In charge of the day-to-day affairs of the imperial court is the cabinet, located in the west of the Zhengji Hall of the Ruyi Xuan. There are four ministers in the cabinet, namely Cao Shu, the first assistant of the cabinet, Xu Yunhou, the second assistant and the secretary of the Ministry of Rites, the cabinet minister and the left capital of the Imperial Palace, Luo Yan, the cabinet minister and the secretary of the criminal department, Tang Sheng.

I heard that Emperor Jiaqing, who had been in retreat for many days, returned to the Qinzheng Palace yesterday, Cao Shu hurriedly summoned the three early in the morning, and happily came to the Qinzheng Palace with the backlog of votes to wait for the summons.

When it was approaching, Emperor Jiaqing, who was up late, had some breakfast at will and summoned the four ministers in.

After the four of them finished worshipping, Emperor Jiaqing raised his hand very casually, "Give a seat!", not that the emperor was polite, but every time he went out of the customs to discuss the matter, he would finish it in the evening, and he used some bird's nest sweet soup in the middle, not to mention the hard work.

Cao Shu's ability to do things is obvious to all, and he is also in charge of the Ministry of Officials and the Ministry of Industry, Qin Yunhou is the Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of War, Luo Yan manages the Metropolitan Procuratorate and the Ministry of Households, and Tang Longyuan is in charge of the Criminal Department and the Ministry of Industry, although he is not a few years older than Cao Shu, but he has always been in poor health, especially in the past year, so he had to hand over the Ministry of Industry and be temporarily managed by Cao Shu. said that it was Cao Shu, but in fact, it was his son-in-law Xia Zhan who was in charge, and he didn't worry much, and the other three tacitly did it.

For the four of them, these affairs have long been handy, and the discussion is safe, and there is nothing important, explain it, make a slight modification, and quickly get the approval of Emperor Jiaqing.

Finally, there is the chief examiner and deputy examiner of the Ming Sui literary examination and the martial examination, first of all, the literary examination, because the imperial court has always used civil servants to control the country, and military ministers have been suppressed.

"Your Majesty! Who will be the main examiner for next year's literary exam?", Cao Shu knows that this is the top priority today, and he doesn't want to delay it any longer, so it's better to play it straightforwardly.

Emperor Jiaqing was stunned for a moment, maybe he forgot, maybe he didn't concentrate." Does Aiqing have a suitable candidate?".

Seeing Emperor Jiaqing asking himself, Cao Shu did not shy away from it, "In terms of talent, Qin Ge Lao is the most suitable, and he has not presided over the exam for many years, I recommend Lord Qin.".

Before the words fell, Qin Yunhou stood up and said, "The minister is not suitable, I hope Your Majesty will be clear!".

"Oh!", Emperor Jiaqing didn't understand.

Qin Yunhou immediately continued: "A few of the candidates this year are my students and neighbors, so they should avoid suspicion!", as he spoke, he looked at the shrewd emperor in front of him.

"Oh! Then Qin Aiqing is there a suitable candidate?", Emperor Jiaqing was a little absent-minded when he said this, but his eyes were looking at Cao Shu, which made Cao Shu very uncomfortable.

Now that the emperor has spoken, Qin Yunhou is not easy to shirk, "Xing Chongzhi, the punishment is the most suitable!".

Xing Chongzhi is a scholar of the Hanlin Academy, knowledgeable, nerdy, upright, and a good candidate for the examiner. But the relationship with Cao Shu was strained, so he was not recommended. But among other officials, he is the most suitable candidate.

After hearing this, Emperor Jiaqing thought for a long time, then turned his head to look at Luo Yan, "What does Luo Aiqing think?".

Luo Yan and Qin Yunhou saw the same thing, and they didn't hesitate, "Since Lord Qin wants to avoid it, it is most appropriate for Lord Xing.".

But when Emperor Jiaqing's eyes looked at Tang Long, Tang Long stood up slowly, and his hands trembled when he saluted, "Except for Lord Qin, he will be a Punishment Adult.", Tang Long spoke incoherently, and his words were slurred, Qin and Xing had the same pronunciation, fortunately, everyone here knew about it, otherwise it would be a joke.

The three of them have the same opinion, and Emperor Jiaqing has no better candidate in his heart, so after hesitating for a while, he bowed his head slightly, "Who is the right one?".

The four of them looked at each other, and for a moment no one argued to speak. In the end, it was Qin Yunhou who stood up, "The minister recommends Xia Zhan, the secretary of the ministry.". This is Qin Yunhou's cleverness, Cao Shu threw himself into Li, should be repaid with a peach, and it was the right time to attack.

Luo Yan was not surprised, but Tang Long scoffed, he knew his tactfulness too well. Standing up very unconvinced, his voice was very loud at this time, "The minister does not agree!" Xia Zhan is too sophisticated, I'm afraid I can't cover everything.", so he said that Xia Zhan would pull relationships, accept bribes, and take care of his own faction.

After Tang Long's words for a long time, Emperor Jiaqing was just closing his eyes and recuperating, and he didn't have any comments on it. At this time, Luo Yan asked, "I don't know who Lord Tang recommends?".

"Ai Zheng! Only he is more suitable!", Tang Long blurted out, speaking confidently.

This time Luo Yan did not refute, it seems that he also agreed with Ai Zheng and retreated to the ranks. At this time, Qin Yunhou could only go out, and he was not in a hurry, and said in an orderly manner: "Lord Ai is a good candidate, but his position is lower, and if there is a criminal lord in charge, no one can make waves, right?".

The ability is not clear, the public says that the public is reasonable, the mother-in-law says that the mother-in-law is reasonable, who dares to deny Xia Zhan's ability, many political achievements are there. Tang Long had no choice but to shut up and wait for Emperor Jiaqing's decision.

"Isn't there still a martial arts test? Let's talk about it!", Jiaqing spoke, but his eyes were closed, either he was recuperating, or he was thinking, he should be thinking about things, and it seemed that he had an idea.

"Then there is Lord Lao Tang!", Cao Shu's words were concise and to the point, and there was some teasing in his tone, but his expression was not revealed.

Nazhi Tang Long didn't appreciate it, and scolded loudly. My body is not a vegetarian meal!". This made Cao Shudun lose face, but it was difficult to refute, he could only suppress the anger in his heart, and it was really invisible, not an ordinary cleverness.

The scene was silent for a while, making everyone look left and right, but no one made a sound. In fact, everyone is like a mirror in their hearts, it is the world of the four nobles, and they can't squeeze it if they want to, so why bother to be boring.

"Then who is your crush?" Jiaqing spoke, looking at Tang Long, of course asking him.

Tang Long still hesitated for a while, and said as if he had completed the task: "Zuo Zhi Shang Chengjie has been serving in the military department, is familiar with military affairs, and is a good candidate.", his body trembled a little when he spoke, and it seemed that he was physically exhausted.

Jiaqing saw it, and he beckoned with concern, "Take a chair and let Master Tang sit!".

It's been a long time, and it's tiring to sit. Tang Long knelt down gratefully and saluted; "Thank you, Emperor! The old minister's health is not as good as before, knock on the resignation and return to his hometown, hoping that the emperor will allow it!", this is a good time for Zhishi, how can he let it go.

Jiaqing hesitated after hearing this, Tang Long followed him when he dived, and now except for Hubu Shangshu Xiong Daoyun, there is only him, if he is also gone, he is really sad and has nowhere to deal with the old people, I can't bear it! Take a deep breath, "I'll try it later!" Don't work weekdays, I want to see you!".

Tang Long couldn't help crying when he heard it, "The minister doesn't want to leave the emperor, it's just that this body is not angry!", he cried loudly as he spoke, and he couldn't stop it.

Qin Yunhou, who was on the side, hurriedly stepped forward to help him up and comforted: "Don't be sad, Lord Tang, the emperor is also sad, this is not what a courtier should do.".

At this time, Tang Long saw that Emperor Jiaqing was staring at him, and hurriedly apologized, "It's the old minister's gaffe, I hope the emperor will forgive him!" I'm going to sit down!", he staggered to his feet and sat down on the chair with Qin Yunhou's support.

At this time, Emperor Jiaqing lowered his head and wiped the corners of his eyes. Many deceased people have passed away, and the vicissitudes of tears in front of them make them even more nostalgic." What does Cao Aiqing think?", Emperor Jiaqing still wiped the tears that overflowed from time to time when he spoke.

Cao Shu hurriedly came out of the queue when he heard this, "The minister agrees!" It's just the deputy examiner, and the minister hasn't thought about it for a while, so he has to listen to the opinions of the audience. Why don't Lord Qin talk about it first!".

This is a standby move, how can there be no candidate, because there is not much confidence in the person mentioned, for fear of being denied by the emperor and everyone, it is very passive. Qin Yunhou may also be the same reason, when he heard Cao Shu pushing himself out, he secretly hated Cao Shu for being too cunning, and if he said it first at this time, he would fall for him. So he said very carefully: "This is a matter for the Ministry of War, Master Tang has the most right to speak, it is better to listen to what he has to say.".

Because Tang Long had served in the military department for the longest time, throwing the ball out was just right, and Qin Yun Houton felt relaxed. At this time, Tang Long was still sad and didn't want to make a statement, "Let's talk about Lord Luo first!".

Luo Yan is a direct minister, and he doesn't care about what others think." Then Ai-sama!".

There is no explanation, and it is still the person who just mentioned, who is perfunctory when he hears it. Emperor Lian Jiaqing was a little impatient and waved his hand, "Tell me your basis!".

Luo Yan didn't hesitate, "Lord Ai's deficiency is that he is not good at military affairs, it is better to let him go through the training, and besides, he is too talented in Shuntian Mansion!", I saw that Tang Long couldn't help but nodded, he agreed.

"That's not right! It is precisely because you are not good at military affairs that you have to stay in the military department for a few years first, instead of holding the power of talent when you come up, which will chill the officials who have served in the military department for many years.", Cao Shu didn't say, but Qin Yunhou stood up first.

Qin Yunhou said this because Ai Zheng was a Qi party and a strong opponent, and he didn't want him to come out on this opportunity. Therefore, I was very anxious and immediately stood up to refute. But as soon as the words were finished, he suddenly felt that he was reckless, and it should be Cao Shu who should suppress him the most, but the words have been said that he can't take it back, and he can only see what Emperor Jiaqing means.

Since someone has come forward, they don't have to take action again, Cao Shu is naturally silent. At this time, Luo Yan's heart came up, and Qin Yunhou, who was accustomed to being muddy, actually went against him, and looked at him angrily, "Then who does Lord Qin like?".

Qin Yunhou didn't expect Luo Yan to be so angry, and he was surprised, but the words had already come out, and he had to rush forward, "Right wait for Lang Hong Xingjing to be in the military department for more than ten years, the specific operation process is clear, it is more suitable!".

"Suitability is based on ability, not seniority, and it has nothing to do with how long you stay in the military department. Is Lord Qin jealous of Lord Ai's ability?", Luo Yan did not show weakness.

"Nonsense! I'm just talking about things, I don't have any selfish intentions!", Qin Yunhou angrily scolded.

Luo Yan snorted twice, "As far as you, Lord Qin, are gentlemen, and we are all villains, are we too high-minded?"

"You ......!", Qin Yunhou's face suddenly turned red, and he was so angry that he didn't know how to refute.

At this time, Cao Shu came between the two, "Don't fight anymore, two adults!" Everything is decided by the emperor.", said and pushed the two of them away with both hands. Luo Yan had already turned to look at Emperor Jiaqing, but Qin Yunhou was looking at him angrily.

The attention of the four turned to Emperor Jiaqing, but Emperor Jiaqing did not react and was not in a hurry to speak. He didn't speak alone, and Cao Shu, who was the first assistant, couldn't be silent at this time." What Lord Qin and Lord Luo said is reasonable, it is better for both of them to be the deputy examiners, so as not to hurt the harmony.".

"Don't talk about that! Let's talk about the royal temple of Ganshan!", at this time Jiaqing spoke.

As soon as the words came out, the four cabinet members were silent. Emperor Jiaqing indulged in monasticism, is to change the temple into a Taoist temple, and the royal temple of the mountain, is the Yuanxing Emperor decree to build, the scale is huge, magnificent, just one year of maintenance costs is a lot of expenditure, not to mention the transformation. Emperor Jiaqing mentioned this matter three months ago, but it was inscribed too much by Cao Shu with the imperial pen of Emperor Yuanxing, and it was not suitable for demolition and construction. Talking about how to find excuses again, Cao Shu was thinking, but Qin Yunhou and the three of them pretended to be deaf and dumb, because it was not their turn to come out, and Cao Shu was in front of them.

Such an embarrassing situation has lasted too long, and Emperor Jiaqing can't help it." Qin Aiqing! You name it!".

This tone of command made Qin Yunhou stand up a little uncontrollably." Kick off the Emperor! It can be partially transformed, as long as it does not move the pen of the emperor.".

"Well said!", it seems that Emperor Jiaqing thinks so, a person's mind is touched, in addition to being happy, there is also a kind of praise, and everyone feels it.

"Chongren Hall is just some statues, which can be moved to the left and right sides of the main hall, and the houses on both sides can also be used, so the cost is much less, feasible!", since someone else took the lead, Cao Shu hurriedly came out to make up for it, otherwise it would make Emperor Jiaqing unhappy.

Things have been like this, Luo Yan knew that it was irreparable, so he simply kept silent and did not express any opinions. And Tang Long, as a confidant, had to pat himself on the back in order to have a few more pension money. He quickly stood up and waved his hands and said: "The houses on both sides are too old, and the area is too small, they can be demolished and changed to Lian Dan houses, and the bricks and wood that are removed can be used, and it doesn't cost much.".

Tang Long has followed Emperor Jiaqing for many years, and knows his temperament very well, and in recent years, he has been obsessed with practicing Dan, and naturally he is indispensable to practice Danfang, and he also knows Chongren Hall very well, this sentence said to Emperor Jiaqing's heart.

And Luo Yan is very angry, but he can't go against the emperor's wishes, and he can't refute it directly." This matter will be handed over to Lord Tang, and it will definitely be done to the emperor's satisfaction!".

"I want to, but it's too cold on the mountain, and I have to run back and forth, and my body can't stand it, so it's better to leave it to the young man!", Tang Long was out of breath when he spoke, which was a good excuse..

"The cabinet will draw up a plan for this matter first, so be it!", Emperor Jiaqing looked impatient, since no one objected, he simply made a final decision, so as not to cause another turmoil. With a wave of his hand, he picked up the teacup.

The four could only stand in order, knelt down together and shouted: "Long live the emperor!" Banzai! Hurrah!", then stood up and left the Qinzheng Hall in order.