The Prosperous Era of Longwan

Shandong Governor Liang Menglong's memorial regarding shipping grain was in the cabinet, and the final vote was to "discuss it under the Ministry of Household Affairs". After the memorial was entered into the palace, the Supervisor of Ceremonies also approved it under the vote.

As for the Household Department, Wei Guangde had always believed that although this yamen was in charge of money and food in all yamen in the Ming Dynasty and was rich in oil and water, it also had the most troubles, so he had not paid attention to it in the past.

As a result, his influence on this yamen is also very limited.

When Wei Guangde was still in the Ministry of Household Affairs in the same year, his current official position was no more than Langzhong or Yuanwailang, and he had no say at all.

Because of this, Wei Guangde gave up his plan to put pressure on the Ministry of Household Affairs to increase the amount of grain transported by sea. It would be difficult.

What's more, Zhang Juzheng can also apply pressure himself.

As far as his and Zhang Juzheng's influence on the various yamen in the court are concerned, Zhang Juzheng clearly has the upper hand, and there is no need to humiliate himself.

Wei Guangde only strongly promoted the customization of grain shipping. That is to say, regardless of the canal, the grain transportation yamen must transport at least 120,000 tons of grain to Beijing by sea every year, and there are no other requirements.

Sea transportation is cheaper than water transportation, but it does have a great impact on the livelihood of river workers. If water transportation is directly cut off, the livelihood of river workers on both sides of the river will indeed be in big trouble.

It is worth mentioning that due to floods in the Yellow River in recent years, the number of goods traveling from south to north in Ming Dynasty has also dropped sharply.

After all, compared with land transportation, the cost advantage of water transportation is still very obvious.

However, even if some businessmen want to try sea transportation, which has a more obvious cost advantage, there is great resistance.

The reason is that the interest groups in water transportation not only include big businessmen, but also involve the interests of a large number of bureaucrats.

Wei Guangde is not in a hurry, and takes his time. He has increasingly realized the wonderful meaning of the sentence in the Tao Te Ching, "Governing a big country is like cooking small delicacies."

Governing a big country is like cooking a small delicacy. This quote comes from Chapter 60 of the Tao Te Ching, and has been interpreted in many ways by later generations.

The first saying is that governing a big country is like cooking small fish. The oil, salt, sauce and vinegar must be just right, neither too much nor too little.

The second argument is that governing a big country should be as difficult as cooking, and should be as meticulous as cooking. Both must control the heat and pay attention to the seasonings.

There is also a third saying, "Xiao Xian" is like a small fish, or a small piece of meat, which means that governing a big country should be like cooking a small fish. When cooking small fish, don't stir it too much. If you stir it too much, it will rot easily. This is a metaphor for running a big country by doing nothing.

In fact, in Wei Guangde's view, there are all three, and one statement cannot be adopted alone, nor can one statement be denied.

Well, this is what Wei Guangde understands as "gold mean".

"Golden mean" is the basic methodological principle and moral practice principle advocated by Confucius.

Confucius said: "The Doctrine of the Mean is a virtue, and it has reached its peak! The people have been around for a long time." The Doctrine of the Mean is regarded as the highest moral realm.

Confucius discussed the golden mean many times. For example, the "Guanyong" chapter in the Book of Songs praised "joy but not obscenity, sadness but not sadness", which is the most appropriate expression of thoughts and feelings.

He also talks about a person's character and demeanor, "If quality is better than literature, then you will be wild; if literature is better than quality, you will be history. If literature is better than quality, then you will be a gentleman." The golden mean requires everything to be moderate and just right.

"Book of Rites: The Doctrine of the Mean" is a work that develops Confucius's idea of ​​the Doctrine of the Mean. Zhu Xi quoted Cheng Zi in a chapter: "What is impartial is called the mean, and what is not easy is called the mean. The mean is the right way of the world, and the mean is the rule of the world."

Both impartial and unbiased, the golden mean has become the Confucian principle of dealing with others.

Mao Zedong once believed that the concept of the golden mean "is a major discovery and achievement of Confucius. It is an important category of philosophy and deserves a good explanation."

There are several interpretations of the original meaning of the word "中": like the shape of an arrow hitting a target; like the shape of a standing tree measuring the sun's shadow; like a flag, where the clan leaders set up flags in the middle to gather people from all directions. "Shuowen": "Zhong means inside. From the mouth, ∣, it connects up and down.

"The word "中" means "inside" relative to "outside"; in terms of orientation, it is the "center" equidistant from the surrounding areas; in terms of degree, it refers to the "center" relative to the upper and lower levels. In the process, it is "half" relative to the whole process; and relative to "bias", it is "positive" and impartial.

Wei Guangde's literal understanding means that it refers to the standard of being moderate, proper, just right, impartial, and perfect.

There are also different opinions on the original meaning of the word "Yong". Some people say it is a big bell, which is connected with "Yong"; some people say it is a city, which is connected with "Yong"; some people say it is labor righteousness, which is connected with "maid"; some people say it is meritorious service, which is connected with "maid". Zhong Ji Gong et al.

Later generations understood "yong" to have roughly three meanings: first, He Yan said it was "constant" and Cheng Zi said "what is not easy is called Yong", that is, the principle of permanence but not change, the principle of unchangeability despite changes;

Second, Zhu Xi talks about "ordinaryness", that is, ordinary and common virtues, while Xu Fuguan talks about "ordinary" behavior that everyone should practice and achieve;

Third, "Shuowen": "Yong means use." It means application.

Zheng Xuan, a Confucian scholar and Confucian scholar in the late Eastern Han Dynasty, also believed that the article "The Doctrine of the Mean" was used to record the principles of harmony.

Wei Guangde's understanding of "yong" in "doctrine of the mean" favors the third view, which is "yong means use."

In Wei Guangde’s view, the original meaning of “doctrine of the mean” may be to use Zhongzheng thinking to choose the appropriate usage, that is, “pragmatism”.

In order to satisfy "pragmatism", it is natural to repeatedly jump among countless methods, constantly change, and combine them. This is the so-called "the sea is open to all rivers, and tolerance is great."

Choosing the most practical is the true meaning of moderation.

So for grain transportation, whether it is by land, canal, or sea transport, there is always a method that suits you.

In later generations, there was a folk joke that "we are all adults, so of course we have to choose everything." In Wei Guangde's view, it is actually in line with the idea of ​​​​the golden mean.

"Shandai, please read this memorial."

Wei Guangde's duty room welcomed a guest today, Zhu Heng, Minister of Industry.

Taking the memorial from Zhu Heng and reading it, Wei Guangde soon frowned slightly, his heart sank, and he couldn't help but ask: "Has the Ministry of Industry completely lost confidence in controlling the river?"

The theme of this memorial is very simple, which is to modify the time rules of water transportation.

In Zhu Heng's memorial, he requested that warehouses be opened in October of each year, and the people would lose millet; after the redemption was completed in November, the soldiers would receive millet; ships would be sent from Kaifeng in December, the Huaihe River would be crossed in February, and floods would be passed in March. When I arrive in Zhangjiawan in the next month, it will be a permanent rule to report to you forever.

That is to say, the time for water transportation to set sail is advanced to avoid the flood-prone areas of the Huanghuai River and to minimize the impact of floods on water transportation.

Of course, not doing this before was not because the ancients were not wise, but they chose this time to transport grain. In fact, there were many problems, mainly the problem of canal water sources.

The canal mainly replenishes water sources through the rivers along the route. According to Zhu Heng, water ships are mainly launched at the beginning of the year, which happens to be the dry season.

In fact, even if grain transportation is carried out in advance according to Zhu Heng's suggestion, a large number of canals will not be able to quickly pass through the canal and transport grain to the capital due to water levels.

It can only be said that Zhu Heng chose the last resort.

"There was one flood in the past few years, but since the third year of Longqing there have been floods every year. The Ministry of Industry really has no good way to solve it."

Zhu Heng smiled bitterly and said, "This is all we can do now, to ensure that as much grain as possible is safely transported to the capital.

Originally, Liang Menglong's idea of ​​transporting grain by sea seemed feasible, but according to the news from the Ministry of Revenue, it seemed that he was only trying to ensure smooth waterways and would not transport grain by sea on a large scale. "

"Yes, Mr. Chief Assistant disagrees."

Wei Guangde smiled bitterly and said: "I talked to him several times, but he always said the same thing. The greatest benefit lies in the river, while the most urgent danger lies in the sea. The sea route is unpredictable, so it is best to take this road to prepare."

I’m too lazy to find new excuses, haha.”

Wei Guangde could still laugh at this moment, but his laughter was full of helplessness.

"I can only strive to ensure the permanent positioning of sea transportation. At least, in the worst case, the court can still receive grain from the south."

As soon as Wei Guangde finished speaking, Zhu Heng frowned and said: 'The so-called permanent system just means that. In fact, whether it is practical or not is not a word from the first assistant.

If he, Uncle Zhang, really reverses Gao Gong's policy, even if it is made permanent today, it can be banned tomorrow. ’

"hiss"

Hearing what Zhu Heng said, Wei Guangde couldn't help but take a breath.

Zhu Heng was right, Yongzhi was just words, but in fact it was more like appeasing people.

In the past two years, the opposition to maritime transportation has gradually decreased. The main reason is due to the impact of floods. Beijing officials are also worried that grain cannot be transported and they will starve.

If we wait two years and the flooding subsides, we may be able to heal the scars and forget about the pain.

"Let's talk about it then. You can submit this memorial. Zhang Shuda probably won't object. At least it's a way to ensure the safety of the grain. It's just that the soldiers are suffering and can't celebrate the New Year at home."

Wei Guangde just sighed.

"Tan Zili should be arriving in the capital soon."

Zhu Heng did not continue this topic, but said.

"Yes, Lu Shusheng is coming soon, and there should be another big change in the court next."

Wei Guangde answered.

"Is Lu Tiaoyang confirmed to be in the cabinet?"

Zhu Heng asked.

Although there is no clear news, people around Wei Guangde naturally heard about some new personnel arrangements earlier.

But after all, in the past half month, it is not ruled out that there will be some changes.

"The cabinet memorial has been handed in, and the palace will issue an order when the time is right."

Wei Guangde said, "Tan Lun is in charge of the military department, Yang Bo is in charge of the official department, and Lu Shusheng is appointed as the minister of rites. The palace also agreed."

"Lu Shusheng didn't fall towards Uncle Zhang, did he?"

After all, Lu Shusheng was a fellow villager of Xu Jie, and Zhu Heng was not sure that he would not secretly contact Zhang Juzheng through Xu Jie's relationship.

"As far as I know, he should be a relatively independent person and not easily attached to others."

Wei Guangde thought about it before saying.

He still had some confidence in Lu Shusheng, otherwise he would not have agreed to recall this person in the first place.

Of course, Wei Guangde couldn't tell whether there was a private connection. He would have to wait until he arrived in the capital and listen to his words and observe his actions.

"The one from the household department also wants to move?"

Suddenly, Zhu Heng asked again.

"Zhang Shangshu doesn't want to do this anymore. He wants to become an official before the end of the year."

Wei Guangde replied in a low voice.

The cabinet has discussed this matter, but the result is not very optimistic.

This time, the candidate for the position of Minister of the Ministry of Revenue was obviously recommended by Yang Bo through entrustment to Zhang Juzheng.

However, Wei Guangde couldn't think of a suitable person for a while and pushed him out to compete with him in the ring.

"Has anyone chosen yet?"

Obviously, the candidate for Minister of Household Affairs is the topic that Zhu Heng is most interested in.

"Zhang Juzheng recommended Wang Guoguang, Shangshu of the Ministry of Punishment of Nanjing, to take over the Ministry of Household Affairs. He earned money from the Minister of Hubu Ministry and was appointed as Shangshu of the Ministry of Punishment of Nanjing. In fact, he was the back-up man arranged by Yang Bo to detour him for promotion.

Now that Zhang Shouzhi no longer wants to do it, it is only right to transfer Wang Guoguang back. "

Wei Guangde also revealed the news to Zhu Heng. After all, before Tan Lun arrived at the Ministry of War, Zhu Heng was Wei Guangde's biggest help.

"With the Ministry of Rites, Wang Xilie can't do anything?"

Zhu Heng suddenly said again.

"He came to ask you?"

Wei Guangde did not answer, but asked instead.

Zhu Heng was silent, but he actually admitted it.

"Brother Shinan, I can help him fight for the position of Minister of Rites, but as far as the relationship between me and him is concerned, what do you think will happen in the future even if I stand up for him?

It's not that I don't want to help, it's that he's not a decent person and makes me not want to help.

We are all from the same hometown, and we should be united sincerely in the capital, but look at what Wang Xilie did. "

In fact, since what happened to Hu Yingjia and others, Wei Guangde has not only paid attention to potential political opponents, but also investigated many people around him.

Thinking about it, Wei Guangde thought that he could be a helper to several rebels in the same year. Could Wei Guangde not be careful?

From then on, Wei Guangde monitored the people around him through the two lines of housekeeper Zhang Ji and scribe Lu Bu.

Zhang Ji is naturally the one he trusts the most. The available people are also from Jiangxi and Beijing, and the personnel are relatively complex.

As for Lu Bu, because he is a local snake, the staff is more complicated. It can be said that there are three religions and nine schools, and his own identity is also extremely sensitive.

Well, they can be considered complementary to each other.

Wang Xilie was dissatisfied with him mainly because his rapid promotion made Wang Xilie, who considered himself an old-timer, jealous.

Just jealousy.

It’s okay not to want such a fellow countryman.

Therefore, since Wei Guangde found out, he has not promoted his career in the slightest, leaving him to fend for himself. He did not kill them all out of consideration for his fellow countrymen.

In the following days, the changes in the Ming Dynasty Hall came as expected.

Lu Tiaoyang, the Minister of Rites, entered the cabinet. After receiving the decree, Lu Tiaoyang asked to resign, but he refused, and then joined the cabinet as an assistant minister.

After Tan Lun arrived in Beijing, he met with the young emperor and soon received the decree to take charge of the Ministry of War. At the same time, he also received the decree from Yang Bo, the Minister of War, to change the Ministry of Staff.

The same was true for Lu Shusheng after he arrived in Beijing. After meeting the young emperor, although Feng Bao blocked it, the decree was finally issued, which made Feng Bao dissatisfied with both Wei Guangde and Zhang Juzheng.

After Wei Guangde gave Feng Bao a drink in the mansion, the relationship between the two returned to its original state.

Yang Bo officially took over the Ministry of Civil Affairs. Naturally, his first memorial after taking office was to request the Beijing Inspectorate to remove incompetent officials. This marked the beginning of the imperial inspection in the Gaogong era.

As Zhang Juzheng, Wei Guangde, and Lu Tiaoyang resigned from their posts, they were no longer as good as a single official in Yan Yi, and no more than a simple handle in judging ministers. They submitted memorials begging for dismissal. After the emperor refused, all officials Such memorials were given one after another.

Lu Shusheng, Minister of Rites, Wang Xilie, the Minister of the Left, and Wang Xilie, the Minister of the Right, each presented their official ribbons and edicts, and continued to serve as usual.

This Beijing inspection lasted for one month and was inherently targeted, so it ended quickly, and a large number of officials were dismissed as a result.

For the senior officials of the imperial court, the changes caused by the imperial inspection were insignificant. After all, most of Gao Gong's disciples had entered the officialdom recently and held low official positions.