The Prosperous Era of Longwan

In the capital, in the Imperial College Recording Hall.

"Dong Fen recommended Chen Yiqin as the right minister of the Ministry of Rites?"

Wei Guangde shook the note in his hand and smiled at Zhang Juzheng, "Dong Shangshu also knew to show his kindness to Prince Yu's Mansion, but unfortunately, it was too late."

Previously, after Chen Yiqin and Dingyou returned to Beijing, he stayed in the Hanlin Academy and took charge of the affairs of the Hanlin Academy as a lecturer.

Dong Fen was very calculating. After he became the Minister of Rites, he immediately requested an order to recommend Chen Yiqin, the former lecturer of Prince Yu's Palace, as the right minister of the Ministry of Rites, which was regarded as officially entering the court, in the hope of easing the relationship with Prince Yu's Palace.

"His Highness really decides to move Dong Fen?"

After hearing Wei Guangde's words, Zhang Juzheng asked.

"Why, Dong Shangshu found Mr. Xu Ge?"

Wei Guangde asked curiously.

You know, Dong Fen and Xu Jie had nothing to do with each other before, but looking at Zhang Juzheng's intention now, it seems that Xu Jie wants to protect Dong Fen.

"yes."

Zhang Juzheng did not hide it in front of Wei Guangde, but nodded directly to admit it.

"Mr. Xu Ge agreed to win over an obedient minister?"

Wei Guangde continued to ask, but he secretly thought that just as King Yu feared, Zhang Juzheng still turned to Xu Jie in the end, without any concern for His Highness's feelings.

"The teacher thinks that as long as Dong Fen is obedient, it is not a bad thing to keep him in the Ministry of Etiquette."

Zhang Juzheng replied.

Now Prince Yu's palace is dissatisfied with Dong Fen. If Prince Yu cannot be persuaded to let go of his prejudices, then Dong Fen's position will definitely be difficult to protect.

Looking for Wei Guangde is actually testing the attitude of Prince Yu's palace. If Zhang Juzheng alone is used to persuade them, it may be counterproductive. If Wei Guangde can maintain the same opinion as them, perhaps Prince Yu will listen.

However, Wei Guangde lowered his head and thought at this moment.

What he was thinking about was not whether Dong Fen would stay or leave, but he had realized that the relationship between Mr. Xu Ge and Prince Yu's Mansion would soon break down.

Without him, Xu Jie's protection of Dong's identity was not only to subdue a minister-level official to speak for him, but also to continue to suppress Gao Gong.

In fact, the main reason why King Yu was so determined to move Dong Fen was to create a vacancy in the six departments of the imperial court.

Looking at the current ministers and ministers' books, the one most likely to move is actually Dong Fen, who has just come to power and has an unstable foundation.

Although there is still Guo Pu, his foundation is more stable and cannot be compared with Dong Fen.

In fact, Guo Pu had served as the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel in the 40th year of Jiajing. It was only because his father-in-law, Ding You, returned to his hometown after the death of his father, and now he is still in the court, it was natural for him to take up the post of Minister of the Ministry of Personnel.

Moreover, Ding You in those two years also allowed Guo Pu to successfully escape the most turbulent years of the Ming Dynasty. At least he did not have to face the dissatisfaction of King Yu and Xu Jie. Naturally, they would not be stupid enough to provoke Guo Pu. .

Gao Gong has been in the position of minister for several years. Wei Guangde also saw that even if Emperor Jiajing wanted to suppress the people of Prince Yu's palace again, as long as there was a vacancy in the ministerial position this time, only Gao Gong could fill it.

Of course, if it were a minister with special abilities such as the Ministry of Industry and the Ministry of War, it would be difficult for Gao Gong to be qualified.

But if it is the Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of Personnel, it will naturally be different.

"It's hard."

Wei Guangde just raised his head and glanced at Zhang Juzheng, shook his head at him and said, "Uncle, it's best not to get involved in your teacher's matter, otherwise it will be detrimental to you."

Although Wei Guangde has been guarding Gao Gong and Xu Jie, he can't complain to Zhang Juzheng.

At least, Wei Guangde was not confident enough to compete with Zhang Juzheng for official position and power, so he reminded him at this time.

Hearing Wei Guangde's words, Zhang Juzheng seemed to let out a sigh of relief, but then he handed over his hands and said: "Thank you Shandai for your concern. I know the dangers involved in this matter."

Wei Guangde nodded. He did not want to be hated by King Yu and lose the opportunity to correct the shortcomings of the Ming Dynasty.

Yes, Wei Guangde's heart is not so clean either.

None of Gao Gong, Zhang Juzheng, and Xu Jie could see the problems that existed in the Ming Dynasty.

Many civil and military officials in the dynasty understood the shortcomings of the Ming Dynasty, but who had the courage to make changes?

No, it seems that Zhang Juzheng was the only one in the civil and military dynasties.

Wei Guangde knew the importance of reform, but in Chinese history, all reformers ended tragically without exception.

He didn't want to make the same mistake again. The Ming Dynasty had to reform again. After much thought, the best way was to let Zhang Juzheng take the lead. He beat the drum and thought that only at the last moment, after Zhang Juzheng died, the blame could be passed on to Zhang Juzheng, but the reform The results must not be lost.

This move can at least extend the life of the Ming Dynasty for a hundred years, and his descendants should also have a better tomorrow.

The change of dynasty is a process that cannot be changed. He can only try to avoid things he doesn't like happening.

Home and country, Wei Guangde chose home and country at this time.

However, Zhang Juzheng didn't know Wei Guangde's plan, and was a little touched at the moment, because Wei Guangde's words were all considering him.

Of course he could understand Xu Jie's plan.

But after all, it was the teacher's will and he couldn't change it.

"Your Highness wants you to impeach?"

Zhang Juzheng asked.

"how you said that?"

Wei Guangde asked curiously.

"During this period, His Highness often calls you back to the palace. It's hard not to know."

Zhang Juzheng explained.

Wei Guangde nodded in relief, "His Highness does have this intention. I want to wait, but His Highness is not patient enough after all."

"Is Shandai planning to impeach him in the near future?"

Zhang Juzheng asked.

Wei Guangde smacked his lips, "I do have this intention, but I'm still waiting for the opportunity. I can't just talk and bite randomly. I, Wei Guangde, can't do that kind of thing."

"Dong Shangshu is indeed a little greedy for money, which is a taboo for officials."

Zhang Juzheng said pointedly.

After hearing this, Wei Guangde raised his eyes and stared at Zhang Juzheng for a moment, then smiled and nodded slightly, "I've learned a lesson."

Zhang Juzheng's words should have been directed at him.

However, Wei Guangde is not surprised. During his life in the capital, it is impossible to say that no one gossips behind his back.

This is the temperament of the Chinese people. In front of him, they all say flattery, saying that Wei Guangde is a righteous person, but behind the scenes, they are not talking about Wei Guangde's family, who may be deducting military pay and exploiting the people. Otherwise, how could he have so much money? money.

The officials Wei Guangde held didn't have much money for him to get.

In this era, the officialdom is really dark.

Everyone is trying hard to win over a well-oiled official, just for the yellow and white things. They feel comfortable holding the money without any guilt at all.

It can only be said that the power of unspoken rules is infinite.

The money earned within the rules is called skill, not greed.

If Wei Guangde becomes a well-off official and earns a lot of money to support them, they will be envious and jealous, but they will only say that Wei Guangde can be an official.

But if the money is not earned in this way, then the money comes from shady sources and will be cast aside.

Zhang Ji, the housekeeper of Wei Guangde's house, had a good relationship with many business owners and shopkeepers, and even cooperated in private business. Wei Guangde did not deliberately hide it, and his background was very good. However, in the eyes of the officials, the money earned in this way has not yet been earned while in office. Take the money you deserve and get it clean.

At the very least, Wei Guangde's personal ethics are lacking.

As for the rest, Wei Guangde thought that Zhang Juzheng should not be able to reach Jiangxi.

Cheng Shouxie should not talk about the matter of wooing Cheng Shoujie, and he will also get some of those things himself, and then send some to the capital. In short, he has to share the profits, but it will be a matter of time. .

But this matter is really a bit shameful.

Wei Guangde sent Zhang Juzheng away and continued reading, but his thoughts had already flown back to the Hanlin Academy.

It seems that Chen Yiqin will not stay in the Hanlin Academy for too long. Regardless of whether Dong Fen is dismissed or not, he should return to the Ministry of Rites and start his career from now on.

So who will take over the Imperial Academy?

Gaoyi or Wang Daren?

Gao Yi is a bachelor of the Hanlin Academy and holds the title of Right Minister of Rites, but Chen Yiqin has always been in charge.

If Chen Yiqin now joins the Ministry of Rites as the right minister, will Gao Yi be promoted to replace Gao Gong?

From this point of view, there is a high chance that Wang Daren, the assistant lecturer, will take charge of the Hanlin Academy.

The possibility of Gao Gong replacing Dong Fen as Minister of Rites is undoubtedly the greatest now.

It's hard to say that King Yu's emphasis on impeaching Dong Fen was the result of Gao Gong's efforts behind the scenes.

It seems that Gao Gong has become smarter now. If he wants to win the position of Minister of Rites, he also knows that he will not come forward personally, but instead let Prince Yu's Mansion take action, secretly help him, and let himself contribute to his promotion.

The more Wei Guangde thought about it, the more uncomfortable he felt.

After the yamen dismissed in the afternoon, Wei Guangde left the yamen and was about to get into his carriage in front of the door when a chamberlain trotted over from afar.

I know the visitor, Wei Guangde, Li Fang's godson. Judging from his appearance, he seems to be here to find him.

Wei Guangde stood there and waited for a while. When the young chamberlain came closer, he saw him reaching into his arms, taking out a letter and holding it in his hand.

"Master Wei, this is the letter my godfather asked me to send to you."

Wei Guangde reached out and took it, but did not open it to look at it.

"I see."

Wei Guangde just said a few words, then gestured to the entourage next to him, and got directly into the carriage.

At the chamberlain's place, there are followers who will give him rewards.

Even though he was ordered to deliver a letter, for Eunuch Li's sake, Wei Guangde couldn't let anyone make this trip in vain.

Although Wei Guangde had already guessed what was in the letter, it was most likely the fact that Dong Fen had received money from the Yan family, as evidenced by witnesses.

After getting on the carriage, Wei Guangde opened the seal and took out the letter, unfolded it and saw that it was indeed the case.

"Three thousand taels of silver and a box of jewels. Haha, this Dong Fen is not so courageous."

Wei Guangde shook his head slightly, then collected the letter and put it in his arms.

He would have little use keeping this letter.

Wei Guangde did not intend to tell King Yu that he was planning to let Ouyang Yijing take action. After all, he had already planned it and it was not easy to steal others' limelight.

The carriage swayed back to the Wei Mansion. After Wei Guangde got off the car, he whispered to the butler Zhang Ji who came out: "You will send someone to invite Mr. Ouyang to come to my house in the evening."

"Yes, sir."

Zhang Ji bowed and responded.

He would try his best to complete the errands ordered by Wei Guangde and would not ask why.

Just asking him to invite people is not a big deal.

Shortly after dinner, Ouyang Yijing arrived as promised and was taken into the study by him.

"Shandai, why did you call me here?"

Although he had some guesses, Ouyang Yijing still pretended to be confused and asked.

"How's the investigation going on about Dong Fen? Did he receive or confiscate the Yan family's money?"

Wei Guangde did not take out the letter immediately, but asked about his harvest there.

"Only two witnesses were found. They saw someone delivering a box into Dong's mansion, but they didn't know who it was."

Ouyang Yijing said somewhat depressedly, "After that, I arranged for them to secretly look at the servants of the Yang family and the Fan family. They identified one by one as a servant of the Yang family, but after all, there is still a lack of complete evidence."

"Then what are you going to do? Don't you want to talk about it?"

Wei Guangde asked.

"I am also worried. As Meng Xian said, it would be a bit unreasonable to directly impeach the Minister of Rites without any evidence."

Ouyang Yijing said pretending to be a little distressed.

"Brother Si Zhi is still trying to act official to me, haha."

Wei Guangde just smiled, turned around and took the "evidence" sent by Li Fang from the desk, turned back to look at Ouyang Yijing, and continued: "I also sent someone to investigate secretly when I came back. This is what they sent Please take a look at the news."

With that said, Wei Guangde handed Li Fang's letter to Ouyang Yijing.

At this time, Ouyang Yijing felt as if he had found a treasure. He took the letter from Wei Guangde with both hands, quickly opened the letter and read it.

"Three thousand taels of silver, and a box of pearls and jade. What a generous gesture."

Ouyang Yijing exclaimed.

This amount of money was enough for him to live in the capital for ten years. Of course, it did not include the expenses of going to the gold-selling caves in Goulan Hutong.

"According to what is said above, if you find someone to investigate again, you must establish solid evidence. Otherwise, if your impeachment fails, you will be waiting to avenge the Lord Shangshu's thunder."

Wei Guangde said cheerfully, making it impossible for anyone to see his true plan.

Needless to say, the more Wei Guangde handled the matter so lightly, Ouyang Yijing was really unsure of Wei Guangde's true thoughts.

"Shandai, I heard someone say that Prince Yu seems to dislike Dong Shangshu, Dong Fen. I don't know if it's true."

At this point, Ouyang Yijing couldn't pretend anymore. Although he had some guesses, he still chose to ask.

It's better to ask in front of Wei Guangde than to be confused.

"Your Highness really doesn't like him."

Wei Guangde said lightly.

This matter is really not a secret. After all, the people in Prince Yu's palace are talkative. Even Dong Fen heard the news and hurriedly went to Xu Jie's side.

In fact, Dong Fen couldn't understand the situation. Below him was Gao Gong, a die-hard member of Prince Yu's palace.

If he wanted to serve King Yu directly, unless he had to cede his position as minister and let Gao Gong take over, maybe King Yu would consider letting him hold another official position.

But is he willing?

Of course not.

After finally climbing to the rank of Minister of Rites, if he could go one step further, he would be a cabinet bachelor of the Ming Dynasty, which would be equivalent to getting a gold medal for immunity from death.

Therefore, even though he knew that he was disliked by King Yu, he still wanted to save himself once, betting on whether he could attack the cabinet position before King Yu ascended the throne.

Hearing Wei Guangde's answer, Ouyang Yijing's face lit up with joy, and then quickly disappeared.

"I understand. I will find someone to check again in the next two days, and then I will report this matter."

Ouyang Yijing bowed and said.