The Prosperous Era of Longwan

Yin Zhengmao, courtesy name Yangshi, pseudonym Shiting, was born in She, Huizhou Prefecture, Nanzhili. It is said that he was the 15th generation grandson of Bingchang Gong, who fled to the south during the Song Dynasty.

Yin Zhengmao was a Jinshi in the 26th year of Jiajing, and was on the same list as Zhang Juzheng. He was appointed as a messenger, served as a military official, and was transferred to Jiangxi Provincial Surveillance Commissioner.

In the 33rd year of Jiajing, Yin Zhengmao impeached and dismissed Shen Yinglong, the assistant minister of the Nanjing Ministry of Justice, as a military official.

At that time, there were many false things in the Beijing camp. The governor Pingjiang Bo Chen Gui was married to Yan Song's family, and people at that time did not dare to ask about it.

Yin Zhengmao inspected the Beijing camp and impeached Chen Gui for many illegal things. Yan Song and his son and other nobles were all angry.

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When Emperor Shizong of the Ming Dynasty was holding a ceremony for a fast, Yin Zhengmao led his colleagues to advise him, which angered the emperor and he was to be punished with a cane in the court, but he was spared by the imperial court.

This was also the reason why he was sent out from the capital. After all, it was good not to be punished for angering the emperor.

However, Yin Zhengmao was also fair and selfless during his tenure. He pointed out illegal acts in the government many times and reported them to the court, which frightened many illegal people in the government. He handled cases fairly and cleared many wronged people.

It can be said that Yin Zhengmao was a clean stream in the court at this time, but he also offended many people because of this.

As for the rumors about his greed for money, Wei Guangde did not comment on it. After all, he had no contact with Yin Zhengmao, and Yu Dayou had never mentioned Yin Zhengmao's greed for money to him.

However, it is an indisputable fact that Yin Zhengmao has military talent. In the fourth year of Longqing, he recruited 140,000 Han officers and soldiers from various places to replace Li Qian to suppress the rebellion of Wei Yinbao and Huang Chaomeng of the Gutian Zhuang tribe. He divided his troops into seven routes and broke dozens of nests in succession.

Huang Chaomeng died, Wei Yinbao was betrayed by his subordinates and was eventually arrested. Yin Zhengmao was promoted to the right assistant minister of the Ministry of War for his merits.

From the fifth year of Longqing to the third year of Wanli, he served as the governor of Guangdong and Guangxi as the Minister of the Ministry of War in Nanjing, and the following year he was promoted to the Minister of the Ministry of Revenue in Nanjing.

The Ministry of Revenue in Nanjing, which is in charge of money and grain in Jiangnan, is considered to be the most powerful among the six ministries in Jiangnan, even higher than the Ministry of Personnel in Nanjing, which is in charge of the official hats in Jiangnan.

Zhang Juzheng guaranteed Yin Zhengmao, and Wei Guangde was not very interested in the Ministry of Revenue. After all, Wei Guangde had never known how Zhang Juzheng would carry out the reforms.

So far, Zhang Juzheng has only carried out one reform, that is, the implementation of the performance evaluation system.

The Single Whip System has already been tried out, and the only thing left is the last step, which is to promote it throughout the country.

However, because of the discovery of problems with the court's land tax, Zhang Juzheng came up with the idea of ​​measuring the land, and naturally the time for launching the "One Whip Law" was postponed again.

Wei Guangde kept recalling Yin Zhengmao's past in his mind, judging whether to approve this matter according to Zhang Juzheng's plan.

Zhang Juzheng kept silent on the side, but seeing Wei Guangde did not speak for a long time, he finally couldn't help but say: "It is rumored that Yangshi is greedy for money. This time in Beijing, Shandai might as well take a closer look to see if it is true.

If there is really something illegal, Shandai can impeach and punish him in the Censorate.

However, I have to say that those who are greedy for money are good at economics, and the Ministry of Revenue lacks such talents."

Perhaps others did not understand what Zhang Juzheng meant, but when Wei Guangde looked at Zhang Juzheng, he saw a hint of teasing in his eyes.

Zhang Juzheng just mentioned the Censorate, and Wei Guangde actually guessed that the things between him and Chen Zan had been noticed by Zhang Juzheng.

Come to think of it, Zhang Juzheng is not an ordinary person, and he attaches great importance to power.

The power of the Censorate is too great, even the Prime Minister of the Cabinet is a big constraint, so he will not give up this office easily.

Perhaps, since Lao Kan was transferred to Beijing to serve as the Deputy Chief Censor of the Censorate, Zhang Juzheng has already noticed that Wei Guangde and his classmate have a tacit understanding.

It's just that Chen Zan is very cautious in doing things, most of the time he is very strict and will not bend the law for personal gain, so Zhang Juzheng still trusts Chen Zan.

Zhang Siwei has a group of censors to help him in the Censorate, and Zhang Juzheng also noticed it, so he let Wei Guangde transfer Lao Kan from Fujian to the Censorate.

Speaking of which, from Zhang Juzheng's point of view, it seems that this is another balance.

Balancing the influence of Wei Guangde and Zhang Siwei on the Censorate, he mediates in the middle.

Thinking of this, Wei Guangde's heart moved slightly.

It seems that Zhang Juzheng was not as confident in Zhang Siwei as he showed to the outside world. In fact, Zhang Juzheng was also careful in dealing with Zhang Siwei.

But think about it, it has come to this point. That person is not careful in dealing with his colleagues around him, just like he is wary of Zhang Juzheng and Zhang Siwei.

As for his good friends, such as Tan Lun, Zhu Heng and others, Wei Guangde is not wary, that is because they are qualified to enter the cabinet, but they need him as a cabinet member.

Cannot be replaced, Wei Guangde is naturally nothing to them except making friends.

What is replaced, there is no such thing, the cabinet of the Ming Dynasty is not for just anyone.

Again, there is no eternal enemy, only eternal interests.

It can only be said that Churchill really sees through the tricks between politicians and businessmen.

What else can Wei Guangde say now, Zhang Juzheng has made it so clear.

Nodding, Wei Guangde said with a smile: "Since Uncle Brother has seen the problem so thoroughly, Shandai will naturally not object.

Minister Wang is in charge of the Ministry of Personnel, and Lord Yin will be transferred to take over the Ministry of Revenue.

I wonder what Uncle Brother thinks of the candidate for the Minister of Personnel recommended by Shandai before?"

"Of course it's very good."

Zhang Juzheng smiled, stroking his beard and said.

The two smiled at each other, and naturally today's matter was settled.

At this moment, Lu Bu's questioning voice came from outside the door.

"Are my adults still in the room where Mr. Chief Assistant is staying?"

"The two adults are discussing something, please wait a moment."

The person having the conversation was naturally the clerks on duty on both sides.

"I have an urgent report from the Ministry of War, which needs to be handed over to the adults immediately."

Lu Bu's voice came from outside again. Wei Guangde glanced at Zhang Juzheng, saw him nodding slightly, and then shouted to the door: "Lu Bu, come in."

"Yes, sir."

It was Lu Bu who spoke outside the door. He quickly entered the door with an official document in his hand. When he walked in front of the two of them, he first bowed to Zhang Juzheng and then handed the official document to Wei Guangde.

Wei Guangde took it and took a look, then a look of joy appeared on his face.

"What's a good loan?"

Seeing this, Zhang Juzheng immediately asked.

"Uncle, great victory in the Southwest. Li Chengliang has captured the traitor Mang Yinglong and his son Mang Yingli. Myanmar's 300,000-strong army no longer exists."

Wei Guangde had already read the battle report in his hand, and then handed it to Zhang Juzheng on the side.

"That would be great, then things in Myanmar can start to be arranged."

Zhang Juzheng reached out and took the official document and browsed it quickly, and soon a smile appeared on his face.

"Shan Loi, you and I need to call Ziwei to report this good news to the palace as soon as possible."

Zhang Juzheng said immediately.

"Your Majesty is still giving lectures in the Wenhua Hall regarding this matter."

Wei Guangde tilted his head and said after thinking about it.

"Who is responsible for preaching to His Majesty today?"

Although the lessons for the little emperor Zhu Yijun were all arranged by Zhang Juzheng, including the teacher who gave lectures on scriptures, for a while he couldn't remember who he had arranged for today.

"It seems to be Wang Xilie."

Wei Guangde smiled.

"Tell him that today's class is over for the time being and your Majesty, please go to Ciqing Palace.

Empress Dowager Li also needs to check whether she is in Cining Palace or Ciqing Palace, and invite her to Ciqing Palace. "

Zhang Juzheng said immediately.

"Go and notify the chamberlain and send a message to Wenhua Palace and Cining Palace."

Wei Guangde immediately ordered Lu Bu.

There are chamberlains in the cabinet, and to deliver news to the palace, these chamberlains are sent to run away.

After all, it is a harem, and it is inconvenient for officials in the cabinet to enter and exit.

"Yes, sir."

After Lu Bu received the order, he immediately bowed his hands, exited the room, and ran out.

"Someone's coming."

Zhang Juzheng's scribe also came in quickly. After saluting, he heard Zhang Juzheng telling him to invite Zhang Siwei to come here immediately.

In fact, the previous conversation inside could be heard clearly from outside and they knew what it was about.

The scribe immediately went out and trotted towards Zhang Siwei's duty room.

Not long after, Zhang Siwei came over.

From the scribe's mouth, they learned that the great victory in Burma and the war in the southwest were basically over. They were going to the palace immediately to report the victory. Zhang Siwei would delay such a big event.

"Come, Ziwei, take a look at the news just sent by the Ministry of War."

When Zhang Siwei came in, Zhang Juzheng handed over the battle report in his hand and asked him to read it too.

Although the first battle report is very simple, it is also a routine.

After the war ended, victory was achieved immediately.

In the next few days, detailed battle reports will be delivered one after another.

After all, there is a war, and just cleaning the battlefield is a big time-consuming task.

The war is urgent, and the front lines are risking their lives. In fact, the rear lines are also on tenterhooks, always paying attention to the progress of the war.

So there is this rule, that is, after the battle is over, regardless of victory or defeat, the results should be reported to the capital first.

Follow-up battle report, after cleaning the battlefield, understand the details clearly and then continue to report, so as to reassure the rear.

"Okay, okay."

After reading the battle report, Zhang Siwei shouted "good" three times.

This is the first major event in the court after he joins the cabinet. Although this battle seems to have nothing to do with him, in fact everyone in the cabinet will benefit.

"Forget it with He Qing. He is still recuperating in the mansion. Just the three of us will go to Ciqing Palace to report our victory."

Ordinarily, such a good thing should come to Lu Tiaoyang, and all the cabinet ministers would go to the palace together to show victory.

It's just that Lu Tiaoyang's situation is actually the same whether he calls him or not.

Zhang Siwei returned the battle report to Zhang Juzheng, and Zhang Juzheng said to Wei Guangde: "Then let's leave now."

"Uncle, please come first."

Wei Guangde turned slightly to let Zhang Juzheng go in front, and then he followed. Zhang Siwei was half a body behind Wei Guangde.

The three people left the cabinet and saw the tail of the emperor's ceremonial guard from a distance.

Apparently the news had reached Wenhua Hall, so Wang Xilie could only suspend classes and ask His Majesty to return to the palace first.

When Wei Guangde and others walked through the gate of Wenhua Hall, Wang Xilie happened to come out. Seeing the cabinet ministers gathered together, Wang Xilie hurriedly bowed and saluted.

"My son, things happened in a hurry today, and I didn't have time to prophesy you."

Zhang Juzheng returned the favor without forgetting to explain.

"Are the three pavilion elders going to the harem?"

The news came, but it did not explain the reason. It only said that there was an important matter, so please go to Ciqing Palace.

Zhu Yijun didn't like Wang Xilie's class very much, so he ran away immediately after hearing the news.

At this time, the news outside the palace may have spread in the yamen, but people in the imperial city may not know it. Wang Xilie is still in class, so there is no way to know.

"Today, the military department performed a great victory. Li Chengliang, the commander-in-chief of the Left Army Command, led his troops to encircle and annihilate the main force of the Burmese army, and captured Burmese king Mang Yinglong and his son Mang Yingli alive, so we are going to the palace to report this matter."

Zhang Juzheng shook the battle report in his hand and said to Wang Xilie with a smile.

"God bless the Ming Dynasty. I heard that the rebels had gathered 300,000 troops and horses to attack the country. I was a little worried. With this successful report, I can feel relieved."

Wang Xilie's face immediately showed joy.

Although Ming officials looked down on the surrounding vassal states, especially the Xuanweisi, which was not even considered a vassal state like Myanmar.

But after all, they had assembled an army of 300,000 people, and the fact that small Myanmar could dispatch so many troops really shocked the court.

Military affairs are inherently mysterious, and victory is not guaranteed if there are more soldiers.

Moreover, the Ming Dynasty's troops in the southwest did not actually have an advantage.

There is a huge gap between the Ming Dynasty and Myanmar. This is actually because the Ming Dynasty can continuously mobilize troops and fight Myanmar several times.

But looking at the history of the Ming Dynasty, it has not happened in a hundred years like Myanmar, which mobilized 300,000 troops at once.

Nowadays, it is quite difficult for the Ming Dynasty to mobilize an army of 100,000 troops.

The people may not understand it, but the important officials in the imperial court know it very well.

"We won't delay, the palace is still waiting for news."

Zhang Juzheng smiled.

"Please, Mr. Ge."

Wang Xilie stepped aside and bowed.

Zhang Juzheng took Wei Guangde and three others to Ciqing Palace quickly. At this time, Empress Dowager Li also came from Cining Palace and had already entered. The young emperor was also inside.

After the three people came to see them, not long after, Xiaohuangmen came out and announced, "Your Majesty, please let the three pavilion elders in."

"Good work."

Zhang Juzheng thanked him and quickly entered Ciqing Palace with Wei Guangde and others.

The seventh-rank officials in front of the prime minister's door, not to mention this is the Queen Mother's place, these are the Queen Mother's people.

"I congratulate you, Your Majesty, on the great victory in the Southwest."

Soon, the three of them saw the three masters of the harem, and without delay, they congratulated them and handed over the victory report of the Ministry of War.

Queen Mother Chen first read the good news, and then handed it to Queen Mother Li next to her and said with a smile: "I just talked about the southwest, and today I sent the good news. It seems to be a blessing from heaven. God bless the Ming Dynasty."

After Empress Dowager Li took the report and read it, she also smiled and said: "It seems that this matter is taken seriously. This should also be a sign given to us by God."

The good news reached the young emperor Zhu Yijun, but before he could read it, he heard his mother, Queen Mother Li, asking: "Zhang Shoufu, Wei Cifu, since the southwest has been decided, shouldn't the imperial court also issue regulations?"

If Feng Bao reports the time in the morning, because the results of the battle in Myanmar have not yet been announced, everything can only be a plan, and then it is time to enter the specific implementation stage.

Queen Mother Li was already a little impatient at this time.

What Empress Dowager Li said, apart from Zhang Siwei, the big guys present, Zhang Juzheng and Wei Guangde all knew what was going on.

"According to the regulations, the establishment of a province has to wait until Burma is completely pacified. However, I will ask the Ministry of Rites to prepare the ceremony today. It will not waste too much time."

Zhang Juzheng bowed and replied.

"We still have to wait for it to be completely pacified."

Empress Dowager Li was a little disappointed with Zhang Juzheng's answer.

"Sister, follow the court regulations and there is no need to rush."

At this time, Queen Mother Chen spoke, "Wei Cifu, you have always been in charge of Burmese affairs. As for Li Aiqing, you must urge him to completely pacify Burma as soon as possible. The imperial court will not lack rewards."

"I understand, I will ask the Ministry of War to write a document to supervise this matter."

Wei Guangde immediately took half a step forward and answered.