The Prosperous Era of Longwan

Teng Xiang worshiped under the sect of Huang Jin, and he also followed Emperor Jiajing back to the capital from Anlu. However, Huang Jin's status was not high, and he was just a handyman in Prince Xing's palace.

Such people, whether in the Jiajing Dynasty or the Longqing Dynasty, were regarded as members of the Xingwang family with upright roots.

As the older generation of Xingwangfu people aged, talents like him gradually emerged.

Especially after Teng Xiang discovered that Emperor Longqing was very playful, not only greedy for beauty, but also liked some weird gadgets, he naturally welcomed him wholeheartedly, which also quickly increased his status in the palace.

As you can imagine, a lot of old eunuchs helped the emperor select beauties in the palace, and then arranged for people to send them to the emperor.

Let people go around the capital to explore novel things, and then send them to the palace for the emperor to play with.

After hearing Wei Guangde's idea, Chen Yiqin hesitated briefly and asked, "Will he agree?"

Chen Yiqin had many contacts with the palace, and he knew that with Tengxiang's current level of favor, even if His Majesty knew that he had ordered some of the imprisoned Huang family members to be let go, he would probably only scold him a few words.

However, the key is why he was allowed to get involved in this muddy water.

Eunuchs, after all, have lost a lot of fun in life because they have lost their lifeblood, so money is the most important to them.

Without offspring, we have to rely on ourselves to support ourselves in old age.

Even Huang Jin, who was praised by the foreign court, was no exception. Judging from the punishment of Emperor Longqing on the Huang family, it was obvious that Huang Jin had done something secretly.

Teng Xiang can be tempted by giving enough money, but will he agree?

This is what Chen Yiqin is worried about.

"Eunuch Huang had a passionate relationship with him. I guess he may not have had such intentions, but he felt that if he did it, the gain would outweigh the loss.

As long as it makes him feel it's worth the money, I think he will agree.

Moreover, Eunuch Huang had taken care of the palace at the beginning. His Majesty was angry before, so he rejected your request. Now?"

Wei Guangde just whispered.

"How much money do you plan to give? How will you collect the money?"

Chen Yiqin whispered.

If you receive a drop of kindness from someone, you will definitely repay it with a spring of water.

Chen Yiqin is not someone who crosses rivers and demolishes bridges, unloads mills and kills donkeys. He knows that it is their turn to pay.

"At the enrollment ceremony, I still had more than a thousand taels of silver left there, and the Huang family gave me 500 taels. This time I took them all out and made up the whole number, two thousand taels."

Wei Guangde replied.

He has money, but he will never spend his own money, at least most of it will be with public money.

If you don't hide this money, you can be considered honest and loyal to the public.

In fact, according to the current unspoken rules of the court, this money is actually his money.

In later generations, some security companies or property management companies negotiated business and negotiated services with the client. The business was originally a business for fifteen people. When it was launched, only ten people were assigned to it. As long as the work was done well, the remaining wages and management fees were paid. That's legal income.

As long as the client doesn't take out the contract to cause trouble, who will care?

Wei Guangde's amount of money was for the transcription of the grand ceremony. Based on the estimated number of copying hands and pen and ink required, the Ministry of Accounts had unconditionally met the needs of the school recording library. Wei Guangde naturally overpaid, thinking of adding more manpower for emergencies if necessary.

But the personnel arrangements are good, so this money is saved.

The ceremony has been completed and the account has been handed back. Naturally, no one will question this matter again.

The key is this unspoken rule. To find Wei Guangde's fault is to make enemies of officials all over the world. Who would do this out of boredom?

"In this way, I will also raise one thousand taels of silver here. If you take three thousand taels with you, he should be able to help."

In the Fusi Prison in Beizhen, neither Chen Yiqin, a cabinet minister, nor Wei Guangde, a ministerial minister, could take action. Only the people in the inner court were more capable.

Wei Guangde agreed, and Chen Yiqin said that he would send someone to deliver the banknote tonight. Wei Guangde then left the cabinet and returned to the Ministry of Rites.

However, the carriage did not go far, and Wei Guangde ordered from inside the carriage: "Go to the Hanlin Academy first."

The imperial examination was about to take place, and Wei Guangde planned to take care of Wang Jiaping and others' affairs first, and then went to Zhu Dashou and Tao Dalin to make arrangements.

In fact, it's not about cheating, but under the premise that the articles are similar, he will definitely give priority to his disciples to choose Shujishi.

This was all requested by themselves. In fact, they chose Shujishi because they were of higher birth status, which would be beneficial to their future career. However, it is of no use to say that Shujishi only had an official status but no real power during those two years.

Moreover, even if they are selected as shujishi, they may not be able to stay in the Hanlin Academy after the academy is dismissed. Many shujishi will end up going to the Sixth Ministry to work on errands.

It is unique for someone like Wei Guangde to choose a shuji scholar and then be appointed as an official before leaving the palace.

"The imperial edict has arrived."

In front of the gate of Duke Dingguo's Mansion, Wei Guangde and Chen Ju were escorted by a team of captains in brocade uniforms. They dismounted and entered the gate respectfully welcomed by the steward of Duke Dingguo's Mansion.

In front of the main hall of Duke Dingguo's mansion, an incense table has been set up. The copper stove is emitting traces of green smoke, and the whole courtyard is filled with a pleasant scent of sandalwood.

Under the leadership of the old lady of Guogong's Mansion, the clan members of Dingguogong's Mansion knelt down one after another to receive the order.

Wei Guangde stood in the middle, unfolded the imperial edict and read loudly: "The emperor's edict is carried out by heaven, and the Duke of Xu Yande is destined to be the son of Wenbi, the emperor."

"Long live Long live Long live."

After Wei Guangde finished reading the decree, the Dingguo Gongfu clan members shouted loudly.

After Xu Wenbi helped his mother up, he stepped forward and took the seal of Duke Dingguo from Chen Ju.

After Xu Yande's death, the seal of Duke Dingguo was sent to the palace together with his suicide note. Today, Wei Guangde came to Duke Dingguo's mansion to declare that Xu Wenbi would take over the palace.

Afterwards, Wei Guangde and Chen Ju sat at the bottom of the hall, while Xu Wenbi came out to entertain them after enshrining the imperial edict in the ancestral hall in the backyard of the Duke's Mansion.

According to the rules, Xu Wenbi sent a red envelope, and both Wei Guangde and Chen Ju took it directly into their sleeves.

"Shandai, after I ascend to the throne, I wonder if your Majesty wants me to take any position?"

The relationship between Wei Guangde and the Xu family was well known, and Xu Wenbi directly asked about it, because the relationship between Chen Ju and Wei Guangde was irreversible, and it was also spread in the court.

Wei Guangde glanced at Chen Ju, and then said: "Brother, don't worry, there should be a decree next month for you to act as the queen."

The Houfu is actually the Houjun Dudufu of the Five Military Dudufus of the Ming Dynasty.

In the early Ming Dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang first established the Generalissimo's Palace to control the army, which was later changed to the Privy Council and then to the Governor's Palace to control domestic and foreign military affairs.

In the thirteenth year of Hongwu, Zhu Yuanzhang, the Taizu of the Ming Dynasty, divided the governor's office into five parts on the grounds that "power should not be concentrated in one department, and affairs should not be left behind". From then on, it became a custom until the end of the Ming Dynasty.

The Five Military Governor's Palace of the Ming Dynasty is the general name for the five military governor's offices of the Central Army, Left Army, Right Army, Front Army, and Rear Army in the Ming Dynasty. It is the highest military institution that commands the national army.

At the beginning of the founding of the Ming Dynasty, the five military governors had great power. Each governor was not only responsible for managing the training and production of the garrison, but also participated in the central military decision-making of the Ming Dynasty.

However, its function, which was originally to control the world's military forces and to lead the country's military construction, has gradually become an empty name. Its personnel range from meritorious generals to officials in charge of the government.

Its relationship with the Ministry of War was originally dominated by the Governor's Office, but then the two restrained each other, and then the Ministry of War overrode the five government offices and became the highest management agency of the country's military.

"It's just that when you first enter the Governor's Mansion, His Majesty won't give you a high official position."

Wei Guangde added, lest Xu Wenbi have any small thoughts.

Wei Guangde's words made Xu Wenbi, who had just looked happy, freeze.

His father, Xu Yande, was appointed as the Left Governor of the Governor's Mansion. He knew from Wei Guangde's words that he might not even be able to get along with the Governor.

It's not too high, and he's also in charge of the military affairs of the Houfu, so there is only one official position left: the governor's signature, which is considered to be the lowest official position in the governor's office.

"In addition, Linhuai Marquis Li Tingzhu and Zhangwu Bo Yang Bing will also be with you. They are in charge of left and right affairs."

This information was considered confidential at the moment. After all, Wei Guangde told Xu Wenbi not long after the decision was made.

Although the Xungui Group was on the same page when facing off against the civilian officials, there were constant internal frictions. The most important thing was the few rights left in the hands of the Fifth Army Governor's Office, namely farming.

Although Xu Wenbi was a little surprised, he still nodded to show that he understood.

"By the way, who will lead General Red Helmet in the future? After I join the Imperial Household, I will also hand over this military post."

Xu Wenbi asked again.

The red-helmeted generals have a very famous name, but they are actually the royal guard of honor. They select strong men from the Beijing camp and are led by the noble sons.

Previously, Xu Wenbi led the Xunwei and commanded the red-helmeted generals.

Now that he is the Duke of the country, it is naturally impossible for him to continue to hold this position.

"Li Yangong."

Wei Guangde didn't let him wait too long and directly named his successor.

"His, it's this kid."

Xu Wenbi took a breath of cold air and said, "The Marquis of Linhuai is quite capable."

"Haha, learn from it, brother."

Wei Guangde just smiled and said casually.

Linhuai Marquis Mansion is an alternative among the Ming Dynasty noble group. It was inherited from Cao Guogong Li Wenzhong, but his dukedom was abolished by Zhu Di after it was passed to his son Li Jinglong's generation.

In the eleventh year of Jiajing, Li Xing, the sixth grandson of Li Wenzhong, was granted the title of Marquis of Linhuai, which was regarded as a downgrade.

It's just that this honorable man who came back returned to his inner circle in more than thirty years.

Yes, the Fifth Army Governor's Mansion is actually the core of the Xungui Group, and it is also the last private land left to them by the civilian group.

Being able to control the Governor's Mansion of the Five Armies means that your family is in the heart of the emperor and has great power.

Of course, this power is compared within the noble group and cannot be compared with the courtiers.

Li Tingzhu is in charge of the Commander-in-Chief of the Fifth Army. His son Li Yangong served as the guerrilla general of the Fifth Army Camp last year, and now he will command the Red Helmet General. What does this mean?

That was the emperor's absolute trust in the Li family. It was impossible for Xu Wenbi not to envy that.

Wei Guangde could naturally see the look in his eyes, and then looked at Chen Ju as if to ask what he meant.

Chen Ju and Wei Guangde have known each other for many years and have a certain tacit understanding. Naturally, they know the meaning of Wei Guangde's eyes.

After nodding slightly, Chen Ju tilted his head to one side.

"Brother, do you know Li Wei, the commander-in-chief of Jinyiwei?"

Wei Guangde asked at this time.

"Jinyiwei? Li Wei?"

When Xu Wenbi heard the words Jin Yiwei, his heart trembled. Who is not afraid of that yamen?

But then he realized that Jin Yiwei was not important, what was important was the name Li Wei.

Li Wei?

Who is Li Wei?

He searched quickly in his mind and found the answer quickly.

At this time, Wei Guangde's voice reached his ears at the right time.

"Next month, His Majesty asked me to go back to prepare for the ceremony of conferring the name Yili on the fourth son of the Emperor, and having the Jade Certificate be recognized by the clan of the Ministry of Rites."

Wei Guangde said calmly.

It took several years for Crown Prince Zhu Yijun to receive the jade certificate from his birth, and it was a ceremony only performed after Emperor Longqing ascended the throne.

The fourth son of the emperor was only two months old, so Emperor Longqing impatiently ordered the Ministry of Rites to take care of the matter.

Well, Li Wei is either a noble or an ordinary person, but he has a good daughter. She is Li Caifeng, the former maid of Prince Yu's palace and now the noble concubine.

Although Li Wei was not knighted, it was only when Emperor Longqing was on the throne. When the crown prince ascends the throne, the Li family should have a title.

This is actually a rule set by Emperor Jiajing. The father-in-laws of previous emperors were generally conferred the title of uncle. After their grandson ascended the throne, they were promoted to marquis, and they were hereditary.

However, Emperor Jiajing cleaned up his relatives, who were naturally relatives from another house and had little relationship with his family, so his methods were ruthless. Almost all of them had their titles deprived of their titles, and they were even institutionalized.

Therefore, after Emperor Longqing ascended the throne, although he doted on the concubine who gave birth to a prince for him, he did not directly confer a title on Li Wei, but only gave him the official position of Commander of the Jinyiwei.

Wei Guangde's intention was very clear. Let him befriend Li Wei. If the news reaches the palace, Concubine Li will naturally reciprocate and help him speak good words to Emperor Longqing.

Some things may not be visible at ordinary times, but they can save lives at critical moments.

After a short rest, Wei Guangde and Chen Ju stood up to say goodbye, and Xu Wenbi sent them out of the house.

After Chen Ju got on the horse, before Wei Guangde was about to get on the horse, Xu Wenbi suddenly grabbed his sleeve and asked in a low voice: "There is a rumor that the chief assistant has something."

As he spoke, his hand swayed left and right in front of Wei Guangde.

In recent times, the Ming Dynasty has been generally stable, but there have been a lot of moves by officials after the New Year.

Yin Shizhen was no more tactful than Wei Guangde. He was tougher in his work. He insisted on issuing many personnel orders even after Yang Bo intervened.

This kind of action will inevitably make some people find something unusual in it.

Before, Wei Guangde planned to take action quietly and cut out some people quietly.

But Yang Bo, the official, and Xu Jie, the cabinet minister, were all cautious and sensitive people, and they soon discovered the clues.

Perhaps it was because Wei Guangde had long been the adviser in Prince Yu's Mansion, but Emperor Longqing had noticed his habit of hiding behind his back and not directly offending others when things happened, so he was replaced by Yin Shizhen, and this "cabinet boxer" was responsible for handling these matters. thing.

Wei Guangde's habit was acceptable in the eyes of the weather-beaten Emperor Longqing, who had not endured the humiliation under Yan Shifan's oppression.

If Wei Guangde wanted to join the cabinet, he naturally had to have as few enemies as possible in the court.

Riding alongside Chen Ju, Chen Ju asked in a low voice: "Can you trust this Xu Wenbi?"

What he said was to remind Wei Guangde not to say anything based on a somewhat unrealistic relationship.

"If you don't understand the rules, Dingguo's mansion has long since declined."

In response, Wei Guangde just smiled and said casually.

What Wei Guangde did not elaborate on was that he had received a letter from Nanjing, and Wei Guogong Xu Pengju was not in good health. He had fallen ill twice this year. (End of chapter)