Reincarnation of the powerful minister

"What? Qi Jingtang... that Dengzhou boy who almost killed me with medicine, was called to supervise military affairs with Yu Shilang to encircle and suppress Liao and Wang's coalition forces?" The medicine bowl in his hand was knocked over, "Does the emperor not know what he did to me?"

Xie Shiyan's eldest son, Xie Yun, a scholar of the Hanlin Academy, replied: "Of course the emperor knows about it. No, he also sent two imperial physicians to treat and treat father, and gave him a lot of tonics for recuperating the body. It can be seen that the emperor treats father very well." Very trustworthy."

Xie Shiyan waved away the servants and maidservants in the house, and said to her son: "The imperial doctor and tonic are just gestures, they are for your father and courtiers to show holiness. Accounting for the weight depends on whose idea the imperial court adopts when making decisions.

"I originally planned to deal with this Dengzhou kid first, and when his condition improves, I will go to Shushu to punish him for the crime of murder. But who expected the emperor to promote him one step ahead of time, how can I swallow this breath !"

Xie Yun said: "Father is sick at home recently, so we know that Qi Jingtang took the position only after being recommended by Mr. Su Ge."

Xie Shiyan pressed a piece of old ginseng under her tongue, gasped for breath, and said just now: "I expected it to be him. Everyone was locked in the firewood room, and he was caught by Jin Yiwei halfway. He said that he should be dealt with according to the law, and the result? It's clearly deceiving me on purpose! Who would believe that Jin Yiwei was not instructed by Su Twelve?"

Xie Yun showed a weird and ambiguous smile: "Didn't dad ever hear about the romantic affair between Jin Yiwei's commander Shen Qi and Su Yan? There are rumors in the court that Su Ge is very capable, no matter how sharp the knife, No matter how ferocious the beast falls into his hands, Bailian Steel can become soft around the fingers."

Xie Shiyan knew that the two were on good terms, but she didn't know that there was such a relationship.But to put it bluntly, he didn't care who was whose concubine, Shen Qi stood by Su Yan's side in this matter, that was to be his enemy.

Su Yan entered the cabinet at a young age, and was on an equal footing with these veteran officials. This matter was not without objections in the court.

But the new emperor is firm, and Su Yan himself has both the credit of Conglong's protection and sufficient political achievements as a foundation, and he is also one of the courtiers who left the lonely before the emperor's bed, so even if the old courtiers feel unbalanced, they can't say much. .

Su Yan was granted the title of Bachelor of Wenhua Palace by Zuo Shilang of the Ministry of Officials, ranking third in the cabinet.Xie Shiyan, who was ranked second, tolerated this.But Xinjun adjusted the positions of the assistant ministers again, and put Su Yan and him in the position of the second assistant, and now he choked so hard that he couldn't eat for a few days.

What makes him even more uncomfortable is that the new monarch has listened to Su Yan's opinions on several major national policies.Regardless of whether this opinion is correct or not, what is the need for other ministers in the cabinet to concentrate power on one person?

"The momentum is not good..." Xie Shiyan murmured, "Su Twelve is going to cover the sky with one hand."

Xie Yun was taken aback when he heard this: "It's not enough, he's only so old! Besides, there's Yang Shoufu on the top."

"Yang Ting? Heh, why don't you make a bet with your father, I bet he won't be able to serve as the chief assistant for five years." Xie Shiyan squinted at her son, with a shrewd look in her eyes that had never appeared in the court.

Xie Yun was even more surprised: "Why did Dad say that?"

"Both the government and the opposition, secretly call me 'the old man of the mud pavilion', thinking that I can only persuade fights and make peace with each other, don't I know? Of course I know, but I still want to be wise and protect myself."

"Yang Shoufu doesn't like to compete for the limelight, isn't he also wise to protect himself?"

"It's different. Yang Ting is indecisive and easily influenced by powerful people. He is gentle in nature and always hopes that everyone around him is good and everyone's interests can be taken care of. However, the court is like a battlefield, and fighting for profit is like a game. Where did he come from?" Is everyone good? He is not called wise and safe, but loyal and naive. This kind of person is not suitable for being an official, even if he is in a high position, he will not sit for long."

"Father means that the future cabinet... will be dominated by Mr. Su Ge?"

"He is already the only one! If he is allowed to be the chief minister again, let alone whether there are other ministers to speak, I am afraid that even the 'cabinet' will not be able to keep!"

Xie Yun was shocked: "Could it be possible to reset the Zhongshu Ministry and restore the prime minister system? This was abolished by Emperor Taizu himself!"

"It's hard to say. According to the current degree of favor the emperor has for him...the emperor is only seventeen years old. Who can say for sure what will happen in the next few decades?"

"Then dad wants to..."

Xie Shiyan stared at the broken bowls and medicine stains on the floor in front of the bed, and spoke slowly and emphatically, "Your father and I are over fifty this year, how many more years will I have to live? Unlike Jiao Yang and Wang Qianhe, I didn't expect to die in my lifetime. Fighting for the position of chief assistant, but you can't just watch this position being snatched away by a yellow-mouthed child!

"Father pins his hopes on you. You are a two-list Jinshi and a graduate of the Imperial Academy, so you are fully qualified to join the cabinet. Father will pave the way for you and send you to the position of chief assistant in the cabinet. This first step is the last of the cabinet. One vacant seat—Dongge University Bachelor!"

With tears in his eyes, Xie Yun said emotionally, "Father!"

Xie Shiyan patted his arm reassuringly: "Father knows that it is difficult, and also knows that it is almost impossible for you to face Su Twelve alone. So there is one thing that father wants to do for you, which is to push Su Yan aside." out of cabinet."

"Father also said just now that Mr. Su Ge is extremely favored, and I'm afraid it will not be easy to shake."

"That's why we have to join forces with all possible forces. Among the cabinet ministers, because of the relationship between Yang Ting and Li Chengfeng by nature, it is estimated that he will still support Su Yan at critical moments; Yu Chezhi is a man of temperament, and Su Yan promoted Qi Jingtang. As his deputy to the admiral's military affairs, he is dissatisfied for the time being, but it will not cause a rift because of this matter; I have tried Wang Chunnian, this person is not good at words, deep in thought, looks inconspicuous, but he may not be without ambition. In other words , Yu Chezhi and Wang Chunnian are expected to become the targets of my cooperation.

"Other courtiers, officials from the Ministry of Officials and the Ministry of Industry among the six ministries mostly support him. In the future, the position of Minister of the Ministry of Officials may also be his; the Ministry of Households and the Ministry of Rites responded relatively coldly. , but he can't understand his unorthodox behavior; while the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Punishment are relatively neutral.

"The officials, especially the censors of the Metropolitan Procuratorate, have polarized evaluations of him. There are fanatical fans and critics who are focused on his flaws. It depends on who will sit on the left in the future. As for the position of Yushi, if it is Chuqiu, the Metropolitan Procuratorate may also become his backyard."

After the Kneeling Door case, the former Zuodu Yushi was dismissed because he participated in the joint request for Yi Chu. Now this position is still vacant, and the Youdu Yushi will be concurrently held temporarily.And Chu Qiu, a good friend Su Yan made because of the investigation of the Baizhifang bombing case, is considered to be a quite reputable young censor, and he is expected to be promoted.

"As for the five temples, apart from Dali Temple having some power, the others are not worth mentioning. Qing Guanpan of Dali Temple is also a wise man who protects his life, and has served as Su Yan's superior. I think there will always be some incense."

After listening to his father's analysis, Xie Yun realized that Su Yan had only been an official for three or four years, but he managed to manage quite a considerable amount of power in the court. Will the Great Ming court be his world in the future?

"Father, this road is too difficult, why don't you go..."

Xie Shiyan laughed, and put her hands on her son's shoulders: "What do you think your father is going to do, go into battle? Son, you have to understand one thing - in court, allies and enemies often look the same. You Do you think your father will glare at Su Yan and find fault with everything? No, father will work with him with a smile on his face, continue to be an "Old Man in the Mud Pavilion", and then operate secretly, at critical moments, attack his vital points from behind. Take a stab."

Xie Yunruo realized something.He said, "Father, I suddenly remembered a small matter related to Su Yan. I don't know if it's worth mentioning."

"Of course I have to mention that what you think is a small matter may be a small matter now, but at some point in the future, it may become a big event. This is the reason why the embankment of a thousand miles collapsed in an ant's nest." Xie Shiyan said.

Xie Yun nodded and said, "There seems to be a rift between Su Yan and his old friend Cui Jinping. A few days ago, when my son was leaving court, he saw Su Yan go talk to Cui Jinping, but Cui Jinping shook his face and turned away. Cui Jinping thought Joining the investigation of the demon book case, but the emperor refuses to allow it, will he think that Su Yan is obstructing it, and refuses to give him a chance to show his talent?"

Xie Shiyan pondered for a moment, and then remembered something: "Cui Jinping, as a mere fifth-rank secretary of the general administration, jumped more vigorously than his chief official in the battle for easy storage last year. He is on the side of the crown prince. It stands to reason that after the crown prince ascends the throne, he should be rewarded for his meritorious deeds, but among the group of officials who were promoted at the beginning of the year, his name is not there. What is the reason?"

Xie Yun knew that his father was testing him, and after thinking about it, he replied: "Either he is not in the emperor's eyes at all; or Su Yan doesn't want him to stand out."

Xie Shiyan twitched her beard and smiled: "The number one scholar and the second best in the same discipline, the top and bottom of the gold rankings, but the upside down is reversed when entering the court hall, it is very subtle. Looking back, the second place and the third place in the same discipline are equal to indirectly destroying each other. In Su Yan's hands, how can the champion escape?"

Xie Yun also laughed: "My son knows. This Cui Jinping may come in handy in the future."

Xie Shiyan said: "Bring a pen and paper, Dad will write a recommendation letter himself."

Cui Jinping felt a little regretful.

When the court was over that day, Su Yan walked towards him, the corners of his mouth were pursed in annoyance, and his eyes were shining eagerly, clearly wanting to explain to him.But at that time, he got angry, turned his head and left, never giving anyone a chance to speak.

Now that most of my anger has dissipated, do I feel that I am a little ignorant?No matter how young Su Yan was, no matter how much he had a friendship with him, he was still old.

This feeling of difference between clouds and mud made Cui Jinping feel sour while envious in his heart——

Back then, Su Yan was ranked seventh in the top two exams, but he was the number one.

In terms of prose talent, he thinks that he is not inferior to the opponent at all, and even surpasses it.

Su Yan's request, which time did he not try his best to help?Even if it is mixed with selfishness, it can be regarded as the utmost benevolence.

But he did not get the expected and due return.

Cui Jinping hesitated, whether to come to the door again to ask for an interview, the two had a good chat, but they couldn't bear to suffer the cold stare of the servant of the Su residence again.

At this moment, two colleagues of the General Secretary came into the room smilingly, and bowed to him: "Congratulations to Cui Tongzheng, congratulations to Cui Tongzheng!"

Cui Jinping was surprised: "What? Don't talk nonsense, the lower official is just a counselor."

Colleague A smiled and said: "Today is still a consultation, and tomorrow is the general administration! The document has been sent to the Ministry of Officials, and it will be in the hands of Master Cui soon!"

From the fifth-rank counselor to the fourth-rank general administration, not to mention the first rank, he has become the second in command of the general administration department, and the chance of being promoted to the general administration envoy is also much greater.Cui Jinping was both surprised and delighted.

Colleague B added: "I heard that Mr. Ge personally wrote a letter of recommendation and recommended it to the emperor. Master Cui has such a backing, will he not be able to rise to the top in the future?"

Cui Jinping was so excited that tears welled up in his eyes, thinking: Qinghe still misses me, I blamed him wrongly!

He wiped his face and said: "I should go and thank Su Ge for being old."

Colleague B was a little surprised by his words: "Mr. Su Ge? No, it was Mr. Xie Ge who recommended Mr. Cui. I have a relative who is a member of the cabinet in the cabinet, so I asked a little more and listened to what he said. Elder Su Ge didn't agree, but Xie Ge insisted on his own opinion. Su Ge didn't want to quarrel too much with him, so he reluctantly agreed in the end."

Cui Jinping was stunned.

In his own study, Su Yan sat at the table and read the report from Beizhili - the Beijing army led by Yu Chezhi and Qi Jingtang, the forward troops had conducted a tentative battle with Liao Crazy's rebellious army In the confrontation, the Beijing army had the upper hand, and the Liao thief retreated temporarily to avoid its edge, but it could not be ruled out that it was to lure the enemy to go deeper.

The oil lamp was a bit dim, so he put down the report and trimmed the wick with small scissors.

Shen Qi opened the door and came in, and handed him some newly received intelligence.

Su Yan smiled slightly: "Thanks for your hard work, Qilang. The delivery of the local reports to the capital is always slower, thanks to the spies from the various guards of Jinyiwei."

Shen Qi nodded towards him, brought a chair and sat down beside him.

"I already know about the dispute between you and Xie Shiyan today. To be honest..." Shen Qi hesitated for a moment, but continued, "You may not be wise."

Su Yan looked at the spy information intently: "I know."

"Have you ever thought that if Cui Jinping finds out, he might feel resentment towards you? Although some powers are meager, they don't feel very useful when they become a helping hand, but once they become hostile, you need to be more careful."

"I thought about it."

"But you still do it."

"Yes." Su Yan turned her head to look at Shen Qi, with a trace of helplessness on her face, "There are some things that I know how to do will bring me the greatest benefit, but for some reason, I didn't choose the most beneficial one Xiang. Not to mention Qilang, when I think about it later, I wonder if I am stupid."

Shen Qi smiled slightly, held the back of his hand, and gently rubbed the calluses between her fingers: "With such an intelligent mind like yours, if you still think you are stupid, where will you put everyone else? I know you don't You will act impulsively, and there must be a reason for you to do so."

Su Yan looked into his eyes, which faintly reflected soft light in the candlelight.He said softly: "Qilang knows me."

"But I'm not sure what kind of trade-off this reason is."

Su Yan put down the spy information and said seriously: "Then I'll tell you. Cui Jinping is my good friend. I know his strengths and weaknesses. He is smart and talented, but he is also competitive and arrogant. He is keen on Although the government has the mind of serving the country and the people, it is more about showing its ability and gaining the recognition and admiration of more people. He was born in a family, and he was born to study and become an official. He has never suffered setbacks, and has never He has never seen the hardships of the people. Cui Jinping like this can only be a top scholar in fresh clothes and angry horses, and cannot take on the heavy responsibility of a chief official.

"I originally planned to send him to other places to practice for a few years, starting as a parent official, and gradually wear away his arrogance and utilitarianism, so that he can understand 'why and how to be an official', and accumulate enough experience. Practical experience, and then transferred back to the capital entrusted with important tasks.

"Xie Shiyan's intrusion at this time is tantamount to spoiling the seedlings. What's more, Xie Shiyan is not related to him, so why promote him? It's just a deliberate intention to win him over and use him as a spearman. I don't know him Can you understand this point, or really treat Xie Shiyan as a bole, and blame me for blocking his promotion path."

Shen Qi said: "You can also win him over and use him."

"Yes, I can do it too. If I just want an ally or subordinate in the court, I can completely favor him and use him after he wins over. As for what he becomes in the end, it has nothing to do with me. Use it if it is useful, or use it if it is useless." But I regard him as a friend, and I hope he can see his heart clearly, not waste his talents, and truly become a pillar of the country."

"But he may not be able to see clearly, even if he realizes it afterwards, he may not thank you."

Su Yan smiled bitterly: "I know. But there are some things, no matter what the result is, I will do it without hesitation if I think it should be done. It can be regarded as hard work, and I have no regrets in my heart."

"You can also explain your good intentions to him."

"Now when I say these words again, he feels that my sly words and sophistry will deepen the misunderstanding. Forget it, let's leave it at that. Maybe I'm too good to be a teacher, and God can't see it. I used Xie Shiyan's hand to mess things up. Maybe for him, this is the real temper. In short, no matter whether he treats me good or evil in the future, I will still do what should be done. I will try my best to solve the misunderstanding, but I will not let him Broke my business."

Shen Qi slowly rubbed the back of his hand: "Do you know what I'm thinking right now?"

Su Yan shook his head: "What are you thinking?"

"I want to eat you up and down, I don't even share a glance or breath with others."

Su Yan was slightly startled, and then laughed: "Qilang, you can't scare me like this. How dare you really eat me."

Shen Qi's eyes were deep and hot, and the corners of her mouth curled up: "Yes, I don't want to. Not only do I not dare to eat you, but I will hold everything you want in front of you. If you want to eat me instead, I will Also willing."

Su Yan's hungry intestines let out a rumbling sound in a coordinated manner.

He immediately covered his stomach, and showed Shen Qi a slightly disgusted expression: "No, I don't want to eat you at all, the smell of blood is too strong."

Shen Qi laughed out loud, leaned over to press him on the back of the chair and kissed him.

The window suddenly opened at this moment, and strong wind swept into the room.Jing Hong fell on the desk with a smell of wild grass and trees, and said with a cold face: "Sir, do you need help from your subordinates? Your subordinates are good at roasting wild game, bleeding, cleaning and then marinating, so that there is no fishy smell at all."