu Yijun frowned. This was too stupid.

Not only am I stupid, there is no smart person in this house.

No wonder he could do such a stupid thing as secretly imprisoning a constable.

He said with some disgust: "Order Earl Hui'an and Earl Cheng'an to stay at home and do nothing."

"As for the other two idiots, all the impeachment memorials will be kept here."

Keeping it in the court and not releasing it not only means covering up, but also means increasing the intensity of the attack. It depends on the court officials' own judgment.

Zhang Hong wrote it down again.

Then he spoke carefully, "This morning, the Governor of the Beijing Camp, Gu Huan, once again submitted an impeachment petition."

"Li Chengen, the brave lieutenant commander, has not yet arrived at the camp for duty today."

"Guerrilla Chen Xiong from the Shenji Camp gathered a crowd to gamble last night."

"The Shenshu camp assists the marquis's descendants and refuses to obey the rules."

"Liu Zhi, the right deputy general of the Fifth Army Camp, was involved in a private fight."

"Central officer Yang Shikai led his troops to play Cuju..."

With every word Zhang Hong said, Zhu Yijun's expression became uglier.

The latter interrupted directly: "What does the Ministry of War say?"

Zhang Hong hesitated for a moment, then replied carefully: "The Ministry of War rejected the proposal, saying that this is the habit of the Beijing Army, and asked Gu Huan to reprimand them."

"Governor Gu privately asked His Majesty whether he could be tried by military law."

Li Chengen was the son of the Grand Princess, Liu Zhi was the nephew of the Marquis of Chengyi, and Yang Shikai was from the Marquis of Zhangwu's mansion.

Li Wenquan is still his biological uncle.

In short, these assistant generals and deputy generals were either relatives of the emperor or nobles, or were protected by the Ministry of War and not allowed to move.

If you want to deal with him by military law, you have to ask the emperor about the political impact first.

It's really restrictive.

Zhu Yijun thought for a moment, then shook his head and said, "Let Jiangxi Province Censor Su Shirun submit an impeachment."

"Tell Ge Shouli and Li Zaiting that the censors should be more aggressive in impeaching these nobles. Don't show mercy to my uncles and cousins. Let's blow the storm first."

The Beijing camp has been inspected by censors every year, and now it is the censor Su Shirun, who is also someone Ge Shouli can use.

The military law punishment was too loud and Gu Huan couldn't bear it.

It would be better to file a petition for impeachment and take advantage of the momentum of this incident to deal with them all at once.

Those who should be fined will be fined, those who should be transferred will be transferred, and those who should be laid off will be laid off.

That is...it still has to pass the review of the Ministry of War.

He turned around and asked, "Who is eyeing the position of Assistant Minister of the Ministry of War and Assistant Manager of the Beijing Camp?"

Anyone with a discerning eye could see that Zhao Kongzhao's retirement was a foregone conclusion.

Those who are expected to get this position should be getting ready to make a move.

Zhang Hong thought about it and speculated, "Your Majesty, the Ministry of War seems to intend to let Shi Maohua assist in the Beijing Camp."

Zhu Yijun frowned after hearing this.

Before Wang Chonggu came to Beijing, the position of Minister of War had remained vacant. Shi Maohua was in control of the Ministry of War and had made great progress in both qualifications and reputation.

If he were to help manage the Beijing camp, I'm afraid he would want to enclose his own territory and make it difficult for him to enter in case of wind or rain.

Zhu Yijun asked, "Anything else?"

Zhang Hong listed them all: "There are also Yuan Fu and Lu Ge Lao, who prefer Wang Xilie to take over this position."

"Gao Ge Lao consulted the documents of Wang Daokun, the inspector."

After hearing this, Zhu Yijun remained silent.

After a long while, he finally said, "Ask Xu Jie and Yang Bo to recommend someone as well."

Zhang Hong bowed and responded.

Seeing that the emperor didn't say anything else, he tactfully put down his fishing rod and turned around to do his work.

……

There was a light rain in the afternoon, and the streets of the capital were particularly cool and refreshing, with the fresh smell of earth, which made people feel relaxed and happy.

But there are exceptions.

This hall of the Honglu Temple was used to receive foreigners, so it was ruined by the barbarians who did not know etiquette. Over the years, the smell was not very good.

If it's like this outside, it's naturally even worse inside.

Tu Xiying, the Minister of the Ministry of Rites, covered his mouth and nose with his sleeves, a flash of disgust in his eyes, and looked down at the envoys of the Doyan Guard.

The eunuch Wei Chao at the side said with a smile: "Everyone, please accept the reward."

The officials of the Siyi Hall kindly translated it into Mongolian.

One of the messengers said in a muffled voice: "I understand, I don't need you to translate."

After saying that, he turned around and spoke Mongolian with several other messengers.

After experiencing the pre-Yuan Dynasty and the two hundred years of war and peace during the Ming Dynasty, cultural exchanges between the two sides were inevitable, and there were naturally many people who were bilingual.

After some translation, the leading envoy finally understood what the Ming Dynasty meant. Bulinbatu Aoden frowned and said, "We don't want silver, we want cloth, food, and fine salt!"

"Besides, it's too little!"

This man was of burly build, with a sturdy air, and when he opened his mouth, the eunuch officials in front of him couldn't help but cover their noses.

Without the need for a translator, Honglu Temple Minister Tu Xiying shook his head and said, "It's too troublesome to escort grain and tea. It's not easy to transport them."

"On the contrary, silver is convenient and can be exchanged for food, tea, or anything else."

He was too lazy to even mention a lot of things. It wasn't like he had lost the battle, so he just showed some appreciation and even complained it was not enough.

After listening to his companion's translation, Ao Deng said in a deep voice: "There is no place to buy it for us!"

The Ming Dynasty only traded with Altan Khan. Tuman Khan did not enjoy this treatment due to years of war.

Tu Xiying, the Minister of the Honglu Temple, smiled and said, "You can go find the Prince of Shunyi."

King of Shunyi was the title of Altan Khan, and he was also the only Altan Khan leader who opened up trade.

Tu Xiying paused, and said with a subtle look: "Or, let your chieftain, the governor Chang Ang, come forward and discuss the matter of mutual trade with our dynasty."

The voice was not loud, and everyone present heard it.

The Minister of War Wang Chonggu, who was eavesdropping in the compartment, also heard it.

The Mongols sent people to ask for rewards. As the Minister of War and the person who offered advice, Wang Chonggu was naturally very interested in coming to listen and find out the truth.

He even brought along his nephew who was about to enter the cabinet.

Zhang Siwei whispered, "Uncle, will this really work? Chang Ang's father died at the hands of our dynasty. The hatred for his father's murder is as deep as the sea of ​​blood..."

Wang Chonggu glared at Zhang Siwei.

Without a word he stood up and walked out of the room.

Seeing that his uncle was no longer attending the class, Zhang Siwei hurried to catch up.

"We don't want to listen?"

Wang Chonggu glanced at his nephew who had been getting carried away recently, and said coldly, "If you are allowed to sit in on the class, then follow the rules."

"The people next door are discussing something, and you are speaking so casually..."

"Are you getting too carried away?"

He has been living in the border town for many years and has not seen his nephew for many years. He did not expect that he would be so carried away in front of him.

Zhang Siwei's heart skipped a beat after receiving the reprimand.

He quickly admitted his fault and said, "My uncle is right in scolding me. I know I was wrong."

Zhang Siwei has not forgotten the capital that enabled him to have a successful career in the government.

Even though he is about to enter the cabinet, he dare not be disrespectful to his uncle.

Wang Chonggu snorted coldly and walked out of the Honglu Temple with big strides.

Zhang Siwei was an official in the yamen. He was frail and had to jog to keep up.

"My nephew knows he was wrong, so please don't get angry. It's not worth it to get yourself hurt by getting angry."

Seeing that Zhang Siwei was out of breath and his attitude was still sincere, Wang Chonggu calmed down and slowed down his pace.

But he still taught her a lesson: "Don't be so proud just because you are about to enter the cabinet."

"The threat from the Tartars is a major issue for the country. Every move we make concerns the safety of the world. We cannot tolerate your frivolous behavior."

"If the situation really goes wrong, even the emperor will be kidnapped, not to mention a mere minister in the cabinet!"

Although Wang Chonggu was greedy for money and formed a clique, he always maintained a proper attitude towards border affairs.

It is precisely because of this that he was valued by Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng.

Zhang Siwei reiterated: "My nephew has little experience and needs your advice. Today, I know what you said and I will definitely keep it in mind."

Only then did Wang Chonggu let him go.

After the two men had been scolded and admitted their mistakes, they walked out of the Honglu Temple and got into the sedan chair.

Riding in the same sedan chair, Wang Chonggu began to explain Zhang Siwei's question: "Do you think that since the revenge for the murder of your father is in the past, even if Chang Ang is in power, he will not resolve the grievances with our dynasty?"

Zhang Siwei nodded.

Wang Chonggu shook his head helplessly: "When you have time, you should pay more attention to border affairs. Even the emperor who summoned me yesterday seemed to know Tatars better than you."

He paused and explained, "The Tatars are not like the Central Plains. The Khan is not as lawful as our emperor. The leaders of the tribes are even more scattered."

"The Tatars' invasion and plundering of the border was not a dispute over the orthodoxy of the Yuan and Ming dynasties as those Confucian scholars said, nor was it to avenge the blood feud you mentioned."

"After all, it's all for survival! For food, cloth, and salt!"

"The barbarians are a threat to China, but they are only seeking food and clothing, which is why our dynasty has given them many rewards."

"As long as food and clothing are provided as conditions, even if Chang Ang wants to continue harassing, he may not be able to order those nobles in the tribe around."

Of course, it is just a slight appeasement. There is no need to think about mutual trade. It is just a big promise made to Chang'an.

Zhang Siwei seemed to be thinking about something.

But he really had no interest in this and was too lazy to ask any further questions.

The two turned to talk about family matters.

From the son of Wang Chonggu who was admitted to the Imperial College, to the share of the Shanxi merchants this year, and so on.

Soon, the carriage swayed all the way to Yang Bo's mansion.

The two men got off the carriage and were led into the mansion by servants.

Yang Bo’s mansion is naturally indescribably magnificent.

But at this time, many decorations and utensils were put away, as if they were ready to return home.

Yang Bo was in the yard, wearing a coarse linen shirt, moving flower pots.

He is as vigorous as a dragon and doesn't look sick at all.

Seeing Wang Chonggu and Zhang Siwei come in, Yang Bo took the towel handed over by the servant, wiped his sweat and apologized: "I accidentally got lost in thought and forgot the time."

"Let me change my clothes first."

Wang Chonggu politely returned the greeting and indicated that he was welcome to do as he pleased.

Yang Bo bowed his hands, apologized, and returned to the inner hall.

Wang Chonggu and Zhang Siwei were led to the study.

The servant made tea and waited for a while before Yang Bo came out, changing into casual clothes.

"Xuefu is a pillar of society. He has been driven by various parties since he came to Beijing. I haven't even given him a welcome party yet. Please stay at my house tonight."

Xuefu is the pen name of Wang Chonggu.

Yang and Wang were both from Puzhou, Shanxi Province, and probably fellow townsmen from the same county. They both achieved high positions in the government, so their friendship naturally needs no further explanation.

Wang Chonggu stood up and greeted him, saying with a wry smile, "I have not yet apologized to Lord Yang for the Golden Edict."

The Golden Edict is an iron certificate of immunity from death.

The words "I still swear to you that except for treason, you will be spared once for all other capital crimes as a reward for your merits" are engraved on it.

They are the real golden medals of immunity from death—Gao Gong has two.

Wang Chonggu himself did not receive the gift, so it was useless for him to take it.

But after Yang Bo entered the cabinet, he secretly made one for Wang Chonggu to enjoy.

As a result, the truth came out in February and Yang Bo was impeached by the censors, which brought him into trouble.

Yang Bo didn't take it seriously. He was going to retire anyway, so he enjoyed doing some favors for his fellow villagers before leaving.

He waved his hand and said, "It's okay. When Ziwei enters the cabinet, you can also give me a golden edict to play with."

The three of them sat down.

Now it’s time to get down to business.

Yang Bo asked with concern: "How is Xuanda doing?"

Wang Chonggu was very meticulous in his work and after planning for so long, there shouldn't be any mistakes. But Yang Bo was still a little worried because he didn't ask for clarification.

The former nodded calmly and said confidently: "It should be fine. Within three years, Altan Khan will only recognize my people."

"If there is any problem, the Third Lady will help me strengthen my strength."

Sanniangzi was the wife of Altan Khan. After marrying him at the age of nine, her prestige in the tribe grew day by day because of her wisdom and bravery.

After being rewarded by the Ming Dynasty, his power was almost as great as that of Altan Khan, and he was one of the most powerful figures in the tribe.

It was Sanniangzi and Wang Chonggu who facilitated Altan's tribute, which can be said to be the most solid alliance of interests.

Yang Bo was still a little worried and said hesitantly: "The emperor asked Tan Lun to go to Xuanda. This man is not an easy person to deal with."

Wang Chonggu thought about it and shook his head: "The situation in Xuanda is complicated. Even if I have someone to rely on, I dare not make any big moves. It will be the same no matter who goes."

"What's more, His Majesty may not be as vicious and cruel as you guessed."

Yang Bo's expression changed. "After the court meeting yesterday, you played the game alone. What did the emperor say to Xuefu?"

(End of this chapter)