"Chen Liu Shi Shu" is an important document written by Zhang Juzheng to the emperor in the second year of Longqing. Based on the accumulated officialdom malpractice since the Zhengde and Jiajing dynasties, he discussed from the province, promoted the discipline, emphasized edicts, verified names and consolidated the state. Major reform measures have been proposed in six aspects: this and the command and preparation of armed forces.
Wei Guangde didn't know what Zhang Juzheng was going to tell Emperor Longqing, so he didn't take it seriously.
Furthermore, because Zhang Juzheng had just released this memorial that he had carefully polished and revised many times, the details naturally did not leak out so quickly.
In fact, it took almost half a day just in the hands of Li Chunfang and Chen Yiqin.
The full text is more than 5,000 words long. Both Li Chunfang and Chen Yiqin immediately changed their attitude after reading it briefly and read the content carefully.
Although the idea for "Liu Shi Shu" came from Xu Jie, it is now completely different from Xu Jie's original manuscript.
There is no doubt that "Chen Liu Shi Shu" is actually a set of reform plans that Zhang Juzheng has already formed in his mind over the years. Every time he Chen Liu Shi Shu is included, the four words "Fuqi Shengcai" must be appended.
Although it was just a statement, in his opinion, it was actually a six-course statement. He did not want to deny it directly because it caused the emperor's displeasure.
However, it would be troublesome to take this book apart and play it separately, so I chose to play it this way.
Zhang Juzheng, nicknamed Shuda and Taiyue, was born in Jiangling, Huguang. He was extremely smart and ambitious since he was a child. Coupled with his tirelessness, he made rapid academic progress.
The article he wrote when he was thirteen was favored by Gu Lin, governor of Huguang, who praised him for his "talent as a general and minister."
Zhang Juzheng passed the imperial examination at the age of sixteen, and Gu Lin untied the rhinoceros belt as a gift.
At the age of 20, he went to Beijing to take the imperial examination. At the age of 23, he tried again and succeeded. He was awarded the second-class Jinshi and was changed to a commoner. From then on, he began his political career.
As the "Chu Xiang", Shujishi's life was a leisurely life of practicing doing things, but Zhang Juzheng was not leisurely at this time.
He took the world as his own responsibility, carefully studied the country's laws and regulations, summed up the experience and lessons of the rise and fall of the past dynasties, and explored methods of governing the country, thus laying the foundation for his subsequent governance.
After three years of disbandment, he was appointed editor and editor of the Hanlin Academy. At this time, Xia Yan was beheaded, and the "Gengxu Revolution" took place, and the government was in a state of turmoil.
Although he saw many problems in the imperial court, he was incompetent as an editor of the Hanlin Academy. This was also the reason why he later returned to his hometown in Huguang to travel on the pretext of recovering from illness.
Many years later, when he was recalled again, the court was in a period of struggle between two kings. The first assistant of the court sided with King Jing, while the second assistant Xu Jie chose King Yu. At this time, the court was calm on the surface. It's really an undercurrent.
After Emperor Jiajing died and Emperor Longqing ascended the throne, the court immediately fell into a dispute between Xu and Gao.
In fact, Xu Jie also sees clearly the shortcomings of the Ming Dynasty, but he is too old to have the courage to change them.
I don’t know what Xu Jie thought when he forwarded the common problems he saw in the court to Zhang Juzheng. Maybe he hoped that he could do something good, or maybe.
In the eyes of Li Chunfang and Chen Yiqin, Zhang Juzheng’s "Chen "Six Matters" comprehensively put forward political proposals for the rectification of government affairs from six aspects: provincial discussion, upholding discipline and principles, reinforcing edicts, verifying names and facts, consolidating the country's foundation, and ordering military preparations. These proposals are both relevant to the current situation and practical.
However, Li Chunfang only read it carefully and carefully considered the pros and cons, while Chen Yiqin paid more attention to it. He not only thought about the content, but also asked his scribes to copy it immediately and send it to Yin Shizhen and Wei Guangde.
In the matter of rectifying the military preparations, it is mentioned that "Back in the time of our ancestors, there were hundreds of thousands of soldiers in the Beijing camp. Although it is insufficient now, there are still eighty or ninety thousand soldiers. If they are well trained, they will not be exhausted. Are they all useless?
But the officials are arrogant and lazy, and the laws are difficult to enforce. Although they have practiced in the spring and Autumn period, they only have a literary ear.
The ancient etiquette I examined and the stories of my ancestors all have the etiquette of great reading, and careful martial arts are used to prevent danger. "
Not many people in the court knew that Emperor Longqing wanted Wei Guangde to organize his troops. Even Yin Shizhen didn't know about it, and he only heard Emperor Longqing mention it, saying that Wei Guangde wanted to use it. The form of holding a grand parade boosted the morale of the Ming army and impressed the country.
Seeing Zhang Juzheng's military preparations, he immediately stood up. At that time, I thought of Wei Guangde's proposal to Emperor Longqing.
In fact, Zhang Juzheng's memorial should be said to be a petition, which did not require a vote from the cabinet during the lunch break. , the three cabinet ministers gathered together, and Li Chunfang and Chen Yiqin naturally had an exchange with Zhang Juzheng
"My uncle's article made me suddenly enlightened, and I felt like I could see the sun through the clouds. I would like to send it directly to the Supervisor of Ceremonies, and ask your Majesty to read it. What do you think, Yifu?"
Waiting for Zhang Juzheng to finish speaking, he came here. After explaining what he wanted to express in the memorial, Li Chunfang said to Chen Yiqin.
"It is self-evident. Shuda's article is well done. Based on this picture, it may be of great benefit to the court."
Chen Yiqin also feels that Zhang Juzheng's six suggestions are feasible. It doesn’t hurt to give it a try.
Zhang Juzheng hurriedly handed over his hand in modesty, but Li Chunfang had already handed it over to Zhongshu Sheren, so he could send Zhang Juzheng's "Chen Liu Shi Shu" to the palace.
Wei Guangde saw the article sent by Chen Yiqin's servant in the afternoon. He was a little surprised at first that Chen Yiqin copied Zhang Juzheng's article to him, but after a quick glance, he understood what it meant.
“I heard that the emperor has a foundation and urgent tasks to govern the world; he who cultivates his moral character with a correct mind and establishes himself as an example for his subjects is also the foundation of governance; he who assesses the situation several times and changes it to suit the people is the foundation for saving the country. The urgent matter of the time is also a matter of urgency. Asking for help from the Holy Mercy
Discussing in a province, ministers hear about the affairs of the world, consider the details, act with strength, and plan for everyone , Judgment lies in independence
Upon discipline and discipline, I heard that the lord is one person and lives above the people. He has control over the vastness of the four seas, so he can make the world obey his orders, orderly and not chaotic, it is just discipline.
One level of edict, the minister who hears the emperor's order is also the one who gives the order, and the minister is the one who carries out the emperor's order and brings it to the people
First, check the name and reality.
First, consolidate the foundation of the country. The ministers heard about the rule of the emperor, and those who want to fight against foreigners must first settle the internal affairs. The book says that the people are the foundation of the country, and the foundation is the foundation of the country.
One In order to prepare for the military, I am concerned about the current affairs. What I can worry about is not to focus on border defense or temples. Those who draw pictures day and night should not rush to border defense."
"Oh, this uncle can do it. Please just ask Your Majesty decrees. ”
After Wei Guangde carefully read Zhang Juzheng’s memorial, he couldn’t help but sigh.
The six things mentioned in this memorial are actually five items: vigor and vitality, emphasis on imperial edicts, verification of names and facts, strengthening the foundation of the country, and ordering military preparations.
This is actually nothing. If the emperor thinks what he said is reasonable, it makes sense to issue an order accordingly. I am afraid that Emperor Longqing may not be happy with such a request.
"The method is wrong."
Wei Guangde made a comment in his mind, estimating that the possibility of Emperor Longqing doing things according to the memorial was extremely slim.
Zhang Juzheng's proposal to order military preparations attracted Wei Guangde's attention.
Internal and external troubles since the Jiajing period, including southern Japanese and northern invaders, have long been a major foreign trouble since the Ming Dynasty, and border defense plans have been a national priority.
Zhang Juzheng put forward a point of view in his memorial, which actually coincided with what he had said to Emperor Longqing.
“In the past few years, the invasion of Japan has become more and more serious, and border affairs have been neglected for a long time. I have repeatedly received holy edicts and strictly ordered my border ministers, and people are excited. It seems that we are somewhat prepared.”
The actual meaning is that the current situation on the nine sides is stable and the defense is relatively good. Complete, but the key point is the following paragraph, which is "However, I believe that captives are like animals, but if they are not attacked at once, their troubles will not end. However, war is a dangerous matter and cannot be easily explained. We should calmly review the plan to plan for victory." ”
Zhang Juzheng actually proposed to severely inflict heavy losses on the Qinqi in order to calm down the border troubles. Calmly reviewing a painting is actually calmly praising a painting, and you must first study the strategies and tactics.
The Ministry of War in the Ming Dynasty was not only in charge of military documents, but also had officials who specialized in planning strategies, similar to civilian staff in later generations.
They are good at drawing calculations on maps, determining the army's advance and retreat strategies, material reserves and replenishment, etc. Naturally, it is not like the generals in later film and television works who just point and draw on the map and lead the army to act accordingly. Then you can win one victory after another.
Why Zhu Yuanzhang formulated the guard system was not only because of the convenience of management after the world was at peace, but also to a large extent because he had seriously considered the experience in the battle against the Mongolian Yuan Dynasty. The battle of large corps requires logistical assistance, and several A combat unit of a thousand people is the easiest to complete logistical supplies, and the army size is also moderate.
Instead of establishing the so-called "big camp" as in the past, generals will temporarily select the best to form combat troops when they go to war.
In peacetime, the soldiers are trained according to the guard station, and they are familiar with each other. They can also work closely together in the battle formation to display their combat effectiveness.
As for the "Great Review" mentioned later, in fact, in Zhang Juzheng's ideal, it was for the emperor to come to review in person and eliminate the old and weak.
Just like the meaning expressed in the petition, "Fuqi ordered the Minister of Military Affairs to strictly enforce military affairs and try to train them. Every year or every year during the winter farming break, I respectfully invite the Holy Master to come and review in person.< br>
One is to test the general's ability, and the other is to observe the bravery, timidity and skill of the sergeant. Those who are skilled in the art will be rewarded separately, and those who are old and weak will be eliminated."
Let Emperor Longqing go to watch martial arts performances every year. If the emperor likes martial arts, like Emperor Zhengde, he may see Zhang Juzheng. The memorial was immediately copied and used in its entirety, but the current person was not a man of integrity.
Wei Guangde shook his head with regret. Zhang Juzheng was great. Although it was feasible, it was impractical. He didn't understand Emperor Longqing.
Wei Guangde sighed in his heart, and somewhat understood why he was so strict with Zhu Yijun later. He probably didn't get a good deal from the little emperor, so he loved and hated him deeply.
For the whole afternoon, Wei Guangde did nothing else but repeatedly read Zhang Juzheng's "Chen Liu Shi Shu". The more he read, the more appropriate and reasonable he felt.
At this time in the Palace of Qianqing, Emperor Longqing was also reading the memorial sent urgently by the Chief of Ceremonies.
Chen Hong, the Supervisor of Ceremonies, was on duty today. When he saw this memorial sent from the cabinet, he thought something big had happened at first. After all, there were rules for the delivery of memorials by the Cabinet and the Supervisor of Ceremonies.
There are rules for how many times a day and what time each time is.
But today's memorial was sent without following the rules.
For important memorials, cabinet ministers would generally send them directly to the Qianqing Palace and hand them over to the emperor. It was rare for them to go through the process of being a ceremonial supervisor.
Chen Hong was curious and read Zhang Juzheng's memorials himself, and then he knew why this happened.
"Hey, it seems that Uncle Zhang has the support of the first and second assistants, otherwise he would not have sent it at this time."
Chen Hong smacked his lips. Since the cabinet had expressed its support for Zhang Juzheng, he couldn't go against the cabinet. Anyway, he wanted to stay by the emperor's side, and he might not be able to keep his favor.
Immediately, Chen Hong took the memorial to the Palace of Qianqing.
Emperor Longqing was walking his dog in the imperial garden. He was shocked at first when he heard that Chen Hong had sent a memorial to the palace.
Calculating the time, it was August, and it seemed that big events were likely to happen in both the north and the south. Although it was strange that it was Chen Hong who sent it, he quickly returned to the palace.
After reading the memorial, Emperor Longqing was a little silent.
The six things Zhang Juzheng said were correct. Logically speaking, it seems that the court should do this.
However, Emperor Longqing also knew that Zhang Juzheng only proposed directions and did not draw up the details of the six matters, so he requested the edict to be sent to various yamen.
After a little thought, Emperor Longqing also had a way to deal with it.
He picked up his pen and wrote in the memorial: "After reading Qing's memorial, all of them have a deep understanding of current affairs and are very loyal to the country. The ministry will listen to the discussion and hear it."
He did not follow the instructions. Zhang Juzheng thought and issued orders to the ministries and courts according to several of them. Even if Zhang Juzheng had already put forward some ideas, he did not let the ministries and courts follow them. Instead, he asked the yamen to see and discuss them, and then formed a ministry meeting and handed it over to him. On hand.
In fact, this handling method is relatively reasonable. Although the matters raised by Zhang Juzheng seem reasonable, after all, they involve practical matters. Emperor Longqing did not know whether the various yamen in the court would encounter trouble in the actual handling process.
Send the memorial to the ministry and the academy and let them discuss it before submitting the resolution. This will largely help him understand the operability of these six matters.
Of course, if no one is paying special attention to this matter, and the discussion lasts for a long time, it may end in nothing.
This is actually something that often happens in the Ming Dynasty. It has a beginning but no end.
The reason why such a situation occurs is mostly because the point made is very reasonable and people cannot find a way to refute it. However, the operation will harm the interests of many people. In fact, everyone is opposed to it in their hearts, so they try every means to delay it. time.
Just put it off for a while and everything will be fine.
This is how the Ming Ting Yamen handles affairs. If things go on like this, the efficiency will become increasingly inefficient.
It’s just that after he dealt with it like this, the six ministries and courts of the imperial court did not respond for a long time. Emperor Longqing was actually very busy having fun, so he quickly forgot about it.
Therefore, many people later took this as evidence of Emperor Longqing's incompetence.
It is true that Emperor Longqing loved to travel, love the Qiaoshan Lantern Festival, and love wealth and beautiful women. He also loved to push important affairs of the government to the cabinet and the Supervisor of Ceremonies, and most of the decisions were based on the votes made by the cabinet. Depends.
And it was precisely because of his "good" habits that the cabinet ministers of the Long Qing Dynasty had the ability to re-plan the Ming Dynasty in their minds according to their own thoughts.
However, he was not able to handle the struggle between powerful ministers well.
Although the "Six Matters" mentioned by Zhang Juzheng cannot be said to be specific national policies, they illustrate the various contradictions that have appeared within the superstructure of the Ming Dynasty since the "Reign of Renxuan".
It’s just that people like Xu Jie or Gao Gong are needed to push it, but Li Chunfang does not have this ability. (End of this chapter)