Rule over Ming Dynasty

Chapter 182 The Governor Walking Out of the Stables
The highest decision-making body in Ming Dynasty is actually the highest meeting of cabinet ministers and six officials chaired by Zhu Youtang. Whether it is national strategy or important personnel appointments, decisions are usually made here.

Inadvertently, important personnel appointments were quietly transferred here.

Although Zhu Youtang has gradually abandoned the Nine Ministers' Tingtui established by the Yingzong Dynasty, the highest decision-making meeting is different from the system of serving officials after all, and the important ministers participating in the meeting have certain participation rights.

Especially from the cabinet to the six departments, they are all now Zhu Youtang's people, so naturally no one will jump out and sing the opposite.

This is exactly the case, and the appointment of personnel is also the final decision of the emperor, but there are few voices of opposition in the court, and even the important ministers silently support this model.

In fact, the most disadvantaged are the non-sixth officials who are above the fourth rank and above, such as Dali Temple Minister, Taichang Temple Minister, and Left and Right Tongzheng Envoys, but these people are destined to be unable to make waves.

The empire under Zhu Youtang's administration can be said to be thriving now.

The Liaodong War is only one of the topics of this meeting. In addition to the Chaoming Trade Market on Canzhi Island, another important theme of this meeting is to finalize the candidates for this year's Enke Township Examination.

In order to prevent the collusion and fraud between the chief examiners of the rural examination and the supervisor, Zhu Youtang decided to break the traditional mode of selecting the chief examiners of the rural examination, but decided that all the chief examiners of the rural examination should be appointed by Beijing officials.

Although it takes longer and more expensive for Beijing officials to travel to remote provinces, such as going to Nanchang, it takes nearly [-] days, but out of consideration for the fairness of talent selection, this investment is actually worthwhile.

The important ministers present were already aware of the disadvantages of the imperial examinations in remote provinces. Even Xu Qiong, Minister of Rites, and Jia Jun, Minister of Industry, took a special look at Wan'an, knowing that this issue should indeed be dealt with.

Now that Zhu Youtang saw the fraud in the rural examination and proposed a solution, besides admiring the emperor's wisdom, he naturally agreed to this important reform.

Officials such as Minister of the Ministry of Officials are actually happy to do so. After all, they selected and sent Beijing officials to take up the post, which invisibly raised the status of the current Beijing officials, especially the six doctors who became more valuable.

With the end of today's agenda, sixteen important ministers left this sacred Hall of Mental Cultivation one after another.

Since the establishment of the new administrative center here, the communication between the monarch and his ministers has obviously become faster and more efficient, and it has won the unanimous support of the important ministers.

"Your Majesty said that the chief examiners of the rural examination are not limited to Hanlin, which is really rare!"

"Some old imperial officials are really not suitable for long-distance travel, and young and strong officials should be the main ones!"

"You must be young and strong, but you must also have good morals. I'm afraid it's hard to find such an official!"

"Don't think about talking about seniors every day, give more opportunities to younger generations, they may not be bad!"

……

Wan An and Liu Ji went to the new pavilion outside to win the ticket to prepare the memorial, and the other fourteen officials from the six departments left through the Xiyuan gate. selection.

"Liu Shilang, please stay!"

"Eunuch Liu, what's the matter?"

"Your Majesty invites you to listen to Chao Pavilion!"

"Ah? Let Eunuch Liu lead the way!"

Liu Xuan, the left servant of the Ministry of Officials, was a skinny little old man. He was suddenly stopped by Liu Jin. When he learned that His Majesty had summoned him, he straightened his clothes quickly, and then made a gesture of invitation to Liu Jin.

Because Xu Pu, the former left servant of the official department, hanged himself, Liu Xuan, the right servant of the official department, was successfully replaced as the left servant of the official department and became the second in command of the yamen of the official department.

It's just that modesty and prudence seem to be integrated into his bones. This low-key official minister has always maintained his loyalty to Zhu Youtang, especially seeing Zhu Youtang's orderly governance of Ming Dynasty.

"Please!" Liu Jin was not a proud eunuch, and immediately made a gesture of please.

Tingchao Pavilion is located in the protruding fan-shaped area on the east bank of Taiye Pool. It was originally a plantain garden, but now it has become a corridor and attic living near the lake.

It's summer, the lakes and mountains here, the lush trees, the colorful flowers and plants, the blue sky and white clouds are reflected in it, it's a fairyland here.

Although Zhu Youtang is only a young man, he is becoming more and more mature, with a sparse beard growing under his jaw, and his eyes are getting deeper and deeper.

No matter in his previous life or in this life, he doesn't have many hobbies, and fishing is one of them.

He would fish here every day in his spare time. He originally wanted to let Fan Jindiao and Qingyue fish together, but the two women had no interest in fishing.

Even though it was dusk, the weather was still a bit muggy, so two beautiful court ladies were fanning their fans.

Fragrant tea, cool breeze and the [-]-acre water area where one person fishes alone is simply a fisherman's paradise.

As the wooden buoy sank, Zhu Youtang's eyes flashed with joy, and he lifted the fishing rod up, and a hefty yellow perch was caught.

The moment when the fishing rod is most exciting is the sense of accomplishment of catching the fish, and the anticipation of what kind of fish will be caught this time.

"Your Majesty, this perch is really big!" Guo Yong exclaimed in delight as he stepped forward to grab this alive and kicking wild yellow-flowered perch.

Seeing that what he caught was a yellow perch, Zhu Youtang showed a satisfied smile and said, "Although it's not as good as the one the day before yesterday, this one is indeed vigorous!"

"Your Majesty, please use the tea!" The beautiful maid in charge of making the tea had a pair of slender hands and brought the teacup over.

Zhu Youtang put down the fishing rod in his hand, and was not in a hurry to continue fishing. Instead, he picked up the freshly brewed tea, leaned lazily on the soft bed, and then turned his head and looked at Liu Xuan who had been standing beside him for a long time with a smile.

Some people's lives are closely related to the nobles. Although Liu Xuan, the left servant of the official department, is already very beautiful, he can be said to be very down and out when he was young.

Liu Xuan was originally from Anfu, Jiangxi. Although he was sent to a private school like many peasant children when he was young, due to his father's death and some accidents, he was actually transferred to Lulong.

Although he suffered from such an accident when he was young, when feeding the horses for the commander of the guard, he always used his spare time to study in the stable day and night, which later attracted the attention of Zou Laixue, governor of Jizhou.

Because he sympathized with Liu Xuan's experience and admired Liu Xuan's diligence and talent, Zou Laixue, the governor of Jizhou, let Liu Xuan study with his two sons and often taught them in his spare time.

Liu Xuan lived up to Zou Laixue's cultivation. He first passed the Shuntian Township Examination High School to Jieyuan, and then passed the second-class Jinshi in the second year of Jingtai, and entered the Imperial Academy as a concubine.

It's just that it seems that he has exhausted his life's luck from a horse-feeding soldier to an Hanlin official. Because he is not good at drilling camps, and he has no background and backing, it is very difficult to walk on the road of Cichen.

Usually, the longest serving time of Shaoqing in Taichang Temple is only nine years, but he was forced to serve in Taichang Temple for 11 years, and then he was directly released to the Nanjing Guozijian for sacrificial wine.

Perhaps it was because the court needed a weak right minister of the official department, or it was his luck to come back to life, Liu Xuan was changed to be the right servant of the official department in the 22nd year of Chenghua.

Because Xu Pu served as the left servant of the Ministry of Officials, and he was also the Minister of the Ministry of Officials, even though he was the Minister of the Ministry of Officials, he did not have a strong voice in personnel affairs.

According to the script of history, the official career of Liu Xuan, who has no background and is not very gregarious, is coming to an end, and it is time to return to the Nanjing Nursing Home.

"Minister Liu Xuan pays homage to His Majesty!" Liu Xuan had been afraid to disturb Zhu Youtang's fishing just now, but now seeing Zhu Youtang looking over, he immediately saluted in a respectful manner.

Zhu Youtang had already noticed this respectful and prudent servant of the official department, and after taking a sip of tea, he asked lightly: "Liu Qing, I have heard that you like reading. You read in the stables day and night when you were young. You must have a lot of knowledge about military books." Get involved?"

"Reporting to Your Majesty, although I like to read books, I dare not set foot in the art of war! My mentor, Zou Laixue, once said that I was too honest, not a military commander, and I dare not do what Zhao Kuo said on paper, so I seldom read military books. , and never dared to imagine leading a battle!" Liu Xuan replied respectfully with calm eyes.

Zhu Youtang almost choked on the tea in his mouth, and asked absurdly, "You don't understand military affairs, why did you want to petition to be the governor of Liaodong?"

Hearing this, Liu Jin couldn't help but looked at the Zuo Shilang of the Ministry of Officials strangely. It was the Zuo Shilang of the Ministry of Officials who volunteered to be the Governor of Liaodong.

"Your Majesty, I'm stupid, please punish me for the crime of negligence! I think what Liaodong needs now is to rectify the military and political talents, and consolidate the grain storage in Guangning, so that the imperial court can send a large army at any time. If your majesty wants me to conquer the Jurchen tribe, I will If you don’t dare to accept orders, it’s not that you are greedy for life, but that you are not a good person. Once you commit the crimes of Datong Cai Xin and Xu Ning who underestimated the enemy’s aggressiveness, you will die!” Liu Xuan realized that the governor of Liaodong once committed the crime. There was a misunderstanding in the post, Dang even knelt down to plead guilty.

Zhu Youtang looked at the Zuo Shilang, who had a good attitude, and said thoughtfully: "What do you mean when you arrive in Liaodong, the main purpose is to consolidate the Guangning warehouse?"

"Your Majesty, in addition to strengthening the Guangning Warehouse, you must also strictly observe military discipline and find available generals for Your Majesty, but this minister is by no means capable of commanding the army!" Liu Xuan nodded lightly and added seriously.

Zhu Youtang finished the remaining tea in the cup, and asked very seriously: "What should I do if the Jurchens come to commit crimes?"

"Your Majesty, there are so many soldiers and generals in Liaodong today, Jurchen dare not invade!" Liu Xuan had a thorough understanding of the situation in Liaodong, and Dang even said very firmly.

Zhu Youtang knew that the Jianzhou Jurchens hadn't regained their strength yet, and at most they would send some people over to rob them, but he emphasized seriously: "I'm just in case!"

"Your Majesty, the way to use troops lies in righteousness. There is no reason for the weak to defeat the strong! Today, the Liao army is strong and the enemy is weak. We only need to use soldiers to block them, cover them with water and soil, and wipe them out according to the location and number of people. There is no need to be too nervous about Jurchen! "Liu Xuan raised his head and looked at Zhu Youtang, expressing his attitude solemnly.

Zhu Youtang sized up the left servant of the Ministry of Officials, and asked strangely: "Liu Qing, didn't you just say that you don't understand the art of war?"

"Your Majesty, the art of war is to constantly use tactics and strive to defeat the strong with the weak, but the Liaodong of the Ming Dynasty only needs to attack according to the customary method! Although I am not a commander in chief, but with the geographical advantages and strong army of Liaodong, I will definitely not Let the Jurchens offend my Ming Dynasty!" Liu Xuan's eyes were clear, and he seemed to be natural.

Zhu Youtang looked at this respectful and prudent Zuo Shilang of the official department, and found that there were indeed some shining points that belonged to him, at least this left servant of the official department knew himself.

So many disasters throughout the ages have been caused by overestimation. Obviously only Adou's talent, but if he insisted on doing Zhuge Liang's work, it would only ruin the great rivers and mountains in the end.

The biggest problem in Liaodong now is the military rations, not the lack of generals. It is true that there is no need for commanders.

If Liu Xuan arrived in Liaodong and was able to consolidate the Guangning Warehouse, it would be like loading a bullet, and only then did Ming have a unique type of capital.At that time, if you really want to conquer Jianzhou Jurchen, you can just send Wang Yue, Wang Zhi or others.

Zhu Youtang's eyes turned soft, and he said lightly to Liu Xuan: "Liu Qing, stop kneeling, stand up and talk!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Liu Xuan thanked Zhu Youtang with a sigh of relief as he felt the change in Zhu Youtang's attitude.

Zhu Youtang had already decided that Liu Xuan would be the governor of Liaodong, but he still asked, "Liu Qing, you are already the left servant of the Ministry of Officials. Why did you take the initiative to petition and go to Liaodong this time?"

"I became an official in Jingtai in the second year, and I may not have a real job. Now I always feel ashamed every time I see the horizontal plaque in the Hall of Mental Cultivation! Presumably, your majesty also feels that the minister is not a practical person, so the minister also wants to be an official. Make some real achievements before!" Liu Xuan said bitterly when faced with this question.

Zhu Youtang was really not impressed by the senior ministers, but he continued to drink tea calmly: "I don't have any impressions of you! It's just that I not only want to govern this country well, but also want to create a prosperous world." , I really hope that more officials with the ability to do things will take up important positions! As a Ci minister, Liu Qing has been working in a leisurely Yamen, do you think I am harsh?"

"I don't think so. Instead, I feel that your majesty's strategy of employing people is the foundation of a strong country. Most of the officials are greedy and powerful people, and they are not as good as they are. This time, the petition to Liaodong is really selfish. Read it!" Liu Xuan shook his head lightly, looking ashamed.

Zhu Youtang was holding the teacup, raised his eyebrows slightly and said: "What are your private thoughts!"

"Although I want to make some real achievements, I also have future considerations. I want to be the governor of Liaodong so that I can be appointed as the six ministers in the future. Please punish me!" Liu Xuan hesitated, and even said his own words. private thoughts.

Although he was successfully promoted to the position of Zuo Shilang of the Ministry of Officials this time, he has realized that the current promotion path is no longer based on seniority, but needs to show real achievements.

It can be said that He Cong, the left servant of the Ministry of War, was quite blessed, but he still could not be directly promoted from the left servant of the Ministry of War to Minister of the Ministry of War, but was sent to Shandong as the governor.

Now even if he is the left servant of the Ministry of Officials, if he can't show corresponding achievements, his future will actually be bleak.

Not to mention that he will aspire to the six ministers in the future, since he has been the right servant of the Ministry of officials for too long, it is more likely that he will be sent back to Nanjing for the elderly.

Just like this, he can only use the governor of Liaodong as a springboard to make a blog in this position, so that it is possible to open the door to promotion through the six ministers.

For a while, the atmosphere here suddenly quieted down. Although Liu Xuan adhered to the principle of not deceiving the emperor, he was also worried that Zhu Youtang would punish him severely.

(End of this chapter)