Chapter 668 New Spirit

When the "prepare for the Japanese" memorial of the Communication Department of the Ministry of War was questioned and criticized by a large number of civil officials, the military officers were basically watching the fun.

The main reason is of course that the military officers have no decision-making power, and the other is the contempt for the Korean direction.

Since the founding of the Ming Dynasty, the main enemy is of course the northern barbarians. In other directions, even if there are enemy situations in Annan and Myanmar, some people may believe it.

As for the Korean direction, it really makes people have no idea, after all, there has been no war here for 200 years.

Only Li Rusong, the left governor of the rear army governor's office, kept the content of this memorial in his heart and pondered it in his heart all day.

The old general Li Chengliang, who was forced to retire, looked at his son who came to greet him but was absent-minded, and scolded Li Rusong severely on the pretext that today's greetings were not sincere.

Then he asked: "What are you thinking about? Is it more important than greeting your father?"

Li Rusong replied: "Years ago, I visited Ye Da Sima to apply for a job and wanted to go out as a general. Ye Da Sima said to wait for the right time.

Now seeing Lin Jiuyuan's letter to prepare for the Japanese invasion, I wondered in my heart, could this be the right time that Ye Da Sima said?

If we really have to fight in Korea, our Liaodong Army must be the main force. Who else can be the commander other than my Li family?"

Since the Longqing Peace Agreement, the Liaodong Army may be regarded as the border army with the richest combat experience.

After all, the Longqing Peace Agreement was aimed at the right wing of the Northern Tartars, while the left wing of the Northern Tartars where the Khan was located was still regarded as an enemy by the court. The main border army confronting the left wing of the Northern Tartars was Liaodong Town.

Li Chengliang, who had been in friction with the left wing of the Northern Tartars for more than 20 years, never thought about Korea.

He asked his son suspiciously, "I told you to wait for the right time. A master like Lin Jiuyuan would not fabricate the enemy situation just to let the Li family take charge of the army, right?"

Li Rusong replied, "If it is not fabricated, then Lin Jiuyuan is really playing. I tend to believe Lin Jiuyuan's prediction."

Li Chengliang said thoughtfully, "If you would rather believe it, you should prepare early. Fortunately, I left not long ago and can still use my strength in the Liaodong Army."

Li Rusong asked, "How to prepare?"

Li Chengliang said viciously, "The first batch of hasty troops will definitely use the Liaodong Army. Prepare to lose first, otherwise why use my Li family to return to Liaodong?"

Li Rusong: "."

He did not agree with his father's thoughts, but he could not persuade him, let alone spread it.

Old General Li looked at his son again, snorted coldly, and his eyes were complicated.

If something really happened in North Korea, it seems that his son is his biggest competitor in returning to Liaodong?

When Lin Tailai, who was far away in Suzhou, sold a flaw to the court with the "Preparation for the Japanese" and stirred up a few waves of muddy water, the Hanlin Academy also ushered in the time of getting rid of the old and welcoming the new.

Every three years, a big exam is held. After the big exam, the Hanlin Academy will enter the Hanlin Academy. The top three and a number of Shujishi will enter the Hanlin Academy to work or study.

In view of the fact that the Hanlin Academy has not had much actual work in recent years, many people have proposed not to select new Shujishi this year.

After all, in short, the main work of the Hanlin Academy is to interact with the emperor, whether it is teaching in class, serving as an advisor, compiling books, drafting edicts or writing poems in response to the emperor, in essence, they are all interacting with the emperor.

But in recent years, the emperor has been hiding in the deep palace and not coming out. How much work can the Hanlins have?

There is really no need to bring in many new people. There is nothing to do when they come. Haven't you seen that even Lin Jiuyuan's work focus has gradually shifted to the outside?

However, the cabinet suggested that the Hanlin Academy can select Shujishi, but the number should be smaller, not 20 or 30 people like in the past.

In addition to the newcomers, the old ones were sent away, which was called "Sanguan". The official positions were officially arranged for the Shujishi of the previous class. The best ones stayed as Hanlin, and the others were appointed as Jieshizhong and Yushi.

Han Shineng, the Shujishi teacher who had been in office for less than two months, found that he had suddenly become a person with great power.

Whether selecting new Shujishi or arranging old ones, he had a lot of say, and everyone respected his opinions very much.

This made the poor old Hanlin in his sixties a little flattered, and he seemed to have never enjoyed the taste of power so much in his life.

When I was still in Suzhou a few years ago, I never thought that it would be such a simple model after entering Beijing.

It may be related to the situation of a major change of blood in the cabinet and the Hanlin Academy. The system of poets had no authority from top to bottom.

Zhou Yingqiu and Dong Qichang, the Shujishi of the previous batch, were successfully retained in the Hanlin Academy and officially took office as editors.

Then the two of them visited Han Shineng together and asked, "Are there any rules for the selection of new Shujishi?"

Han Shineng was very surprised. What does the selection of Shujishi have to do with you two? You two have just gotten rid of your status as newcomers.

Dong Qichang explained: "In the past three years, Lin Jiuyuan has been very concerned about the teaching of Shujishi, and often gave speeches in the morning class.

The two of us have compiled Lin Jiuyuan's speeches into a book, which can be used as a basis for selecting Shujishi in the Hanlin Academy. When new people come in, they can also be used as teaching materials."

Han Jiaoshi was instinctively disgusted and felt that he was greatly offended. He put on the posture of an old senior and scolded: "What does the selection and teaching of Shujishi have to do with you two?

Even Zhao Shoufu of the cabinet and Huang Xueshi, who temporarily presided over the affairs of the Hanlin Academy, did not interfere with me too much!

You two are only juniors who have been in the academy for three years. How dare you point fingers in front of me!"

Dong Qichang shook his head. This old senior may not have been in the court in recent years, so he is a little confused about the current situation.

If it weren't for the lack of successors among poets in recent years and his native Suzhou, this old senior might not have been recommended back to Beijing.

Zhou Yingqiu pulled the eloquent Dong Qichang aside, took a step forward, and sneered at Professor Han:

"Old seniors, have you ever thought about why Zhao Shoufu and Huang Xueshi don't interfere with you much?

That's because there are rumors that you almost joined the Lin Mansion as a palace master in Suzhou, but were sent to the capital by Lin Tailai!

Therefore, others think that you and Lin Jiuyuan have some close relationship, so they give you a courtesy! "

Han Shineng: "."

Really? Why hasn't anyone told me?

With a "pop" sound, Zhou Yingqiu threw a book on the table and continued:

"Since you have benefited from Lin Jiuyuan, don't shirk your responsibilities! You have to use this "Excerpts of Lin Jiuyuan's Lectures" if you want to, or if you don't want to use it!

Lin Jiuyuan once said, if you don’t change your thoughts, change your people! Believe it or not, after I, Zhou Yingqiu, publicly broke up with you, the first person to deal with you was Zhao Shoufu? "

Dong Qichang still persuaded with kind words: "Senior Han! You don't want to go back to Suzhou in despair without accomplishing anything, right?"

Han Shineng silently put away "Excerpts of Lin Jiuyuan's Lectures", and Zhou Yingqiu and Dong Qichang left.

Walking outside, Zhou Yingqiu sighed: "I don't know when Lord Jiuyuan will return to the court. It's not a long-term solution to always rely on us people to scare people by pulling tiger skins. Even Tao Hui is a little too shy."

Dong Qichang replied: "Three years after entering the dynasty, he has become so tyrannical. If he doesn't keep a low profile, what will happen to him?"

After waiting for a while, Han Shineng temporarily left the Hanlin Academy and went to Wenyuan Pavilion to visit the chief minister Zhao Zhigao.

The Hanlin cabinet is an integrated body, so other ministers generally do not visit the cabinet, but senior Hanlin officials have no such scruples.

What's more, Han Shineng and Zhao Zhigao are of the same age, and they are both older in the same year, so they have a lot in common.

In the middle hall of Wenyuan Pavilion, Han Shineng showed "Excerpts of Lin Jiuyuan's Lectures" to Zhao Shoufu.

Then he asked: "Can this be used to select and teach the common people?"

Zhao Zhigao replied: "Why not?"

"But is this too much?" Han Shineng asked.

Then Zhao Shoufu said to Lao Tongnian very gently: "If you really can't tolerate this, there is no need to force yourself.

Zhan Shifu is still vacant. You can transfer to Zhan Shi and you can still shine. "

Han Shineng: "."

What it means to say the coldest words in the warmest tone, I finally experienced it today.

After sending Han Shineng away, Zhao Fu summoned other cabinet ministers for a meeting.

Now that Zhu Geng has arrived in the capital from Zhejiang, all cabinet ministers are in place, and some things cannot be delayed any longer.

"The three of you have not been given palace titles so far. I want to petition the Holy One, but I don't know who should go first." Zhao Zhigao said.

Zhu Geng, who had just started working at Wenyuan Pavilion, said: "Actually, there are more important personnel matters in the court than the palace number I am waiting for, right?

When I passed by Suzhou, Lin Jiuyuan also asked me why the Minister of Rites is still vacant. "

Zhang Wei and Li Chun: "."

It was Lin Jiuyuan who spoke the moment he opened his mouth. If he hadn't looked up, he would have thought it was Zhao Shoufu who was talking!

Zhao Zhigao explained to Zhu Geng: "As for the appointment of the Minister of Rites, I previously asked for a direct appointment, but the emperor also issued an order to let the Ministry of Personnel recommend it."

Although the Minister of Rites is one of the six ministers, its attributes are somewhat similar to those of officials such as Hanlin and Dashi. Legally speaking, they can be directly appointed by the emperor or recommended by the court.

Then Zhao Zhigao continued: "But Wang Tianguan of the Ministry of Personnel privately revealed the secret to the cabinet, saying that now high-ranking ministers have their own uses, and it is difficult for the Ministry of Personnel to recommend candidates.

If the recommendation is forced, the candidate can only be promoted beyond the level. However, the power of super-promoting the CI minister should belong to the Holy One, and the officials would not dare to specialize in it. "

Zhu Geng sighed and said: "In the past year, there have been frequent dispatches by the ministers, and there is not enough use. The embarrassment of the officials is understandable. Lin Jiuyuan also foresaw that the Minister of Rites would have difficulty in giving birth."

Among the current front-line senior CI ministers, Zhang Wei, Zhu Geng, and Li Chun have all joined the cabinet. Yu Shenxing and Chen Yubi have all appeared in other ministries as ministers. Huang Fengxiang presides over the work of the Hanlin Academy, and Shen Yiguan and Ding You , Luo Wanhua has just been deposed.

As for Zhao Yongxian, the left minister of the Ministry of Rites, his reputation is a little worse. Moreover, he was admitted to the imperial examination in the fifth year of Longqing, and his qualifications are somewhat lacking compared to today's first-line ministers.

Therefore, the Ministry of Personnel did not completely shirk its responsibilities, or was afraid of offending others. According to the rules of the system, it was really difficult to find a suitable Ci minister to be the Minister of Rites.

If there are not enough senior ci ministers, unless they are promoted from the second and third tier ci ministers, the emperor can only make the final decision.

Zhao Zhigao always felt that Zhu Geng seemed to have something to say, and that he might have brought Lin Jiuyuan's latest spirit, so he took the initiative to ask: "Do you have any other opinions?"

Zhu Geng replied: "I don't have much opinion, but when I was passing by Suzhou, I heard Lin Jiuyuan say that if there is really no suitable candidate, we might as well let the cabinet minister serve as the Minister of Rites.

This kind of thing is not without precedent. It can be used as a stopgap measure. Young people like Lin Jiuyuan are more flexible. "

In the Ming Dynasty system, the cabinet and the six ministries were separated, physically isolated.

However, in extraordinary times, it is not uncommon for a bachelor to work concurrently as a minister, but it is extremely rare.

If Zhao Zhigao realized something, he glanced back and forth at Zhang Wei and Li Chun, and then suddenly said: "Then please help Li Fushun."

Li Chun almost jumped up and blurted out: "Why?"

Only a fool would think of becoming the Minister of Rites of Laoshizi while the calamity of the country has not been lifted! Not even a concurrent official!

Zhao Zhigao patiently explained to Li Chun: "Both Zhang and Zhu came directly from the countryside and may not be familiar with the details of ministry affairs.

And you were previously the right minister of the Ministry of Rites, and you happen to be familiar with the affairs of the Ministry of Rites, so it is most appropriate for you to shoulder the responsibility of the Ministry of Rites.

There is really no one to recommend in the Ministry of Personnel, so I would like to ask you to take charge of the Ministry of Etiquette for the time being.

When I report it to the Emperor, it will be regarded as the common opinion of the cabinet and the Ministry of Personnel. "

Zhu Geng and Zhang Wei nodded in agreement, both expressing their opinion.

Li Chun: "."

Why did he suddenly force himself into a blind corner, with no way forward and no way back?

If you are also the minister of the Ministry of Finance, in order to avoid the suspicion of being exclusive, it is not suitable to be the first assistant or second assistant, right?

Zhang Wei asked Zhu Geng half sarcastically and half jokingly: "What else did Lin Jiuyuan say when you passed by Suzhou?"

Zhu Geng replied: "It happened that Shen Wumen returned to Suzhou, and Lin Jiuyuan told Shen Wumen that Yu Li, the chief minister, should not recommend cabinet ministers.

Shen Wumen said that this was authorized by the emperor, and there was nothing he could do about it.

Lin Jiuyuan also said that even if the chief assistant recommends a candidate, in order to prevent dictatorship, this person should not directly occupy the position of first assistant or second assistant.

Otherwise, ambitions will expand and the cabinet will have no peace. In the end, Shen Wumen was speechless. "

Zhang position: "."

Isn't he himself the candidate recommended by former Chief Assistant Shen Shixing? Does this mean that I have to avoid being suspected of being a secondary assistant?

At this time, Zhao Zhigao also said: "It makes sense."

Finally, Zhang Wei slapped the case angrily and said, "Is it possible that just a few words from Lin Jiuyuan can be regarded as a model?"

Zhu Geng concluded: "Lin Jiuyuan said that his thoughts were all from the perspective of sharing the emperor's worries. As long as the cabinet reports truthfully, the emperor will understand.

Otherwise, the cabinet would be delayed for two or three months, unable to even decide on the order of cabinet ministers, and could not elect the Minister of Rites. It would be too incompetent.

It's better for him, a clear observer, to see more clearly! "

Zhao Zhigao showed off the style of a chief assistant and said decisively: "We can't delay it any longer! Lin Tai said that we must first solve the problems that exist or not, and then solve the problems that are good or not.

Therefore, you should decide on a style first. If it is not suitable, you can find an opportunity to adjust it later.

Today, I will serve as the assistant, with Zhu Shanyin as the second assistant, Li Fushun as the third assistant and in charge of the Ministry of Rites, and Zhang Xinjian as the fourth assistant! "

Zhang Wei was speechless. When Zhao Zhigao and Zhu Geng teamed up to trick Li Chun, he didn't speak.

Now the two Zhejiang guys started to trick him and made him the last fourth assistant, but there was no one to speak for him anymore.