After leading Yan Song to the Qianqing Palace, I saw Lu Fang raise his head, look at Jiajing, who was sitting on the dragon chair at the moment, and report respectfully.

"Your Majesty, Yan Ge is old!"

"Well, I know, you go down first!"

When Jiajing heard Lu Fang's words, he waved his hand and commanded.

"Yes, Your Majesty, the slave will retire!"

Lu Fang's heart knew very well that what was next was the last conversation between the emperor and Yan Song.

After answering, Lu Fang left quickly.

After Lu Fang left the Qianqing Palace, he saw Yan Song kneeling tremblingly on the ground, and said respectfully: "Weichen knocks to see Your Majesty, long live my emperor, long live, long live!" ”

At this time, Yan Song's hair was white, his movements were slow, and the age spots on his face were particularly conspicuous, looking like an old dragon.

After looking Yan Song up and down, Jiajing waved his hand and commanded, "Well, get up!" ”

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

After getting Jiajing's consent, Yan Song slowly got up from the ground.

Looking at Yan Song like this, Jiajing's heart couldn't help but feel a lot of emotion, and after a moment of silence, he asked: "Elder Yan Ge, I remember that you are a jinshi in the eighteenth year of Hongzhi, right?" ”

"Back to Your Majesty, Weichen is the Jinshi of the eighteenth year of Hongzhi!"

When Yan Song heard Jiajing's words, he immediately lowered his head and responded without thinking.

After getting Yan Song's answer, I saw Jiajing gently rubbing the dragon head carved on the dragon chair with his hand, and said to himself: "This blink of an eye, so many years have passed!" ”

"In this way, you have been the head of the cabinet for me for twenty-two years."

"The few big companions who accompanied me to the capital at the beginning are now only Huang Jin, and it won't be long before even Lu Fang will leave me!"

When Jiajing said this, he looked lonely.

Regarding the fact that Feng Bao was going to replace Lu Fang and become the eunuch of the master of ceremonies, Yan Song naturally knew about it.

Seeing the emperor show such an expression, Yan Song's lips moved, but in the end he didn't say a word, just lowered his head and didn't say a word.

After that, I saw Jiajing looking in the direction where Yan Song was, and asked, "Elder Yan Ge, do you really want to be a scholar?" ”

"Your Majesty, Wechen is eighty-one years old this year, and I don't have a few years to live, I implore Your Majesty to let Weichen return to his hometown!"

After perceiving Jiajing's gaze towards him, he saw Yan Song kneeling on the ground with a 'plop', his eyes were slightly red, and his tone was full of begging.

Seeing this, Jiajing couldn't help but feel a little soft-hearted, and after a long sigh, he followed up and said, "Alas, get up, I promise you!" ”

When Yan Song heard Jiajing's words, a look of gratitude appeared on his face at the right time, and he kowtowed to the ground three times, and said in a deep voice: "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace!" ”

It was only at this time that Yan Song relaxed, he knew that if he had just said a word, then what was waiting for him was the emperor's ruthless butcher's knife.

After getting up from the ground, I saw Yan Song pluck up his courage, look in the direction where Jiajing was, arch his hand, and said cautiously.

"Your Majesty...... Your Majesty, before leaving, Weichen has a reluctant request! ”

"But it doesn't hurt to say that."

Jiajing, who was sitting on the dragon chair, heard Yan Song's words, waved his hand, and said without care.

After Jiajing's words fell, Yan Song organized the language in his mind before he spoke: "Your Majesty, it's a shame to say that Weichen is such a son as Yan Shifan. ”

"Wechen hopes that after Wechen Zhishi, you can remember the old feelings, and when Yan Shifan makes a mistake, you will leave him alive, even if you don't let him be an official from now on!"

"The incense of the Yan family can't be broken like this!"

After listening to Yan Song's request, I saw Jiajing nodding and making a promise: "Well, I promise you, as long as it's not a big mistake, I can turn a blind eye!" ”

When Yan Song heard Jiajing's words, his face was full of joy, and he immediately bowed to the ground, and said respectfully: "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace, may Your Majesty live forever, may my Ming Dynasty last forever, and the mountains and rivers will be eternal!" ”

After Yan Song finished speaking, he said goodbye.

When Jiajing heard this, he didn't say anything for a long time, and he knew that this was the last meeting between the monarch and the minister.

Time passed slowly, I don't know how long it was, I saw Jiajing come back to his senses, waved his hand, and said with a tired face.

"Let's go!"

"Yes, Your Majesty, Weichen will retire!"

After Yan Song finished speaking, after solemnly saluting Jiajing, he left the Qianqing Palace without looking back.

……

Not surprisingly, Yan Song's resignation was beaten back mercilessly.

At the same time, two shocking news were also exposed one after another, causing shock to the government and the opposition, making many officials at a loss and in panic.

First, Xu Jie, the second assistant of the cabinet, connived at the family behind him, wantonly annexed land, caused trouble in the township, caused a riot among the sergeants, and in addition to smuggling, buying murder and other crimes, and has now been imprisoned and is waiting to be punished.

The second is that Yan Song, the first assistant of the cabinet, is sparse and ready to retire from the position of the first assistant of the cabinet.

These two pieces of news, like dropping a bombshell on calm water, soon caused an uproar in the DPRK and China.

The civil and military officials in the court are fighting over the connection between the two, some people say that Yan Song planned all this behind his back, and others say that it is just a coincidence.

In short, there are all kinds of opinions, and no one can convince anyone, but the only thing that is certain is that Yan Song, who has been in charge of the government for more than 20 years and has leaned towards the government and the opposition, is really going to become a leader!

As soon as Yan Song retired, it was Gao Gong's turn to replace Yan Song and become the first assistant of the cabinet.

Many officials in the DPRK and China also began to inquire around, Gao Gong's usual preferences, lest he be one step behind.

Yan Song no longer cared about all the turmoil outside, and from the moment he chose to hand in his resignation, his career was over.

The next thing he should do is to finish the rest of the process, leave the capital, and return to his hometown in Jiangxi.

At this time, he was sitting behind a bookcase, practicing calligraphy.

At this moment, I heard a rush of footsteps outside the door, and then, Yan Shifan's voice sounded outside the door: "Father, Luo Longwen and Zhang Runde are asking to see each other outside, ...... you see?"

When Yan Song heard this, he didn't even raise his head, and ordered in a cold voice: "Blow them all away, I won't see anyone!" ”

"Yes, Father!"

Yan Shifan, who was waiting outside the study, heard this, his face was full of helplessness, and after a long sigh, he left quickly.

After Yan Shifan left, Yan Song continued to practice calligraphy intently, and when he came back to his senses, the sky outside had already darkened.

The candle in the room, which was lit at some point, emitted an orange glow.

Then, I saw Yan Song put down the brush in his hand and moved his limbs.

At this moment, there was a slight knock on the door from outside the door, Yan Song saw this situation, a trace of impatience flashed on his face, and after calming down his good mood, he commanded: "Come in!" ”

The words fell, and only a 'squeak' was heard, and the door of the study was pushed open, and then the butler stepped in.

After entering the study, the housekeeper did not hesitate at all, immediately leaned down, and said respectfully: "Master! ”

When Yan Song heard this, he glanced at the housekeeper and asked, "Is there something wrong?" ”

When the housekeeper heard Yan Song's words, after looking around, he lowered his voice and said, "Master, the old Gao Pavilion is here!" ”

Yan Song seemed to have expected this, and after listening to the housekeeper's report, his expression was quite calm, he nodded, and commanded: "Let him come in!" ”

"Yes, sir!"

For Yan Song's orders, the housekeeper naturally did not dare to slack off in the slightest, and after responding, he left quickly.

……

After a while, under the guidance of the butler, I saw Gao Gong stepping into the study.

After entering the study, I saw Gao Gong subconsciously looking in the direction where Yan Song was, arching his hand to him, his face full of respect.

"Yan Ge Lao!"

"Su Qing is here, sit down!"

Yan Song seemed to be quite happy with Gao Gong's arrival, only to see him stretch out his thin hand, point to the vacant seat on the side, and say so.

"Thank you, Elder Yan Ge!"

When Gao Gong heard this, he didn't mean to excuse himself, and sat straight to the empty seat on the side.

Soon after Gao Gong sat down, a maid stepped forward and brought Yan Song and Gao Gong a bowl of steaming tea, as well as a fruit bowl containing persimmons, lychees, round eyes, chestnuts, and ripe dates.

After this, I saw Yan Song glance at Gao Gong and said with a warm face.

"Try it, this is the new Lion Peak Longjing not long ago!"

"Hmm."

Gao Gong picked up the teacup and took a sip, his eyes couldn't help but light up, and he couldn't help but praise: "It's really good tea!" ”

After chatting a few words, Yan Song withdrew his gaze and chose to get to the point: "Su Qing, in a short time, you will be the first assistant of the cabinet, how can you think of visiting me, an old man?" ”

Gao Gong heard Yan Song's words, and replied without thinking: "Yan Ge Lao said and laughed, it's just that Yan Ge Lao is just stained with your light!" ”

"If it weren't for you, I am afraid that I would have to continue to work in the cabinet for I don't know how many years of seniority."

When Gao Gong said this, he paused for a moment, and then continued: "Elder Yan Ge, I can't hide it, I want to ask you for advice or two when I come here this time, after all, Elder Yan Ge, you have been the head of the cabinet for more than 20 years......

Yan Song could see that Gao Gong put his posture extremely low, and at the same time, this also made Yan Song have a sense of admiration for Gao Gong.

Ordinary people will never be able to do this to the point of high arch, after all, at this time, the high arch is already a veritable cabinet chief.

I don't know how many people in the court want to talk to him, but he can endure it and come to visit him.

After that, I saw Yan Song suppress all the chaotic thoughts in his heart, stroked his beard, and said unhurriedly: "I can't talk about advice, but I have a sentence to give you, employing people, only by using people well, is the first priority to do great things!" ”

"If you use good people, there is nothing you can't do in this world!"

When Gao Gong heard Yan Song's words, a look of gratitude appeared on his face at the right time, and he said respectfully: "Thank you Yan Ge for your advice!" ”

Yan Song took in the expression on Gao Gong's face, and after a moment of silence, he saw him trembling and getting up from his seat, coming to the bookshelf on the side, taking down a thick dossier from it, and handing it to Gao Gong.

"Take it, with it, many things can be easier!"

"Elder Yan Ge, this is ......"

After taking over the file from Yan Song's hands, he saw a look of doubt appear on Gao Gong's face at the right time, and he asked.

But Yan Song didn't mean to solve Gao Gong's doubts, but sat back in his position and said slowly: "You can open it and see for yourself!" ”

When Yan Song's words fell, Gao Gong opened the file in his hand, and when he saw the content on it, Gao Gong couldn't help but gasp, and his face was full of shock that he couldn't hide.

In the dossier, there are detailed records of the administrative mistakes of many officials in the DPRK and China, and in addition, there are also records of the commission of adultery and criminals.

Not only that, but the officials covered in this dossier, from the central government to the local level, can be said to be all-encompassing.

It was only at this time that Gao Gong really understood why Yan Song was able to stand in the position of the first assistant of the cabinet for twenty years!

It was precisely because Yan Song was holding the handle of those people in his hands that they did not dare to act rashly.

In Gao Gong's opinion, the dossier in his hand can be called a priceless treasure, and with it, he will soon be able to control the situation.

At the same time, Gao Gong was also very glad in his heart that he had come to visit Yan Song's decision.

After this, I saw Gao Gong put the file aside, got up from the seat, and saluted Yan Song respectfully with a solemn face: "Yan Ge's kindness is unforgettable!" ”

When Yan Song heard Gao Gong's words, he waved his hand quite casually, and then said: "This is just a very ordinary thing, Su Qing, you can go all the way to today, it all depends on your own efforts, the old man doesn't dare to take credit at will!" ”

When Yan Song's words fell, I saw Gao Gong shake his head, and said categorically: "No, Yan Ge Lao, you have the grace to be promoted!" ”

When Yan Song heard this, a look of memory appeared on his face, he raised his eyebrows, and asked curiously: "Oh, the grace of promotion, when did it happen?" ”

Facing Yan Song's gaze, Gao Gong said with emotion after recalling for a long time: "Have you forgotten Yan Ge, when you had your birthday, many guests were invited to the banquet, and at that time, he was just a historian of the Hanlin Academy, and he was also invited to participate in the banquet. ”

"Because of your tall stature, when you walked into the banquet hall, many people stood on tiptoe and stretched their necks in order to see your demeanor, which reminded me of Han Yu's description in the cockfighting poem, "The big rooster is coming, and the little chick is waiting." ”

"The more I thought about it, the more funny I felt, so I laughed strangely, and this attracted the attention of Yan Ge Lao."

"After explaining the reason in front of you, all the guests at the scene laughed, and afterwards, not only did you not blame the slightest, but also promoted you."

After listening to Gao Gong's narration, Yan Song also recalled this incident, and sighed to himself: "It turned out to be this matter, it has been so long, and the years are unforgiving!" ”

Afterwards, Yan Song and Gao Gong chatted for a while, and the atmosphere in the study was visibly harmonious.

Then, seeing that it was getting late, I saw Gao Gong get up from the seat, arch his hand, and bid farewell to Yan Song.

"Elder Yan Ge, it's not early, I'll leave first!"

"Hmm."

Hearing this, Yan Song looked Gao Gong up and down with cloudy eyes, nodded, and responded imperceptibly.

Just as Gao Gong was about to step away, he only heard Yan Song's voice sounding behind him: "Su Qing, doing things for the imperial court, the merits and demerits are very much that people can say, since you have identified a path, then go on firmly!" ”

Hearing this, Gao Gong paused suddenly, turned around to look in the direction where Yan Song was, and said in a deep voice: "Thank you Yan Ge Lao!" ”

After this, Gao Gong left the study without looking back.

……

In the blink of an eye, a month has passed.

After three resignations and three concessions, the emperor finally agreed to Yan Song's request for begging bones, and this also announced the end of an era.

On the other hand, after Yan Songzhishi, Gao Gong also went further and became the new cabinet chief assistant of the Ming Dynasty.

The current Gao Gong is not only the first assistant of the cabinet, but also the secretary of the Ministry of Households, and the minister of maritime trade, and many other important positions, in addition, Zhang Juzheng has also become the second assistant of the cabinet.

Yan Song's appointment made many Yan Party members deeply uneasy, and they were very afraid that Gao Gong, who had succeeded Yan Song as the first assistant of the cabinet, would carry out a merciless liquidation of them.

But a month later, there was still no big movement on the high arch side, but everything was as usual, which made them gradually feel at ease.

In today's cabinet, there are only five people left, namely the first assistant Gao Gong, the second assistant Zhang Juzheng, the group assistant Hu Zongxian, Yan Shifan, and Li Chunfang, who has just entered the cabinet.

After some tempering, Li Chunfang handled the music and became more and more handy.

Evening, Forbidden City, Cabinet.

Although it was time to go down, the cabinet had no intention of leaving, and at this time, they were sitting together with serious expressions, discussing the next plan.

"Right now, the situation in the DPRK has stabilized, and in my opinion, it's time to officially put reform on the agenda, what do you think?"

After Gao Gong finished speaking, he looked around and quietly waited for everyone's response.

When Gao Gong's words fell, I saw Zhang Juzheng stand up, and after a moment of silence, he clearly stated his attitude: "Well, I also think it's time." ”

Seeing that the first assistant and the second assistant have successively expressed their attitudes, the rest of the people are naturally self-reliant.

After all, before this, everyone had reached a consensus to start implementing changes to the law and eliminate bad governance.

After thinking for a while, Yan Shifan looked in the direction where Gao Gong was, and said in a deep voice: "Gao Ge Lao, I have repeatedly confirmed that the test method that was previously implemented on the clan and the nobles is feasible. ”

"With just a slight change and the establishment of assessment indicators, it can be applied to officials!"

Gao Gong heard Yan Shifan's words, nodded, then looked in the direction where Hu Zongxian was, and commanded: "Elder Hu Ge, next, your officials will formulate the assessment indicators for the examination method!" ”

When Hu Zongxian on the side heard this, he immediately lowered his head and responded in a deep voice: "Yes, Gao Ge Lao!" ”

"Alright, it's not too early, let's get here today!"

"Yes, Gao Ge Lao!"

……

Night falls, the Forbidden City, Qianqing Palace.

At this time, Jiajing was sitting cross-legged on the futon, his eyes seemed to be closed, and beside Jiajing, there were five purple thunder talismans that had been drawn before, which were used to protect the Dharma.

On the five purple thunder talismans, a little silver-white thunder also emerged from time to time, making a 'zilazila' sound.

If there are immortal cultivators present, it can be seen that Jiajing has entered a transcendent realm.

Since sensing the opportunity for a breakthrough, Jiajing has been making relevant preparations.

And today, Jiajing has an inexplicable premonition that it is time to break through the foundation.

I saw a purple mana rising up, enveloping Jiajing, and Jiajing's aura gradually became terrifying.

Perhaps sensing the resonance of mana, the spirit gathering array that enveloped the entire Qianqing Palace operated automatically, gathering all the spiritual energy within a radius of a hundred miles to the Qianqing Palace.

As the aura gradually became abundant, Jiajing also began to absorb these escaping aura.

Those spiritual qi absorbed by Jiajing, through the route of the exercises, circulated in various meridians in Jiajing's body for a week, and then rushed towards the cyclone in the dantian.

In this process, the aura originally stored in the dantian is also constantly compressed and condensed.

Jiajing's whole person's momentum is also rising rapidly.

Gradually, Jiajing sensed that shackles, which were different from what he had expected, and Jiajing broke through those shackles very easily.

It wasn't until Jiajing broke through that shackle and successfully entered the realm of the foundation building period that he reacted in hindsight.

After the realm stabilized, Jiajing immediately sensed his own state.

At this time, the cyclone in the dantian has grown dozens of times stronger than before, and the aura inside has also become something like spiritual liquid.

From the limbs and hundreds of remains, there is an inexhaustible and inexhaustible power, and Jiajing at this time only needs to move his mind to move mountains and seas.

After exiting the cultivation state, Jiajing's face was full of joy, and he said loudly: "Hahaha, I am done, I am done!" ”

Then, Jiajing's mind moved, and almost instantly, Jiajing appeared in mid-air.

Perhaps sensing the threat, a large number of dark clouds began to accumulate in the sky, and silver-white thunder loomed in the dark clouds.

And Jiajing didn't care about this, just silently released his momentum.

After a while, the accumulated dark clouds instantly dissipated, the sky became clear and translucent again, and the moon was hazy, sprinkling a gentle silver light and shining on the ground.

The blue-gray robe worn by Jiajing was automatically windless, making a 'hunting' sound.

At this moment, it happened that a group of forbidden troops passed by.

One of the forbidden soldiers accidentally saw Jiajing suspended in mid-air, and he hurriedly stopped his companion, pointed to the air, and said with a surprised face: "Look, is there anyone in the sky?" ”

The companion who was stopped subconsciously looked in the direction pointed by the forbidden soldier.

At this time, the sky was empty, and there was nothing.

Then, I saw him retract his gaze, shook his head, and said helplessly: "Who is there in the sky, you are wrong, let's go, we have to continue patrolling!" ”

On the other side, the high arch is located in the mansion in the capital.

Even though it was getting late, Gao Gong at this time still didn't feel a little sleepy.

He was sitting behind the bookcase, using a brush soaked in ink, writing diligently on the notes that were about to be presented to the emperor.

"Today's sea banquet is peaceful, the Quartet is stable, the south is wiped out, the north is a minister, and those who enjoy their positions are innumerable, and there are thousands of people who eat their lukes."

"Those who are worried about the ministers, the discussion of things is turbulent, the waste is arrogant, the ministers are worried, the food and salary are exhausted, the treasury is difficult to fill, and the current family and gentry are becoming more and more popular, the people have no place to stand, and the soldiers of the guard are often served, and the suffering is unspeakable."

"Since the appointment of the ministers, the sleep and food are uncertain, the night is unrestful, so far in danger, it is advisable to reform the old system, change the law to make it strong, those who are effective but powerless, dismiss their money, and those who do not eat and eat are ineffective, go to their official positions."

"Although the minister is old, he is only willing to die after bowing to his best."

"Listen to the saint and bow goodbye."

When the last word fell, Gao Gong breathed a sigh of relief, and then carefully checked it from beginning to end, and only after confirming that it was correct, did he put the brush in his hand aside.

At this moment, there was a slight knock on the door from outside, and then, I saw Gao Gong's wife Zhang enter the study.

"Husband, it's not too early, go and rest!"

"Hmm."

After answering, I saw Gao Gong get up from his chair, blow out the candle on the table, and step out of the study. (End of chapter)