Early in the morning, Emperor Zhengde had finished washing up and practiced his martial arts in the courtyard. He took the towel that Qiu Ju handed over and wiped the sweat from his neck. Qiu Ju smiled fawningly: "Your Majesty, your martial arts are becoming more and more outstanding. Your sabre is full of power. This servant was watching from the side with trepidation."
"He he, zhen learned this when I was in the four armies and the border army. This sabre technique was taught to the soldiers in my Ming Destiny army. It is often said that a month is a staff, a year is a sabre, a lifetime is a spear. Although the sabre is not the most difficult to practice, it is much more difficult than the swordplay that zhen used to practice with the Imperial Bodyguard. When it comes to killing the enemy on the battlefield, the sabre is still king. "
Being praised by Qiu Ju, Zhengde took the opportunity to show off: "The sabre must be dark, the strength must be great, especially this single sabre. A single sabre depends on the hand, a double sabre depends on the hand. Zhen's wrist strength is still not enough. If you saw Xu Tai use a sabre, especially Madman Du and Jing Fuer of Datong Residence, that would be a god-like sabre technique. "
"Yes, yes, yes. Your Majesty is full of confidence, this servant admires you. It's almost time to go to court. Your Majesty should change clothes. " Qiu Ju did not know martial arts at all and was confused. He was afraid that his flattery would backfire. Hearing that Zhengde was discussing sabre techniques with him, he quickly changed the topic.
"Oh?" Zhengde looked at the sky. It was dawn and it was time to go to court. Today, the officials would probably have a war of words again. However, he was not worried. Yesterday afternoon, he had seen Tang YiXian and told her of his intentions. He wanted her to go back and tell Yang Ling that in the morning, the Emperor would personally confer the title of Duke. He wanted to see what those officials could say.
Zhengde gave a satisfied smile and ordered: "Go set up the imperial carriage. Zhen will come out after changing into court attire."
He threw the towel to Qiu Ju and walked back to his room. Qiu Ju gestured to the little yellow door behind Zhengde and turned to leave. The door was open and Zhengde walked in. The four eunuchs who were waiting to change clothes were tidying up the imperial crown and dragon robe while chatting. They didn't seem to notice that the emperor had come in.
One of the eunuchs said, "I heard that yesterday during the Emperor's morning court session, a hundred officials requested to exempt Mr. Yang Yang Ling's conferring title. In the end, someone objected, the court session continued until the afternoon without any conclusion. Today during the morning court session, the hundred officials will quarrel again."
The other little eunuch said, "Hai! What's there to quarrel about? As long as Mr. Yang doesn't want to be a Duke, His Majesty can still force him. His Majesty dotes on Mr. Yang. "
"You know nothing! High Duke? Hereditary Duke and hereditary Marquis were a level apart, but if Mr. Yang became a Duke, could he still hold the position of Tiantu of the Inner Factories, could he still supervise the Jiangnan sea trade, and could he still hold a permanent position in the court? Right now, Mr. Yang is so awe-inspiring. In today's world, other than the Emperor, there's only Mr. Yang.
If he became a Duke, Mr. Yang is only twenty years old. If he had to give up such a large amount of power, it would be strange if he gave it up. One is a powerless Duke, the other is a high official who has power over the court. At the same time, there's a hereditary Marquis, enough for his descendants to enjoy. You choose, if it were you, which one would you want? "
"Me? I … If I could become the Head Steward Xi of the Imperial Kitchen, I would be satisfied. I would have good food to eat every day. How would I dare to think so much? "
"Pah, I knew you had no prospects?"
"If you have prospects, then what do you want to do?"
"Me, I just hope to endure for another thirty years and become a steward of the Greetings Department. Ai, a red post …"
Zhengde's heart suddenly became uncomfortable. Minister Yang, he … really cared so much about power. Did he want to be second only to one, above tens of thousands, and become the most powerful official in the court? A shadow shrouded his heart.
It can't be, it can't be! Zhengde's heart was a little flustered. He didn't believe that Yang Ling would have any intentions of rebelling. But in his heart, Yang Ling was the most perfect official. Their relationship was like that of a brother. He didn't want the person he trusted the most to have such selfish thoughts. It was human nature. He was willing to give, but he didn't want you to keep thinking about it.
Zhengde's expression darkened. With a light cough, the four eunuchs turned their heads and saw that the Emperor had arrived. They hurriedly knelt down and kowtowed. Zhengde unhappily ordered the servants to tidy up his clothes. After his robes were tidy, he walked out of the room, accompanied by the eunuchs, towards the guards of honor.
Seeing his expression, Qiu Ju was secretly delighted: As long as this seed of doubt is planted in His Majesty's heart, with Liu gonggong and us accompanying His Majesty day and night, even if they are blood brothers, under our incessant slander and provocation, this seed of doubt in His Majesty's heart will germinate and grow bigger and bigger, until they are irreconcilable unless they die.
Heh heh! Yang Ling ah Yang Ling, instead of being an idle duke, you insist on digging your own grave. Then don't blame us for not being loyal! Zhang Wenmian is worthy of being Eunuch Liu's number one strategist. Eunuch Ma's plan has been supplemented by him. With this step laid, there will be endless follow-up plans. Scholars really kill people with their damn mouth. "
※ ※ ※
All the civil and military officials arrived. No one asked for leave. Even if there was someone who had a headache or fever, they still rushed to court early with the fearless revolutionary spirit of not leaving the frontline of the battlefield. After the first round of the contest yesterday, both sides used a night's time to make full and detailed preparations in terms of legal theory, political system, official system, ancestral system and other aspects. They were ready to fight to the death again.
In particular, Yang Ling, the fuse of the whole incident today, was standing in the golden hall. He was neatly dressed in a python robe and a jade belt. He stood there, his feet in a straight line and his eyes were half-closed. His demeanor was similar to when he sparred with the Confucian scholars in court. Some people who had suffered at his hands could not help but secretly whisper.
Zhengde entered the hall and took his seat. When his eyes met Yang Ling's, some of the doubts in his heart immediately disappeared. The difference between Yang Ling and other officials was the way he looked at him. Even if he was performing the three kowtows and nine kowtows, his eyes were not the infinite reverence ordinary officials had for the supreme Emperor. It was a kind of cordiality, a kind of care. Why would a person who was not afraid of power care about power? Would he be greedy for power and monopolize it?
The eunuch of the department hall had been changed. Bi Yun had been sent to the cold palace by Liu Jin to sweep the floor. He was replaced by the eunuch Sun Bin of the Inner Officials Department. This little eunuch was not very old. He was only 19 years old. He had studied in the Imperial Study Hall and was a close attendant of the Palace of Heavenly Purity. Later, he was appointed as a scribe of the Department of Rites. Although he was not Liu Jin's trusted aide, he was very honest. Moreover, he was also very liked by Zhengde. So when Liu Jin mentioned it, Zhengde nodded and agreed.
Sun Bin waited until all the officials had finished greeting the Emperor and returned to their positions. Then, as usual, he sang: "Civil and military officials, if you have a report, please leave the court."
Yang Ling took a glance at Jiao Fang. Jiao Fang immediately stepped out and said: "Reporting to Your Majesty, this official has a report."
Liu Jin had long expected that Yang Ling's faction would desperately evade and refuse to let Yang Ling take the position of Duke Wei. Zhang Cai dusted her official robe and took a deep breath. Just as she was about to start a fight with Jiao Fang, she heard Jiao Fang said: "Your Majesty, after the Left Assistant Minister of the Ministry of War, Liu Yu, was promoted to Minister, the position of Left Assistant Minister has been left vacant. This official believes that such an important position cannot be left vacant for a long time. We should quickly arrange a suitable candidate to fill the vacancy."
"Eh?" This sentence stunned everyone. Who doesn't know that Jiao Fang is Yang Ling's man? He is not in a hurry to help Yang Ling resign from Duke Wei but is seriously discussing about the vacancy in the Ministry of War. This is really too unexpected. Everyone is guessing if he is up to some crafty plot. As a result, the Golden Hall was silent for a long time.
Zhengde was also stunned for a moment. He then reacted and asked: "Dear Official, do you have a suitable candidate?"
Jiao Fang said: "The Commander of the three border towns, Yang Yiqing, has a strict military discipline and is proficient in the art of war. Ever since he was appointed as the Commander of the three border towns, he strictly enforced military discipline and reorganized the troops. The battle power of the border armies is even more extraordinary. The barbaric Tartars are fearful and rarely dare to invade the borders. This old official believes that Yang Yiqing can take up this position."
Zhengde temporarily put aside his worries and asked: "If Yang Yiqing is transferred to the Ministry of War, who can replace the Commander of the three border towns?"
Jiao Fang said: "The Deputy Commander of the three border towns, Wang Shouren, can take over."
Zhengde has a good impression of Wang Shouren's unexpected rescue of Mount Baishan. He thought for a moment and asked: "What do you all think?"
No one dared to speak.
No one knows what Jiao Fang is planning. This old fellow has a sneaky look on his face. Now is the crucial moment when both sides are facing off and want to pull Yang Ling down. As Yang Ling's number one subordinate, he is suddenly discussing the matter of the Left Assistant Minister of the Ministry of War being suspended. What kind of trap is this? Who dares to speak carelessly before getting a clear understanding of the situation?
Zhengde asked again but no one answered. He then turned to the six ministries, nine ministers, Li Dongyang and Yang Tinghe and asked: "What do you all think?"
Liu Yu bowed and said: "In my opinion, the two people recommended by Minister Jiao are suitable candidates."
Li Dongyang also agreed. Yang Yiqing has a good relationship with him and is a talent that he greatly admires. However, Yang Yiqing and Yang Tinghe, whom he is also full of praise for, do not get along well. There is a strong sense of irreconcilable rivalry between the two. However, it is not convenient for Yang Tinghe to express his dislike of Yang Yiqing directly. Two out of the three Scholars have already agreed. The Minister of War of the six ministries has also expressed his opinion. Yang Tinghe can only remain silent.
Seeing that no one refutes, Zhengde nodded his head and said: "Approved. The Minister will issue the edict."
Jiao Fang retreated. Zhang Cai coughed once and was about to step out of the room. Unexpectedly, Wang Hua, who was standing beside him, beat him to it. He stepped forward and reported: "This official has a memorial. Your Majesty, Hangzhou is the most prosperous of the three customs that have opened the sea and lifted the ban. The current prefect, Cang Bing, is already sixty four years old. He is old and weak. It is difficult for him to take up the heavy responsibility and has repeatedly submitted petitions to retire and return to his hometown. Now that there is a backlog of government affairs, it is extremely disadvantageous to the trade and trade between the various countries.
This official thinks that capable officials should be appointed as the prefect of Hangzhou as soon as possible to manage the government affairs of the region. This official should coordinate with Gu Daeyong's Yamen of Customs to open up the situation as soon as possible and ensure the opening of the open sea and trade between the various countries. "
Zhang Cai almost burst out in laughter: "What is Yang Ling sending? It can't be that he is rambling on and on, trying to use the 'delaying' tactic to drag this matter over? Even if you can avoid it once, can you avoid it forever? "
Zhang Cai secretly sneered and immediately took a step forward and said: "Official Wang is right. Hangzhou is the gateway to my Ming Destiny. The merchants of the various countries use Hangzhou as the representative of my Ming Destiny. The prefect of Hangzhou represents my Ming Destiny. The imperial court should send a suitable and capable official to take up the post while winter is approaching and the flow of commerce is decreasing. He should straighten out the administration and reorganize the place. Next year, he will receive envoys from the various countries with a brand new appearance and spread the might of my Ming Destiny."
Zhengde kept his cool and nodded his head: "What you said is right. Beloved Official Wang and Beloved Official Zhang's words are reasonable. Who do you think is the most suitable candidate to take up the post?"
Wang Hua was the first to speak: "Your Majesty, the head of the Ministry of Revenue, Yan Song, is brimming with talent, young and promising. Furthermore, the Wan Yan Letter 'requesting for the opening of the sea ban' was submitted by him. Ming Destiny's hundred year sea ban was only opened in the hands of my Emperor with great resolution and courage. This person is far-sighted and has outstanding performance in the Ministry of Revenue. Therefore, although this person is young, he is qualified to take up the post. Official Zhang, what do you think?"
"Official Wang's words are reasonable. This official is in charge of the Ministry of Personnel. Yan Song's performance evaluation is indeed exceptional!" Zhang Cai was also not vague. Isn't it just a prefect? I'll give it to you. Let's see how many more vacancies you want to create to discuss matters today.
"Permission granted. Does anyone else have anything to report?" Zhengde was also worried. What was wrong with the officials? They quarreled so fiercely yesterday and didn't even mention it today. Could it be that I … had a dream yesterday?
As he was thinking, Yang Ling took a step forward and cupped his scepter: "Reporting to Your Majesty, this official has a report."
"Speak." Zhengde happily sat up straight. With his temperament, he was really not the type to speak in riddles. If no one really mentioned this matter today, who knows how much pain he would feel in his heart.
"This official has been ordered to patrol the lands under the heavens on behalf of Your Majesty. From the north to the south, from the east to the west, I've heard a lot about the Daoist scriptures of the various prefectures. This official is currently organizing them in detail so that I can present them to Your Majesty for further instructions. When this official was in Sichuan, I also discovered a person. This person is young and full of talent. He is skilled in both literature and martial arts. He can be said to be an outstanding person and is reputed to be the number one genius in Sichuan.
My Majesty has just succeeded the throne and everything is new. This is the time when we need people. With such a talent, how can we abandon him? This official, together with Grand Secretary Li Dongyang, Grand Secretary Jiao Fang, Minister of Ministry of Rites Wang Hua and Minister of War Liu Yu, have jointly recommended him. We respectfully request for Your Majesty to make an exception and promote him. "
Emperor Zhengde was moved. "To be able to receive such praise from Yang Ling … I don't think he has ever praised anyone. This is the first time. What kind of talent is this?"
Zhengde hurriedly asked. Yang Ling boldly replied, "This person's surname is Yang and his name is Shen. He is from Sichuan's Xindu. His knowledge is incomparably vast and he can be a pillar of the country."
"Yang Shen? Sichuan's Xindu? " There were still some among the officials who remembered this person who came to the capital at the age of thirteen. He was famous in the capital for his poetry and was accepted as a disciple by Li Dongyang. He was the number one prodigy in the capital. They couldn't help but exclaim, "Yang Shen? Grand Secretary Yang's son? "
"Exactly." Yang Ling continued, "External recommendation does not avoid enemies, internal recommendation does not avoid relatives. This person is very talented and can be of great use. Therefore, although this official is an official in the same court as his father, I do not avoid suspicion and recommend him."
Li Dongyang twirled his beard and said, "Yang Shen is indeed a talented person. He can be of use to the court."
Jiao Fang, Wang Hua and the others bowed together and said, "This official will recommend him as well."
Zhengde thought for a moment and said, "Good. Since all of you have recommended him, this Yang Shen's knowledge and talent must be extraordinary. Then let him be recommended to the court. I will personally write a special edict. But … what official position is suitable to be conferred? "
Yang Ling said, "Yang Shen is seventeen years old. He is talented and knowledgeable, but he has no experience in politics. We cannot rashly appoint him. We can choose a position and let him familiarize himself with the court's rules and regulations and the six ministries' military and political affairs. After two or three years, he will be a capable official and can be our Emperor's right-hand man."
Jiao Fang immediately said, "If that's the case, this old official thinks that Yang Shen can be appointed as the Minister of Appointments, a seventh-rank official."
Zhang Cai was already confused by Yang Ling. What was he doing so early in the morning? First, Yang Yiqing went to the capital. Yang Tinghe didn't get along with him. Who didn't know that? It would be strange if Yang Tinghe gave him a good attitude. Then, Yan Song was sent to Hangzhou. A mere fifth-rank prefectural magistrate … Now, he recommended Yang Tinghe's son to be an official. What was the meaning of this? Was he trying to get Yang Tinghe's forgiveness? But to enter the court through the recommendation department, no matter whether he was an idle position or not, he should at least be given a fifth-rank official. He was only seventh-rank … the Department of Appointments?!
Zhang Cai's heart tightened when she thought of this. She heard the Emperor say, "Since the officials have no objections, then I will issue a decree. Yang Shen will be appointed as the Minister of Appointments when he enters the court. In the future, if he has outstanding achievements, he will be promoted and rewarded. "
Zhang Cai opened her mouth, but she only swallowed her saliva. The opportunity was fleeting. She had lost another round. To be the Minister of Appointments, this was like putting a big shackle around her neck. The Minister of Appointments was in charge of the attendants, admonishing the officials, patching up the missing, reviewing, refuting imperial edicts, refuting the memorials from the hundred departments, supervising the departments of the six ministries, impeaching the officials, and complementing the censors.
In addition, he was responsible for recording and compiling imperial edicts and memorials, supervising the implementation of the various departments. He was also an examiner for the provincial examinations, an examiner for the provincial examinations, and an examiner for the court examinations. When conferring titles to members of the imperial family, the various vassal states, or when making imperial edicts to foreign countries, he was the Minister of Appointments and Deputy Minister. He also handled cases of injustice. He had low status but great power.
Refuting imperial edicts, refuting the memorials from the hundred departments, supervising the departments of the six ministries, impeaching the officials, and handling cases of injustice. Was this power small? Compiling imperial edicts and memorials, supervising the implementation of the various departments, serving as an examiner for the provincial examinations, an examiner for the provincial examinations, and an examiner for the court examinations. After being in this position for a long time, he would have students and old friends all over the world.
The most important thing was that he was the Minister of Appointments. In the future, could he still promote and demote officials without any scruples? As long as he sat in this position, he could forget about doing things to his heart's content. Zhang Cai was filled with remorse and hatred. She angrily took a step forward and said loudly: "Your Majesty, this official also has a memorial. A few days ago, Sichuan falsely reported the death of Mr Yang, Yang Ling. Because of his meritorious service, His Majesty conferred upon Mr Yang the title of Duke of Wei and bestowed upon him the posthumous title of Wen Cheng and Wu De. Now that Mr Yang is blessed by the heavens and has returned to the capital, this posthumous title should be retracted. But because of his meritorious service, His Majesty conferred upon Mr Yang the title of Wei State Merit.
What is the meaning of conferring meritorious service? It is Mr Yang's meritorious service that deserves this title, but it has not yet been conferred. Therefore, whether Mr Yang is alive or not, will not affect His Majesty's bestowal to him. His Majesty is the ruler of the Nine Five Realms and his words are of gold and jade. How can he go back on his words and retract his order? If he does this, won't the world laugh at him and say that only the dead can be conferred the title of Duke by the imperial court and not the living? In the future, who among the officials will have the ambition to follow Mr Yang's example and achieve such meritorious service? "
As soon as Zhang Cai finished speaking, the people behind him knelt down and said in unison: "His Majesty's edict is not a child's play. This official thinks that Yang Ling should be conferred the title of Wei State Duke!"
Yang Tinghe brushed his sleeves and was about to step forward to argue when he suddenly felt his clothes tighten. He turned his head to look and saw that Li Dongyang acted as if nothing had happened but his right hand was tightly grabbing onto his robe.
Zhengde's heart skipped a beat and he could not help but look at Yang Ling: "Will he decline or agree?"
Zhengde hesitated: "Subject Yang, I thought that Subject Yang's meritorious service is enough to confer the title of Duke. Therefore, when I heard of Subject's passing, I conferred you the title of Wei State Duke in my grief. Now that Subject is alive, there are some officials in the imperial court who think that I should retract my order. There are also some officials who think that Subject's meritorious service is worthy of this title. What does Subject think?"
With a face full of fear, Yang Ling hurriedly knelt down and bowed his head: "Subject does not dare to reject the title bestowed by the Emperor."
"Subject does not dare to reject the title bestowed by the Emperor!" This sentence was repeated in the hearts of the officials before they came back to their senses. Regardless of whether it was the officials who had already made up their minds to force him to accept the title of Wei State Duke, or the people who were prepared to pull him down from his high horse, everyone was stunned.
Emperor Zhengde heaved a long sigh of relief. In his heart, he only said one sentence: "Those four eunuchs, after the imperial court is dismissed, I will definitely slap their mouths!"
Yang Ling frankly said: "The meritorious service this lowly official has made is insignificant compared to the predecessors. To receive such a reward from Your Majesty, subject is extremely fearful. However, as a subject, I dare not reject the Emperor's bestowment. Subject is willing to accept the title of Wei State Duke and resign from the position of Commander of the Inner Factories, General of the Four External Armies, and the responsibility of supervising the opening of the sea and the lifting of the ban. "
Zhengde beamed with joy and thought: If you resign, so be it. As long as I am here, you will be here. Won't I still be able to use them whenever I want? Do I still care about those few fixed official positions?
Zhengde nodded his head and said: "Subject's words are very reasonable. Since that is the case, I will approve your request. As for these few tasks, does Subject have a suitable candidate to take over?"
Yang Ling said: "The Head of the Inner Factories, Wu Jie, was the one who single-handedly set up the Inner Factories. He is outstanding in his ability and cautious in his work. He can be promoted to the position of Factory Supervisor."
"Approved!"
"It has already been several months since the opening of the sea trade. Due to sufficient preparations, the Shipping Department and Maritime Yamen are operating smoothly. There is no need for a full-time supervisor. Subject believes that the Maritime Yamen's Superintendent, Gu Daeyong, will cooperate with the local authorities to ensure the normal operation of the sea trade. There will not be any major changes in the trade and taxes."
"Approved!"
"As for the border troops entering the capital, long live our Emperor. You are wise and skilled in the art of war. The four external armies will report directly to Your Majesty. My Emperor will be the commander-in-chief and the generals of the four towns will be the Son of Heaven's disciples. Subject is only a deputy commander-in-chief. Your Majesty is busy with the affairs of the country and I am only helping you to share your burdens. How dare I say that I will choose a replacement for Your Majesty? "
"Haha, good. Then I want you to continue to share my burdens. You still have to help me manage the four external armies. I am very busy!"
The civil and military officials were also very busy. They were busy listening to the conversation between the ruler and subject. They were busy analyzing the changes in personnel, the impact on themselves, the impact on the politics of the court, and the impact on the strength of the three powers in the court.
"Yes. Since I am paid by the monarch, I should share my burdens!"
Zhengde was very pleased. He smiled and said, "In a moment, when the court is dismissed, Subject Yang, don't leave. Go to the back palace and see the Empress Dowager. The Empress Dowager has something to say to you."
The civil and military officials' ears immediately perked up.
After Zhengde finished speaking, he raised his voice and asked, "My beloved subjects, do you have anything else to say?"
Everyone was busy 'digesting' the news. No one had time to respond. Zhengde waved his hand and said, "Court is dismissed!"
He lifted his buttocks and happily returned to the back palace. Yang Ling was dumbfounded. "Say it, say it. If you don't say it … I don't know what the officials will guess. Sigh! This unruly emperor. "
He shook his official robe, shaking off the countless curious gazes behind him. Then, he helplessly chased after Zhengde.
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