The Prosperous Era of Longwan

With the appointment of Zuo Du Yushi of the Metropolitan Procuratorate, this personnel change that has involved the Ming Dynasty for many days can be concluded.

At this time, it seems that new officials have been appointed to the six ministries and the Metropolitan Procuratorate, and the officials' attention has shifted back to handling government affairs.

Except for the Ministry of Husbandry and the Ministry of War, which remained unchanged, the Ministry of Industry also became the yamen with the least changes. The original head, Ouyang Bijin, changed the Ministry of Personnel, and Lei Li put aside the project responsible for the construction of the imperial mausoleum and returned to the court to take over the Ministry of Industry.

As for other departments, they have all been replaced by ministers. With such a change, the middle and lower-level officials of the yamen will naturally make every effort to show their skills in front of the new master in order to gain favor and help themselves to prosper in the future.

The court, which was supposed to be calm, was sent to Xiyuan with an urgent report from Nanjing. When the news spread, it was shocked again.

In Nanjing, Nanjing was still the capital, and there was another mutiny in the military camp.

Last year, the Zhenwuying mutiny had greatly reduced the view of the capital officials on the abilities of Nanjing officials who had stayed in the capital. This directly led to the resignation of Ma Kun, the Minister of Household Affairs who had just been transferred to the capital from Nanjing. Unexpectedly, in just one year, Nanjing would once again A mutiny occurred.

Although I knew that this matter had nothing to do with the Ministry of War in the capital, as soon as I saw the memorial, Yang Bo, the Minister of War, was summoned to Xiyuan. It is conceivable that what greeted him was the thunderous anger of Emperor Jiajing.

Mutiny was never a trivial matter in any dynasty. It was extremely sensational and influential. Although Wei Guangde and the others were in Prince Yu's Mansion, they heard about it immediately and hurriedly sent people to inquire about the news.

Now Wei Guangde, because of his wife Xu Jianglan, has deepened his relationship with the Duke of Wei in Nanjing, and has naturally become sensitive to news in Nanjing.

Soon, the military camp and the general cause of the mutiny were found out. The mutiny was caused by the Chihe New Camp. Although it was named the new camp, in fact, this military camp had existed for more than twenty years. The military sergeants were named Nanjing Feixiong Yingwu Guangwu Three Guards Army consists of a total of 3,000 people, who are divided into divisions every spring and autumn.

This incident is similar to the last Zhenwu Camp mutiny. Soldiers in the new camp in Chihe were given three dou of food per month, and six coins of silver each year were used as a leasing fee for military uniforms and other supplies. According to this rule left when the camp was established, We have been living happily together for many years.

But last month, Wu Qin, a member of Qianhu of the Yingwu Guards, sent an official document to the Nanjing Ministry of War, saying that Chihe Xinying was not a soldier but an accomplice, and it was recommended that they be dismissed.

It was like poking a hornet's nest. The soldiers from the Chihe New Camp actually broke into Wu Qin's mansion, tied him up, and took him to the high platform of the military camp to beat him. Driving on the streets of Nanjing.

Zhenwu Camp also set a bad precedent. Although the Zhenwu Camp mutiny was quickly contained, its influence was great. The soldiers outside Nanjing naturally learned a lot from it.

There is a saying among the people that those who cry will still be fed. Perhaps this is the truth.

As long as the soldiers can be incited, many things that were previously unthinkable can be quickly accomplished.

Of course, the consequences of doing this are unaffordable for most people, so although everyone knows this, no one dares to use it.

But this time it was different. Wu Qin wanted to destroy Chihe Xinying's job. No matter how he could bear it, he didn't need to deliberately instigate it, and the soldiers in the military camp started to make trouble.

Camp officials only need to let things go, and things can easily get into trouble.

Fortunately, the camp manager of Chihe New Camp also knew the seriousness. Although he was annoyed by Wu Qin's behavior of destroying his job, he still sent his own soldiers to guard the camp gate to prevent the rebels from rushing out of the camp. He also hurriedly arranged for someone to inform the Ministry of War, requesting that the incident be quelled as soon as possible. thing.

The Minister of the Ministry of War of Nanjing was the former Zuo Shilang of the Ministry of War and the governor of Xuanda University Jiangdong. He was the person who succeeded Yang Shun to clean up the mess of Xuanda University. When he heard that the soldiers of Chihe Xinying mutinied, he found out the whole story and hurriedly sent out people, not only to appease Chihe Xinying but also to There are also garrisons outside Nanjing.

Many of the military households these days are related by marriage. If Chihe's side cannot be comforted, other military camps will take the opportunity to cause trouble.

After all, no one would mind having too much money. If you can make a fuss and get some benefits like Zhenwuying did last year, why not do it.

In order to effectively control the situation, Jiangdong directly issued the order in the name of the Minister of War. The soldiers in Nanjing and outside the city received the same pay and food as before.

With Jiang Dongxia's documents, the officials sent out quickly took control of the military camps. After the Ministry of War officials arrived at Chihe New Camp and promulgated Jiangdong's order, Qianhu Wu Qin was released by the mutinous soldiers.

Although the nine most violent gangsters were still arrested later, the incident was resolved on the same day, which can be regarded as very efficient.

This was just a routine work report in Nanjing, but after the news of the mutiny spread, it still frightened all the officials in the capital.

The news came back from Li Fang who sent someone to inquire about it. Everyone in Prince Yu's palace was in the room, and they all let out a sigh of relief after hearing what the servants told.

There is enough chaos in Jiangnan. Counting the time, Japanese pirates have invaded in large numbers just recently, and there is also the chaos in Fujian. Now there is this place again. Previously, the court was discussing whether the increase in the number of people in Jiangnan should be postponed. , let the people's power be restored, now don't even think about it.

Money is needed everywhere. Where will the money come from if it is not distributed?

Prince Yu's Mansion was naturally well aware of the discussions in the court. At this moment, everyone suddenly thought of this. It was really the Ministry of Household Affairs that had no money and was being troubled. Now all the officials in the capital are eagerly waiting for the Ministry of Household Affairs to pay their salaries.

"I'm afraid Jiangnan's apportionment will continue for another two years. I just don't know how long it can last like this?"

King Yu sighed.

Although he is not yet in charge of the family, but judging from recent days, he has also realized that it is a bit difficult to be the master of Ming Dynasty.

It is difficult for a rich man to be a man without money, and the same is true for being in power.

If the court has money, it can solve all problems, because there are no private issues that money cannot solve.

But the current situation in Ming Dynasty is caused by lack of money.

The imperial court had no money to pay, so it had to add more troops to the south of the Yangtze River. The consequences of the extra troops were also revealed, and the people were unstable.

Fujian, Guangdong, and Jiangxi are already rioting. Although the roots are still in the so-called "Flying Dragon Kingdom", if the Japanese problem cannot be solved as soon as possible and the collection and additional distribution are stopped, it is difficult to say whether a second or third one will appear in other places. Come.

By then, the imperial court may not have the final say on what happens in Jiangnan.

"It was all due to Hu Zongxian's incompetence that he exhausted the power of the people in the south of the Yangtze River and failed to completely solve the serious problem of Japanese pirates. Instead, it caused chaos among the people."

Yin Shizhen said angrily.

"I think it's time to send someone to conduct a thorough investigation. There were rumors in the government and the public that Hu Zongxian and others invaded and stole military pay, which caused the Japanese soldiers to have low morale because they could not receive their due military pay, making it difficult to wipe out the Japanese pirates."

Zhang Juzheng nodded in agreement.

In fact, there have been rumors about Hu Zongxian's embezzlement and theft of military pay for a long time. As early as the 36th year of Jiajing, there was an impeachment by Ke Dao Yan Guan Shang Shu. However, the memorial was either retained by Emperor Jiajing, or he issued an edict to verify it and then reported it. Nothing was found.

Despite this, rumors among the government and the public that Hu Zongxian and Jiangnan officials embezzled military pay have never stopped, but there is no evidence.

After Zhang Juzheng finished speaking, he looked at Wei Guangde. In this room, the person who had dealt with Hu Zongxian was Wei Guangde. When he went to imprison and execute Wang Zhi, he had contact with Hu Zongxian.

Of course Wei Guangde noticed Zhang Juzheng's gaze, and also saw the glances from King Yu, Yin Shizhen and others, but he smiled bitterly and said: "If I were in Hu Zongxian's position and wanted to steal military pay, for example, if I made the account books tightly, It doesn’t give anyone any basis for verification.”

"You mean Hu Zongxian didn't steal military pay?"

Yin Shizhen asked with a frown.

"There's no official in the world who doesn't get some advantages, let alone in that position."

Wei Guangde smiled and shook his head: "What I mean is that if Hu Zongxian doesn't leave his job, there is no way to find out. Unless a soldier reports him, no matter how you investigate, there will be no results."

"I see."

At this time, Zhang Juzheng nodded and said.

He probably understood the meaning of Wei Guangde's words. There would definitely be no mistakes in the amount of money Hu Zongxian received, but the amount of money sent out was not the number recorded in the account book.

Whether it is false claims of military exploits or empty pay, there must be a signature from the generals who led the army to receive the money. With these things, every expenditure is well documented, and naturally no loopholes can be found.

However, the money that goes out according to the rules may not be led out of the Governor's Mansion by the generals, and even if it is taken out, don't they have to send some back?

However, it is difficult to express these things verbally. After all, there are many officials in the world who eat this.

What you can’t eat is just because you didn’t take care of it, so you don’t get a share of the pie.

As long as Hu Zongxian is in the position of governor, those generals will not dare to turn against him and report him. Otherwise, their future will be ruined. If they don't report, they will be labeled as slandering the superiors. The punishment may be light, and their families may be destroyed.

After all, Hu Zongxian's backstage was not anyone else, but Yan Song, the chief minister of the dynasty.

They were discussing in Prince Yu's Mansion, while Yang Bo, Minister of the Ministry of War, was beaten down by Emperor Jiajing in Yongshou Palace. Qi Qiran walked out of Xiyuan and got on her sedan chair, but there was no trace of relief on her face, an expression of luck that she had escaped death. .

Regarding the chaos in Fujian, the Ministry of War had previously made a plan, that is, it would be best if Hu Zongxian could successfully exterminate Zhang Lian's rebels. If the suppression of the thieves failed, the Ministry of War had also prepared a preliminary plan, which was to replace people.

The person who replaced him was none other than Jiang Dong, the Minister of the Ministry of War in Nanjing.

Jiangdong had served as a minister in the Ministry of War in the capital for many years, and was once appointed to take over as governor-general of Xuanda in times of crisis. He was one of the few officials in the court with military command experience.

According to the expectations of the Ministry of War, if Hu Zongxian failed to suppress the bandits, he would immediately ask Jiang Dong to be the supervisor to fight against the bandits, while Hu Zongxian would be responsible for suppressing the Japanese.

Some of the troops who were transferred from Hu Zongxian and newly transferred troops from nearby areas were assigned to Jiangdong's name, and were led by him to annihilate Zhang Lian.

But in the Yongshou Palace today, Yang Bo clearly felt that Emperor Jiajing was dissatisfied with Jiangdong and mishandled it.

A small thing can lead to something as big as a mutiny, which shows his low ability.

Although Emperor Jiajing had no intention of deposing Jiang Dong in the palace today, he had been in office for many years and knew that just because he didn't want to do so now didn't mean he didn't want to do so in the future. When it came time to recommend him, the bad feeling today might directly lead to Jiajing's death. The emperor rejected the petition.

There are also the Sixth Section and the Thirteenth Censorship, which I'm afraid won't be easy, and he might even be impeached and step down.

Yang Bo's guess was quite good. He was familiar with the nature of officialdom. He got the news in less than two days. Nanjing Science and Technology Officer Yang Quan, Liu Xingsu and others used the Chihe New Camp Soldier Incident to impeach Jiangdong for his incompetent military management and his erratic actions. Please, please The memorial of dismissal.

At the same time, it was also proposed that Chihe New Camp should dismiss General Yu Zhong and other six people from their posts, send the culprits to the Nanjing Judicial Division for questioning and arrest those who were missed, perform internal and external defense responsibilities, clarify the law and discipline, and suggest that Chihe New Camp should not discuss dismissal because it has established old rules.

Regarding Nanjing Kedao's proposal to remove the Minister of War, Jiangdong, the cabinet naturally did not dare to take advantage of it, but agreed to all other petitions.

After Zhenwu Camp, many military camps took action upon hearing the news and were eager to give it a try. Perhaps because of the improper handling at the beginning, some interested people started to want to follow suit.

Nanjing Kedao requested strict investigation and strict handling, affirming the law and discipline, but it cannot be said that it was wrong.

However, the cabinet was not sure about whether to dismiss Jiangdong, so Yan Song and Xu Jie directly sent the memorial to Xiyuan. Also sent to the palace were Liang Menglong, the official in charge of the six subjects, Chen Daoji, the thirteenth imperial censor, etc. Impeachment of Jiangdong, Minister of the Ministry of War in Nanjing, He Qian, the right minister of the Ministry of Punishment in Nanjing, Hu Zhi, the censor of the right deputy capital of the Governor of Water Transport, Meng Huai, the censor of the right deputy capital of Shanxi, Liu Lun, the censor of the right capital of Huguang, Hu Rulin, the censor of Gansu Province, and Shang Bao Siqing Since Bai Qichang is not in his position, it is appropriate to dismiss Fu Yi, the left minister of the Ministry of Household Affairs, Ge Jin, the right minister of the Ministry of War, and Zhang Chun, the minister of the Hanlin Academy, because they are not qualified for their posts and should be discussed.

This time, taking advantage of the Chihe Xinying mutiny incident, Beijing's Kedao Yanguan was at full strength. In just two days, he collected nearly a hundred impeachment memorials and launched an unprecedented scale of impeachment against Nanjing's six ministries and local officials.

This is also the reason why both Yan Song and Xu Jie can't bear the pressure. If the impeachment of Nanjing Kedao is not enough, now the Beijing Kedao has also joined in, and has the intention of amplifying the situation. If it doesn't go well, it will be a storm between the government and the opposition.

This incident did not come to light before, which was strange, and made Yan Song and Xu Jie even more worried.

Judging from the impeachment storm initiated by Ke Dao, it is obvious that it has been brewing for a long time, and it may have even started secretly planning when Zhou Yan was seriously ill. However, I don't know whether the officials acted spontaneously or someone secretly colluded.

And Emperor Jiajing was sitting on the throne of Yongshou Palace, looking at the impeachment memorials piled on the imperial desk in front of him and feeling heavy-headed.

Like Yan Song and Xu Jie, he didn't know until today that the Yanguan officials of Kedao had accumulated so much anger. Neither Dongchang nor Jinyiwei had noticed anything unusual about the Yanguan officials before.

Although the impeachment was initiated by a group of seventh-rank officials, their humble words were not taken lightly, and their remarks often affected the scholars, forming a general oppression in the world.

He just lost his temper in front of Yang Bo two days ago, because Nanjing, Nanjing alone, had two mutinies in two consecutive years, and this was in the heart of the Ming Dynasty.

After thinking for a long time, it would be fine if there were only a few or a dozen impeachment papers. This time it was different, nearly a hundred, and almost all the imperial censors in the capital were involved, which he couldn't help but think about how to appease.

"Sight."

After thinking deeply, Emperor Jiajing finally made a decision and softly uttered two words.

Emperor Jiajing felt a sense of fear again for no reason.