The Prosperous Era of Longwan

"Master, I heard that Mr. Yang has suffered from an incurable disease. I'm afraid there is no way to save him. Now he is still staying in the court, just trying to hold on."

Yang Bo was going to die. This thought appeared in Wei Guangde's mind. He was so distracted that he didn't pay attention to what Zhang Ji said next.

Because the first thing he thought about at this time was who should take over the Ministry of Civil Affairs after Yang Bo was gone.

The position of Minister of the Ministry of Personnel is very important in the court, because the Ministry of Personnel can directly appoint and remove officials of the fifth and lower grades. For new Jinshi, it is very important to which yamen the Ministry of Personnel is assigned to, because it matters its future.

In the past few years, the official department has been controlled by Yang Bo and Gao Gong in turns, which has provided considerable convenience for the promotion of their respective disciples.

In the past, Wei Guangde was not good at competing for such a position, but now that he is the second assistant, he naturally has to consider the people around him, especially in recent years, it has been difficult for Jiangxi Jinshi to enter officialdom.

He can ask the officials to take care of one or two students, but he cannot take care of them comprehensively. Most of them will definitely not get help.

But if you can get the position of Minister of the Ministry of Personnel and specialize in the deployment of officials, you will naturally have time to make arrangements, calmly arrange the official positions of your own people, and it will also be conducive to their promotion.

Wei Guangde has a lot to offer, but there are really not many candidates vying for this official position. It seems that except for Zhu Heng, there are no Jiangxi people who are qualified in the court.

As for Tan Lun, forget it, he has no other department to mobilize except the Ministry of War.

"master."

Seeing Wei Guangde lost in thought, Zhang Ji whispered from the side.

"oh."

Following Zhang Ji's call, Wei Guangde came back to his senses and immediately asked: "Is the news accurate?"

"There shouldn't be anything wrong. I privately contacted someone from the Tai Hospital who had diagnosed and treated Mr. Yang. Although he didn't say it explicitly, he didn't correct it."

Zhang Ji whispered.

"hiss"

Without correction, it actually means acquiescence.

For imperial doctors, the patient's condition should be kept secret, especially the condition of some high-ranking people, who must remain silent.

They won't say it, but if they have random suspicions, they will usually correct them out loud.

This kind of temptation is also an unspoken rule in the industry. They will keep the patient's confidentiality, but if others guess it, it has nothing to do with their doctors.

Through facial expression changes, guessing can be guided in the right direction.

But since it was just a guess after all, and they didn't tell them, it naturally didn't count as a leak. Although it was a bit of a cover-up, most of the imperial doctors also did this overtly and covertly.

After all, no one can make ends meet with money.

After all, Yang Bo is old and has no chance to return to the court, so he will be offended if he offends him.

"Go check on Hu Zigao. Keep this matter confidential and don't mention it again."

Wei Guangde just gave an order and then waved Zhang Ji away.

Let Zhu Heng compete for this position?

An idea appeared in Wei Guangde's mind, but then he thought that if he seemed to have taken over the position of Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, the Ministry of Works would not be able to keep it.

Zhu Heng was concerned about his younger generations. When he was building the Zhaoling Mausoleum, he had appointed Jiang Zhi, the right minister, to be in charge of the project. Now, he was transferred to Nanjing to serve as the left minister of the Ministry of Industry.

Not long after he left, he was about to be brought back to the capital to take over as minister of the Ministry of Industry. He seemed a bit ugly, so it was inevitable that he would be criticized by the Metropolitan Procuratorate and the Liuke Yanguan.

Moreover, it is not known whether Zhang Juzheng knows the news. Who will they recommend to be the Minister of Staff?

Could it be Zhang Siwei?

Thinking of Zhang Siwei, Wei Guangde couldn't help but shake his head. Zhang Siwei's qualifications were not that good after all.

In fact, it was very important to have holy family members for promotion in the Ming Dynasty. Without holy family members, one would have to wait slowly based on seniority.

Both Zhang Juzheng and Wei Guangde had the trust and support of the emperor, so they could rush into the cabinet so quickly, and then get rid of a large number of more senior people, and finally it was their turn to rule the Ming Dynasty.

Think about it, if Xu Jie had not fought against Gao Gong, and Gao Gong had taken away Chen Yiqin, Yin Shizhen and others, Wei Guangde's qualifications would really have made it impossible for him to become the second assistant.

Moreover, because the Minister of Civil Affairs has too much power, even if he has a palace relationship with Zhang Juzheng, it is unlikely that such a position will be handed over to the cabinet for discussion. It is very likely that a ministerial meeting or even a court meeting will be needed to determine the candidate.

After all, Yang Bo had the qualifications to succeed Gao Gong. The last time Yang Bo was disabled due to illness, he had already served as Minister of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, so there was little opposition to him taking over the throne.

Although the Sixth Section had previously impeached Yang Bo for nepotism and favoring Shanxi people in the capital inspection, most courtiers still believed that Yang Bo was fair in his actions because there were no major mistakes in general.

After having dinner at the mansion, Wei Guangde was reading in the study. Thinking that his wife and children were already on the way and would arrive in Beijing in more than a month, Wei Guangde couldn't help but feel a lot better.

After Zhang Ji sent over the information on Hu Zigao that he had found, Wei Guangde couldn't help but feel a headache after just reading it once.

This Hu Zigao is really a character. Why is he so lucky? He works in well-off yamen.

Judging from the later period, Ambassador Cang must have been lucky, but his subsequent transfer to the Salt Administration must have been established by using the connections and money accumulated while serving as Ambassador Cang.

After all, the rank of Ambassador Cang is there. After passing the exam and being promoted, it is impossible to continue to hold this position, so he made plans in advance.

From this point of view, this person is a man who is good at maneuvering. It is no wonder that he would join Feng Bao at this time and use Feng Bao's connections to help him transfer positions.

Wei Guangde didn't care about the money involved, but he was still a little hesitant to promote such a person if he satisfied Feng Bao's request.

"Check up what Hu Zigao did when he was the ambassador to Cang, and what the salt field said about him when he was the judge of the Salt Transportation Department."

But based on the materials at hand, Wei Guangde couldn't tell how capable this person was, and he couldn't be sure about corruption.

If he is greedy, Wei Guangde will not be willing to recommend him. After all, he will bear the responsibility of recommending him when the time comes.

"In addition, you can send a message to Zhu Shangshu, and I will have a chat with him tomorrow night."

Wei Guangde planned to discuss the matter with Zhu Heng in person tomorrow night to see if he had such intention. If so, how the Ministry of Works should arrange it should be planned in advance.

On the evening of the second day, Wei Guangde went back to his house and changed into casual clothes, and then took a sedan chair to Zhu Heng's house.

In order to entertain Wei Guangde, Zhu Heng set up a banquet. After a while of changing glasses, he mentioned the purpose of his visit.

"Brother Shi Nan, does he know Yang Weiyue's physical condition?"

Wei Guangde spoke bluntly.

"Only an appointment?"

When Wei Guangde asked about Yang Bo's health at the beginning, Zhu Heng hesitated and said, "Did he have another attack?"

Yang Bo had accumulated some old problems in the past in Bian Town, which were all caused by the harsh climate in Bian Town.

After all, those who can be governors are already very young.

You have to go to the forts frequently to inspect and sleep in the open air, which will cause you to have some problems.

These are all things I learned from Tan Lun.

It can only be said that the governor of the border towns of the Ming Dynasty was not easy to do. If the border fort was damaged, the governor should bear the first responsibility.

"The news I heard is that I'm afraid I won't be able to make the appointment because I've had to leave my job due to health reasons before."

Speaking of this, Wei Guangde glanced at Zhu Heng.

In fact, they all knew that at that time, Yang Bo requested to be retired because of his serious illness. His health was one reason, and the main reason was to avoid Gao Gong's revenge.

It wasn't until Gao Gong stopped moving towards Xu Jie that Yang Bo came out of the mountain again and returned to the court.

"really?"

Hearing that Yang Bo might really want to become an official this time, Zhu Heng suddenly became interested, and he also vaguely guessed the purpose of Wei Guangde's visit to the government.

"The news should be correct. Now he is still insisting on covering up the news. He should be preparing for the future."

Wei Guangde whispered.

Zhu Heng nodded. The Shanxi gang behind Yang Bo is now quite powerful in the court, especially Zhang Siwei, who has become the leader of Shanxi officials.

"No wonder I recently heard that Zhang Siwei often invites people from his hometown and the same year. I think he is also paving the way for this."

Zhu Heng sighed.

Regarding Yang Bo, people in the court had mixed feelings about him, but the overall evaluation was pretty good. Especially when Yan Song was in power, Yang Bo and Xu Jie secretly helped many people and formed many good relationships.

However, what was a good fate for Xu Jie and Yang Bo was a bad fate for Wei Guangde and Zhu Heng.

Some people in the DPRK more or less reject Jiangxi officials, which is mostly due to this.

In fact, speaking of which province's officials do not care for their fellow countrymen, it's just that there were too many officials in Jiangxi who held high positions in those years, especially Yan Shifan, who was too high-profile and became the target of public criticism.

"Brother Shi Nan, you must have guessed the purpose of my visit."

Wei Guangde put down the wine glass in his hand, looked at Zhu Heng and asked, "I just want to know if Brother Shinan is interested in taking charge of the Ministry of Personnel.

If not, this matter will naturally be discussed separately. If there is, then we need to plan carefully. "

Zhu Heng did not answer directly. He first picked up the wine pot and filled it up for Wei Guangde and himself. He took this time to think about it and then said: "Shandai, if we can win the official department, what will happen to you, me, and us?" Surrounding yourself with people is naturally helpful.

But there are still ministers from the Manchu Dynasty on the side of the chief minister, so I'm afraid it may not be what you and I want. "

"It all depends on people. As long as Brother Shinan wants to fight for it, then we have to work harder."

Wei Guangde said: "I have made some calculations. Yang Bo will probably choose Zhang Siwei to take over as the official department, and Uncle Shu will definitely ask him again and again.

But based on what I know about him, Uncle Uncle probably won't agree easily, even if Yang Bo makes more guarantees, he probably won't.

Yang Bo is here, and he can cooperate with Xu Jie for Xu Jie's sake. If Yang Bo goes, although Shuda will not break up with the Shanxi Gang, he should not let them control the official department again. "

Wei Guangde analyzed.

"So, the result may be that I, Zhang Siwei, and the person chosen by Zhang Juzheng compete for this position?"

Zhu Heng asked.

"That's about right."

Wei Guangde said.

"What about the court?"

Zhu Heng asked.

"Chatang? Haha. Who do you think they will elect to be the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel?"

Wei Guangde smiled and said, in his opinion, the officials in the court are the most attuned to the situation. As long as they see that both the first and second assistants have recommended people, most of them will know how to make a choice.

After all, no one wants to offend a cabinet minister.

As for Lu Tiaoyang, he had just been promoted from the Ministry of Rites. It seems that he was in the same situation as Wei Guangde at the time. There was no suitable candidate for him. Naturally, it was impossible for him to participate in the competition for such an important official position as Shangshu so quickly.

"Among the nine ministers, there is still one person suitable for this position."

Unexpectedly, Zhu Heng said.

"who?"

Wei Guangde said suspiciously.

"Ge Shouli."

Zhu Heng gave the answer very directly, "Whether he first served as the Minister of the Ministry of Household Affairs, or later the Ministry of Punishments, and finally took charge of the Metropolitan Procuratorate, his cautious and fair behavior has long been deeply rooted in the hearts of the people.

Isn’t it necessary for a minister of the Ministry of Personnel to be just like this? "

"this"

After Wei Guangde hesitated for a while, he had to admit Zhu Heng's statement.

But soon, Wei Guangde shook his head and said: "Unless he gets the support of Zhang Juzheng, even if Lu Tiaoyang supports him, he will not be able to take charge of the Ministry of Personnel.

In the Ministry of Household Affairs, I think it has been shown that he is not good at managing the Ministry of Finance, but because of his personality, he is more suitable for controlling the Metropolitan Procuratorate. "

"You know, it doesn't mean that all the ministers know it, or they will think so."

Zhu Heng disagreed with Wei Guangde's words.

Cabinet ministers do have great power, but the basis of their rights, which Wei Guangde seems to have not realized yet, is the courtiers' belief in him.

As the chief minister of the cabinet, why he is called the head of officials is because the courtiers support him.

If the courtiers do not support him, even if he sits in the position of chief minister, there will still be problems with the government's orders, because no one will implement the orders issued by the cabinet.

Wei Guangde was obviously a little distracted after returning to the cabinet as the second assistant, and he couldn't see the source of the cabinet ministers' power.

The emperor can give you this official position, but to implement your rights, you need broad support in the court.

Zhu Heng has been a minister for many years and has served as chief minister for so many times, so he naturally understands.

And if Wei Guangde had not joined the cabinet and was still in the Sixth Department, he might also be able to understand.

But now that we are in the middle of the game, it is inevitable that we cannot see it in the dark.

"Shaloan, the decree comes from the cabinet, but what if the six ministries ignore it, just like the attitude of the Ministry of Personnel towards Chen Gong's order."

What Zhu Heng was talking about was that when Gao Gong was the Minister of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, he publicly told his subordinates not to pay attention to Chen Yiqin's note.

After all, the cabinet has no power to suppress the six ministries in name. The orders they issue require the support and cooperation of the six ministries before they can be called government orders. Otherwise, they are just a blank piece of paper.

"Um?"

Wei Guangde was surprised when he heard Zhu Heng's words.

Perhaps because he has never encountered such a situation since taking office, he was not prepared.

But after Zhu Heng's reminder, Wei Guangde also remembered what happened back then.

Yes, cabinet ministers cannot control the six ministers, which is why cabinet ministers have to participate in the competition for the official positions of the six ministers.

Only when one of your own is in power can you ensure the smooth flow of government orders and the implementation of the rights in your hands.

"As long as the chief minister did not choose Zhang Siwei and me at that time, and instead supported the person recommended by the court, he could easily gain the trust and support of all the officials in the court."

Zhu Heng reminded again.

"That makes sense."

All day today, Wei Guangde secretly rejoiced that he had discovered that Yang Bo was seriously ill in advance, but he did not consider Zhang Juzheng's attitude.

It would be fine if Zhang Juzheng had someone to recommend him, but if he couldn't find one, he would probably choose someone who supported the court proposal.

"Shaloan, we can give it a try with the Ministry of Civil Affairs. I've also made some preparations here, but in my opinion, there's not much hope."

Zhu Heng said again.

"It seems that it is easier for Ge Shouli to win the support of the court officials, but my uncle may not agree. But if you are in charge of the Ministry of Personnel, he may not approve it. Let me think about it again."

Wei Guangde said. (End of chapter)