April 16th, night falls.
Wang Chonggu Mansion.
When entering Beijing as an official, residence has always been a big problem.
But for Wang Chonggu, it couldn't be simpler.
As a member of a Shanxi merchant family, he never knew what it was like to be short of money. With a wave of his hand, he asked someone to buy two courtyards not far from the Quanshan Guild Hall, and connected them with an alley to form one, luxurious and grand.
The officials who came to visit him were all envious of Wang Shangshu's strong financial resources.
When saying goodbye, I couldn't help but look around, wanting to take a closer look.
Wang Chonggu didn't mind either. He just stood at the door of the study and watched these township party members and colleagues leave with a smile.
It wasn't until they were gone that he stopped smiling, walked back to the study, and closed the door.
"Uncle, what are your considerations?" Zhang Siwei's voice sounded at the right time.
There were only two uncles and nephews in the study at the moment, so naturally they wanted to talk about something.
The matter of transferring the Beijing camp and the Yuezhou Weilun garrison was almost forced by the cabinet, and the result will be announced tomorrow.
In the past two days, several cabinet ministers have taken turns to put pressure on him.
Colleagues in the Ministry of War, bachelors of the Hanlin Academy, the three Jin Dynasties, Southern Zhili, and even the township parties in the southeast all expressed their hope openly and secretly that Wang Chonggu would be blocked by the emperor.
Nowadays, Wang Chonggu no longer has room for both ends of the spectrum, so he must clearly show his attitude and attitude.
Faced with his nephew's question, Wang Chonggu did not answer, but asked: "What do Ziwei think?"
Zhang Siwei shook his head and said: "Uncle, I still mean what I said before, and you need to be cautious about matters in the Beijing camp."
Compared with Wang Chonggu, his nephew's attitude was much clearer - it was best not to let the emperor interfere in military affairs.
Wang Chonggu was noncommittal: "Those ministers and Hanlin are standing in the position of civil servants and are wary of the emperor's autocratic power. I naturally understand."
"What's your reason? You might as well elaborate on it."
Regarding this matter, Wang Chonggu was quite undecided in his heart.
Although the emperor only had a small battalion of 3,000 men, he did not intend to use it in any key places.
But anyone with a slightly more sensitive sense of smell can see that the emperor is slowly intervening in the military affairs.
Therefore, the outcome of this matter and the attitude of the Ministry of War are very important.
In fact, from a military and political point of view, he did not object to reorganizing the capital camp.
It was time for the Ming Dynasty's military to take action.
Since Hongxi, they have never left the border to conquer the Tatars. They can only retreat to the border defense. How weak?
It is not a bad thing that the emperor is prepared for military affairs, and it is even in line with Wang Chonggu's wish - if his intention of entrusting the wolf to Xu is followed, he would like the emperor to learn from Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty.
However, being willing to see the Beijing camp become strong does not mean that he is willing to see the emperor become strong.
However, this is a prosperous relationship.
There are not a few colleagues who have this concern.
In the past two days, the threshold of his family has been breached. Scholars from the same discipline, officials from various ministries, in-laws from the township party, and even dignitaries from the Beijing camp have all expressed their attitude towards this matter openly and secretly.
It is said that if the emperor is too strong and controls the capital, the life of the courtiers will be difficult.
This is even more embarrassing.
Zhang Siwei saw his uncle's dilemma, but he had a different perspective.
He thought about it for a while and said: "Uncle, the emperor was brutal and cruel in Southern Zhili before, shouting, beating and killing at every turn. Now, in the case of Huguang, he has been charged with rebellion without leaving any room for it."
"Why does uncle think the emperor is doing this?"
Wang Chonggu thought for a while and shook his head.
I have only been in Beijing for a few days, and I have only met the emperor once. Naturally, I don’t know what the emperor thinks.
Zhang Siwei said bluntly: "Uncle, if you act so fiercely, how can the emperor regard him as his ministers, confidants, and brothers and sisters?"
"It's all because the emperor regards those people as the worms of the country! Yourong? He can't wait to kill them all quickly!"
Wang Chonggu was slightly moved.
He immediately understood the meaning of Zhang Siwei's words.
He cast a questioning look at his nephew.
Zhang Siwei nodded and said coldly: "We Jin people, in the eyes of the emperor, are probably the same!"
"Although he was polite to Yang Bo, when my uncle met the saint, he acted like a courteous and virtuous corporal, a king and his ministers get along well with each other, but..."
"My nephew, I can guarantee that if Anda Khan outside Xuanda Pass disappears out of thin air tonight, the emperor will kill you and my nephew tomorrow!"
This is why he was unwilling to let the emperor intervene in military affairs.
Why did the emperor open a shipping company that bypassed the southeast? Why did he reopen the Fujian Shipping Department and add an extravagant Shanghai Shipping Department?
It’s because there are really Japanese pirates in Fujian, and Fujian really dares to rebel!
Why did the emperor dislike Yang Bo, and still wanted to treat Xian as a corporal? Why did he want to move the capital, and why did he have to look down on their uncle and nephew's face?
It is because Xuanda really has Tatars, and the mutual trade of Anda Khan is really controlled by Shanxi merchants!
These were all based on the weak central authority of the Ming Dynasty and the weak military preparations of the Beijing camp.
Once the emperor really boosts the Beijing camp, some people will really be in danger, and their lives will be taken away by the emperor.
In other matters, Zhang Siwei could cater to the emperor and be a sycophant, but this military matter was the foundation for his livelihood and he did not dare to give in at all.
Wang Chonggu glanced at his nephew with a sinister look, frowned and said, "How could the emperor be so unreasonable?"
It is too unpleasant to be called a moth in any country. How can the people of Jin bear such a sin?
If there are historical reasons for Southern Zhili, then Shanxi really relies on its own ability.
Shanxi's iron smelting industry, silk industry, and salt cooking industry were second to none in the entire Ming Dynasty.
With the business conditions set here, how can we still prevent Jin people from doing business?
If you want to do business, isn't it just to make money? Isn't it normal to make some money?
Now that "wealthy businessmen are the best in the world, and one cannot be called rich unless he has hundreds of thousands", do his children still need to work in the fields? Of course, they must be good at studying.
When there are many wealthy merchants and scholars, there will naturally be more locals who climb to high positions.
Isn't it human nature to support each other?
How did you become the worm of the country!?
He has gone through two dynasties, and the previous two emperors were not so unreasonable and wanted to exterminate fellow countrymen.
Zhang Siwei also sighed in sympathy: "Every man is not guilty, but he is guilty of carrying a jade."
"Shanxi has a good foundation. Since the Long-Qing Mutual Trade, there has been a saying that 'prosperity and wealth cannot go to Jiangnan'."
"The emperor is eyeing the money in the hands of our Shanxi merchants."
Logically speaking, if someone is targeted by the emperor, he should follow Yang Bo's example and run away.
But for things like business, there must be someone in the officialdom to take over, otherwise you will just be a lamb to be slaughtered.
We have to wait until the Shi Enxiang Party is promoted and this burden is handed over to rising stars like Wan Shide and Wang Jiaping before we can feel at ease in taking up official positions.
This is the rule of the township party operating under the water, just like Yang Bo has long wanted to become an official, but still waited until now.
Now is not the time to step up and meet an emperor with prejudices.
Wang Chonggu thought for a long time, his face was quite solemn.
If the emperor really thinks this way as his nephew said, that is not a good thing.
This is no longer just about money and status, but about wealth and life.
Then he must continue to use mutual trade and Shanxi merchants on side affairs to appease Anda Khan and encourage the bandits to respect themselves.
At the same time, in the center, relying on the Ministry of War and the township party, they dealt with the emperor, weakened the military equipment of the Ming Dynasty, controlled the three Jin Dynasties, suppressed the Beijing camp, and affected the southeast.
But……
In this case, how can he wipe out the Tatars!?
How can he seal the wolf as Xu!?
When he presided over the tribute ceremony and reported it to the late emperor, he said that he was taking advantage of a period of peace to organize the army and prepare for a single attack. This was truly from the bottom of his heart.
Afterwards, Gao Gong repeatedly sent messages asking him to practice war defense and destroy the enemy's nest, but he never hesitated.
It’s all from the bottom of my heart!
Although Wang Chonggu came from a merchant family and had little moral integrity, he grew up in the border areas and saw the barbarians wreaking havoc with their iron hooves since childhood. How could he remain indifferent?
Although money and status are difficult for him to give up, isn't it his wish to clear out the Tatars and calm down the side affairs?
Thinking of this, he was even more hesitant and in a dilemma.
When he saw his nephew, he wanted to persuade him again, but he raised his hand to end the conversation: "We'll talk about it after I see the saint tomorrow."
Wang Chonggu waved his hand absentmindedly, turned around and left the study.
…
The next day, early morning.
The wind was a bit strong this morning, picking up the debris and dead leaves on the ground, swirling them in the air, and then falling precariously.
Wang Chonggu walked on the road with the wind blowing.
He did not take a sedan chair. In order to resolve his complicated emotions, he chose to walk to the palace.
Before the court meeting, he had to go to Xiyuan to meet the emperor - the emperor was already very dissatisfied that the results of the meeting had not been reached in two days.
But at this time, Wang Chonggu had not yet made up his mind.
It was still dark, and Wang Chonggu was walking absentmindedly with his brows furrowed.
Being at the frontier for a long time made him prefer to feel the wind blowing on his face.
"Wang Shangshu!"
Suddenly a voice came into Wang Chonggu's ears.
He immediately stood still and looked back.
I saw Zhang Juzheng's butler You Qi standing beside him, bowing respectfully: "Wang Shangshu, the wind is strong this morning, which can easily damage your appearance. My master specially asked me to come and ask you to take a sedan and enter the palace together.
"
Wang Chonggu raised his head and looked at the large sedan parked at the entrance of the alley not far away, waiting for work.
He immediately understood that Zhang Juzheng was waiting for him specially because he had something to say.
Wang Chonggu was also unambiguous. He rolled up his sleeves and robe, put his hands behind his back, and strode over.
Without waiting for You Qi to open the car curtain, he ducked his head in and sat in.
He casually sat down opposite Zhang Juzheng and got straight to the point: "Why is Yuan Fu looking for me?"
Zhang Juzheng held the memorial in his hand and read it attentively. He was doing two things and said: "Before I pay tribute, I advise the late emperor to review the capital camp."
"At that time, Xuefu also reported that this move could "block the armies along the border and watch the wind and think about how to fight hard."
"In September of the third year of Longqing's reign, the late emperor indeed conducted a grand review, saying, 'The capital is far and near, and the spectators are like a blockage.' The Tatars were horrified, and they even 'wanted to restore the Hetao because of rumors in the country.' This shows its effectiveness."
"Afterwards, the scholar came forward to report it, hoping that the late emperor would take it for granted."
"Now, why is Xuefu so uncharacteristically hesitant and acting like he doesn't want His Majesty to interfere in the capital camp?"
In just one sentence, Zhang Juzheng had already read one memorial and opened the next one again.
Wang Chonggu glanced at the thoughtful chief minister in front of him, and replied dully: "Why did Yuan Fu say this? How could a minister be so rebellious and intentionally threaten the emperor?"
"It's just a case-by-case discussion, weighing the pros and cons, and thinking about the overall situation."
"At that time, the late emperor was too benevolent and forgiving. Those who were ministers would naturally be happy to see the late emperor display his majesty and dignity."
"I am still young now, and my actions are particularly thoughtful. As a minister, I want to think about things properly for Your Majesty, and also to check for leaks and make up for them."
It was impossible for Wang Chonggu to recognize Zhang Juzheng's words in person.
But the meaning of his words was already clear.
Things are as Zhang Juzheng said, but the situation is different.
At that time, the late emperor had no interest in government affairs or military affairs.
The purpose of the review is to boost morale, express the attitude of the cabinet, and boost the morale of the soldiers. They are not really intended to intervene in the Beijing camp.
It would be beneficial to side affairs, but would not harm the power. He would naturally be happy to do so.
But now that the emperor has prejudices against the Jin people, he naturally has to be more careful, otherwise what if, as his nephew said, he kills the donkey?
Zhang Juzheng closed a memorial and handed it to Wang Chonggu.
The former suddenly changed the topic and said: "This is a memorial jointly signed by the right minister of Li Ke to Chen Qu and other seven people involved in the matter."
Wang Chonggu took it in confusion, not understanding what Zhang Juzheng meant.
Just listen to Zhang Juzheng continue to say: "Chen Qu and others have recounted all the recent disasters."
“Since Shechun, the drought has become increasingly severe, and then there have been frequent winds and haze, and the sky has been covered by scorching heat, and then there has been a long drought with no rain, and all the water and springs have dried up.”
"They said that these are all due to His Majesty's lack of virtue, indulging in treacherous ministers, and causing trouble with the imperial court."
"I hope your majesty can abolish the entrance examination law, stop the planning of Yanzheng Yamen, and..."
"I ask your Majesty not to delay in having fun, but to think carefully about dangers, practice practical governance, drive out treacherous ministers in the cabinet, and issue edicts for sins, and pray for God's forgiveness."
Wang Chonggu listened quietly without opening the memorial.
After Zhang Juzheng finished speaking, Wang Chonggu shook his head: "How can I spy on the secrets of the cabinet?"
After being explained to him by his nephew, he also understood that the chief assistant had a close relationship with the emperor.
He was especially afraid that Zhang Juzheng was trying to set him up.
He was vigilant and refused to reveal anything, lest he say the wrong thing.
Zhang Juzheng picked up another memorial from the side and said seriously: "In addition to this kind of memorial, there are also memorials from the Criminal Division to Shi Zhonghou Yu Zhao and others."
"It is said that eclipses of the sun and stars change, indicating repeated disasters. Last year there was no snow in the two winters, and this spring there is little rain in the summer. There are many days of wind and haze, and there is no thunder."
"If two wheats fail to grow, and a hundred grains have not been sown, the world will be like a red field thousands of miles away."
"This is because some people are making false accusations to frame the ministers, some people are nepotistic, and they are tyrannical."
"I hope your majesty can learn from the late emperor, appoint wise ministers, and govern without doing anything."
Wang Chonggu's face was expressionless.
This was about the Southern Zhili case, where Hai Rui murdered the ministers and the cabinet aided the evil, so he naturally understood it.
But he didn't understand Zhang Juzheng's purpose in saying this.
He just stayed silent and didn't answer.
His mind was thinking rapidly.
Does the temptation have anything to do with you?
Or are you planning to use these words to scare the monkeys and threaten yourself?
Wang Chonggu remained calm and composed, but his thoughts were actually racing.
Zhang Juzheng picked up three more memorials and read them to Wang Chonggu one by one.
They are all criticizing the cabinet, Hai Rui and others are criticizing Huai, it is obvious at a glance.
After a long time, Zhang Juzheng glanced at Wang Chonggu.
He sighed and said, "You don't need to be so wary of me, I just want you to see how many scumbags there are in the center now."
These public officials are not capable of criticizing the current shortcomings, but their ability to use the opportunity of criticizing the current shortcomings to criticize their colleagues is second to none.
Zhang Juzheng paused, looked at Wang Chonggu, and said seriously: "Xuefu, there are not many people with real talent and practical knowledge like you. We can't do without you in order to organize the military and quell the border troubles."
"Both Ding'anbo and I hope that you will work seriously. When the Tatars are pacified, your achievements will be indispensable in history."
"It's not for the sake of the township party. I won't be able to protect myself at the end of the festival."
The words are sincere and heartfelt.
But in the ears of a wary listener, the feeling is different.
No guarantee for late holidays!?
Sure enough, he is here to beat and coerce himself!
Wang Chonggu finally couldn't hold himself back, frowned and retorted: "Is Yuan Fu praising me or hurting me? Why should I say it at night?"
"Could it be that the central government is running out of money and wants to kill the goose to get the eggs? Give me an unfounded charge!?"
Wang Chonggu was dissatisfied, and his tone suddenly became fierce, even unintentionally convoluted.
What's wrong with the late festival? In his position, he has never heard that corruption is a crime!
What's more, with his meritorious deeds, he has already made a report to the temple, and he can say that he has made great contributions to the country and shed blood for the emperor.
Even if he received a gold medal to avoid death, it would be more than enough - although the emperor did not give it to him, he had a clear conscience when he asked Yang Bo to get a gold medal.
It’s fine that such a meritorious minister is not given a reward, but he is also said to be in danger of death!?
Could it be that just because he is from Shanxi, he should not be charged with forming a clique!?
The sedan was swaying, and the atmosphere among the two central officials inside suddenly took a turn for the worse.
Zhang Juzheng glanced outside and saw that he was already approaching the Meridian Gate.
He also met Wang Chonggu's eyes, suddenly smiled and said: "Your Majesty can even tolerate high arches and low steps."
"Why should Xuefu scare himself?"
He turned away, looked out of the sedan, and said meaningfully: "I am not looking for you today to ask for guilt. I just gave you instructions when I met the saint..."
"Your Majesty wears clothes and eats at night, and carries the people on his shoulders. He has cleared the heart of the Tatars. He is full of pure gold. He must rely on the will of a scholar, and it is even more flawless."
"If a scholar has not changed his original intention and his determination has not changed, he may as well think more and worry more."
"I would like to advise the scholar to think twice before speaking about matters concerning the palace and the capital camp later."
"If by then there is absolutely no certainty..."
Having said this, Zhang Juzheng paused and said word by word: "If Xuefeng can trust me, a person who is dedicated to serving the country, I will guarantee you my life and fortune!"
"Think twice!"
After Zhang Juzheng said this, he invited Wang Chonggu out of the sedan without waiting for Wang Chonggu to express his position.
Under Wang Chonggu's gaze, the sedan jolted away.
Wang Chonggu stood there with a puzzled look on his face, frowning in deep thought.
Is this negotiating terms for the emperor?
Or do you want to win over yourself?
Or, by mentioning his wealth and life, are you trying to intimidate yourself?
With doubts, Wang Chonggu went straight to Xiyuan without going to the Ministry of War first.
When a eunuch came to greet him, he forgot to return the favor.
I just thought about what Zhang Juzhengfang meant.
Before I knew it, I was led to Chengguang Hall.
He was about to collect his mind, adjust his demeanor, and go in to meet the saint.
I saw a blur in front of my eyes, and a figure walked out quickly and took my arm: "Wang Qing came very early. Have you had breakfast yet? Why not eat with me?"
Only then did Wang Chonggu realize that the emperor was playing the trick of treating virtuous corporals again.
He quickly tried to shirk it.
The emperor pulled him forward without looking back, and said shockingly: "By the way, Wang Qing, Mr. Yang Ge has been invited to serve three times. I can't stay any longer, so you can join the cabinet!"
Chapter completed!