The Prosperous Era of Longwan

"Chen Liu Shi Shu" is an important document written by Zhang Juzheng to the emperor in the second year of Longqing. Based on the accumulated officialdom malpractice since the Zhengde and Jiajing dynasties, he discussed from the province, promoted the discipline, emphasized edicts, verified names and consolidated the state. Major reform measures have been proposed in six aspects: this and the command and preparation of armed forces.

Wei Guangde didn't know what Zhang Juzheng was going to tell Emperor Longqing, so he didn't take it seriously.

Moreover, because Zhang Juzheng had just released this memorial that he had carefully polished and revised many times, the details naturally did not leak out so quickly.

In fact, it took almost half a day just in the hands of Li Chunfang and Chen Yiqin.

The full text has more than 5,000 words. Both Li Chunfang and Chen Yiqin immediately changed their attitude after reading it briefly and read the content carefully.

Although the idea for "Liu Shi Shu" came from Xu Jie, it is now completely different from Xu Jie's original manuscript.

There is no doubt that "Chen Liu Shi Shu" is actually a set of reform plans that Zhang Juzheng has already formed in his mind over the years. Every time he Chen Liu Shi Shu is included, the four words "Fuqi Shengcai" must be appended to the end.

Although it was just a spat, in his opinion, it was actually six philosophies. He did not want to deny it directly because of something that would cause the emperor's displeasure.

However, it would be troublesome to take this book apart and play it separately, so I chose to play it this way.

Zhang Juzheng, nicknamed Shuda and Taiyue, was born in Jiangling, Huguang. He was extremely smart and ambitious since he was a child. Coupled with his tireless spirit, he made rapid academic progress.

The article he wrote when he was thirteen was favored by Gu Lin, governor of Huguang, who praised him for his "talent as a general and minister."

Zhang Juzheng passed the imperial examination at the age of sixteen, and Gu Lin took off his rhinoceros belt as a gift.

At the age of 20, he went to Beijing to take the examination and passed the examination. At the age of 23, he succeeded in the examination. He was awarded the second-class Jinshi and was changed to a commoner. From then on, he began his political career.

As the "Chu Xiang", Shujishi's life was a leisurely life of practicing and doing things, but Zhang Juzheng was not leisurely at this time.

He generously took the world as his own responsibility, carefully studied the country's laws and regulations, summarized the experience and lessons of the rise and fall of chaos in the past dynasties, and explored methods of governing the country, thus laying the foundation for his subsequent governance.

Three years after his dissolution, he was appointed editor and editor of the Hanlin Academy. At this time, Xia Yan was beheaded, and the "Gengxu Revolution" took place, and the government was in turmoil.

Although he saw many problems in the imperial court, he was incompetent as an editor of the Hanlin Academy. This was also the reason why he later returned to his hometown in Huguang to travel around on the pretext of recovering from illness.

Many years later, when he was recalled again, the court was in a period of struggle between two kings. The first assistant of the court sided with King Jing, while the second assistant Xu Jie chose King Yu. At this time, the court was calm on the surface, but in fact there was an undercurrent.

After Emperor Jiajing died and Emperor Longqing ascended the throne, the court immediately fell into a dispute between Xu and Gao.

In fact, Xu Jie also saw clearly the shortcomings of the Ming Dynasty, but he was too old to have the courage to change them.

I don’t know what Xu Jie was thinking when he reported the common problems he saw in the court to Zhang Juzheng. Maybe he hoped that he could do something good, or maybe...

In the view of Li Chunfang and Chen Yiqin, Zhang Juzheng's "Chen Liu Shi Shu" comprehensively put forward political proposals for rectifying the government from six aspects: provincial discussion, promoting discipline and outline, reinforcing edicts, verifying names and facts, consolidating the country's foundation, and ordering military preparations. These propositions are both current and feasible.

However, Li Chunfang only read it carefully and carefully considered the pros and cons, while Chen Yiqin paid more attention to it. He not only thought about the content, but also asked his scribes to copy it immediately and send it to Yin Shizhen and Wei Guangde.

Among them, it is mentioned in the matter of rectifying the troops, "Back in the days of our ancestors, there were hundreds of thousands of soldiers in the capital camp. Although it is insufficient now, there are still eighty or ninety thousand soldiers. If we train them well, will they all be useless?"

But the officials are arrogant and lazy, and it is difficult to implement the laws. Although they practiced in the spring and autumn, they only have a literary ear.

The ancient etiquette I examined and the stories of my ancestors all have the etiquette of great reading, and careful martial arts are used to prevent danger. "

Not many people in the court knew that Emperor Longqing wanted Wei Guangde to organize the army. Even Yin Shizhen didn't know about it. He only heard Emperor Longqing mention that Wei Guangde wanted to hold a grand parade. Boost the morale of the Ming army and bring prestige to the country.

Seeing Zhang Juzheng's military preparations, he immediately thought of Wei Guangde's proposal to Emperor Longqing.

In fact, Zhang Juzheng's memorial should be said to be a petition, which does not require a vote from the cabinet.

During the lunch break, the three cabinet ministers gathered together, and Li Chunfang and Chen Yiqin naturally had some exchanges with Zhang Juzheng.

"My uncle's article made me suddenly enlightened, and I felt like I could see the sun through the clouds. I would like to send it directly to the Supervisor of Ceremonies, and ask Your Majesty to read it. What do you think, Yifu?"

After Zhang Juzheng finished what he wanted to express in this memorial, Li Chunfang said to Chen Yiqin.

"It's self-evident. Uncle's article is well done. Based on this picture, it may be of great benefit to the court."

Chen Yiqin also felt that Zhang Juzheng's six suggestions were feasible, so there was no harm in giving them a try.

Zhang Juzheng hurriedly handed over his hand in modesty, but Li Chunfang had already handed it over to Zhongshu Sheren, so he could send Zhang Juzheng's "Chen Liu Shi Shu" to the palace.

Wei Guangde saw the article sent by Chen Yiqin's servant in the afternoon. He was a little surprised at first that Chen Yiqin copied Zhang Juzheng's article specifically for him, but after a quick glance, he understood what it meant.

"It is said that the emperor has a foundation and an urgent task in governing the world; he who cultivates his moral character with a correct heart and establishes himself as an example for his subjects is the foundation of his governance; he who assesses the situation several times and changes it to suit the people is also an urgent task. Fu Asking for mercy from the Holy Spirit

When discussing in a province, when ministers hear about the affairs of the world, they should consider the details carefully and act with strength. The strategy lies in the masses, and the decision lies in the independence.

As soon as the discipline and principles are awakened, I heard that the lord is one person and stands above the people. He controls the vastness of the four seas, so he can make the world obey his orders and be orderly and not in disorder. This is just the principles and disciplines.

An imperial edict is issued. The ministers who hear the emperor's orders are the ones who give the orders. The ministers carry out the emperor's orders and deliver them to the people.

Verify the name.

First, to consolidate the foundation of a country, the ministers heard that the emperor's rule means that those who want to fight against foreigners must first make peace within themselves. The book says that the people are the foundation of the country, and the foundation is to consolidate the country's peace.

"In order to prepare for military preparations, I only think about the current affairs. What can be considered is not to focus on border defense. Those who draw pictures day and night in temples should not be anxious about border defense."

"Oh, uncle, this is fine. Just ask His Majesty to issue an order."

After Wei Guangde carefully read Zhang Juzheng's memorial, he couldn't help but sigh.

The six things mentioned in this memorial are actually five items: vigor and vitality, emphasis on imperial edicts, verification of names and facts, strengthening the foundation of the country, and ordering military preparations.

In fact, this is nothing. If the emperor thinks what he said is reasonable, it makes sense to issue an order accordingly. I am afraid that Emperor Longqing may not be happy with such a request.

"The method is wrong."

Wei Guangde made a mental comment, estimating that the possibility of Emperor Longqing acting in accordance with the memorial was extremely slim.

Zhang Juzheng's proposal to order military preparations attracted Wei Guangde's attention.

Internal and external troubles since the Jiajing period, including southern Japanese and northern invaders, have long been a major foreign trouble since the Ming Dynasty, and border defense plans have been a national priority.

Zhang Juzheng put forward a point of view in his memorial, which actually coincided with what he had said to Emperor Longqing.

“In the past few years, the captive invasion has become increasingly severe, and border affairs have been neglected for a long time. The military officials have repeatedly received holy edicts, and they have given strict orders to border ministers. People are excited. For a time, they supervised the generals and other officials, and they were quite popular. Now it seems that they are somewhat prepared for the defense. "

In fact, what I want to express is that the current situation on the nine sides is stable and the defenses are relatively complete. The focus is on the following paragraph, which is "Ran Chen believes that captives are like animals. If you don't attack them at once, they will cause endless troubles, but war is a dangerous matter." , It’s hard to say easily, you should calmly review the plan to plan the victory.”

Zhang Juzheng actually proposed to severely injure the captives in a battle in order to calm down the border troubles.

Calmly reviewing a painting is actually calmly praising a painting, and you must first study the strategies and tactics.

The Ministry of War in the Ming Dynasty was not only in charge of military documents, but also had officials who specialized in planning strategies, similar to the civilian staff of later generations.

They are good at drawing calculations on maps, determining the army's advance and retreat strategies, material reserves and replenishment, etc. Naturally, it is not like in later film and television works where the general just points and draws on the map, leads the army to act accordingly, and then wins a battle. victory.

Why Zhu Yuanzhang formulated the garrison system was not only because of the convenience of management after the world was at peace. In fact, to a large extent, it was because he had seriously considered the experience in the battle against the Mongolian Yuan Dynasty. Large corps operations require logistical support, and combat units with thousands of people are It is the easiest to complete logistical supplies, and the army size is also moderate.

Instead of establishing the so-called "big camp" as in the past, generals would temporarily select the best to form combat troops when they go to war.

In peacetime, the soldiers are trained according to the guard station, and they are familiar with each other. They can also work closely together in the battle formation to display their combat effectiveness.

As for the "Great Review" mentioned later, in fact, in Zhang Juzheng's ideal, it was for the emperor to come to review in person and eliminate the old and weak.

Just like what was expressed in the petition, "Fuqi ordered the Minister of Military Affairs to strictly enforce military affairs and try to train them. Every year or every year during the winter farming break, I respectfully invite the Holy Master to come and review in person.

One is to test the ability of the generals, and the other is to observe the bravery and cowardice of the soldiers. Those who are skilled and skilled will be rewarded separately, and those who are old and weak will be eliminated. "

Let Emperor Longqing go to watch martial arts performances every year. If the emperor likes martial arts, like Emperor Zhengde, he might copy Zhang Juzheng's memorial and use it immediately after seeing it. However, this man today is not Zhengde.

Wei Guangde shook his head with regret. Zhang Juzheng was great. Although it was feasible, it was impractical. He didn't understand Emperor Longqing.

Wei Guangde sighed in his heart, and somewhat understood why he was so strict with Zhu Yijun later. It was probably because he didn't get a good deal from the little emperor, so he loved and hated him deeply.

All afternoon, Wei Guangde did nothing else but read Zhang Juzheng's "Chen Liu Shi Shu" over and over again. The more he read, the more appropriate and reasonable he felt.

At this time, in the Qianqing Palace, Emperor Longqing was also reading the memorial sent urgently by the Chief of Ceremonies.

Chen Hong, the Supervisor of Ceremonies, was on duty today. When he saw this memorial sent from the cabinet, he thought something big had happened at first. After all, there were rules for the delivery of memorials by the Cabinet and the Supervisor of Ceremonies.

There are rules for how many times a day and what time each time is.

But when this memorial was sent today, there were no rules.

For important memorials, cabinet ministers would generally send them directly to the Qianqing Palace and hand them over to the emperor. It was rare for them to go through the process of being the Supervisor of Ceremonies.

Out of curiosity, Chen Hong read Zhang Juzheng's memorials himself, and then he knew why this happened.

"Hehe, it seems that Uncle Zhang has the support of the first and second assistants, otherwise he wouldn't have sent it at this time."

Chen Hong smacked his lips. Since the cabinet had expressed its support for Zhang Juzheng, he couldn't go against the cabinet. Anyway, he wanted to stay by the emperor's side, and he might not be able to keep his favor.

Immediately, Chen Hong took the memorial to the Qianqing Palace.

Emperor Longqing was walking his dog in the imperial garden. When he heard that Chen Hong had sent a memorial to the palace, he was shocked at first.

Calculating the time, it was already August, and it seemed that big events were likely to happen in both the north and the south. Although it was strange that it was Chen Hong who sent it, he quickly returned to the palace.

After reading the memorial, Emperor Longqing was a little silent.

The six things Zhang Juzheng said were correct. Logically speaking, it seems that the court should do this.

However, Emperor Longqing also knew that Zhang Juzheng only proposed directions and did not draw up the details of the six matters, so he requested that the edict be sent to various yamen.

After thinking for a while, Emperor Longqing also had a way to deal with it.

He picked up his pen and wrote in the memorial: "After reading Qing's memorial, they all have a deep understanding of current affairs and have a clear sense of loyalty and sincerity to the country. This ministry will read and discuss it."

He did not follow Zhang Juzheng's ideas and issue orders to the ministries and courts according to several of them. Even if some Zhang Juzheng had proposed ideas, he did not let the ministries and courts follow them. Instead, he asked each yamen to review and discuss them, and then formed a ministry meeting. Then hand it over to him.

In fact, this handling method is relatively reasonable. Although the matters raised by Zhang Juzheng seem reasonable, after all, they involve practical matters. Emperor Longqing did not know whether the various yamen in the court would encounter trouble in the actual handling process.

Send the memorial to the ministry and the academy and let them discuss it before submitting it for resolution. This will largely help him understand the operability of these six matters.

Of course, if no one is paying special attention to this matter, the discussion may become unresolved if it lasts for a long time.

In fact, this is something that often happens in the Ming Dynasty. It has a beginning but no end.

The reason why such a situation occurs is mostly because the point made is very reasonable and people cannot find any point to refute it. However, the operation will harm the interests of many people. In fact, everyone is opposed to it in their hearts, so they try to delay time.

Just put it off and everything will be fine.

This is how the Ming court government handles affairs. Over time, the efficiency has become increasingly inefficient.

However, after he dealt with it this way, the six ministries and courts of the imperial court did not respond for a long time. Emperor Longqing was also very busy having fun, so he quickly forgot about it.

Therefore, many people later took this as evidence of Emperor Longqing's incompetence.

It is true that Emperor Longqing loved traveling, the Qiaoshan Lantern Festival, and wealth and beautiful women. He also loved to delegate major government affairs to the cabinet and the Supervisor of Ceremonies, and most decisions were based on votes made by the cabinet.

And it was precisely because of his "good" habits that the cabinet ministers of the Long Qing Dynasty had the ability to re-plan the Ming Dynasty in their minds according to their own thoughts.

However, he was not able to handle the struggle between powerful ministers well.

Although the "six things" mentioned by Zhang Juzheng cannot be said to be specific national policies, they illustrate the various contradictions that have appeared within the superstructure of the Ming Dynasty since the "Ren and Xuan Reign".

However, it requires someone like Xu Jie or Gao Gong to push it, and Li Chunfang does not have this ability. (End of chapter)