The days when I ransacked the house in Jinyiwei

Chapter 158 Liu Jin, I will transfer you to Kunning Palace to serve the prince ([-] words)
Liu Ji is gone.The cabinet cannot live without the chief minister.

Now there are two dear friends left in the cabinet.One is the second assistant Liu Jian.History books comment on the "Liu Gong" in "Li Gongmou, Liu Gongduan, Xie Gongyou Kankan".

The other is Xu Pu, a cabinet member.

Xu Pu was 64 years old at the time.The ancestral home is Fengyang, the central capital, and he is a fellow villager with the great grandfather.

He was a child prodigy since childhood.In the fifth year of Jingtai, at the age of 26, he was No. 2 in the palace examination and entered the Hanlin Academy.

Thirty-eight years ago, he was already a well-known young talent in the imperial court.

Like Liu Jian, he served as the teacher of Hongzhi Emperor Longqian's East Palace.During the Chenghua period, he participated in the protection of the reserve and was a minister of the dragon.

Emperor Hongzhi planned to break the cabinet's rule of "retiring first and promoting later", instead of promoting Liu Jian as the second assistant, he promoted Xu Pu as the first assistant of the cabinet instead.

In the first six years of Emperor Hongzhi's reign.The first assistant is Liu Ji, a puppet stand-in.

Emperor Hongzhi implemented a strategy of delegating power to the six ministries and weakening the power of the cabinet.

Now that Liu Ji is gone, Emperor Hongzhi's imperial policy should also be adjusted in due course.He intends to gradually transfer power to the cabinet.

The power of the emperor has changed in thousands of ways, and it has been the same for the Ming emperors of all dynasties.

In this way, the position of the chief assistant of the cabinet is extremely important.

Even if Xu Pu was the teacher who knew the root and bottom of Emperor Hongzhi, he must be cautious.

In the words of later generations, Emperor Hongzhi planned to conduct another background investigation on Xu Pu.

This important task naturally fell on the shoulders of Jin Yiwei Chang Ye.

Inside the main hall of Qianqing Palace.

Chang Feng knelt down in front of Emperor Hongzhi.

Emperor Hongzhi went straight to the point: "Check Mr. Xu's private files. I am going to entrust him with important tasks."

Both Xu Pu and Liu Jian were teachers of Emperor Hongzhi.Emperor Hongzhi called the courtiers who were close to each other "Xu Qing", and the two of them "Sir".

Chang Feng said: "Yes, Your Majesty."

Emperor Hongzhi said: "This matter has a lot to do with it, you have to take care of it."

Chang Feng cupped his hands: "I understand."

Jin Yiwei's private file is a good thing.

For example, a person is in the top ten of the first or second best high school in the gold list.The ranking is high and the future is boundless.Jin Yiwei began to build private files for them when they were officials in the Imperial Academy.

This private file will follow them for a lifetime.Until they returned to their hometowns in their seventies and eighties.

Chang Feng called Fatty Xu and came to the gate of the stall.

Fatty Xu asked: "Whose private files do you want to check today?"

Chang Feng replied: "Check the old Xu Ge in the cabinet."

Fatty Xu was surprised: "The emperor wants to punish Xu Pu? No way, Xu Pu is the emperor's teacher!"

Chang Feng shook his head slightly: "It's wrong, the emperor wants to use Xu Pu again, that's why he asked me to check the private files."

The two entered the stall.Investigated Xu Pu's private files.

To be honest, Xu Pu is not a saint.Wrong things have been done, and bad things have been done.

How can a person be flawless with 38 years of ups and downs in his official career, from the Qipin Hanlin editor to the cabinet member?Many things are unavoidable.

Chang Feng read an anecdote about Xu Pu in his private files.

It is said that after Xu Puzhong raised people, I followed the example of the ancients and examined myself three times a day.

He got two bottles.For every bad thing you do, throw a black bean into the bottle.

Every time you do a good deed, throw a soybean into the bottle.

At the very beginning, soybeans far outnumbered black beans.Black beans are a rarity, which means that he has done very few bad things.

With the title of the gold list, enter the officialdom.The number of black beans gradually increased.

In the 15th year of Chenghua, when the official worshiped the right servant of the Ministry of Rites, the number of black beans had far exceeded that of soybeans.

At that time, Wang Zhi, Shang Ming, Wan An and other treacherous eunuchs took turns in power.He can only protect the prince by protecting himself first, and he has done a lot of ignorant things for this.

Until the 23rd year of Chenghua, the Concubine Party fell and Emperor Hongzhi ascended the throne.There are fewer and fewer black beans in his bottle, and more and more soybeans.

This year, black beans in bottles have become a rarity again.It shows that the sage king is in court and the virtuous minister is in power, so he no longer needs to do bad things without conscience.

This is the allusion of Xu Pu's "reserve beans and discipline himself".

The next day, Chang Feng came to Qianqing Palace again to report Xu Pu's private files to Emperor Hongzhi.

At the moment when he stepped into the threshold of the Qianqing Palace, from a certain point of view, Chang Feng decided who belonged to the chief assistant of the cabinet.

Xu Pu's character, personal morality, and official reputation are all based on what Chang Feng said.

If Chang Fengruo's mouth is crooked, Xu Pu will never be able to sit in the chair of the chief minister of the cabinet.

It can be seen from this that Chang Feng's job is only from the fourth rank, but he has monstrous power.The emperor's favor is the greatest authority!

After entering the main hall, Emperor Hongzhi asked eagerly: "How is Xu Pu's character, personal virtue, and official reputation?"

Chang Feng didn't directly say "good" or "bad".

After gaining power for several years, Chang Feng has become more and more thieves.

He never took the initiative to evaluate whether a minister was good or bad in front of the emperor.Instead, present the facts and try to let the emperor himself judge.

Chang Feng reported the anecdote about Xu Pu's soybeans and black beans to Emperor Hongzhi.

Emperor Hongzhi was thoughtful, and then smiled slyly: "During the Chenghua Dynasty, Xu Pu's black beans far exceeded those of soybeans, which shows that he has done a lot of bad things."

"Such a person is not qualified to be the chief assistant, are you right Chang Feng?"

Emperor Hongzhi was forcing Chang Feng to clarify his point of view.At the same time, I am also testing the general wind.

Chang Feng said sternly: "My Majesty. Things can't be done but look at the appearance. On the appearance, the black beans show that Xu Pu has done a lot of bad things."

"But the essence is that Xu Pu endured the humiliation and tried his best to protect himself in adversity. At the same time, he also saved the prince of Longqian East Palace."

"If you let the minister evaluate Xu Pu, four words are enough."

Emperor Hongzhi became interested: "Oh? Which four words?"

Chang Feng replied in a loud voice: "No loss for a big festival!"

Hongzhi Emperor Longyan Dayue: "Well said! Chang Feng, you are indeed a talent I value. You can see the essence of a person by looking at the appearance."

"Oh, it's a pity! You didn't get a tribute in the last exam. If you have a Jinshi achievement, I will let you go to the Ministry of Officials to be a doctor."

Chang Feng kowtowed: "The emperor has a great reputation."

At the moment when Chang Feng uttered the words "No loss in a big festival", Emperor Hongzhi expressed his appreciation.It is certain that Xu Pu will become the chief minister of the Ming cabinet, an extremely human minister!

This has always been the case in officialdom from ancient times to the present. At the critical moment of promotion, key people need to speak key words.

Emperor Hongzhi said: "Chang Feng, you will continue to take the test next year. For a person like you, staying in the yamen of Jin Yiwei, which is not popular in the court, is really a waste of talent!"

No matter how powerful Jin Yiwei was, he was only a vassal of Emperor Hongzhi's domestic slaves and eunuchs of Dongchang.Therefore, Emperor Hongzhi said that Jinyiwei "cannot be on the stage".

Chang Feng kowtowed: "I must keep the emperor's teachings in mind. While doing good errands, I should take care of my studies and study hard. I will live up to the emperor's high expectations."

Emperor Hongzhi smiled and said, "Yes. I like you very much. Go down."

According to historical records: In the fifth year of Hongzhi, Ge Kui Liu Ji became an official, and Xu Pu took over.

There is still half a year to go until next year's Spring Competition.

With the encouragement of Emperor Hongzhi, Chang Feng worked as an errand in Beizhen Fusi during the day.When I got home at night, I had to study hard with my head hanging from the beam.

In his prime of life, he even let Liu Xiaoyan and Mrs. Ninth move into the same bedroom.

Since ancient times, wives and concubines have different rooms.Wives and concubines share the same room, if the husband and the husband "there must be my teacher when three people walk together", it is very unlucky.

Chang Feng belonged to consciously resisting bad temptations and devoted himself to learning.

In addition to studying hard, he would invite his friend Zhang Cai to come to discuss knowledge when he is fine.

Jin Yiwei has always had the reputation of being a "house slave".Most civil servants disdain to have a personal relationship with him.

But Zhang Cai is different.He is a typical social favorite.Not only have a harmonious relationship with civilian superiors, colleagues, and subordinates.He also got along very happily with the eunuch and Jin Yiwei.

In the evening of that day, Zhang Cai didn't go home from work, so he came directly to Changfu.

Chang Feng recently wrote two stereotyped essays for the exam, and the two made an appointment to let Zhang Cai judge them tonight and discuss the scriptures at the same time.

As soon as Zhang Cai entered, Chang Feng was very surprised.

I saw that Zhang Cai was wearing a white pheasant green robe.This is the color of the fifth-rank civil official uniform.

Chang Feng asked: "Brother Zhang, you won't be promoted again, are you?"

Zhang Cai nodded slightly: "I'm ashamed. I just hung up the sign today, and I was promoted to be a member of the examination department of the Ministry of Officials."

Zhang Cai's promotion speed is no less than that of Chang Feng!

Only two and a half years ago, he was just a Jinshi who observed politics from the Ministry of Officials.Promoted to the master for three months.A year and a half later he was promoted to Yuanwailang.Now he has been promoted to a doctor.

In two and a half years, he achieved a triple jump in the official department!
Moreover, because of his great power, the doctor of the second division of Kaogong and Wenxuan of the Ministry of Officials is also known as the "Little Minister".

Before that, Zhang Cai was the director and Yuanwailang in the Wenxuan Department.

Now his new position is Kao Gong Division, second only to Wenxuan Division.It belongs to the second most powerful department in the sixteen departments of the two capitals.

The merit examination department is in charge of the performance assessment of civil servants all over the world.This department can be described by a couplet from later generations.

The first couplet is: "If you say you can do it, you can do it. If you can't, you can do it."

The second line is: "If you say no, you can't do it, and you can't do it."

Hengpi: Not convinced!
Zhang Cai was able to achieve an almost exceedingly fast promotion speed because he had two strengths.

One, look good.He is a well-known handsome man in the official circles of the capital.

Second, be good at communication.No matter who it is, as long as you get in touch with him, you can become a good friend who can talk about everything.

When the boss, colleagues, and subordinates mentioned him, no one would give him a thumbs up.If such a person is not promoted quickly, he will see the devil.

Chang Feng cupped his hands: "Brother Zhang, congratulations! I guess that if you go down, you will be promoted to a local magistrate. Then you will be transferred back to Beijing for reuse."

"I'm afraid it will only be ten years before you become an official of the Six Departments of the Eight Classics!"

Zhang Cai said with a smile: "Then I will borrow a good word from Brother Chang Nian!"

Those who flatter Chang Feng all call Chang Feng "Master Chang".Zhang Cai has always called Chang Feng "Brother Chang Nian".

Chang Feng felt close instead.And the word "Brother Nian" means that Chang Feng is not only a murderous butcher in Jinyiwei, but also a scholar.

Chang Feng took two stereotyped essays, and Zhang Cai came to discuss knowledge under the maple tree in the front yard.

In the evening of early autumn, the maple leaves are golden and the sun is setting.The two sat opposite each other to study knowledge, just like the friendship between Ziqi and Boya.

Things are impermanent.As time goes by, Ziqi and Boya may also become Fu Bi and Han Qi.

At this moment, Liu Jin led a bitch into the front yard.

Chang Feng quickly introduced: "Brother Zhang, this is Liu Jin, the ambassador of the Bell and Drum Division."

"Eunuch Liu, this is Mr. Zhang Caizhang, the new doctor of the Ministry of Officials' Kaogong Division."

From a certain point of view, Liu Jin is a regular person.When he saw Chang Feng, he respectfully called him "Little Uncle".

In the light of Chang Feng, the supervisor of ceremonies took a look at Liu Jingao with Bingbi Qian Neng.He was promoted from deputy to ambassador this year.

Ambassadors are the fourth class of eunuchs.Going up further, there are third-class eunuchs, second-class young eunuchs, and first-class eunuchs.

Liu Jin hurriedly exchanged greetings: "Ah, it turns out to be Mr. Zhang, I have admired him for a long time!"

Zhang Cai said politely: "So it's Mr. Liu, I'm sorry and disrespectful."

This was the first meeting between Emperor Zhengde and his first confidant civil servant.

It is also the beginning of an alliance between two dangerous enemies Chang Feng encountered in his life.

Chang Feng pointed to the bitch in Liu Jin's hand: "Nephew, this is?"

At first, Chang Feng always called Liu Jin "Eunuch Liu".

Later, I got used to it and called this man who was 16 years older than him a "virtuous nephew".

After all, Chang Feng single-handedly secured Liu Jin's current official position for him.What's wrong with calling him a "virtuous nephew"?
Liu Jin smiled and said, "Little Aunt Tangtang said last time that Huzi may die soon, and she wants to leave a queen for Huzi."

"I took advantage of today's rest and traveled to six dog markets before I found this young pure-blood mother Laizhou Hong."

"No, hurry up and bring it here to match the dog. Oh, look what I said in front of the two great scholars. It's spreading!"

Liu Jin treats Chang Tian sincerely.

Eunuchs have no children.Just as Huai En regarded young Chang Tian as his granddaughter.Liu Jin regards Chang Tian as her daughter deep in her heart.

Chang Tian said what she wanted to eat and play, as long as Liu Jin knew, she would get it for her even if she drilled a hole in the mountain.

Chang Feng laughed and said, "Tang Tang is fishing with Zhuang Zhuang by the small pond in the backyard. Hu Zi is also over there. You can go there."

Liu Jin led Laizhou Hong away.

Chang Feng chatted with Zhang Cai until it was time to hold the lantern.The two had dinner casually, and discussed articles for another hour and a half.It was not until the bright moon was in the sky that Zhang Cai bid farewell and left.

Chang Feng was about to blow out the lamp in the study, ready to go back to the bedroom to sleep.

Liu Jin walked in.

Chang Feng asked: "Why hasn't my nephew left yet? Has the dog matched?"

Liu Jin half-jokingly said: "I deserve it, I deserve it. I, an incomplete person, am really envious! Asking the king how much trouble you have, it's like an eunuch watching a dog match."

Chang Feng couldn't help laughing: "You really like to laugh."

Then Chang Feng restrained his smile: "Haven't left so late, did you have business to find me?"

Liu Jin knelt down to Chang Feng with a "thud": "Little uncle, my nephew is asking for something from you. I just saw that you and Mr. Zhang are obsessed with learning, so I didn't dare to disturb you."

Chang Feng hurriedly said: "We are our own family. Why is this so? Please get up quickly."

"As long as it is within my ability to help, I will definitely help."

There is always a prerequisite for Chang Feng to help others, that is, "within the scope of ability".

Liu Jin said: "At the Kunning Palace, we are selecting suitable servants for the prince. I want to ask my little uncle to transfer me to the Kunning Palace."

Official servant, to put it bluntly, is in charge of wiping the little prince's ass after shitting.

Chang Feng was stunned: "There is no rank for a servant. You are now a fifth-rank ambassador. Wouldn't it be an overkill to serve the prince in Kunning Palace?"

Liu Jin is an excellent political speculator.Know when to bet big.

Although today's crown prince is only one year old, sooner or later he will become the emperor of Ming Dynasty!

It's time to put all my bets on the prince!
Even if I give up the bell and drum department I just took over and start from the beginning with the job of wiping my ass, I will not hesitate!

Liu Jin said: "Little uncle. The crown prince is the crown prince, and it is definitely not a trivial matter to serve the crown prince well. I want to do my part for the crown prince's healthy growth!"

Chang Feng said with a smile: "Inspectors of Kunning Palace can't be controlled by the Supervisor of Rituals. Especially all matters concerning the prince, big or small, need to be nodded by the empress."

"Your little aunt has a very good personal relationship with the empress. When your little aunt enters the palace, just let her help you speak well in front of the empress."

Liu Jin was overjoyed and rubbed her hands excitedly: "This, this, I'm going to trouble my little uncle and aunt again."

But Chang Feng said: "There is no trouble. I want you to be a servant. It's not a sign of being the steward of Kunning Palace."

"Speaking of which, if you want to be the steward of Kunning Palace, Eunuch Li Guang will not give up your position, haha."

Humans make mistakes.Chang Feng made many mistakes in his life.

In the autumn of the fifth year of Hongzhi, helping Liu Jin transfer to Kunning Palace to serve the prince Chu Gong was one of the three biggest mistakes he made in his life.

It took him five years to make up for this mistake.

Liu Jin is very grateful: "I can have today, thanks to the support of the Chang family!"

Chang Feng laughed and said, "Didn't Taoist Zhang tell your fortune. It's Tangtang's luck that makes you prosperous."

Speaking of Chang Tian, ​​Liu Jin suddenly revealed his true feelings: "Oh, my little aunt is growing up so fast. In the blink of an eye, she will be 13 years old. She has reached the age of engagement."

"I don't know which bastard will be cheaper. I don't know how many lifetimes of virtue that bastard has accumulated."

Chang was in the limelight: "Don't mention it. I told Tangtang about this a few days ago. Tangtang immediately became angry and almost flipped the table."

"I also have a headache about this. You say find an ordinary family, I always feel that Tangtang is humiliated."

"Choose a family of officials and eunuchs. I am also afraid that they will look at me to be favored in front of the emperor, and intend to cling to me through marriage."

Liu Jin reminded him: "Little uncle, for a man, he can divorce if he takes a bad wife. He can also take a concubine."

"For a girl's family, marriage is a lifelong event, and there is no room for reversal. You must be cautious."

Chang Feng agreed with Liu Jin's words: "You are so right. So, don't worry about the engagement. I have to slowly find a good husband for Tangtang."

"Actually, the most important thing is Tangtang likes it."

Let's say that Zhang Cai left the Changfu just now.

Zhang Cai looked back at the bronzing plaque inscribed by Ma Wensheng's relatives.

He thought to himself: I met a father-in-law from the Inner Palace in Changfu today.If you find a chance, you have to have a drink with this father-in-law and socialize a lot.

Zhang Caiqin didn't go to Chang's mansion to discuss any knowledge with Chang Feng.

Although Chang Feng has talent and learning, he is always a low-level juren.

Zhang Cai wants to explore knowledge, wouldn't it be good to find a great talent from the Imperial Academy?

Zhang Cai looked at the people in Chang's mansion in all directions.Especially with the palace relationship.

He went to Changfu when he had nothing to do, paving the way for his future official career.

Zhang Cai is a guy who has no profit and no early childhood.Everything you do is, in the final analysis, paving the way for your official career.

His method of gaining promotion is very clever.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have become the doctor of the kaogongsi in less than three years.

This is how the contacts between friends in the officialdom are, and they all have a purpose.

Zhang Cai got into the official sedan chair, and returned home full of ambition.

In the words of later generations, Zhang Cai is an exquisite egoist.

Such a person, sooner or later, will do great evil one day.

(End of this chapter)