Chapter 827 916 Take the Lead

Wei Guangde was dragged by Tian the eunuch to the dock. Wei Guangde had no choice but to call two servants and asked Zhang Ji to pack his luggage and follow him. He also told him not to forget to send a message to Jiujiang.

The group went out of Bengshanbao and attracted the attention of countless residents along the way.

At first, the military households of Bengshanbao thought that the eunuch was going to do something to their Wenquxing and stepped forward to stop him.

They didn't know what eunuchs and Jinyiwei were, although they thought their clothes were a little special.

Wei Guangde had to explain to them simply that these people were nobles from the capital, angels who delivered orders, and some said that those behind were escorting Jinyiwei.

The common people had a natural fear of Jinyiwei. When they heard that there were Jinyiwei, the people who had just blocked the road scattered like birds and beasts and hid on both sides of the street.

After a farce, the group quickly left Bengshanbao and headed towards the dock.

In Bengshanbao, the news spread quickly among the people.

Wei Guangde was reinstated by the emperor and was going back to the capital to serve as an official.

They didn't understand what reinstatement meant, but they knew that Wei was going back to serve as an official.

What kind of official was Wei Guangde? He was the highest official in the Ming Dynasty.

Along with the spread of this news, there was also Wei Guangde's question to Eunuch Tian at home, "How is the emperor's health?"

The emperor was ill, so he wanted Wei to return to the capital. Was he going to entrust his son to him?

The military households and people of Bengshanbao were so smart and intelligent at this time that they guessed the truth.

In fact, as long as they knew that the emperor had a problem with his health, they would think so when they urgently summoned ministers back to the capital. This is also the reason why Eunuch Tian Yitian was so anxious and angry that he pulled Wei Guangde to set off.

The people of Bengshanbao were probably the first group of people in Jiangnan to know that the emperor was dying.

This news spread all over Pengze County in just two days and began to spread outward.

At this moment, Wei Guangde, along with two servants, had already boarded the post boat with Eunuch Tian.

As soon as they boarded the boat, they immediately asked the soldiers on the dock to untie the ropes, and the post boat sailed downstream to the east.

After settling down on the boat temporarily, Wei Guangde finally asked about the recent situation in the capital. He learned that after the emperor fainted at the grand court meeting, his health did not improve no matter how he was treated, and Gao Gong went to the Qianqing Palace every day to visit him.

After Tian Yi finished telling the situation, Wei Guangde fell silent.

In the past, it was just speculation, that is, it was through letters that he knew that the emperor was ill, but in fact Wei Guangde did not feel deeply.

But now he knew the details of the palace from the eunuch, and Wei Guangde could not help but sigh.

Similar to Gao Gong's thoughts at this time, they, the cabinet ministers, were responsible for the death of Emperor Longqing.

Although they realized that the emperor's lust was bad for his health and took some measures to dissuade him, once they encountered the emperor's strong order, they all chose to retreat and obey the order.

Now think about it, at that time, they did not have the idea of ​​letting the emperor stay in the harem and enjoy himself comfortably, and handing over the power to the cabinet ministers.

However, this was just a subconscious thought, and no one said it out loud.

They were all at fault for Emperor Longqing becoming what he is now.

Unlike other officials, Wei Guangde and Gao Gong were both old men who had been in Yuju for many years, and their feelings for Emperor Longqing were much deeper than other ministers.

Originally, if everything was fine, the crown prince Zhu Yijun should have gone out to study this year, and his child also found a well-known teacher in Jiujiang Prefecture to start enlightenment last year, so he was not brought by him to teach in person.

Wei Guangde stood at the bow, looking at the mighty river without saying a word.

At this time, he could only go to Beijing to see the emperor as soon as possible to determine what to do in the future.

But he didn't know that the capital was already in a different state at this time. When he arrived in the capital, the sky had changed.

Emperor Longqing died too quickly, and Gao Gong was not fully prepared.

But in front of Emperor Longqing's sickbed, he also heard the emperor's last words to appoint several ministers.

Wei Guangde was still in Jiangxi, so he didn't need to worry about him for the time being, and Gao Yi had just returned to the capital and was not a big deal, so the only target he had to pay attention to was Zhang Juzheng.

After experiencing the ups and downs of the officialdom, Gao Gong had become much more cautious and careful, and would not let go of any possible opponents.

And in Zhang Juzheng's daily life in the past two days, he also keenly discovered a trace of uneasy situation that made him uneasy, that is, a few days before Emperor Longqing's death, Zhang Juzheng was actually mixed up with Feng Bao.

In fact, Gao Gong knew this news before, but he didn't care.

After all, at this time, there were eunuchs in the palace who had a similar or even slightly higher status than Feng Bao, and Feng Bao was not included in the list of eunuchs he needed to win over from the beginning.

When Feng Bao first entered Yu Ju, Gao Gong had already gone to work in the Ministry of Rites.

With little contact, naturally, he didn't know him well.

Even if Emperor Longqing had health problems, he still didn't think the emperor would die so soon, hoping that he could delay it for another year or two.

Meng Chong's health was not good, so he hoped to delay it a little longer and find an opportunity to push Chen Hong to the throne.

At the same time, Gao Gong didn't do nothing during this period, he was also trying to get along well with Meng Chong.

But before his death, Emperor Longqing actually made Feng Bao an assistant minister, and the words that he wanted the cabinet and the Silijian to assist him wholeheartedly made Gao Gong feel a hint of danger.

If Zhang Juzheng and Feng Baozhen colluded, even if he could control the cabinet, all the memorials would have to go through the Supervisor of Ceremonies, which meant that his power had been constrained by Feng Baozhen, which he could not tolerate.

Even if this is Emperor Longqing's arrangement, it won't work.

In fact, letting eunuchs become auxiliary ministers was also a choice that Emperor Longqing had to make.

Gao Gong was more domineering, and Emperor Longqing was worried that no one would be able to check him in the future. After all, when Gao Gong was brought back to the court, he was in good health, and he always thought he could outlive Gao Gong.

As long as he is here, he will naturally not be afraid of Gao Gong causing trouble, but the situation is different now.

No one in the outer court could check Gao Gong, so he could only restrict it through the inner court. Feng Bao, who was loyal to the prince, was naturally valued by him.

Emperor Longqing always wanted to imitate his father, Emperor Jiajing, but he always fell short in selecting and employing people.

It is not that the Jiajing Dynasty did not have capable ministers like Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng, but the Jiajing Emperor did not choose them to entrust the affairs of the court, but chose Yan Song.

With Yan Song, he can rest assured.

And if Emperor Longqing chooses Xu Jie, he can actually use it with confidence, because Xu Jie and Yan Song are essentially the same kind of people.

Unfortunately, because of his grievances with Gao Gong, he disliked Xu Jie.

Although Li Chunfang, who was chosen later, could be used with confidence, he was not capable enough, had a weak personality, lacked decisiveness, and could not hold up the Ming Dynasty.

After he recalled Gao Gong, he discovered that although Gao Gong was good, he was not easy to control.

In fact, when he was dying, what he regretted most was not choosing Chen Yiqin but using Gao Gong.

If he could come again, he would prefer that the head of the Gu Ming Minister be Chen Yiqin.

Gao Gong had a high self-esteem and naturally did not consider this, but he was determined to get rid of Feng Bao to avoid future troubles.

It's not that he doesn't want to deal with Zhang Juzheng, but he actually wants to deal with a civil servant, and he is still a cabinet minister. If he is not fully sure, he cannot easily succeed.

In Gao Gong's view, although Feng Bao was not yet the Chief of Ceremonies, he was regarded as the great companion of Crown Prince Zhu Yijun, and he had been entrusted by Emperor Longqing on his deathbed. It was only a matter of time before he became the number one person in the inner court. I believe there would be changes soon.

The emperor had just gained great power, so it was a bit worrying to take action to get rid of the ministers at this time, but he had to consider limiting the rights of the Supervisor of Ceremonies first, even though Meng Chong's palm was still there.

Just as he was thinking about this, a scribe quietly entered the room outside the door and handed him a note.

Gao Gong took it casually and opened it. His face became a little ugly at first glance.

The note was written by Meng Chong, saying that his man was captured by the Ministry of Punishment officers and wanted him to issue a note asking the Ministry of Punishment to release him.

It would be fine if he was an ordinary person, but unfortunately this time the person caught by the Punishment Department was not someone else, but a Taoist priest named Wang Jiusi.

Wang Jiusi, a Taoist, was similar to the group of alchemists favored by Emperor Jiajing in the previous dynasty. He was also an expert in refining medicine. He presented to Emperor Longqing a pill that was as soft as amber, as soft as persimmon, and had no peculiar smell. It was called "Yin Yang Great Tonic". "Dan", you will know its purpose just by looking at the name.

In fact, the Ministry of Punishment arrested him to find out that he had donated medicine to Emperor Longqing. After all, the emperor died after taking tonics. These alchemists who had donated elixirs or prescriptions were naturally the culprits of the emperor's death.

That's it for other people, but this Wang Jiusi was found by Meng Chong, so he was naturally worried about bringing him along with him.

Recently, I saw that Gao Gong was interested in harmonizing the relationship, so I raised this matter with Gao Gong.

Punish the alchemist?

After the death of Emperor Jiajing, the remaining alchemists were also imprisoned. They were originally going to be sentenced to exile, but in the end they were all released, and the person who released them was none other than Gao Gong.

In fact, it was not that Gao Gong did not want to punish them severely, but because the proposal of severe punishment was proposed by Xu Jie.

At that time, Gao Gong's only thought was to go against Xu Jie, so he opposed Xu Jie's support and used his close relationship with Emperor Longqing to persuade the emperor.

Unexpectedly, today, Meng Chong would have his mind set on him.

In Meng Chong's view, since Gao Gong can let go once, he can naturally let go the second time.

Gao Gong thought for a while, put away the note and walked out of the check-in room. He went straight to the check-in room of Grohe not far away.

After entering the room and chatting with Grohe, Gao Gong asked for Grohe's opinion.

"Is it the demon that Meng Chong recommended to the emperor?"

After hearing Gao Gong's words, Gao Yi frowned and couldn't help but ask: "What does the chief assistant mean?"

"actually."

Gao Gong looked at Gao Yi and sighed before continuing: "After he fainted at the court meeting, I told His Majesty that I would deal with them, but His Majesty only said that it had nothing to do with them. If he didn't take those medicines, he wouldn't be like this. .

In the final analysis, it was actually because he was too greedy. Alas. "

Having said this, Gao Gong let out another long sigh.

"Your Majesty has a kind heart, but it's a pity that the first assistant meant..."

After listening to Gao Gong's words, Gao Yi roughly guessed what he was thinking.

"His Majesty never wanted to punish him when he was alive, so why should we go against His Majesty's will once he leaves?"

Gao Gong said.

Gao Yi listened and nodded slightly.

Although he didn't like those alchemists either, knowing that they were all pretending to be gods and ghosts, but if the emperor himself wanted to believe it, what would be the point of saying nothing?

What's more, His Majesty finally came to his senses, but he never wanted to impose more crimes. If he was punished for this, it would really go against His Majesty's original intention.

In fact, there may not be any deception in this matter, but Emperor Longqing had such a need, and these alchemists had such medicine.

One wants, the other gives, each gets what he needs.

It's just that Emperor Longqing took too much medicine, which directly depleted his body to the point where it could not be replenished. He couldn't blame anyone, it was his life.

Gao Yi nodded immediately, "I understand what the chief minister wants and agree with it. Your Majesty has just made a big move, so we can't go against his wishes."

Mentioning Emperor Longqing, Gao Gong couldn't help but feel sad and said: "The emperor died young and left the country to you and me, two ministers who care about life."

I don't know what came to mind when I said this, and sighed and said: "The way of heaven is reincarnated every sixty years. This statement is true."

"Why does the chief minister feel this way?"

Gao Yi asked.

"Sixty years ago was the early years of Zhengde. Liu Jin, the chief minister of etiquette at that time, won the trust of Emperor Wuzong. There were also three ministers in the cabinet at that time. One was Liu Hui'an from Henan, one was Xie Muqi from Zhejiang, and the other was Li Xiya from Chu."

Gao Gong said.

When Gao Yi heard what Gao Gong said, he still didn't understand what Gao Gong meant.

It's really hard to explain clearly what happened back then.

Liu Jian, Xie Qian, and Li Dongyang were the three cabinet ministers of the Hongzhi Dynasty. "Li Gongmou, Liu Gongjuan, and Xie Gongyou Kankan".

The three of them cooperated very well there, but in the Zhengde Dynasty, Liu Jian and Xie Qian left the court one after another, leaving only Li Dongyang who remained in the cabinet as the chief minister. There were many rumors about this.

One of them is that Li Dongyang hooked up with Liu Jin, squeezed out Liu Jian and Xie Qian, and dominated the cabinet by himself.

Now that Gao Gong said this in front of him, Gao Yi naturally wouldn't think that Gao Gong was just talking casually, and naturally he meant something.

Although Gao Yi has just arrived in the capital, he has been a minister after all, so how can he not have anyone under his disciples?

So these days, news of Zhang Juzheng and Feng Bao getting closer has also been heard.

Naturally, he understood the reason why Gao Gong said this.

They are all human beings, and they know what they mean from the very beginning.

"Hey, the storm is about to come, Lord Chief Assistant, you need to make plans early."

Gaoyi said.

No matter where he stood, at least he was standing in front of Gao Gong, so he had to talk around Gao Gong.

"The position of chief minister is subject to internal and external constraints. It is inevitable that the power will be transferred to others, and it will be difficult to deal with major national affairs. It is really meaningless to be an official like this. I really want to go to the court and beg for my return."

Gao Gong sighed and said: "It's a pity that the late emperor has just conquered Bintian, and the young master has not yet ascended the throne. If he becomes an official at this time, he will fail the late emperor's trust. I..."

"The late emperor asked Feng Bao to assist the prince. It was indeed inappropriate. The ancestral system also stipulates that eunuchs are not allowed to participate in politics."

Gaoyi echoed.

"I want to make a statement. Except for the people, the Supervisor of Ceremonies and the rest should report to the cabinet for details."

Gao Gong finally revealed the purpose of his coming to find Gao Yi. Now there were only three people in the cabinet. If he wanted to push his memorial to be submitted to the palace in the name of the cabinet, he would no longer have to pressure Zhang Juzheng to sign, but Gao Yi's consent would have to be obtained.

Otherwise, if Gao Yi cannot be convinced, it will be difficult for him to push forward if both of them object.

Understanding that Gao Gong wanted to take the lead and limit the authority of the Supervisor of Ceremonies, Gao Yi agreed after only thinking about it for a moment.

Ultimately, the matter is good for the cabinet.