It was early morning on the second day of June in the sixth year of Longqing.
…
One night passed.
After all, he was a child, and his sleep quality was much better than before he traveled through time. Zhu Yijun rarely had a good night's sleep that he hadn't had in a long time.
When he first woke up, he was still a little dazed and subconsciously reached for the mobile phone under the pillow.
When I felt nothing, I suddenly woke up.
"Your Highness, you're awake." The maid next to the bed came closer.
Zhu Yijun suddenly asked: "Did you hear clearly what I said in my dream last night?"
Several palace maids were startled: "Your Highness, you never talk in your sleep."
Only then did he feel relieved and nodded: "That seems to be a dream. Please change my clothes first."
Several palace maids immediately gathered around him, holding their robes.
While dressing, the palace maid just now said, "Your Highness, Zhang Dajun has come to Ciqing Palace. He said he is at your disposal at any time."
Zhu Yijun couldn't help but laugh. Zhang Hong wanted to make progress so much.
After putting on his robe and washing himself, he said, "Let Zhang Daban come in."
Zhang Hong came in with breakfast.
He looked at the still somewhat childish crown prince and couldn't help but be stunned for a moment, almost at odds with the overbearing heir from the Qianqing Palace yesterday.
But after all, he is a great eunuch, so there is no shortage in the city. He quickly put away any trace of confusion and said: "My slave, please pay my respects to the master."
Zhu Yijun nodded gently and motioned for him to come closer.
Then Shi Shiran sat down in front of the case and started eating.
Zhang Hong asked the palace maid to retreat, then took out a stack of paper from his sleeve and said: "Master, everything you ordered me yesterday is here."
Zhu Yijun took it with some surprise. This macro worked quite quickly.
I roughly browsed through the list of eunuchs who patrolled the mining tax in Huguang in the six years since the first year of Longqing. There are more than ten people in total.
Some also indicate age, job title and other information.
He was satisfied and did not hesitate to praise: "It was done well."
This is reflected in the use of ears and eyes.
The matter in Huguang is actually not urgent. If he wants to deal with it, he must at least gain some authority.
However, everything can be done in advance, and failure to do so will result in failure. It is better to prepare in advance than to only obtain information from memorials.
Whether it is the palace, the center, the local area, side affairs, or finances, you must first have a clear picture in your mind before you can make specific plans.
Relying solely on the knowledge of future generations, a blind man is afraid of an elephant, and he is afraid of being doomed.
You have to combine your knowledge with current events and reflect each other.
This is called modernization of knowledge for later generations.
Zhang Hong didn't even dare to say anything when he was praised.
Zhu Yijun looked at it carefully while eating his breakfast.
The water depth of Huguang's mining lessons is inevitable, but it cannot be accomplished in a day.
It’s not like the late emperor never did tax inspections in the six years he was in power, so why didn’t anyone find any problems?
This is what Zhu Yijun cares about.
Seeing that he was fascinated, Zhang Hong whispered: "Master, something happened in the palace last night."
Zhu Yijun didn't even raise his head: "Don't be too pretentious, just say what you have to say."
Zhang Hong quickly said yes, and then continued: "Meng Chong lost his footing last night and drowned."
Zhu Yijun paused, raised his head and looked confused: "Slip?"
Zhang Hong knew that this was a master with a clear mind, so he explained: "People from the Dongchang found it. After investigation, they said it was caused by a slip and drowning. The Director of Ceremonies also confirmed that Feng Dajue was busy with this matter."
Zhu Yijun shook his head: "I'm too lazy to carry people on my back. This is so ugly."
Zhang Hong didn't dare to answer the call.
Zhu Yijun didn't say much on this matter either.
After reading the list handed over by Zhang Hong, he said: "These people are living a good life now."
Zhang Hong thought about it for a moment and replied: "The position is not too high, but the money is indeed quite generous."
Zhu Yijun already knew this.
In the Ming Dynasty, it can be said that 11 out of 10 officials are corrupt.
The collusion between government and businessmen and the exploitation of the common people are nothing more than trivial matters.
From Li Shu to Prince, who can escape?
The Ministry of Household Affairs did not issue annual gifts to Prince Yu's Mansion at first, and the whole family almost couldn't get rid of the problem.
Finally, he bribed Yan Shifan to get through the Ministry of Household Affairs and issue the annual gift that had been stuck for three years.
And Xu Jie, the chief minister after that, was known as Xu Bancheng, and he owned hundreds of thousands of acres of fertile land. Who in the world didn't know that?
Hai Rui was ordered by the emperor to let Xu Jie return to his fields, but he was driven away in despair.
Not to mention that various ministries and yamen form cliques for personal gain, give and receive privately, and compete for positions and titles. It can be said that there is an endless stream.
A superior official is like this, and a lowly official is also knocking on the bones and sucking out the marrow.
Dendrobium leaves dripping with water, tax items cleverly set up, morning glory steakhouses, the list goes on and on.
The military pay of the border army can be sucked dry by you!
This is no longer an isolated problem, it is a common problem in Ming Dynasty officialdom.
The current officials have lost their sense of shame towards corruption.
Yes, I am just greedy. That’s right, everyone is greedy. What’s wrong?
Qi Jiguang, a man who was determined to exterminate the Japanese pirates and was not afraid of dying for his country, still couldn't escape this fate?
Why is there such a trend? In a word, wages are low.
If you look at those who received official salary in history, you will know that after Gao Yi died, he could not even pay for the funeral, and the palace had to pay for it. Hai Rui was even worse. His official position was not enough for the palace, so his colleagues paid for the burial.
.
The salary is only as low as this, but the key is that it is often in arrears, and even half the salary is a waste of money.
In Gu Yanwu's words, "the salary is so small that there is no way to support his family."
It's too late to open the pot, so how can I have the mood to build a memorial to integrity?
There are only a few noble people, and most people can only follow the trend. If they don't be greedy, they will starve to death. How to restrain them?
In this context where there is no restraint of moral integrity, corruption can be said to have become commonplace.
The officialdom is like this, let alone eunuchs.
Why is the tax patrol job a fat job? As long as there are no problems in the local area, if there are real problems, the tax patrol eunuchs will make a lot of money!
It's hard to say whether this tax is for the palace or for your own pockets.
I'm afraid that the accounting imperial envoy and the local government have already formed a tacit understanding.
Looking at these dozen eunuchs, not one of them reported any problems. Instead, they all had huge pockets, and they knew what was going on.
I just don’t know whether the two sides failed to reach an agreement on the Huguang Mining Tax this time, or the problem is too big for someone to deal with.
Zhu Yijun thought for a moment and said to Zhang Hong: "It's okay to collect money for errands in the palace, but if there is something hidden from me, I won't admit it."
"Just watch these people and don't drown again. I'll be useful to you in the future."
"You can secretly pick a weakling and tell me the real situation in Huguang."
"From now on, I don't care what the outer court says. When the palace inspects taxes, I will know what the palace says."
Zhang Honggong felt a chill in his heart when he heard this.
After all the "stealing", can people still survive?
Last night I only felt majestic and breathtaking, but now I feel the biting coldness.
This is Tianjia?
He is only ten years old! He is indeed a holy king, and he is cruel and ruthless!
Zhu Yijun had nothing to show off in front of Zhang Hong. He needed heaven's laws to control these eunuchs.
Showing different characteristics in front of different people is politics.
Zhang Hong has seniority in the palace and has people under his command. These things are suitable for him to handle.
It would be inappropriate for him to distract too much energy on this matter. He could just arrest a young eunuch and ask him about the situation so that he knew what was going on.
It is unwise to start a fight with the Huguang local government now. If you are not careful, it will be a "civil uprising". But as long as these tax patrol eunuchs are still there, a major case will definitely be triggered!
If they are having fun now, let them have fun, draw up the list yourself, and settle the accounts later.
As for eunuch corruption, he doesn't have the ability to deal with it now. He has to eat one bite at a time and can only do things step by step.
Zhang Hong took a step back and said, "I'll do it right now."
Zhu Yijun stopped him: "Go through the people around me again. Arrange some of your people in Wenhua Palace and the Two Palaces."
The admiral eunuch is responsible for the duties of each palace, and it is within his authority.
Zhang Hong hesitated for a moment before replying: "I understand."
What he didn't say was that his people were already there in the Two Palaces and Wenhua Palace.
This is what every great eunuch does.
…
After breakfast, Zhu Yijun had to go to Wenhua Hall for class, which was also the so-called daily lecture.
As the emperor's official residence, Wenhua Hall naturally has many palaces and pavilions.
Among them, the main hall is where the emperor often goes to court, and the back hall is where the emperor holds banquets.
The day lecture in the East Palace is in the right side hall of Wenhua Hall.
When Zhu Yijun arrived, many lecturers had already arrived.
Prince's day teaching is not one-to-one teaching.
There are more than ten officials with various titles, including class attendants, lecturers, school clerks, and clerks, who can handle everything from reading, reading, proofreading, and taking notes.
He just needs to sit there, read it, and ask questions if he has any questions. He doesn't have to do anything else.
Gao Yi was at the head of the class. When he saw the prince entering the palace, he quickly led two classes of lecturers to stand up and line up in a row.
Zhu Yijun should pay homage first.
After receiving the courtesy, all the lecturers knelt down and paid homage to the heir.
The two sides saluted one after another. Zhu Yijun immediately smiled with white teeth that had just been cleaned in the morning and took two steps forward.
He grabbed Gao Yi's hand and said enthusiastically: "Sir, I reviewed my homework yesterday and gained something. It is true that as the teacher said, you can learn something new by reviewing the past."
Gao Yi was confused by his behavior. When did the Crown Prince become so close to him?
While trying to break free without leaving any trace, he bit the bullet and said: "The words of the sage will naturally not be wrong, but His Highness's gains are also due to his own hard work."
Not only did Zhu Yijun not allow him to break away, he even held his forearm with his hand: "It is also inseparable from the good teaching of the teacher. What are you going to study today? I can't wait."
After saying that, he took Gao Yi's hand and walked inside.
He can also do what Liu Bang, the great ancestor of the Han Dynasty, did, and he has decided on the Ming Dynasty Succubus!
The other lecturers and readers looked at each other and followed thoughtfully.
When he reached the position, Zhu Yijun reluctantly let go of Gaoyi's hand.
Just as Gao Yi was breathing a sigh of relief, Zhu Yijun called to the young eunuch again: "Sir, how can you not treat your ministers with courtesy? Come, give me a seat for you."
Gao Yi quickly turned his hand away and said, "Your Highness, my body is quite strong. If it is difficult for me to stand, I will not be able to stand around in the cabinet."
How could Zhu Yijun let him go: "Sir, why do you need to make excuses? We are not Chang Chaoshang now, so don't refuse."
"My father left three assistant ministers with me, and specifically asked me to treat them well. Sir, please don't let me be unfilial."
Singing high-pitched songs is what he is best at.
An honest person like Gao Yi is best bullied if he takes a big banner.
Without waiting for him to refuse, he ordered the little eunuch to place the seat next to Gao Yi.
It is said to be a gift seat, but in fact it is just a small stool, only about the size of two palms, which just holds the two petals.
Gao Yi only feels that life is full of chasing ducks to the shelves.
The late emperor was like this, Zhang Juzheng was like this, and the current heir is like this too.
It would be a lie to say that the Crown Prince was not moved by his actions.
The Lord and Master held hands before joining each other, just like the old days of Guangwu. He was offered a seat and promised to be the late emperor's assistant minister. No civil servant could refuse this feeling of admiration.
But, moved as I am, this building is still like needle felt.
He carefully placed his buttocks on the stool to show his respect: "Thank you, Your Highness, for giving me a seat."
Zhu Yijun sat in front of the case and nodded with satisfaction, then asked casually: "Sir, has the cabinet ever agreed on a date for Emperor Daxing to transfer his spirit?"
The late emperor's coffin is still placed in Qianqing Palace, and Zhu Yijun is still waiting to move it in.
On the surface, the question was about moving the spirit, but in fact, it was asking about the day when he moved into the Qianqing Palace. Similarly, it was also the time when he should accept the persuasion and prepare to ascend the throne before his death.
Gao Yi thought about it for a moment and replied: "The report from the Ministry of Rites is that the spirit will be moved on the sixth day of the month, and the sacrifice will be made on the tenth day of the month. The cabinet has approved it, and we are waiting for the palace's decision."
Zhu Yijun counted the days and found that today was the second day of the Lunar New Year, which meant that he would be persuaded to join the throne in four days and the enthronement ceremony would be held in eight days.
On the 8th, he will ascend the throne and become emperor.
His mother-in-law will also become the Queen Mother.
It also means that Gao Gong's political career is coming to an end.
Now is the time when Feng Bao and Gao Gong are fighting most fiercely. Feng Bao has been waiting for this time. If not for this gap, Zhang Hong may not be able to enter the ceremonial department in peace.
So did Gao Gong realize it?
Zhu Yijun wanted Gao Gong to be a decent official, otherwise if he lost too badly, his political legacy would also be in vain.
Not to mention anything else, the Jin Party is now suppressed by Gao Gong's personal prestige.
If Gao Gong served with dignity and maintained the threat of revolt at any time, the promotion of the Party would not be too ugly.
But if, as in history, his mother and concubine publicly announced that "Gao Gong is autocratic and good at governing, I don't know what he wants to do, my mother and son will be terrified."
It's really hard for him to end this mess.
His current plan is to use Gao Gong to wear down Feng Bao, and it is best to assist him in taking the East Factory away from Feng Bao.
After he ascends the throne, he will follow Li's wishes and let Gao Gong become an official. According to etiquette, after the new emperor ascends the throne, all ministers must submit their resignations. Whether they leave or stay depends on their wishes.
If he took the initiative to bring up the matter, rather than Feng Bao deliberately irritating the Li family, he could at least maintain the dignity of Gao Gong, one of the three princes.
In this way...Gaoyi wouldn't have to die of fear after Gao Gong was dismissed.
Gao Yi seemed to be touched by the thought. He raised his head and glanced at the lost crown prince. Seeing the lecturers already lined up, he coughed lightly: "Your Highness, it's time to speak."
Zhu Yijun immediately came to his senses and sat upright: "Sir, please, is it time for "Yin Zhi Pian" today?"
Gao Yi shook his head and tried to look as calm as possible: "Today we will talk about "Taijia Chapter"."
As he spoke, Zhu Yijun saw the scribe beside him turn the page of the book in front of him to "Taijia Chapter".
He paused for a moment and let out a long sigh. He didn't say anything, but his heart was filled with emotions.
"Shang Shu Taijia" only tells one story - Yi Yin released Taijia to Tong Palace.
Taijia was a king of the Shang Dynasty, and Yiyin was a veteran of the Four Dynasties and Taijia's auxiliary minister.
The so-called Yi Yin banished Taijia to Tong Palace, that is to say, after Taijia ascended the throne, he became confused and violated the laws and regulations established by Tang. Yiyin banished Taijia to a different palace near Shangtang Cemetery and served as regent himself.
Three years after Yiyin took office as regent, seeing that Taijia had repented and rehabilitated himself, he invited Taijia out again and returned the power to Taijia.
The story is simple and not uncommon. It is not like he has never seen someone who came back to take charge of the overall situation after writing a letter admitting his mistake. The question is, why did Gao Yi suddenly intervene in this article?
He didn't believe that this was a teaching arrangement, and Gaoyi would not do such frivolous things.
It can only be intentional!
Who does it mean? And what does it mean?
Is it to warn him to be more honest and not follow in the footsteps of Taijia?
Or is it to remind him that someone is going to go to Yi and Huo Feili?
Or... Zibi Yiyin came back as regent to express his ambition?
——
Note 1: Historically, after Gao Gong was dismissed, Gao Yi immediately resigned without permission. Two days later, he died of illness at home due to fear at the age of 55.
Note 2: (June of the 6th year of Longqing Dynasty), Gao Gong, the great scholar, was dismissed, and Feng Bao, the eunuch and other eunuchs, and others passed on the empress Yi's decree, the emperor's imperial concubine's decree, and the emperor's imperial edict to the cabinet, government and other government officials. I Daxing
On the first day of Emperor Bintian's reign, he summoned three ministers of the cabinet to the imperial couch, together with my mother and son, and handed over the will in person, saying: "You are young in the East Palace, and I want him to assist you. Now there is a great scholar, Gao Gong, who is in charge of the government and has taken over the power of the imperial court."
Fudu was seized by force, and the emperor was not allowed to take charge. I wonder what he wanted to do? My mother and son were frightened, so Gao Gong went back to his hometown to stay for a while and was not allowed to stay." - "Records of Ming Shenzong"
Note 3: In 1571 (the fifth year of Longqing), the official salary per official per year was 206 taels. The price of rice at that time was 0.6 taels per shi, and the actual salary was less than 40%.
Chen Guanggui's "Preliminary Study on China's Fiscal Support Ratio", published in "Contemporary Economic Science", July 2003.
Wu Jianhua, "Research on Official Redundancy and Official Vacancy in the Ming Dynasty", Xiamen University, 2001 doctoral thesis, page 60.
Chapter completed!