Chapter 656 655 The Imperial Decree to Inherit the Title

Teng Xiang worshiped under the sect of Huang Jin, and he also followed Emperor Jiajing back to the capital from Anlu. However, Huang Jin's status was not high, and he was just a handyman in Prince Xing's palace.

Such people, whether in the Jiajing Dynasty or the Longqing Dynasty, were regarded as members of the Xingwang family with upright roots.

As the older generation of Xingwangfu people aged, talents like him gradually emerged.

Especially after Teng Xiang discovered that Emperor Longqing was very playful, not only greedy for beauty, but also liked some weird gadgets, he naturally welcomed him wholeheartedly, which also quickly increased his status in the palace.

As you can imagine, a lot of old eunuchs helped the emperor select beauties in the palace, and then arranged for people to send them to the emperor.

Let people go around the capital to explore novel things, and then send them to the palace for the emperor to play with.

After hearing Wei Guangde's idea, Chen Yiqin hesitated briefly and asked, "Will he agree?"

Chen Yiqin had a lot of contact with the palace, and he knew that with Tengxiang's current level of favor, even if His Majesty knew that he had asked some of the imprisoned Huang family members to be let go, he would probably only scold him a few words.

However, the key is why he was allowed to get involved in this muddy water.

Eunuchs, after all, have lost a lot of fun in life because they have lost their lifeblood, so money is the most important to them.

Without offspring, we have to rely on ourselves to support ourselves in old age.

Even Huang Jin, who was praised by the foreign court, was no exception. Judging from the punishment of Emperor Longqing on the Huang family, it was obvious that Huang Jin had done something secretly.

Teng Xiang can be tempted by giving enough money, but will he agree?

This is what Chen Yiqin is worried about.

"Eunuch Huang had a passionate relationship with him. I guess he may not have had such intentions, but he felt that if he did it, the gain would outweigh the loss.

As long as it makes him feel it's worth the money, I think he will agree.

Moreover, Eunuch Huang had taken care of the palace at the beginning. His Majesty was angry before, so he rejected your request. Now?"

Wei Guangde just whispered.

"How much money do you plan to give? How will you collect the money?"

Chen Yiqin whispered.

If you receive a drop of kindness from someone, you will definitely repay it with a spring of water.

Chen Yiqin is not someone who crosses rivers and demolishes bridges, unloads mills and kills donkeys. He knows that it is their turn to pay.

"At the school admission ceremony, I still had more than a thousand taels of silver left there, and the Huang family gave me 500 taels. This time I took them all out and made up the whole number, two thousand taels."

Wei Guangde replied.

He has money, but he will never spend his own money, at least most of it will be with public money.

If you don't hide this money, you can be considered honest and loyal to the public.

In fact, according to the current unspoken rules of the court, this money is actually his money.

In later generations, some security companies or property management companies negotiated business and negotiated services with the client. The business was originally a business for fifteen people. When it was launched, only ten people were assigned to it. As long as the work was done well, the remaining wages and management fees were paid. That's legal income.

As long as the client doesn't take out the contract to cause trouble, who will care?

Wei Guangde's amount of money was for the transcription of the grand ceremony. Based on the estimated number of copywriters, pen and ink required, etc., the Ministry of Accounts had unconditionally met the needs of the school recording library. Wei Guangde naturally overpaid, thinking of adding more manpower for emergencies if necessary.

But the personnel arrangements are good, so this money is saved.

The ceremony has been completed and the account has been handed back. Naturally, no one will question this matter again.

The key is this unspoken rule. To find Wei Guangde's fault is to make enemies of officials all over the world. Who would do this out of boredom?

"In this way, I will also raise one thousand taels of silver here. If you take three thousand taels with you, he should be able to help."

When people are in Fusi Prison in Beizhen, neither Chen Yiqin, a cabinet minister, nor Wei Guangde, a minister-level minister, are actually in a position to take action. Only the people in the inner court are more capable.

Wei Guangde agreed, and Chen Yiqin said that he would send someone to deliver the banknote tonight. Wei Guangde then left the cabinet and returned to the Ministry of Rites.

However, the carriage did not go far, and Wei Guangde ordered from inside the carriage: "Go to the Hanlin Academy first."

The imperial examination was about to take place, and Wei Guangde planned to take care of Wang Jiaping and others' affairs first, and then went to Zhu Dashou and Tao Dalin to make arrangements.

In fact, it's not about cheating, but under the premise that the articles are similar, he will definitely give priority to his disciples to choose Shujishi.

This was all requested by themselves. In fact, they chose Shujishi because they were of higher birth status, which would be beneficial to their future career. However, it is of no use to say that Shujishi only had an official status but no real power during those two years.

Moreover, even if they are selected as shujishi, they may not be able to stay in the Hanlin Academy after the academy is dismissed. Many shujishi will end up going to the Sixth Ministry to work on errands.

It is unique for someone like Wei Guangde to choose a shuji scholar and then be appointed as an official before leaving the palace.

"The imperial edict has arrived."

In front of the gate of Duke Dingguo's Mansion, Wei Guangde and Chen Ju were escorted by a team of captains in brocade uniforms. They dismounted and entered the gate respectfully welcomed by the steward of Duke Dingguo's Mansion.

In front of the main hall of Duke Dingguo's mansion, an incense table has been set up. The copper stove is emitting traces of green smoke, and the whole courtyard is filled with a pleasant scent of sandalwood.

Under the leadership of the old lady of Duke Guofu, the clan members of Dingguogong Palace knelt down one after another to receive the order.

Wei Guangde stood in the middle, unfolded the imperial edict and read loudly: "The emperor's edict is carried out by heaven, and the Duke Xu Yande's son, Wenbi, is appointed to inherit the title."

“Long live long live long live.”

After Wei Guangde finished reading the decree, the Dingguo Gongfu clan members shouted loudly.

After Xu Wenbi helped his mother up, he stepped forward and took the seal of Duke Dingguo from Chen Ju.

After Xu Yande died, the seal of Duke Dingguo was sent to the palace along with his will. Today, Wei Guangde came to the Duke Dingguo Mansion to announce the decree that Xu Wenbi would take over the Duke Dingguo Mansion.

Afterwards, Wei Guangde and Chen Ju sat at the bottom of the hall, and Xu Wenbi came out to entertain them after he placed the imperial decree in the ancestral temple in the backyard of the Duke Dingguo Mansion.

According to the rules, Xu Wenbi presented a red envelope, and Wei Guangde and Chen Ju both put it directly into their sleeves.

"Shandai, after I inherit the title, I wonder what position Your Majesty wants me to take?"

The relationship between Wei Guangde and the Xu family is well known, and Xu Wenbi asked directly, because the relationship between Chen Ju and Wei Guangde is inseparable, and it is also circulated in the court.

Wei Guangde glanced at Chen Ju, and then said: "Don't worry, brother, there should be an imperial decree next month, and you will act as the Houfu."

The Houfu is actually the Houjun Dudufu of the Five Military Dudufu of the Ming Dynasty.

In the early Ming Dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang first established the Grand Marshal's Office, which was later changed to the Privy Council, and then changed to the Grand Commandery to control the military affairs of China and foreign countries.

In the 13th year of Hongwu, Zhu Yuanzhang, the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty, divided the Grand Commandery into five on the grounds that "power should not be concentrated in one department, and things should not be left in obstruction". From then on, it became a custom until the end of the Ming Dynasty.

The Five Military Commandery of the Ming Dynasty is the general name of the five military commandees of the Ming Dynasty, namely the Central Military Commandery, the Left Military Commandery, the Right Military Commandery, the Front Military Commandery, and the Rear Military Commandery. It is the highest military institution that commands the national army.

At the beginning of the Ming Dynasty, the Five Military Commandery had great power. Each commander was not only responsible for managing the training and production of the guards, but also participated in the central military decision-making of the Ming Dynasty.

However, its functions gradually became a nominal institution from the original power to dominate the military construction of the country. The staff in office ranged from meritorious veterans to officials in charge of the office.

Its relationship with the Ministry of War was originally dominated by the Governor's Office, then the two were mutually restrained, and then the Ministry of War was above the five offices and became the highest management agency of the country's military.

"However, since you have just entered the Governor's Office, His Majesty will not give you a too high official position."

Wei Guangde added, lest Xu Wenbi have any small thoughts.

Wei Guangde's words made Xu Wenbi, who had just shown a happy expression, freeze.

His father Xu Yande was the Left Governor of the Governor's Office. He knew from Wei Guangde's words that he was afraid that he would not even be able to get the Governor's Associate.

It would not be too high, and he was also acting in the military affairs of the rear office, so there was only one official position left, the Governor's Signing Clerk, which was the lowest official position in the Governor's Office.

"In addition, Linhuai Marquis Li Tingzhu and Zhangwu Earl Yang Bing will also be with you. They will be in charge of the left and right government affairs respectively."

These news were still confidential at the moment. After all, it was not long after the decision was made, so Wei Guangde told Xu Wenbi all at once.

Although the noble group was united when dealing with civil officials, there were constant internal frictions, mainly because of the few remaining rights in the hands of the Five Military Governor's Office, the military farm.

Although Xu Wenbi was a little surprised, he nodded to show that he knew.

"By the way, who will lead the Red Helmet General in the future? After I join the rear office, I will also hand over this military position."

Xu Wenbi asked again.

The Red Helmet General, with a very loud name, is actually the royal guard of honor. Strong men are selected from the Beijing camp and led by the sons of nobles.

Before, Xu Wenbi led the guards and led the Red Helmet General.

Now that he is a duke, it is naturally impossible for him to continue to hold this position.

"Li Yangong."

Wei Guangde did not let him wait too long and directly said the name of the successor.

"Hiss, it's this kid."

Xu Wenbi took a breath, "Linhuai Hou is quite capable."

"Haha, learn from him, brother."

Wei Guangde just smiled and said casually.

Linhuaihou Mansion is an outlier among the nobles of the Ming Dynasty. It was passed down from Li Wenzhong, the Duke of Cao. However, after his title of Duke was passed down to his son Li Jinglong, it was abolished by Zhu Di.

In the eleventh year of Jiajing, Li Xing, the sixth-generation grandson of Li Wenzhong, was granted the title of Linhuaihou, which was considered a downgrade.

However, this noble who returned again returned to the core circle of the nobles in more than thirty years.

Yes, the Five Military Commandery is actually the core of the nobles, and it is also the last private land left to them by the civil service group.

Being able to control the Five Military Commandery means that your family is in the emperor's heart and has great power.

Of course, this power is compared within the nobles, and cannot be compared with court officials.

Li Tingzhu can control the Five Military Commandery, and his son Li Yangong served as the guerrilla general of the Five Military Camp last year, and today he will lead the Red Helmet General. What does this mean?

That is the emperor's absolute trust in the Li family. It is impossible for Xu Wenbi not to envy it.

Wei Guangde could see the look in his eyes, and then looked at Chen Ju, as if to ask what he meant.

Chen Ju and Wei Guangde had known each other for many years, and they had a certain tacit understanding, so they naturally knew what Wei Guangde's eyes revealed.

After nodding slightly, Chen Ju tilted his head to one side.

"Brother, do you know Li Wei, the governor of the Jinyiwei?"

Wei Guangde asked at this time.

"Jinyiwei? Li Wei?"

When Xu Wenbi heard the three words Jinyiwei, his heart trembled. Who is not afraid of that yamen?

But then he realized that Jinyiwei was not important, but the name Li Wei was important.

Li Wei?

Who is Li Wei?

He searched quickly in his mind and soon found the answer.

At this time, Wei Guangde's voice also reached his ears at the right time.

"Next month, His Majesty wants me to go back and prepare for the ceremony of giving the fourth son the name Yi Liu and the Ministry of Rites and the Imperial Clan Court to recognize the jade book."

Wei Guangde said slowly.

It took several years for the crown prince Zhu Yijun to be listed in the Jade Book after his birth, and the ceremony was held after Emperor Longqing ascended the throne.

The fourth prince was only two months old when Emperor Longqing was impatient to order the Ministry of Rites to handle this matter.

Well, Li Wei was not a noble, but an ordinary person, but he had a good daughter, Li Caifeng, the former maid of Prince Yu's Mansion, and now the imperial concubine.

Although Li Wei was not given a title, it was only during the reign of Emperor Longqing. When the crown prince ascended the throne, the Li family should have a title.

This was actually a rule set by Emperor Jiajing. The fathers-in-law of the previous emperors were generally given a title of Earl, and after their grandsons ascended the throne, they were promoted to Marquis, and the title was inherited by the family.

However, Emperor Jiajing cleaned up the relatives of the emperor, and this relative was naturally a relative of another house, who had little to do with his family, so the means were also cruel, and almost all of them were deprived of their titles, and it was also established as a system.

Therefore, after Emperor Longqing ascended the throne, although he loved the concubine who gave birth to the prince, he did not directly confer a title on Li Wei, but only gave him the official position of the commander of the Jinyiwei.

Wei Guangde's meaning was very clear. He asked him to befriend Li Wei, so that when the news spread to the palace, Concubine Li would naturally return the favor and help him speak well of Emperor Longqing.

Some things may not be seen at ordinary times, but they can save lives at critical moments.

After a short rest, Wei Guangde and Chen Ju stood up and said goodbye, and Xu Wenbi saw them out of the mansion.

After Chen Ju got on the horse, Xu Wenbi suddenly pulled his sleeve before Wei Guangde was about to climb on the horse, and whispered: "There is a rumor that the Prime Minister has a little..."

While speaking, his hand swayed left and right in front of Wei Guangde.

Recently, the court of the Ming Dynasty has been generally stable, but the Ministry of Personnel has made a lot of moves after the New Year.

Yin Shizhan is not as smooth as Wei Guangde. He is tougher in doing things. Even with Yang Bo's intervention, he insisted on issuing many personnel orders.

Such actions inevitably made some people find something unusual.

Before, Wei Guangde planned to act quietly and cut out some people without making a sound.

But Yang Bo of the Ministry of Personnel and Xu Jie of the Cabinet were both cautious and sensitive people, and they soon found out.

Perhaps it was in Prince Yu's Mansion that Wei Guangde had been in charge of making plans for a long time, but his habit of hiding behind and not offending people directly when encountering things had been seen by Emperor Longqing, so he was replaced by Yin Shizhan, and this "cabinet boxer" was responsible for these things.

In the eyes of the weathered Emperor Longqing, Wei Guangde's habit was acceptable. At the beginning, he was not enduring humiliation under the oppression of Yan Shifan.

Wei Guangde wanted to join the cabinet, so naturally the fewer enemies in the court, the better.

Riding side by side with Chen Ju, Chen Ju whispered, "Can this Xu Wenbi be trusted?"

He was reminding Wei Guangde not to say anything just because they were distant relatives.

"They don't know the rules, and the Duke of Dingguo's mansion has long been in decline."

Wei Guangde just smiled and said casually.

What Wei Guangde didn't elaborate on was that he had received a letter from Nanjing, and Duke of Wei Xu Pengju was in poor health and had fallen ill twice this year. (End of this chapter)