Chapter 553: It’s him

In addition to Wang Hao who has concerns about joining the cabinet, Cheng Minzheng also has concerns.

On this day, Zhang Zhou went to the Hanlin Academy and took advantage of his lunch break to help proofread the Ming Dynasty Codex. Cheng Minzhengben was still discussing with several editors and editors about adding and revising the catalog. I heard that When Zhang Zhou arrived, Cheng Minzheng, as the executive editor, had to come over to meet Zhang Zhou.

"The manpower is small, things are busy, and even a little overwhelming. Speaking of which, Jiefu will return to the court soon. I heard that he is already on his way back. When he comes back, there will be no need for manpower. So nervous."

Cheng Minzheng brought Yang Tinghe up in front of Zhang Zhou without any cryptic.

In Zhang Zhou's view, Yang Tinghe is a hard-working and capable person among the middle-level officials of the Hanlin Academy. This probably explains why he, Yang Tinghe, and not others, will rise in the future.

Zhang Zhoudao "I heard that you, Master Cheng, have met a lot of visitors recently, don't you have any worries?"

"Haha, it's just like my nature. When guests come to see you, unless they come to meet you, you will always have something to do. I always feel bad if I don't see you. As an official in Beijing, it is unrealistic to completely distance yourself from the people in the officialdom. After all, visits between colleagues should be given some dignity."

When Cheng Minzheng said this, he didn't feel that he had done anything wrong at all.

Zhang Zhou also has nothing to comment on.

Cheng Minzheng was originally an outgoing person, and he was free-spirited. It would not be wrong to say that Cheng Minzheng was obsessed with official positions. This kind of person could give up his career at any time.

But it is impossible to say that he does not want to be promoted at all. Who among the officials does not want to be a higher official and have more power?

Not everyone is Tao Yuanming.

And even those who aspire to the mountains, rivers and countryside often do it as a last resort due to officialdom. It sounds nice to say that they don’t care, but in fact, most of the time they pursue it but don’t get it.

"There are four to five hundred books that can be referenced today. Many compiled books are actually difficult to continue because there are too many orphan copies and collectors don't know where they are. Some of them know where they are. It is also difficult to visit because of the long distance, and often the visits are not received."

Cheng Minzheng is also an academic elite. In terms of compiling books in the Hanlin Academy, Cheng Minzheng is also relatively conscientious in his duties.

Recently, I thought that I would compile a compilation of historical records, which would involve many ancient books, and Cheng Minzheng was also worried about this.

Zhang Zhou said, "How are the errands at the Ministry of Civil Affairs lately?"

"It's not bad." Cheng Minzheng felt a little unsure when he spoke, "It's all the same, all the same."

In fact, Zhang Zhou had known for a long time that after Cheng Minzheng was transferred back to the Hanlin Academy, Cheng Minzheng's concurrent appointment as Zuo Shilang of the Ministry of Civil Affairs was very slack in his duties, also because Ma Wensheng, the Minister of Civil Affairs, refused to delegate power.

As a person who once had "stains" as an official, Cheng Minzheng will no longer be regarded by traditional civil servants as an indispensable pillar of the imperial court in the future. The alienation from him is from point to point.

Perhaps Cheng Minzheng knew that he was not appreciated by traditional civil servants.When he was frustrated, he would devote his attention to book editing and proofreading in the Hanlin Academy. And because he was knowledgeable, at least no one here would look down upon him.

The two of them went to the tea room together.

No one else was present. In name, we were talking about book repairs, but in fact we were talking about Cheng Minzheng's future.

"Scholar Cheng, your Majesty recently intended to let the people in Hanyuan nominate new cabinet candidates. Have you heard about this?" Zhang Zhou asked.

Cheng Minzheng smiled slightly, but he seemed to have an old face, and said, "I heard it, but it doesn't seem to have much to do with me. Things that people care about when they get older are different from when they were young. In fact, it's pretty good now. ”

No fight

Zhang Zhoudu felt that Cheng Minzheng knew he couldn’t fight, so he deliberately didn’t fight.

"Do you know, Bachelor Cheng, who is the person with the highest demand to join the cabinet now?" Zhang Zhou asked a very sensitive question.

Logically speaking, it is always taboo to evaluate "teammates" within the Imperial Academy system or in front of colleagues.

You said he has a loud voice, but I also think that another person has a loud voice. What do you mean by deliberately stirring up trouble?

If others ask Cheng Cheng

I still have to answer.

Because Zhang Zhou often represented the emperor, and Zhang Zhou was kind to Cheng Minzheng.

Cheng Minzheng asked tentatively, "Is it Wang Jizhi?"

"Yes." Zhang Zhou's answer was simple.

"Yes. Wang Jizhi is very talented and capable, and he knows how to be patient. But among the people in Hanyuan, no one can do everything like him. I feel ashamed." Cheng Minzheng said this Shi was not so reserved anymore, as if to say, as long as it's not me, that's fine.

Zhang Zhou said, "But it seems that Academician Wang has deep concerns and is full of entanglements about joining the cabinet. Even if His Majesty asks him to join the cabinet, he may refuse."

"What?"

Cheng Minzheng frowned.

Is Wang Hao such a hypocritical person?

He refused to join the cabinet

Wait, why are you telling me this?

Under Cheng Minzheng’s puzzled gaze, Zhang Zhou also continued the topic, "So even His Majesty is considering it, or it is not appropriate at the moment for Academician Wang to join the cabinet."

"It hasn't changed." Cheng Minzheng's question means that the matter of finding someone to join the cabinet has been stopped halfway.

Zhang Zhou shook his head and said, "Your Majesty means that the three ministers in the cabinet are now Old, busy at work every day

Sometimes I slack off on some things because of too much pressure. Someone must be able to help them directly, instead of doing some errands like now Leave it to many people outside the cabinet."

Cheng Minzheng didn't want to say anything now.

He seemed to hear some clues.

Zhang Zhou said, "Scholar Cheng, do you think that as a member of the Hanlin Academy, I shouldn't know so much, and I shouldn't tell you this?"

"Yes." Cheng Minzheng He was relatively straight-tempered and nodded, meaning that you shouldn't know what you shouldn't say.

Zhang Zhoudao: "But His Majesty just mentioned it to me, especially asking me to recommend new candidates for the cabinet. Don't worry, this was proposed during the Qianqing Palace discussion. I can be regarded as a worthy person." Listen, sometimes it’s not arrogant to give His Majesty some advice.”

“Uh”

Cheng Minzheng still doesn’t know what to do.

Zhang Zhou sighed, "Of course Wang Xueshi is good, but since Wang Xueshi is too resistant to joining the cabinet, then all I can think of is Liang Hanlin, except for Yang Hanlin who has not returned to Beijing. Others, I heard that Jin Hanlin’s knowledge and abilities are also good, and there is also Bachelor Wang Hua.”

Cheng Minzheng listened to Zhang Zhou’s talk and mentioned Yang Tinghe, Liang Chu, Jin Gui, and Wang Hua , but Cheng Minzheng was not mentioned, even he himself was a little anxious.

"Actually, there are a few more people." Cheng Minzheng reminded.

Of course he was not reminding himself.

In Cheng Minzheng's view, the ones mentioned by Zhang Zhou seem to be a bit "biased", because now the Hanlin Academy's bachelor's degree students and bachelor's degree lecturers are not these people, but several other people. indivual.

The people mentioned by Zhang Zhou are more likely to be mid-level officials of the Hanlin Academy.

For example, Jiao Fang, Zhang Yuanzhen, Zhang Bing, Liu Ji, Jiang Lan and others, these people are also considered to be elders in the Hanlin Academy.

Zhang Zhou smiled and said, "But in terms of bachelor's degree and ability, they seem to be inferior to you, Bachelor Cheng."

"Ah"

Cheng Minzheng realized after hearing this that it turned out that Zhang Zhou is waiting for him here.

He smiled awkwardly, not knowing how to continue speaking.

Zhang Zhoudao "Your Majesty also specifically mentioned to me the matter of Bachelor Cheng, and asked me what I thought of your joining the cabinet. I said, Bachelor Cheng, you can be regarded as a highly respected person. In terms of ability, looking at the entire Hanyuan, that person is one of the best, not to mention that Bachelor Cheng has the most seniority in Hanyuan, and it is difficult for others to match him."

"I dare not take it." Cheng Minzheng is sober after all.

Now the cabinet is considered to be a solid piece of the Iron Triangle, and no one will be better off if they get in. Even if he, Cheng Minzheng, gets in, he will only be punished.

If the officials and officials don’t give him face, how can the three cabinet members delegate power to him?

By then, any proposals he writes will be reviewed, even on many important matters. I didn't even show him his memorials or ask for his opinion. I was so depressed that I might as well stay in the Hanlin Academy and be a bookworm.

Zhang Zhou said, "But His Majesty is quite optimistic about Xueshie Cheng joining the cabinet. Of course, this is not a formal communication. I just mentioned such a thing. Xueshei Cheng will take it to heart and don't pay too much attention to it." ”

When Cheng Minzheng heard this, he started to play.As for me

It's better if you don't tell me. If you do, I can't help it.

This feeling of being unable to advance or retreat seems to be exactly the same as Wang Jizhi. Wang Hao is worried about joining the cabinet. If I have worries, should I worry less?

"Scholar Cheng also thought about this matter. There is a matter of book repair. We might as well discuss it. I have less free time recently and may not be able to come often. I have to rely on more. You are here, Bachelor Cheng." Zhang Zhouxiao looked at Cheng Minzheng, feeling like he was deliberately digging a hole for him.

Secretary's duty room.

Xiao Jing hurried in from outside, while Chen Kuan and Wei Bin were still dealing with Zhu Pi's affairs, while Li Zhang was outside dealing with Dongchang's affairs.

"Eunuch Xiao."

When Chen Kuan and Wei Bin saw Xiao Jing coming back from the meeting, they hurried over to ask for any new instructions.

"Your Majesty seems to have decided on the new cabinet minister." Xiao Jing said.

"Who is Wang Chao or Zhang Zhou?" Chen Kuan asked.

Several eunuchs had also heard a lot of rumors before. It was probably that Wang Hao and Zhang Zhou were the most popular candidates to join the cabinet. It must be said that they did not know before that the emperor actually wanted to pave the way for Zhang Zhou to join the cabinet. It was Xiao Jing who told them after getting information from the emperor.

The government and the public are actually unaware of this matter.

Xiao Jing said, "It's Cheng Minzheng."

"He"

As soon as this candidate was proposed, Chen Kuan and Wei Bin couldn't help but look at each other. Zhongdu was filled with great doubts.

It seems that they never imagined that such a good thing would happen to Cheng Minzheng, who had lost power.

Wei Bin asked, "Why is it him? Is it just because when he was in Nanjing, he had contact with Cai Guogong, did a good job of flattery, and let Cai Guogong recommend him but did not listen." He said that he was usually very close to Cai Guogong."

Cheng Minzheng had been alienated by the emperor before and was even sent to Nanjing. He did not have a close relationship with Zhang Zhou and did not give Zhang Zhou any advice. Zhou does too many things.

Can’t even be called a member of the Zhang Party.

Why is Cheng Minzheng joining the cabinet?

Xiao Jing said angrily, "It's because of the qualifications. Is anyone dissatisfied?"

"Haha."< /p>

Wei Bin laughed loudly on purpose, with contempt in his laughter.

Cheng Minzheng used to have very high qualifications, but after experiencing the fraud in the examination room in the 12th year of Hongzhi, he was almost a marginal figure in the officialdom that no one cared about.

Even if he still failed, Zuo Shilang, who was in charge of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, was almost ignored and could only hide in the Hanlin Academy to write books.

Who would believe this kind of person if he said he was highly virtuous?

Xiao Jing said, "Why don't you think everything into consideration?"

Wei Bin He said, "I am willing to serve him."

Xiao Jing sighed, "Well, it was only on our way back home that I thought about it clearly. Do you think it is a good time for His Majesty to allow Duke Cai Guo to join the cabinet?"

"Of course it's not a good time, but there are people in the cabinet who can be in the cabinetThe candidate is not just Cheng Minzheng, but also Wang Hao and Jiao Fang. These people can also discipline and teach the prince in the East Palace. They can also continue to work for the court after joining the cabinet. Why not choose them?"< /p>

As Chen Kuan spoke, he didn’t seem to realize the crux of the problem.

Xiao Jing looked grim and said, "What is Wang Jizhi worried about?"

"He"

Now Chen Kuan could not answer.

Wei Bin said, "If Wang Jizhi enters the cabinet first, then after Cai Guogong enters the cabinet in the future, he will have to succumb to others. He will not be able to climb up to the position of chief minister and will have to be controlled by others.

. So he would rather not join the cabinet. Or wait until Cai Guogong joins the cabinet in the future, then it will be no problem."

"That's right. Since Wang Jizhi joins the cabinet, it will pave the way for Cai Guogong to join the cabinet. Yes, he doesn’t want to join. At this time, he must find someone to pave the way for joining the cabinet first. In the future, when Cai Guogong enters the cabinet, he will take the initiative to give up the possible position of first assistant. Who do you think is more suitable for this person?"

Xiao Jing is no longer a hint.

That’s clear.

Cheng Minzheng joined the cabinet not only to break the current iron triangle structure of the cabinet, but also to serve as a pawn for Zhang Zhou.

As for this pawn, after Zhang Zhou entered the cabinet, he must complete the handover and step down on his own initiative to make way for Zhang Zhou to become the first assistant in the future.

It was precisely because Wang Hao saw this that he shied away from joining the cabinet.

Now this "good thing" has fallen to Cheng Minzheng, who was allowed to join the cabinet first and serve as cannon fodder.

Wei Bin smiled bitterly and said, "If this is the case, would Cheng Minzheng really accept it?"

Chen Kuan replied for Xiao Jing, "Is there anything unacceptable for him besides this?" Way, is there any other way for him to join the cabinet? After Cai Guogong and that Wang Xueshi join the cabinet, what else can he do to join the cabinet? Being a cabinet minister for a few years will be considered a worthy entry into the officialdom."

"Yes."

Now Wei Bin could only nod.

It seems that Cheng Minzheng was treated badly, but in fact, it was a great convenience for him.

Had it not been for Zhang Zhou, the emperor would have thought of letting you Cheng Minzheng join the cabinet

If it was before the twelfth year of Hongzhi, you Cheng Minzheng would have been the best choice, but now you are No chance, unless you have a special mission to help the emperor solve problems. Please remember to bookmark this chapter after finishing it. The latest and fastest website is free to read without anti-theft