Why did the emperor rebel?

Chapter 1219

In the Chen Mansion's study, a wisp of cigarette smoke rose up, outside the door there were rustling snowflakes, and the distant fragrance of tea made the two people sitting opposite each other appear more and more calm.

After hearing Chen Xun's question, Xiao Yan was not shy and spoke.

"Master Chen, with the current situation in the DPRK, I am afraid that there is no hope for the position of Shangshu of the Ministry of Punishment. However, it does not have to be dormant, right?"

After the words fell, Chen Xun closed his eyes slightly, thought for a moment, and then understood what Xiao Han meant.

Nowadays, there are a lot of discussions about his material affairs in the court, and there is indeed little hope of seeking the Minister of Punishment again. However, just because he can't get the Shangshu of the Punishment Ministry, it doesn't mean that he can't get a piece of the pie in this turmoil.

After all, Chen Xun was one of the Seven Qings and a former leader of Qingliu. It is said that a skinny camel is bigger than a horse. If he was really annoyed and deliberately targeted a candidate from a certain faction, he would at least be able to make the other party tired of dealing with it. .

This is his capital!
Taking the initiative to withdraw from the position of Minister of Punishment means that it will save a lot of troubles for many people, so it is reasonable for these people to give up some of their interests.

Of course, these interests cannot fall directly into Chen Xun's hands. Again, when Chen Ying's case is revealed, what Chen Xun needs to do is to keep a low profile.

Since he can't come forward directly, then naturally someone has to come forward to take over these benefits for him. In terms of emotions and reasons, Xiao Han is the most suitable candidate.

Xiao Han was transferred from the local government to the capital to join the cabinet. He did not have a wide network of contacts in the court today, and he could be considered to have a clean fortune. The only person he could rely on in the court was Chen Xun.

In addition, everyone in the court and the court knew that they had close contacts. In a sense, the expansion of Xiao Han's power was indeed a big help to him.

More importantly, Xiao Han himself has no bad deeds. Although he is not particularly outstanding during the period of time he has been in the cabinet, he has basically made no mistakes. Therefore, even if someone wants to make a fuss about him, it is very difficult.

Chen Xun asked as he opened his eyes and focused his gaze on Xiao Han, who was surrounded by the old god.

"What does Yangshan want?"

This means that the attitude has relaxed.

Xiao Yan leaned forward, but did not speak directly. Instead, he pondered for a moment and asked.

"With all due respect, in Master Chen's opinion, who will be chosen as the Minister of Punishment this time?"

Chen Xun's expression changed, but it quickly returned to normal. After thinking for a moment, he spoke.

"The most promising one is naturally Yu Shiyue. However, he has a flaw, that is, the Prince's Mansion Zhan Shi. As the second assistant, he may be able to hold this position concurrently. However, once he is transferred to the Criminal Department, it will be impossible to continue to take charge of it. East Palace.”

"Besides that, there is Zhu Jian. He has been transferred back to the capital. There is no explanation yet. With his qualifications and achievements, he is more than enough for the post of Minister of the Ministry of Justice. However, he has always been close to Nangong, so, His Majesty has always had a grudge against me."

"Taking it all together, the two of them are each half sure. As for the other ministers and local envoys, they either have insufficient qualifications and prestige, or they are temporarily unable to get away, so there is a high probability that they will be among these two in the end. , choose one.”

This analysis was obviously approved by Xiao Yan. He nodded and said.

"Yes, the Ministry of Justice has important matters, so there are requirements for qualifications, prestige, and ability. The officials in Beijing have the greatest hope for these two."

"However, I do think that if one has to choose between the two, then perhaps Yu Cifu will be more confident!"

Chen Xun frowned and glanced at him, so Xiao Han continued to explain.

"The Six Ministries and Seven Ministers are important ministers in the court. Once they take office, they cannot be easily shaken unless they fail in their duties. Therefore, the person who takes office must be someone whom His Majesty trusts."

"Although Mr. Zhu's conditions are good in all aspects, he falls far short of the Holy Heart alone. Otherwise, when the Supreme Emperor returns to the court, Mr. Zhu should have a place among the seven ministers."

"But now that so much time has passed, he is still stuck at this level. It can be seen that His Majesty has no intention of promoting him. This was the case before and it is the same now, isn't it?"

After saying these words, Chen Xun fell into deep thought.

If you think about it carefully, this is indeed the truth. Zhu Jian has indeed made considerable contributions to the purge of Fujian officialdom. However, matters in the DPRK have never been so simple.

When you reach their level, you don't have to work hard. If you have to be promoted if you have merit, then there are many people in the government who should be promoted.

The Sacred Heart must account for at least half of the promotion and transfer of officials above the third rank, and this is exactly what Zhu Jian was bad at.

but……

"After all, this incident in Fujian is related to the imperial court's maritime trade. Even if Zhu Jian has no credit, he still has hard work. In addition to all the previous changes, if His Majesty has not expressed anything, I am afraid that there will be material discussions in the court."

After pondering for a moment, Chen Xun slowly spoke.

Of course, what he did not say is that this kind of material discussion is actually just a gust of wind. It will not have any substantial impact on the emperor, especially the current His Majesty. At most, some censors will make a fuss, which will bother the emperor. Just for a while.

Xiao Yan was obviously aware of this, and he leaned forward again, his eyes flickering, and he spoke.

"Master Chen, maybe this is your and my chance, isn't it?"

Hearing this, Chen Xun frowned slightly, and then Xiao Yan lowered his voice and said something to him, which immediately made Chen Xun fall into deep thought...

The New Year is approaching, and all the yamen are basically idle. When people are idle, they like to discuss current affairs. If the biggest current event in Beijing today is obviously the successor to the Minister of Punishment.

Just a few days ago, after Jin Lao Shangshu resolutely resigned several times, the emperor finally reluctantly approved his official memorial. He was granted the title of Young Master, Prince Taishi, Nanjing Minister of Rites, and ordered him to return home.

At the same time, the topic about the Ministry of Punishment has once again become the biggest focus of various yamen. Within a few days, memorials recommending the Minister of Punishment have been submitted to the cabinet. Even the Ministry of Personnel has also submitted memorials to ask whether the decision should be made by the court. Candidate for Minister of Punishment.

However, there has been no movement from the Emperor's side, but I don't know what the plan is...

There are various versions of the rumors and they are very popular, but there are very few that can really touch the key point.

In the Palace of Qianqing, except for Chen Yi, the censor of Zuodu who was still at home, the six ministers and seven ministers of the cabinet had already gathered, and their only topic today was to decide on the candidate for the Minister of Punishment.

It has been less than half a year since everyone first got wind of this matter, and Jin Lian's memorial has been approved. In fact, it means that the matter has been settled.Zhu Qiyu sat on the throne, looked at the ministers standing below, and said.

"After Jin Shangshu took office, the post of Shangshu of the Ministry of Justice became vacant. In recent days, I have received many recommendations. Among them, the most recommended ones are Zhu Jian, the censor of Youdu, Chen Xun, the minister of the Ministry of Industry, and Yu Shiyue, the secondary assistant of the cabinet. , Chief Assistant to the Cabinet Zhang Min.”

"You are all important ministers in the court. Let's discuss today. Who do you think can take up this position?"

After giving the instructions, Zhu Qiyu stopped talking and handed over his time to the ministers below.

Everyone also understood that there were many candidates for the Minister of Punishment, but since the emperor said this, it means that the final candidate will be chosen among these four people.

Under this situation, according to the usual practice, the four candidates were generally not suitable to speak, because it was inappropriate to say anything. Therefore, everyone naturally focused on Wang Wen who was at the front.

As the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, his opinion is obviously the most important among them all.

However, what surprised everyone was that just when Wang Wen was about to speak, Chen Xun stood up first and said.

"Your Majesty, I have been favored by Your Majesty and have taken over the Ministry of Industry for several years. Although I feel that I have made some progress, the affairs of the Ministry are complicated and difficult to straighten out. The Ministry of Criminal Affairs is in charge of criminal cases all over the world and has very heavy powers. I have never had any experience in criminal cases before. In fact, It is not appropriate to take over the Ministry of Punishment, and I would like to ask Your Majesty to give you a clear warning and forgive me for my sins."

After the words fell, everyone present turned their surprised eyes to Chen Xun. Wang Wen, who was interrupted, couldn't care less about being angry for a moment, and his eyes looking at Chen Xun became a little weird.

So this Chen Shangshu is voluntarily quitting?
Everyone tasted what he meant, and their thoughts began to stir. Although, in recent times, many of them have been targeting Chen Xun.

However, Chen Xun really gave up so neatly, which still made them feel a bit unreal...

However, in front of His Majesty, once a word was spoken, it was difficult to take it back. Many people stopped their urge to speak and looked at the emperor above.

As expected, the emperor pondered for a moment, nodded slightly, and said.

"Chen Shangshu is loyal to the country. I know it. The Ministry of Industry has been very busy recently and cannot leave anyone. If Chen Shangshu is transferred to the Ministry of Punishment, I will have to find another Minister of the Ministry of Industry. It is indeed inappropriate. In this case, then Chen Shangshu Just continue to serve in the Ministry of Industry."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Chen Xun bowed his hand, but there was nothing special about it.

However, just when he was about to retreat, the emperor suddenly asked again.

"Since Chen Shangshu feels that he is not suitable, then you might as well tell me who you think can take up this position?"

This question was asked suddenly, but it still brought the eyes of everyone present back to Chen Xun, and the latter did not hesitate much. After thinking for a while, he spoke.

"Your Majesty, I believe that the Ministry of Punishment is an important matter and it is appropriate to select someone with sufficient ability and prestige to fill the post. Zhang Shoufu of the cabinet has a stable personality and is known to be popular. Yu Cifu has outstanding abilities. He was once the Minister of Dali Temple and is familiar with criminal cases. Both of you are suitable. Qualified for this job.”

Obviously, Chen Xun already had an answer to this question.

However, his answer made everyone present murmur.

Now that Chen Xun has voluntarily withdrawn from the competition for the Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, it is certainly a good thing, but his answer also pushed Zhang Min and Yu Shiyue out...Does he really want to completely ignore the matter?
However, this is not the time to think about this. Chen Xun expressed his attitude, which was the beginning of this competition.

Immediately afterwards, Wang Ao stood up and said.

"Your Majesty, I think what Chen Gongbu said is reasonable. Zhang Shoufu has always been popular in the court, and his reputation and political achievements have been praised by both the government and the public. Now that the punishment department is leaderless, it is the time when an experienced and prudent minister is needed to step in and stabilize the overall situation. Therefore, I I think it would be most appropriate to order Zhang Shoufu to be transferred to the position of Minister of the Ministry of Punishment!"

As the former chief assistant, the reason why Wang Ao was successfully transferred to the Ministry of War was inseparable from Zhang Min. After that, the two formed a loose political alliance, so at this time, Wang Ao must give him a push of.

However, there are those who support it and those who oppose it.

After Wang Ao finished speaking, the official Wang Wen immediately shook his head and said.

"Your Majesty, I think it is inappropriate. Mr. Zhang Ge is indeed mature and prudent. However, he has just been promoted to the position of Chief Assistant for less than two years. Except for Yu Cifu, the current assistant ministers in the cabinet have all joined the cabinet not long ago. It is exactly what Mr. Zhang Ge is needed. When I continue to be in charge, therefore, I feel that Yu Cifu is more suitable."

To be fair, Wang Wen and Yu Shiyue did not have a close relationship, but after so many years as colleagues, it was enough for Wang Wen to understand Yu Shiyue's moral stance.

This Second Assistant Master is upright, yet not lacking in tact and flexibility. From the perspective of the official minister, he is indeed the most suitable.

After Wang Wen finished speaking, the newly promoted cabinet minister Yu Shan also expressed the same view.

As Yu Qian's former right-hand man, Yu Shan naturally had a good relationship with Yu Shiyue. What's more, his previous boss Wang Wen also had the same attitude. When Yu Shan agreed, there was naturally no pressure.

With his appearance, Yu Shiyue has clearly gained the advantage. What is unexpected but reasonable is that the person competing with Yu Shiyue has become the chief assistant Zhang Min. Instead, there is a lot of rumors from the outside world, which seems to give Zhu Jian, who could not be justified if he was not promoted, was ignored by everyone present.

It was at this time that Uncle Hu Dazong of the Ministry of Rites, who had rarely interfered with the transfer of officials, suddenly came out and bowed his hands to the emperor.

"Your Majesty, what you have just said makes sense. Zhang Shoufu and Yu Cifu are both men of outstanding ability, and they must be able to assume the position of Minister of the Ministry of Punishment."

"But I still have one thing to worry about. Yu Cifu is now also in charge of the affairs of the Prince's Palace and is in charge of all the affairs of the East Palace. If Yu Cifu is transferred to the Ministry of Punishment, it will be difficult to take care of both. The East Palace is the foundation of the country. If the affairs of the Prince's Palace are changed, it may have an impact. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince’s studies.”

"Therefore, I believe that Lord Zhu Jian is more suitable to take over the post of Minister of the Ministry of Punishment."

???

After the words fell, all the ministers present were surprised. This was really what they said. They were still lamenting that Zhu Jian was in bad luck. No matter how loud the outer court's voice was, when it came time to make the final decision, he was not there. As a result, someone immediately came forward to support him.

Moreover, this person is still a well-rounded Uncle Hu who doesn't like to get involved in trivial matters...

What exactly is going on?

(End of this chapter)