: Between the choices

Yang Ling left the Forbidden City and first went back to the inner factory to find out the detailed development of the factory during the period of leaving Beijing. Wu Jie, Huang Qiyin and Yu Yong heard that Yang Ling was promoted to marquis and became General Longhu, and they were all very happy. Several people congratulated each other and reported the current development of the inner factory one by one.

The intelligence network of the internal factory has been fully launched in various places in the Ming Dynasty. Because they took a unique approach, the collection level of the intelligence network does not conflict with the East Factory, the West Factory and the Jinyiwei, so it develops very quickly and takes effect very quickly. Yangling's ears and reports have now come from behind and become the most efficient department among the factory guards.

Yu Yong was born with a businessman mind. He was not afraid of being taken advantage of when doing business. The internal factory was similar to the joint-stock company's business method. In line with the purpose of making money, he not only did not offend the existing local gentry groups, but also brought them in. Shanxi merchants, Hui merchants, Fujian merchants, Ganzhou horse gangs, Jiangnan gentry and even the meritorious officials and ministers of the capital continued to join. Their interests were both deteriorated and prospered, and they had formed a very powerful potential.

If this force needs it, it can gather hundreds of millions of taels of silver overnight, and it can also influence the capital between cup funds. The views of many local officials, its power does not seem so obvious, but it has been moistening things silently, and is quickly permeating various classes of the Ming Dynasty, such as the political circles, gentry, business circles, etc. The feeling of outsiders is not so obvious, but the major internal factories in it clearly know how huge this power is.

If Yang Ling wants to show his ambitions in the official political arena, he must have his own political propositions. What the emperor can give him is power, but whether this power can truly play a role, whether it can be shirked from top to bottom, and betrayed in parallel, rely on the cooperation and obedience of all classes of scholars, farmers, industry and commerce. The inner factory is now pulling the elites and leaders of these classes into his own ship.

The research on muskets of the third-class missionaries in Fired-Germany has temporarily entered a bottleneck, and I still have no idea what to do. Seeing that the cathedral was about to be completed, several missionaries were eager to preach again, and they went to the church all day long to check the progress of the project. Feng Tang, the third-level leader in charge of musket research, did not achieve much results, and was quite annoyed by this, and he couldn't help feeling ashamed when he saw Yang Ling.

Yang Ling knew that in an extremely detailed era of the development of various specialized disciplines in modern times, it took several years to invent a new weapon and overcome a technical difficulty. As the saying goes, haste is not achieved. He did not expect that the new musket would be released in just three or two months, so he had to comfort him.

Now the Shaanxi Provincial Administrative Office has begun to fully prepare for trial planting sweet potatoes and corn. Although Liu Jin is resentful to Yang Ling's road to power, he has a very strong sense of rural concepts. Anyway, there is an internal factory to pay for money to ensure that there will be no famine in Shaanxi. If these crops are really effective, it will be a great merit for the elders of his hometown, so he is very concerned about this matter. He always pays attention to the trial planting of new grain in Shaanxi. When the internal factory transports grain to Shaanxi and teaches farming farmers, Liu Jin is even more cooperative.

Min Wenjian has been promoted to the Assistant Commander of Jiangnan Road. The Assistant Commander of Jiangnan Road has two generals, one responsible for training troops, called the Seal and the other responsible for military farming, called the Seal and the Seal. Min Wenjian is now the Assistant Secretary of Jiangnan Road, responsible for military farming in the entire Yumi Township.

Min Wenjian was not good at this. However, he highly praised Yang Ling's ability. He neither knew nor did he know how to farm, but he knew to strictly follow Yang Ling's instructions. All the barren land in the general was converted into new crops, and ordered soldiers to open up a large number of raw fields that were not suitable for planting crops. He spared no effort in doing things.

Zhu Zhishan is also promoting new crops in Taoyuan. He is planning to try two of them for a year, but the place is too small. It is far less popular than Shaanxi and Jiangnan Road. Yang Ling was extremely happy when he heard this. Now it seems that only the capital is the least powerful, but the emperor's feet are different, and all civil and military officials are doubtful. It is indeed not suitable to be too high-profile.

Otherwise, these fields would be based on thousands of young and strong laborers in the internal factory, and it would be easy to farm. Yang Ling was worried that if thousands of tenants had nothing to do, they would inevitably lead to civil unrest. Fortunately, before Cheng Qiyun left, she arranged the land for the tenants who bought the fields, and no one caused trouble for the tenants. They all received the grain and learned how to farm with their masters.

After hearing these introductions, Yang Ling nodded with satisfaction and said to Wu Jie: "I am awarded a title and promoted today. He is the one who shows his strength, haha, and it is also the target of public criticism. This is more cautious in advising the opening of the maritime ban. How about I ask Mr. Wu to prepare a list of places before I return to Beijing?"

Wu Jie smiled and said, "Bizhi and Lord Huang are worried that they will be proud of themselves and are not cautious. After hearing the 'pronged target' of the admiral', I think that the admiral has already discussed it, so I will feel relieved."

He gently took out a piece of paper from his sleeve and handed it to Yang Ling, and said reservedly: "Sir, this list is for us, Jinyiwei, and the East Factory to find out that officials who are closely related to the gentry and clan smuggled along the coast, totaling 76 people, of which twenty-nine people could speak in the court.

The eyes of such people are all in the word "power", and there is no sense of integrity. We show them with power and lure them with profit. They cannot help but bow their heads to us. These twenty-nine officials have agreed that if someone advises the letter to open the maritime ban and expresses support, please take a look."

Yang Ling took it happily and looked carefully. The twenty-nine people screened out were from fifth to third ranks, with varying ranks. There were officials from six ministries, as well as Hanlin Academy, Chunfang, and imperial envoys, but none of them were in control of the power of the court.

He sighed softly, thought for a while before he slowly said: "The six ministers and nine ministers in the court, and the Grand Secretary of the Cabinet, are worried that the internal officials are uncontrollable because of their power, or are worried that the construction of a navy, and the decentralization of military power will cause chaos. These people have their own ways to deal with it, so there is no need to worry too much.

Although the heroes and nobles and princes and gentry do not take power, their influence in the court cannot be underestimated. Now, with the business of the internal factory, most of them have been brought in. I think they will not be dragged down when the official proposed to lift the sea ban."

Huang Qiyin remembered his experience and said with deep understanding: "Yes, such a major event cannot be reckless, and needs to be planned calmly. He plans before he can act. Now he does not think carefully and prepare well. When the political views are announced in the court, it is already the final decisive battle. It is too late to deal with it. If you are not careful, you will be beaten to death and will never be able to turn over again."

Wu Jie said: "Well, you have accumulated a lot of money. Just like this, there are a considerable number of officials in the court who hold great power. Some are short-sighted and have no vision. Some are from the mainland plains. They are worried that the lifting of the sea will affect their family interests. Some are foolish and corrupt. They firmly control the idea that the Celestial Kingdom only receives tribute and does not trade. It is difficult to make them nod."

Peng Jizu said disapprovingly: "Are you too worried about the two masters? No one can match the emperor's favor for our factory supervisor. As long as the emperor nods, they have to agree and agree, and if they don't agree, what should they do?"

Yang Ling shook his head and said, "The court is not as good as the army, and there is no room for negotiation at all. These ministers are just the leaders of these forces. If they take the lead in opposing, there must be a lot of officials who will interfere. Even the emperor cannot force the edict to issue a decree under fierce opposition."

He thought for a moment with thoughtful thought. A smile appeared on his lips and turned to Wu Jie, "Did Mr. Wu draw a list of these people?"

Wu Jie hurriedly took out another note from his left sleeve and said, "I have prepared myself for my job. After estimates, I have a lot of prestige among civil servants and are very likely to take the lead in opposing the strategy of opening up the sea. All the officials who have been recorded on this piece of paper."

Yang Ling took it and said, "I'm going to see who there are. It seems that this matter is going to fall on Grand Secretary Jiao."

As soon as Yang Ling finished speaking, a man flashed and appeared at the door and said respectfully: "Master General of the Factory, Grand Secretary Jiao of the Cabinet, please come to the palace for a lecture."

Yang Ling laughed, put the note in his sleeve, stood up and said, "This is really about Cao Cao. Cao Cao is here, come here, prepare horses, I will go to Jiao Mansion immediately!"

In the ancestral hall in the backyard of the Jiao family, Jiao Fang put in incense to the ancestral tablets. He kowtowed on the ground and prayed silently for a long time. His son Jiao Huang also kowtowed with his father to incense. Then he took a step forward and helped his father up.

Jiao Huang is Jiao Fang’s youngest son, just 28 years old this year. Old Jiao Fang has five sons, the eldest son, the third son, and the fourth son died early. If there were only two sons, the second son Jiao Rui is now the judge of Wudingzhou, Shandong Province. Jiao Huang has just entered the Hanlin Academy to be a prosecutor.

Jiao Huang helped Jiao Fang up and said softly: "Father, Yang Ling has been repeatedly defeated. The emperor's favor is indeed unparalleled, but it is very easy to break. My son is in the Hanlin Academy and knows that many officials are dissatisfied with him. Now Yang Ling has the power of military power, financial power, and the power of inspectors. Just like the scorching sun at noon, it is very hot, which makes the civil and military officials in the court look at him. He is now the target of public criticism.

The son thought that the father should not offend Yang Ling, but he should not be too close to each other. However, the father rejected the gift from the inner minister Liu Gong yesterday and invited Yang Ling again today. This is clearly that he should stand on his side. The son is afraid that his father offended Liu Gong and the civil and military officials of the court, and it is difficult to support his lonely trees. At that time, open and hidden arrows will be hard to guard against."

Jiao Fang smiled, stroked her beard and looked at him, shook her head gently and said, "Son, your vision is still far from it. You can enjoy the cool air with your back against a big tree. My father has been relying on a big tree for a lifetime. I will not misjudgment from my old eyes. Lord Yang is a reliable person."

He looked at the ancestral tablets of the storm of the incense table, and sighed: "Our family has been officials for four generations. Your great-grandfather, Duke Ren, was appointed as a professor of the Han Palace. After his death, he was posthumously awarded the title of Guanglu Dafu, Prince Taibao of the Zhu Kingdom, Minister of Personnel and Grand Secretary of Wuying Hall, and great-grandmother was awarded the title of first-class lady of imperial edicts; your grandfather, Duke Jing He, was appointed as editor of the Hanlin Academy, and after his death, he enjoyed the title of honor, and his position was exactly the same as your great-grandfather."

"At the age of your father..." Jiao Fang asked his son to support him, walked to the outside room to sit down, and continued, "At that time he was alive, he was already the first rank, awarded the Grand Secretary, and promoted to Zuozhu Kingdom. Yes, who do you think this is thanks to?"

The yellow-haired face turned red and said in a hint: "Yes, my son understands, but his career is bumpy and his officialdom is dangerous. My son just thinks that Lord Yang is... he is very young but his sharpness is revealed. It is really not a good omen."

Jiao Fang glanced at him and said, "This, Dad can see it." He gently stroked his white beard and said, "Your father was second in high school in eight years in Tianshun, but he was editor in the Hanlin Academy for nine years and was never promoted. In the second year of Chenghua, for Lord Yu Qian to rehabilitate, your father presided over the sacrificial text. It caused a sensation in the court and the people. Emperor Xianzong admired it very much. It was originally an opportunity to be promoted, but Wan'an, Peng Shi was in power, and his father was driven out of the court by them."

"Hey! The ups and downs of officialdom, after many twists and turns, I finally returned to the court. Liu Jian and Xie Qian, the so-called humble gentlemen, are also formed cliques and neighbors, suppressing me! Wan'an, Peng Shi, Xie Qian... Such Jiangxi people are jealous of the virtuous and capable, and there is no good thing."

Most of the enemies Jiao Fang has formed in his life are from Jiangxi. The officials of these people have always been bigger than him, and he can't raise his head up so suppressed that he can't raise his head. Old Jiao Fang is now 70 years old, but when it comes to Jiangxi people, he is still furious.

Jiao Huang saw that his face turned red with anger. He panted and quickly stroked his chest and back, saying, "Don't calm down."

Jiao Fang took a few breaths and said, "The emperor is young and only Lord Yang, the old minister in the mansion when Eunuch Liu was waiting for the crown prince. Originally, your father could have a good time, but now they are running side by side, and no one can surrender. Sooner or later, conflict will arise. If what I expected, Lord Yang was promoted to marquis and control military power yesterday, it would be the first step for Eunuch Liu to take the lead in retreating and taking action!"

"Eunuch Liu... can only share wealth and honor, not share hardships, and is not the most reliable candidate. However, Master Yang knows people and is kind-hearted. With him, his father can only choose to stand on his side. He wants to gain a foothold in the cabinet and keep my Jiao family prosperous. Do you think it is so easy?"

Jiao Huang hesitated and said, "Can he stand by Lord Yang?"

Jiao Fang smiled slightly and said, "Yes! Wang Qiong and Fan Ting were removed, and Lord Yang was recuperated for more than a month. Silijian and Dongchang handed over to Liu Jin. Since then, my father has known this person's mind and attitude and long-term vision. Few people can do it."

His white eyebrows moved and said, "Dad is hosting Lord Yang today, just to know what he wants to give up and how much he wants to give up. There are some things that cannot be given up now."

In the Accord of Jiao Family, Yang Ling and Jiao Fang sat opposite each other and drank.

The two of them talked about the situation of Datong and the capital after the separation. Yang Ling knew that Jiao Fang must have something else to say, so he calmed down and asked. After chatting for a while, Jiao Fang brought a pot and poured another cup for Yang Ling, and asked: "My Lord has made great contributions to this trip. Today, the Emperor will reward him. The Lord will be promoted to the marquis and will be in charge of the officers and soldiers of the four towns. It is really gratifying."

"Oh?" Yang Ling looked at Jiao Fang and said quietly: "Haha. My civil and military officials of the Ming Dynasty have worked hard and worked hard. Who has ever received such a heavy reward? The emperor rewarded me so much, and I am a dear official. However, good fortune is the one who is attached to the disaster. The reward is so heavy that all civil and military officials are looking at each other. I was really frightened and was thinking of finding an opportunity to think of the emperor's words and polite rewards."

A hint of pleasure flashed in Jiao Fang's eyes, and he asked quickly: "My decent and humble mind is very admirable. His subordinates admire him. But... Now, the man holds the power of inspectors and officials, the power of the Ming Dynasty taxes, and the power of commanding the elite troops and lands of the four towns in the border camp. Everything is very popular.

The disciples are related to the voice of the adults, and share honor and disgrace. Do you dare not worry about the things that are related to the adults' future? I don't know what position the adults want to resign. The disciples are old and have been in the ups and downs of the officialdom for decades, and may put forward some humble opinions for the adults to ginseng."

"It turns out that Jiao Fang also saw that Liu Jin was putting me on the fire and roasting me." Yang Ling was a little surprised. He didn't expect Jiao Fang to be so heart-warming about him. Jiao Fang usually acted too flatteringly, and it was inevitable that people would look down on him a little.

Yang Ling thought for a moment and said frankly: "I will not hide it from the Pavilion Master. I am now thinking about lifting the maritime ban and enriching the Ming Dynasty. As for the power to command and train troops, haha, I am a literati. But I have only been a general of the Shenji Camp. How can I command the general of the four towns? The emperor trusts so much that he should do what he can do. I want to hand over this military power."

Jiao Fang frowned slightly and asked, "Well... handing over military power to avoid being envied is indeed a clear way to protect yourself, but in this way, will the lord be at ease in the inner factory and retain the power of inspectors and officials?"

Yang Ling said with a scrutiny: "What do you think?"

Jiao Fang shook her head and said, "I forgive my subordinates for being arrogant, but I think I must not!"

Yang Ling only thought that the north would form an alliance with Urianha, provoke civil strife of Tatars, and then weaken them, and then use the Ming army to destroy it. As for lifting the maritime ban and communicating with all countries, as long as this major task is done, in addition to enriching the country and strengthening the people, the exchange of knowledge and culture between each other will inevitably slowly affect the Ming Dynasty, making it change in the way of moistening things with drizzle.

We must change the ideas and concepts formed by all classes of a country over thousands of years, and thus change the historical trends of other countries. Originally, it was not possible to do it by the power of an emperor or a powerful minister. He believed that as long as he could always maintain communication with the world, the world's most powerful and richest empire will not decline.

His wisdom and ability are not much stronger than the ancients. His only advantage is that he has already looked at history. Even if these insights are spoken, they will only be regarded as absurd remarks. Theories that were hundreds of years in advance are impossible to understand by them.

Only in synchronizing with the world can the people of the Ming Dynasty be exposed to these new things, allowing them to feel bit by bit in their lives, understand and experience what are advanced and what are backward.

So it is enough to do this, and his mission is completed. As for power that is superior and can bring endless glory, isn’t it always bloody? If you don’t have only two years of life, then you will stay away from the center of power, stay behind the scenes and protect yourself, and spend your life with your beautiful wife and concubines, how free and easy would it be?

Yang Ling was like this in his heart, so he didn't care after hearing Jiao Fang's words. He just smiled and said, "What's wrong?"

Jiao Fang said: "People are in power, and people are in power. Dominance is destroyed. Adults should know how many people in the government and the country are opposing. If adults think that this strategy will be done, they will rest assured. From then on, they will delegate power and ignore it. They will only see their own efforts in vain and give up halfway."

Yang Ling felt a move after hearing this, yes, are there few examples of political destruction throughout the ages? Without the center of power, can the implementation of policies be guaranteed? But... military power... is too difficult, it is a sharp sword hanging above my head.

He frowned and said, "In order to persuade the civil servants to cooperate with the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of the rank of

Jiao Fang said: "Since ancient times, power is more than wealth. Shi Chongfu can rival a country, and it is not as good as the army and generals of a government in his hand. Taxes are the wealth of the court. It is illegal to intercept them from them, and it is far less than the wealth source of the internal factory. It is handed over to let the Ministry of Revenue and the Chief Li Supervisor clamp down on each other. It was nothing.

The inner factory is independent of the court and close to the emperor, which is the foundation for the adults to settle down, so the inner factory cannot do its job. However, because the inner factory is independent of the court, the adults can only stay behind the scenes and cannot truly get involved in the government affairs. They are always just outsiders. The inner minister Liu Gong has the power to "criticize the royal family". Liu Gong has the right to make good friends with the adults, so the adults can use him to control the political situation, or one day they have a rift? Will the adults be out of reach for the government affairs?"

One day, I will be in a rebellion now.

Yang Ling understood the meaning of Jiao Fang's words and knew that although he was a Grand Secretary of the Cabinet, if Liu Jin really had a head-on conflict with him, even if Jiao Fang stood on his side and lost Liu Jin's support, he could not directly participate in the government affairs. Jiao Fang could not support him alone, and it would be difficult for him to have any effect.

When Yang Ling thought of this, he couldn't help but hesitate and shook his head. He started by taking charge of the military and did not give up the internal factory. Many lieutenant generals were afraid of the ministers and they would definitely try their best to restrain and restrain them. At that time, they were trapped in intrigue every day to prevent someone from being framed. What else could they do? Moreover, the emperor was young and still did not know the pros and cons of it. Will Zhengde still be assured to hand over so much power to a minister in the last two years?

Jiao Fang narrowed her eyes and drank a sip of wine, and said slowly: "Sir, what do you think the famous ministers in ancient times can achieve success in their lifetime, and those who have started and ended well?"

Yang Ling said: "Of course, he is able to judge the situation and not be arrogant and deceive the master. At the same time, he can meet a wise king, so he can achieve success and have a safe life."

Jiao Fang nodded, shook her head and said, "But the subordinates thought that the most important point was the emperor's ambition."

Yang Ling frowned and said, "The Emperor's ambition? How can I explain this?"

Jiao Fang said: "Emperor Wu of Han was determined to expand his territory and build a powerful Han Dynasty country, so what he valued was the talents who could accompany him on this road. Wei Qing and Huo Qubing stood out and were the most powerful ministers. Emperor Taizong of Tang chose to govern a prosperous Tang Dynasty and a peaceful world, so it was mostly Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui, a group of famous ministers in the world. What is the ambition of the emperor today?"

Yang Ling blurted out: "The emperor is martial, and he intends to expand his territory and become a martial emperor."
Chapter completed!