One year is about to end, but Beijing City refuses to calm down, and two other major events have happened.

The first big thing is: Duke Zhenhai returned to the court!

"The banner of 'coming from all over the world' has entered the Tianjin port!"

At the same time, what is surprising is that Xu Jie actually submitted a letter to ask for retirement and return home.

In fact, Xu Jie was less than 60 years old this year. As a politician, his age is not old, and it can even be said that "the Spring and Autumn Period is in full swing"! However, he just rushed to report to retire and return home at this critical moment. Emperors, Gao Gong, Zhang Juzheng and others tried to keep him, but Xu Jie was as if he had eaten a weight and was determined to leave.

Since the "Strike of the Japanese Court", Xu Jie has been quite low-key, named the chief assistant, and is actually a decoration. But this time he showed the prestige of the chief assistant and made three moves in a row. Gao Gong was squeezed away by him when he wanted to ask about it, and he was very tempted to "I am the master of my affairs, so no one should get involved." In the end, the emperor had to issue an edict to grant permission. So, on the eve of Li Yan's arrival in the capital, Gao Gong naturally became the chief assistant.

The prime minister today is not comparable to the prime minister during the Jiajing period! Since the emperor has been undermined, the prime minister is even more emperor than the emperor! As the prime minister, it is logical that he should be happy, but when Gao Gong took over the prime minister, he was still dissatisfied with two points of dissatisfaction.

I was dissatisfied because he felt that Xu Jie was thrusting his feet too wrong!

"This old slippery guy has no burden at all!"

Of course, this sentence cannot be said publicly. He just complained to Zhang Juzheng in private. Only people at the level of Zhang Juzheng can deeply understand the meaning of this sentence.

As soon as Xu Jie left and Li Zhe returned, all the ministers in the court heard that they were all attracted by Tianjin. When Zhao Wenhua, the new Minister of Rites, asked what kind of etiquette they should be used to welcome Duke Zhenhai, Gao Gong said that he would send a censor to pay the imperial edict and then summon Duke Zhenhai to Beijing.

Zhao Wenhua asked: "Do you ask a Grand Secretary of the Cabinet to go there?" In fact, he wanted to say that the Prime Minister might as well go to greet him, but he couldn't say this.

But even "inviting a Grand Secretary to go there" was enough to make Gao Gong say: "Mr. Zhenhai is also a Grand Secretary. The Grand Secretary returns to Beijing and welcomes another Grand Secretary a hundred miles away. Is it in accordance with the etiquette?"

Zhao Wenhua was timid and didn't dare to speak anymore.

Unexpectedly, Li Yanzhi stayed in Tianjin for a long time and had no intention of entering Beijing. At this time, the ministers in the court were talking about it, but these discussions were private discussions, and no one wrote them into a memorial because the things everyone was talking about were too sensitive: "Donald Zhenhai did not enter Beijing for a long time, are you waiting for rewards?"

Who in the world knows that the Li family is rich enough to rival the country. Li Yanzhi, who is also a Grand Secretary and in charge of the Navy Governor's Office, is also powerful in the world. The title of Duke Zhenhai is close to the extreme of a minister. If you go up, you will have to be rewarded, so you will be the only one who can be named a king!

However, the powerful ministers of a different surname were granted a king, so this matter was not a joke! If one thing was done, there would be a "abdication" change! So everyone in the court discussed it privately, but no one wrote a letter.

In the end, a minister with the strongest face and the strongest fame and fortune came to the book. This person was Hu Zongxian. After so many years, Old Hu finally achieved his goal. Before going to Japan, Li Yan told Zhang Juzheng to transfer him to take over the training work of the 12th Battalion of the Capital.

Since the Ming Dynasty invaded the south of Mongolia, the defensive forces of the capital have almost completely collapsed. Since then, although the troops are powerful, they have always been a situation of "strong outside and strong inside". The strong outside refers to the strong border army. Needless to say, the Navy Governor's Office in the east, Qi Jiguang Town in the northwest, and Annan Town in the southwest, the military strength is also thriving, while the central government refers to the empty defense of the capital. The organization of the 12th Battalion stationed in Beijing has always existed, but the vacancy amount is large and the combat power has not been increased. When Li Yanzhi was about to fight the east, Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng all believed that this matter could not be delayed anymore. Only then did Li Yanzhi agree to allocate 500,000 taels of silver from the military expenses raised from the bonds issued by the General Administration of the Maritime Administration to carry out sufficient and training for the 12th Battalion of the capital. The money was paid by him, so he naturally had to take charge of the matter, so he handed over the work to Hu Zongxian.

Although this move is suspected of "appointing personal personalities", Hu Zongxian was one of the most suitable candidates in the court in terms of qualifications, military achievements, and ability. Gao Gong originally wanted Yang Bo, but Yang Bo had been transferred to Liaodong by Li Yanzhi in advance. At that time, Gao Gong did not dare to confront Li Yanzhi too clearly, so he had to agree.

In this way, Hu Zongxian returned to the capital happily. Although he did not enter the city, he presided over the restructuring and training of the 12th Battalion of the Capital in Xishan, which was equivalent to being responsible for the defense of the capital. The key of his status can be imagined. Therefore, he was grateful to Li Yanzhi. At this time, he risked being labeled as a traitor or even a traitor by the historical books of all ages and wrote a letter to the court to award the Duke of Zhenhai to "higher his title and boost the morale of the three armies"!

Gao Gong got the memorial and said angrily: "What does Gao Qi's title mean? Duke Zhenhai is now a duke. If he is higher than that, is he going to be the king?"

The word "Entering King" was revealed from the chief minister, which shocked the emperor and all the ministers at the court meeting. After a long time, Zhao Wenhua, the Minister of Rites, said: "Actually, according to the merits of Zhenhai Gong, it is probably enough to be named King." He didn't say loudly, but everyone was shocked, thinking: "Finally come!"

Since ancient times, Hu Zongxian and Zhao Wenhua have been shot, one of whom is the first to ask Li Yanzhi for rewards, and the other first to tell that Li Yanzhi is qualified to be the king. This is extremely dangerous! If you don’t do it well, you will be ruined! But it is precisely because of the extreme danger that the hidden benefits are also great! If Li Yanzhi becomes a cause in the future, then the two of them will have the first contribution to support!

The court officials all lowered their heads, and everyone was in a turbulent mind, but no one spoke. Although Gao Gong knew that unless Li Yanzhi firmly disagreed, it would be a matter of time before he could be named king. Gao Gong believed that "the later the better"! Many of his situations have not been opened yet. If Li Yanzhi is the king now, the situation will become very bad for the civil servant group, which is something that the world's scholars do not want to see. Gao Gong is the chief minister. If Li Yanzhi successfully becomes king under this situation, no matter what Gao Gong thinks, scholars in the world will think that he is Li Yanzhi's lackey, and from then on, they will completely lose the support of the public opinion of the Shilin and lose the strength to play with Li Yanzhi!

It can be said that Hu Zongxian and Zhao Wenhua have forced him to express his opinion, and they must make a tough statement and punish them. Otherwise, when all the officials in the court meet Hu, Zhao will do this to seek great profit without any danger, and they will inevitably follow others, and then things will be even more out of control!

Gao Gong bowed to Zhu Zai'an and replied: "Hu Zongxian is in a military position and is discussing the government affairs! This is beyond his authority!" Overcoming power is a taboo in the Ming Dynasty's government, and overcoming power is even more taboo among the taboos, so Gao Gong's criticism was: "Please ask your Majesty to serge him and dismiss him from his post and investigate!"

As for Zhao Wenhua, it was - "Zhao Wenhua, Minister of Rites, acted in a disarray and was a loser! Please be dismissed from the position of Minister of Rites, and there is a court of the Ministry of Rites!"

He was the chief minister and the emperor had no real power, so his "revelation" was just a form, and the words he said were almost an imperial edict! Zhu Zai'an honestly exercised his screw function according to past practice and said: "Issued the edict after the cabinet agreed."

The minister issued a memorial, and the emperor approved the cabinet, and the cabinet "decided" and then implemented it. This is the current highest decision-making procedure of the Ming Dynasty! The cabinet was ruled by Gao Gong, so Gao Gong's "record" almost declared the death penalty for Hu Zongxian and Zhao Wenhua's career!

Although Zhao Wenhua was mentally prepared when he said that, he was still shocked at this moment and knew that if he didn't speak at this time, he would have no chance in the future! He quickly stood up and shouted: "Master's assistant: I am the Minister of Rites. Whether to be a king or not, is it the matter that the Ministry of Rites should discuss? Is the merits of Zhenhai Gong not qualified to be a king at all? Zhenhai disclosed that the territory was expanded, and the merits were all over the world! It is natural for the Ministry of Rites to discuss his title and then advance his title. What is "disguised"? As for whether it is possible or not, in the cabinet, whether it is accurate or not, in the emperor - Zhao Wenhua is guilty of!"

Gao Gong did not debate with him and snorted: "Since ancient times, the title of kings of different surnames has been a sign of chaos in the country. You, a flattering villain, have made a fuss about being a king for personal wealth and honor, but where did you place Zhenhai Gong?" He ordered someone to bombard him!

A chapel theory about Li Yanzhi's title of king was suppressed by Gao Gong, but Gao Gong did not feel like victory after winning this victory. On the contrary, he felt that he was quite passive! He was originally a "Li faction", at least a "pro-Li faction", but now he was forced to be pushed to the opposite of Li Yanzhi.

Thinking of this, Gao Gong couldn't help but hate Xu Jie again! Why did he hate Xu Jie?

You should know that Li Yanzhi returned to China in triumphantly and it was almost predictable that someone proposed the title of king, and it was almost imperative that the cabinet could not agree with it. If Xu Jie could leave two days late and he would withstand this storm, Gao Gong's situation would be much better than it is now.

When the court meeting was about to part, Gao Gong suddenly looked back at Li Chunfang and others and said: "The title of a king in another surname is not only not a blessing for the world, nor is it a blessing for the Lord Zhenhai. Zhao Wenhua's words and deeds are actually harming the Lord Zhenhai!" This sentence is a bit like a matter of repairing the situation. He intentionally asked someone to spread the word, so that Li Yanzhi knew that he was still considering it for him, in order to repair the possible crevice between him and Li Yanzhi.

When Zhu Zai'er was about to return to the palace, he was dissatisfied when he heard this.

Seeing that January was approaching, Li Yanzhi still had not come to the capital. He was in Tianjin and claimed that he was not accustomed to the local conditions after the expedition and became ill. Zhang Juzheng said: "Why don't I go and see if something went wrong there." In fact, he still expressed his tactfulness to go to Tianjin to greet him.

Gao Gong refused, thinking that Li Yanzhi was still in military position. He returned triumphantly and was respected by the officials outside the city. If the Grand Secretary in Beijing ran to Tianjin to greet him, he would be suspected of flattery and lost his identity as a civil servant group!

"If you want to ask about illness, just let a eunuch represent the emperor."

Zhang Juzheng said: "Then please ask the emperor to issue an order and I will reward the army."

In this way, he would not welcome him, but he would not accept him. Although Gao Gong was not happy, Li Chunfang said, "What Uncle said is reasonable." Gao Gong was not too stubborn, so the matter was settled!

When Zhang Juzheng was about to set off, Gao Gong pulled him to a place without anyone and said, "Uncle, the court situation in front of him is very dangerous. If you can spend it safely, then the world will have a safe life. If you are confused about the power of Zhenhai Gong, you must be the king. I should also argue with reason. If you can't fight, at most you won't be the assistant! You can be the assistant!"

Zhang Juzheng hurriedly said, "What are you talking about Suqing? I think Zhenhai Gong is a wise man, and I must know that what Suqing did is not only for the world, but also for Zhenhai Gong himself."

Seeing him say this, Gao Gong's tense nerves relaxed slightly, and nodded, "I also know that Zhenhai Gong has always had the wisdom of knowing people, so he is so tough at the court meeting. Only by being close to wise ministers and staying away from villains can you achieve great achievements for the ages! Hu Zongxian and Zhao Wenhua are all villains, and they are brought as minions, which will be a blessing but not a blessing! When you arrive in Tianjin, try your best to deal with it. With the talent of your uncle, you will definitely be able to turn danger into safety!"

On the same day, Zhang Juzheng set out with Feng Bao and headed to Tianjin. On the way, Feng Bao secretly asked Zhang Juzheng: "Does Gaoge have any instructions before leaving?"

Zhang Juzheng laughed and said, "I didn't give me any advice, I just had a joke."

Feng Bao smiled softly and said, "What is it? Can you tell me to make the slave smile?"

Zhang Juzheng smiled and said, "Duke Gao said that if Duke Zhenhai must be appointed as the king, he should make a decision. If he can't fight, at most he will not do this auxiliary, so I will be the auxiliary."

Feng Bao sneered after hearing this: "If Mr. Zhang wants to be this assistant, it's not a matter of being able to win? Why wait for him to come and give in!"

Zhang Juzheng just smiled.

Rewarding the army was an excuse, but he didn't even go through the formalities. After entering the city, he came to the northern headquarters of the Navy Governor's Office with Feng Bao. Li Yanzhi's confidant heard that it was Zhang Juzheng, so he immediately put it in.

When he walked into the several gates and was about to arrive at the inner hall, Li Yijiu asked the two to wait.

According to the old etiquette, Zhang Juzheng and Feng Bao were one of the Grand Secretary of the Cabinet, and the other was sent to pass the imperial edict by the sage. Li Yanzhi should come out to welcome him immediately. How could he let the two of them "wait" like this? This is really "irrespectful"!

But Zhang and Feng did not resist at all, and just waited on the side, waiting quietly for Li Yanzhi to summon him.

In the hall, in addition to Li Yanzhi, there were four people, one was Feng Qi and the other was Jiang Yifan. The Trading Shop Jian stayed in Japan and did not come back. There was also an old man in his fifties. He looked like a servant on his face, but he was very intimate when he stood beside Li Yanzhi. He was Lu Bing's former housekeeper and Zhang, who was also Zhenhai Gong's residence in Beijing.

Li Yanzhi's father-in-law Lu Bing was the leader of the Jinyiwei. After Mongolia disrupted Beijing, the spy power controlled by Lu Bing was in the trend of privateization. After Li Yanzhi directly controlled the regime, some of them were directly controlled by the cabinet, but the Lu family's influence on this system was still very strong!

At this time, what Mr. Zhang was reporting to Li Yanzhi was the various "unusual signs" between the ministers after Li Yanzhi left the capital. Jiang Yifan was listening and suddenly felt a little scared. Judging from Mr. Zhang's description, it seemed like most officials in the capital were plotting to oppose Li Yanzhi! Even the Supreme Emperor of Tianjin and the Emperor of the Great Inner Zhu Zai'an were not willing to be lonely. Mr. Zhang even provided evidence to prove that there was an indirect contact between Jiajing and Zhu Zai'an!

Feng Qi was even more embarrassed when he heard it, and he thought to himself: "I have been staying in Beijing, but I don't know many things here, I am really ashamed."

Mr. Zhang finally said, "Son-in-law, what I can find out about is these. It's just that the people at hand are not enough. It's okay to hire some people, but it's just that we're doing more money. It's just that we're doing something, and it's not very convenient." The inconvenience is that the actions of his subordinates are not open and official actions, so Mr. Zhang is looking forward to: "Son-in-law, can you set up a yamen so that you can better monitor these corrupt officials and prevent them from having any other intentions easily!"

Li Yanzhi did not agree or deny it, but just asked Feng Qi and Jiang Yifan: "What do you think?"

"This..." Feng Qi hesitated: "I have heard a lot of the news that Mr. Zhang heard. It is the first time I heard about it. I really have a dereliction of duty. It is just... I just arranged for secret spies to monitor the ministers, which seems not the right way to govern the country."

Butler Zhang was very dissatisfied: "What is the right way? It is the most important thing to keep our family business in the world. The Zhu family has been in charge for more than a hundred years, but it has not been relied on the Jinyiwei that the East Factory will not be overthrown?"

Feng Qi had a bitter face, feeling that this seemed to be inconsistent with their original intention of participating in national affairs, but he also felt that what Mr. Zhang said was not unreasonable.

Jiang Yifan was much more casual and said, "I don't understand, and I have no idea. I'm much more wise, so let's decide for yourself."

Li Yanzhi smiled slightly and said, "Let's put this matter aside."

Butler Zhang hurriedly said, "Then this new yamen..."

Li Yan said straight: "Let's discuss it again."

His power was already strong, and as soon as he spoke, Butler Zhang did not dare to disobey, but just responded to "yes" and stepped aside.

Li Yanzhi asked Feng Qi and Jiang Yifan again: "That day, Hu Zongxian helped me ask for rewards. Zhao Wenhua suggested to be the king, but Gao Gong suppressed both of them. What do you think about this?"

Feng Qi said: "It seems too early to be named a king - in fact, I don't think it is necessary to be named a king. Hu Zongxian is too fame and fortune. On the surface, he is asking for rewards for three sacrifices, but in fact he is seeking credit for himself. As for Zhao Wenhua, he is just a villain, not worth mentioning. Gao Gong's decision has the tendency of a gentleman who is not a party and devoted himself to public."

There are only three most private people here, so Feng Qi speaks heartily and has no scruples at all.

Jiang Yifan said, "The truth is this, but how can Hu Zongxian be in charge of the 12th battalion of the capital be easily uprooted? It is Zhao Wenhua. Although he has no connection with us, if he speaks for Sanshe, if the ministers who are willing to submit to us will be disappointed. No one will respond to anything we have to do in the future. At that time, we will inevitably be unable to move forward! Therefore, I think Hu Zongxian must be kept! Zhao Wenhua must also try to deal with him and give him a hope, so that everyone knows that we are people who repay kindness with virtue, and no one who supports Sanshe will suffer."

Li Yan nodded slightly after hearing this, and said, "Yifan said it well. On the other side of Hu Zongxian, a censor has helped us refute the cabinet's resolution, and the Ministry of War is also dragging it. He will not have any trouble for the time being. As for the other side of Zhao Wenhua..." He turned to Butler Zhang and said, "Go and tell your lady that you know about this and ask her to give Zhao Wenhua's wife some small household items."

He had been married to Lu Errong for a long time, but he was used to talking to Mr. Zhang, Yier and others at home, and still said "Your lady". After Mr. Zhang returned that day, he reported to Lu Errong, and Yier prepared two bottles of honey, counted two bird's nests, sent a maid to give it to Zhao Wenhua's wife, and comforted him a few more words. It was not a big deal for the family members of the officials and families to walk around each other, and honey bird's nests were nothing.

Zhao Wenhua was dismissed from his post at home, but he didn't see Li Yanzhi helping him stand out. He was already in a state of great trouble and no one knew the good and good fortune. After getting this honey, he almost jumped up with joy and said to his family: "Don't be afraid, no more! This time the sky falls, no more fear!" So he waited for good news at home peacefully. After the wind blew out, everyone said that Li Yanzhi had protected Zhao Wenhua, and those who wanted to embrace Li were determined! These are the later words.

But when he went back to the inner hall, Feng Qi asked Li Yanzhi how he was going to deal with Gao Gong. Li Yanzhi said: "What you said just now is reasonable. Hu Zongxian was too eager to do this. Zhao Wenhua also flattered too clearly. Gao Gong is not wrong to deal with it like this. Just pretend that this has not happened."

After the plan was decided, Li Yanzhi ordered Butler Zhang to go back to do business, "By the way, please ask Uncle Da and Feng Bao to come in."

Butler Zhang went out and saw Zhang Juzheng looking at him, shouting, "Master Zhang, Eunuch Feng, Mr. Feng, you are welcome." Then he left.

Zhang Juzheng did not recognize him. Seeing his strange behavior, he couldn't help but feel strange: "This man knows that I am a Grand Secretary, but he has no favoritism at all. If he is an upright person, he does not look like his words and deeds. If he is a big man and recognizes me, how could I not recognize him?"

Seeing that he was confused, Feng Bao whispered: "That was the butler whom Mrs. Lu brought from Lu's Mansion to Li's Mansion."

Zhang Juzheng suddenly realized, thinking: "This person needs to be remembered."

When he entered the door, he saw that Li Yanzhi had a short beard and had a more calm temperament than before going to Japan. When Li Yanzhi saw Zhang Juzheng, he asked, "Where is Suqing? Why don't you come to welcome me?"

Zhang Juzheng did not hide it, so he said Gao Gong's original words. Li Yan smiled and said, "Suqing and me are separated after all, so it seems that those news may not be groundless."

"information?"

Li Yan smiled and said, "Uncle, did someone plot against me when I left the capital, and intended to fall in love with me? Also, I heard that the Supreme Emperor and the Emperor were not very lonely."

Zhang Juzheng felt a little nervous and said, "Since ancient times, there have been three people in the capital that have become tigers. Things are not worth exploring."

These words were said in a steady manner. Although they were persuasion, they did not involve themselves at all. He responded in this way, but Gao Gong's words flashed through his heart: "The first step is that a villain must tell him that the ministers in the capital were planning to be ill during his expedition to Japan! It is recommended that he set up private yamen such as the Jinyiwei and the East Factory to monitor the ministers to prevent overturning. The second step is that someone said that the Zhu family had all kinds of suspicious signs and asked him to kill the roots..."
To be continued...