First Minister of Ming Dynasty

First Minister Section 437

When Prime Minister Zhang came back, Lao Zhu was naturally very generous. After exchanging greetings with the monarch and ministers, Lao Zhu asked, "Sir, the crown prince is with you, how is the situation?"

Zhang Ximeng said: "The prince is smart and eager to learn, just like His Majesty back then!"

"Really!" Zhu Yuanzhang couldn't help but grabbed his short beard and laughed loudly, "We knew that Biao'er is a good boy...Of course, Mr. is also a good teacher, he taught well!"

The monarchs and ministers chatted about the next generation, and they chatted happily for a while, and the big guys could only listen silently.

After a while, Old Zhu said: "Mr. Zhang, all kinds of chaos in the government recently, a salt law has led to too many corrupt officials, we have nothing to do now. Not killing is not enough to anger the people. But blindly Killing is not a good strategy either. Do you have any tricks, sir, that you can teach us?"

Lao Zhu's posture was very low, and he looked like he was asking for advice.

Could it be that the emperor also felt that the killing was too heavy and wanted to save people's hearts, so he gave Zhang Ximeng some explanation?Zhang Xiangcai dared to do everything, and brought the big guy to intercede?

After all, Zhang Ximeng is not such a reckless person.

The big guys are still making final guesses.

Zhang Ximeng said: "Your Majesty, I secretly think that the biggest problem in the officialdom is forming cliques for personal gain and giving and receiving privately."

"The country has its own rules and regulations. If things are done according to the rules of the court, there will be no such big mistakes. But there are some officials who are nepotism, and they are promoted by exception. Some people with insufficient talents are promoted to occupy key positions. Reciprocate, These people with insufficient talent, in order to keep their official positions, have to step up their efforts to please their benefactors, so they do what they like at any cost, and try their best to buy them, in fact, they are just buying their lives with money."

Zhang Ximeng's few words can be said to be penetrating, pointing out the key points of the matter.

But seeing the problem clearly does not mean it can be solved.

What can you, Zhang Ximeng, do to solve this stubborn disease of the past dynasties?

Even now, don't you have to win over a group of people before you dare to talk to His Majesty?

Zhang Ximeng smiled, "Actually, I have thought about this many years ago."

Zhu Yuanzhang was startled, "Sir, have you said that?"

"Your Majesty, have you forgotten the original intention of the minister to propose the establishment of a sub-district?" Zhang Ximeng said with a smile: "At that time, the minister felt that the government affairs of the court were roughly divided into two parts, one for decision-making and the other for execution. This requires two kinds of officials, One is to be in charge of the ministries and decide on major policies... These people are led by Prime Minister Zuo, who are responsible for assisting His Majesty Zuo and steering Ming Dynasty."

"In addition, those officials who are in charge of execution, these officials mainly respect the king's law, work diligently, be honest, and implement government affairs according to orders. Of course, if there are obvious omissions in this government affairs, they need to refuse to implement them. Due to the large number of these officials, the assessment for them is initially placed under the door, but the final authority is still with His Majesty."

Zhu Yuanzhang thought for a while, then suddenly smiled and said, "Sir, I did tell us about this matter, but in the past few years, your subordinates have only collected resumes of some officials, and they don't have much prestige!"

Zhang Ximeng said: "Then why not take advantage of this opportunity to divide the officials and vigorously promote the officials who are in the top ranks of the Kejia? The employment should be gradual and orderly, and the people with both ability and political integrity should be promoted to enrich the yamen of all ministries. If you have the ability to be an official, you don’t have to obey your superiors, and you can refuse some obviously unreasonable demands. Only by gradually promoting personnel can you be competent and will not delay government affairs.”

"And in this way, a situation of relative control has been formed. Senior officials of the Shangshu can naturally order their subordinates to implement the affairs of the court. The subordinates, such as Langzhong, Yuanwailang, principals, and scribes, can also refuse to violate the laws of the country. Disruption of the rules... These subordinate officials, their fate depends on the superiors and subordinates. In this way, although it cannot completely eliminate the situation of corruption and breaking the law, it can also make up for many loopholes."

After Zhang Ximeng finished speaking, Zhu Yuanzhang thought again and again, and suddenly laughed loudly: "Mr. Zhang, you have caused heavy losses to the Zhongshu Province and the Zhengtang of various ministries, and lost a lot of power!"

Zhang Ximeng said with a smile: "When I came here, I already asked the big guys. They are all willing to put state affairs first, work together as one, and help each other. If I want to come, let them hand over some authority, and they will not object!"

Lao Zhu finally nodded, with a faint smile on his face, he glanced around, and then said: "What Zhang Xiang just said is true, right?"

At this moment, everyone suddenly realized that the so-called unity of heart and mind turned out to be to strike together and slash themselves severely!

Zhang Xiang, you are so cruel!

The corner of Lao Zhu's mouth raised, and he said again: "Among you, do you have a better idea than Mr. Zhang's method?"

The officials were full of bitterness, but they could only say helplessly: "My emperor is wise, Zhang Xiang is wise!"

Chapter 6 Nine You Want to Keep Me from Die

This kind of large-scale division of the official system will cause fierce confrontation at any time. The old officials are not convinced, and the ministries are desperately adding chaos. After years or decades, it is not too much.

With Lao Zhu's fighting power, he can only barely abolish the Zhongshu Province by raising a big prison, a Hu Weiyong, and physically sending away a lot of civil servants.

As a result, after keeping the six parts, there was no further arrangement, which was equal to the emperor and the prime minister, and he was exhausted.Just after the Hongwu Dynasty, the emergence of the cabinet regained the power of the prime minister, and even made great progress.

Therefore, it is definitely not an easy task to adjust the ministries and rationally divide powers and responsibilities, and the difficulty is no less than that of establishing a dynasty.

After all, it took Lao Zhu more than ten years to build a 300-year Ming Dynasty, but it took more than 30 years to deal with civil and military forces.

But the timing this time is so perfect that even Zhang Ximeng didn't think of it.

He just made the layout, such as setting up a province under the door, such as holding the imperial examination, and absorbing a large number of talents to enter the court...but that's all, everything needs a good opportunity.

Otherwise, if Zhang Ximeng wants to implement this set of ideas, he will inevitably argue with Li Shanchang and others. What will be the final result?Both sides lose?

Or Zhang Ximeng replaced Lao Li and took over Zhongshu Sheng?

This kind of brawl is useless.

But this time when the salt affairs outbreak broke out, Zhu Yuanzhang held his butcher knife high, all the officials trembled and panicked, and everyone was terrified.Zhang Ximeng returned to Yingtian and became the backbone of all the officials, all expecting him to protect everyone.

And Zhang Ximeng also acted righteously and strictly, and indeed came up with a plan to save all officials.

It's just that Baiguan is not so satisfied with this plan!

But what can they do?

If even Zhang Ximeng's claim is opposed, then the eucalyptus will be found on his head, and His Majesty's knife will be slashed at him, without any doubt.

And having come to this point, not only failed His Majesty, but also embarrassed Zhang Xiang. In the eyes of others, it was a serious act of ignorance.

Zhang Xiang saved you, but you are still not obedient, if you don't die, it is simply unreasonable!

So far, no one has the ability to object.

Just be obedient and obedient.

Zhu Yuanzhang was in a good mood, and immediately ordered all the officials to resign, and he wanted to keep Mr. Zhang for dinner.

Everyone has eaten a royal banquet, for example, Wang Guangyang enjoyed a meal in the first few days.

But when it comes to Zhang Ximeng, the situation is a bit different. Although the dishes are simple, they can taste different.

"Empress, are you cooking by yourself?" Zhang Ximeng was startled.

Empress Ma chuckled lightly and said, "Mister, you're being polite. For the first few years, Mr. came to our house every day for dinner, and didn't say anything!"

Zhang Ximeng blushed slightly, and could only say: "It's different, it's different, now that the Empress and Mother are all in the world, how can she cook for my ministers!"

Mrs. Ma smiled, "That's right, I'm also a mother, and there was some trouble at home just now, don't you know?"

Zhang Ximeng nodded, "I heard that the fourth son of the emperor is stubborn and really needs to be disciplined."

Hearing what Zhang Ximeng said, Zhu Yuanzhang couldn't help coughing, "Sir, Zhu Di is really stubborn, but he is witty, smart, and daring. Compared with other...princes, he is much better."

Empress Ma also agrees with this, she is not afraid of ignorance, but she is afraid of comparing goods.

It is really annoying to take Zhu Lao Si alone, but after that battle, Zhu Yuanzhang actually felt that among a lot of sons, the fourth son was the most similar to himself.

Brave and fearless, he is simply the son of the emperor.

Especially compared with Zhu Xi and Zhu Fang, these two guys were taught by eunuchs and literati, always with a little bit of insidiousness and cunning, full of calculations everywhere.

A ten-year-old child can't say he is bad, but he is uncomfortable.

You must know that if you are in the royal family, if you have bad intentions, it is possible for your brothers to turn against each other in the future, killing the king and father.

Zhu Yuanzhang discussed with Queen Ma for several days, and they were all worried.

Compared with the troubles of state affairs, family affairs made the couple even more worried.

Regardless of state affairs and family affairs, Mr. Zhang is still required to help.

"Your Majesty, empress, if I say that people cannot survive on their own after all... In order to treat the princes well, Your Majesty selected teachers for them alone, and arranged so many people to serve them, making them feel that the world is the only one in the world. Only myself, no one else. I don’t know how to put myself in the shoes of others. This method is really inappropriate. And those who gather around the prince will inevitably learn from Lu Buwei, thinking of rare goods to live in. That’s even worse .”

"I boldly suggest that the prince should enter martial arts!"

"Martial arts?" Old Zhu asked curiously.

"Yes, the prince still needs to practice martial arts and set an example for the people. His Majesty established martial arts at the beginning and taught the generals himself. This time, he recruited schoolchildren from the army and civilians and asked to cover all aspects. These schoolchildren are not accompanying the prince. Studying, but accepting formal military education, and training them to be qualified generals in the future. Princes also receive the same education and do the same things as schoolchildren. Not to mention anything else, first train them to be useful generals , it will be much more convenient to become a feudal clan in the future."

If you are not aware of the problem of the prince's education, you absolutely cannot say this casually, and it is useless to say it.

But at the moment Zhu Yuanzhang and Ma Shi quite agree.

Indeed, it is good to be a good general, anyway, it is much better than being at the mercy of others, instigating troubles, and turning brothers against each other.

Old Zhu also thought of it. When Zhu Ying was young, there was a juvenile battalion in the army, and he taught them himself.

These kids are in the military right now and doing pretty well.

Zhu Xing and Zhu Bing, if they can reach their level, I can also comfort myself.

"Sir, you are really powerful, so let's do this matter according to your wishes. Let's give you a toast!"

Empress Ma next to her also raised her wine glass. Zhang Ximeng's face was as big as the sky.

After a meal, Zhang Ximeng went back to the mansion, Meimei had a rest for the night, and then hurried to the Ministry of Education the next day.

Ashamed to say, Zhang Ximeng hasn't seen his son yet this trip home.

At this juncture, he really has no time.

But when Zhang Ximeng arrived at Zhongshu Province, he only saw Zhu Sheng.

"Where's Li Xiang?"

"Ms. Li is sick and hasn't come yet."

When Zhang Ximeng heard this, he frowned immediately, "Lao Li, can't you get wet at this time?"

Zhu Sheng pondered for a moment, and then he thought about it: "Zhang Xiang, your idea, the old man has been thinking about it all night, and I always feel that it is not so easy. I see what Li Xiang means, and I intend to let Zhang Xiang take over the palm of the book. , and you have to make a picture..."

Zhang Ximeng was even more surprised, and hurriedly said: "Thank you, Mr. Fenglin, for your reminder. You are always in custody at Zhongshu Province. I'll go and see Li Xiang."

After finishing speaking, Zhang Ximeng hurried to see Li Shanchang.

When he came, he found that Li Shanchang was in the study with a memorial in front of him, and he was writing. When he saw Zhang Ximeng coming, he stood up hurriedly.

"Zhang Xiang, please sit down, I am ashamed!"

Zhang Ximeng sat down, glanced at it, and saw that what Lao Li had written was exactly about begging bones.

Li Shanchang didn't hide it from Zhang Ximeng either, "Master Zhang, you see such a big incident happened in the court. As the prime minister, I am not suitable to stay in the court no matter what. After so many years, I have been wishful thinking. But until now , I became more and more aware that only Zhang Xiang can be in charge of Zhongshu and assist Zuo Tianzi, I, I am not worthy!"

Trembling, Li Shanchang handed what he had written to Zhang Ximeng.

"Zhang Xiang, I'm going to complain to His Majesty right now, please resign and go back to my hometown. I will hand over the matter of Zhongshu Province to Zhang Xiang. I am sincere and sincere, and I have not deceived you!" Lao Li was about to cry, "Really? To be honest, these days, my neck has been getting cold wind, I, I always feel that if this goes on, I am afraid that I will be decapitated and peel the last straw. Zhang Xiang, you should save the old man's life!"

Zhang Ximeng was sullen, very annoyed and helpless.

Li Shanchang's resignation, regardless of whether it is true or not, Zhang Ximeng can understand.

Things have come to this point, he is indeed embarrassing as a leftist.

But the problem is that Li Shanchang can't leave, and he can't.

Now that the prestige of the Menxia Province has just been established, Zhang Ximeng must personally preside over the sect, select elite soldiers and strong generals, and run the government affairs. If this opportunity is missed, the super yamen of the Menxia Province will never succeed easily.

No matter what, Zhang Ximeng has to guard the door and go to the province.

But that's where the trouble is.

Looking at the entire court, although Li Shanchang is not very good, he is also the only civil servant who can deal with Zhang Ximeng.

Otherwise, if someone else was sitting in the position of the Zhongshu Province, they would kneel down when they saw Zhang Ximeng, and they didn't dare to vent their anger.

In that way, it is tantamount to merging Zhongshu under the door.

Zhang Ximeng directly became a super prime minister, roughly comparable to Boyan, Tuotuo and others.

Obviously this was not Zhang Ximeng's original intention.

You, Li Shanchang, must persist for a few more years to maintain the operation of the Zhongshu Province and wait for the proper operation of the sect.

At that time, it will be easy to choose officials with sufficient prestige to take over the Zhongshu Province, or Zhang Ximeng simply resigns from his post as a subordinate province.

"Brother Li, if you want to resign now, you will definitely offend the lord. At that time, the lord will say why Li Shanchang ran away? Is it because he is greedy for ink and dare not face us? Don't worry, when that time comes, I will not speak for you. In a word!"

"Thank you...no way!" Li Shanchang's eyes widened suddenly, "Master Zhang, you, you're going to die!"

Zhang Ximeng said: "Brother Li went to the house to pull the ladder. At such a critical moment, you left and threw me into court. If you don't put morality first, what can I do!"

Li Shanchang almost cried, "Master Zhang, it's not that I'm not moral, it's that I don't have the ability to stay in the court, I, I'm afraid that my head will be different!"

"Then you're gone now, aren't you afraid of death?" Zhang Ximeng asked with a smile.

Hearing these words in Li Shanchang's ears, goosebumps appeared all over his body, which was scarier than the reminder.

"Zhang Xiang, you, do you really want to keep this old man?"

Zhang Ximeng nodded, "Anyone can leave, but Brother Li must stay in the court!"

"That, that's fine!" Li Shanchang suddenly pushed the pen and paper in front of Zhang Ximeng, "Write, write now, just write that Zhang Xiang will do his best to keep me alive! If you write, I will stay!"