The Prosperous Era of Longwan

Gao Gong was the first to attack, but when Xu Jie fought back, he spoke in a calm tone, but acted with ease. Gao Gong was immediately choked by his words.

Although there was a lot of sophistry in Xu Jie's words, Gao Gong was unexpectedly exposed in public, and he was immediately embarrassed.

He blushed and was ashamed, muttering unable to speak.

After such a fuss, no one was in the mood to eat anymore, and the banquet ended unhappy.

To be honest, after knowing that Emperor Jiajing was in poor health and that Prince Yu was about to ascend the throne, Wei Guangde never imagined that the first court battle in the Longqing Dynasty would be between Xu Jie and Gao Gong, and it would happen almost from the time he ascended the throne. Already breaking out.

After today's incident, Xu Jie and Gao Gong were completely at odds with each other, and there was no room for relaxation. Emperor Longqing probably didn't expect this either.

A good sutra feast will eventually evolve into what it is now. I don't know if I will hold a grudge against him, the organizer of the sutra feast, if I find out.

Yes, Wei Guangde came up with the idea of ​​the Jingyan, but who knew that such a thing would happen at the first Jingyan.

Of course, this thought was thrown out of Wei Guangde's mind in a moment. Emperor Longqing was not such a person. He might not be able to explain the right and wrong, but he could see it clearly in his heart.

It's just that if the mind is not strong, it is easier to be tempted by some things.

In the following days, everything was calm between the government and the public, and the slightly tense atmosphere also eased slightly. It seemed that the matter was over.

It's strange that after the incident at the imperial banquet spread, most people said that Gao Gong was not good. It was obvious that most of the officials in the capital were more inclined to side with Xu Jie, the chief minister at this time.

However, nothing happened in the next few days, and everyone gradually became quiet, and everyone speculated whether there was another mediation within the cabinet.

In fact, Wei Guangde admired Yang Bo very much.

If not for Chen Ju's reminder, Wei Guangde would not have thought that the original focus was still on Yang Bo, but this man was so good at hiding that he avoided the matter lightly, leaving Gao Gong to take the blame and bear Ke Dao's wrath.

Of course, Hu Yingjia had no choice but to target Gao Gong. Who told him to impeach Li Dengyun, a minister of the Ministry of Industry, and then he heard from others that Li Dengyun was Gao Gong's in-laws.

Ying Jia was uneasy because of the impeachment of Li Dengyun, and he probably had a lot of thoughts, but in the end he chose to fight Gao Gong and even incited his colleagues to join him.

Even though he knew clearly that behind Gao Gong was King Yu and Emperor Longqing, he still decided to take action. Why use an egg to hit a stone?

There is only one possibility, that is, he has great confidence in improving the success rate of impeachment; and the retreat has been laid out, so that if impeachment fails, he can retreat within the safety line.

Pushing the official, it seems that Xu Jie also walked the same path back then, and now he is the chief minister of the dynasty.

After Chen Ju's explanation, Wei Guangde gradually saw a clue in the cabinet.

It seems that Gao Gong often behaves domineeringly, but if you really think about it carefully, you will find that it seems that this old boy Xu Jie is deliberately acting.

If I have to go into detail, it is natural that Gao Gong often disagreed with Xu Jie in terms of political opinions. The two sides argued in the cabinet, and Gao Gong was a person who refused to admit defeat.

But Xu Jie naturally had the most say in allocating cabinet errands, so this scene happened.

Gao Gong is responsible for resentment, and Xu Jie is dedicated to kindness.

Everything that offends people is left to Gao Gong, and good things are naturally handled by Xu Jie.

Gao Gong was not a fool, so he naturally knew the reason for Xu Jie's arrangement, which was probably why he couldn't help but talk about Xu Jie at the imperial banquet.

"Sir, Mr. Chen Ge sent you a message earlier, asking you to go to the Chen Mansion for a banquet tonight."

Wei Guangde went home early today. When he entered the door, he was notified by Zhang Ji and there was a post on the ground.

"Mr. Chen Ge? Chen Yiqin?"

After a moment, Wei Guangde remembered who Mr. Chen Ge was in his mouth. It was a bit new. Chen Yiqin had been in the cabinet for two months, and this was the first time that he had posted a treat here.

"knew."

After Wei Guangde returned to the backyard to visit his mother and his wife and children, he changed into regular clothes under the service of his maid, and then went out to the Chen Mansion.

Having worked together for many years, Wei Guangde and Chen Yiqin were familiar with each other, so they went directly.

When Wei Guangde arrived at the Chen Mansion and was welcomed in, he was a little strange. There were only two people in the study, Chen Yiqin and Yin Shizhen.

Because it was still early, the banquet in Chen's house had not yet been arranged, so naturally he was taken into Chen Yiqin's study.

"Mr. Chen Ge, Minister Yin, this little brother is being polite."

Wei Guangde cheerfully went over and said to the two of them, but his eyes looked around suspiciously.

"No gifts, no gifts, little brother, sit down quickly."

Yin Shizhen laughed happily.

"There is no one else, so I invited you and Zhengfu."

Chen Yiqin glanced at Yin Shizhen, who was not doing anything right, and said.

Naturally, he knew the meaning of Wei Guangde's actions, but he really didn't invite Gao Gong here today.

"Oh, that's because I got distracted. I won't say it anymore. I won't say it anymore."

Wei Guangde laughed and said that he thought he had figured it out on the way. He was afraid that Gao Gong had discovered that the wind in the court was in the wrong direction recently and wanted to stabilize the basic market first.

What is the basic disk?

Naturally, they are the old people of Yudi. As long as these people can stand together, they will have an absolute advantage over Emperor Longqing.

Gao Gong is now at the forefront of the storm, so naturally Chen Yiqin is asked to do the best job of shaking people up.

I just didn't expect that Gao Gong didn't know about today's invitation.

After Wei Guangde sat down, Chen Yiqin said: "Since His Highness ascended the throne, we haven't sat down and talked like this for a long time.

I remember that year, after Su Qing left the palace on errands, we often chatted in the palace, discussed government affairs, and discussed political opinions. After that, I also left, and you two were left in the palace to accompany His Highness. "

"Brother Yifu, it's all over. He, Gao Suqing, has changed. I don't even recognize him anymore. Let's not talk about him. It won't spoil the atmosphere."

Yin Shizhen spoke at this time.

Yin Shizhen didn't say it out of anger, but it was the accumulation of many things that changed it, a complete change.

It is actually difficult to change the inherent impression of a person, but it happens easily here in Gao Gong.

"Well, no matter what, everything Su Qing does is still considering His Majesty."

Chen Yiqin glanced at Yin Shizhen and then said, "There are widespread rumors about the disputes between Su Qing and the Chief Assistant in the cabinet. Some of them are actually not a battle of loyalty, but to protect His Majesty."

Hearing what Chen Yiqin said, Yin Shizhen and Wei Guangde also became interested. It was obvious that Chen Yiqin wanted to talk about something that they didn't know about that happened in the cabinet.

"Previously, the cabinet discussed the impeachment of Lin Tingji, the Minister of Rites in Nanjing, and the cabinet was still at odds."

Needless to say who was arguing, Wei Guangde and Yin Shizhen naturally knew that it was Xu Jie and Gao Gong who were arguing.

I heard Chen Yiqin continue to say: "The ministers are still arguing about the issue. The chief minister is unwilling to offend the official and plans to push the issue to His Majesty and let Your Majesty decide whether the minister should stay or go."

After saying this, Chen Yiqin looked at Yin Shizhen and Wei Guangde. In his eyes, Yin Shizhen nodded slightly as if in agreement, while Wei Guangde frowned.

"The reason for Qing Su's objection is very simple. He said, 'We cannot set a precedent of 'respectfully requesting the Holy Judgment'.

In the previous dynasty, the reason for not asking for a decision was because the previous emperor had been in power for a long time and had a good understanding of the state system.

It has only been a few days since he took the throne. How can he know who among the officials is virtuous and who is dishonest?

Let the emperor make his own decision, how should the emperor judge?

I'm afraid I can only ask the people around me. If things continue like this, major events in the world will be hijacked by Xiaoxiao. ’”

Chen Yiqin told Yin Shizhen and Wei Guangde what happened that day in a high-spirited tone, and then the two of them nodded frequently.

Indeed, Gao Gong's words make sense. Your Majesty has just ascended the throne and has no experience in governing. It would be inappropriate to ask for a "holy judge" at this time.

"Master Chief Assistant may think that Su Qing is just being unreasonable and does not want to be happy unless you have to face him in everything."

Finally, Chen Yiqin sighed and said.

"Shou Fu and Xi Ni's skills have reached their peak and are extremely proficient."

Wei Guangde said with a smile.

Gao Gong's theory is correct, but Xu Jie's method is reasonable, and this is what an old man in the officialdom should do.

"Qing Su complained to me more than once in private meetings in the cabinet that Xu Jie was too dependent on words and was used to playing with public opinion, which was inconsistent with the character of a minister."

Chen Yiqin said again.

"Brother Yifu, what do you mean, we should try our best to speak for Gao Suqing no matter where and when in the future?"

Yin Shizhen asked with a frown.

"No matter how many years we have worked together, are you willing to watch him fall?"

From Chen Yiqin's words, it shows how bad the current situation is for Gao Gong.

Yes, who would have thought that the most trusted minister of the emperor Qian Chuan would face the situation of being overturned by the entire court less than half a year after he ascended the throne. Ordinarily, at this time, he should be fawned over by countless officials in the capital.

"Fortunately, nothing has changed for us. Haha, we can still sit together and talk."

Wei Guangde smiled.

"Haha. Actually, if you join the cabinet, I think you, Wei Shandai, will be the second Xu Cunzhai."

"Xu Ge is a bit tactful in his dealings, but a scholar still has his limits and can distinguish right from wrong. Are you praising him or hurting him with your previous words?"

Chen Yiqin and Yin Shizhen answered the conversation one after another. The atmosphere in the study room was still relaxed, just like in the palace when the three generals chatted about nothing.

"From what Brother Yifu said, it seems like there has been a change in the cabinet?"

Wei Guangde suddenly turned serious at this moment and asked seriously.

Yin Shizhen, who was laughing and joking just now, suddenly realized that Chen Yiqin had indeed expressed that meaning before, and Gao Gong was afraid that he wouldn't be able to hold on anymore.

"It's hard to say. It just depends on how the chief assistant will take revenge."

What Chen Yiqin was talking about was naturally the verbal dispute at the imperial banquet that day.

Although Xu Jie has not taken any action in the past few days, people who are familiar with him know that he never fights an unprepared battle, and he doesn't know what evil he is holding back.

Only when he vents his anger and the high arch withstands it can he talk about it.

"We still have to try to support each other."

Finally, Chen Yiqin said.

Wei Guangde and Yin Shizhen both nodded. They knew what this meant. They not only wanted to help Gao Gong as much as possible, but they also wanted to join hands with each other.

"Let's talk about your affairs in the yamen. I'm in the cabinet now. If you need anything, just come to me. It's the same as before."

So, they no longer talked about the conflict in the cabinet, but transferred to their respective yamen.

Yin Shizhen is in the Ministry of Rites, and Wei Guangde is in the Ministry of Personnel. These are the necessary positions to enter the cabinet. After the exchange between the two, Wei Guangde has a lot more understanding of the Ministry of Rites, and the same is true for Yin Shizhen.

If there is a relocation, the two of them can quickly become familiar with the new yamen.

There was one thing that Chen Yiqin didn't say in his previous words, and that was that Gao Gong had really fallen, and Emperor Longqing might have to replenish his cabinet.

Emperor Longqing seemed to feel that the flames were high when everyone added firewood, so instead of the Jiajing Dynasty's method of only two or three people entering the cabinet, Han Xin ordered the more troops the better.

Who will replace Gao Gong?

Both Yin Shizhen and Wei Guangde had a chance, after all, Zhang Juzheng had already entered.

Speaking of this in this meeting, I am afraid that Chen Yiqin only came to see the two of them for the purpose.

Cabinet ministers have unknowingly begun to form cliques.

Wei Guangde also had an enlightenment on the carriage home. Perhaps the party struggle in the late Ming Dynasty started here.

There were few cabinet ministers in the Jiajing Dynasty, so if everyone had any disputes, they would just take the lead. Although there were powerful people behind them, it was still personal after all.

In the Longqing Dynasty, the cabinet first began to split. Everyone no longer fought on their own, but actively looked for allies in the cabinet.

Gao Gong and Guo Pu were like this back then, forcing Xu Jie to force Zhang Juzheng into the cabinet.

But at this time, Wei Guangde was not thinking about Tu Zemin's side. Should he take this opportunity to talk to Chen Yiqin and Yin Shizhen if he could get their support?

After thinking for a moment, Wei Guangde decided to make the matter clear. If Chen Yiqin supported it, he would have a vote in the cabinet.

"Do you two have any solutions to the Japanese invasion of Jiangnan?"

Although it was already the Longqing Dynasty, in fact, the Japanese pirates in Jiangnan were still rampant at this time, but they were suppressed severely by Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou, and they were not as noisy as before.

The fundamental reason is that large groups of Japanese pirates were dispersed and they only caused sporadic rebellions, so sometimes the local authorities did not report them.

Japanese pirates are not stupid. If they gather together, it is too easy for them to be surrounded and suppressed by the police. It is better to disperse their crimes.

"What else can we do besides annihilation?"

Yin Shizhen frowned.

"But after killing so many people, the Japanese pirates are still the same, but most of them are gone."

Chen Yiqin obviously knew the current situation. After the Japanese pirates dispersed, the encirclement and suppression by the army would be very disadvantageous.

Although the officers and soldiers were neglected in battle formations, after so many years of fighting, they had learned a lot about the battlefield. Especially the battles in large groups were definitely not matched by the Japanese pirates who relied on personal bravery, bravery and fierce battles.

"His Majesty also asked me about this when I was in Yuzhuan."

Wei Guangde opened his mouth and answered directly.

"I remember that you were often summoned by His Majesty for a while, and you were just discussing solutions."

Yin Shizhen suddenly spoke at this time.

Wei Guangde's expression remained as usual. The palace was so big, and Yin Shizhen was the number one official in the palace. It was normal for him to have channels to know what was going on in the palace.

However, Chen Yiqin returned to his hometown Dingyou at that time, and he didn't know that these things happened, so he looked at him curiously, wondering what solution he and the emperor had discussed.

Wei Guangde just nodded, answering some of Yin Shizhen's questions, and then continued: "I said at the time that the Japanese pirates had been wiped out for a while, but new ones would join soon. This can only be said that they are all people who cannot survive. The only way to survive is to be a Japanese pirate."

Wei Guangde's words made Chen Yiqin and Yin Shizhen look bad.

The people's livelihood is in dire straits because the officials are not good and fail to govern the place well.

However, there are some environments that cannot be managed by selecting good officials.

These days, productivity is low and the agricultural-dominated society depends on God to provide food for them.

"The so-called Japanese pirates are actually people who can't survive along the coast."