Chapter 452 451 Rebuilding Yongshou Palace

The Yongshou Palace was burned to the ground, and Emperor Jiajing certainly would not let it go.

This is the place where he has lived for many years, and he is still very emotional. He is eager to rebuild a place so that he can live there again in his lifetime.

Oriental buildings mainly use wood. In addition to being fast to build, they are also extremely convenient to maintain. For example, Yongshou Palace can be completed in two years if sufficient materials are prepared, while Western buildings made of stone can easily take ten years to complete. Years or even centuries are incomparable.

However, by the Ming Dynasty, the timber that could be mined on China's land gradually became scarce, either in the extremely cold places in the north, or in the south of the Yangtze River and the southwest border.

However, although it is difficult to collect wood, it is the residence of the emperor after all, and Emperor Jiajing did not believe that he could not find enough materials.

Didn’t it take several years to collect so much wood for the three main halls?

The current three main halls are almost completely rebuilt and should be completed next year.

This matter still has to fall on the cabinet, and let the cabinet take the lead in handling it.

However, Emperor Jiajing was not a newbie in politics. Although he had made up his mind, he did not immediately summon his cabinet ministers to discuss the matter. Instead, he quietly rested in Yuxi Palace for three days before summoning his ministers.

Early this morning, shortly after the three bachelors entered Wenyuan Pavilion, Xiyuan sent someone to summon him, and the three of them immediately got up and went to Xiyuan to have an audience. They finally saw Emperor Jiajing in Yuxi Palace.

There was a fire in Xiyuan. It is impossible to say that there was no discussion in the court. News came out in the palace that the emperor was fine, but the next day the elder's request for an audience was rejected, which also caused some rumors to spread in the court. .

When summoned three days later, Emperor Jiajing had no intention of breaking these rumors.

Moreover, during these three days, people from Dongchang and Jinyiwei kept records of what the officials said and did in small notebooks.

"The Qing family is in peace."

After Yan Song and three other cabinet ministers saluted, Emperor Jiajing spoke calmly on his throne.

When the three of them entered Yuxi Palace, they saw Emperor Jiajing sitting on the throne. His face looked paler than before. It seemed that he was frightened.

The three of them thought so in their hearts, but they did not stop their movements and saluted Emperor Jiajing as they entered the palace.

"Today's summons was due to the influence of some rumors in the DPRK. You must know what they are spreading."

Emperor Jiajing said directly to the point after the three people stood up, without leaving any room.

The outer dynasty is headed by the cabinet. Now that there are so many rumors outside, the cabinet is shouldering the responsibility.

"I am aware of my guilt."

No way, as soon as they stood up, Yan Song, Xu Jie and Yuan Wei knelt down again and confessed.

They also know about the rumors outside, but it is difficult to pursue them. Most of them are low-level officials, people who are far away from the center of power. Only they have the rich imagination to spread certain things.

Emperor Jiajing mentioned this matter at the beginning, so he naturally took the lead and suppressed the three bachelors first. Then when it comes to rebuilding the Yongshou Palace later, the resistance will be much smaller.

Of course, the factory guards were not just for free. Emperor Jiajing had heard a little bit about Gao Yao's words in the cabinet before. He knew that the cabinet would first try to prevent him from rebuilding the Yongshou Palace. At the very least, he would delay time and give the Ministry of Revenue a chance to raise money. It was the end of the year.

The Ming Dynasty was not financially wealthy, and the end of the year was the end of the year. Previously arrears had to be settled, and most of them were postponed to the next year, unlike later generations who spent money unexpectedly at the end of the year.

The news that Xiyuan summoned the cabinet ministers had already reached the outer court when the three of them left Wenyuan Pavilion, and Prince Yu's Mansion naturally also knew the news.

Prince Yu's Mansion has informants in the palace, and of course he will not believe the rumors in the court. However, Yin Shizhen, Zhang Juzheng and others are also sitting together to discuss. In fact, there is nothing to say. They just want to see whether the emperor will investigate and punish them this time. Source of rumors.

"Have you been able to trace it? I don't know where the news came from in the first place."

Wei Guangde shook his head and laughed. Even if he was the first person to say this, he would still say "heard". How to check this?

He doesn't know how to guard Shinhwa Factory, although they are really powerful.

In the past, he thought that spies from factory guards would really climb over walls and invade ministers' homes, eavesdropping on roofs, eaves and windows. However, after many years in the court and serving as an official, he no longer believed this.

"But the rumors have been really big in the past two days. It is also said that His Majesty was burned in the fire, and so and so risked his life to carry the Emperor out of the sea of ​​​​fire."

Yin Shizhen shook his head and smiled.

"Hey, you know it's just a rumor, why are you talking about this? By the way, His Highness hasn't gotten up yet?"

Zhang Juzheng asked, stroking his beautiful beard under his forehead.

"No, I asked Eunuch Li first. His Highness has favored a palace maid in the past two days. He was probably too late last night and hasn't gotten up yet."

Yin Shizhen sighed.

The three of them were sitting together, chatting and laughing, and Tang Ruji, who had just joined the palace next to him, could only watch them chatting, but he was a little unable to say anything.

"For these days, there has been no word on who will take over as Minister of Rites. Will it be decided this time?"

At this time, Zhang Juzheng spoke again, his eyes secretly glancing over to Tang Ruji's side, perhaps wanting to see his reaction.

However, Tang Ruji just sat there quietly, without saying anything, and his face was undisturbed, looking like an old monk in meditation.

In fact, entering Prince Yu's Mansion may be a good job for most people, but for some people, it is a hard job. It is really worse than death, and living every day is like years.

"Ruji, what do you think? Who will take over the errand of the Minister of Rites?"

Yin Shizhen is the head of the officials in Prince Yu's Mansion, so he naturally has to take care of the newcomer, so he directed the conversation to Tang Ruji.

"I don't know either, the emperor's mind is hard to predict, haha."

Tang Ruji just laughed it off.

To be honest, there is a vacant position of Minister of Rites now, and there are many rumors in the outer court, but many people look to Nanjing, after all, there are still a group of people there, and the rank is also enough.

There are not many officials in Beijing who are qualified to sit firmly in the position of Minister of Rites.

"Okay, don't say anymore, go down and contact the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Households to rebuild the Yongshou Palace as soon as possible."

Emperor Jiajing wants to rebuild his residence. Can't the world provide a palace for the emperor?

So, no matter how Yan Song and Xu Jie persuaded, it was useless, and it was decided directly.

"Yes."

"As ordered."

Yan Song, Xu Jie and Yuan Wei could only nod and agree at this time.

When dissuading, it was mainly Yan Song and Xu Jie who were talking. Yuan Wei didn't want to be isolated, so he only said one or two words.

"There is one more thing."

Just when the three thought that the main purpose of today's summons had been achieved and they should leave, Emperor Jiajing seemed to have suddenly thought of something and spoke.

"Before, the position of Nanjing's Minister of Revenue had been vacant, but there was not much work in the past, so the assistant ministers below could preside over it. However, now the pressure of suppressing bandits in Jiangnan is huge, and many provinces in Jiangnan have petitioned to reduce the gold and silver sent to the capital this year.

Do you have any candidates for this?"

The voice of Emperor Jiajing reached the ears of the three people, and the three cabinet ministers were a little surprised.

In fact, the six ministers of Nanjing have never been complete. It's not that they are not complete, but they deliberately leave some positions to facilitate the promotion or exile of ministers.

Now there are few government affairs handed over to Nanjing, and each ministry can run well with an assistant minister in charge, but today, from the meaning of Emperor Jiajing's words, it seems that he wants to unify the military pay for suppressing bandits in Jiangnan.

Among them, the one who is most affected is undoubtedly Chief Assistant Yan.

Previously, the power to control the additional military pay in Jiangnan was all in the hands of Hu Zongxian. Although there were always censors impeaching Hu Zongxian for stealing military pay, there was no real evidence and it was all in vain.

Now the Nanjing Ministry of Revenue Minister is to be appointed to manage the money and grain in Jiangnan.

Yan Song was still thinking about this matter when he heard Xu Jie answering: "Your Majesty, I can't think of anyone suitable for the moment. Will you recommend it with the Ministry of Personnel?"

Yan Song knew that he couldn't remain silent at this time. Without waiting for Emperor Jiajing to speak, he said: "Your Majesty, the situation in Jiangnan has stabilized. Why do you need to send more officials?"

"The Fujian bandits are still wreaking havoc in various places. How can it be stable? A few days ago, Jiangxi submitted a memorial requesting to pay less tax this year to suppress the bandits."

Xu Jie frowned and said.

"Hu Zongxian has sent troops to drive out the bandits in the north of Jiangxi and completely blocked their way to the north. Now we only need to wait for Tan Lun to take office to lead his troops to suppress the bandits in the south. The situation has been controlled and it will be a matter of time before the anti-bandits are eliminated."

Yan Song replied without hesitation.

"Okay, don't argue anymore."

At this time, Emperor Jiajing on the throne suddenly spoke, then stood up and walked down slowly. When he came to Yan Song, he said, "There is no need to recommend. I already have a candidate. You three go back to the cabinet and draft an edict to the Silijian."

Hearing that Emperor Jiajing already had a candidate, the three cabinet ministers all bowed and obeyed.

"Huang Guangsheng, the governor of Huguang, Sichuan and Guizhou, has made contributions to pacifying the local area. He is promoted to the Minister of the Ministry of Revenue in Nanjing and the Prince's Guardian."

After saying that, he looked at the other two and said, "The position of governor will be recommended by the Ministry of Personnel."

"I obey your order."

The three cabinet ministers all responded.

"Huang Guangsheng's edict will be drafted directly by Yuan Wei when he returns to the cabinet. Wei Zhonghe Huating, you go to Wuyi Hall to summon the Minister of Revenue and the Minister of Works to discuss the reconstruction of Yongshou Palace. I want the result today.

Retreat."

After saying that, Emperor Jiajing turned around and walked back to the throne. Yan Song and the other three cabinet ministers had to leave.

The three of them could only act according to the order. Yuan Wei went back to the cabinet to draft the order, and then he had to deal with the cabinet affairs, while Yan Song and Xu Jie had to take over this hot potato.

Looking at Yuan Wei's back, it is certain that the two of them were unhappy.

The easy job was given to Yuan Wei, and Emperor Jiajing was really partial.

In fact, it was just drafting the order, so there was nothing wrong with it.

As for taking over the task of rebuilding the Yongshou Palace, if they were not careful, both of them would be scolded by officials from the outer court.

However, since they were given the order, they had to take it.

When Gao Yao and Lei Li arrived, Gao Yao would definitely be the first to make trouble. Of course, he would not clamor to see the emperor. When he arrived in front of the emperor, he would make the decision with one word. He had no right to speak, and he could only argue in front of Yan Song and Xu Jie.

Xiyuan, Wuyi Hall.

The two university scholars and the two ministers talked for a long time before finally deciding on the general strategy.

In fact, when Gao Yao was summoned, he knew that it was impossible to do anything. All he had to do was to make a gesture and force Yan Song to find a way to solve the financial difficulties.

"Gao Yao, don't say anything."

Yan Song rubbed his forehead to comfort him, and then said: "The reconstruction of Yongshou Palace, although the majority of the money comes from the tax silver handed over by the lower level, it is not all after all.

This time I will take the lead, and the Ministry of Works will take the lead, and the silver from the four departments handed over to the Ministry of Works by the local governments will be used for the reconstruction expenses of Yongshou Palace.

In fact, it is said to be a reconstruction, but there are too many materials that need to be purchased there. Lei Shangshu should pay more attention. After the completion of the three main halls, there should be a lot of wood and stone left over. You can make do with it first, leaving the Ministry of Works that needs to be purchased outside. Use materials and money as a cushion. After all, at the end of the year, all officials will also celebrate the New Year, and the Ministry of Revenue must understand the difficulties.

Keep track of the accounts, and we will sit down and talk about how to divide the money when the time comes. "

After speaking, Yan Song looked at Xu Jie and said, "Huating, what do you think?"

"I have no opinion."

Xu Jie nodded, there was nothing wrong with Yan Song's method.

In the Ming Dynasty, not all taxes went to the Household Department, but many yamen had their own inputs, and local taxes and levies were distributed and sent to each yamen respectively.

It is said that the reconstruction project should be mainly funded by the Ministry of Works. However, the reconstruction of the three main halls cost too much. The Ministry of Works has no money in name. In addition, there was a shortage in the past and was provided by the Ministry of Household Affairs, so Gao Yao made a big fuss. occur.

"what about you?"

With that said, Yan Song looked at Gao Yao and Lei Li again.

Gao Yao could accept it now. It would be better if he didn't ask his household department for money before the New Year. He would wait until after the New Year, so he nodded naturally.

And Lei Li also knew that this should be the best way.

Starting from the materials of the three main halls, there will not be much material needed in the short term. Everything is actually postponed until the New Year. Now they are sitting together to give Emperor Jiajing an attitude. To satisfy the emperor, naturally they cannot shake their heads and refuse.

"In that case, it's settled. Hua Ting will write a question book and hand it over."

Yan Song said to Xu Jie again.

"Mr. Ge, there is one more thing."

Lei Li said again at this time.

"What's the matter?"

Yan Song frowned, he didn't have any objections before, why is there something else?

"The reconstruction of Yongshou Palace will not happen overnight. Where will your Majesty be during this period?"

Lei Li asked.

"Your Majesty seems to be temporarily staying at Yuxi Palace."

Yan Song replied.

"The Yuxi Palace is narrow, and the land is vast and close to water, so it cannot be defended for a long time. The Yongshou Palace is an important place where the emperor was entrusted with the throne. The king is very powerful. It coincides with the catastrophe and the emperor Tianqi, so that the new Piji will last for hundreds of millions of years. It is appropriate Make timely repairs to support your family."

Lei Li said.

"You mean, Yuxi Palace is not suitable for His Majesty to live in?"

Yan Song looked at Lei Li and asked.

"Exactly."

Lei Li replied.

Yan Song looked at Xu Jie. At this time, Xu Jie had already started writing the inscription, which was the arrangement for rebuilding the Yongshou Palace. When he heard the conversation between the two, he didn't stop writing and looked up.

Yan Song and Xu Jie looked at each other for a moment and understood what the other meant.

"You can arrange this when you get back. Hua Ting and I will go see His Majesty later to discuss this matter."

Yan Song had no choice but to say.

After Gao Yao and Lei Li left, Yan Song read the title book written by Xu Jie, and then they set off and returned to the Yuxi Palace to ask for a meeting.

Not long after, the two were called into the palace.

Emperor Jiajing was overjoyed after reading the title book written by Xu Jie, and he was full of praise for Yan Song and Xu Jie's abilities.

"Your Majesty, Mr. Lei."

At that moment, Yan Song told Emperor Jiajing what Lei Li had mentioned.