When Chongzhen asked Wang Chengen to submit the list of new army generals to the cabinet for review, the cabinet members did not have any opinion on awarding the title of new army general, in their opinion, this was just a variant of the martial arts officials, although the emperor changed the name of the new army generals, but it did not seem to have any impact on the imperial court, so everyone did not have too much opposition.

However, nearly half of the people objected to the edict of canonizing Sun Chengzong as marshal. Although the emperor has indicated that this rank of marshal is not the official position of the marshal who commands all the armies, and will not have his own official office and troops. But in the event of an accident in the country, the marshal automatically takes over the power of the entire ** corps, without interference from the cabinet. This alone has already made these ministers feel restless.

Zhang Ruitu was the most resolute opponent among them, and he said to everyone: "According to the military rank system set by the General Staff, under the marshal are four ranks: general, general, lieutenant general and major general.

But now, in addition to Sun Kaiyang's appointment as marshal, there are vacancies in the two ranks of generals and generals, and there are only five lieutenant generals and about 20 major generals. In other words, Sun Kaiyang's status in the new army far surpasses that of the generals, and if he wants to do something, no one can restrain him at all. Of course, we know that Sun Kaiyang has a noble character, but isn't our responsibility as a cabinet minister to nip all dangers in the bud? ”

Guo Yunhou immediately retorted dissatisfiedly: "This time the new army has made a lot of meritorious contributions, if the gold and silver and the Shijue Shilu are rewarded according to the previous rules, then it will be difficult to meet the needs of the meritorious soldiers even if the household department is swept away."

What's more, with today's Ming Dynasty's finances, it is only right to reduce the number of officials and reduce the burden on the people. Now because of Zhang Ge's unwarranted worries, he has to go against the cabinet's previous decision to eliminate the overly official and overly high-ranking members, isn't this putting the cart before the horse..."

Zhang Ruitu and others' worries about Sun Chengzong's status were finally defeated in the face of real financial problems. Under Guo Yunhou's arguments, Xu Guangqi and Li Tianjing both chose to support the approval of this list of military ranks.

Qian Qianyi thought about it for a long time, and finally voted for Guo Yunhou. Huang Liji watched the change in the atmosphere at the meeting with a cold eye, and finally spoke: "Since everyone has fully communicated, I think it is better to vote directly on this list to decide whether the cabinet wants to approve the list..."

The result of the vote was naturally passed without doubt, and after the end of the cabinet affairs that day, Zhang Ruitu did not return directly to the house, but made a detour to visit Lin Xuji, a fellow villager of the Ministry of Rites.

Lin Xuji and Zhang Ruitu are both Jinjiang villagers, although Lin Xuji is six years younger than Zhang Ruitu, but both of them are Jinshi in the 35th year of Wanli, so the relationship can be described as relatively close.

Unlike Zhang Ruitu, Lin Xiangji has a good family background and belongs to a family of eunuchs. Lin Zhi's eldest daughter is talking about marriage with Zhang Ruitu's son, so the relationship between the two families is still more intimate.

Of course, the most important point in Zhang Ruitu's view is that Lin Yuji is still his important political ally. Hearing Zhang Ruitu's visit, Lin Yuji immediately came out to greet him in person and brought him into his study to talk.

In the study, after listening to Zhang Ruitu's account of what happened in the cabinet, Lin Xuji pondered for a while before saying to him: "Brother Eldest Brother is still a little impatient today. ”

Zhang Ruitu suddenly felt a little uncomfortable in his heart, and he asked quietly: "Shiji thinks that it is wrong for me to oppose Sun Kaiyang to be the commander today?" ”

Lin Yuji replied cautiously: "It's not wrong, it's just that my brother feels that it seems a little inappropriate to be entangled in this matter at this time." ”

Zhang Ruitu was a little puzzled, "Out of place? What did Shiji say about this? ”

Lin Yuji looked at him and said, "Isn't it clear that Brother Eldest Father-in-law? At present, the government and the opposition are paying attention to the cabinet just launched the decision on supervising and appreciating the defense zone and this year's Jingcha.

The establishment of ten governors and the personnel adjustment of more than 20 governors have affected the hearts of many officials with the right qualifications, and they only want to get a piece of the pie at the moment, where will they go with His Majesty at this moment?

This year's inspection is said to be extremely strict, and in addition to the Metropolitan Procuratorate, it is also necessary to select people from other departments to form inspection teams from each province to evaluate local officials. Local officials, fearing that they would be dismissed by the Beijing Inspection, have now sent people to Beijing to inquire about relevant information, and have no time to pay attention to other matters.

The eldest brother-in-law opposed the appointment of Sun Kaiyang as a marshal, although he maintained the right path. But if His Majesty insists on going his own way, even if the cabinet returns the list of rewards, it will not stop His Majesty from rewarding meritorious soldiers. What's more, there are only a few opposing voices in the cabinet now, such as the eldest brother-in-law, and they can't change the current situation at all. ”

Zhang Ruitu thought for a moment, and then said a little unwillingly: "Then according to what you say, do I not do anything and just let things happen like this?" ”

Lin Xiangji thought for a while before replying: "Brother doesn't mean that, but if you oppose it from the surface, I'm afraid I can't resist Your Majesty's proposition." My brother thought it would be better to find another way. For example, it may be more appropriate to ask someone to write a letter to Sun Kaiyang to persuade him to refuse His Majesty's outrageous reward. ”

Lin Yuji's statement made Zhang Ruitu think for a long time, "I'm afraid it's not easy for us to write such a letter, but we have to find a suitable person." ”

Lin Yuji thought for a while and said: "Lu Shanji is good friends with Sun Kaiyang, he is loyal and righteous, if you can move him to write a letter to Sun Kaiyang, I am afraid it will have a miraculous effect." ”

Zhang Ruitu also nodded and said: "What Shi Ji said is good, when I go back, I will think about it and see who will persuade Lu Shanji, and let him write a letter to persuade Sun Kaiyang to resign from the title of marshal." ”

Lin Yuji saw that Zhang Ruitu seemed to be focusing on Sun Chengzong, and didn't understand what he had just hinted at, so he couldn't help but speak again: "So does the eldest brother have any arrangements for this adjustment of the superintendent's personnel?" ”

Zhang Ruitu hesitated for a moment before he said to him: "The current situation is that Yang Hao, the governor of Fujian and Zhejiang, Zhu Xieyuan, the governor of Yunnan and Guizhou, Mei Zhihuan, the governor of Ganlong, Yang He, the governor of Shaanxi, Qi Shijiao, the governor of Liangguang, Yuan Chonghuan, the governor of Xuanda, and Wang Zhichen, the governor of Jiliao, have been agreed on by the cabinet.

Only the Governor of North Zhili, the Governor of South Zhili, and the Governor of Huguang have not yet been decided. Shoufu means that the south and north are both the heart of the heart, and it is better to let His Majesty decide.

Qian Qianyi believed that Huguang was originally a province, but now it is divided into two provinces, Hunan and Hubei, and is divided into two governors, so it is better to let Huguang Governor Hong Ruzhong be promoted to governor, and then reappoint two new governors.

However, others believe that since Hong Ruzhong became the governor of Huguang, there have been many delays and resistance to the policies of the imperial court, and Huguang is now the most important grain output place of my Ming Dynasty. It is not necessarily a good thing to let him serve as the governor of Huguang.

And Yao Zongwen, who was previously transferred back to the capital to be idle, seems to be interested in seeking this position. However, Li Tianjing strongly recommended Wei Guangxu to serve as the governor of Huguang, believing that Meng Tao was talented and upright, and that he could refresh the politics of Chu. ”

Lin Yuji thought about it for a while and said to Zhang Ruitu: "So how many of these governors or candidates for governors will support Brother Chang's policies?" ”

Zhang Ruitu was speechless for a while, and only after a moment did he explain: "We are all His Majesty's courtiers, as long as the ruling is out of public intentions, how can they not support the policies set by the cabinet?" ”

Lin Xiangji straightened his color and said: "Since he ascended the throne today, he has made great efforts to make the country prosperous and innovate politics. Those who have great ambitions in their hearts can take this opportunity to spread their ambitions and fulfill their life's ambitions.

If it had been a few years ago, when the DPRK and China were fighting against each other and everyone was in danger, I would naturally not have advised you to fight for any ruling power. Today, however, the situation between the DPRK and China is stable, and the so-called eunuchs and Donglim parties in the DPRK and China are already weak, and it has become a reality that the policies are set by the cabinet and all matters are handled by the ministries.

Now that the eldest brother is now in the cabinet, how can he not fight for the right to govern and turn the ambition of our generation of scholars into a way forward for the country? Or does the eldest brother feel that his current status is enough to satisfy you, and he no longer wants to contribute to the country? ”

Zhang Ruitu immediately replied with a change of color: "Shiji, who does this regard me for?" Am I a corpse eater? ”

After Lin Xiangji apologized, he continued: "Since the eldest brother wants to make a difference, how can he not have help? After the implementation of the policy of readjusting the defense areas of the world, the governors will henceforth have the same power to discuss state affairs as the secretaries of the six ministries and the members of the cabinet.

With the support of these governors, the eldest brother can go further in the cabinet, right? After all, Huang Zhongwu is already old, and he will be the first assistant for five years, and if he wants to complete this term, he should also abdicate and make way for Xian.

But for the eldest brother, it's not too late. If you miss this opportunity, I am afraid that there will be no more chance. Dare to ask the eldest brother, are you willing to retreat to the countryside for a leisurely trip? ”

Zhang Ruitu was speechless by his in-laws, and it took a long time before he whispered: "I also know that the position of governor is very important now, but after the reform, the conditions for electing the governor have been improved a lot."

Although there are some people who are close to me, they are either lacking in talent or too shallow in their qualifications, and it is really difficult for them to take on great responsibilities. ”

Lin Xiangji thought about it, and then said to him: "Since this is the case, then I will recommend one for the eldest brother." ”

Zhang Ruitu looked at him and said eagerly: "You can tell me and listen to it." ”

Lin Xuji said unceremoniously: "It's our fellow countryman Hong Chengchou, known as Hengjiu, he is a Jinshi in the forty-fourth year of Wanli, and he was promoted to the governor of Shanxi by His Majesty before, and now if he goes further, no one will criticize his qualifications." ”

Zhang Ruitu searched for Hong Chengchou's information in his mind with some difficulty, and only after half a sound did he ask, "Are you familiar with him?" ”

Lin Yuji nodded and said, "Yes, I had something to do with him because of something before." After the fellowship, I thought that this person was excellent and would not be a thing in the pool in the future, so I wanted to introduce him to my brother. ”

Zhang Ruitu thought for a long time, and then nodded and said, "Okay, wait until I try to recommend one or two to Your Majesty..."