The Prosperous Era of Longwan

On the first day of the first lunar month of the 41st year of Jiajing's reign, Emperor Jiajing did not visit the imperial palace, but ordered Duke Zhu Xizhong to worship heaven on his behalf at the Xuanji Palace. Civil and military ministers, pilgrim officials, and tribute envoys from all over the world all went to the imperial court gate to perform five obeisances. After three kowtows, he still goes up to express his congratulations.

After the court ceremony, all the officials naturally left the palace and left. Among the three cabinet ministers who were at the front of the line of officials, Xu Jie only looked for a while, and his eyes fell on the area where the officials of the Hanlin Academy were, and soon he was among them. I saw Wei Guangde, Zhang Juzheng and others.

I had the intention to go over and say something, but thinking about today's occasion, I finally suppressed my thoughts.

There is no rush at this moment.

Wei Guangde was also among the leaving crowd. After greeting his colleagues around him, he turned around and walked back the way he came.

But before he had gone far, he was stopped by someone.

"Shaloan, let's have a drink together."

The person who stopped him was Yang Bo, Minister of the Ministry of War, instantly making him the most eye-catching person here.

After all, the person in front of him was Yang Bo, Minister of War.

"Yang Shangshu"

Wei Guangde said with some embarrassment that he had already made an appointment with a group of friends and planned to go out for a drink later.

"Haha, okay, I won't waste your time."

Yang Bo knew from the look on his face that Wei Guangde should have an appointment, so Fu Xu whispered: "As you came here to tell me years ago, the Ministry of War has already made plans. Dong Yikui will be transferred to Datong to serve as the Deputy Chief of the Coordinating Defense Force. "

Hearing what Yang Bo said, Wei Guangde was overjoyed.

Although he is the Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Assisted Defense, that is, he works beside the Commander-in-Chief of Datong, he is still the Deputy Commander-in-Chief. Compared with the Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Separate Guard, he still has less power. At least he is not the boss in the defense area, but his official title is At least it went up.

"More Yang Shangshu."

Wei Guangde hurriedly handed over his hand to thank him. Dong Yikui was promoted to deputy commander-in-chief, and his, or Prince Yu's, power in the military increased.

"After the office is opened, the memorial will be handed over."

Yang Bo said to Wei Guangde before leaving.

Wei Guangde stood there and watched Mr. Yang Bo, the Minister of War, leave, and then walked out.

Many officials in the distance were still paying attention to what was going on here. Although they didn't know what Yang Bo and Wei Guangde said, they obviously said something, otherwise a simple greeting wouldn't have taken such a long time.

"Good loans."

This time, Wei Guangde was stopped by shouts from behind before he took two steps.

When Wei Guangde turned around, Zhang Juzheng had already rushed over.

"You were talking to Mr. Yang just now, but I didn't come over."

Zhang Juzheng walked closer and whispered.

"Haha, it's what I said when I went to visit Yang Mansion before."

Wei Guangde did not hide it and whispered to Zhang Juzheng.

This is not a secret in Prince Yu's palace. In addition to Prince Yu, Yin Shizhen and Zhang Juzheng also know it, and maybe Gao Gong also knows it. After all, Prince Yu will hardly hide anything in Prince Gao Gong's palace.

"Is it that General Xuanfu?"

Zhang Juzheng said in surprise.

Of course he knew what Wei Guangde was talking about, but after knowing that the Ministry of War had a detailed plan, he thought that Dong Yikui had intervened halfway. He was afraid that there would be no chance, so he could only wait until next time. He did not expect that Yang Bo would come specifically to find him.

From this, it can also be seen that the influence of Prince Yu's palace in the court has reached a level that even officials at the level of Shangshu have to face up to.

"Yes, the Ministry of War has made arrangements for him, Deputy Chief of the Datong Assistant Guards."

Naturally, Wei Guangde would not hide it from him. After all, Zhang Juzheng would also know about it once the Ministry of War memorial was published.

"That's very good."

Zhang Juzheng smiled and said, "Have you made arrangements? Do you mind coming together?"

At this time, Zhang Juzheng said to Wei Guangde with deep meaning that this was a sign of goodwill. He wanted to have more communication with Wei Guangde and also wanted to have more contact with the people around him.

Of course Wei Guangde would not refuse. Behind Zhang Juzheng was Xu Jie. If any of his friends were recognized by Zhang Juzheng, they might need to rely on Mr. Xu Ge for promotion in the future.

Even though Mr. Xu Ge might betray his face by cramming himself, this is not what Wei Guangde wants.

The Ming Dynasty strictly prohibited cliques, and Wei Guangde's small group did not want to be labeled as a clique.

The fourth day of the first lunar month is an auspicious day and time calculated by the Qin Tianjian. On this day, all major government offices in the imperial court opened.

However, although the office is open, the official business will not start so early. Everyone has not finished celebrating the New Year, so naturally they have endless social activities.

However, on the fifth day of the Lunar New Year, Wei Guangde heard the news when he entered Prince Yu's Mansion. Emperor Jiajing of Xiyuan once again issued an order to the cabinet.

"Yan Na, the left minister of the Ministry of Official Affairs, was promoted to the minister of the Ministry of Rites. Li Chunfang, the left minister of the Ministry of Rites, was changed to the left minister of the Ministry of Official Affairs. Dong Fen took charge of Zhan affairs as the right minister of the Ministry of Rites. All of them held concurrent posts as before, and they still received the second-grade salary of Chunfang. "

From Zuo Shilang of the Ministry of Rites to Zuo Shilang of the Ministry of Civil Affairs and then to the rank of Minister, this seems to have become the only way for ministers to enter the cabinet. Now Yan Na and Li Chunfang have finally embarked on this broad road.

"Who will hold the position of left minister of the Ministry of Rites?"

This was the biggest question in the minds of everyone in Prince Yu's Mansion at this time. Even Prince Yu, who had long forgotten to get up early, hurried out of the inner courtyard to the front and sat with Wei Guangde and others.

"Gentlemen, let's see if it is possible for Master Gao to be promoted to the left minister of the Ministry of Rites."

King Yu looked at everyone eagerly and asked.

This time, Wei Guangde didn't think too much. Although he had not contacted Chen Ju, the situation was now very clear. As Chen Ju said at the beginning, several officials Gao Zhong was optimistic about had already taken the road, so it was time for other officials to take their turn. Got promoted.

"Brother Su Qing has a great chance of promotion this time."

In fact, even if Gao Gong is now promoted to Zuo Shilang of the Ministry of Rites, it is only a half-level promotion in official position, and there will be no promotion in grade. But after all, he is promoted from right to left, and the left is the leader. It is still a promotion, and he is one step closer to the position of minister. .

"The left minister of the Ministry of Rites, the left minister of the Ministry of Personnel, Su Qing finally has hope."

Yin Shizhen also agreed at this moment.

Zhang Juzheng and Tang Ruji both nodded with smiles. Although they did not know what they really thought at this time, it did not prevent them from making any statements at this time.

If he knew that Gao Gong was unhappy about his promotion, he would probably be heartbroken by Prince Yu immediately.

"Li Chunfang, Mr. Li, I'm afraid he's too eager to wait for this day, haha."

At this time, Zhang Juzheng laughed out loud.

When they were in the Hanlin Academy, they were all talented writers. Although they had different grades, they all tried their best to please the emperor in terms of Qingci.

Seeing Yuan Wei entering the cabinet and Guo Pu becoming minister, Li Chunfang could not be impatient.

Now that Yan Na has become a minister, and he has also been transferred to the Ministry of Personnel, his next official position is about to be announced.

"That's good."

King Yu was very happy at this time. When he ascends to the throne in the future, he will trust and reuse people like Gao Gong.

Now that Emperor Jiajing is in power, they can be promoted to higher positions, so he will naturally be able to avoid a lot of procedures when he brings them into the cabinet in the future.

King Yu was accustomed to handing over power to Gao Gong, Yin Shizhen and others, and he was free in the harem.

He is still very clear about his own abilities and will not be arrogant. Only by leaving government affairs to capable people can he get twice the result with half the effort.

Looking at Wei Guangde, what King Yu was thinking about at this time was that he didn't know when his father would promote Yin Shizhen and Wei Guangde. Although it was a bit reluctant to let them leave Prince Yu's Mansion, after all, they all had their own goals. Staying in Prince Yu's Mansion may not be what they want.

Scholars, who do not regard "cultivating oneself and governing the country to bring peace to the world" as their own mission, all want to challenge the throne of the cabinet and contribute to the prosperity and peace of the world.

Moreover, these people are all capable. It is indeed wronging them to stay with him for a long time to chat with him and relieve his boredom.

After chatting in the room for a while, King Yu yawned and left.

It's not yet the Lantern Festival, so the officials of the palace should have a lot of entertainment to go to. Of course, King Yu will not leave anyone behind.

After he left, Yin Shizhen, Wei Guangde and others quickly smiled and held hands with each other, and left Prince Yu's Mansion one after another.

"By the way, Shan Loan."

When he and Zhang Juzheng were leaving Prince Yu's Mansion, Zhang Juzheng suddenly stopped Wei Guangde and said, "I heard some news from the teacher yesterday. I wonder if you are interested."

"What's the matter?"

What could the news coming from Xu Jie be?

Wei Guangde didn't know, but he thought about it.

"Years ago, His Majesty summoned the teacher alone and asked him some questions."

Zhang Juzheng didn't say anything directly, but made some innocuous remarks.

Wei Guangde stood there without moving, just waiting quietly for Zhang Juzheng to continue.

"Haha, okay, okay, you are still so calm."

Zhang Juzheng smiled and continued: "Your Majesty plans to arrange for the Hanlin Academy and other yamen to copy the "Yongle Dadian". You should know that anyone who participates in the copying work will be a credit."

"Is Mr. Xu Ge responsible for this matter?"

Wei Guangde asked curiously.

"The teacher supports His Majesty's decision, but he has not taken the initiative to ask for help."

Zhang Juzheng smiled and stared at Wei Guangde, as if he wanted to see Wei Guangde's surprised expression.

Just as he thought, taking over the task of copying the "Yongle Dadian" must be a great achievement. Wei Guangde couldn't figure out why Xu Jie didn't take the initiative to take over the task. Could he still want to make a three-pronged invitation to Emperor Jiajing?

"The teacher recommended it."

Zhang Juzheng obviously wanted to show off his words, and he paused at the key point.

Wei Guangde was disdainful. He did not believe that Xu Jie would recommend him to take charge of this matter. For such a good thing, he would only recommend his student Zhang Juzheng.

Not seeing the change in Wei Guangde's face, Zhang Juzheng felt a little bored and continued: "Gao Gong also recommended Zhengfu, you and me."

"Haha, then we need more Mr. Xu Ge."

After Wei Guangde heard what Zhang Juzheng said, he cupped his hands at him.

However, they, the officials of Prince Yu's Mansion, do have more free time, whether they are copying books or managing copying books, they all have time.

And, most importantly, it’s a work of God.

On the second day, a decree came out from Xiyuan again. Although it was not a real decree, it made King Yu extremely excited.

"Gao Gong is the left minister of the Ministry of Rites, the bachelor of the Hanlin Academy is in charge of the affairs of the academy, and Chen is promoted to the right minister of the Ministry of Rites."

Gao Gong was promoted to the left minister of the Ministry of Rites. Well, in Wei Guangde's view, this is not the point. The point is that Gao Gong was appointed to govern the Hanlin Academy.

Thinking of what Zhang Juzheng said yesterday, it was obvious that Emperor Jiajing might have really made up his mind to leave the task of copying the "Yongle Dadian" to people from Prince Yu's family.

"Today's decree is probably not simple."

Wei Guangde said.

"Oh, there's nothing simple about it."

King Yu was very happy at the moment. Hearing what Wei Guangde said, he became interested and asked.

Wei Guangde did not answer King Yu directly, but looked at Zhang Juzheng.

He did not know whether Zhang Juzheng had told King Yu about the copying of "Yongle Dadian".

However, it was obvious that Zhang Juzheng did not consider this at first, and only realized this later when Wei Guangde looked at him.

"You mean"

Zhang Juzheng looked at Wei Guangde and said hesitantly.

Wei Guangde nodded, "Exactly."

"You two, tell me what you are hiding from me."

King Yu saw Wei Guangde and Zhang Juzheng playing riddles and immediately spoke.

When Wei Guangde saw that Zhang Juzheng had figured it out, he made a gesture of invitation to Zhang Juzheng.

Now that King Yu is focusing on himself, he might as well forget it. Although he was the one who suggested this to Chen Ju in the first place, after all, it was Xu Jie who prompted it.

"Ahem, Your Highness, that's actually the case."

When Zhang Juzheng saw that Wei Guangde had given this opportunity to him, he also gave it to Wei Guangde, and then told him again what he and Wei Guangde had said yesterday, so that everyone in the room knew the answer.

"Uncle, what you mean is that my father made Master Gao promoted to Zuo Shilang and took charge of the Hanlin Academy. Maybe he was making preliminary preparations for copying the "Yongle Dadian"?"

King Yu was a bit stupid, but Zhang Juzheng always put food to his mouth, so of course he still knew how to eat.

"should be."

Wei Guangde lost no time in interjecting at this time, "Perhaps, among those who will be responsible for managing and assigning book copying work, we will also be involved."

"Um?"

Prince Yu understood what was going on, but he was still a little confused in his eyes. Some of these things were obviously not thought through yet. As for what they were, it was naturally why he listened to their words and left this matter to Prince Yu's palace.

"Your Highness, there are tens of thousands of books in the "Yongle Dadian". When I saw the collection of books in the Wen Pavilion in the palace, it was really vast. I heard that "The Dadian" covers everything and is a rare book in the world."

Wei Guangde saw that King Yu's eyes were confused, so he didn't show off and simply told his guess to make King Yu feel at ease.

"Such a large number of books cannot be completed in one and a half years. The workload is so large that it may take less than three to five years, or even more, to complete."

Wei Guangde prompted.

"What you mean is that when the book is finally written, I'm afraid it will be lonely."

King Yu still didn't understand the meaning of Wei Guangde's words at this time.

"exactly."

Wei Guangde nodded.

What he didn't finish was actually that when Emperor Jiajing was alive, the copying of "Yongle Dadian" might not be completed.

And once the copying of the book reaches the new dynasty, after the copying of the "Dadian" is completed, they, the palace lecturers, can just be rewarded by the new emperor for their work in copying the book.

And by that time, it became justifiable that King Yu wanted to promote these people.

Only then did Zhang Juzheng fully understand the meaning of Wei Guangde's guess. He looked at Wei Guangde thoughtfully, with a hint of passion in his eyes.