The Prosperous Era of Longwan

Wei Guangde knew that the trouble was serious, so he chose to keep a low profile. However, he went back to his house in the evening and changed into regular clothes, and then went out to Chen Yiqin's house.

This is a post sent by Chen Yiqin in the afternoon. Needless to say, it must be obvious that something is wrong.

Their plan to preserve the high arch seems to be unworkable.

"I knew about that at the time and asked someone for details. In fact, it was Xu Jie's younger brother, Xu Zhi, who was the right minister of the Ministry of Justice in Nanjing at the time. He resented Xu Jie's indifference and neglect to him because of his unsatisfactory performance appraisal results.

The relationship between brothers Xu Jie and Xu Zhi has always been at odds. With this incident, Xu Zhi became angry and went to the public to reveal some of Xu Jie's secrets that were not known to outsiders. What he said was unsightly.

At that time, Li Xiangxiang came to discuss with us privately, and everyone worked together to suppress the matter so that it did not spread in the court.

The officials who knew the news also knew that the matter was sensitive and did not dare to spread it randomly. Who knew that Qi Kang would blow it away. "

Chen Yiqin explained to Yin Shizhen and Wei Guangde.

You know, even the Minister of Rites didn't know about this matter. Wei Guangde was busy copying books at that time, and it was understandable that he ignored the incident in the court. Yin Shizhen didn't even know about it. It can be seen that what methods were used to suppress the matter at that time.

"So that's it. I sent people to the General Affairs Department but couldn't find Xu Zhi's memorial. I only had a loan note from Li Cifu."

Yin Shizhen nodded and said.

"Qi Kang said that Li Chunfang and Xu Jie were hooking up, probably because of this."

Wei Guangde smiled, this is the difference between low-level officials and high-level officials.

Most of the lower-level officials were young and ignorant, and the senior officials were more concerned about it. They were afraid that the memorial would cause uproar in the government and the public, so they tried their best to suppress it.

You know, at that time, the burial of Emperor Sejong was a major event, and the court could not be in chaos.

"Now that the wind is blowing in both direction, I'm afraid the high arch will have to retreat to calm the storm."

Yin Shizhen spoke again.

"His Majesty also sent me a note this afternoon, hoping that Gao Suqing can pass the customs smoothly."

After saying this, Chen Yiqin smiled bitterly.

Wei Guangde shook his head, "Some people in the official department are already discussing that Qi Kang should be demoted and released."

"Killing the chicken to scare the monkey?"

Yin Shizhen said without thinking.

"Is there any news from the Metropolitan Procuratorate? There is also the Department of Science."

Chen Yiqin frowned and looked at Wei Guangde. He had someone there who knew more.

Wei Guangde shook his head, "I sent a note to Si Zhi in the afternoon, but there was no reply when I came out.

As for His Majesty's wish to maintain Gao Gong, the current situation is very difficult, unless the ministers are mobilized to impeach Xu Jie with Xu Zhi's memorial. However, in this case, the court will be in chaos and difficult to control. If you are not careful, Xu Jie may be Stepping down with Gao Gong is the ending.

When the chief assistant becomes Mr. Li Ge, it may not be a blessing for the Ming Dynasty. "

Wei Guangde also had some considerations when he said this. Although a group of cabinet ministers had left, it seemed that he and Yin Shizhen had an opportunity. However, Li Chunfang was replaced as the first assistant. With his indecisive temperament, he was afraid that he would not dare to make a decision on any major matter. , but it is detrimental to the court.

"No chaos."

Chen Yiqin immediately rejected Wei Guangde's words. If he really followed this, I was afraid that Li Chunfang would also be implicated, and those cabinet ministers who knew about Xu Jie's affairs would be targeted one by one.

Don't believe that the officials below have any integrity. As long as someone gives an acceptable reason, they will use it to cause trouble.

As for what the consequences will be, the law doesn’t blame everyone, it’s nothing to be afraid of.

Anyway, from their point of view, only when the people above them fall down can they have the opportunity to use the impeachment memorial to show their face in front of the emperor, and maybe something good will happen to them.

Chen Yiqin thought much further than Wei Guangde.

"There's one more thing you probably don't know yet."

At this time, Chen Yiqin spoke again: "In the afternoon before leaving the office, Gao Yao, the Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, came to the cabinet and asked to resign from the position of the Minister of the Ministry of Revenue."

"Gao Yao is leaving?"

Yin Shizhen was a little surprised. Although as the Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, people would impeach him from time to time with their own reasons. Especially after entering the Longqing Dynasty, during the last few years of Emperor Jiajing, the Ministry of Revenue spent a lot of money to purchase ginseng, Ganoderma lucidum, etc. The so-called treasure.

Of course, no one dared to say anything when Emperor Jiajing was on the throne, but when the emperor changed, some people began to make excuses about this, saying that he had enriched his own pockets.

In fact, it is impossible to manage the imperial court's purse without making money. However, Wei Guangde felt a little strange about Gao Yao's resignation this time.

"It's not surprising. In the Six Ministers' Book, Gao Yao and Zhao Bingran were actually holding on. Their bodies were already failing. He told us about this before, but the cabinet has never found a suitable candidate, so it was late. There has been no memorial for a long time."

Seeing Wei Guangde's surprise, Chen Yiqin said, "If it hadn't been for Emperor Shizong, it might have been delayed for another half a year."

"Both the Ministry of Household Affairs and the Ministry of War will have vacancies."

Wei Guangde actually didn't care about Gao Yao and Zhao Bingran becoming officials. He was not Yang Bo, and these two yamen had no attraction to him at all.

I just thought that the imperial court was about to retreat a high arch, and there were two ministers in the meantime. I didn't know how outsiders would spread these things.

"Does Your Majesty know?"

Yin Shizhen asked.

"Your Majesty knows."

Chen Yiqin nodded, and then said: "Do you have any ideas about this matter today? I will go to the palace tomorrow to talk to His Majesty."

Naturally, he was talking about protecting Gao Gong, but up to now, Yin Shizhen and Wei Guangde had no good solution, so all they got were two wry smiling faces.

"Then let it be like this, let them fight on their own, and we won't get involved."

Chen Yiqin could only sigh after seeing it.

"Has Gao Yao's memorial been delivered to the palace today?"

Wei Guangde suddenly asked.

"Sent it away. Gao Shangshu said that his body and bones really can't bear it anymore and he wants to return to his hometown to enjoy his old age in peace for a few years. What can we say?"

Chen Yiqin replied.

"He is quite tactful and knows that it is better to go first."

Wei Guangde smiled.

Seeing that the Ming Dynasty was entering troubled times, the unclean Gao Yao ran away first and vacated his position, lest anyone covet that position in the chaos.

"Gao Shangshu has been in charge of the Ministry of Revenue for many years, and he still deserves credit for his hard work."

Chen Yiqin just smiled.

The next day, as soon as Chen Yiqin entered the cabinet, he was summoned to the Qianqing Palace by Emperor Longqing. When he left, he had an additional decree in his hand.

Later, news came out from the cabinet that Emperor Longqing approved Gao Yao's official memorial and changed the title of Nanjing's Minister of Rites, Ge Shouli, to Minister of Hubu.

At the same time, there was also the self-defense of Xu Jie, the chief minister of the cabinet, which was basically a response to Qi Kang's impeachment. They were all ambiguous words.

Regarding the issue of his lax parenting, Your Majesty can ask the ministers in charge of the relevant ministries, and the ministers do not have to argue.

And it is absolutely ridiculous to say that I obstructed the late emperor from appointing His Majesty as the Crown Prince.

Wei Guangde received the news in the duty room of the staff department, but he had no reaction because Ouyang Yijing's note was handed over.

The officials were very angry about Xu Jie's impeachment, thinking that most of them were strong words and irrational remarks, and they were even more angry that Gao Gong dared to use his words to counterattack. This was really a provocation to the Kedao collective.

You must know that nowadays, the intrusion of public opinions has become a general trend. No one would have thought that those who are high-ranking in public opinion would dare to impeach others under the guise of scientific principles.

Qi Kang has been isolated in the Metropolitan Procuratorate. The Sixth Section and the Thirteen Censors gathered together, and they all scolded Qi Kang for being ordered by Gao Gong to frame Xu Jie.

In today's yamen, no one was destined to be able to work with peace of mind. Wei Guangde sat in his seat blankly, thinking about the future development of the situation.

"Sir, there was news from Dali Temple just now."

Lu Bu ran back to report the news and passed on the news he had just heard to Wei Guangde.

"Dali Temple, does this have something to do with Dali Temple? If the court officials impeach each other, is it necessary to rise to the level of the Three Laws Division?"

Wei Guangde immediately frowned and said displeased.

Lu Bu was startled and immediately explained: "No, it was Hai Rui, the Prime Minister of Dali Temple, who summoned Dali Temple officials and said, 'Although Xu Gong had flaws in his early years, he had made up for his mistakes.

This Qi Kang is willing to be a high-arched eagle dog, biting Xu Gong and not letting him go. It is really abominable." "

"Hai Rui also spoke."

Wei Guangde was speechless for a while. Hai Rui was nothing in Wei Guangde's eyes, regardless of his rank or power. However, this person had such a great reputation that he could almost influence the public opinion in the court.

When his words spread, it can basically be assumed that Chaozhong Qingliu will choose to support Xu Jie and oppose Gao Gong.

Xu Jie's self-defense was immediately sent to the palace from the cabinet. I don't know what Chen Yiqin said to Emperor Longqing before, and I don't know if it was Emperor Longqing's own consideration. In the afternoon, there was news before the official office that Emperor Longqing was leaving. The purpose is to retain Xu Jie.

However, Li Chunfang's self-defense has not been delivered, and I don't know if she is waiting to see how the wind direction changes.

In the evening, Wei Guangde received Ouyang Yijing at his house.

Mr. Ouyang is very popular now, especially in the Sixth Section, and his prestige is quite high. This is because of his high impeachment success rate.

"Brother Si Zhi, this is"

The arrival of Ouyang Yijing made Wei Guangde wary of whether this "mad dog" was out of his control.

Today is a busy day for the Secretary of General Affairs. It is said that there are many more memorials to impeach Gao Gong. The Secretary of General Affairs can't hold it back and has already sent them all. Gao Gong probably won't dare to go to work from tomorrow and can only lick his wounds at home.

At this time Ouyang Yijing arrived, and Wei Guangde instinctively felt that he was going to cause trouble.

"Shandai will take a look at this first."

With that said, Ouyang Yijing took out a memorial from his sleeve and handed it over.

Seeing this, Wei Guangde's heart sank. What was supposed to come finally came.

But fortunately, he knew to let himself have a look first, so that he would feel confident, so as not to be caught off guard like last time.

He took the memorial and looked at it. Sure enough, it was a memorial to impeach Gao Gong.

The impeachment report of Gao Gong, a great scholar, has been repeated many times. He does not want to blame himself, but accuses officials of being party members who want to intimidate the gentry and specialize in state affairs. It is urgent to denounce them.

"Brother Si Zhi, why do you need to go through this troubled water?"

Wei Guangde said after briefly looking at Ouyang Yijing's memorial, but the memorial in his hand was not returned.

"Shan Loi, this matter has already exploded. If Gao Gong cannot be allowed to leave the court and the situation cannot be calmed down, I will have no choice but to do so.

Qi Kang's memorial aroused public outrage. Not only did he make a big fuss, but other officials were also gearing up. The situation was very bad for Gao Gong. Only his departure would calm the current turmoil.

Moreover, it will be good for you to remove one or two people from the cabinet. "

Ouyang Yijing looked at Wei Guangde with unclear eyes, which seemed to imply good intentions for him.

If he just wants to leave Gao Gong, someone in the cabinet might be able to replace him, and he will have a chance.

Wei Guangde knew as if Ouyang Yijing had this idea.

It is definitely a great thing for these "rural parties" to join the cabinet themselves.

"It's not that simple."

Wei Guangde just shook his head, "If Gao Gong is forced to leave, do you think His Majesty will let it go so easily?"

He had long thought about joining the cabinet, but based on his understanding of Emperor Longqing, he didn't have to think about it for a year and a half.

I'm afraid that in his opinion, this matter was promoted secretly because someone coveted the cabinet position.

You still dare to compete for a position in the cabinet, and you are not afraid that the emperor will vent his anger on you, just go ahead and try.

"Can't it?"

Ouyang Yijinghu asked.

"Gao Gong is gone. Anyone who dares to fight at this time is the mastermind of Qi Gong. Your Majesty will probably strangle you to death."

Wei Guangde had no choice but to explain it directly to Ouyang Yijing and tell him how powerful it was.

"Ah, your Majesty is not like that."

Ouyang Yijing also became worried, but he still said it.

"It's hard for you to understand the position Gao Gong holds in His Majesty's heart. Even if Gao Suqing has been away from Prince Yu's Mansion for many years, His Majesty's first thought is to look for him when something happens, and then others."

Wei Guangde said again.

"Then do you still want to submit this memorandum of mine?"

Ouyang Yijing thought about it and realized that he was not an idiot. He was not willing to do anything that would offend the emperor to death.

"I'll hold it in my hands first. If you don't say that Ke Dao will still try to impeach you? After they file the memorial first, there will be more impeachment memorials, and yours will be among them, so it won't be conspicuous."

Wei Guangde said.

At this time, if someone in the department fails to report for impeachment, it will be viewed as politically incorrect and not a good thing by others.

"Then, I will wait for two days and wait for others to play before I start."

Ouyang Yijing came here in good spirits and returned in defeat.

However, no one gave them any other tips. Early the next morning, a flood of impeachment memorials flew into the General Affairs Department and were sent to the desks of several cabinet ministers.

Xu Jie was undoubtedly very good at seizing the opportunity, and Emperor Longqing persuaded him to stay, but he still did not leave the palace. Instead, he sent another begging letter, and naturally he refused to pay attention to it.

Xu Jie insisted on going home, and Li Chunfang hid in the house and did not even submit her own defense.

But after all, it had only been two days. Generally, courtiers only presented their self-defense after being impeached for several days, so they had nothing to say.

At this time, the cabinet had no owner, and only Guo Pu, Chen Yiqin, and Zhang Juzheng were left. Naturally, they were unable to take up big posts.

The cabinet members were careless, the outer court was in chaos, and the entire Ming Dynasty was on the verge of paralysis.

Xu Jie kept a low profile this time, asking only to beg for leave and go home, as if he was afraid of Gao Gong, which aroused the sympathy of almost all officials in the two capitals.

Even Yang Bo, who had been on the same side as Gao Gong in the case of Hu Yingjia's reduction of membership, together with several important ministers, appealed to the emperor to retain Xu Jie, saying that you could not afford to hurt the hearts of the senior ministers, and that Gao Gong, Qi Kang's slander against Xu Jie went too far this time.

Yang Bo's memorial undoubtedly added fuel to the fire and made the ministers' view of Gao Gong even worse.

Although the emperor had already expressed his trust and retention in Xu Jie, it could not calm the restlessness of the court. The "culprit" was still at large. How could such a result be satisfactory?

Beginning with Yang Bo, the officials took action upon hearing the news, and with various moods, continued to express their attitudes that they felt they had to express.