The Prosperous Era of Longwan

Xu Jie did not play continuously like Lei Li because he was very confused.

Yes, after serving as Yan Song's second assistant for so many years and obeying everything, does Xu Jie really have no ambition at all?

All in all, Xu Jie has only served as the chief assistant for seven years.

Yan Song has been the chief assistant for more than ten years, so it is impossible not to have a sense of comparison.

One can imagine the tangle in Xu Jie's heart these past two days.

Whenever he wanted to continue and continue to be the chief assistant of the Ming Empire, he would inadvertently think of the unexplained look in his eyes from the person on the throne.

Xu Jie knew that the emperor's dissatisfaction with him was deeply rooted because of Gao Gong's incident.

No matter how much he does or how well he does, the only thing that will stop him from leaving office is delaying it.

Is it still interesting to continue?

Xu Jie asked himself in his heart, and in the end, he made a choice.

As expected, Xu Jie's second resignation letter was rejected by Emperor Longqing and was not allowed.

In just half a month, Lei Li, Chen Yiqin and Huo Yi had already submitted their resignations. Lei Li's resignation had been approved, while the others' had been rejected.

Now Xu Jie also has to go up, although Emperor Longqing wanted to agree in his heart.

But he knew better, what he couldn't do, the time was not right.

The second memorial submitted by Xu Jie caused a small shock in the official circles of the Ming Dynasty.

Just as Emperor Longqing was worried, with the news that Xu Jie expressed his intention to leave office and return to his hometown, the negative impact caused by Chen Yiqin's begging for leave quickly dissipated, and the officials in the capital, especially the ministers who had been recalled to the court in the past year, It was as if they suddenly woke up and remembered Xu Jie's kindness.

Yes, most of these people are officials who were suppressed during the Yan Song period. They were dismissed from their posts or chose to leave to protect themselves.

As long as they were still alive, they were all found back in the Long Qing Dynasty without exception.

The person who single-handedly facilitated this was none other than Mr. Xu Jie, the chief minister of the dynasty.

As a result, all the negative news about Xu Jie disappeared for a while, and officials from the capital came to visit one after another, trying their best to persuade Mr. Xu Ge to stay in his post.

The rapid change in the officialdom of the Ming Dynasty once again taught Wei Guangde and other old people from Yuzhuan a lesson.

"I really didn't expect that Xu Cunzhai's memorial would have such a big impact."

Yin Shizhen said a little frustrated.

In the past two days, he also wanted to mobilize two low-level officials out of the capital. As a result, before Yang Bo could object, the doctor and chief below him became dissatisfied.

"Zhengfu, please wait for a while. Don't be so hasty. I think Xu Ge always understands the meaning, so he wrote this resignation letter."

Chen Yiqin said, "It's a pity that I didn't realize how powerful this memorial is."

"That is to say, the memorials of your cabinet ministers have a greater impact. If it were replaced by ministers or ministers, everyone would only focus on the vacant position."

Wei Guangde said with a smile.

The cabinet of the Ming Dynasty was not customized. Although there were four palaces and two cabinets, in fact, the same palace could have several cabinet ministers.

The ranking of grand masters in the palace is also a kind of praise used by the emperor to assist his ministers in the cabinet.

After all, if you join the cabinet and continue to be promoted, it can only be a change in reputation, that is, a change in the title of the cabinet.

Therefore, the appointment of cabinet ministers will affect the distribution of power in the court, but it will have little impact on the promotion of officials.

And if an official from the Sixth Department or other yamen resigns, it means that the official position will be vacated, and everyone will not think about anything else but who will be most beneficial to them to take over this position.

There is no doubt that at that time, the officials in the capital were not thinking about what they had done, but who would take over.

"Now we can only take it slow."

A wry smile appeared on Yin Shizhen's face and he said, "I originally planned to let the two of them go, but in the end, it made the people below a lot of trouble."

Hearing this, Chen Yiqin and Wei Guangde both nodded in understanding.

In the current situation, it is indeed difficult to do too much.

If someone noticed, the suspicion caused by Chen Yiqin before the trouble would be reversed on them, and even extended to the palace.

The master has a very good reputation, and he might become angry if he doesn't do it.

Whether Chen Yiqin, Yin Shizhen, or Wei Guangde, they all noticed the subtle changes in Emperor Longqing since he ascended the throne. He was no longer the cautious and cautious Prince Yu who lived in Prince Yu's palace.

Well, the lustful aspect hasn’t changed.

However, just when the atmosphere fell into a dull mood, Wei Guangde suddenly said: "Do you think Xu Ge really wants to leave or..."

While speaking, Wei Guangde's eyes were fixed on Chen Yiqin, and the meaning was very clear. It was because Xu Ge Lao saw the power of Chen Yiqin's begging memorial, so he followed suit.

"It's hard to say, but Mr. Xu Ge has only been working as the first assistant for a few years, so he probably won't get tired of it so quickly. Besides, I think he's still in good health. It shouldn't be a big deal if he works for a few more years."

Yin Shizhen answered, but did not pay attention to Wei Guangde's eyes.

But Chen Yiqin saw it. After looking into Wei Guangde's eyes for a moment, he lowered his head and thought for a moment, then suddenly looked up at Wei Guangde and asked: "What does Shandai mean, is Xu Ge always sincerely thinking of quitting?"

"It's hard to say, but there is something strange about this memorial. You spend time with the Chief Minister in the cabinet. Has he become preoccupied in the past two days?"

Wei Guangde did not directly tell his guess, but asked Chen Yiqin.

Chen Yiqin stood up unconsciously and walked back and forth in the room, recalling Xu Jie in his eyes over the past two days.

After a long time, Chen Yiqin stood still and said, "It seems to be no different from normal. However, after being reminded like this, I feel that there is a hint of loneliness in his eyes."

Yin Shizhen also stood up at this time and asked in confusion: "What does this mean?"

Chen Yiqin quickly returned to his seat and sat down, and then he pulled Yin Shizhen to sit down, and then said: "With Shandai's reminder, I feel that Xu Ge has already had the intention to retreat in his heart.

In the past few days, Zhengfu, don't do anything, just wait and see how things get better.

Perhaps, in a few days, Mr. Xu Ge will submit his resignation for the third time. "

Wei Guangde nodded, expressing his inner thoughts.

In fact, it was an idea that came to him just now in a flash of inspiration.

As far as Xu Jie's body is concerned, there will be no problem if he continues to work for a few more years.

However, he suddenly imitated Chen Yiqin in begging for mercy. Was it because he saw the influence of Chen Yiqin's memorial and followed suit? Or is that really what you meant?

Therefore, Wei Guangde thought of asking Chen Yiqin whether Xu Jie was different from usual in the cabinet.

While the three of them were discussing, in the secret room of Xu Jie's mansion, Xu Jie handed an article to Zhang Juzheng, "Take a closer look. There may be some imperfections. You can modify it."

"Teacher, what are you doing?"

"You take a look first and then talk."

Xu Jie was always very gentle towards Zhang Juzheng, and now the warm smile on his face made people feel like spring breeze.

Zhang Juzheng held the article in his hand, lowered his head and read it carefully.

It can be seen that this is the first draft of a memorial that the teacher is still polishing. After reading the entire article quickly, he made about five suggestions.

The first is to save discussion.

In the past few years, there have been too many discussions, right and wrong are confused with lips, love and hate are determined by abandonment, there are many political changes, and there is no unified order.

From now on, we should eliminate useless empty words and seek practical results. All chapters should be concise and to the point. Right and wrong should be stated clearly and straightforwardly. Do not blame each other and make empty words. Instead of thinness, return to thickness, we should focus on quality and save literature.

The second is Zhen Gang Ji.

Recently, the discipline has not been strictly enforced, and the upper and lower levels have been appeasing, and everything has been submissive, and they have been forced to compromise.

Where the law lies, it is only imposed on the humble; although those who are strong and obstinate break the law and violate discipline, they should not be punished.

From now on, it is appropriate to uphold laws and regulations, grasp the outline of power, punish, reward, and win justice, and the political and religious orders must be cut off from Chen Zhong.

The law should be applied, even if it is noble and close, it will not be forgiven; if something is wrong, it will be punished, even if it is remote and lowly. In order to maintain integrity and be respected by the court.

The third is to emphasize the imperial edict.

Recent imperial edicts have often been dismissed as old pieces of paper. How can right and wrong be made clear, and how can rewards and punishments be determined?

From now on, it is advisable to follow orders immediately and make judgments based on reason; consider the urgency of matters and set limits and interests to report, so that people can do their duty well and there will be no delays.

Fourth, it is to consolidate the foundation of the country.

Nowadays, when the people are destitute and their wealth is exhausted, they must increase their efforts to economize. All projects that are not urgent and useless will be carried out.

Choose good officials carefully, shepherd the people, promote those who love the people well, and punish those who harm the people through corruption.

Suppress the powerful, equalize taxes and servitude, and eliminate the disadvantages of consuming money and sickening the people.

As the saying goes, people's livelihood is better, and the country's prosperity is better.

The last one was a bit beyond Zhang Juzheng's expectation, he was actually able to prepare weapons.

When Zhang Juzheng was reading an article before, Xu Jie had been looking at him, so he naturally saw where his eyes lingered and said with a smile: "The Beijing camp has been in chaos for many years, and it is difficult to restore the past.

His Majesty has the intention to promote Wei Guangde to join the cabinet. It seems that he was used as a military and civilian official from the time of the late emperor. Perhaps if the late emperor had not died early, Wei Guangde's final destination would have been the minister of the Ministry of War. "

When Xu Jie spoke, Zhang Juzheng kept nodding.

Indeed, Wei Guangde's literary talent did not meet the standards of the Hanlin Academy, and it was entirely up to Emperor Jiajing to select him.

After that, he showed some military talents, but in Zhang Juzheng's heart, he just felt that he was okay, but he was by no means as capable as Yang Bo, Tan Lun and others.

After all, they were both military and political officials on the governor's side and had real achievements, while Wei Guangde only participated in one war.

The Ministry of War wants strategists, not tacticians to direct war.

What's more, Zhang Juzheng actually has some military talents, but he feels that his literary talent is more outstanding, and in today's world, the status of martial arts is not as good as that of literary affairs, so he doesn't bother to do things in this area.

Zhang Juzheng was born into a military family, and his grandfather also served as the captain of the Liao Prince's personal army. Therefore, after the Zhang family branched off, although his branch began to turn to civil affairs early, martial arts was not abandoned. When he was a child, he often listened to the military training. It's just that it hasn't been revealed.

"Previously, Chen Yiqin's opposition was not fierce when he transferred Qi Jiguang to the capital camp and transferred Tan Lun back to the court.

Based on my understanding of His Majesty over the years, he should also be very concerned about side affairs, so I expect he will take some military action. "

Xu Jie said.

"Teacher, when do you plan to submit this memorial?"

Zhang Juzheng nodded and then asked.

"I'm old. Just as I asked you not to say anything before, I have a free say in this matter.

As for what you have in hand, you can take it back and study it carefully, improve it in detail, and you can present it to me after I leave the capital. "

Xu Jie stroked his beard and said.

"Teacher, you can't leave."

Zhang Juzheng said with emotion, he knew that Xu Jie was paving the way for him.

"Listen to what I have to say. Your Majesty, I have no choice but to leave. Otherwise, not only will it harm me, but it will also harm you.

After I leave, Your Majesty will definitely promote Wei Guangde and Yin Shizhen to the cabinet soon.

Yu Zhuan's group had been detained in the palace for too long by the late emperor, and they did not understand the ways of officialdom.

What they are doing now is in accordance with His Majesty's preferences. Although many of them are doing well in practical terms, they are not bad in the general direction. They are all His Majesty's wishes.

Therefore, you cannot be enemies with them, but work together well. "

Having said this, Xu Jie looked at Zhang Juzheng, with an imperceptible smile on his lips and said, "Just wait until the end of the year or next year, find an opportunity, and petition Your Majesty to allow Gao Gong to return to the court."

"Um?"

Zhang Juzheng naturally didn't understand what Xu Jie meant, so he asked Gao Gong to come back. With his vengeful character, he didn't tear down the old Xu family of Su Song Mansion.

"Don't worry, you have a good relationship with Gao Gong, and Gao Gong also appreciates your abilities, so as long as you stay focused on serving the public, you will be fine.

As for Gao Gong's revenge, let him do it. Just take care of him when the critical moment comes.

What is supposed to come will come, and you can't avoid it. "

Although Zhang Juzheng was still a little surprised, he didn't say anything. He knew that the teacher must have expected the result.

Sure enough, next I heard Xu Jie continue to say: "I see those people in Yuzhuan, but you also know that Chen Yiqin, Wei Guangde and Yin Shizhen have become closer and have long since separated from Gao Gong.

When Gao Gong returns to the court, he will inevitably try to control the government again.

Although they are all Yu Zhuan's old friends, they must be unwilling to accept it. At that time, you have to deal with it carefully. You would rather do nothing than do anything wrong. "

"Let them fight among themselves?"

Zhang Juzheng understood. He also came from Yuzhuan, so he naturally knew the situation of that group of people.

In fact, in the last few years of Yu Zhuan, those who stayed in Yu Zhuan had already parted ways with Gao Gong, but they were still pulled together because of the presence of King Yu in the middle.

However, Xu Jie hasn't finished speaking yet.

"When the government and the public see what kind of character these Yu Zhuan old people are, and you only need to show your ability to work hard, they will naturally make their own choices."

Speaking of this, Xu Jie couldn't help but laugh and said: "I guess the late emperor would never have thought that these people he had high hopes for had learned 100% of the skills of me and Yan Jiexi.

In the political situation at that time, there was no way out without fighting. If the Yan family had not produced an ambitious Yan Donglou, it would not have been so complicated. He, Yan Jiexi, would have gone back to Jiangxi to retire. "

Zhang Juzheng understood that Xu Jie valued his ability to handle government affairs and hoped that he would appear in the court as a practical man.

When the emperor and courtiers saw that Yu Zhuan was just a bunch of guys who fought among themselves, they would naturally choose to side with him.

Although internal fighting will lead to drastic changes in court personnel, the consequences of being on the wrong team are also difficult to predict.

As long as they reach a high position, what they hope to see is not continued infighting but stability.

At that time, even if Emperor Longqing was unwilling, he would have to accept this situation.

"I will send you my third resignation letter at the meeting in two days. Maybe Yang Wei is dating you, but don't worry about him. He only considers the interests of those people in Shanxi.

Remember, once you ascend to the position of chief minister, you have to consider the country and the court, and nothing else. "

Finally, Xu Jie warned you.