The Prosperous Era of Longwan

In ancient societies where the idea of ​​​​relation between heaven and man was generally recognized, the appearance of various things that symbolized beautiful meanings, such as Jiahe, Ruimai, Heqing, Phoenix, Qilin, etc., were considered to be signs of virtuous governance and a holy world.

Therefore, auspiciousness has been endowed with powerful political functions. Whether it is in the succession of new emperors, the change of dynasties, or in dealing with ruling crises, auspiciousness may play its role as a mysterious force.

Xiangrui, also known as Jiarui, Fu Rui and Ruiying, is a unique product of ancient Chinese political culture.

Note that auspiciousness is actually a product of politics.

Wei Guangde said those words in a low voice, but in fact they were just casual remarks. After all, he was feeling a little uncomfortable at this time.

Only a few days ago I saw through the "eating but not eating" plan jointly played by Yuan Wei and Qin Tianjian, but I didn't expect that Yan Song would also play this trick the next day.

However, recalling the records I had read in some ancient books, it seems that this is how Jia (He) Rui (Mai) came to be.

As for the appearance of double, triple or four ears on a stem, Wei Guangde guessed that it was a genetic mutation that later generations would refer to. If there are agricultural experts, if they study it, they will be a direction for increasing agricultural production.

However, regarding the appearance of so many genetically mutated plants in the imperial field, Wei Guangde estimated that he sent people to countless fields to find the numbers, ninety-nine, eighty-one, six and one. It is probably too rare, no Very good.

From this point of view, the probability of double ears appearing in ancient times was actually quite high, and eighty-one strains could actually be found.

"Lending well, speaking carefully."

Zhang Juzheng just glanced at Wei Guangde and said loudly to the outside: "I understand."

After saying that, he whispered to him: "The Longevity Festival is coming soon. A few years ago, Hu Zongxian sent white deer and white turtles. It was so auspicious for the year at that time.

There were fewer in the past two years, but after the solar eclipse at the beginning of the year, I guessed that those people were planning to do this again to please His Majesty.

Look, there will be no less auspiciousness in the period before the Longevity Festival. "

Wei Guangde thought about the same thing. Hu Zongxian got a white deer from nowhere and sent it to the capital with great fanfare. The white deer was also indispensable for his position as governor.

It was the same later when Emperor Jiajing wanted Ganoderma lucidum to be used as medicine. All kinds of Ganoderma lucidum appeared, some of which looked quite strange.

What is good at the top must be good at the bottom.

"How about arranging for someone to find some auspicious signs and send them up?"

After Wei Guangde was silent for a while, he quietly discussed with Zhang Juzheng.

"It's certainly feasible if we talk behind closed doors, but if His Highness asks Minister Gao for his opinion, I'm sure he will give it up."

Zhang Juzheng whispered, "But if the palace really finds it, I'm afraid he will stop it because it will affect Prince Yu's reputation, and then send it up himself."

Wei Guangde glanced at Zhang Juzheng and thought it was right.

For those officials in the palace, they naturally cannot educate King Yu to do such ridiculous things, but if they really find auspiciousness, I am afraid it will not be wasted. Naturally, it is best to give the high arch to Emperor Jiajing to gain favor, and King Yu will do it. I think this is because Gao Gong is doing him a favor and does not harm his reputation.

In Prince Yu's view, Prince Yu's Mansion is actually highly bound to Gao Gong.

"Forget it, let's watch the show. Your Highness is not short of opportunities to flatter you."

Zhang Juzheng said softly.

Not long after, when Yin Shizhen's class was over, Zhang Juzheng naturally reported the matter to King Yu, but King Yu just nodded without saying anything.

However, after lunch, another servant came to report in a hurry. His Majesty got up from the field and personally saw the Jiahe over there. It was said that he was very happy.

Emperor Jiajing did not leave the palace often, but he did not expect to go to Yu Tian to see him in person for Jiahe. This shows how seriously His Majesty takes this matter.

Emperor Jiajing was born in August, so there were only a few days left. There was a solar eclipse before, and now it's Jiahe. I think the emperor will be very happy.

Not long after the chamberlain left, he ran back to report the news, "Your Majesty asked all the officials to congratulate you."

In July of the 40th year of the Jiajing reign, I sent an order to Yan Song, a great scholar, and others. Today, the royal field official came to heaven to send eighty-eight auspicious grains. This fifth month is full of blessings. I should pray for blessings in the eighth month. You should know your kindness. You will pay attention to the request of the Ministry of Rites. He led hundreds of officials to congratulate him, and ordered him to choose auspicious items and offer them to the temple gate to congratulate him.

Before leaving the office in the evening, Wei Guangde heard the news in Prince Yu's Mansion. Yuan Wei, the Minister of Rites, reported the auspicious days calculated by Qin Tianmon, as well as the matters such as the obeisance before the Wanshou Holy Festival.

"Yuan Wei is so efficient at work."

Wei Guangde sighed in his heart. In less than an hour, everything that Emperor Jiajing cared about was settled.

After leaving the Yamen, Wei Guangde found a few people who were in the Ministry of War and inquired about Wanan's garrison.

Zhang Juzheng told himself the news. Although Wei Guangde was unwilling to let his family go and fight Zhang Lian's rebels, it didn't mean that he didn't covet this position.

Of course he wouldn't want to transfer to a military position, but Yu Dayou could.

Yu Dayou wrote a letter some time ago. He said that several chieftains on Guizhou West Road had been beaten down by him, and they didn't dare to make mistakes. However, there was really nothing to do there, and Yu Dayou wanted to change places.

Although the territory of Guizhou was included in the territory of the Ming Dynasty very early, the Yunnan-Guizhou generation has always been regarded as a barbaric land by the Ming people. No one is willing to serve as an official there, and naturally Yu Dayou is not willing to do so. Don't forget that he is still a scholar and has inherent concepts. It still won't change.

But this matter is actually a bit troublesome to operate, because Yu Dayou is now regarded as the general of Huguang Town, and his transfer to Jiangxi requires the approval of Huang Guangsheng, the governor of Huguangchuan.

However, Wei Guangde made up his mind. If the Ministry of War really has not decided on a candidate for the Wan'an garrison position, he might as well find an opportunity to talk to Yang Shangshu about it. With Yu Dayou's record, Yang Bo probably knows that he is the best candidate.

Emperor Jiajing showed his efficient work efficiency. On the second day after Yuan Wei's memorial, a series of decrees were issued from Xiyuan.

At the end of the year, he presented the auspicious grains in the garden, and sent Zhu Xizhong, the Duke of the State, to offer them to the officials in the Imperial Ancestral Temple.

Geng Shen, the Autumn Equinox Festival was held at the Xiyue Altar at night, and the Duke of Ding, Xu Yande, was sent to pay homage.

Yichou built the Wanshou Dashi in Chaotian Palace for three days and nights.

Bingyin sent Anbo Guo Yingqian, Qingping Bo Wu Jiayan, Guangning Bo Liu Yunzhong, and Pengcheng Bo Zhang Xiong to offer sacrifices to the tombs separately on the Longevity Holy Day. The governor Qianshi Dynasty used the sacrifices for Gongren Kang Dingjing, the emperor, and commanded the Qianshi Wen Chengwu to offer filial piety. Queen Jie's Zhongguan paid tribute to Queen Zhang's mausoleum.

The arrangements on the Longevity Festival were no different from those in the past. Emperor Jiajing did not go to the palace, but ordered Duke Zhu Xizhong to offer sacrifices to heaven on his behalf in the Xuanji Palace. All civil and military ministers paid homage to the imperial court and bowed five times and kowtowed three times. Congratulations;

After the banquet with all the ministers was over and the festival money was given, the congratulatory personnel from the royal palace and the tribute envoys from the various barbarians were still having a banquet at the left gate of the palace.

On the Longevity Festival, the ancestor Confucius was worshiped, and Prince Shaobao, Minister of Rites, and Hanlin Academy scholar Yuan Wei were ordered to pay homage.

In addition, the British Duke Zhang Rong was ordered to offer sacrifices to Taishe Taiji, and the Chengguo Duke Zhu Xizhong was ordered to offer sacrifices to Emperor Ji of the Imperial Society.

A series of decrees were issued, and Emperor Jiajing assigned all the errands to be done before and after his birthday.

"It's so hot today. We have to go to Zuoquemen to have an imperial banquet."

Prince Yu's Mansion received the imperial edict, Wei Guangde and Zhang Juzheng whispered quietly to the side.

"Your Highness is very happy."

Zhang Juzheng only replied to Wei Guangde.

Now, because the two of them have enriched the palace together and have been together for a long time, they have become good friends who talk about everything. They privately praise and criticize current affairs and complain a lot.

This time, the imperial banquet was held to entertain envoys from various vassals and tribute envoys from all over the world. Emperor Jiajing would still not appear. The only difference from the past was that the person hosting the banquet was no longer the Minister of Rites but Prince Yu, who hosted the envoys on behalf of the emperor.

This is the first time that King Yu has participated in such political activities as a prince. In the past, he would only participate as a prince in necessary ceremonies, and it was King Yu and King Jing together.

Things are different now. Half a year after King Jing left Beijing, King Yu had already attended such an event on behalf of Emperor Jiajing. The meaning is self-evident.

The two of them looked at the back figure in the distance. It was King Yu who had received the decree. He was happily walking into the palace, followed by Li Fang and Yin Shizhen who were holding the decree.

"Let's go, follow."

Zhang Juzheng smiled at Wei Guangde.

"Uncle, please come first."

Wei Guangde gave way with a smile.

"Go together, go together."

Zhang Juzheng smiled, but still walked over first, with Wei Guangde half a step behind him.

Although the two were of the same rank, Zhang Juzheng could be regarded as Wei Guangde's predecessor in the imperial examination. However, within a few steps of the two of them, a young chamberlain came up behind them and reported in a low voice: "Two gentlemen, I have just received news that your majesty has sent an order to the cabinet and the Ministry of War. .”

"What is it?"

Wei Guangde and Zhang Juzheng both stopped, and Zhang Juzheng turned around and asked.

"Your Majesty is worried about border affairs. There may be disturbances this autumn. He requires the cabinet and the Ministry of War to make early plans to contain them."

The waiter replied softly.

"Is there anything else?"

Zhang Juzheng frowned and then asked again.

After receiving no answer, they asked the waiter to leave and the two of them continued walking inside.

"It's almost August, when autumn is at its peak and horses are getting fatter, the border town is no longer peaceful again."

Zhang Juzheng said softly.

Wei Guangde just nodded without answering, thinking about the matter in his mind.

"There was a battle in Ma Fang in the Xuan Mansion a few days ago. I guess he was testing the truth. Your Majesty must have thought of this and issued this edict."

Zhang Juzheng continued.

"The Ministry of War is very busy. The Fujian and Guangzhou rebels have not yet been wiped out, and it's time for the Tartars to raise troops to harass the border."

Wei Guangde also shook his head and said.

Over the years of working as an official in Beijing, Wei Guangde feels that the officials in the capital have always been dealing with these things. The Tatars in the north, the Japanese pirates in the south, and from time to time there are chieftain rebellions in the southwest. Now there are Fujian rebels. It feels like a year It seems like there are constant wars happening all four seasons.

"But Governor Yang Shangshu has visited Xuanda and Jizhen, so he can rest assured about the military affairs. It depends on how much money your Majesty approves for the border towns this time."

Wei Guangde continued, and the two of them drifted away as they spoke.

The Ministry of Rites was busy preparing for various sacrificial ceremonies, and Wei Guangde confirmed after several days of inquiries that the Ministry of War had indeed not selected a candidate for the Wan'an garrison position.

In the past, none of those generals who were accustomed to working in camps and wanted to climb up but had no real materials could use their connections to get this position. The job of Wan'an Guard was no joke, and they could go to the battlefield at any time.

It's easy to say if you win, but if you lose, it may not be as simple as being dismissed from office. It is possible to be deprived of your hereditary military position or even be dismissed.

By this time, Wei Guangde was not in a hurry anymore and just stayed in Prince Yu's Mansion with his ears open.

Now that the matter of Wan'an garrison has been temporarily put aside by the Ministry of War, the top priority is still the side matter that His Majesty asked about.

The Ministry of War in Beijing knew what was going on, but Nanjing did not.

Speaking of the war in the south, naturally they got the news faster than Beijing and had a deeper understanding of the situation.

On the day before the Longevity Festival, Nanjing's official department, Zhou Jing, the military department, Yang Quan, the censor Lin Run, and others jointly wrote a letter stating that the bandits in Minguang and Jiangxi started from Jianchang and then Taihe, and killed the civil and military officials. The repeated defeats of the government and the army were extended to the cities of Wan'an, Yongtai, Chongren, and Le'an. However, the officials involved were unable to do anything, so they asked Jian to be appointed as the censor of the southern Gansu capital, appointed nearby good generals, and ordered the Nanjing Military Department to train troops to respond. .

On the Longevity Festival, Wei Guangde and other colleagues put on court uniforms and performed five bows and three kowtows outside Fengtian Gate. Their eyes were fixed on Yang Bo, the Minister of War in front of them.

After all, he was on duty in Prince Yu's Mansion and had little past experience with the Metropolitan Procuratorate. He really couldn't find the right time to talk to the adults in the Ministry of War.

As for those who were in the same year and stayed in the Ministry of War, their official positions were no more than chief officers. They were the lowest among officials and had little say in such matters.

Therefore, Wei Guangde planned to talk to Yang Bo personally about Yu Dayou. He had dealt with Yang Bo several times before, and he just took the opportunity of recommendation to get closer to Yang Bo, which could be regarded as helping Prince Yu's palace.

After the ceremony, all the officials performed their duties. Those who had errands left in a hurry, and those who had nothing to do returned to their respective yamen to run errands.

Wei Guangde was an official of the royal palace and could not leave until after the royal banquet today. However, when he saw Yang Bo leading people from the Ministry of War out, he deliberately blocked the road and pretended not to see him.

When Yang Bo approached, Wei Guangde hurriedly raised his hands and saluted, "Greetings to the Grand Sima, my lords."

"Haha, Shandai, you...ah, by the way, you still have official duties today."

Seeing that most of them were walking out, but Wei Guangde just stood there without moving, Yang Bo opened his mouth and said a few words before thinking of the people from Prince Yu's Mansion and the errands of the imperial banquet.

Wei Guangde looked at Yang Bo and then at the people behind him, and said with a smile: "Yang Shangshu, I wonder if there is any conclusion about the border policy that your Majesty asked about?"

"I have a general idea, but I still need to discuss it with the cabinet ministers before submitting a letter."

Yang Bo smiled, looked at Wei Guangde and said, "Does Shandai have a clever plan?"

In fact, the Ministry of War had already made plans for Beilu, which were nothing more than a few tricks. Yang Bo was also curious at this moment whether Wei Guangde had any more fantastic ideas.

"There is no good solution for those who are too stupid to lend money well."

Wei Guangde said hurriedly and respectfully, and then said with some embarrassment: "I wonder if the Ministry of War has any candidates for the Wan'an garrison position. To be honest, sir, many fellow villagers in the capital are worried when they hear that there are bandits entering Jiangxi. These days, I have been My family asked the court if they had any countermeasures."

"Nanjing is also pressing on this matter, but border matters are important. They have been planning border town measures in the past few days, and have not yet decided on a candidate for Wan'an garrison."

Yang Bo shook his head and sighed, "Shandai is from Jiangxi, so he is naturally concerned about this matter. I understand that the Ministry of War will appoint a garrison as soon as possible to ensure peace in Jiangxi.

By the way, do you have a candidate in mind for Shandai? "

At this time, Yang Bo already had a premonition in his heart that Wei Guangde was standing here blocking the road. He didn't want to ask for an official position for his family.

Not to mention, it seems that if Wu Zhankui, the current commander of Jiujiang Guard, is willing to guard Wanan.

"Yang Shangshu, you might as well consider asking General Yu Dayou of Guizhou West Road"