The Prosperous Era of Longwan

After Yang Zhao became the deputy commander-in-chief of Liaoyang, Zhang Juzheng's plan naturally failed.

However, this seemed to be the first time that Zhang Juzheng had the idea of ​​​​supporting a group of cronies, at least that is what Wei Guangde guessed, because Zhang Juzheng soon returned to normal, with a smile on his face. Tang Ruji and Yin Shizhen were talking about the cabinet. Things seemed to be the reason for his happiness.

Tang Ruji was a bit pedantic, which was Wei Guangde's evaluation of him.

Emperor Jiajing had already decided on the matter. He thought that the cabinet should continue to report according to the usual practice. He did not consider that it might offend the emperor, not to mention that the ministers in the cabinet were in power at this time, and who liked to add more constraints? .

But at this time, both the cabinet and Emperor Jiajing of Xiyuan turned a deaf ear to the discussions of the people below, because there was a more important thing to deal with in front of them, and that was where to get the money.

In the Ming Dynasty, the Ministry of Household Affairs had already calculated the annual revenue and expenditure at the beginning of the year, and there were budget limits for what should be spent.

This year, he finally gave Kang Ping the money to rebuild the Yongshou Palace. However, because of the fire in the palace, Emperor Jiajing became more determined to re-record the "Yongle Dadian".

Especially shortly after the fire in Yongshou Palace, the Royal Horse Prison caught fire again, which made Emperor Jiajing very worried about the ability of the palace servants.

When Yan Song was on the throne, Emperor Jiajing had discussed the matter with his cabinet ministers many times, and at this time he summoned Xu Jie and Yuan Wei again in Xiyuan to discuss the matter.

"Your Majesty, most of the ambergris in the Yongshou Palace were destroyed last year due to leaks. Now the Minister of Accounts is using the remaining money to purchase ambergris from all over the world. It seems that there is no extra silver to prepare for this."

Xu Jie knew that Emperor Jiajing was now determined to re-record the ceremony, which itself had many benefits. However, the Ministry of Revenue had no money, and if he wanted the emperor to take the money from the inner treasury, he might as well forget it. The inner treasury often had no money. They were all forcibly obtained from the Ministry of Household Affairs.

In order to avoid major consequences, the Ministry of Accounts really must prepare some silver to meet the needs of the inner court.

"Your Majesty, transcribing the grand ceremony is a great merit, but the project is huge and not a short-term achievement. I ask your Majesty to postpone it and allow enough time. During this period, the cabinet will work with the Ministry of Household Affairs to raise the necessary money."

Yuan Wei was no longer a minister or minister at this time, so he certainly knew how difficult it was to be the head of the Ming Dynasty.

Most of the money in various places goes to the account of the household department, but there is only so much money in the household department, and there is nothing left after spending it.

When the Ministry of Accounts, which is out of money, needs urgent disbursements, it can only turn to the cabinet and borrow money from other ministries.

When he was not in his position, he could still curse and make noises from below. Now that he is in the position, he cannot continue like this and must find a way to solve it.

How to live without money? Naturally, it is a matter of cutting expenditures. It is too troublesome to increase revenue.

Emperor Jiajing wanted to re-record the grand ceremony. He had only a few manpower, but the cost of pen and ink was not small, so it would be nice to save a little.

No matter what, as long as we start re-recording, tens of thousands of taels of pen and ink money will be indispensable every year.

"I called you two here today just to ask you what you can do?"

Emperor Jiajing on the throne just said lightly, if you believe these ministers, then don't even think about doing anything.

Since he ascended the throne, Emperor Jiajing understood most that he could not easily believe the lies of these ministers.

They often say in front of him that this is not allowed and that is not allowed, but if they use both kindness and power to release some benefits, even if it is excessive, they will hold their noses and admit it. For them, official position is the most important.

However, using official positions to threaten people is not the right way. Cabinet ministers are not inferior officials and can be replaced at will. Therefore, most things can only be done through discussion. Everyone can take a step back and find a way to get along well. .

Raising money, Yuan Wei is really not good at such a difficult problem. At this time, he just lowered his head and looked at his nose and heart.

And Xu Jie also knew that the memorial sent back today seemed to be a difficult trust to receive.

This was the first thing Emperor Jiajing had to do after Yan Song resigned. If he couldn't do it satisfactorily, he might not be able to hold his position securely.

At this time, Xu Jie's brain was telling him to think and find a solution, recalling how Yan Song handled similar situations.

The first thing that came to mind was naturally to borrow money from Chang Yingku to get things done first.

But it is only the middle of the year, and if we want to repay this money, we will have to arrange it in the next year at the earliest, when the new plan of the Ministry of Household Affairs is released.

Can Changyingku’s loan be delayed for half a year?

I'm afraid it will be difficult.

Even if the Ministry of Revenue borrows money, it will be returned within two months at most.

As for collecting money from various ministries and monasteries, I'm afraid it may seem like a lot of money at first, but when it comes to apportioning it, you'll complain all the time, which is also annoying.

There are also efforts to make a fuss about salt and tea taxes, but water from afar cannot quench the thirst of the nearer.

In recent days, Xu Jie and Yuan Wei are still discussing with the Ministry of Personnel on how to adjust the positions formerly occupied by officials from the Yan family, such as Yan Maoqing and other Prime Minister Yan Zheng, who must be replaced by their own people.

If these things are not properly arranged, how can we get them to make money?

What other channels can I use to get money?

Or who still has money?

The officials and gentry have money, but this precedent cannot be set, and there is no proper reason.

The only family left is the noble family. They have been hereditary for many generations. The wealth accumulated in their hands should not be a small amount. It only needs to be shared among each family.

Thinking of this, Xu Jie raised his head and glanced at Emperor Jiajing who was sitting on the throne and said: "Your Majesty, the re-recording ceremony is a grand event, and it should be informed to all the clans and princes through the clan's mansion.

I recall that when I became an ancestor, I once said that all books on classics and history since the time of the Book of Deeds have been collected from hundreds of schools of thought. As for astronomy, geography, yin and yang, medical divination, monks' Taoism, and craftsmanship, they have been compiled into one book. It is not tiring to be voluminous, so that we can have the "Yongle Dadian" "come out.

From the crown prince Shaobao Yao Guangxiao, to the great scholar Xie Jin, to the unofficial Confucian scholar Chen Ji, etc., they worked together and it took several years to complete.

Today, Your Majesty wants to re-record this book, so he should ask all the royal palaces to contribute their efforts, and imitate the ancestor's style to participate in this grand event. "

When Xu Jie talked about the clan, Yuan Wei had already guessed Xu Jie's plan. After he finished speaking, he really wanted the clan to pay.

This is a good idea. Let the clan pay for it without the court paying it.

"I second my opinion."

As soon as Xu Jie finished speaking, Yuan Wei was already eager to express his attitude.

When Emperor Jiajing was thinking about Xu Jie's proposal, Xu Jie felt bitter.

He knew that Emperor Jiajing was interested in re-recording the ceremony, but his student Zhang Juzheng had not made arrangements for taking over the Imperial Academy. There were too many things going on recently, especially Yan Song's sudden appointment, which disrupted many of his arrangements.

At the beginning, a lot of work was prepared for Yan Song, hoping that he would not object.

Well now, all that has become useless.

Emperor Jiajing couldn't bear it anymore. He thought that he would soon issue an official edict to re-record the ceremony. Xu Jie sighed in his heart.

At the beginning, he planned to let Zhang Juzheng participate in the imperial examination and the Hanlin Academy to fight for the position of chief officer, but now it is too late to see the time.

"I understand."

At this time, Emperor Jiajing on the throne finally spoke. This also revealed that he had agreed to Xu Jie's proposal, asking the princes to contribute funds and the court to make this happen.

Although Xu Jie said that the royal palaces should send people to help, there are so many people in the court, and they still need to send people there. They only need money.

However, when Xu Jie and Yuan Wei felt that Emperor Jiajing's goal had been achieved today and they were about to resign, Emperor Jiajing changed the topic and asked: "I heard that the cabinet has been discussing with the Ministry of Personnel on the reform of officials for the purpose of Beijing inspection." How is the relocation going now?"

Emperor Jiajing asked about the transfer of officials. Xu Jie couldn't help but feel a little moved in his heart. Could it be that someone in Emperor Jiajing's pocket also wanted to make arrangements?

He couldn't help but respond carefully: "The promotion of officials this time is mainly based on the rotation of internal and external inspections. In fact, preparations were made for this matter last year. Those with outstanding local political achievements may be promoted or transferred to Beijing, and those with outstanding abilities as Beijing officials will be promoted to foreign officials." Let’s increase our knowledge and become familiar with local government procedures.”

"Tell me about the people who have already made up their minds. Say whatever you want, and I will listen to you."

Emperor Jiajing said seemingly casually.

Xu Jie and Yuan Wei looked at each other secretly, and had no choice but to start with Xu Jie and talk about a few people who had already made plans.

These were actually arrangements that had been decided last year, or that neither Yan Song, himself, nor Yuan Wei objected to at that time.

After Xu Jie named a few names and arrangements, he found that Emperor Jiajing seemed to be very interested and had no intention of letting him stop, so he had to continue talking.

"The current head of the Ministry of Punishment, Lao Kan, was transferred to Guangdong as the inspector-general and the inspector-general to Shaanxi Province. Zhang Ke, the censor of Shaanxi Province, was changed to the acting inspector-general of Zhejiang Province to inspect the two Zhejiang provinces."

In one breath, he named a dozen officials whose destinations were clear, and then Emperor Jiajing nodded slightly.

Seeing this, Xu Jie knew that it was alright. As long as Emperor Jiajing didn't ask some people specifically at this time, then nothing would happen today.

"Are these officials confirmed for transfer?"

Emperor Jiajing interjected and asked when Xu Jie paused in speaking.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Xu Jie replied hurriedly.

"Official transfers, those that have been confirmed can be transferred as soon as possible, and do not wait for deliberation before unifying the transfers to avoid unrest in the officialdom."

Emperor Jiajing obviously did not object to this official adjustment plan, and most of the officials involved were not of high grade, and he was only vaguely impressed by many of them.

The reason for asking questions today is to let Xu Jie and Yuan Wei know their respect. As an emperor, he does not know everything.

When Xu Jie and Yuan Wei said goodbye to Yuxi Palace and walked towards the gate of Xiyuan, Xu Jie was still thinking about whether there were any details in this official transfer that he had not noticed, especially the dozen official names he reported.

He didn't know if there was anyone among these people whom Emperor Jiajing wanted to pay attention to, but after thinking about it carefully, he found that there seemed to be none.

These people were of low rank, so it was naturally impossible for them to come into contact with the emperor on a daily basis.

Some people can't figure it out, such as Lao Kan. Yan Song had already determined his whereabouts at that time. If the officials of the capital were sent to other places, as long as he wanted to, the court would not object.

In fact, most local officials only think about how to return to Beijing. If they take the initiative to run away, they only go for money.

As for Zhang Ke, it was Wei Guangde who received a letter from him. Well, he wanted to change places after staying in Shaanxi for a long time. He knew that Zhejiang, Fujian and other places were short of officials and wars were frequent. Zhang Ke also wanted to go there to experience and take this opportunity to accumulate merit. .

Wei Guangde told Zhang Juzheng about the matter and asked him to ask Xu Jie to handle it.

Fujian is not a good place to go. Xu Jie carefully arranged for her to be the censor of Zhejiang and Zhejiang. At least now Zhejiang is better than Fujian. Except for harassment by small groups of Japanese pirates, there are no major wars.

Shaking his head, Xu Jie couldn't figure it out so he stopped thinking about it, and left Xiyuan with Yuan Wei to return to the cabinet.

There are a lot of things going on today. Originally we were just dealing with official documents sent from various places, but now we have to call people from the Ministry of Civil Affairs to discuss the appointment of those officials so that they can be mobilized.

At least, the dozen people mentioned in front of Emperor Jiajing today should be mobilized as a priority.

After they left, Emperor Jiajing sat quietly on his throne and thought for a while, then said to Huang Jin: "You have heard what I said before. Make arrangements as soon as possible and pass the news to the princes everywhere to see how they perform."

While he was speaking, Huang Jin had already bowed and listened to the order, and agreed when Emperor Jiajing finished speaking.

Huang Jin knew in his heart that the matter of asking the princes to pool money this time could not be explained too clearly. His master was trying to see how many of the relatives down below were of the same mind as him.

Speaking of which, even though he is the emperor, he is often a little constrained by the vassals everywhere.

Both the emperor and the court are short of money, but all the princes and princes are short of money. The older the family is, the richer it is. But so what, the money belongs to others.

The emperor is considered the patriarch of the royal family, but he cannot command his relatives at will, let alone ask for money. That is to say, he will only ask for help from the capital when it comes to inheritance and enfeoffment, and he will send many good things to celebrate birthdays or gifts. What.

Tribute is done as usual, and no one will pay even half a cent more.

For them, a title is just that. Don't expect to get a promotion by sending money to the emperor.

For those princes, when they did not make mistakes, Emperor Jiajing had no way to restrict them. Even if they made mistakes, he could only give small punishments and big warnings, and it was necessary to show the care between the royal family and the clan.

Even at the beginning of the year, Zhu Diancui, the king of Yi who had done many evil things in Luoyang, just sent Fengyang to the high wall to get rid of the problem. The only one who was really executed was Zhu Yingyao, the prince of Chu who had killed his father. As for King Hui's suicide, in fact, Emperor Jiajing himself just wanted to kill him. He was just sent to Fengyang, but he was afraid of committing suicide.

Because of his status, even though he had secured his position, Emperor Jiajing was still wary of the princes' palaces in various places.

The Zongren Mansion was originally established by Zhu Yuanzhang, the emperor of the Ming Dynasty. It was called the Dazong Zhengyuan in the third year of Hongwu. In the 22nd year of Hongwu, it was renamed the Zongren Mansion. It is an institution that manages the affairs of the royal family.

There will be one Zongren Ling, one Zongzheng from the left and Zongzheng from the right, one person from the Zongzheng from the left and the right from the right, and the affiliation of the nine clans of Zhengyipinzhanghuang. The jade certificate will be revised accordingly, and the children of the clan will be written about their concubines, names, titles, heirs, and descendants. Births, deaths, marriages, posthumous burials.

In the early Ming Dynasty, the official positions in the clan government were all held by princes. For example, the first clan official was King Zhu Ping of Qin.

During the Yongle period, the clan's mansion was no longer managed by the prince. Instead, the ministers and ministers who were dedicated to the ancestors and relatives also took charge of the affairs of the clan's mansion. There were no special officials.

The Zongren Mansion was under the management of the Ministry of Rites, and all matters under its jurisdiction were handed over to the Ministry of Rites. There was a senior official with the official position of Zhengwupin, who was responsible for the sending, receiving and management of documents and files.

This time, Emperor Jiajing wanted to send a message to the royal palaces through the clan mansion.