The days when I ransacked the house in Jinyiwei
Chapter 260 Changfeng Tianxiu, Xiuma
Chapter 260 Changfeng Tianxiu, Xiuma (a big chapter with ten thousand words)
Liu Jian, Li Dongyang, and Xie Qian came to the main hall of Qianqing Palace.
The three gentlemen saw Emperor Zhengde's face full of anger. Chang Feng, Chen Qing and a seventh-rank official whose name they did not know fell to their knees (Xu Chen).They thought Chang Feng had sued Chen Qing for his treachery.
Chen Qing was recommended by the three gentlemen, so they were naturally determined to protect him.
Liu Jian put on the posture of a teacher: "Your Majesty, a gentleman should control his anger. You need to know that if you are not angry when you are very angry, you can nourish your mind if you are happy or not; if you do not associate with the vulgar world, if you do not join the evil party, you can establish yourself; if you do not fight for small gains, you can maintain your integrity. If you don't express your anger, you can go along with the crowd."
Xie Qian said: "The first assistant is really good advice. The emperor should listen to it, accept it, and remember it."
Li Dongyang remained silent.After Emperor Zhengde ascended the throne, he began to consciously stop using his husband's tone to lecture Emperor Zhengde.
Compared with Liu Jian and Xie Qian, Li Dongyang is much more measured.
Emperor Zhengde was thanked by Liu and laughed: "Ha. What you two gentlemen said is so good!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Emperor Zhengde threw the memorial jointly signed by Chen, Chang, and Xu to the ground.
Liu Jian frowned: "Your Majesty, if you want me to read the memorial and draft my opinions, you should let the eunuchs pass it on. A gentleman will not eat what he has grumbled upon, and a wise minister will not pick up and throw away the memorial."
Xie Qian sang with Liu Jian: "Your Majesty, respecting virtuous ministers is what a virtuous king does. You should learn from the late emperor and be a virtuous king who respects teachers and respects morality, and respects virtuous and shun traitors."
Emperor Zhengde stopped smiling: "Okay, okay! You two gentlemen are wise ministers! They are gentlemen! They are famous teachers! I ask you one thing, how much silver does the Taicang treasury have?"
Liu Jian was stunned: "Well, this. The treasury's accumulated silver account is 880 million taels. Such a large amount of silver is exactly the contribution of the late emperor's close and virtuous minister Yuan Xiaoren to create a prosperous age."
Chang Feng couldn't help it.He said: "May I ask the chief assistant, the book has 880 million taels, but what is the reality?"
Liu Jian glared at Chang Feng: "The emperor and the auxiliary ministers are discussing the national financial plan, and the royal family servants are not worthy to interrupt."
Emperor Zhengde said: "Mr. Liu, Chang Feng is not worthy of asking you. Am I worthy? His problem is my problem. Tell me, how much money does the national treasury actually have?"
Liu Jian hesitated: "Oh, this. Since the founding of the country by Grandfather Taizu, the treasury of all dynasties has been in deficit. It is common for the book silver deposits to differ from the actual silver deposits."
"This is like how ordinary people live their lives. If there is a good year and a good harvest, it will not matter if we eat more stored grain."
As Liu Jian spoke, he guessed that Chang Feng should have learned about the deficit of 600 million taels in the national treasury.Reported Chen Qing's treachery in front of the emperor.After all, the Taicang treasury was under the jurisdiction of Chen Qing.If this matter can't be dealt with, the only choice is to abandon the car to save the commander-in-chief and let Chen Qing take the blame.
He thought wrong.It was not Chang Feng but Chen Qing who took the lead in exposing the huge deficit in the treasury.Chang Feng only helped Chen Qing by playing a side role.
Emperor Zhengde rubbed the copper coin that Liu Jin had just picked up from the dragon case: "What the chief assistant said is really good. If you say it, you won't say it. I just want to know the actual amount of silver in Taicang's treasury."
"Don't say you don't know. If you don't know, I can go to the Taicang inventory myself!"
Liu Jiandao: "This, this. Chen Qing is the governor of Cangchang and is in charge of Taicang. He should report the figures to the emperor."
Emperor Zhengde said angrily: "I'm asking you! I don't believe it. The chief minister of the imperial court and Tuogu auxiliary council don't know the actual amount of silver accumulated in the national treasury."
Liu Jian can no longer avoid the issue by talking high-sounding nonsense.
He whispered: "Your Majesty, the silver accumulated in Taicang is about 320 million taels."
Emperor Zhengde asked: "Where is the shortfall of 560 million taels? Did it grow wings and fly? Was it stuffed into the valley by the soldiers and stolen? Or was it stolen by some bold official or department official in the Ministry of Revenue?"
Liu Jian remained silent.
Emperor Zhengde sneered: "Oh, I'm sorry to say it, Chief Minister. Let me tell you! Since the late emperor ascended the throne, all the money spent on running banquets in various government offices in Beijing has been diverted from the national treasury."
"In the early years of Hongzhi, the treasury income was low. Officials had less to eat and drink. As the prosperous times came, the treasury income gradually increased, and officials became less and less able to control themselves, and the banquets became more and more grand."
"The late emperor reigned for 18 years. On average, the capital government diverted nearly 30 taels from the treasury every year. No one was there to make up for the money. Over time, the deficit accumulated to 560 million taels!"
Liu Jian and Xie Qian said nothing.
Li Dongyang said: "Your Majesty, in fact, these more than 500 million taels of silver are not only used for food, drinks and banquets. Officials travel in a grand manner and need to change into more refined official sedans. The money is appropriated from the national treasury."
"Another example is when a high-ranking official gets promoted. Officials who have made good friends not only send congratulatory gifts in their personal name, but also send a 'public congratulation' in the name of the government."
"Even the affairs between yamen and yamen need money to smooth things over."
"This money will be misappropriated from the national property under various names."
"This is a big bad rule in the officialdom of the Ming Dynasty, which directly leads to empty money. Unfortunately, this matter involves almost all the officials in the capital. Therefore, everyone knows about the serious disadvantages, but no one speaks out."
Li Dongyang did not defend his shortcomings, but told the truth.
Emperor Zhengde said: "That's it! When the late emperor came back to the throne, civil servants in Beijing frequently signed memorials. Why did the late emperor stop building temples and Taoist temples? Why did he ask the royal family not to build gardens?"
"My father built a few Taoist temples and gardens, and it only cost him one hundred and eighty thousand taels of silver. All he used was the silver from the inner treasury."
"Where are these civil servants who keep advocating frugality? They misappropriated more than 500 million of the two countries' money for food, drinks, banquets and social ostentation!"
At this point, Emperor Zhengde ordered Liu Jin: "Go, pick up the memorial and give it to the auxiliaries for circulation."
Liu Jin picked up the memorial and handed it to Liu Jian.
After Liu Jian saw it, an unknown fire suddenly surged in his heart.
The signatures of this memorial are actually Chen Qing, Chang Feng and Qipin Xu Chen?
The person who reported the deficit was actually someone promoted by the cabinet?
Isn't this a typical case of cheating and colluding with the factory guards?
But Liu Jian was unreasonable about this matter and it was difficult for him to get angry.
Liu Jian passed the memorial to Xie Qian and Li Dongyang.
Xie Qian changed the subject: "In fact, the civil servants in Beijing use some state funds for social entertainment, which shows that each government office does not have a private treasury. Unlike the Jinyiwei's private treasury, which is said to be the largest in the Shangbei Zhili vassal treasury."
"Officials are the face of the court. If officials are shabby in socializing and entertaining, won't it bring shame on the court? How can the Ming Dynasty talk about its prosperity?"
"For the sake of the court's face, it doesn't hurt to spend a mere 30 taels of silver every year."
Chang Feng responded tit-for-tat: "Mr.
"The national treasury's annual deficit of 30 taels is not an anthill, but a bottomless giant hole!"
"Also, you said that Jin Yiwei has a private treasury. Since the ninth year of Hongzhi, have the Cabinet and the Ministry of Household Affairs checked Jin Yiwei's accounts once or twice? Have they ever found any real evidence that Jin Yiwei has a private treasury?"
"You are the auxiliary minister, and you need evidence to accuse the emperor of being pro-military!"
Chang Feng took the words of Xie Qian's memorial and slapped Xie Qian in the face.Lao Xie was speechless by his rebuke.
Emperor Zhengde flicked the copper plate with his hand and said: "The [-]% deficit in the national treasury is the fault of the cabinet! Please stop using your eloquent arguments among the three gentlemen!"
Liu, Li, and Xie knelt down and said in unison: "I have a fault."
This time, the three teachers' faces were humiliated at their grandma's house.These three old men used to advise the late emperor to be frugal all day long.Now he spends his days admonishing Emperor Zhengde to be frugal.
However, the civil servants under them used the national funds to show off their extravagance.
When this matter was reported, they wished they could find a crack in the ground and crawl in.
Emperor Zhengde said: "The national treasury is so short that we must find a way to make up for the shortfall."
Emperor Zhengde looked at Chang Feng: "Chang Qing, the late emperor often said when he was in power that you have the talent to manage politics. If you have a double-ranked reputation, the late emperor will definitely let you serve as a minister."
"Tell me, how to make up for the shortfall?"
The chance to show off your abilities in front of the new emperor has arrived!Chang Feng said without thinking: "To make up for the shortfall, it is nothing more than increasing revenue and reducing expenditure."
Emperor Zhengde said: "It's the same as what I saw. Tell me the specific method."
Chang Feng replied: "In terms of expenditure reduction, the emperor should issue an edict to advocate frugality in the Beijing Yamen, cut redundant food, and save unnecessary expenses. From today on, all daily expenses in the Beijing Yamen, such as pen, ink, paper, inkstones, Yamen repairs, etc., will be A budget should be made every year. It should be reviewed by the Ministry of Household Affairs."
"If the budget is too high, the Ministry of Accounts can reject it. If the expenditure is higher than the budget, the Ministry of Accounts will no longer allocate additional funds, and the officials will pay for it out of their own pockets."
"In terms of entertainment and communication, if officials use their own money, the court will allow it. If they use official money, it will be treated as corruption."
"In addition, the Ministry of Personnel will include officials' frugality among the criteria for Beijing inspection and evaluation."
"Officials who are extravagant and extravagant will not only be unable to be promoted, but will also be demoted or dismissed."
Emperor Zhengde said: "Okay! Great idea! What about open source?"
Chang Feng said: "As for the source of income, I believe that the stolen goods should be punished and dismissed from the Ministry. The stolen money and stolen goods confiscated by each government office have always been regarded as their own subsidies by each government office. They are not handed over to the Ministry of Household Affairs."
"In the Ming Dynasty, there were two capitals and thirteen provinces, and the amount of bribery and fines each year was a huge amount. Mr. Xie Ge just said that each government office did not have a private treasury. In fact, the large sum of money in bribery and fines is equivalent to each government office's private treasury."
"If this large sum of money can be handed over to the Ministry of Household Affairs and the National Treasury, then the national treasury will have a large income."
Liu Jian raised objections: "In fact, Emperor Xianzong and Emperor Xiaozong both thought about punishing the bribes and disbanding the ministry. However, there was great resistance. Government offices in various places were violating the plan, making it difficult to implement it. Chang Feng's suggestion was just talk on paper."
Chang Feng said: "It is difficult to implement because the two late emperors were kind and honest and did not seriously care about the civil servants below. Our Jinyiwei can send a robe of a thousand households to each province and prefecture. We will focus on the punishment of stolen goods and the removal of the ministry." thing."
"Any yamen that dares to violate the law and intercept stolen goods privately will be punished, and the Jin Yiwei will take off the official hat of the main hall official of that yamen!"
Chang Feng's suggestion made Emperor Zhengde look at his uncle with admiration: It seems that my uncle is not just a butcher who plays dirty tricks and is full of blood.He has real talent for governing the country!Much wiser than the rotten scholars in the imperial court.
Emperor Zhengde said: "Just follow what Chang Qing said, punish the internal organs and remove them!"
Chang Feng made a good start in the discussion of solving the national treasury deficit.
Chen Qing was not to be outdone: "Your Majesty, regarding Kaiyuan, I have a suggestion to investigate the salt affairs."
"The Daming Saltworks can only be found in Changlu, Shandong, Lianghuai, Liangzhe, Hedong, and Fujian."
"Changlu Salt Farm has been secretly plundered by the emperor's relatives and relatives in recent years. The emperor's relatives and relatives made a fortune, causing the court to lose tens of thousands of salt taxes."
"The Shandong Salt Fields were invaded by the Confucian family of Yan Shenggong of Qufu; the Huaihe and Zhejiang Salt Fields were invaded by the gentry in the south of the Yangtze River; the Hedong Salt Fields were invaded by the local guarding eunuchs and supervisory eunuchs; and the Fujian Salt Fields were invaded by several wealthy merchant families."
"It is feared that [-] to [-] percent of the imperial salt tax was secretly divided up by these people. If the salt affairs can be investigated and the Salt Law corrected, the national treasury will receive huge amounts of revenue every year."
Good guy.Old Chen is firing up the map cannon!
His suggestion was like a giant cannonball fired from a Hongwu iron cannon.The imperial relatives, Yanshenggong, Jiangnan gentry, local town supervisors, and maritime merchants were all bombarded.
All the dignitaries in the court almost offended Lao Chen.
Chen Qing has a simple idea: If it can benefit the people of Li, what if he sacrifices his life for righteousness and has blood like a spring?Offending people is nothing.
Chang Feng admired in his heart: Chen Qing is not afraid of powerful people, speaks out and dares to admonish, he is really righteous!
After Chen Qing finished speaking, Xie Qian's expression changed: "Absolutely not!"
Emperor Zhengde asked: "What's wrong?"
Xie Qian said: "This is a big matter. The problems in the salt affairs are very wide-ranging. The emperor has just ascended the throne, and what the court needs is stability. The overall situation should be the most important thing."
Emperor Zhengde looked at Chang Feng.
Chang Feng understood and argued with Xie Qian on behalf of Emperor Zhengde: "The overall situation is indeed important. However, cleaning up the salt affairs is just for the overall interests of the court."
"Salt affairs are one of the pillars of the imperial court's finances. If we look forward and backward, turn a blind eye, and allow those high-ranking officials, powerful people, and wealthy families to erode the financial pillars."
"An inappropriate analogy. If a pillar in the hall of Mr. Xie Ge's residence is eaten by moths, will you let it go? Aren't you afraid that one day the pillar will be hollowed out and the house will collapse?"
After saying this, Chang Feng suddenly felt that his face felt a little hot. Over the years, many of the errands he had handled were hindered by the four words "the overall situation is the most important". In the end, big things became small and small things disappeared.
Xie Qian was speechless.
Emperor Zhengde ran out of coins in a flash: "I have made up my mind! Send an imperial envoy to inspect the world's salt affairs. He ordered Wang Miaoxin, the commander of Jinyiwei, Zuo Tongzhi, to be the principal imperial envoy for salt inspection, and Chang Ponu, editor of the Hanlin Academy, to be the deputy imperial envoy to inspect the five major salt fields. .”
Chang Feng was stunned.The emperor asked Po Nu to be the deputy imperial envoy of salt patrol?
Chang Feng knew very well that this was a double-edged sword for his son.On the one hand, this year’s new Jinshi is an exception for taking on such an important responsibility.If you do your errands well, you will be promoted when you return to Beijing.
On the other hand, offending people is certain.And those who offended were all the top dignitaries of the Ming Dynasty.
Emperor Zhengde added: "I know that a lot of the salt profits at the Changlu Saltworks have been usurped by my two uncles."
"I will tell them honestly. If they regard their wealth as their lives and are unwilling to return it to the court. Well, then don't ask for their marquis or earldom! I will issue an order to take it away!"
Emperor Zhengde had long disliked his uncles Zhang Heling and Zhang Yanling.
These two gentlemen can be called the moral icons of the family circle, and the things they did are truly despicable.
Let’s not talk about occupying people’s fields, competing for profits with the people, selling private salt, and indulging slaves to cause trouble.
Even the money for Emperor Hongzhi's coffin, they both dared to take ink!
When Emperor Hongzhi was seriously ill, as usual, the Ministry of Rites prepared longevity materials.The two brothers begged Queen Zhang and took the job away from the Ministry of Rites.
The large golden nanmu coffin cost 8000 taels, but they falsely reported it as 8000 taels.
Zhu Houzhao, who was the crown prince at the time, was not deaf, blind or stupid.He had heard about this.
When he learned that the two uncles even dared to put out their hands for the money for his father's coffin, it was true that Cao Pi and his father-in-law were silent, and Zhen Ji's father was speechless.
Out of royal dignity, Zhu Houzhao did not pursue the matter.
Let me digress.How could Zhu Houzhao have imagined that after his death, his two uncles would make a fortune from his nephew's coffin plates?
The Zhang brothers can be called the emperor's coffin board killers.
Closer to home, this time Emperor Zhengde decided not to protect his two uncles.First, take action on your closest relatives and check the Changlu Salt Affairs.
Look, I won't even spare my uncle.You can't cover up your disciples' old ways anymore, can you?
Emperor Zhengde turned to look at Liu Jin: "Liu Jin, the supervisor of the Hedong Saltworks comes from the palace. You have to say hello to them and spit out what they have eaten. Otherwise, I will let their bones disappear!"
Liu Jin cupped his hands and said, "I obey."
Emperor Zhengde looked at the three gentlemen again: "The big gentry families in Huaihe and Zhejiang have always had a good relationship with these three gentlemen. You have to say hello and ask them to cooperate with the imperial envoy on the salt patrol. Otherwise, don't blame the ruthless national law."
"As for the Fujian Saltworks. Mr. Xie, you have deep friendships with several large merchant families in Fujian. Please write to them, please."
The three gentlemen were so embarrassed that they almost dug their feet into the courtyard.They all said in unison: "I obey the order."
Emperor Zhengde said: "In terms of reducing expenditures, Chang Feng proposed advocating frugality, cutting redundant food, and saving unnecessary expenses. In terms of increasing revenue, Chang Feng proposed returning stolen goods to the ministry, and Chen Qing proposed an inventory of salt affairs."
"I should also set an example. In terms of cost-saving, I will reduce Guanglu Temple's expenses by [-]%."
Guanglu Temple was in charge of the emperor's banquets.Emperor Zhengde directly reduced the cost of his banquet by half.
Liu Jian praised: "Your Majesty is truly a wise king."
Emperor Zhengde waved his hand: "Mr. Liu, don't be so anxious to be happy, I will tell you something that will make you unhappy soon!"
"The national treasury's deficit of 560 million taels was caused by the extravagant behavior of Beijing officials. Don't think that the law does not punish everyone. I cannot hold tens of thousands of Beijing officials accountable."
"The edict will be drafted for three years starting from today. Forty percent of the salary of civil servants in Beijing will be discounted with treasure notes! According to the official price!"
Treasure money, but also paper for wiping your butt!
When the Ming Dynasty was founded, Taizu was influenced by cultural limitations and felt that treasure money was a good thing.Print as you like, spend as you like.Print him a hundred thousand coins, which you can never spend in a lifetime.
So he ordered the Ministry of Household Affairs to print and issue large amounts of treasure banknotes.
There is a problem here.
Chinese banknotes began with Jiaozi issued by Sichuan merchants in the Northern Song Dynasty.But Sichuan merchant Yin Jiaozi had reserves, that is, Sichuan iron money.The ratio of Jiaozi to reserves (Sichuan iron money) is roughly 28:[-].
Jiaozi can be exchanged for Sichuan iron money at any time.The currency value is naturally stable.
From the perspective of later generations of finance, reserves are the credit support of banknotes.
Grandpa Taizu believed it arbitrarily.I am the lord of the Ninth Five-Year Plan and the common master of the world.I am the greatest credit.Whatever reserve fund you need, just print it and that’s it!
The excessive issuance of banknotes without reserves will naturally lead to crazy devaluation of banknotes.
Customized in the first year of Hongwu, the treasure banknotes are usually exchanged for one tael of silver, which is the official price.
During the Zhengde period, the official price was still one tael of silver per banknote.The market price is one thousand guan of treasure notes for one tael of silver.
Emperor Zhengde said that using treasure banknotes to offset [-]% of the salaries of civil servants in Beijing at official prices was equivalent to reducing their salaries by [-]%.
Liu Jian is the leader of the civil service group.Naturally, the interests of civil servants must be safeguarded.
But now Emperor Zhengde occupies the word "reason".It was difficult for him to raise objections, so he reluctantly handed it over: "Your Majesty is wise, and I obey your decree."
Li Dongyang said: "I also have a plan to reduce expenditure."
Emperor Zhengde said: "Oh? Mr. Li will tell you."
Li Dongyang said: "I have been communicating with Yang Yiqing, who is in charge of horse administration in Shaanxi. Yang Yiqing once said that raising horses requires pasture. Most of the pastures on the nine sides are occupied by local governors, military envoys and other officials."
"When the imperial court raises horses on pasture, it has to pay privately a huge amount of pasture money to officials of all sizes."
"The grassland belongs to the imperial court. How did it become the private property of Jiubian civil servants?"
"I suggest that the Jiubian Caochang be cleaned up and returned to the imperial court. In this way, the treasury can save one hundred thousand Caochang silver every year." Liu Jian and Xie Qian were unhappy: Li Dongyang, we all know well that Caochang It is the private money of Jiubian civil servants.Jiubian is a place where birds don't shit. Our disciples used to be officials there, so they always have to have some extra income as compensation.
If you make this suggestion to the emperor, isn't it equivalent to attacking the civil servants of Jiubian?
Okay, it seems that you intend to fall towards Chang Feng and the Eight Tigers forces behind him!When the Queen Mother granted a marriage to your daughter and Chang Feng, we became suspicious!Sure enough, you are going to be a traitor!
Taking advantage of the nine-sided civil servants is a sign of your surrender to the Eight Tigers!
At this moment, Liu Jian and Xie Qian became wary of Li Dongyang.
In fact, Liu and Xie thought too much.Li Dongyang made this suggestion out of consideration for the court.Didn't think about anything else at all.
Emperor Zhengde readily agreed to Li Dongyang's suggestion.He said: "I see, nothing is difficult in the world, as long as you are willing to work hard. The deficit of more than 500 million taels in the national treasury seems to be a huge number that cannot be made up."
"However, after I had a deep discussion with all the ministers and each expressed his or her own opinion, wouldn't it be possible to find a way to make up for the shortfall?"
Chen Qing echoed: "Your Majesty, I have made a rough estimate. If the policies to increase revenue and reduce expenditure discussed today are implemented, it will take about five to eight years to make up for the shortfall in the national treasury."
According to historical records: At the beginning of Emperor Wu's accession to the throne, Chen Qing, the Minister of Household Affairs of the Governor's Cangchang, and Xu Chen, the Minister of Military Affairs, pointed out that the warehouse was empty and needed to be considered.He said: The capital treasury has taels of silver. The annual income is 1409 million taels, and the annual expenditure is one million taels.However, the accumulation of Taicang is more than half.In recent years, the income has been eliminated by accumulating debt, which is less than the original amount, and the income has exceeded the constant amount.Today, there is wastage in the sea, and limited wealth is used to provide infinite wealth. If we do not severely punish the extravagance and work to reduce it, how can we turn stinginess into abundance to relieve temporary emergencies?
Wuzong met with all the officials to discuss eight things: advocating frugality, cutting redundant food, cutting redundant expenses, punishing and removing stolen goods, dealing with salt laws, reducing the use of Guanglu Temple, converting banknotes into silver, and cleaning up pastures.
As for why Chang Feng, who signed the petition, was not mentioned in the history books, it must be made up by Rong Hou. Rong Hou explained in detail.
This financial turmoil at the beginning of Emperor Zhengde's accession to the throne disgraced the three assistant ministers.
The huge deficit was incurred during their tenure in the cabinet.It was appropriated by their students, relatives, and close friends.They have an unshirkable responsibility.
They taught the two emperors Hongzhi and Zhengde to be frugal all day long.In the end, the least thrifty people were the civil servants under them.
The late emperor Xiaozong was criticized by them for building temples and Taoist temples.But the little money Xiaozong spent was really nothing compared to the civil servant group.
That night, Chang Mansion.
Chang Feng and his son Chang Ponu were sitting opposite each other in the study, drinking tea.
Chang Feng asked: "Do you know why the emperor appointed you as the deputy imperial envoy to patrol salt?"
Chang Ponu thought for a moment and answered clearly: "First, I was the emperor's companion when he was young. The emperor has great trust in me."
"Secondly, the salt patrol will offend a large number of people. If someone else serves as a deputy imperial envoy, they will definitely be suppressed and retaliated by several powerful groups joining forces afterwards."
"I am different. Liu Jin, the leader of the Eight Tigers, is a close friend of the Chang family. The eunuchs behind the Hedong Saltworks do not dare to retaliate against me."
"I am the future son-in-law of Li Dongyang, the second assistant. The civil servants behind the Huaihe and Zhejiang salt fields do not dare to retaliate against me."
"The Chang family is the savior of the two uncles. The Chang and Zhang families are related by God. The royal family forces behind the Changlu Saltworks do not dare to retaliate against me."
"My sworn brother is You Jingwu. You Jingwu's father, You Tianjue, was the confidant of Fujian Governor Liu Cheng'an during his lifetime. Liu Cheng'an had been in Fujian for more than ten years and was very influential in Fujian. Several wealthy merchant families behind the Fujian Saltworks , because of this relationship, you don’t dare to retaliate against me.”
Chang Feng lamented: "Three days after seeing each other, we have to look at each other with admiration. My son has only been in the officialdom for less than two months, but he can clearly understand the emperor's thoughts and understand the current situation. My son is only 19 years old! It can be said that he has a bright future!"
"However, on the other hand, you have constantly broken ties with the powerful forces behind the five major salt fields. When patrolling the salt field, will you follow the rules and be open-minded?"
Chang Ponu said seriously: "Father, you look down on me too much! Scholars should take it as their own responsibility to support the country and benefit the people. If I protect those powerful people who usurp salt interests, all the books of sages and sages in the past ten years will be read in the dog's belly. !”
Chang Feng smiled and said: "This is the third reason why the emperor made an exception and appointed you as the deputy imperial envoy. Young people who are new to the official career will not be like the old officials in the officialdom, who are hesitant, cunning and conciliatory."
"Cleaning up a sharp and sensitive matter like salt affairs cannot be handled by looking ahead, being cunning, and being muddled."
Chang Ponu said: "Dad, I am still young. I have never thought about this level. You are still cunning, no, you are mature, prudent and thoughtful."
Chang Feng took a sip of tea and said with emotion: "The Emperor knows how to recognize and employ people. He does not look like a 15-year-old young emperor, but clearly looks like a 50-year-old wise king!"
Chang Ponu said: "But there are people in the court who regard the emperor as a child with a yellow mouth!"
Chang Feng said: "Those people are cutting off their official career and seeking death! Just watch, there will be times when they cry in a few months."
At this moment, the servant informed Li Dongyang that he had come to the house.
Chang Feng quickly took Chang Ponu to meet his future father-in-law.
Li Dongyang sat on a chair in the living room, full of resentment.
When he was on duty at the cabinet this afternoon, Liu Jian and Xie Qian made sarcastic remarks and were quite dissatisfied with him.
Xie Qian even said: "Brother Bin married the Chang family, and he will have a big supporter in the future!"
These words made Li Dongyang feel sicker than eating a fly.
Okay, let's talk about Li and Chang's marriage.I want to be a good pair of in-laws with the Chang family.
Not to mention, in the officialdom, one more in-law means one more path.Whether you are angry or jealous, that is your business.
I have nothing to be ashamed of!
In fact, Li Dongyang had already seen through one thing.Liu Jian and Xie Qian wanted to manipulate Emperor Zhengde like a puppet, which was impossible!
They are playing with fire and will burn themselves out sooner or later.
Abandon the ship and survive before it catches fire and sinks.It might not be a wise choice.
Only by abandoning ship and surviving in the officialdom and in the cabinet can we realize our lofty ambitions of benefiting Li people's livelihood.
Chang Feng and his son came to Li Dongyang.
Chang Feng cupped his hands: "Second Assistant."
Chang Ponu cupped his hands and said, "Mr."
Li Dongyang returned the courtesy and said with a smile: "From now on, I will change my name to a father-in-law or a virtuous son-in-law."
The three of them sat down.Li Dongyang said: "The Emperor has given permission and the Queen Mother has granted me a marriage. This is a great grace."
"However, Po Nu's salt patrol errand has to be done from Changlu to Fujian. It takes at least two years to go back and forth."
"This year Po Nu is already nineteen, and my daughter is also sixteen. I'm afraid it's inappropriate to delay the marriage for two years."
Chang Feng said melancholy: "That's right. But we can't get married before Po Nu leaves the capital. The late emperor's funeral lasted only two months, and marriage is prohibited before he leaves the capital for three months."
"If the children of the Second Assistant to the Cabinet and the Commander-in-Chief of Tiqi were to get married within three months of the late emperor's funeral, the impeachment memorials of the imperial censors would probably be filled with cases."
Li Dongyang said: "Yes, it's really sad."
Chang Feng thought for a moment: "Let's do this. Po Nu will leave the capital in three days. In August, he should be in the Shandong Saltworks."
"I sent dozens of robes to escort your daughter to Shandong in August. The marriage was kept simple and they were allowed to get married and consummate their marriage in Shandong."
"The imperial censors and officials are in charge of heaven and earth, but they can't control our family's marriage. Our parents will not be present."
Li Dongyang smiled and said: "What a good idea! My father-in-law is very clever."
Chang Ponu said: "It's just that I'm treating Ping'er badly."
Chang Feng smiled and said: "Look at my dear brother, Quanzi is a good husband who loves his wife very much!"
Li Dongyang smiled and said: "The student turned into a son-in-law, we kissed each other, broke the bones and connected the tendons. I entrust my little girl to Po Nu, I can rest assured."
At this point, Li Dongyang changed the topic: "Po Nu, this time you follow Wang Miaoxin on a salt patrol in Beijing. You must be cautious in everything and at the same time be selfless. Don't take into account the intricate relationships between the various forces."
"If you look forward and backward, you will never be able to get things done."
"The emperor has given you a test question this time. If you answer the question satisfactorily, your future prospects will be limitless. If you fail to hand in a satisfactory answer sheet, the emperor will abandon you like worn out shoes."
"The imperial envoy Wang Miaoxin is a master of Yi Dao and is very thoughtful. He is also an old subordinate of your father. You should discuss everything with Wang Miaoxin more often."
"I am your enlightenment teacher. Before leaving, I will give you a message - as an official, you must always keep the country, the country, and the well-being of the people in your heart."
Chang Ponu stood up and saluted Li Dongyang respectfully: "Master's teachings, Ponu will keep them in mind."
Li Dongyang said: "Okay. You go out and pack your bags. I have a few words to say to your father alone."
After Chang Ponu left, Li Dongyang said: "My dear brother-in-law, I hope you can save one person."
Chang Feng asked: "Who?"
Li Dongyang replied: "Chen Qing."
Chang Feng frowned: "Liu Jian and Xie Qian want to punish Chen Qing?"
Li Dongyang nodded: "The memorial that disgraced the cabinet was led by Chen Qing. His student Xu Chen signed it."
"This afternoon, Liu Jian, in his capacity as the chief minister of the cabinet, rejected the Ministry of Personnel's memorandum on promoting Xu Chen to Zhejiang Councilor."
"In addition, Liu Jian also proposed during the cabinet visit that Chen Qing be promoted to Minister of the Ministry of Industry in Nanjing."
Nanjing Liubu is recognized as a senior care yamen.The promotion of Zuo Shilang of the Ministry of Hubu to Minister of the Ministry of Industry in Nanjing was a typical example of promotion and demotion in secret.
Li Dongyang continued: "There is nothing we can do to stop Xu Chen from being promoted by Liu Jian. But we must at least ensure that Chen Qing remains in the household department."
"Chen Qing is an expert in financial management and can speak out and give advice. It is a blessing for the court that he is the left hall of the Ministry of Household Affairs."
"As for how to protect it, I haven't thought about it yet. I think my brother-in-law is good at fighting in officialdom, so he should have a way."
Li Dongyang is actually quite a thief.He didn't want to openly break up with Liu Jian and Xie Qian.The matter of protecting Chen Qing was passed on to Chang Feng.
Chang Feng naturally knew it well.
But he still decided to listen to Li Dongyang and personally take action to protect Chen Qing.
18 years ago, before his death, Huai En taught Chang Feng: "A qualified Tiqi should not only eliminate traitorous ministers, but also protect virtuous ministers."
Chang Feng has never forgotten Lao Xiang’s sincere and sincere teachings in the past 18 years.
Thinking of this, Chang Feng smiled and said: "My relatives, why not just say that I am proficient in heresy. Don't worry, I will take care of Chen Qing's affairs!"
"If I can't protect Chen Qing, all these years of being the leader of Tiqi will be in vain!"
"I not only want to protect Chen Qing. I also want to protect Xu Chen from getting the position of Zhejiang Senator. If a good official loses his chance of promotion because of his direct criticism of bad government, then is there any bright future in the court?"
Li Dongyang said: "I think my parents are very confident, and they seem to have figured out a way. Can you tell me?"
Chang Feng smiled slightly: "If you are not secretive, you will lose your ministers; if your ministers are not secretive, you will lose your virginity; if you are not secretive in a few things, it will cause harm!"
Li Dongyang blurted out: "This sentence comes from "Book of Changes·Xici". I am talking too much, I shouldn't ask."
Chang Feng said: "Just keep it in your heart. Chen Qinghui will still sit in the left hall of the Ministry of Household Affairs. Xu Chen will also be promoted to Zhejiang Senator as he wishes."
Chen Qing and Xu Chen directly remonstrated with the state treasury deficit, which resulted in the civil servants in Beijing losing [-]% of their salaries within three years.It also cut off their ability to embezzle national funds.
Naturally, the civil service group could not tolerate these two people.
First, Xu Chen's promotion was rejected by the cabinet.
Two days later, Liu Jian, the chief assistant of the cabinet, Xie Qian, a cabinet minister, sixteen ministers of the ministry and a hundred civil servants of the fifth rank and above jointly submitted a report: Chen Qing, the left minister of the Ministry of Household Affairs, had made great achievements in admonishing the great financial shortcomings, and should be promoted to Minister of the Ministry of Industry in Nanjing.
After the memorial was published, the Palace of Qianqing, who was very happy to hear it, knelt down to remonstrate.The civil servant group had the attitude of "If the emperor does not promote Chen Qing, we will kneel to death at the gate of Qianqing Palace".
Emperor Zhengde was troubled by the kneeling of civil servants to remonstrate, and he had no choice but to do anything.
Chang Feng took the initiative to seek an audience with Emperor Zhengde.
Emperor Zhengde looked irritated: "Have you seen those people kneeling outside the palace? They are bullying everyone, bullying!"
Chang Feng smiled slightly: "The emperor might as well agree with their advice and issue an order to promote Chen Qing to Nanjing."
Emperor Zhengde frowned: "Uncle, are you going to give in to them?"
Chang Feng quickly explained: "Your Majesty, I have a plan to ensure that the promotion decree cannot be implemented."
Chang Feng said such and such, such and such.
Emperor Zhengde smiled happily after hearing this: "My uncle is so treacherous and resourceful!"
Chang Feng's method is very clever.He took advantage of a procedural loophole in the appointment and dismissal of Ming officials.
There is an important procedure to go through when appointing and removing officials, and that is handover.
For example, it was decreed that Chen Qing be promoted to Minister of the Ministry of Industry in Nanjing.After receiving the order, he could not take up his post immediately.
Chen Qing needs to wait for his successor to arrive at the household department, complete the handover of errands, and hand over the official seal.After everything was settled, Chen Qing could officially step down as Zuo Shilang of the Ministry of Household Affairs and go to Nanjing.
The official position in the imperial court is like a carrot and a pit.A few days later, the civil service group held internal negotiations and drafted the candidate to take over as Zuotang of the Ministry of Household Affairs. The current left deputy censor of the Metropolitan Procuratorate, Lin Yuan.
That night, Chang Feng found Chen Qing's student Xu Chen with a secret file.
This sealed file records more than a dozen of Lin Yuan's illegal affairs.The evidence is conclusive and the content is detailed.
Xu Chen is a member of Ke Dao Shi Zhong, and he is one of the speaking officials.Ginseng is his job.
In the early morning of the next day, Xu Chen went to court to impeach Lin Yuan, the deputy censor of the left capital, for six crimes of dereliction of duty, four crimes of favoritism, and three crimes of corruption.
Every crime is supported by both human and material evidence.The cabinet wanted to protect Lin Yuan, but was unable to do so.
Lin Yuan was dismissed from office.Naturally, the matter of taking over as the left minister of the Ministry of Household Affairs fell into disgrace.
The civil servant group discussed again and drafted the second candidate for Zuotang of the Ministry of Household Affairs, Gao Youde, the minister of Honglu Temple.
Chang Feng once again found Xu Chen with a secret file.
Xu Chen once again submitted a memorial, impeaching Gao Youde, the minister of Honglu Temple, for having an affair with his maid, which showed that he had failed in his personal ethics.
There is not only one witness to this impeachment - the maid who had an affair with Gao Siqing.There was also physical evidence, including three pairs of dirty pants stained with dirt.
Gao Youde was demoted two levels and will retain his original post pending conviction.His promotion to Zuotang of the Ministry of Household Affairs fell through.
The civil service group continued to discuss.The third candidate for Zuotang of the Ministry of Household Affairs was drafted.Governor of Henan, Wu Zhize.
Chang Feng brought the secret file with him for the third time and met Xu Chen at night.
Xu Chen submitted the memorial for the third time.During Wu Zhize's tenure, he annexed 760 acres of land in Luoyang, and the figures were mixed.The evidence is also conclusive.
Wu Zhize was dismissed from the post of governor of Henan and will never be used again.
With Chang Feng's secret support, Xu Chen participated in the impeachment three times and defeated three Chen Qing's successors.
When things get to this point, even a fool can understand.Someone wants to protect Chen Qing, and whoever takes over Chen Qing's job will be in trouble.
Liu Jian and Xie Qian’s heads are getting bigger!Now in the entire civil service group, no one is willing to be promoted to the position of left minister of household affairs.
No one wants to follow in the footsteps of Lin Yuan, Gao Youde and Wu Zhize.
Liu Jian and Xie Qian had already guessed that there must be a factory guard and Chang Feng standing behind Xu Chen.
Otherwise, how could such a small thing be so powerful?Whoever accepts his teacher's job will have dirt on him?The evidence is conclusive!
None of the civil servants dared to take over.Chen Qing’s appointment and dismissal process will never be completed.
Liu Jian and Xie Qian had no choice but to give up the idea of squeezing Chen Qing away.
Liu Jian wrote a memorial to end this unwinnable battle.The content of the memorial is: There is no suitable successor to the left minister of household affairs.It is suggested that the emperor should order Chen Qing to stay in office.He will be transferred to Nanjing after a suitable candidate is found.
Chen Qing was successfully saved by Chang Feng.
Immediately afterwards, Chang Feng began to perform even more outrageous actions.
He found Ma Wensheng, the Minister of Civil Affairs.Let Lao Ma write a memorial to Emperor Zhengde as a heavenly official.
The content of the memorial is: Xu Chen, from the military department, participated in the impeachment of two ministers and a high-ranking official in the border area.It should be promoted.It happened that the Zhejiang Councilor was vacant.Xu Chen can be promoted to Zhejiang Councilor.
For the officials of the Ming Dynasty, their greatest contribution was to subvert high-ranking officials.The bigger the official involved, the greater the credit.
Within seven days, Xu Chen defeated a Zuo Fudu censor, a Honglu Temple minister, and a Henan governor.This credit is immense.His promotion to Zhejiang Senator was a natural progression.What's more, there is also the recommendation of the official of the Ministry of Civil Affairs?
It’s hard for the cabinet to say anything more.
As a result, Xu Chen successfully obtained the title of Zhejiang Senator that belonged to him.
However, Xu Chen always offended the powerful civil service group.He was never promoted again in his life, and the highest he could achieve in his life was the position of senator.
At least in a short period of time, Chang Feng won a complete victory in this confrontation with the civil servant group.It's always windy and the sky is beautiful, so beautiful.
(End of this chapter)
Liu Jian, Li Dongyang, and Xie Qian came to the main hall of Qianqing Palace.
The three gentlemen saw Emperor Zhengde's face full of anger. Chang Feng, Chen Qing and a seventh-rank official whose name they did not know fell to their knees (Xu Chen).They thought Chang Feng had sued Chen Qing for his treachery.
Chen Qing was recommended by the three gentlemen, so they were naturally determined to protect him.
Liu Jian put on the posture of a teacher: "Your Majesty, a gentleman should control his anger. You need to know that if you are not angry when you are very angry, you can nourish your mind if you are happy or not; if you do not associate with the vulgar world, if you do not join the evil party, you can establish yourself; if you do not fight for small gains, you can maintain your integrity. If you don't express your anger, you can go along with the crowd."
Xie Qian said: "The first assistant is really good advice. The emperor should listen to it, accept it, and remember it."
Li Dongyang remained silent.After Emperor Zhengde ascended the throne, he began to consciously stop using his husband's tone to lecture Emperor Zhengde.
Compared with Liu Jian and Xie Qian, Li Dongyang is much more measured.
Emperor Zhengde was thanked by Liu and laughed: "Ha. What you two gentlemen said is so good!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Emperor Zhengde threw the memorial jointly signed by Chen, Chang, and Xu to the ground.
Liu Jian frowned: "Your Majesty, if you want me to read the memorial and draft my opinions, you should let the eunuchs pass it on. A gentleman will not eat what he has grumbled upon, and a wise minister will not pick up and throw away the memorial."
Xie Qian sang with Liu Jian: "Your Majesty, respecting virtuous ministers is what a virtuous king does. You should learn from the late emperor and be a virtuous king who respects teachers and respects morality, and respects virtuous and shun traitors."
Emperor Zhengde stopped smiling: "Okay, okay! You two gentlemen are wise ministers! They are gentlemen! They are famous teachers! I ask you one thing, how much silver does the Taicang treasury have?"
Liu Jian was stunned: "Well, this. The treasury's accumulated silver account is 880 million taels. Such a large amount of silver is exactly the contribution of the late emperor's close and virtuous minister Yuan Xiaoren to create a prosperous age."
Chang Feng couldn't help it.He said: "May I ask the chief assistant, the book has 880 million taels, but what is the reality?"
Liu Jian glared at Chang Feng: "The emperor and the auxiliary ministers are discussing the national financial plan, and the royal family servants are not worthy to interrupt."
Emperor Zhengde said: "Mr. Liu, Chang Feng is not worthy of asking you. Am I worthy? His problem is my problem. Tell me, how much money does the national treasury actually have?"
Liu Jian hesitated: "Oh, this. Since the founding of the country by Grandfather Taizu, the treasury of all dynasties has been in deficit. It is common for the book silver deposits to differ from the actual silver deposits."
"This is like how ordinary people live their lives. If there is a good year and a good harvest, it will not matter if we eat more stored grain."
As Liu Jian spoke, he guessed that Chang Feng should have learned about the deficit of 600 million taels in the national treasury.Reported Chen Qing's treachery in front of the emperor.After all, the Taicang treasury was under the jurisdiction of Chen Qing.If this matter can't be dealt with, the only choice is to abandon the car to save the commander-in-chief and let Chen Qing take the blame.
He thought wrong.It was not Chang Feng but Chen Qing who took the lead in exposing the huge deficit in the treasury.Chang Feng only helped Chen Qing by playing a side role.
Emperor Zhengde rubbed the copper coin that Liu Jin had just picked up from the dragon case: "What the chief assistant said is really good. If you say it, you won't say it. I just want to know the actual amount of silver in Taicang's treasury."
"Don't say you don't know. If you don't know, I can go to the Taicang inventory myself!"
Liu Jiandao: "This, this. Chen Qing is the governor of Cangchang and is in charge of Taicang. He should report the figures to the emperor."
Emperor Zhengde said angrily: "I'm asking you! I don't believe it. The chief minister of the imperial court and Tuogu auxiliary council don't know the actual amount of silver accumulated in the national treasury."
Liu Jian can no longer avoid the issue by talking high-sounding nonsense.
He whispered: "Your Majesty, the silver accumulated in Taicang is about 320 million taels."
Emperor Zhengde asked: "Where is the shortfall of 560 million taels? Did it grow wings and fly? Was it stuffed into the valley by the soldiers and stolen? Or was it stolen by some bold official or department official in the Ministry of Revenue?"
Liu Jian remained silent.
Emperor Zhengde sneered: "Oh, I'm sorry to say it, Chief Minister. Let me tell you! Since the late emperor ascended the throne, all the money spent on running banquets in various government offices in Beijing has been diverted from the national treasury."
"In the early years of Hongzhi, the treasury income was low. Officials had less to eat and drink. As the prosperous times came, the treasury income gradually increased, and officials became less and less able to control themselves, and the banquets became more and more grand."
"The late emperor reigned for 18 years. On average, the capital government diverted nearly 30 taels from the treasury every year. No one was there to make up for the money. Over time, the deficit accumulated to 560 million taels!"
Liu Jian and Xie Qian said nothing.
Li Dongyang said: "Your Majesty, in fact, these more than 500 million taels of silver are not only used for food, drinks and banquets. Officials travel in a grand manner and need to change into more refined official sedans. The money is appropriated from the national treasury."
"Another example is when a high-ranking official gets promoted. Officials who have made good friends not only send congratulatory gifts in their personal name, but also send a 'public congratulation' in the name of the government."
"Even the affairs between yamen and yamen need money to smooth things over."
"This money will be misappropriated from the national property under various names."
"This is a big bad rule in the officialdom of the Ming Dynasty, which directly leads to empty money. Unfortunately, this matter involves almost all the officials in the capital. Therefore, everyone knows about the serious disadvantages, but no one speaks out."
Li Dongyang did not defend his shortcomings, but told the truth.
Emperor Zhengde said: "That's it! When the late emperor came back to the throne, civil servants in Beijing frequently signed memorials. Why did the late emperor stop building temples and Taoist temples? Why did he ask the royal family not to build gardens?"
"My father built a few Taoist temples and gardens, and it only cost him one hundred and eighty thousand taels of silver. All he used was the silver from the inner treasury."
"Where are these civil servants who keep advocating frugality? They misappropriated more than 500 million of the two countries' money for food, drinks, banquets and social ostentation!"
At this point, Emperor Zhengde ordered Liu Jin: "Go, pick up the memorial and give it to the auxiliaries for circulation."
Liu Jin picked up the memorial and handed it to Liu Jian.
After Liu Jian saw it, an unknown fire suddenly surged in his heart.
The signatures of this memorial are actually Chen Qing, Chang Feng and Qipin Xu Chen?
The person who reported the deficit was actually someone promoted by the cabinet?
Isn't this a typical case of cheating and colluding with the factory guards?
But Liu Jian was unreasonable about this matter and it was difficult for him to get angry.
Liu Jian passed the memorial to Xie Qian and Li Dongyang.
Xie Qian changed the subject: "In fact, the civil servants in Beijing use some state funds for social entertainment, which shows that each government office does not have a private treasury. Unlike the Jinyiwei's private treasury, which is said to be the largest in the Shangbei Zhili vassal treasury."
"Officials are the face of the court. If officials are shabby in socializing and entertaining, won't it bring shame on the court? How can the Ming Dynasty talk about its prosperity?"
"For the sake of the court's face, it doesn't hurt to spend a mere 30 taels of silver every year."
Chang Feng responded tit-for-tat: "Mr.
"The national treasury's annual deficit of 30 taels is not an anthill, but a bottomless giant hole!"
"Also, you said that Jin Yiwei has a private treasury. Since the ninth year of Hongzhi, have the Cabinet and the Ministry of Household Affairs checked Jin Yiwei's accounts once or twice? Have they ever found any real evidence that Jin Yiwei has a private treasury?"
"You are the auxiliary minister, and you need evidence to accuse the emperor of being pro-military!"
Chang Feng took the words of Xie Qian's memorial and slapped Xie Qian in the face.Lao Xie was speechless by his rebuke.
Emperor Zhengde flicked the copper plate with his hand and said: "The [-]% deficit in the national treasury is the fault of the cabinet! Please stop using your eloquent arguments among the three gentlemen!"
Liu, Li, and Xie knelt down and said in unison: "I have a fault."
This time, the three teachers' faces were humiliated at their grandma's house.These three old men used to advise the late emperor to be frugal all day long.Now he spends his days admonishing Emperor Zhengde to be frugal.
However, the civil servants under them used the national funds to show off their extravagance.
When this matter was reported, they wished they could find a crack in the ground and crawl in.
Emperor Zhengde said: "The national treasury is so short that we must find a way to make up for the shortfall."
Emperor Zhengde looked at Chang Feng: "Chang Qing, the late emperor often said when he was in power that you have the talent to manage politics. If you have a double-ranked reputation, the late emperor will definitely let you serve as a minister."
"Tell me, how to make up for the shortfall?"
The chance to show off your abilities in front of the new emperor has arrived!Chang Feng said without thinking: "To make up for the shortfall, it is nothing more than increasing revenue and reducing expenditure."
Emperor Zhengde said: "It's the same as what I saw. Tell me the specific method."
Chang Feng replied: "In terms of expenditure reduction, the emperor should issue an edict to advocate frugality in the Beijing Yamen, cut redundant food, and save unnecessary expenses. From today on, all daily expenses in the Beijing Yamen, such as pen, ink, paper, inkstones, Yamen repairs, etc., will be A budget should be made every year. It should be reviewed by the Ministry of Household Affairs."
"If the budget is too high, the Ministry of Accounts can reject it. If the expenditure is higher than the budget, the Ministry of Accounts will no longer allocate additional funds, and the officials will pay for it out of their own pockets."
"In terms of entertainment and communication, if officials use their own money, the court will allow it. If they use official money, it will be treated as corruption."
"In addition, the Ministry of Personnel will include officials' frugality among the criteria for Beijing inspection and evaluation."
"Officials who are extravagant and extravagant will not only be unable to be promoted, but will also be demoted or dismissed."
Emperor Zhengde said: "Okay! Great idea! What about open source?"
Chang Feng said: "As for the source of income, I believe that the stolen goods should be punished and dismissed from the Ministry. The stolen money and stolen goods confiscated by each government office have always been regarded as their own subsidies by each government office. They are not handed over to the Ministry of Household Affairs."
"In the Ming Dynasty, there were two capitals and thirteen provinces, and the amount of bribery and fines each year was a huge amount. Mr. Xie Ge just said that each government office did not have a private treasury. In fact, the large sum of money in bribery and fines is equivalent to each government office's private treasury."
"If this large sum of money can be handed over to the Ministry of Household Affairs and the National Treasury, then the national treasury will have a large income."
Liu Jian raised objections: "In fact, Emperor Xianzong and Emperor Xiaozong both thought about punishing the bribes and disbanding the ministry. However, there was great resistance. Government offices in various places were violating the plan, making it difficult to implement it. Chang Feng's suggestion was just talk on paper."
Chang Feng said: "It is difficult to implement because the two late emperors were kind and honest and did not seriously care about the civil servants below. Our Jinyiwei can send a robe of a thousand households to each province and prefecture. We will focus on the punishment of stolen goods and the removal of the ministry." thing."
"Any yamen that dares to violate the law and intercept stolen goods privately will be punished, and the Jin Yiwei will take off the official hat of the main hall official of that yamen!"
Chang Feng's suggestion made Emperor Zhengde look at his uncle with admiration: It seems that my uncle is not just a butcher who plays dirty tricks and is full of blood.He has real talent for governing the country!Much wiser than the rotten scholars in the imperial court.
Emperor Zhengde said: "Just follow what Chang Qing said, punish the internal organs and remove them!"
Chang Feng made a good start in the discussion of solving the national treasury deficit.
Chen Qing was not to be outdone: "Your Majesty, regarding Kaiyuan, I have a suggestion to investigate the salt affairs."
"The Daming Saltworks can only be found in Changlu, Shandong, Lianghuai, Liangzhe, Hedong, and Fujian."
"Changlu Salt Farm has been secretly plundered by the emperor's relatives and relatives in recent years. The emperor's relatives and relatives made a fortune, causing the court to lose tens of thousands of salt taxes."
"The Shandong Salt Fields were invaded by the Confucian family of Yan Shenggong of Qufu; the Huaihe and Zhejiang Salt Fields were invaded by the gentry in the south of the Yangtze River; the Hedong Salt Fields were invaded by the local guarding eunuchs and supervisory eunuchs; and the Fujian Salt Fields were invaded by several wealthy merchant families."
"It is feared that [-] to [-] percent of the imperial salt tax was secretly divided up by these people. If the salt affairs can be investigated and the Salt Law corrected, the national treasury will receive huge amounts of revenue every year."
Good guy.Old Chen is firing up the map cannon!
His suggestion was like a giant cannonball fired from a Hongwu iron cannon.The imperial relatives, Yanshenggong, Jiangnan gentry, local town supervisors, and maritime merchants were all bombarded.
All the dignitaries in the court almost offended Lao Chen.
Chen Qing has a simple idea: If it can benefit the people of Li, what if he sacrifices his life for righteousness and has blood like a spring?Offending people is nothing.
Chang Feng admired in his heart: Chen Qing is not afraid of powerful people, speaks out and dares to admonish, he is really righteous!
After Chen Qing finished speaking, Xie Qian's expression changed: "Absolutely not!"
Emperor Zhengde asked: "What's wrong?"
Xie Qian said: "This is a big matter. The problems in the salt affairs are very wide-ranging. The emperor has just ascended the throne, and what the court needs is stability. The overall situation should be the most important thing."
Emperor Zhengde looked at Chang Feng.
Chang Feng understood and argued with Xie Qian on behalf of Emperor Zhengde: "The overall situation is indeed important. However, cleaning up the salt affairs is just for the overall interests of the court."
"Salt affairs are one of the pillars of the imperial court's finances. If we look forward and backward, turn a blind eye, and allow those high-ranking officials, powerful people, and wealthy families to erode the financial pillars."
"An inappropriate analogy. If a pillar in the hall of Mr. Xie Ge's residence is eaten by moths, will you let it go? Aren't you afraid that one day the pillar will be hollowed out and the house will collapse?"
After saying this, Chang Feng suddenly felt that his face felt a little hot. Over the years, many of the errands he had handled were hindered by the four words "the overall situation is the most important". In the end, big things became small and small things disappeared.
Xie Qian was speechless.
Emperor Zhengde ran out of coins in a flash: "I have made up my mind! Send an imperial envoy to inspect the world's salt affairs. He ordered Wang Miaoxin, the commander of Jinyiwei, Zuo Tongzhi, to be the principal imperial envoy for salt inspection, and Chang Ponu, editor of the Hanlin Academy, to be the deputy imperial envoy to inspect the five major salt fields. .”
Chang Feng was stunned.The emperor asked Po Nu to be the deputy imperial envoy of salt patrol?
Chang Feng knew very well that this was a double-edged sword for his son.On the one hand, this year’s new Jinshi is an exception for taking on such an important responsibility.If you do your errands well, you will be promoted when you return to Beijing.
On the other hand, offending people is certain.And those who offended were all the top dignitaries of the Ming Dynasty.
Emperor Zhengde added: "I know that a lot of the salt profits at the Changlu Saltworks have been usurped by my two uncles."
"I will tell them honestly. If they regard their wealth as their lives and are unwilling to return it to the court. Well, then don't ask for their marquis or earldom! I will issue an order to take it away!"
Emperor Zhengde had long disliked his uncles Zhang Heling and Zhang Yanling.
These two gentlemen can be called the moral icons of the family circle, and the things they did are truly despicable.
Let’s not talk about occupying people’s fields, competing for profits with the people, selling private salt, and indulging slaves to cause trouble.
Even the money for Emperor Hongzhi's coffin, they both dared to take ink!
When Emperor Hongzhi was seriously ill, as usual, the Ministry of Rites prepared longevity materials.The two brothers begged Queen Zhang and took the job away from the Ministry of Rites.
The large golden nanmu coffin cost 8000 taels, but they falsely reported it as 8000 taels.
Zhu Houzhao, who was the crown prince at the time, was not deaf, blind or stupid.He had heard about this.
When he learned that the two uncles even dared to put out their hands for the money for his father's coffin, it was true that Cao Pi and his father-in-law were silent, and Zhen Ji's father was speechless.
Out of royal dignity, Zhu Houzhao did not pursue the matter.
Let me digress.How could Zhu Houzhao have imagined that after his death, his two uncles would make a fortune from his nephew's coffin plates?
The Zhang brothers can be called the emperor's coffin board killers.
Closer to home, this time Emperor Zhengde decided not to protect his two uncles.First, take action on your closest relatives and check the Changlu Salt Affairs.
Look, I won't even spare my uncle.You can't cover up your disciples' old ways anymore, can you?
Emperor Zhengde turned to look at Liu Jin: "Liu Jin, the supervisor of the Hedong Saltworks comes from the palace. You have to say hello to them and spit out what they have eaten. Otherwise, I will let their bones disappear!"
Liu Jin cupped his hands and said, "I obey."
Emperor Zhengde looked at the three gentlemen again: "The big gentry families in Huaihe and Zhejiang have always had a good relationship with these three gentlemen. You have to say hello and ask them to cooperate with the imperial envoy on the salt patrol. Otherwise, don't blame the ruthless national law."
"As for the Fujian Saltworks. Mr. Xie, you have deep friendships with several large merchant families in Fujian. Please write to them, please."
The three gentlemen were so embarrassed that they almost dug their feet into the courtyard.They all said in unison: "I obey the order."
Emperor Zhengde said: "In terms of reducing expenditures, Chang Feng proposed advocating frugality, cutting redundant food, and saving unnecessary expenses. In terms of increasing revenue, Chang Feng proposed returning stolen goods to the ministry, and Chen Qing proposed an inventory of salt affairs."
"I should also set an example. In terms of cost-saving, I will reduce Guanglu Temple's expenses by [-]%."
Guanglu Temple was in charge of the emperor's banquets.Emperor Zhengde directly reduced the cost of his banquet by half.
Liu Jian praised: "Your Majesty is truly a wise king."
Emperor Zhengde waved his hand: "Mr. Liu, don't be so anxious to be happy, I will tell you something that will make you unhappy soon!"
"The national treasury's deficit of 560 million taels was caused by the extravagant behavior of Beijing officials. Don't think that the law does not punish everyone. I cannot hold tens of thousands of Beijing officials accountable."
"The edict will be drafted for three years starting from today. Forty percent of the salary of civil servants in Beijing will be discounted with treasure notes! According to the official price!"
Treasure money, but also paper for wiping your butt!
When the Ming Dynasty was founded, Taizu was influenced by cultural limitations and felt that treasure money was a good thing.Print as you like, spend as you like.Print him a hundred thousand coins, which you can never spend in a lifetime.
So he ordered the Ministry of Household Affairs to print and issue large amounts of treasure banknotes.
There is a problem here.
Chinese banknotes began with Jiaozi issued by Sichuan merchants in the Northern Song Dynasty.But Sichuan merchant Yin Jiaozi had reserves, that is, Sichuan iron money.The ratio of Jiaozi to reserves (Sichuan iron money) is roughly 28:[-].
Jiaozi can be exchanged for Sichuan iron money at any time.The currency value is naturally stable.
From the perspective of later generations of finance, reserves are the credit support of banknotes.
Grandpa Taizu believed it arbitrarily.I am the lord of the Ninth Five-Year Plan and the common master of the world.I am the greatest credit.Whatever reserve fund you need, just print it and that’s it!
The excessive issuance of banknotes without reserves will naturally lead to crazy devaluation of banknotes.
Customized in the first year of Hongwu, the treasure banknotes are usually exchanged for one tael of silver, which is the official price.
During the Zhengde period, the official price was still one tael of silver per banknote.The market price is one thousand guan of treasure notes for one tael of silver.
Emperor Zhengde said that using treasure banknotes to offset [-]% of the salaries of civil servants in Beijing at official prices was equivalent to reducing their salaries by [-]%.
Liu Jian is the leader of the civil service group.Naturally, the interests of civil servants must be safeguarded.
But now Emperor Zhengde occupies the word "reason".It was difficult for him to raise objections, so he reluctantly handed it over: "Your Majesty is wise, and I obey your decree."
Li Dongyang said: "I also have a plan to reduce expenditure."
Emperor Zhengde said: "Oh? Mr. Li will tell you."
Li Dongyang said: "I have been communicating with Yang Yiqing, who is in charge of horse administration in Shaanxi. Yang Yiqing once said that raising horses requires pasture. Most of the pastures on the nine sides are occupied by local governors, military envoys and other officials."
"When the imperial court raises horses on pasture, it has to pay privately a huge amount of pasture money to officials of all sizes."
"The grassland belongs to the imperial court. How did it become the private property of Jiubian civil servants?"
"I suggest that the Jiubian Caochang be cleaned up and returned to the imperial court. In this way, the treasury can save one hundred thousand Caochang silver every year." Liu Jian and Xie Qian were unhappy: Li Dongyang, we all know well that Caochang It is the private money of Jiubian civil servants.Jiubian is a place where birds don't shit. Our disciples used to be officials there, so they always have to have some extra income as compensation.
If you make this suggestion to the emperor, isn't it equivalent to attacking the civil servants of Jiubian?
Okay, it seems that you intend to fall towards Chang Feng and the Eight Tigers forces behind him!When the Queen Mother granted a marriage to your daughter and Chang Feng, we became suspicious!Sure enough, you are going to be a traitor!
Taking advantage of the nine-sided civil servants is a sign of your surrender to the Eight Tigers!
At this moment, Liu Jian and Xie Qian became wary of Li Dongyang.
In fact, Liu and Xie thought too much.Li Dongyang made this suggestion out of consideration for the court.Didn't think about anything else at all.
Emperor Zhengde readily agreed to Li Dongyang's suggestion.He said: "I see, nothing is difficult in the world, as long as you are willing to work hard. The deficit of more than 500 million taels in the national treasury seems to be a huge number that cannot be made up."
"However, after I had a deep discussion with all the ministers and each expressed his or her own opinion, wouldn't it be possible to find a way to make up for the shortfall?"
Chen Qing echoed: "Your Majesty, I have made a rough estimate. If the policies to increase revenue and reduce expenditure discussed today are implemented, it will take about five to eight years to make up for the shortfall in the national treasury."
According to historical records: At the beginning of Emperor Wu's accession to the throne, Chen Qing, the Minister of Household Affairs of the Governor's Cangchang, and Xu Chen, the Minister of Military Affairs, pointed out that the warehouse was empty and needed to be considered.He said: The capital treasury has taels of silver. The annual income is 1409 million taels, and the annual expenditure is one million taels.However, the accumulation of Taicang is more than half.In recent years, the income has been eliminated by accumulating debt, which is less than the original amount, and the income has exceeded the constant amount.Today, there is wastage in the sea, and limited wealth is used to provide infinite wealth. If we do not severely punish the extravagance and work to reduce it, how can we turn stinginess into abundance to relieve temporary emergencies?
Wuzong met with all the officials to discuss eight things: advocating frugality, cutting redundant food, cutting redundant expenses, punishing and removing stolen goods, dealing with salt laws, reducing the use of Guanglu Temple, converting banknotes into silver, and cleaning up pastures.
As for why Chang Feng, who signed the petition, was not mentioned in the history books, it must be made up by Rong Hou. Rong Hou explained in detail.
This financial turmoil at the beginning of Emperor Zhengde's accession to the throne disgraced the three assistant ministers.
The huge deficit was incurred during their tenure in the cabinet.It was appropriated by their students, relatives, and close friends.They have an unshirkable responsibility.
They taught the two emperors Hongzhi and Zhengde to be frugal all day long.In the end, the least thrifty people were the civil servants under them.
The late emperor Xiaozong was criticized by them for building temples and Taoist temples.But the little money Xiaozong spent was really nothing compared to the civil servant group.
That night, Chang Mansion.
Chang Feng and his son Chang Ponu were sitting opposite each other in the study, drinking tea.
Chang Feng asked: "Do you know why the emperor appointed you as the deputy imperial envoy to patrol salt?"
Chang Ponu thought for a moment and answered clearly: "First, I was the emperor's companion when he was young. The emperor has great trust in me."
"Secondly, the salt patrol will offend a large number of people. If someone else serves as a deputy imperial envoy, they will definitely be suppressed and retaliated by several powerful groups joining forces afterwards."
"I am different. Liu Jin, the leader of the Eight Tigers, is a close friend of the Chang family. The eunuchs behind the Hedong Saltworks do not dare to retaliate against me."
"I am the future son-in-law of Li Dongyang, the second assistant. The civil servants behind the Huaihe and Zhejiang salt fields do not dare to retaliate against me."
"The Chang family is the savior of the two uncles. The Chang and Zhang families are related by God. The royal family forces behind the Changlu Saltworks do not dare to retaliate against me."
"My sworn brother is You Jingwu. You Jingwu's father, You Tianjue, was the confidant of Fujian Governor Liu Cheng'an during his lifetime. Liu Cheng'an had been in Fujian for more than ten years and was very influential in Fujian. Several wealthy merchant families behind the Fujian Saltworks , because of this relationship, you don’t dare to retaliate against me.”
Chang Feng lamented: "Three days after seeing each other, we have to look at each other with admiration. My son has only been in the officialdom for less than two months, but he can clearly understand the emperor's thoughts and understand the current situation. My son is only 19 years old! It can be said that he has a bright future!"
"However, on the other hand, you have constantly broken ties with the powerful forces behind the five major salt fields. When patrolling the salt field, will you follow the rules and be open-minded?"
Chang Ponu said seriously: "Father, you look down on me too much! Scholars should take it as their own responsibility to support the country and benefit the people. If I protect those powerful people who usurp salt interests, all the books of sages and sages in the past ten years will be read in the dog's belly. !”
Chang Feng smiled and said: "This is the third reason why the emperor made an exception and appointed you as the deputy imperial envoy. Young people who are new to the official career will not be like the old officials in the officialdom, who are hesitant, cunning and conciliatory."
"Cleaning up a sharp and sensitive matter like salt affairs cannot be handled by looking ahead, being cunning, and being muddled."
Chang Ponu said: "Dad, I am still young. I have never thought about this level. You are still cunning, no, you are mature, prudent and thoughtful."
Chang Feng took a sip of tea and said with emotion: "The Emperor knows how to recognize and employ people. He does not look like a 15-year-old young emperor, but clearly looks like a 50-year-old wise king!"
Chang Ponu said: "But there are people in the court who regard the emperor as a child with a yellow mouth!"
Chang Feng said: "Those people are cutting off their official career and seeking death! Just watch, there will be times when they cry in a few months."
At this moment, the servant informed Li Dongyang that he had come to the house.
Chang Feng quickly took Chang Ponu to meet his future father-in-law.
Li Dongyang sat on a chair in the living room, full of resentment.
When he was on duty at the cabinet this afternoon, Liu Jian and Xie Qian made sarcastic remarks and were quite dissatisfied with him.
Xie Qian even said: "Brother Bin married the Chang family, and he will have a big supporter in the future!"
These words made Li Dongyang feel sicker than eating a fly.
Okay, let's talk about Li and Chang's marriage.I want to be a good pair of in-laws with the Chang family.
Not to mention, in the officialdom, one more in-law means one more path.Whether you are angry or jealous, that is your business.
I have nothing to be ashamed of!
In fact, Li Dongyang had already seen through one thing.Liu Jian and Xie Qian wanted to manipulate Emperor Zhengde like a puppet, which was impossible!
They are playing with fire and will burn themselves out sooner or later.
Abandon the ship and survive before it catches fire and sinks.It might not be a wise choice.
Only by abandoning ship and surviving in the officialdom and in the cabinet can we realize our lofty ambitions of benefiting Li people's livelihood.
Chang Feng and his son came to Li Dongyang.
Chang Feng cupped his hands: "Second Assistant."
Chang Ponu cupped his hands and said, "Mr."
Li Dongyang returned the courtesy and said with a smile: "From now on, I will change my name to a father-in-law or a virtuous son-in-law."
The three of them sat down.Li Dongyang said: "The Emperor has given permission and the Queen Mother has granted me a marriage. This is a great grace."
"However, Po Nu's salt patrol errand has to be done from Changlu to Fujian. It takes at least two years to go back and forth."
"This year Po Nu is already nineteen, and my daughter is also sixteen. I'm afraid it's inappropriate to delay the marriage for two years."
Chang Feng said melancholy: "That's right. But we can't get married before Po Nu leaves the capital. The late emperor's funeral lasted only two months, and marriage is prohibited before he leaves the capital for three months."
"If the children of the Second Assistant to the Cabinet and the Commander-in-Chief of Tiqi were to get married within three months of the late emperor's funeral, the impeachment memorials of the imperial censors would probably be filled with cases."
Li Dongyang said: "Yes, it's really sad."
Chang Feng thought for a moment: "Let's do this. Po Nu will leave the capital in three days. In August, he should be in the Shandong Saltworks."
"I sent dozens of robes to escort your daughter to Shandong in August. The marriage was kept simple and they were allowed to get married and consummate their marriage in Shandong."
"The imperial censors and officials are in charge of heaven and earth, but they can't control our family's marriage. Our parents will not be present."
Li Dongyang smiled and said: "What a good idea! My father-in-law is very clever."
Chang Ponu said: "It's just that I'm treating Ping'er badly."
Chang Feng smiled and said: "Look at my dear brother, Quanzi is a good husband who loves his wife very much!"
Li Dongyang smiled and said: "The student turned into a son-in-law, we kissed each other, broke the bones and connected the tendons. I entrust my little girl to Po Nu, I can rest assured."
At this point, Li Dongyang changed the topic: "Po Nu, this time you follow Wang Miaoxin on a salt patrol in Beijing. You must be cautious in everything and at the same time be selfless. Don't take into account the intricate relationships between the various forces."
"If you look forward and backward, you will never be able to get things done."
"The emperor has given you a test question this time. If you answer the question satisfactorily, your future prospects will be limitless. If you fail to hand in a satisfactory answer sheet, the emperor will abandon you like worn out shoes."
"The imperial envoy Wang Miaoxin is a master of Yi Dao and is very thoughtful. He is also an old subordinate of your father. You should discuss everything with Wang Miaoxin more often."
"I am your enlightenment teacher. Before leaving, I will give you a message - as an official, you must always keep the country, the country, and the well-being of the people in your heart."
Chang Ponu stood up and saluted Li Dongyang respectfully: "Master's teachings, Ponu will keep them in mind."
Li Dongyang said: "Okay. You go out and pack your bags. I have a few words to say to your father alone."
After Chang Ponu left, Li Dongyang said: "My dear brother-in-law, I hope you can save one person."
Chang Feng asked: "Who?"
Li Dongyang replied: "Chen Qing."
Chang Feng frowned: "Liu Jian and Xie Qian want to punish Chen Qing?"
Li Dongyang nodded: "The memorial that disgraced the cabinet was led by Chen Qing. His student Xu Chen signed it."
"This afternoon, Liu Jian, in his capacity as the chief minister of the cabinet, rejected the Ministry of Personnel's memorandum on promoting Xu Chen to Zhejiang Councilor."
"In addition, Liu Jian also proposed during the cabinet visit that Chen Qing be promoted to Minister of the Ministry of Industry in Nanjing."
Nanjing Liubu is recognized as a senior care yamen.The promotion of Zuo Shilang of the Ministry of Hubu to Minister of the Ministry of Industry in Nanjing was a typical example of promotion and demotion in secret.
Li Dongyang continued: "There is nothing we can do to stop Xu Chen from being promoted by Liu Jian. But we must at least ensure that Chen Qing remains in the household department."
"Chen Qing is an expert in financial management and can speak out and give advice. It is a blessing for the court that he is the left hall of the Ministry of Household Affairs."
"As for how to protect it, I haven't thought about it yet. I think my brother-in-law is good at fighting in officialdom, so he should have a way."
Li Dongyang is actually quite a thief.He didn't want to openly break up with Liu Jian and Xie Qian.The matter of protecting Chen Qing was passed on to Chang Feng.
Chang Feng naturally knew it well.
But he still decided to listen to Li Dongyang and personally take action to protect Chen Qing.
18 years ago, before his death, Huai En taught Chang Feng: "A qualified Tiqi should not only eliminate traitorous ministers, but also protect virtuous ministers."
Chang Feng has never forgotten Lao Xiang’s sincere and sincere teachings in the past 18 years.
Thinking of this, Chang Feng smiled and said: "My relatives, why not just say that I am proficient in heresy. Don't worry, I will take care of Chen Qing's affairs!"
"If I can't protect Chen Qing, all these years of being the leader of Tiqi will be in vain!"
"I not only want to protect Chen Qing. I also want to protect Xu Chen from getting the position of Zhejiang Senator. If a good official loses his chance of promotion because of his direct criticism of bad government, then is there any bright future in the court?"
Li Dongyang said: "I think my parents are very confident, and they seem to have figured out a way. Can you tell me?"
Chang Feng smiled slightly: "If you are not secretive, you will lose your ministers; if your ministers are not secretive, you will lose your virginity; if you are not secretive in a few things, it will cause harm!"
Li Dongyang blurted out: "This sentence comes from "Book of Changes·Xici". I am talking too much, I shouldn't ask."
Chang Feng said: "Just keep it in your heart. Chen Qinghui will still sit in the left hall of the Ministry of Household Affairs. Xu Chen will also be promoted to Zhejiang Senator as he wishes."
Chen Qing and Xu Chen directly remonstrated with the state treasury deficit, which resulted in the civil servants in Beijing losing [-]% of their salaries within three years.It also cut off their ability to embezzle national funds.
Naturally, the civil service group could not tolerate these two people.
First, Xu Chen's promotion was rejected by the cabinet.
Two days later, Liu Jian, the chief assistant of the cabinet, Xie Qian, a cabinet minister, sixteen ministers of the ministry and a hundred civil servants of the fifth rank and above jointly submitted a report: Chen Qing, the left minister of the Ministry of Household Affairs, had made great achievements in admonishing the great financial shortcomings, and should be promoted to Minister of the Ministry of Industry in Nanjing.
After the memorial was published, the Palace of Qianqing, who was very happy to hear it, knelt down to remonstrate.The civil servant group had the attitude of "If the emperor does not promote Chen Qing, we will kneel to death at the gate of Qianqing Palace".
Emperor Zhengde was troubled by the kneeling of civil servants to remonstrate, and he had no choice but to do anything.
Chang Feng took the initiative to seek an audience with Emperor Zhengde.
Emperor Zhengde looked irritated: "Have you seen those people kneeling outside the palace? They are bullying everyone, bullying!"
Chang Feng smiled slightly: "The emperor might as well agree with their advice and issue an order to promote Chen Qing to Nanjing."
Emperor Zhengde frowned: "Uncle, are you going to give in to them?"
Chang Feng quickly explained: "Your Majesty, I have a plan to ensure that the promotion decree cannot be implemented."
Chang Feng said such and such, such and such.
Emperor Zhengde smiled happily after hearing this: "My uncle is so treacherous and resourceful!"
Chang Feng's method is very clever.He took advantage of a procedural loophole in the appointment and dismissal of Ming officials.
There is an important procedure to go through when appointing and removing officials, and that is handover.
For example, it was decreed that Chen Qing be promoted to Minister of the Ministry of Industry in Nanjing.After receiving the order, he could not take up his post immediately.
Chen Qing needs to wait for his successor to arrive at the household department, complete the handover of errands, and hand over the official seal.After everything was settled, Chen Qing could officially step down as Zuo Shilang of the Ministry of Household Affairs and go to Nanjing.
The official position in the imperial court is like a carrot and a pit.A few days later, the civil service group held internal negotiations and drafted the candidate to take over as Zuotang of the Ministry of Household Affairs. The current left deputy censor of the Metropolitan Procuratorate, Lin Yuan.
That night, Chang Feng found Chen Qing's student Xu Chen with a secret file.
This sealed file records more than a dozen of Lin Yuan's illegal affairs.The evidence is conclusive and the content is detailed.
Xu Chen is a member of Ke Dao Shi Zhong, and he is one of the speaking officials.Ginseng is his job.
In the early morning of the next day, Xu Chen went to court to impeach Lin Yuan, the deputy censor of the left capital, for six crimes of dereliction of duty, four crimes of favoritism, and three crimes of corruption.
Every crime is supported by both human and material evidence.The cabinet wanted to protect Lin Yuan, but was unable to do so.
Lin Yuan was dismissed from office.Naturally, the matter of taking over as the left minister of the Ministry of Household Affairs fell into disgrace.
The civil servant group discussed again and drafted the second candidate for Zuotang of the Ministry of Household Affairs, Gao Youde, the minister of Honglu Temple.
Chang Feng once again found Xu Chen with a secret file.
Xu Chen once again submitted a memorial, impeaching Gao Youde, the minister of Honglu Temple, for having an affair with his maid, which showed that he had failed in his personal ethics.
There is not only one witness to this impeachment - the maid who had an affair with Gao Siqing.There was also physical evidence, including three pairs of dirty pants stained with dirt.
Gao Youde was demoted two levels and will retain his original post pending conviction.His promotion to Zuotang of the Ministry of Household Affairs fell through.
The civil service group continued to discuss.The third candidate for Zuotang of the Ministry of Household Affairs was drafted.Governor of Henan, Wu Zhize.
Chang Feng brought the secret file with him for the third time and met Xu Chen at night.
Xu Chen submitted the memorial for the third time.During Wu Zhize's tenure, he annexed 760 acres of land in Luoyang, and the figures were mixed.The evidence is also conclusive.
Wu Zhize was dismissed from the post of governor of Henan and will never be used again.
With Chang Feng's secret support, Xu Chen participated in the impeachment three times and defeated three Chen Qing's successors.
When things get to this point, even a fool can understand.Someone wants to protect Chen Qing, and whoever takes over Chen Qing's job will be in trouble.
Liu Jian and Xie Qian’s heads are getting bigger!Now in the entire civil service group, no one is willing to be promoted to the position of left minister of household affairs.
No one wants to follow in the footsteps of Lin Yuan, Gao Youde and Wu Zhize.
Liu Jian and Xie Qian had already guessed that there must be a factory guard and Chang Feng standing behind Xu Chen.
Otherwise, how could such a small thing be so powerful?Whoever accepts his teacher's job will have dirt on him?The evidence is conclusive!
None of the civil servants dared to take over.Chen Qing’s appointment and dismissal process will never be completed.
Liu Jian and Xie Qian had no choice but to give up the idea of squeezing Chen Qing away.
Liu Jian wrote a memorial to end this unwinnable battle.The content of the memorial is: There is no suitable successor to the left minister of household affairs.It is suggested that the emperor should order Chen Qing to stay in office.He will be transferred to Nanjing after a suitable candidate is found.
Chen Qing was successfully saved by Chang Feng.
Immediately afterwards, Chang Feng began to perform even more outrageous actions.
He found Ma Wensheng, the Minister of Civil Affairs.Let Lao Ma write a memorial to Emperor Zhengde as a heavenly official.
The content of the memorial is: Xu Chen, from the military department, participated in the impeachment of two ministers and a high-ranking official in the border area.It should be promoted.It happened that the Zhejiang Councilor was vacant.Xu Chen can be promoted to Zhejiang Councilor.
For the officials of the Ming Dynasty, their greatest contribution was to subvert high-ranking officials.The bigger the official involved, the greater the credit.
Within seven days, Xu Chen defeated a Zuo Fudu censor, a Honglu Temple minister, and a Henan governor.This credit is immense.His promotion to Zhejiang Senator was a natural progression.What's more, there is also the recommendation of the official of the Ministry of Civil Affairs?
It’s hard for the cabinet to say anything more.
As a result, Xu Chen successfully obtained the title of Zhejiang Senator that belonged to him.
However, Xu Chen always offended the powerful civil service group.He was never promoted again in his life, and the highest he could achieve in his life was the position of senator.
At least in a short period of time, Chang Feng won a complete victory in this confrontation with the civil servant group.It's always windy and the sky is beautiful, so beautiful.
(End of this chapter)
Tap the screen to use advanced tools
Tip: You can use left and right keyboard keys to browse between chapters.
You'll Also Like
-
From a son-in-law to a favorite of the empress
Chapter 1313 13 hours ago -
Choose three out of ten at the beginning, summon ten gods to dominate the other world
Chapter 533 13 hours ago -
Learn a magical skill every year, and start with Xiao Li Fei Dao
Chapter 209 13 hours ago -
Honghuang: People in Jiejiao become stronger by adding friends
Chapter 467 13 hours ago -
Marvel: Traveling through time with Warcraft skills
Chapter 118 13 hours ago -
After Entering the Book, She Became Rich in the 1980s
Chapter 441 23 hours ago -
My singer girlfriend is super fierce
Chapter 1294 1 days ago -
After waking up from a thousand years of sleep, the 749 Bureau came to the door
Chapter 130 1 days ago -
Three Kingdoms: Plundering Entries, From Merchants to Emperors
Chapter 79 1 days ago -
Bad man, the system crashed.
Chapter 349 1 days ago
