eldest son of Ming dynasty

Chapter 734

The atmosphere at Zhengde in 11 was obviously different from previous years.

Think back to the seventh or ninth year of the imperial court. Every time the emperor called people to discuss the promotion of sweet potatoes or the relief situation of a certain place, the only thing that cost a lot of money was the casting of navy treasure ships.

Generally speaking, we have always asked people's livelihood problems and solved their urgent needs.

This year, it was really unexpected to suddenly have to set rules for the chieftain.

The decree has reached the cabinet. Now it is not a question of whether to do it, but how to do it. According to the emperor's temperament, if he does not do it, I am afraid that Zhang Cong will be found to do it.

Moreover, there is also the second person Zhang Cong, Yan Song and Yan Weizhong.

Yang Tinghe is not very worried about Zhang Cong. This person has an arrogant personality and cannot tolerate others. Even if he gains power for a while, it will be difficult for him to move forward steadily.

But Yan Song didn't seem to be like that. He was much smoother and less aggressive. He followed the emperor's orders and stayed patiently in a remote place in the southwest for several years, and he handled things openly.

Now the emperor wants the cabinet to come up with an idea, so the cabinet also has to listen to what Yan Song has to say.

"...The emperor actually stated most of it yesterday. However, it was difficult to say it very specifically at that time. The transformation of the land back to the river cannot be generalized, but should be implemented step by step. Those who are close to the Central Plains are better to be flown to the soil, and those in the frontier and barbaric areas are better to be flown to the soil but not to the flow. "Regular officials are under the control of the imperial court, and the jurisdiction of local officials is nothing more than five measures: organizing their households, collecting their soldiers, losing their gifts, controlling their raids, and judging their crimes."

These five articles are what Yan Song believes that the central dynasty should exercise jurisdiction over local officials. Of course, these are in general, and there are more regulations in the details.For example, how many soldiers should be taken?How to get troops?What will be the punishment if someone refuses to take it or fishes in troubled waters?
These need to be drawn up in detail.

But Zhu Houzhao couldn't accompany them to study every line in detail, otherwise what use would they have?
The so-called "losing tribute" means that these places must pay tribute to the imperial court. This aspect has always been valued by people. Whether or not they pay tribute is an important factor in judging whether they belong to the rule. The amount of tribute even determines the official position that the imperial court will award the chieftain. But after the "power gradually weakened", in fact, it was not implemented very well. Now it is proposed and dealt with as a matter.

There are also many contents to control the succession, mainly stipulating the knowledge, experience, blood relationship, age, etc. of the person who inherits the position of chieftain. The fundamental purpose is to select a successor who satisfies the Ming Dynasty.

Convicting the chieftain of his crime is not a very pleasant thing to say, but in the Ming Dynasty, there were regulations on how to punish chieftains for their crimes.Compared with the Yuan Dynasty's "local officials are guilty, they should be punished but not abolished" is much more severe. In addition to being punished for rebellion, there are also methods such as punishment, surrender, migration, etc.

For example, in the eighth year of Hongzhi, the imperial court found out that An'ao, the local magistrate of Mahu Prefecture, had framed someone for seeking an official position, so it "planned to execute him late and relocate his family."

In general, this matter is not difficult for the cabinet. Firstly, there are rules to follow, and secondly, with Yan Song's help, I really don't know how to decide, and the emperor can visit him at any time.

But it is not easy to make rules. At least they must be carefully thought out and there should be no loopholes. Moreover, Zhu Houzhao must implement them seriously, so he gave time for them to ask questions carefully and not be careless in the slightest.

At this point, Zhu Houzhao just needs to wait, and then look at what they submit, and if he has any opinions, he can modify it.

This kind of management is targeted and will not make the emperor too tired or lose control.

At this stall, Wang Hao handed the note to the palace alone.

Zhu Houzhao thought the matter was settled, so he came to report to him.Unexpectedly, when Wang Hao arrived in front of him, he started to sigh and sincerely admit his mistake.

He probably also knew that his appointment as chief minister was somewhat dissatisfying to the emperor.

Zhu Houzhao suddenly felt that it was not easy for this old man who followed him loyally, "Elder Ge and I have had a relationship between teachers and students. No matter what, I cannot be an ungrateful monarch. In addition, Yang Yiqing has just left, so it is not appropriate for Elder Ge to mention it at this time." This time. Besides, I can’t bear to leave Mr. Ge."

Wang Hao has recently felt that things have become more and more serious, his heart has become more tired, and his head has become heavier. He doesn't care about the impact on himself, but it makes the emperor feel a little uncomfortable, which is more difficult for him to bear.

In fact, Wang Hao is not an incompetent person. If he assists monarchs such as Song Renzong, Ming Renzong, or Emperor Hongzhi, he will be famous all over the world, because such monarchs and ministers will judge each other according to the set of governance methods invented by Confucianism. That's it.

Most of them are so-called benevolent policies such as light taxes, lenient punishments, promotion of education, etc. If this emperor can still listen to and accept advice, then he is an extremely good emperor in the eyes of Confucianism.

When the time comes, the civil and military officials of the entire dynasty will praise it. People like Wang Hao will definitely not trouble the people when they are in power. As long as the Chinese people do not trouble the people, they will always show strong vitality and the people will naturally prosper. In this way, this is a great thing. No matter how many literati wrote about the new year, how could he not be a wise king or a famous minister?But when encountering an emperor like Zhu Houzhao who doesn't follow common sense, he will inevitably appear weak.

On the other hand, he did not have super control, which caused the court to be slightly chaotic during the reform, and he was unable to explain to the emperor.On the other hand, the influence he can exert is limited. In the eyes of hundreds of officials, he is just a "Long Live Pavilion Elder" and has no other use, so he cannot fulfill himself in terms of reputation.

To put it bluntly, you can either accept your fate and be an honest person, or you can be tougher and act according to your own ideas. The last thing you should do is to be soft and care about both ends.

"The emperor is very kind to me, and I naturally know it. However, my nature is like this, and it will never be changed in this life." Wang Hao is a gentleman who established the dynasty, and he can talk about everything. "When Yang Ge was here, I didn't feel any difference. , although I often lament that it is not easy, I don’t know how difficult it is until I have experienced it..."

Zhu Houzhao interrupted him, "What exactly does Mr. Ge find so difficult?"

Wang Hao said with some shame: "After your Majesty reminded me last time, I also discovered that various impeachment memorials have gradually increased in recent days. The pragmatic style advocated by your Majesty for more than ten years seems to have been destroyed in one day. Now it seems that everyone Put 'down people' first."

The situation he mentioned does exist.

"It's true that there are too many, but not everyone. The elder is the head of the hundred officials. Since he knows that this kind of thing has a bad impact on the court, just tell them to be more honest. This is not a big deal. I don’t take it to heart either. Moreover, it’s not all because of Mr. Ge.”

Some people are aggressive themselves, and this is one of the reasons.

They want to drive away Wang Hao.

The way to employ people is not just to favor them, but also to punish them.With Wang Hao here, Zhu Houzhao has a reason to suppress them. This is the emperor's master.After Wang Hao left, Zhu Houzhao had to endure it for the sake of some ongoing government affairs.

For example, Zhang Cong.

Wang Hao just thought that the emperor missed his old love, so he was greatly moved, "My loyalty is not as good as your Majesty's kindness to me!"

Zhu Houzhao took his arm and pulled him up, "You and I don't have to talk like this. I know that you are dedicated to the public, and you also know that I am serving the country and the people. Even though some words outside are polarizing, we You must always be clear in your heart. To take a step back, since ancient times, no matter how great the emperors were, they have made mistakes. Could it be that Emperor Qin, Emperor Han and Wu were right all their lives? I can't see it.

The same is true for Zhengde. I definitely have merit in this life, and I have no shortage of mistakes.But it doesn't matter. The merits and demerits are left to future generations to comment on. We shouldn't worry too much about ourselves. Just stay alive and do things well. This is great.Of course you, the elder, are different from Yang Yiqing, but you have your own merits.As for saying it feels difficult... doesn't Yang Yiqing find it difficult?It’s always so difficult step by step. "

Wang Hao felt a little relieved, and then felt ashamed, "I am old, but in the end I am not as transparent as your Majesty."

"You, you just think too much. Actually, you go back and pick one or two nonsense things to clean up and establish your authority."

"Yes, I will obey the Holy Majesty's will."

Zhu Houzhao was also helpless. He thought about Wang Hao's words. He must be serious, responsible and obedient. He would not just let go of the country's affairs, big or small. Maybe it was this sincerity that put him under too much pressure.

I guess it won't be long before this old man is obviously aging.

So despite some shortcomings, Zhu Houzhao did not hate Wang Hao. Even people around him could feel the emperor's recognition of Wang Hao. You Zhi also made a very apt metaphor. After he and others left, he said: "Wang Pavilion Being old is indeed not easy, he is like the little daughter-in-law, who has to take care of both her parents-in-law and her husband."

These words sounded inexplicably familiar, and Zhu Houzhao smiled and said, "You are loyal to the public and the country."

"What did His Majesty say?"

"It's nothing."

(End of this chapter)