I, Jiajing, successfully cultivated immortality

After leading Yan Song to Qianqing Palace, Lu Fang raised her head, looked at Jiajing who was sitting on the dragon chair, and reported respectfully.

"Your Majesty, Yan Ge is old enough!"

"Well, I understand, you go down first!"

When Jiajing heard what Lu Fang said, he waved his hand and gave the order.

"Yes, Your Majesty, I will retire now!"

Lu Fang knew very well that what followed was the last conversation between the emperor and Yan Song.

After responding, Lu Fang left quickly.

After Lu Fang left the Palace of Qianqing, he saw Yan Song kneeling on the ground tremblingly, saying with utmost respect: "I bow to your majesty, long live my emperor!"

At this time, Yan Song's beard and hair were all white, his movements were slow, and the age spots on his face were particularly conspicuous, giving him an old look.

After Jiajing looked Yan Song up and down, he waved his hand and said: "Well, get up!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

After receiving Jiajing's permission, Yan Song slowly stood up from the ground.

Looking at Yan Song like this, Jiajing couldn't help but feel a lot of emotion in his heart. After pondering for a moment, he asked: "Old Yan Ge, I remember that you were a Jinshi in the 18th year of Hongzhi, right?"

"To answer your Majesty's question, Wei Chen was a Jinshi in the 18th year of Hongzhi's reign!"

When Yan Song heard Jiajing's words, he immediately lowered his head and responded without thinking.

After getting Yan Song's answer, Jiajing was seen gently stroking the dragon head carved on the dragon chair with his hand, and said to himself: "So many years have passed in the blink of an eye!"

"After all, you have been my chief minister in the cabinet for twenty-two years."

"Of the few companions who accompanied me to the capital, now only Huang Jin is left. Soon, even Lu Fang will leave me!"

When Jiajing said this, he looked lonely.

Naturally, Yan Song knew that Feng Bao was going to succeed Lu Fang and become the eunuch in charge of the ceremony.

Seeing the emperor's expression, Yan Song's lips moved, but in the end he didn't say a word, he just lowered his head and said nothing.

After that, Jiajing looked in the direction of Yan Song and asked, "Mr. Yan Ge, do you really want to become an official?"

"Your Majesty, Wei Chen is already eighty-one this year and has only a few years left to live. I beg Your Majesty to let Wei Chen go back to his hometown!"

After noticing Jiajing's gaze on him, Yan Song fell to his knees on the ground with a plop, his eyes were red, and his tone was full of begging.

Seeing this situation, Jiajing couldn't help but feel a little soft-hearted. After a long sigh, he immediately said: "Hey, get up, I promise you!"

When Yan Song heard what Jiajing said, a look of gratitude appeared on his face. He kowtowed to the ground three times and said in a deep voice: "Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty!"

Only then did Yan Song relax. He knew that if he just said no, what was waiting for him would be the emperor's ruthless butcher's knife.

After getting up from the ground, Yan Song summoned up the courage to look in the direction of Jiajing, cupped his hands and said cautiously.

"Your Majesty... Your Majesty, before I leave, I have one more unkind favor!"

"But it doesn't matter."

When Jiajing, who was sitting on the dragon chair, heard Yan Song's words, he waved his hand and spoke nonchalantly.

After Jiajing finished speaking, Yan Song organized the words in his mind, and then he said: "Your Majesty, I am ashamed to say that I only have a son like Yan Shifan."

"Weichen hopes that after Weichen becomes an official, you can remember the old relationship and spare Yan Shifan's life when he makes mistakes, even if he is not allowed to be an official from now on!"

"The Yan family's incense cannot be cut off like this!"

After listening to Yan Song's request, Jiajing nodded and made a promise: "Well, I promise you, as long as it's not a big mistake, I can turn a blind eye!"

When Yan Song heard Jiajing's words, his face was full of joy. He immediately prostrated himself on the ground and said respectfully: "I would like to thank your majesty for your grace. May your majesty live forever. May our Ming Dynasty last forever and our mountains and rivers be forever solid!"

After Yan Song finished speaking, he bowed again.

Jiajing heard this and said nothing for a long time. He knew that this was the last meeting between the monarch and his ministers.

Time passed by so slowly. I don’t know how long it had passed, but Jiajing came back to his senses, waved his hands, and said with a tired look.

"Let's go!"

"Yes, Your Majesty, I will resign now!"

After Yan Song finished speaking, he bowed solemnly to Jiajing and left Qianqing Palace without looking back.

……

Not surprisingly, Yan Song's resignation was mercilessly beaten back.

At the same time, two shocking news were exposed one after another, causing shock to both the government and the public, leaving many officials at a loss and in constant panic.

First, Xu Jie, the second assistant in the cabinet, connived at the family behind him, wantonly annexed land, brought disaster to the countryside, and caused sergeants to riot. In addition, he was charged with smuggling, paying murderers, and other crimes. He has been imprisoned and is waiting to be punished.

The second is that Yan Song, the chief minister of the cabinet, went to beg for his remains and prepared to retire from the position of chief minister of the cabinet.

These two pieces of news, like dropping a bombshell in calm waters, soon caused an uproar in the court.

The civil and military officials in the court were arguing over the connection between the two. Some said that Yan Song planned all this behind the scenes, while others said that this was just a coincidence.

In short, there are various opinions, and no one can convince anyone, but the only thing that is certain is that Yan Song, who has controlled the government for more than 20 years and has overwhelming power, is really going to retire!

Once Yan Song retired, it was Gao Gong's turn to replace Yan Song and become the chief minister of the cabinet.

Many officials in the court also began to inquire about Gao Gong's daily preferences, fearing that he would be slowed down.

Yan Song no longer cared about all the turmoil outside. From the moment he chose to hand in his resignation, his career was over.

What he should do next is to complete the remaining procedures, leave the capital, and return to his hometown in Jiangxi.

At this time, he was sitting behind his desk, practicing calligraphy.

At this moment, a rush of footsteps was heard outside the door, and then Yan Shifan's voice sounded outside the door: "Father, Luo Longwen and Zhang Runde are outside asking to see you. Look..."

When Yan Song heard this, he didn't even raise his head and ordered in a cold voice: "Blow them all away, I won't see anyone!"

"Yes, father!"

When Yan Shifan who was waiting outside the study heard this, his face was full of helplessness. After sighing, he quickly left.

After Yan Shifan left, Yan Song continued to practice calligraphy with concentration. When he came to his senses, the sky outside had dimmed.

The fire candle in the room was lit at some point, emitting an orange-yellow glow.

Then, Yan Song put down the brush in his hand and moved his limbs.

At this moment, there was a slight knock on the door. Seeing this, Yan Song had a look of impatience on his face. After calming down, he ordered: "Come in!"

After the words fell, there was only a "squeak" sound, the study door was pushed open, and then the housekeeper stepped in.

After entering the study, the housekeeper did not hesitate at all. He immediately leaned down and said respectfully: "Master!"

Hearing this, Yan Song glanced at the housekeeper and asked, "What's the matter?"

After hearing Yan Song's words, the housekeeper looked around and lowered his voice and said: "Master, Mr. Gao Ge is here!"

Yan Song seemed to have expected this. After listening to the butler's report, he looked quite calm, nodded, and said: "Let him come in!"

"Yes, sir!"

Naturally, the housekeeper did not dare to show any hesitation to Yan Song's instructions, and left quickly after responding.

……

Not long after, under the guidance of the housekeeper, Gao Gong stepped into the study.

After entering the study, Gao Gong subconsciously looked in the direction of Yan Song and bowed his hands to him, his face full of respect.

"Old Yan Ge!"

"Qing Su is here, sit down!"

Yan Song seemed to be quite happy with Gao Gong's arrival. He stretched out his skinny hand, pointed to the empty seat beside him, and said so.

"Thank you, Mr. Yan Ge!"

When Gao Gong heard this, he didn't mean to refuse and sat directly on the empty seat beside him.

Not long after Gao Gong sat down, a maid came forward and brought a bowl of steaming tea to Yan Song and Gao Gong, as well as a fruit plate containing persimmons, lychees, round eyes, chestnuts, and ripe dates.

After that, Yan Song glanced at Gao Gong and said with a warm expression.

"Try it, this is the new Shifeng Longjing that arrived not long ago!"

"Ah."

Gao Gongzai picked up the tea cup and took a sip. His eyes lit up and he couldn't help but praise: "It's really good tea!"

After chatting for a while, Yan Song withdrew his gaze and chose to get to the point: "Qing Su, in a short time you will be the chief minister of the cabinet. Why would you want to visit an old man like me?"

Gao Gong heard Yan Song's words and responded without hesitation: "Mr. Yan Ge is joking, I'm just taking advantage of you, Mr. Yan Ge!"

"If it weren't for you, Mr. Yan Ge, I would have to continue to work in the cabinet for who knows how many years."

When Gao Gong said this, he paused for a moment and continued: "Old Yan Ge, to be honest, I came here this time just to ask for your advice. After all, Mr. Yan Ge, you are a twenty-year-old man." The chief minister of the cabinet for many years..."

Yan Song could see that Gao Gong kept his posture extremely low, and at the same time, this also made Yan Song feel a sense of admiration for Gao Gong.

Most people would never be able to achieve this level of Gao Gong. After all, at this time, Gao Gong was already the veritable chief minister of the cabinet.

There were countless people in the court who wanted to curry favor with him, but he was able to endure it and came to visit him.

After that, Yan Song suppressed all the chaotic thoughts in his heart, stroked his beard, and said slowly: "I can't talk about advice, but I do have a message to give you. Employer, only Making good use of people is the first priority for doing great things!”

"If you make good use of people, there's nothing you can't do in this world!"

After Gao Gong heard Yan Song's words, a look of gratitude appeared on his face at the right time, and he said respectfully: "Thank you, Mr. Yan Ge, for your advice!"

Yan Song took in the expression on Gao Gong's face. After pondering for a moment, he stood up from his seat tremblingly, went to the bookshelf on the side, took down a thick volume from the top, and handed it to him. In front of Gao Gong. "Take it, with it, many things will become easier!"

"Mr. Yan Ge, this is..."

After taking the file from Yan Song, Gao Gong's face showed doubts at the right time, and he asked.

However, Yan Song had no intention of answering Gao Gong's doubts. Instead, he sat back in his seat and said slowly: "Open it and take a look for yourself!"

After Yan Song finished speaking, Gao Gong opened the file in his hand. When he saw the contents above, Gao Gong couldn't help but take a breath, and his face was full of shock.

The files contain detailed records of the administrative errors of many officials in the DPRK. In addition, even the crimes of committing crimes are also recorded.

Not only that, this dossier covers all officials from the central government to local governments.

Only then did Gao Gong truly understand why Yan Song could remain in the position of chief minister of the cabinet for twenty years!
It was precisely because Yan Song held on to the handle of those people that they dared not act rashly.

In Gao Gong's view, the dossier in his hand can be regarded as a priceless treasure. With it, he can quickly control the situation.

At the same time, Gao Gong was also very happy that he had decided to come to visit Yan Song.

After that, Gao Gong put the file aside, stood up from his seat, and saluted Yan Song solemnly: "Mr. Yan Ge's kindness will be unforgettable!"

After hearing Gao Gong's words, Yan Song waved his hands quite casually, and then said: "This is just a very common thing, Su Qing, you can go all the way to where you are today, all thanks to your own efforts. I don’t dare to take credit casually!”

When Yan Song finished speaking, Gao Gong shook his head and said decisively: "No, Mr. Yan Ge, you have been kind to me!"

When Yan Song heard this, a look of memory appeared on his face, he raised his eyebrows and asked curiously: "Oh, when was the promotion?"

Facing Yan Song's gaze, Gao Gong recalled with emotion for a long time, and said with emotion: "Mr. Yan Ge, have you forgotten? When you celebrated your birthday, you hosted many guests at a banquet. At that time, I was just a historian of the Hanlin Academy. I was also invited to the banquet.”

"Because of your tall stature, when you entered the banquet hall, many people stood on tiptoes and stretched their necks to catch a glimpse of you, the chief minister. This reminded me of what Han Yu described in his cockfighting poem." The big chicken comes proudly, and the little chicken is waiting.”

"The more I thought about it, the more funny it became, so I laughed strangely, which attracted the attention of Mr. Yange."

"After I explained the reason in front of you, all the guests laughed. Afterwards, not only did you not blame me at all, but you promoted me."

After listening to Gao Gong's narration, Yan Song also recalled the incident and sighed to himself: "It turned out to be this incident. It has been so long. Time is not forgiving!"

Afterwards, Yan Song and Gao Gong chatted for a while, and the atmosphere in the study became visibly harmonious.

Then, seeing that it was getting late, Gao Gong stood up from his seat, cupped his hands, and bid farewell to Yan Song.

"Mr. Yan Ge, it's getting late, I'll take my leave now!"

"Ah."

Hearing this, Yan Song looked Gao Gong up and down with his cloudy eyes, then nodded and responded in a subtle way.

Just when Gao Gong was about to leave, he heard Yan Song's voice from behind: "Qing Su, serving the imperial court has merits and demerits that no one can judge. Now that you have decided on a path, then go on firmly! "

Hearing this, Gao Gong suddenly stopped, turned around and looked in the direction of Yan Song, and said in a deep voice: "Thank you, Mr. Yan Ge!"

After that, Gao Gonggong left the study without looking back.

……

In the blink of an eye, a month passed.

After three concessions, the emperor finally agreed to Yan Song's request to beg for his remains, and this also announced the end of an era.

On the other hand, after Yan Song became official, Gao Gong also took a step further and became the new chief minister of the Ming Dynasty's cabinet.

Now Gao Gong is not only the chief minister of the cabinet, but also holds many important positions such as the minister of household affairs and the minister of maritime trade. In addition, Zhang Juzheng has also become the second minister of the cabinet.

Yan Song's resignation made many members of the Yan Party deeply uneasy. They were very afraid that Gao Gong, who succeeded Yan Song as the chief minister of the cabinet, would launch a ruthless liquidation of them.

But a month passed, and there was still no big movement on Gao Gong's side. Instead, everything was business as usual, which gradually made them feel at ease.

Today, there are only five people left in the cabinet, namely the first assistant Gao Gong, the second assistant Zhang Juzheng, the group assistants Hu Zongxian, Yan Shifan, and Li Chunfang who just joined the cabinet.

After some training, Li Chunfang became more and more comfortable in handling memorials.

Evening, Forbidden City, Cabinet.

Although it was already time to go off duty, everyone in the cabinet had no intention of leaving. At this time, they were sitting together with serious expressions, discussing the next plan.

"Right now, the situation in the DPRK has stabilized. In my opinion, it's time to formally put reform on the agenda. What do you think?"

After Gao Gong finished speaking, he looked around and waited quietly for everyone's response.

When Gao Gong finished speaking, Zhang Juzheng stood up. After pondering for a moment, he clearly stated his attitude: "Well, I also think it's time."

Seeing that the first and second assistants have expressed their attitudes one after another, the rest of the people naturally do whatever they want.

After all, before this, everyone had reached a consensus to start implementing reforms and get rid of bad policies.

After Yan Shifan thought about it for a moment, he looked in the direction of Gao Gong and said in a deep voice: "Mr. Gao Ge, I have repeatedly confirmed that the examination method previously implemented on the clan and nobles is feasible."

"Just make a few changes and establish the assessment indicators, and it can be applied to officials!"

Hearing Yan Shifan's words, Gao Gong nodded, then looked in the direction of Hu Zongxian and gave instructions: "Mr. Hu Ge, next it is up to your staff to formulate the assessment indicators for the legal examination!"

When Hu Zongxian heard this, he immediately lowered his head and responded in a deep voice: "Yes, Mr. Gaoge!"

"Okay, it's getting late, let's get here first today!"

"Yes, Mr. Gao Ge!"

……

Night falls, the Forbidden City, Qianqing Palace.

At this time, Jiajing was sitting cross-legged on the futon, his eyes seeming to be closed. Next to Jiajing, there were five purple thunder talismans that had been drawn previously floating for protection.

On those five purple thunder talismans, bits of silver-white thunder emerged from time to time, making a 'ZilaZila' sound.

If there are immortal cultivators present, it can be seen that Jiajing has now entered a transcendent realm.

Since sensing the opportunity for a breakthrough, Jiajing has been making relevant preparations.

Today, Jiajing had an inexplicable premonition that it was time to break through the foundation building.

A purple mana rose up and enveloped Jiajing, and Jiajing's aura gradually became terrifying.

Perhaps sensing the resonance of the magic power, the spirit gathering array covering the entire Qianqing Palace automatically operated, gathering all the spiritual energy within a hundred miles into the Qianqing Palace.

As the spiritual energy gradually became abundant, Jiajing also began to absorb the escaped spiritual energy.

The spiritual energy absorbed by Jiajing circulated through the meridians in Jiajing's body for a week, and then rushed towards the cyclone in the Dantian.

During this process, the spiritual energy originally stored in the Dantian is constantly being compressed and solidified.

Jiajing's overall momentum was also rising rapidly.

Gradually, Jiajing felt the shackles. Unlike what he had expected before, Jiajing broke through the shackles very easily.

After Jiajing broke through the shackles and successfully entered the foundation-building stage, he reacted belatedly.

After the state stabilized, Jiajing immediately sensed his own condition.

At this time, the cyclone in Dantian was dozens of times stronger than before, and the spiritual energy inside turned into something like spiritual liquid.

From the limbs and bones, there is an inexhaustible power. At this time, Jiajing can move mountains and seas with just a thought.

After exiting the cultivation state, Jiajing's face was full of joy and he said loudly: "Hahaha, I'm done, I'm done!"

Then, Jiajing's mind moved, and almost instantly, Jiajing appeared in mid-air.

Perhaps sensing the threat, large dark clouds began to accumulate in the sky, and silver-white thunder loomed in the dark clouds.

Jiajing didn't care about this and just silently released his momentum.

After a while, the accumulated dark clouds instantly dissipated, and the sky became clear and bright again. The moon was hazy, casting gentle silver light onto the ground.

The blue-gray Taoist robe Jiajing was wearing automatically made a "hunting" sound in the absence of wind.

At this moment, a group of forbidden troops happened to pass by.

One of the Imperial Guards accidentally saw Jiajing suspended in mid-air. He quickly stopped his companions, pointed to the mid-air, and said with a surprised look on his face: "Look, is there someone in the sky?"

The companion who was stopped subconsciously looked in the direction pointed by the forbidden soldier.

At this time, the sky was empty, there was nothing.

Then, he looked back, shook his head, and said helplessly: "There is no one in the sky. You must have seen it wrong. Come on, we have to continue patrolling!"

On the other side, the high-arched mansion is located in the capital.

Even though it was getting very late, Gao Gong was still not feeling sleepy at this time.

He was sitting behind the writing desk, using a brush dipped in ink to write the memorial he was about to submit to the emperor.

"Nowadays, the sea is peaceful and peaceful, the four directions are stable, the southern Japanese have been wiped out, and the northern Tatars have become vassals. However, there are tens of thousands of people who enjoy their position in vain, and there are more than a few hundred who live on their salary in vain."

"What I worry about is that there are fierce discussions about things, waste and arrogance. What I worry about is that all the food and salary are exhausted, and the national treasury is difficult to replenish. Nowadays, the trend of wealthy gentry from aristocratic families annexing land is becoming more and more popular. The people no longer have a place to stand, and the soldiers in the guard are often enslaved and suffer. Unspeakable.”

"Since I was appointed to serve, I have been unable to sleep and eat well, and have trouble sleeping and staying up late at night. In this crisis, it is appropriate to innovate the old system and make reforms to strengthen ourselves. Those who are effective but unable to do so will have their salary and salary removed. Those who are unable to do so will be removed from their official positions."

"Although I am old and decayed, I am only willing to devote myself to death and die."

"I sincerely bow down to the Holy Spirit and listen, then worship again."

When the last word fell, Gao Gong breathed a sigh of relief. Then he checked it carefully from beginning to end. After confirming that it was correct, he put the brush aside.

At this moment, there was a slight knock on the door, and then Gao Gong's wife Zhang entered the study.

"Husband, it's getting late, go and rest!"

"Ah."

After answering, Gao Gong stood up from his seat, blew out the candle on the table, and walked out of the study. (End of chapter)