The days when I ransacked the house in Jinyiwei

Chapter 306 Cabinet Personnel
Liu Jin beat people to death or seriously injured them.

After the imperial cudgel was over, Liu Jin ordered: "Put all the guilty officials in the inner factory prison. Dismiss them from their posts and confiscate their homes!"

Liu Jin turned around and looked at Chang Feng: "You, Mr. Chang Shuai, are responsible for confiscating the house. Confiscating the house is your special skill."

Chang Feng shied away: "Eunuch Liu, this is against the rules. Jinyiwei only raids the homes of corrupt officials. What kind of crime does it count for these people being convicted for their words?"

Liu Jin had a tough attitude: "Rules? My rules are the rules! As the governor of the factory, I order you!"

"We are in the same boat. Don't be naughty. Don't try to stay on your own even if I have blood on my hands."

At this moment, Chang Feng felt like he was on a pirate ship.

Liu Jin added: "As for the charges. Opposing Liu and Xie's official duties means opposing the emperor's personal rule. Opposing the emperor's personal rule means having ulterior motives and evil intentions!"

"Zhang Cai, take these criminals to the inner factory immediately! Don't dirty the bluestone outside Fengtian Gate!"

Zhang Cai asked: "Father-in-law, do you want to see Dai Mian's body?"

Liu Jin replied: "Just throw it into a mass grave to feed the wild dogs. This will save those bird talkers from taking advantage of his funeral to make trouble!"

After a while, the officials who were seriously injured by the cane were dragged away one by one.Immediately, twenty young eunuchs came with buckets and washed away the blood stains on the bluestone.

The ground outside Fengtianmen is still as bright as new.

Chang Feng tried hard to persuade Liu Jin: "To establish authority, you don't necessarily have to rely on killing people or punishing people. The old prime minister is compassionate, but he has high moral character and respect throughout his life. The greatest source of authority is the virtuous."

"Establishing authority by killing people and punishing them is like a castle in the air. When you don't have the knife in your hand, everyone will come and kick you."

Liu Jin sneered: "You don't rely on killing people to establish your authority? Governor Chang, you have a hairy face, so don't call others monkeys! How did you, Chang Butcher, get your authority? You don't know it yourself?"

"That's all, go and prepare for the banquet tonight. I want to discuss state affairs with your in-laws!"

Liu Jin had just killed someone and was in a good mood. He hummed a ditty and entered the palace through the Fengtian Gate.

Chang Feng stared at Liu Jin's back and remembered the first time he killed someone more than 20 years ago.It was at the Fusi execution ground in Beizhen, where a Guangxi rebel leader was killed.

The pleasure of taking life is addictive.

At night, Changfu dining room.

Liu Jin, Chang Feng, and Li Dongyang sat opposite each other.

This is a night banquet related to future cabinet candidates.

Liu Jin poured himself a glass of wine and drank it down unceremoniously: "Brother Bin. This time Liu and Xie returned to their hometowns, and the emperor was able to govern smoothly. Many people have contributed a lot."

In the past, Liu Jin respectfully called Li Dongyang "Mr. Li", but now he has become "Bin's younger brother".

Liu Jin smiled and said: "The emperor asked me to be responsible for rewarding meritorious ministers."

This is really not Liu Jin's fake edict.That's what Emperor Zhengde said. "It's up to you" came from the emperor's mouth, which was a sign of overwhelming authority.

Liu Jin said: "If you ask me, the first contribution should be made by my brother Bin."

Li Dongyang quickly said: "What contribution do I have?"

Liu Jin said: "Not getting involved with Liu and Xie is the biggest credit!"

"When Liu and Xie advocated killing the eight of us, you just insisted on banishing the eight of us to Jinling. I accept this favor!"

"Now it's time to reward according to merit. I am willing to stand as a guarantor in front of the emperor and promote you to the position of chief minister of the cabinet. I wonder if my dear friend is interested?"

In fact, everyone knows it well.Emperor Zhengde had already decided that Li Dongyang would replace Liu Jian as the chief assistant.

Li Dongyang did not shirk, and gave Liu Jin face: "Thank you Eunuch Liu for your kind words in front of the emperor. If I can serve as the chief assistant, I will dedicate myself to it, tie the grass ring, and live up to the divine grace."

Liu Jin looked at Chang Feng: "Your in-laws are really the pillars of the country! Who knows, there will be good stories about the husband-in-law and the first assistant of the two generations in the future."

Liu Jin's hidden meaning: Chang Feng, as long as you work hard for me, I will ensure that this big tree of Liu Jin will remain standing.In 30 to [-] years, I will support your son, Chang Ponu, as my first assistant!
This cake is big and round.

Chang Feng smiled slightly and did not answer.

Liu Jin said: "Brother Binzhi, now it's time to talk about the candidates for other cabinet members."

"The emperor has said that the number of cabinet members in the future will be four. You will be the first assistant, and I think Wang Hua will be the second assistant."

"Wang Hua has a good relationship with you and me, but he does not belong to either party. He is also a scholar, has been in charge of the Hanlin Academy for many years, and is quite famous among civil servants. The whole court will accept such a person as a second assistant."

"Oh, by the way. His son Wang Shouren is a great talent in border management. I plan to promote him to Datong Military Preparation Envoy. Well done, I will hand over the entire northwest to him from now on!"

Li Dongyang and Chang Feng keenly noticed that Liu Jin was very loud now.It seemed that the imperial court belonged to Liu Jin alone, and he could hand over the imperial territory to whomever he wanted.

Liu Jin said that Wang Hua should be the second assistant, and Li Dongyang had no objection.Wang Hua is indeed a suitable candidate.He does not form cliques, but is also diligent in political affairs. He has great talents in political affairs and is quite famous.

Li Dongyang lowered his posture: "Then I will listen to Eunuch Liu and work with Eunuch Liu to recommend Wang Hua as the second assistant."

Liu Jin regarded national affairs such as the selection of cabinet members as an exchange of interests.

He poured Li Dongyang a glass of wine: "For the other two cabinet candidates, we will each recommend one of our own."

"I recommend Jiao Fang, the left minister of the Ministry of Civil Affairs. Whether it works or not, my brother Binzhi will give you a happy word."

How could Li Dongyang say no?The initiative now lies with Liu Jin.

Li Dongyang nodded slightly.

Liu Jin said: "Where is your candidate? Who?"

Li Dongyang thought for a moment and named him "Wang Hao".

Wang Hao belongs to the moderate faction among civil servants.Whether it is with Liu Jian, Xie Qian, or Li Dongyang, they have good personal relationships.

Liu Jin frowned: "Wang Hao? I'm not very familiar with this person. But since Brother Binzhi recommends him, I naturally have to give him face."

"However"

As soon as the three words "Nothing" came out, Liu Jin wanted to make conditions.

Liu Jin poured a glass of wine for Li Dongyang: "I have a proposal. If the chief minister agrees, I will drink this glass of wine."

Li Dongyang said: "Eunuch Liu, please tell me."

Liu Jin said: "Xu Jin, the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, was a civil servant who led the army before. Where did he manage the personnel affairs of the court? When Ma Wen was promoted to an official, the emperor gave Lao Ma face and followed his suggestion, appointing Xu Jin as the Heavenly Official of the Ministry of Personnel."

"Now that the emperor is in charge, it's time for the official position to be moved."

"I propose that Xu Jin be transferred to inspect the northwest and make full use of the resources. The post of Minister of the Ministry of Personnel shall be concurrently held by the new cabinet member Jiao Fang."

"Zhang Cai, a doctor in the Literary Selection Department of the Ministry of Personnel, is smart and capable. He can make up for Jiao Fang's vacancy and serve as the left minister of the Ministry of Personnel."

Liu Jin knew the importance of the official department.

Throughout the dynasties, the yamen responsible for the appointment and dismissal of officials have always been the best.

When Liu Jian and Xie Qian were in office, the civil service department was assigned to Ma Wen for promotion.The two have been unable to get involved.

If they cannot control the personnel department, they cannot be called truly powerful.

Li Dongyang thought for a long time.Said to Liu Jin: "I can agree to the transfer of the chief and deputy ministers suggested by the father-in-law. But I also have a condition."

Liu Jin smiled and said, "Brother Bin, please tell me."

Li Dongyang said: "When Liu Jian and Xie Qian were in office, they formulated national policies that benefited the country and the people, such as the Northwest Tunfort Law, the Jiangnan Special Tax System, etc. My father-in-law, please do not let the emperor change them."

"Although Liu Jian and Xie Qian had a rift with the emperor, they have to admit that many of the national policies they formulated during their tenure were beneficial to the country." "I also participated in the formulation of these national policies."

Liu Jin said with a smile: "I have always been right about things and people. I hate them, but I will not change the good national policies they have formulated."

"After all, they and Brother Binzhi are known as the three gentlemen after Hongzhi."

Li Dongyang said no more, picked up the wine Liu Jin poured for him and drank it all in one gulp.

The political deal at this dinner was officially completed.

Liu Jin brought his confidant Jiao Fang into the cabinet, and Jiao Fang and Zhang Cai took charge of the staff.

Li Dongyang brought Wang Hao into the cabinet.The established national policies of the "Later Three Gentlemen" period of the cabinet remain unchanged.

At the same time, both parties agreed that Wang Hua would join the cabinet as the second assistant.

After talking about the important matters, Liu Jin turned to look at Chang Feng: "After Jiao Fang took office, the first two promotion signs were posted. One was for brother-in-law Huang Yuan to be promoted to Shuntian Prefecture Yin. The other was for Prince Po Nu to be promoted to Shuntian Prefecture Prime Minister."

"In the matter of removing Liu and Xie, you, Commander Chang, have made a contribution! Naturally, you will reward your family."

"Similarly, I have also made meritorious deeds. But I cannot reward myself."

"I have a brother who lives in my hometown in Xingping, Shaanxi Province. His name is Liu Jingxiang. He is 60 years old this year. I just brought him to Beijing. Let him have the title of [-] households in Jinyiwei."

"Captain Chang will take good care of him in the guard from now on. How about that?"

It is nothing new for eunuchs' relatives to "register" in Jinyiwei.

For example, Qian Ning was "registered" to Jin Yiwei as the adopted son of Bing Qianneng, the director of rituals.

Chang Feng naturally had no objection: "Eunuch Liu and I are like half-brothers. Your parents are my parents, and your eldest brother is my eldest brother."

"Don't worry, I will take good care of our big brother!"

Liu and Xie became official, and Liu Jin had no rival in the court and had the power to influence both the government and the public.Liu and Chang's uncle-nephew relationship naturally turned into a brother-nephew relationship.

Liu Jin clapped his hands: "Wonderful! Come on, let the three of us drink this glass of wine together. From now on, we will work together to serve the emperor and help him create a prosperous era of righteousness!"

After the banquet, Li Dongyang said goodbye and left.

Liu Jin said to Chang Feng: "You will have another banquet tomorrow night."

Chang Feng asked: "Who are you inviting this time?"

Liu Jin replied: "Please invite Wang Hua and his son. Okay, let others know. I support him as the second minister in the cabinet, and he always has to express his attitude towards me."

Chang Feng asked: "What's your attitude?"

Liu Jin replied: "Of course you obey my attitude."

Chang Feng knew very well that with the temperaments of Wang Hua and his son, they would never obey Liu Jin.

But according to Liu Jin's current temperament, those who obey me will prosper, and those who go against me will perish.Chang Feng did not want to see Wang Hua and his son in an unexpected situation because of offending Liu Jin.

Chang Feng could only try his best to reconcile the relationship between Liu and Wang.

So Chang Feng responded: "Okay. I will host a banquet here tomorrow night to entertain Mr. Liu and Wang Hua and his son."

Liu Jin stood up: "That's done. I'll go back to the palace to serve the emperor first."

After Liu Jin left, Chang Feng came to the living room.

Huang Yuan is playing chess with Chang Ponu.You Jingwu was on the side wiping a good knife that could be broken by blowing the hair.

Seeing Chang Feng coming, Chang Ponu asked, "Have Eunuch Liu and my old Taishan finished dinner?"

Chang Feng nodded and sat on the chair: "The two of them have reached a compromise on the cabinet personnel. If nothing happens, you will be the son-in-law of the chief minister of the cabinet in a few days."

Chang Ponu said: "Dad, I heard that Eunuch Liu raped more than 20 officials in the court today, and also beat Dai Mian to death?"

Chang Feng sighed: "Oh, there is such a thing. Once others have the power, they will follow their orders. He will kill people as soon as he has the power. Dai Mian died unjustly."

Chang Ponu said: "Dad, my colleagues in the civil service are working together in private. They are going to kneel down and ask the emperor to issue an order to release the more than 20 famous officials who are imprisoned in the inner factory."

Chang Feng frowned: "Oops. Liu Jin may kill someone again! Whoever goes against him now, he will raise the butcher's knife without hesitation!"

When he said this, Chang Feng had a doubt. He didn't know whether it was right or wrong to help the Eight Tigers get rid of Liu and Xie.

Perhaps there is no absolute right or absolute wrong in this world.

Having said that, since you've become a bitch, you can't erect a memorial arch.

The Chang family benefited from the Liu and Xie Zhishi incident.Huang Yuan and Chang Ponu were both promoted exceptionally and became the leaders of Shuntian Mansion.

Furthermore, if Liu and Xie lose power, the Chang family will lose a huge threat from now on.

No matter how powerful Liu Jin was, no matter how murderous he was, no matter how greedy he was, at least he never regarded the Chang family as his enemies.

Chang Feng turned around and told You Jingwu: "Jingwu, tomorrow Eunuch Liu's eldest brother Liu Jingxiang will come to our Jinyiwei office to register. From now on, he will be a member of the family under you."

"Liu Jingxiang is 60 years old. Don't give him any errands. Just let him receive a salary."

"Besides, he is Eunuch Liu's biological eldest brother after all. Although he is only a member of a hundred households, everyone in the guard must treat him with respect."

You Jingwu said half-jokingly: "I will respect him as if he were my biological father."

Liu Jian and Xie Qian lost power, while Liu Jin gained power.Xiao Jing, the old fox who is the Supervisor of Ceremonies, is very discerning.

Over at the Qianqing Palace, Xiao Jing cried to Emperor Zhengde that he was old and frail, and it was really difficult for him to be qualified for the post of Chief Priest Priest.He asked Emperor Zhengde to agree to his resignation.

Emperor Zhengde followed the trend and agreed that Xiao Jing should resign and retained the title of Chief of Ceremonies to stay in Beijing for his retirement.

Morning next day.Emperor Zhengde issued the first imperial edict after Liu and Xie became officials: he was promoted to the position of eunuch in charge of rituals and eunuchs.

Liu Jin was adopted by the eunuch Liu Shun at the age of six and castrated into the palace.Until the age of 37, he was still just a humble fireman.

In the 22nd year of Chenghua, Chang Feng became prosperous, and Liu Jin also began to prosper with him.

Finally, at the age of 56, Liu Jin became the internal minister of the Ming Dynasty.

50 years in a blink of an eye.The moment Liu Jin received the imperial edict, a six-year-old child seemed to appear in his eyes. He was held by an old eunuch and walked into the long palace alley for the first time.
At this time, Liu Jin was in tears.

Chang Feng was a little strange.Yesterday Liu Jin gave imperial staff to more than 20 famous officials.It stands to reason that it is bound to cause a strong backlash from the civil service group.

But this morning it was quiet.No civil servants spoke about yesterday's events.

After so many years of ups and downs in the officialdom, Chang Feng understands one truth: there is often calm before the storm.

After the dynasty dispersed, a group of officials left the courtyard in front of Fengtian Gate and walked towards the Jinshui Bridge.

Chang Feng walked quickly to Wang Hua: "Wang Butang, I will hold a banquet at my house tonight to entertain you and your son."

Wang Hua glanced at Chang Feng: "Oh?"

Chang Feng lowered his voice: "Eunuch Liu asked me to invite you. He said he wanted to have a chat with you."

Wang Hua said calmly: "Can I not go?"

Chang Feng looked troubled: "Of course."

Wang Hua thought for a while and said, "It's better to go. It would be nice to meet once. I have to make some things clear to Eunuch Liu."

(End of this chapter)