Chapter 410: Storms Rising in the Ming Dynasty
Outside the Wanshou Palace.

The emperor gained the approval of his ministers in a way that was almost threatening, allowing Yan Shaoting to obtain the position of being in charge of several provinces in the south.

Yan Shaoting, who is the target of public criticism.

But he just silently supported Old Yan and looked at the people walking in front.

in the crowd.

Yan Shifan looked back several times, as if he wanted to say something but hesitated, but he endured it every time.

If it were in the past.

He must be laughing heartily and feeling very happy.

But at this moment, even Yan Shifan knew that today should be a day for the Yan family to keep a low profile.

After the officials from the six ministries and five temples walked out of the palace gate, they stood aside, waiting for the cabinet elders to file out.

Minister of War Yang Bo had a calm expression, but there was a hint of anticipation in his eyes.

He had done what he promised to Yan Shaoting. Now he was just looking forward to what Yan Shaoting wanted to talk about with the Jin Party and what his plans were.

Everyone walked out of the Wanshou Palace one by one.

At this time, Yuan Wei looked at Yan Shaoting, who was supporting Yan Song, with a smile on his face.

He smiled and cupped his hands, saying, "Today, the Emperor has made a sacred decree that he will soon be in charge of the storage of grain and money in the six southern provinces. This is a heavy responsibility, but it is also a great achievement for a young and promising man. As the New Year is coming to an end, it can be considered a double blessing!"

With Yuan Wei's compliments and congratulations.

No matter what everyone present thought in their hearts, in front of three generations of the Yan family, they had to bow their heads and agree.

Today in the palace, Yan Song, who had never spoken a word about his eldest grandson being entrusted with the important task of taking charge of the six provinces in the south of the Yangtze River, slowly raised his head and looked at Yuan Wei, who was smiling.

Yan Song shook his head slowly and patted Yan Shaoting on the shoulder: "Fan Zhong's words are too serious. If it weren't for you elders who repeatedly spoke well of him in front of the emperor today, how could such a huge burden fall on his shoulders?"

As he spoke, Yan Song shook his head with a serious expression.

He did not hide his actions from others.

Yuan Wei immediately raised his eyebrows: "Do you think that Runwu can't carry this burden? Although Runwu is relatively young compared to us, he has been working in the court for several years and he is very methodical and orderly. We can all testify to this."

Gao Yao, who was standing by, also immediately said with a smile: "In the current court, when it comes to economics, no one can surpass Runwu. This time, the emperor also asked Runwu to go south to be the chief of the six provinces' money and grain storage. This is exactly the right thing for Runwu to specialize in, and it falls on his strengths."

Gao Yao did not analyze why Yuan Wei was so flattering, but to him, every word he said was true.

He was the Minister of the Ministry of Revenue and knew Yan Shaoting's abilities in economics and finance best.

Put all the problems aside.

He was also most happy to see Yan Shaoting go south to manage the money and grain storage in six provinces.

The better Yan Shaoting did in the south, the more money and grain he could collect as the Minister of Revenue.

As for the possible trouble?

Gao Yao looked at the Yan family's grandparents and grandchildren with a smile.

Anyway, he is only the Minister of Revenue. No matter what happens, it can only happen somewhere else. There will definitely be no problems with money, grain, and taxation.

Yan Song glanced at Gao Yao calmly, shook his head and said, "Since Emperor Chengzu, our dynasty has been a harmonious society. The south is thousands of miles away from the capital. He is unfamiliar with the place when he goes south after the beginning of the year. Although I am also a minister of the emperor, I am not afraid of being embarrassed in front of you. After all, I am still worried about my own children and grandchildren..."

Yan Shaoting, who was standing next to Old Yan, narrowed his eyes slightly.

Old Yan was so humble in front of so many people today.

Yuan Wei turned his gaze and looked at the people present.

Then he smiled and said meaningfully: "You worry too much. Even if our dynasty is a combination of two capitals, in the end, our capital is still the first. Can there be another Wenyuan Pavilion in Nanjing?"

Talking.

Yuan Wei also walked forward slowly and glanced at everyone.

"Runwu has received the emperor's order to go south to work this time. His purpose is to coordinate the southern provinces and all parties so that the southern regions can work together and serve the court wholeheartedly. Even if Runwu encountered problems in the past, it was because someone with ulterior motives was secretly opposing the court. If this is true, the court will naturally not let him go!"

Although everyone was a little confused, these words actually came from Yuan Wei's mouth.

But this statement was made clear in public.

Yan Shaoting went south this time to do things for the emperor and the court.

If we really encounter difficulties, everyone present today must understand where the responsibility lies.

no doubt.

Yuan Wei is acting as a guarantor for Yan Shaoting.

then.

Minister of Personnel Guo Pu immediately smiled and said, "Don't worry, Prime Minister. After the beginning of the new year, the court will start to rectify the administration of officials for the second year. As long as the emperor does not order this to stop, if there is any unusual movement in the local area, the Ministry of Personnel will naturally act according to the law and eliminate the rogue officials."

Yuan Wei, Gao Yao and Guo Pu spoke one after another.

A low and subtle snort came from the side.

It was the Minister of Rites Yan Ne.

Yan Ne said, "One capital, six provinces, plus the Zhongdu garrison, almost half of the southeastern country, now it is entrusted to Runwu's hands. There are tens of millions of people in the six provinces, and there are countless connections. I hope you will be cautious in everything you do. You must know that a single order from the government can move hundreds of thousands of households."

Although this is true.

But when it was put into Yan Ne's mouth, it sounded somewhat sarcastic.

Yan Song nodded with a smile: "Minqing is mature and every word is precious. Minqing's hometown is Changshu County, Suzhou. If I can get Minqing's letter this time and let the relatives know, maybe it will be more convenient for Shaoting to handle matters in the future."

In front of the palace gate, the atmosphere seemed a little subtle.

What the Prime Minister said was extremely inappropriate, and could even be said to be a blatant private transaction.

To put it more seriously, the Prime Minister, Jiangxi Yan Yao, and Changshu Yan formed a clique for personal gain.

And they are colluding in front of everyone.

Yan Ne's expression also changed slightly, and he looked a little stiff.

He saluted and said, "Your words are too much. My family members are just farmers and scholars. How can they help to nourish the country?"

He really didn't dare to respond.

Yan Ne couldn't help but feel a little scared.

He was just playing some tricks, but he didn't expect that the old man Yan Song had secretly dug a hole for him without making any noise.

Fortunately, I didn't step in.

otherwise.

I'm afraid that tomorrow the news about Changshu Yan will spread throughout Beijing.

The old thief really has evil intentions!
Yan Ne was cautious in his heart, but finally lowered his head silently.

Compared to Yan Ne who lowered his head, Yuan Wei had a smile in his eyes and glanced at the other person lightly.

Some people still cannot see the situation clearly to this day.

Do you really think that it is still the same as the days when everyone was shouting to overthrow the Yan Party?

He was just about to speak to end this werewolf situation in front of the cold palace gate.

Xu Jie, who had remained silent the whole time, suddenly moved.

In an instant, Yuan Wei stopped talking.

Xu Jie smiled and walked up to Yan Song, looking at Yan Shaoting with deep eyes: "The southern provinces have always been the important financial and tax bases of the court. As everyone said today, Runwu's ability is obvious to all. However, as you said, the south is of great importance. Nanjing is the capital, and the six ministries and five temples are all ready. In addition, there are many things in the south, such as suppressing the Japanese and opening up the sea. Runwu must be very cautious in this trip. As an official, you should serve the country and comfort the people, but you must also protect yourself first. Even if we in the capital know about it, we must not let the stigma be stained and add to the slander."

Yan Ne, who had almost fallen into a pit just now, couldn't help but frown when he heard this.

He didn't quite understand why Xu Jie would say so much nonsense for no reason.

Yan Shaoting, however, was already smiling and bowing: "Lord Xu's earnest teachings will be etched in my mind. When I go south after the Lantern Festival, I will put Lord Xu's teachings first and never forget to serve the country and comfort the people."

Yan Song was also standing by, and in front of everyone he reached out his hand and rarely grabbed Xu Jie's wrist.

At this time, Yan Song took a step forward and, under the gaze of everyone, pulled Xu Jie towards the Wenyuan Pavilion.

His voice also reached everyone's ears.

"After all, the south is a thousand miles away. I have been in the capital for many years and have not heard of what is happening outside. This time Shao Ting has been ordered to go south. If Shao Hu can explain this to the officials he is familiar with in the south, I think Shao Ting will have less trouble."

Everyone followed behind these two.

Although no one spoke a word, everyone pricked up their ears, wanting to understand the conversation between the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister.

Xu Jie also smiled and nodded, saying, "Don't worry, I have been with you for many years, and most of the people in the south are my familiar colleagues. It is natural for me to write a letter to explain my mission. Besides, I heard that Yingtian Governor Hai Rui is also a close friend of Runwu. With him in Jiangnan, Runwu will have someone familiar to take care of him even if he encounters problems."

Yan Song nodded with a smile: "This Hai Gangfeng has a great reputation. How could we in the court not know him? Who knows, one day, this Hai Gangfeng will submit a petition to impeach me. With his temper, how could he care for Shao Ting?"

Xu Jie slowed down his pace and looked back at the people following him.

He smiled and shook his head: "The emperor often praises Runwu for his loyalty to the country and his extra care for the people, and Changping is a testament to this. As long as Runwu is impartial and serves the country and the people, I think even if there are occasional difficulties in the south, they can be easily solved. You and I are both old, and the affairs of the court will ultimately be handed over to young people like Runwu, so we should be more assured."

Yan Song laughed cheerfully twice.

"What Shao Hu said today makes sense."

"I will learn from you."

Under the gaze of everyone.

Xu Jie shook his head repeatedly: "Today's imperial meeting is over. Although the emperor did not give a banquet this time, the cabinet should have some food. Why don't I ask someone to bring a few jars of wine to warm them up, and we can all sit around the stove and drink, and then leave the court and go home when the time comes?"

"What a feast! Shaohu is much younger than me, I must drink a few more cups today!"

"I will follow the orders of the elder."

The two most powerful people in the Ming Dynasty, apart from the emperor, openly led officials from the six ministries and five temples to discuss in public the idea of ​​having a drink around the fire in the Wenyuan Pavilion.

However, the people following behind had a lot of thoughts and speculations in their minds.

Everyone understands.

It is impossible for the Second Prime Minister and the First Prime Minister to be as harmonious as they seem now.

Only the incompatible first and second assistants are good first and second assistants.

But everyone also understood.

With Yan Shaoting taking over the power of Prime Minister in charge of all financial and grain affairs in the six provinces of Jiangnan this time, there will inevitably be another disturbance in the court.

just now.

The disturbance is spreading from Xiyuan.

In the future, no one knows what kind of changes will happen in the six provinces south of the Yangtze River.

But all this is a story for later.

In Wenyuan Pavilion.

As expected, Yan Song and Xu Jie brought everyone together to warm wine and eat meat around the stove.

The copper hot pot launched in Changping is the most suitable thing in this cold winter.

Cabinet, six ministries, and five temples.

There are no more than a dozen people in total.

Three copper hot pots solved all the problems.

As for the ingredients.

The cabinet has spoken.

Naturally, the imperial kitchen in the palace was busy delivering fresh meat and vegetables.

Everyone accompanied the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister to drink and eat meat, each with their own thoughts. Finally, when it was time to leave the court, they took their leave one by one.

And with the end of the last imperial meeting in the 43rd year of Jiajing.

The various ministries and government offices of the Ming Dynasty finally welcomed the long-awaited closure of their offices.

Just accompanied by the closure of the government office.

The news about Yan Shaoting's latest official position spread.

Countless pieces of news, along with imperial decrees, spread rapidly, with Beijing as the center.

Letters were sent from Beijing and quickly rushed south along official roads and canals.

No one thought that Yan Shaoting, who held power over six provinces, went south after the beginning of the year just to travel to the south of the Yangtze River.

No one would think that the emperor would sit back and watch Yan Shaoting do nothing after handing over half of the southeastern half of the country to him.

Then.

The southeastern half of the country.

After the beginning of the new year, there will inevitably be a huge uproar.

Billions of dollars in taxes.

The financial and grain power of the six provinces.

All of this represents changes in countless people and things.

And in Xiyuan.

During the day, after the ministers of the previous dynasty left, Jiajing returned to the inner hall and huddled on the platform as usual.

Although he was still wearing the same Taoist robe all year round, the inner hall was just like the front hall, with a stove that exhausted smoke outside that had not been lit for a long time.

Jiajing was leaning on the platform with his Taoist robe rolled up.

"I actually feel that this year seems to be colder than last year..."

Lu Fang, who was preparing water for the emperor to soak his feet, couldn't help but frown, and walked over with a pine barrel at his back.

"There is more snow this year than last year. I think this is why the master feels colder."

Jiajing just hummed and let Lu Fang help him put his feet into the pine barrel.

Feel the heat coming from the soles of your feet.

Jiajing narrowed his eyes slightly.

"I still have self-awareness. I am probably old enough now..."

This means that you are old.

Lu Fang's heart trembled, and he quickly raised his head to comfort him: "Master, you are in high spirits. The prosperity of our Ming Dynasty is just ahead, and we are waiting for you to take charge of the prosperity."

Jiajing hummed and waved his hand.

At this time Huang Jin had already walked in from outside.

There was another person following Huang Jin.

Gu Huan, Marquis of Zhenyuan.

Gu Huan went straight into the inner hall and knelt on one knee in front of the Taoist platform with his fists clasped.

"Your Highness, I, Gu Huan, pay my respects to His Majesty."

Jiajing was still lying on his side on the platform, maintaining his original posture.

His narrowed eyes were silently raised and fell on Gu Huan.

"Gu Huan."

"Chen is here!"

"I want to do something that goes against the laws of our ancestors. Are you willing to follow me?"

…………

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(End of this chapter)