Soon, the news that the imperial court was going to cut expenses and abolish the post station spread completely throughout the government and the opposition.

As soon as this news came out, the Manchu Dynasty civil and military were all shocked, although there are still many drawbacks in today's post station, but its importance is self-evident.

If there were no post stations all over the Ming Dynasty, many news would not even be able to be delivered to the capital in time.

Although the imperial court announced to the outside world that some of the post stations with remote roads and low usage rates would be abolished, when it comes to actual implementation, I am afraid it will be another matter.

One of the most worrying things for those officials was that at present, in order to save money, the imperial court was able to make a drastic effort to reform the post station system, which had not changed for a long time since Emperor Taizu.

And Zhang Juzheng is the secretary of the Ministry of War, and his subordinate frame cleaning department is responsible for the country's horse administration, as well as post transmission and other affairs.

It is no exaggeration to say that Zhang Juzheng is using a knife on his body!

While the government and the opposition were shocked by Zhang Juzheng's determination, they were also quite worried.

They were worried that the imperial court had the successful experience of abolishing the post station this time, and it was difficult to guarantee that it would not carry out deeper reforms in the future.

Perhaps one day, the butcher's knife of reform will inevitably fall on the central government of the Ming Dynasty and the officials at all levels.

After all, the government at all levels of the Ming Dynasty has long been bloated, inefficient, and has a big tail.

In the early years of Hongwu, there were only more than 4,500 civil officials in the country, and the number of military attaches was only more than 28,000.

After the Yongle period, the number of officials increased year by year, during the Zhengde period, there were 20,000 civil officials, 70,000 military attachés, and in the Jiajing period, the total number of civil and military officials totaled more than 100,000.

So many officials need the state treasury to support them, and the annual allowance for officials alone is an astronomical amount.

It is precisely because of this that those civil and military officials in the court are worried about the abolition of the post station by the imperial court.

……

After the next duty, Yan Song, Yan Shifan, father and son, returned to Yanfu in a sedan chair.

"Father, slow down and pay more attention to your step!"

"Hmm."

With Yan Shifan's support, I saw Yan Song walking slowly in the direction of the study.

Today's imperial meeting seems to have consumed too much energy of Yan Song, and at this time, Yan Song, with his eyelids pulled, looks old and listless, and seems to be going to fall asleep in the next second.

As long as he remembered what happened at the imperial meeting today, Yan Shifan's face was full of anger.

He originally planned to fight for four million taels of silver for the Ministry of Industry, but who knew that Xu Jie was in the way, and on the grounds of saving expenses, he forcibly cut the original four million taels to three million two taels, a difference of 800,000 taels!

"This Xu Jie, it's really hateful, the seven million taels of expenses reported by the Ministry of War, you didn't even think about it, you agreed, but the four million taels of expenses submitted by the Ministry of Industry were cut by you for a full 800,000 taels!"

Thinking of this, Yan Shifan couldn't help but clench his fists, his face full of gloom.

Yan Song on the side seemed to be aware of this, only to see him stop, and after looking Yan Shifan up and down with cloudy eyes, he asked.

"Why, are you still worried about Xu Jie's cutting of your Ministry of Industry's expenses of 800,000 taels?"

Seeing that his mind was broken by Yan Song's words, Yan Shifan's face couldn't help but flash a trace of embarrassment, and then, I saw him nodding and responding rather angrily.

"Father, the child just thinks it's unfair, you must know that the seven million taels of expenses reported by the Ministry of War, Xu Jie agreed without thinking about it, but on the Ministry of Industry, it is ...... to only report four million taels."

Yan Song took in the expression on Yan Shifan's face, and after muttering for a long time, his face was full of self-deprecation, and he said slowly: "Fairness, how can there be fairness in this world!" ”

"Some people were born in the family of princes and generals, and they were born with pampering and noble status, and some people were born in the family of cloth clothes and Qianshou, and their status was low, like grass mustard, just to live, they have exhausted the strength of their whole body, you say, is this fair?"

When Yan Shifan heard this, he couldn't help but be a little speechless, he originally just wanted to complain a few words and vent the resentment in his heart, but he didn't expect that he would hear these words from Yan Song's mouth.

Yan Shifan thought about it for a long time, and then responded in a deep voice: "Father, the child thinks that this is fair, whether he is born in the family of princes and generals, or in the family of cloth and clothing, in the end, he will turn into a handful of loess!" ”

Yan Song was also quite emotional about Yan Shifan's words, and then, I saw him retract his gaze and said slowly.

"Yes, although in the end, it will turn into a handful of loess, but the situation in the middle is very different!"

"My Yan family can be regarded as coming from a humble family, climbing step by step to today's position."

"At the beginning, Gaozu Yan Mengheng was an official and a second-class official, honest and self-controlled, upright, but in the end, when he died, because the family property was too small, in order to fill the façade, he used a carriage filled six boxes of stones and transported them back to his hometown!"

When Yan Shifan heard Yan Song's words, his face was full of shock, because he had never heard Yan Song mention this matter before.

Then, I saw Yan Shifan pluck up his courage and look in the direction where Yan Song was, his face full of hesitation: "Father...... Father, child......"

Seeing this, Yan Song waved his hand and stopped Yan Shifan from continuing.

Then, I saw Yan Song solemnly looking in the direction where Yan Shifan was, and admonished: "Okay, Yan Shifan, you remember for me, there is no fairness in this world, everything has to rely on your own hands, to fight, to grab, do you understand?" ”

"Yes, father, the child understands!"

When Yan Song's words fell, I saw Yan Shifan with an expression that seemed to be understood, leaned down, and answered in a deep voice.

"Alright, help me to the study!"

"Yes, Father!"

……

After helping Yan Song to the study, Yan Shifan went straight back to his room to rest.

Today's imperial meeting also consumed a lot of his energy.

Just as Yan Shifan was lying on the bed, brewing sleep, he heard a slight knock on the door.

Yan Shifan's little sleepiness, which had finally been brewing, disappeared in an instant after hearing a knock on the door.

Then, I saw Yan Shifan suppress the anger in his heart, sat up from the bed, relit the candle in the room, and commanded: "Come in!" ”

The voice fell, only to hear a 'squeak', the door of the room was pushed open, and after a while, I saw the butler step in.

After the housekeeper entered the room, he immediately leaned down, looked in the direction where Yan Shifan was, and said respectfully: "Little Pavilion Elder, Lord Zhang, Lord Luo, and their entourage came to visit, and they are currently waiting in the hall, saying that there is something important to discuss with the master!" ”

"Since the old man has already fallen asleep, the little one doesn't dare to disturb, so it's ......"

After listening to the housekeeper's explanation, most of the disturbed resentment in Yan Shifan's heart had dissipated, and then, he waved his hand and commanded.

"Alright, you go and tell them, and I'll go right away!"

"Yes, Little Pavilion Elder!"

After receiving Yan Shifan's specific instructions, the housekeeper did not stop at all, and immediately stepped out of the room, and when he left, the housekeeper also took the door with him.

After the housekeeper left the room, he saw Yan Shifan get dressed and go straight to the hall where Yan Mansion was used to entertain guests.

……

At this time, the hall used by the Yan Mansion to entertain guests was already crowded with officials of all sizes.

In the hall, officials gathered in twos and threes, exchanging news they had received, their words full of pessimism, and sighing from time to time.

"Alas, you say, why did Elder Yan Ge propose to His Majesty to abolish the existing post talismans, isn't this tantamount to cutting off everyone's way of life?"

"I heard that the next step is to be responsible for supervising the officials who issue post charms without authorization and fight the autumn wind in the post station, and once such a situation is found, it will be reported to the imperial court and severely punished, maybe even the black gauze hat will not be kept!"

"Yes, those officials are a group of people who admit their reasons to death, and they can't be easily offended!"

"If you want me to say, some people are still too much, and they take the post talisman to the post station all day long to eat and drink for nothing, now it's okay, everyone has no use!"

"If it goes on like this, when the time comes, I'm afraid we'll have to pay for it ourselves!"

Zhang Runde and Luo Longwen were also among them, and at this moment, the expressions on their faces were the same as those of many officials present, all worried and uneasy.

At this moment, I saw Yan Shifan step into the hall.

When everyone saw Yan Shifan coming, they were all silent, and then they greeted him one after another: "Little Pavilion Elder! ”

When Yan Shifan heard this, he just nodded, then sat straight on the main seat, looked around, and asked, "It's so late, what is the matter with you coming over so excitedly?" ”

Luo Longwen, who was on the side, heard the displeasure in Yan Shifan's words, stood up, and cautiously said in response: "Xiao ...... Elder Xiaoge, didn't there be news that the imperial court was about to abolish the existing post talisman and then use a new post talisman instead? ”

Yan Shifan, who was sitting on the main seat, couldn't help but sneer when he heard Luo Longwen's words, his face was full of ridicule: "So, you came here with great fanfare, did you come to Xingshi to ask for guilt?" ”

When Zhang Runde, who was on the side, heard Yan Shifan's words, a trace of panic flashed on his face, and he hurriedly explained: "Little Pavilion Elder, you misunderstood, Xia Guan didn't mean this, but it happened suddenly, and before that, everyone didn't have any preparations, so this is ......."

Before Zhang Runde's words were finished, many officials helped on the side: "Yes, Xiaoge Lao, I don't mean that!" ”

Then, I saw Yan Shifan slam the table, face everyone, and reprimanded: "Hmph, don't I know what you have in your heart?" ”

"Those things you did in private, don't think I don't know, Zhang Ju is in front of His Majesty, and he shook your old bottom out!"

Yan Shifan seemed to be quite indignant about this, and after pausing for a moment, he continued to add: "It's just a matter of wanton squandering and extravagance, and there are still people holding post charms and holding banquets at the post station to entertain guests, don't you think it's shameful enough?" ”

After Yan Shifan finished speaking, he glanced over the many officials present, and some of them lowered their heads quite weakly, not daring to look at Yan Shifan.

"In short, the abolition of the original post talisman by the imperial court is already a sure thing, and it can no longer be changed, this is caused by some of you, and you can't complain about others!"

After Yan Shifan's words, many officials at the scene knew that they were at a loss, so they lowered their heads and stopped talking.

After that, I saw Yan Shifan retract his gaze, and then said: "Did I make it clear enough, if there is nothing to do, you can leave!" ”

When the words fell, I saw Luo Longwen on the side with a panicked look on his face, stood up, and said respectfully: "Little Pavilion Elder, Yan Pavilion Elder ......"

Before Luo Longwen finished speaking, he was interrupted by Yan Shifan's words: "Father has already fallen asleep, you don't have anything important, it's better not to disturb his old man's house, just tell me if there is anything, and I will convey it on your behalf!" ”

When Luo Longwen heard Yan Shifan's words, a look of hesitation appeared on his face, and after thinking about it for a long time, he spoke: "Little ...... Xiaoge Lao, isn't the imperial court going to cut expenses and abolish the post station right now, do you say that one day, it will be cut on our heads? ”

When Luo Longwen's words fell, many officials on the scene looked in the direction of Yan Shifan expectantly, waiting for his response.

When Yan Shifan heard this, his heart suddenly became clear: "It turns out that they are worried that the imperial court will attack the officials at all levels and clean up the redundant officials in order to cut expenses. ”

After this, I saw Yan Shifan organize the language in his mind, face everyone, and pat his chest to reassure.

"Don't worry, there won't be a day, the imperial court this time, just to reduce the financial burden, this is just to choose to abolish some remote and low-use post stations."

"You must know that you have all passed the imperial examination and entered in the examination in a dignified manner!"

After listening to Yan Shifan's assurance, everyone's uneasy heart also settled down a lot.

After all, as Yan Shifan said, they all passed the imperial examination and were admitted in a dignified manner, even if they were cut, they would not be able to cut them.

"Alright, it's not too early, if it's okay, you can leave here!"

"Yes, Xiao Ge Lao, I'll leave now!"

Seeing that his doubts had been answered, the officials in the hall had no intention of staying, and soon walked away.

After everyone was almost gone, I saw Yan Shifan retract his gaze, his face was full of mockery, and he said to himself silently: "Heh, who knows what will happen in the future?" ”

……

It's not just the Yan Mansion that is lively, after the imperial court officially announced that it would cut expenses and abolish the post station, the threshold of Zhang Juzheng's house was about to be broken.

The vast majority of the people who came to visit were asked to dissuade Zhang Juzheng from rashly dismantling the post station.

The reasons given by these people are also varied, and some say that the abolition of the post station will affect the whole body, and they cannot act rashly, and must be cautious.

It is also said that it is simple to abolish the post station, but after the abolition of the post station, the resettlement of the remaining people has become a problem, so it is not recommended to abolish the post station.

What's more, he directly moved out the signboard of the immutability of the ancestral law, wanting to dispel Zhang Juzheng's determination to abolish the post station.

At this moment, Zhang Juzheng is located outside his mansion in the capital.

Yang Mu, the frame cleaner, was wandering back and forth outside the door with great anxiety.

When he learned that at the imperial meeting, the person who asked the emperor to dismiss the post station was his immediate boss Zhang Juzheng, the whole person was dumbfounded.

You must know that the Frame Cleaning Division is a department under the Ministry of War, and Zhang Juzheng's move is to move a knife on his body.

After repeatedly confirming this news, after being on duty, Yang Mu didn't care about anything else, and rushed to Zhang Juzheng's mansion in the capital non-stop, trying to persuade him to take back his life.

In Yang Mu's view, Zhang Juzheng's request for the imperial court to abolish the post station is tantamount to reducing the weight of the frame cleaning department, and the frame cleaning department is a department under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of War, and the status of the Ministry of War in the six departments will inevitably be implicated.

"Alas, I don't know what Lord Shangshu thinks, why did he propose to His Majesty to abolish the post station?"

Just as Yang Mu's thoughts were flying, he saw the little guy who had gone in to report before coming to the front, lowered his head, and respectfully reported: "My lord, you can go in now, my lord is waiting for you in the hall!" ”

When Yang Mu heard this, he suddenly came back to his senses and saluted the little guy back: "Well, I'm tired!" ”

After that, Yang Mu did not hesitate at all, and immediately entered the mansion through the side door under the guidance of the slave.

As soon as he entered the door, Yang Mu's eyes were attracted by the wolfberry trees in the mansion.

"It's strange that Lord Shangshu's house is planted not with green bamboo, but with wolfberry trees."

After the slave brought Yang Mu to his destination, he arched his hand to him and turned to leave.

Yang Mu took a deep breath and calmed down his good mood before stepping into it.

After all, what he will face next is Zhang Juzheng, the secretary of the military department, his immediate boss, and the youngest cabinet elder in the dynasty.

……

After entering it, Yang Mu successfully met Zhang Juzheng.

At this time, Zhang Juzheng was sitting in the main seat, sipping wolfberry water in the cup.

Seeing this situation, Yang Mu didn't dare to slack off, immediately leaned down, and said respectfully: "Xiaguan has seen Lord Shangshu!" ”

Hearing this, Zhang Juzheng glanced at Yang Mu, stretched out his hand and pointed to the vacant seat on the side, and commanded: "Sit down!" ”

"Thank you, sir!"

When Yang Mu heard this, he didn't make the slightest excuse, and after arching his hand to Zhang Juzheng, he sat on the vacant seat on the side.

Not long after Yang Mu sat down, a servant stepped forward and brought him a bowl of steaming tea.

Then, I only heard Zhang Juzheng's voice without a trace of emotion: "You are also here to persuade this official, don't rashly abolish the post station?" ”

When Yang Mu heard Zhang Juzheng's words, a look of panic suddenly appeared on his face, and after hesitating for a long time, he stubbornly said, "Yes, Lord Shangshu!" ”

After Yang Mu finished speaking, he paused for a moment, then looked in the direction where Zhang Juzheng was, and continued: "Lord Shangshu, the lower officials don't understand, the Frame Clearance Division is a department under the Ministry of War, if the post station is abolished, it will inevitably affect the weight of our Ministry of War among the six departments!" ”

"Not only that, the relationship between them is complicated, and I don't know how many people who rely on the post station to live in my Ming Dynasty, it can be said that it affects the whole body."

"At that time, I am afraid that there will be many incidents, and the lower officials implore Lord Shangshu to be cautious!"

When Yang Mu said this, he had a resolute expression on his face.

Zhang Juzheng, who was sitting on the main seat, after listening to the reason given by Yang Mu, pondered for a moment and said unhurriedly.

"You understand what you said, but one thing you said is wrong, the abolition of the post station will not only not reduce the weight of our military department in the six departments, but will also increase."

Facing Yang Mu's puzzled gaze, I saw Zhang Juzheng continue to explain: "This official proposes to His Majesty that the management rights of post stations all over the country be returned to the central government, and at that time, this errand will inevitably fall on the head of your frame cleaning department!" ”

"And the Frame Cleaning Division was originally in charge of the country's horse administration, as well as post transmission and other affairs, and in the near future, post stations across the country will also be under your jurisdiction!"

After listening to Zhang Juzheng's explanation, Yang Mu's breathing couldn't help but become short.

If things are really as Zhang Juzheng said, then in the future, the Che Driving and Cleaning Division, which he is responsible for, will leap from a small department with no name to a large department responsible for managing post stations across the Ming Dynasty.

That is to say, in the future, the power at hand will be greatly increased, and it will be possible to go further!

Just as Yang Mu was still imagining the future in his mind, Zhang Juzheng's voice sounded again: "But before that, we must first remove some of the post stations with remote roads and low usage rate, in order to show our determination and let Your Majesty see your ability!" ”

"Only with His Majesty's approval can it be possible to continue to burden you in the future, understand?"

When Yang Mu heard Zhang Juzheng's words, he suddenly came back to his senses, his expression was dazed, and he assured Zhang Juzheng: "Lord Shangshu, don't worry, Xia Guan will definitely do his best to handle this matter well!" ”

Zhang Juzheng took in the expression on Yang Mu's face, nodded, and then commanded: "Well, just let it go, if there is anything, this official will bear it for you!" ”

"Yes, Lord Shangshu!"

Unlike when he came, when Yang Mu left, the hesitation on his face disappeared, and was replaced by a resolute face.

He knew very well in his heart that only by doing what Zhang Juzheng explained could he go further.

"This official has worked hard in the DPRK for so many years, and he is only a fifth-grade official, rather than continuing to waste the years, it is better to gamble on everything, isn't it just offending people, who is afraid of whom!"

After this, I saw Yang Mu suppress all the chaotic thoughts in his heart, and subconsciously accelerated the pace of his feet.

When he was ready to go back, he told the news to many of his colleagues in the Frame Cleaning Division, and he believed that no one would be able to resist this temptation.

After all, the opportunity to go further is right in front of us, and anyone will choose to fight. (End of chapter)