Chapter 881 970 Cheating the Superiors and Deceiving the Subordinates

When Wei Guangde came out of Wenzhao Pavilion, he didn't take two steps before he was quickly caught up by Zhu Heng who came out from behind and whispered a few words.

"hiss"

Wei Guangde suddenly stood still, looked at Zhu Heng and said, "Brother Shi Nan, this"

"When you told me that thing the day before yesterday, I felt that it was inappropriate and that it should be postponed for a while. Based on what happened just now, I made this guess."

Zhu Heng replied in a low voice.

What Zhu Heng said in his ears just now was exactly what he and Tan Lun had guessed, that Zhang Juzheng suddenly recommended Zhang Han, perhaps not randomly, but well prepared.

Wei Guangde's influence on the court situation was still not as good as Zhu Heng's. He had been operating in the court for many years, and one of the reasons for this was the word "enlightenment".

Zhu Heng was a Jinshi in the 11th year of Jiajing. After serving as a local official for two terms, he returned to the capital to serve as chief minister and doctor. After that, he was sent to the outside world as chief envoy and right deputy to the imperial censor. When he returned to the central government, he was already determined. In the Ministry of Industry.

It can be said that with decades of officialdom, he has rich experience at both local and central levels.

Wei Guangde did not expect the impact of this incident, because he did not think about the possibility of Zhang Han being hooked at all.

Wei Guangde couldn't think of it, but Zhu Heng did.

Zhang Juzheng recommended Zhang Han. From Wang Zhigao's behavior, Zhu Heng discovered that Zhang Juzheng seemed to have not greeted him in advance, which caught them, Zhang Dang, off guard.

Zhang Juzheng did this deliberately, and naturally he had a purpose.

But no matter what, as long as he doesn't get caught, all Zhang Juzheng's actions will be in vain.

Therefore, Zhu Heng started to analyze what kind of impact it would have on the court if Zhang Han was really appointed as the official minister by the palace, and it was naturally easy to draw a conclusion.

The first thing he thought of was that Zhang Han might be grateful to Zhang Juzheng and obey his orders.

After all, Zhang Han had no foundation when he entered the court. He needed Zhang Juzheng's support for everything. From this, the official department could be said to be firmly in Zhang Juzheng's hands.

What's more, Zhang Juzheng could single-handedly put the unknown Zhang Han to the position of official in the Ministry of Civil Affairs, which could show his influence on the palace. As a result, those in the court who wanted to follow the trend were still flocking to him.

If you want to be promoted, you must curry favor and take refuge with Zhang Shoufu, which will inevitably become the unanimous judgment of many ministers.

It can be said that after this incident, Zhang Juzheng's prestige in the court will be infinite, reaching a level that no one can reach.

But now that the incident has happened, it seems they have nothing to do.

It was also because of this that Zhu Heng was so anxious to come to Wei Guangde to discuss the matter.

He couldn't think of a way, naturally because he didn't have many connections in the palace. He really couldn't think of an idea and couldn't find anyone to help.

But Wei Guangde is different. He also has many connections in the palace. Maybe tell him and he will think of a way.

But now Wei Guangde was reminded and lowered his head to think.

Breaking the situation at this time is actually simple, that is, not letting Zhang Han take the position, because all Zhu Heng's speculations are based on Zhang Han's taking the position.

If Zhang Han is not allowed to ascend to the throne, then the palace must refuse, but how to influence the palace.

Once this memorial is uploaded, I believe the results will come out in two or three days, so it shouldn’t take too long.

However, in the past two days, Wei Guangde had not had the opportunity to go to the Wenhua Hall to give lectures.

In other words, during this period, he could not see the little emperor Wanli, so it was naturally difficult for him to speak in front of the emperor.

Although the major affairs of the government are now mainly decided by the empress dowagers of the two palaces, and small matters are decided by Feng Bao, Zhu Yijun actually does not have much say.

However, selecting the official minister is no small matter, and it must go through the hands of the queen mothers of the two palaces.

After greeting the young emperor Wanli, the words reached the Queen Mother's ears easily.

At this moment, Wei Guangde suddenly realized something, looked up at Zhu Heng and smiled bitterly: "Brother Shi Nan, I'm afraid there won't be much chance this time."

"How to say?"

Zhu Heng said curiously.

"I can't convince the Queen Mother of the two palaces. In the past, such things could only be done through Feng Bao. After all, he is a eunuch, which has a much advantage over us ministers.

But in the current situation, I think Feng Bao probably told Uncle Zhang about the matter, and he agreed to help.

With this relationship in the palace, he dared to take risks in this court meeting. "

Wei Guangde guessed.

"Is there really nothing we can do?"

Zhu Heng did not come from the Imperial Academy. It can be said that the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel was the highest official position he could achieve.

Continuing to go up, that is, adding titles, such as the three official and three lonely official positions with additional grades, but without actual power.

Therefore, he devoted all his energy to the competition for the position of Minister of Civil Affairs, hoping to succeed in the position.

But looking at the situation now, it seems that this is no longer possible.

"I think Uncle Zhang may have picked up on this matter."

Wei Guangde shook his head helplessly, "Now he is the first assistant, and I am the second assistant. To ensure the stability of the government, the authority of the first assistant must be guaranteed first.

From this point of view, I analyze that even if the empress dowagers of the two palaces know who is behind you and Zhang Han, 80% of them will choose to support Zhang Shuda.

As for me, the second assistant, what they value more is my clamping effect on the first assistant, so that he cannot cover the sky with just one hand.

Therefore, if it is a general official position, maybe they will support the person I recommend. But for an official position like Tianguan of the Ministry of Civil Affairs that can influence the government, either there is a candidate in the palace, or they choose to support Zhang Shuda. "

When Wei Guangde said this, he saw Zhu Heng opening his mouth to say something, so he shook his head and continued, "I know what you mean. The Queen Mother may choose to weaken the Prime Minister's power and support me, so that I can more effectively control the Prime Minister.

But this is impossible. In the palace, Zhang Shuda and Yang Weiyue have always been regarded as a party. Yang Weiyue retired, and the Prime Minister's power has been weakened, so this position is likely to be considered first.

You know, what the palace really cares about is the balance of power in the court.

Before this, with me restraining the Prime Minister, he can't The court has a one-man show, so the palace is satisfied, or they are satisfied with the current balance of power in the court.

If you are promoted, this balance is likely to be broken, and I have the ability to challenge the authority of the Prime Minister.

Whether I have this intention or not, they will not let this happen.

For the two Queen Mothers, it is most important to ensure that the court affairs run until His Majesty comes of age and takes power.

Moreover, at this time, the people who can speak to the Queen Mother should be on Zhang Shuda's side. "

"I am lucky if I get it, and I am dead if I lose it. Good lending, let us leave it to fate."

Zhu Heng sighed, and finally said helplessly.

Wei Guangde returned to the cabinet, sat and thought for a while, and gradually figured out the meaning of Zhang Juzheng's adventure.

Except for throwing away the official position of the salt transport envoy, no matter what the end is, he actually did not suffer any loss.

If the goal is achieved, it will be profitable, and it is a big profit.

Wei Guangde did not want to continue to entangle with Zhang Juzheng, he just wanted to watch him complete his reforms and see what kind of changes Zhang Juzheng's reforms could bring to the Ming Dynasty.

In the afternoon, there was a sudden sound of footsteps outside. As Lu Bu entered the door, Wei Guangde also put down the memorial in his hand.

"What happened? So many people are running outside?"

Wei Guangde asked.

"Earlier, Cui Fu, Zhang Bao and I were chatting in the front yard. A secretary came to deliver a letter saying that Chengguogong Zhu Xizhong was dead, and Chengguogong Mansion had sent someone to the palace to report the death, so we ran back to report the news."

Lu Bu whispered to Wei Guangde.

"Oh, I see."

Zhu Xizhong's illness had actually been sentenced to death a long time ago, but Chengguogong Mansion had been using good and precious medicinal materials to keep him alive, and also visited famous doctors everywhere to treat him.

In fact, everyone knows the reason. Zhu Xizhong and Emperor Jiajing established trust at the beginning. As long as Zhu Xizhong or the old Zhu family emperor would choose to trust him.

But once the person is dead, the emperor may not trust his sons and nephews as much as he trusted him.

Wei Guangde and the Duke of Chengguo Mansion were not related, so their relationship was only average. However, Wei Guangde was secretly happy about Zhu Xizhong's death.

At the beginning, because of the relationship between Wei Guangde and the nobles, they could talk to each other, so when there was something to discuss with the nobles in the court, Wei Guangde usually came forward.

But later, Wei Guangde found that Zhang Juzheng was intentionally or unintentionally getting close to the Duke of Chengguo Mansion, and later it was rumored that Zhang Juzheng and Zhu Xizhong had become good friends who could talk about anything.

Everyone was a politician, so naturally they would not easily open their hearts, but the two of them were at least very close on the surface.

Zhu Xizhong died, and the connection between Zhang Juzheng and the nobles was broken. Even if he wanted to re-establish such a connection, it would take time and re-select a partner.

Relatively speaking, the bond established by Wei Guangde through in-laws seemed to be more stable.

But after all, he was the Duke of Ming, and Wei Guangde had to show up at the Duke of Chengguo Mansion, so today he planned to get off work early and go directly to the Duke of Chengguo Mansion to take a look.

Now Wan Shihe has not arrived in Beijing yet, Wei Guangde is also worried that the Ministry of Rites will be negligent.

Thinking of Wan Shihe, Wei Guangde couldn't help but pat his head. The Minister of Rites can choose the Minister of Nanjing, why didn't he guard against this before.

Wei Guangde went to the Duke of Chengguo's Mansion relatively early. After sitting for a while, he asked whether the mansion was ready, and then said goodbye and left.

When he left the mansion, he happened to meet the eunuch Feng Bao who was in charge of the seal and came to pay condolences. In front of the door of the Duke of Chengguo's Mansion, the two chatted for a few words and said goodbye and left.

But Wei Guangde didn't know that Feng Bao stayed in the Duke of Chengguo's Mansion for nearly an hour and talked about a lot of things inside.

Zhu Xizhong is the great-great-grandson of the famous general and Duke of Chengguo Zhu Neng, the son of Zhu Feng, and a meritorious official of the Ming Dynasty.

In the 15th year of Jiajing, he inherited the title of Duke of Chengguo because Zhu Xizhong was smart and good at making friends, and his reputation was above all the meritorious officials.

He served three dynasties, represented the emperor to offer sacrifices to the Circular Mound 66 times, 39 times to Fangze, 29 times, and attended the Jinshi Enrong Banquet 19 times. When Emperor Muzong and Emperor Shenzong ascended the throne, they both served as the task of holding the imperial seal and holding the crown. The rewards were countless.

When such an important minister died, the court naturally had to discuss the posthumous title.

Originally, such a matter should have been discussed by the Ministry of Rites and reported to the cabinet, and finally approved by the palace, but that afternoon, the chief minister Zhang Juzheng took the matter over, skipping the Ministry of Rites and letting the cabinet decide the matter directly on the grounds that Wan Shihe had not yet arrived at the Ministry of Rites.

Wei Guangde was very surprised when he received the notice from the chief minister's duty room, which was a bit against the rules.

However, when he entered the chief minister's duty room and saw Zhang Juzheng, Zhang Juzheng shocked Wei Guangde as soon as he opened his mouth.

"Mr. Zhu served three dynasties and worked diligently. It is sad that he has passed away now."

Zhang Juzheng waited for Lu Diaoyang to arrive, and then he expressed his meaning gently.

"According to the rules, a duke can be posthumously conferred the title of king, and a marquis can be posthumously conferred the title of duke. Duke Zhu has made great contributions to the court, so he can be posthumously conferred the title of king."

Speaking of this, Zhang Juzheng looked at Wei Guangde and Lv Diaoyang and smiled: "What do you two think? '

Before Wei Guangde opened his mouth, Lv Diaoyang immediately replied: "Master Prime Minister, the title of king is for those who have made great contributions. Although Duke Zhu has served three dynasties, he has never been on the battlefield, so he can't be considered a great contribution.

It's not appropriate to make him a king."

After Lv Diaoyang finished speaking, Wei Guangde also nodded: "What you said makes sense. Zhu Zhenqing did do a lot for the court, but he didn't make any military contributions.

The great contributions of the nobles are nothing unless they save the emperor or have military contributions. Even if there was a fire, it was Lu Wenfu who carried the late emperor out of the fire. He only protected the emperor.

It's too much to make him a king."

"But now the palace has this intention. To stabilize the nobles, we need to set an example, and Duke Zhu is a typical example.

When he took back the throne of the late emperor from Anlu, he was also diligent in his work afterwards."

Zhang Juzheng said.

Hearing that it was the palace's intention, Wei Guangde and Lu Diaoyang looked at each other and chose to remain silent.

They knew it was against the rules, but if it was the Empress Dowager and the Emperor's intention, then naturally they couldn't say anything more.

But Wei Guangde didn't know that it was not the palace's intention to instigate Zhu Xizhong to be posthumously conferred the title of king, but actually because Zhu Xizhong's brother Zhu Xixiao gave a large sum of money when Feng Bao paid condolences yesterday.

To say that the relationship between the two brothers is really good, after Zhu Xizhong died of illness, Zhu Xizhong bribed the seal eunuch Feng Bao with a large sum of money and asked to give his brother Zhu Zhong the title of king.

And when Zhang Juzheng went to pay condolences, he also told this matter.

That night, Zhang Juzheng had a secret meeting with Feng Bao to discuss the matter.

In the palace, Feng Bao would tell the two Empress Dowagers that it was the result of the cabinet's discussion, and based on Zhu Xizhong's merits in serving the emperor over the years, it was recommended to posthumously confer the title of king.

As for the outside court, Zhang Juzheng asked the three cabinet members to choose to support it with the intention of the palace, at least not to openly oppose it.

With Zhang Juzheng's understanding of Wei Guangde and Lv Diaoyang, as long as they were told that this was the attitude of the palace, they would not object.

Wei Guangde could never have dreamed that in the first year of Wanli, Feng Bao and Zhang Juzheng were so bold as to deceive their superiors and subordinates and make such a big move as the title of king.

You know, when Zhang Juzheng expressed his intention, Wei Guangde and Lv Diaoyang had already expressed their opposition.

It is conceivable how intense the reaction in the court would be after the news spread.

Zhang Juzheng did not dare to nod in the Chengguo Mansion, but finally acquiesced to this matter after Feng Bao also came out to lobby. In fact, it was also mixed with the selection of the Minister of Personnel.

Now he is also in a difficult situation. Although he has a good relationship with Zhu Xizhong, he would not support the title of king under normal circumstances.

However, the situation is becoming more and more complicated now. In order to ensure that he has established an unparalleled prestige in the court, Zhang Juzheng can no longer care about many things.

While the cabinet was discussing this matter, Feng Bao also sent the court memorial to the two Empress Dowagers in Ciqing Palace, and analyzed the pros and cons of choosing candidates for them.

"The first assistant supports Zhang Han, the second assistant supports his fellow villager Zhu Heng, and someone also recommends the Left Censor-in-Chief Ge Shouli. All three have sufficient qualifications.

But from the perspective of the eunuchs, in order to ensure the stability of the court at this time, we should support the first assistant more." (End of this chapter)