"Father, you're right, the boy is thinking, how about using these slaves to build roads?"

Hearing Yan Shifan's words, Rao Envoy is a well-informed Yan Song, and he couldn't help but be stunned for a moment, for him, this seemed to be like opening the door to a new world.

"Slaves to Build Roads ......"

Immediately, I saw Yan Song supporting his chin with one hand, and the whole person couldn't help but fall into deep thought.

Seeing that Yan Song had not responded to this for a long time, Yan Shifan on the side followed up and added: "Father, in this way, you don't have to waste people's power in vain, and you can get things done, isn't this the best of both worlds?" ”

After that, I saw Yan Song come back to his senses, looked in the direction where Yan Shifan was, and said slowly: "Having said that, but the imperial court explicitly prohibits the keeping of slaves, although no one cares in private, but if you really want to bring this matter to the table, there is a lot of resistance!" ”

"Besides, when the time comes, it will become a problem to dispose of those slaves, and the most important point is, how should the taxes of the imperial court be collected?"

When Yan Song said this, he withdrew his gaze from Yan Shifan's body, changed his words, and continued: "Instead of thinking about these messy things, it is better to pay more attention to the current situation. ”

"After Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng returned to the cabinet, do you remember what they said in front of everyone?"

When Yan Song's words fell, he saw a look of doubt on Yan Shifan's face, and only after thinking for a moment did he speak tentatively.

"Father, are you talking about what Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng mentioned earlier, about His Majesty's desire to set up a temporary agency to be responsible for delivering war reports from the front line?"

"Father, please forgive the child for being blunt, isn't this a good thing, I think Your Majesty should be considerate ......"

Before Yan Shifan's words were finished, he saw Yan Song's expression of hatred for iron and steel, and reprimanded: "Yan Shifan, you idiot, use your brain to think about it, is this matter so simple?" ”

"As soon as the battle was won on the front line, His Majesty was impatient to set up a new organization, you must know that the Shenji Battalion, which was personally commanded by Cheng Guogong, had made great achievements in this battle."

"In my opinion, Your Majesty is clearly paving the way for the clan and nobles to return to the court!"

After pondering for a while, I saw Yan Song put forward his opinion with a determined face.

After listening to Yan Song's analysis, Yan Shifan was still lucky, and then said, "But ...... But father, the child remembers, didn't Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng mention that this institution was set up temporarily, and it shouldn't pose any threat, right? ”

When Yan Song heard this, he just glanced at Yan Shifan quite indifferently, and said slowly: "Although this institution is said to be set up temporarily, whether it should be abolished or not, and when it will be abolished, is not a matter of Your Majesty's words!" ”

Hearing this, Yan Shifan's pupils suddenly contracted, his face was full of incredulity, and a monstrous wave was set off in his heart.

No one could have imagined that this seemingly inconspicuous little thing was actually the emperor paving the way for the clan and nobles to return to the court.

After this, I saw Yan Shifan suppress all the chaotic thoughts in his heart, looked in the direction where Yan Song was, and asked cautiously: "Father, since this is the case, then should we stop it, if we let those clans and nobles return to the court, I'm afraid it will ......."

Yan Song took in the expression on Yan Shifan's face, shook his head imperceptibly, and said slowly: "No need, it is already the trend of the times for the clan and Xungui to return to the court, if anyone dares to stand in the way, Your Majesty will take someone's life!" ”

"Instead of hating those clans and nobles, it's better to make a move in advance and form a good fate!"

When Yan Song said this, he looked Yan Shifan up and down with cloudy eyes, and said meaningfully: "Anyway, that student of yours, Gao Hanwen, didn't he have a good conversation with Zhang Yuangong, the son of the British Gong Zhang Rong?" ”

"You might as well start with this, and you can save a lot of trouble when the time comes."

When Yan Shifan heard this, after being stunned for a moment, a look of joy and sincerity appeared on his face, he leaned down, and said respectfully: "Thank you father for mentioning it, the child knows what to do next!" ”

Seeing that Yan Shifan listened to his warning, Yan Song's face couldn't help but flash a hint of relief.

Immediately, I saw him caressing his beard, retracting his gaze from Yan Shifan's body, and said slowly: "Okay, it's not too early, let's do this today!" ”

"Yes, father, you should rest early, and the child will retire!"

When the words fell, I saw Yan Shifan get up from the chair, bow to Yan Song, and then leave the study.

After Yan Shifan left, he saw Yan Song trembling and getting up from the seat, and Yan Song's face at this time was full of inexplicable looks.

Then, I saw him come to the bookshelf on the side, and with his thin hand, he took down the book of "Spring and Autumn" that he had read countless times, and gently stroked it.

"If everything goes well, the day when the imperial court will completely eliminate Altan Khan is not far away!"

"Xu Jie, Xu Jie, the grievances between us should come to an end, your family has not only invaded the people's fields, but also the military fields of the guards."

"Xu Jie, as the deputy assistant of the cabinet, you connived at the family behind you to annex the land, causing disaster to the township, making the people complain, and the soldiers of the guard station are destitute, when the East Window incident happens, I want to see how you explain it to Your Majesty!"

"If I don't bring you down, how can I rest assured that I will step down from the position of head of the cabinet!"

When Yan Song said this, his face was full of determination, and he unconsciously clenched his fists.

……

On the other side, Zhang Juzheng's mansion in the capital.

Although it was already late, Zhang Juzheng still had no intention of resting at this time, and the orange shimmer in the study faintly reflected Zhang Juzheng's figure.

At this time, Zhang Juzheng was sitting behind the bookcase, browsing the letters sent by Ma Ziqiang very intently.

"Elder Zhang Ge, the lower official Ma is self-improving, this time he is taking the liberty to disturb, and I hope that the elder Ge will not be blamed!"

"It has been a while since Xiaguan came to Jiaxing, Zhejiang, and during this time, Xiaguan found through investigation that Zhejiang has implemented the policy of exempting taxes for one year promulgated by the imperial court."

"In addition, the lower officials also found some problems, when collecting taxes, the people, whether rich or poor, bear the same taxes, which is unfair."

"Xia Guan also learned from the mouths of some villagers that when the government collects taxes, there are often officials who take this opportunity to exploit and oppress the people, and in Xia Guan's view, it is mainly because of ......"

After Zhang Juzheng finished reading the contents of the letter, he couldn't help but caress his beard, and his face was full of relief.

"Well, I really didn't see the wrong person, this Ma Ziqiang is a malleable material, with the talent he has shown, he should be able to reuse it in the future."

"If we want to carry out the reform measures, we can't avoid the help of these people!"

After that, I saw Zhang Juzheng gather his mind, spread out the pen and paper, and wrote a reply with a brush full of ink.

Time passed slowly, I don't know how long it was, I saw Zhang Juzheng put the brush in his hand back to its original position.

After confirming that there were no errors or omissions in the contents of the letter, Zhang Juzheng relieved himself and put it in the envelope.

After doing this, I saw Zhang Juzheng call his cronies and instructed: "Send someone to deliver this letter to Ma Ziqiang's hands as soon as possible!" ”

Regarding Zhang Juzheng's words, the cronie naturally did not dare to disobey, and immediately, I saw him cautiously take the envelope from Zhang Juzheng's hand, and respectfully responded: "Yes, master!" ”

After that, the cronie didn't stay in the study for long, but turned and left the room.

After the cronie left the room, he saw Zhang Juzheng rubbing his temples with his hands, and his face was full of tiredness that could not be concealed.

"When the battle on the front line is over, it should be easy!"

After comforting himself in this way, the candle on the bookcase was blown out, and after that, Zhang Juzheng returned to his room to rest.

After lying down on the bed, Zhang Juzheng tossed and turned for a long time, but he still did not feel the slightest sleep.

The scenes of the day, like a slide, flashed in his mind.

At this moment, Zhang Juzheng's mind suddenly flashed what the emperor said in front of him and Gao Gong during the day.

"I'm wondering if I should create a temporary organization dedicated to sending military intelligence from the front to me, so that it can also lighten the burden on you, don't you think?"

Then, I saw Zhang Juzheng shaking his head, as if he wanted to throw out all the chaotic thoughts in his mind.

"What is the purpose of what Your Majesty said earlier, is it to lighten the burden on the cabinet, or is there something else?"

"Besides, isn't this timing too coincidental, as soon as the Chengguo Gong on the front line has made great achievements, His Majesty plans to set up a new agency to deliver military information on the front line."

"Whether it is the previous special examination for the clan and nobles, or this time the Chengguo Gong Commander Shenji Battalion is allowed to participate in the war, it shows Your Majesty's determination to support the clan and nobles."

"Will it be the same this time......

Thinking about it, Zhang Juzheng only felt an irresistible sleepiness coming, and the whole person fell into a deep sleep.

……

In the next few days, the news of a great victory on the front line and the annihilation of 30,000 enemies completely spread.

As soon as this news came out, both those high-ranking officials and ordinary people were all excited.

After all, after so many years, the imperial court has finally reversed the decline and turned from defense to offense.

Moreover, 30,000 enemies were annihilated in one battle, which was a great victory that I never dared to think of before!

And with the help of well-intentioned people, the deeds of Zhu Xizhong, the Duke of Chengguo, who personally led the Shenji Battalion and rushed to the front line to fight bravely, also spread.

In the past, most of the people's impression of the clan and nobles stayed on relying on the glory of their ancestors, idling all day long, not learning and unskilled, and lingering in the Qinglou and gambling houses.

But now, the facts tell them that among the clans and nobles of the Ming Dynasty, there are not only the above-mentioned people.

There is also Zhu Xizhong, the Duke of Chengguo, who is loyal to the monarch and the country, fearless of hardships and dangers, puts life and death aside, and personally leads the troops to fight against the extremely vicious Tatar army!

Out of curiosity, some people deliberately learned about the identity and status of Zhu Xizhong, the Duke of Chengguo, and after finding out the facts, they couldn't help but feel a lot of admiration.

According to the news obtained, Cheng Guogong is in the same vein, which can be described as full of loyalty.

Zhu Neng, the Duke of Chengguo, followed Zhu Di, the king of Yan, to conquer Mobei, and led the army to capture the nine gates of Beiping during the Battle of Jingnan, and successively defeated Geng Bingwen and Li Jinglong, and made great achievements.

In the fourth year of Yongle, Zhu Neng served as the general of Zhengyi, and conquered Annam for the Ming Dynasty, but unfortunately died of illness in the army.

And Zhu Neng's son Zhu Yong, in the twenty-second year of Yongle, accompanied Ming Chengzu Zhu Di to the north to Mongolia, and after Ming Xuanzong ascended the throne, he assisted him in quelling the rebellion of Zhu Gaoxi, the king of Han.

And now, Zhu Xizhong, the Duke of Chengguo, has taken over the burden of his ancestors, and personally led the Shenji Battalion to fight against Altan Khan, who came to invade the Ming frontier, and threw his head and shed blood for the Ming Dynasty.

How is this not admirable?

After the deeds of Chengguo Gong gradually spread, whether it was Guozijian or the market tea shop, when mentioning the name of Chengguo Gong Zhu Xizhong, they would inevitably praise a few words.

Even the image of the clan and nobles in the minds of the people has improved a lot.

At this time, the Forbidden City, Qianqing Palace.

Jiajing was sitting on the dragon chair, listening to the report from Lu Fang.

"Your Majesty, the slave and maid have already done what you explained before, and now the evaluation of Cheng Guogong in the market is unusually high!"

"Not only that, the students of Guozijian are also very impassioned after learning about the corresponding deeds!"

After listening to Lu Fang's report, Jiajing had a mocking look on his face, and said to himself: "Hmph, don't these ministers in the court have to jump out and say a few words about everything on weekdays, what's the matter, dumb?" ”

When Lu Fang, who was on the side, heard Jiajing's words, a trace of panic flashed on his face, and immediately, after he finished considering his tone, he said cautiously: "Your Majesty, as you said, no official from the government and the opposition has come forward to express his opinion on this matter!" ”

When Lu Fang said this, he paused, and then added: "It's as if nothing happened." ”

When Jiajing heard Lu Fang's words, after bowing his head slightly, he commanded: "Well, I know, Lu Fang, go and bring Yan Ge Lao and them all over to me, and say that I have something important to discuss with them!" ”

"Yes, Your Majesty, the slave maid is going to inform Yan Ge Lao and them!"

After responding, Lu Fang did not stay in the Qianqing Palace for too long, but left directly.

Looking at Lu Fang's departing back, I saw Jiajing unconsciously clenching his fists and muttering to himself silently: "Hmph, I thought that I could fool this matter by pretending to be stupid, but I didn't agree!" ”

……

At the same time, the Forbidden City, the Cabinet.

At this time, the atmosphere in the cabinet was slightly dull, no one spoke, everyone was dealing with their own affairs, and the music sent by the officials in front of them was sparse.

I saw Yan Song put aside the processed letter in his hand, and after looking around, he took the lead in stirring up the topic.

"In other words, Cheng Guogong, who has led troops to fight abroad, has received a lot of praise!"

When Yan Song's words fell, the atmosphere in the room instantly fell into a stagnant.

After all, anyone with a discerning eye can see that the emperor is behind the whole thing, and the purpose is to take this opportunity to enhance the influence of the clan and nobles.

It is precisely because of this that the government and the opposition have all expressed their silence on this matter.

There is a huge divergence in the interests of the civilian clique and the clan and the noble clique.

Compared with the civil official group, the emperor naturally has to trust the clans and nobles who are closely related to the Ming Dynasty and have blood ties with him, and when the time comes, the influence of the civil official group will inevitably decline.

And there are only so many positions in the court, and it is impossible for anyone to give up their own interests.

Soon after Yan Song's words fell, I saw Xu Jie, who was not far away, stand up, laughed twice, and said in response: "Yes...... Yes, you must know that Cheng Guogong has made great achievements this time, and it is very normal to be praised! ”

After Xu Jie finished speaking, he looked in the direction where Yan Song was, and asked, "What does Elder Yan Ge think?" ”

Yan Song knew that this was Xu Jie's vague question about his position.

Then, after Yan Song organized the language in his mind, he stood up and said next: "Well, Xu Ge Lao has a point, and I think so too. ”

After this, I saw Yan Song pause for a moment, and then continued to add: "But Your Majesty has always rewarded and punished clearly, and Chengguo has made such a great contribution, I'm afraid Your Majesty's side will ......."

When the rest of the people heard Yan Song's words, the expressions on their faces became ugly.

In their opinion, the meaning that Yan Song wanted to express was very clear, that is, the emperor might take the opportunity of making great contributions to the state and the government, and send the clan and nobles to the court under the pretext of reward.

Just as everyone was still racking their brains to think about the next response, they only heard a rush of footsteps outside the cabinet.

After a while, I saw a Xu official walking quickly into the cabinet.

After the official entered the cabinet, he subconsciously looked in the direction where Yan Song and Xu Jie were, leaned down, and reported in a deep voice: "Old Pavilion, Gonggong Lu is asking to see you outside!" ”

"Father-in-law Lu, what is he doing here, could it be for ......"

Just as the thoughts of everyone in the cabinet were flying, I saw Xu Jie take the lead in coming back to his senses, looked in the direction where the official was, and commanded: "Well, I know, invite Gonggong Lu in!" ”

"Obey, Elder Xu Ge!"

After receiving the specific instructions, the official did not hesitate at all, immediately bowed his hand to the crowd, and then walked away.

Not long after, under the guidance of the previous official, I saw Lu Fang walking in with silent steps.

Then, when everyone saw this, they got up from their seats and saluted Lu Fang respectfully.

"I've seen Grandpa Lu!"

Seeing this situation, Lu Fang's face was full of a warm smile, waved his hand, and said in response: "You don't have to be so polite, our family came here this time to follow His Majesty's will, and I hereby invite you to go to the Qianqing Palace to talk about it!" ”

When Lu Fang's words fell, everyone present had different expressions.

After all, they just guessed on the front foot that the emperor might take the opportunity of Chengguo's great achievements to send the clan and nobles into the court under the pretext of rewards, and Lu Fang came on the back foot.

"Everyone, come with us!"

"Yes, Grandpa Lu!"

After that, under the leadership of Lu Fang, everyone embarked on the road to the Qianqing Palace.

……

Forbidden City, inside the Qianqing Palace.

"Your Majesty, Yan Ge Lao, they have arrived!"

After leading Yan Song and his party to the Qianqing Palace, I saw Lu Fang leaning down and turning his gaze to Jiajing, who was sitting on the dragon chair at this moment, and reported respectfully.

Hearing this, Jiajing glanced over Lu Fang's body, nodded, and responded imperceptibly: "Hmm." ”

Immediately, I saw Lu Fang come to Jiajing's side and stand still, like a sculpture.

Subsequently, under the leadership of Yan Song, the first assistant of the cabinet, everyone knelt on the ground in unison, and said in unison: "Weichen knocks on Your Majesty, long live my emperor, long live, long live!" ”

When Jiajing heard this, he gently rubbed the dragon head carved on the dragon chair with his hand, withdrew his gaze, and commanded: "Well, get up!" ”

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

After receiving Jiajing's consent, everyone slowly got up from the ground.

As soon as everyone got up from the ground, they heard Jiajing's slightly emotional voice sound: "You Aiqing have been working day and night for state affairs recently, and in order to send the war reports from the front line to my hands as soon as possible, you even did not hesitate to send two cabinet ministers to be on duty in the cabinet at night. ”

"You Aiqing are so loyal to the country, I am very pleased!"

When everyone heard the emperor's words, they couldn't help but 'chuckle' in their hearts, they knew that what the emperor really wanted to say was behind.

Subsequently, I saw Jiajing's words change sharply, and continued: "All of you Aiqing are cabinet ministers, and they are the pillars of my Ming Dynasty, so you still have to take care of your body!" ”

"Therefore, in order to alleviate the burden on your shoulders, I plan to set up a temporary organization, called the Military Aircraft Department, and the Military Aircraft Department will set up the post of Minister of Military Aircraft, with the rank of the fifth grade, and a number of military aircraft counselors, with the rank of the seventh grade."

"The duty of the Military Aircraft Department is to be responsible for delivering the battle reports sent from the front line to my hands, so that you don't have to be on duty in the cabinet every day, it can be much easier, what do you think of my idea?"

After Jiajing finished speaking, he looked in the direction where Yan Song and the others were, quietly waiting for their response.

After thinking about it for a long time, Xu Jie, who was on the side, mustered up the courage to stand up and said slowly: "Your Majesty...... Your Majesty, as a courtier, should share your Majesty's worries, if it is inappropriate to set up a temporary institution because of such a trivial matter? ”

"Weichen doesn't feel hard at all, but feels willing, after all, this is all for Your Majesty, for the court, for my Ming Dynasty and the people of Dawn!"

When Xu Jie said this, his face was full of determination, he looked in the direction where Jiajing was, and said in a deep voice: "For Your Majesty, Weichen can suffer anything!" ”

When Yan Shifan on the side heard this, a sense of familiarity appeared in his heart, and he always felt that he had heard Xu Jie's words somewhere.

After Xu Jie, everyone leaned down in unison and said in unison: "For Your Majesty, Weichen can suffer anything!" (End of chapter)