Chapter 96 The fifth round of issuing ultimatums, big bureaucrats fighting for vacancy, and accepting ultimatums, the old man is sad

Since Zhang Juzheng returned to the south on leave, the cabinet did not become deserted because of his absence. On the contrary, this secretive and secretive place is much more lively than before.Firstly, two new cabinet ministers, Ma Ziqiang and Shen Fushi, have been added, and the scale of governance has been expanded accordingly; secondly, in the past, because Zhang Juzheng was too strict with his subordinates, the officials of the yamen generally did not take the initiative to come to the office unless they were called. The cabinet came to ask for political affairs.Now that Zhang Juzheng is gone, the number of officials who actively asked the four cabinet ministers to meet was several times higher than before.

This morning, Zhang Siwei met with three groups of officials, talked about border defense and county administration, and finally went on to talk about the increase in personnel of the Gansu Tea Horse Department.It's all a troublesome matter of adjusting and increasing the salary and food relief. After three rounds of talking, I'm exhausted and my head is swollen.At noon, the cabinet dining room prepared a light meal for the cabinet ministers. Zhang Siwei thought it was not delicious, and every day at half past noon, a food box was delivered from home on time: six dishes and one soup were refreshing and refreshing. After opening his mouth, he fell asleep and woke up half an hour later, feeling much more energetic.The room attendant grabbed a warm face towel and handed it to him to wipe his face.At this time, the secretary office came in and reported that it was Zhu Molun, the head of the Ministry of Rites and the Duyi Department, who asked to see him.As a rule, except for the exception of the cabinet ministers who need to consult about important matters related to the company and make an exception to summon them, there is absolutely no reason for a sixth-rank chief to ask the cabinet ministers.It's all because Chu Molun is Zhang Siwei's fellow Shanxi fellow, and he has been supported by him, so he has gained this friendship.Therefore, Chu Molun dared to take the initiative to come to the cabinet to find Zhang Siwei to report the matter.Zhang Siwei ordered the book office to call Chu Molun in.

In an instant, the secretary office brought in an official wearing a black uniform, and saw that he was fat and fat, and he had already put on weight prematurely when he was only in his thirties. This person was Chu Molun.He was a Jinshi in the fifth year of Longqing, and after the announcement of the list, he made up two county magistrates.Last year, Li Zhi, the head of the Ministry of Rites and Disciplinary Affairs, was favored by Zhang Juzheng, promoted two levels and sent to Yunnan as the prefect of Yaojiang.Zhang Siwei recommended Chu Molun to Beijing to take over the post. As soon as Chu Molun entered the value room, he saluted and sat down, Zhang Siwei asked him, "What's your urgent matter?"

Chu Molun replied: "It's still about giving an ultimatum to the monk." "You just follow the rules, and this kind of thing is worth coming to the cabinet?" Zhang Siwei looked a little impatient. "If you can handle it according to the regulations, you won't come here with a lowly position." Chu Molun looked nervous, as if he had a lot of bitterness to complain about, "This time the monk gave me an ultimatum, if I don't do it well, I'm afraid something will go wrong." "What's the matter?" Zhang Siwei was slightly surprised.

Chu Molun explained the whole story: At the beginning of the founding of the country, Emperor Hongwu set up a special department in the Ministry of Rites to take charge of the matter in view of the fact that there were too many monks in temples all over the world who shaved themselves.The initial quota of monks was fifty from big houses, thirty from small houses, twenty from prefectures, and ten from counties, and no excess was allowed.Every monk needs to have a certificate issued by the Department of Dudu as a letter of proof for official inspection.All monks who were found to be ordained privately without a certificate of graduation will be detained for interrogation and sent to the border for exile, never to be pardoned.Diplomas are awarded every three years.Monks from temples all over the country need to be approved by the local government. They come to Beijing with official documents to pass the exam to receive the degree certificate.It is advisable to issue ultimatums to one thousand people each time.For those who hold a ultimatum, the government will exempt Ding Yin from serving as a rule.Taoist priests in the palace are managed in the same way as monks, but the amount is especially small.As soon as this decree comes out, the duo will be a rare commodity to live in.No matter who you are, as soon as you enter the temple, you will be supported by others, and you will be freed from the hardships of conscripts and taxes. Why not do it? So not only the refugees in the world, but also ordinary people, don’t want people to be entrusted to protect them. Go into the plume of black clothes, get a certificate of degree, and live the leisurely life of no farming, no crops, wind and rain, and no deceit among the evening drums and morning bells: after Hongwu, although dynasties have different likes and dislikes when changing dynasties, degree certificates are always the dream of many people "Holy paper".In the early years of Hongwu, one tael of principal was required for each certificate received.By the time of Jiajing, the silver had risen to ten taels, and tens of thousands of people were still fighting for it.Although the imperial court increased the number of burials, the number increased to 3,000 during the Xiaozong period, and decreased to 1,500 during the Jiajing period.But no matter how much the increase is, there is always a shortage of supply.Many people did not hesitate to spend a lot of money to bribe the officials involved in order to get a ultimatum.Over time, the issuance of ultimatums has also become a hot power.How many road dignitaries are involved in it.In the first year of Wanli, Zhang Juzheng, who was well aware of the disadvantages, hated the excessive issuance of degree certificates. Firstly, it encouraged the people's desire for leisure and reluctance to work, resulting in a reduction in labor force; From three years to six years.The last time the degree certificate was issued was the sixth year of Longqing, six years have passed in a flash, and it is time to issue the degree certificate this year.As soon as the Spring Festival is over, the Ministry of Rites will send a letter to each province, affirming the requirements for issuing degree certificates this year and the quotas for each province.Zhang Juzheng asked the emperor to limit the number of people who issued the certificate to 2,000 people, and asked the cabinet minister Zhang Siwei to supervise the matter.Zhang Siwei instructed the main force, the Department of Dushu, to distribute 1,600 of them to the provinces, leaving 400 for maneuvering.He knew that there was no way to stop interceding in this kind of thing, so he left some space first, so as not to be passive at that time.However, when the provinces gathered the monks who were preparing to receive the ultimatum to the capital before March 15th, the number reached more than 5,000.In addition to a large amount of excess in each province, there are also some monks who take letters from one official to another to the Dudu Division to seek accommodation.There are more than a thousand people who took a shortcut with notes.Chu Molun felt awkward, so he came to Zhang Siwei for advice.

Zhang Siwei had expected that the issuance of the certificate would not be smooth sailing, but he did not expect so many people to come all of a sudden.He knew that each of these extra people had tricks behind them.The night before yesterday, the officials from Shanxi Province who came to handle the matter went to his house to pay a visit, hoping that he would take care of his hometown and give him an extra 100 places.Zhang Siwei thought that he asked for too much, so he only gave him 80 places, but the official was sensible, and immediately left 2400 taels of silver notes.Zhang Siwei pretended to decline, and then said "I will not take this as an example" to accept it.A quota sells for 30 taels of silver, and this does not include the benefits of the middleman. Just imagine, how much money can be sold for two thousand Dudu? .All the officials of the yamen in the capital, whoever has power, would not want to intervene.Thinking of this level, Zhang Siwei glanced at Chu Molun, settled down, and asked with a smile:

"In the past few days, I'm afraid the threshold of your Chu Molun's house has been trampled down." "Master Zhang is right," Chu Molun said in a stiff tone as soon as he opened his mouth. He wanted to speak softly, but his voice became even worse. The hall was full of people, acquaintances and strangers gathered together and bowed to us. Everyone didn’t say anything, but they all knew that everyone was doing things for the sake of death. It's easy to drive." "Why?" "Since you dare to go to the door, there must be a backstage supporter."

Just as Zhang Siwei wanted to know the details, he leaned over and asked in a low voice, "Who are there?" "The most unoffensive, we will give you three people, Mr. Zhang." Chu Molun's expression became more and more weird, and he counted with his fingers, "The first is the emperor's uncle, Li Gao, the son of Wu Qingbo Li Wei, he is the housekeeper. Come on, ask for a hundred ultimatums..." "Is he so loud?" Zhang Siwei interjected. "Yeah, who called him Uncle Guo!" Chu Molun sighed, looking depressed. "What about the second one?"

"The second one is Eunuch Feng's housekeeper, Xu Jue. He also wants one hundred." "Well, what about the third one?" "What about the third one?" Chu Molun subconsciously turned his head to look at the half-closed door of the valet room, and asked softly, "Is Mr. Ma just across the way?" "Yes," said Zhang Siwei's housekeeping opposite Ma Ziqiang, the new cabinet minister.He suddenly seemed to understand something, pointed to the opposite side with his hand, and asked, "You mean, the third one is him?" "It's not him, it's his brother-in-law. This tone is a little softer, and he asked for fifty." Chu Molun made a grimace, spread his hands, and said helplessly, "Master Ma just left his position as Minister of Rites and was promoted again." Cabinet minister, what are you talking about, we can't cross the river and tear down the bridge."

Zhang Siwei nodded, and Ma Ziqiang couldn't help but think of the new Minister of Rites, Wan Shihe, who was transferred from the official position of the Ministry of Rites in Nanjing, and Zhang Juzheng trusted him very much, so he asked: "What is the attitude of your new hall official, Master Wan?" "I asked him for instructions, but he only said to act according to the rules, and he would never listen to the report from the humble official again. The humble official guessed his mind. This matter was decided before he took office. The Minister of Rites at that time was Lord Ma. Mr. Ma is still in charge. In addition, Mr. Shoufu also handed over this matter to you, Elder Zhang Ge, to supervise him, so Mr. Wan simply did not reach out and was left at ease."

"Master Wan knows that this is a mess, so he doesn't want to stir it up." Zhang Siwei has never spoken emotionally, so you can't tell whether it is praise or derogation. Now he asked, "The important person you are talking about is These three?" "yes." "In the cabinet, no one greets you anymore?" "No, Mr. Lu Tiaoyang has always been abstaining from meat and fish, and he was cautious when he applied for the assistant. In addition, he has never had anything to do with the Ministry of Rites, so he can't be called a job." The purpose of Zhang Siwei's question was not to refer to Lu Tiaoyang and Shen Fu. After hearing Chu Molun's answer, he simply pointed out the question: "Has anyone around Shoufu ever looked for you?" "No," Chu Molun said, winking at Zhang Siwei and saying, "Master Zhang, I heard that last winter, the chief assistant was married to Huke because his housekeeper You Qi married Hu Ke to work for Meng Wuyou's younger sister. After losing his concubine, he was furious at the crown, broke You Qi's leg by mobilizing family law, and even demoted Meng Wuyou three grades to Yunnan. The control is so strict, how dare the people around Shoufu dare to do anything wrong. " Zhang Siwei believes in the truth that "when the water is clear, there will be no fish", and he disapproved of Zhang Juzheng's actions, but he refused to reveal it in front of Chu Molun, so he changed the subject and asked: "The 20 quotas that were pulled out last time were at your disposal, have they all been used up?" "Not to mention twenty, even two hundred is not enough," Chu Molun smiled wryly, and then said gratefully, "However, a humble job is very satisfying, Mr. Zhang is not rewarded for one quota, so we can't do things?" "You have a sweet mouth." Zhang Siwei didn't say a word, and both of them laughed heartily: However, Zhang Siwei quickly restrained his smile and asked worriedly: "More than 5,000 monks gathered in the capital to compete for 2,000 certificates. If there are too many monks, there will be too little food. If you are not careful, you will cause disaster." "Because of this, I am so anxious to report to Master Zhang," Chu Molun suddenly became nervous again, crossing his hands on his protruding belly, which looked funny, he said anxiously, "These monks dare to come to the capital , must have spent a lot of money. If you get the money but can't get the certificate, you may be killed and put in a lawsuit. Don't look at these bald donkeys who usually knock on the wooden fish and say 'Amitabha Buddha'. It's really urgent At a glance, it becomes a mad dog biting people." "It's best not to have this kind of thing happen," Zhang Siwei asked thoughtfully, "You are the deacon, have you thought of any good ideas?" Chu Molun shook his bloated body.Yan said: "Xiaozhi thought of an idea, but I don't know if it's a good idea." Zhang Siwei pointed with his hand: "Speak." Chu Molun said: "The humble official wants to write a note to the emperor, and asks for another thousand copies to deal with the notes from the Beijing officials." This idea was already in Zhang Siwei's expectation, but he felt uncertain.He raised his hand and rubbed his sore eyelids, and asked: "If you add a thousand copies, you can take care of those who should be taken care of, but will the emperor agree?" "Your Majesty listened to three people. The first one is the Queen Mother. The Holy Mother of our dynasty has donated money to build temples everywhere, and shave a few more monks. I think she will not disagree. The second is the first assistant. Now the first assistant is going home to be buried. Father, even if he disagrees, he still can't talk to the emperor. The third is Eunuch Feng. His housekeeper Xu Jue intervened in this matter, so I forgive him for not standing up and killing Hengqiang." After hearing Chu Molun's words, Zhang Siwei weighed repeatedly in his heart, and felt that the biggest obstacle to the completion of this matter was Zhang Juzheng. With his usual thinking of rewarding hard work and punishing laziness, he would definitely not agree to the increase: but on second thought, adding more One thousand monks, considered on a national scale, is a trivial matter after all.If the emperor really agreed to increase the quota, Zhang Juzheng would know in the future, and he might not turn his face against the emperor over this trivial matter.However, to be on the safe side, he decided to ask Lu Tiaoyang for instructions in advance. After Zhang Juzheng left, he would temporarily take the lead in the cabinet. Once he got his consent, it would be tantamount to finding a shield.Having made up his mind, he said to Chu Molun: "You might as well give this idea a try. You go back and write the notes first. Let's take care of the time here and talk to Lu Ge first." Not long after Chu Molun left, Zhang Siwei came to Lu Tiaoyang's room on duty, and he just opened the door and entered.It was then that a little joy appeared on Lu Tiaoyang's sallow face. "Old Lu Ge." Zhang Siwei called out. "Ah, it's Brother Fengpan, come, please sit down." As Lu Ge said, he got up and left the chair behind the copywriter, walked to the front and sat down opposite Zhang Siwei.Lu Tiaoyang's elder, Zhang Siwei, was eight years old and was already sixty years old. He was always sick and listless all year round, unable to speak or do anything.However, this old man treats everyone with gentleness, elegance and politeness. Even if he is acquainted again, he will meet him many times a day, and every time he will show a little bit of condescending respect.As soon as Lu Tiaoyang sat down, he got up again and took out two pieces of special cabinet paper from the copy and handed them to Zhang Siwei, saying: "You came just in time. I don't want to ignore this statement. I just want to ask you to look it over and help me think about it." Zhang Siwei took the paper and saw that it said: To build a city in the world, Qiaolou must be built.This is the legacy of the Han Dynasty.Those who refer to Qiaolou refer to tall buildings above the gate.Every time a huge bell is hung in Qiaolou, it strikes at dusk, making the city people feel vigilant when they hear it.All over the world, there are one hundred and eight bells tolling in the morning and evening, but the pace and rhythm of the sound vary from place to place.Hangzhou Song Day: "Thirty-six in the front, thirty-six in the back, thirty-six in the middle, and a total of one hundred and eight tones." Jizhou Song Day: "Eighteen tight, eighteen slow, six times together Make one hundred and eight." The Yizhou song said: "Seven strikes in front, eight strikes in the back, eighteen in the middle, and three strikes in the back. The three strikes make up one hundred and eight." These three strikes are for The blueprint of the chiming of bells and playing of Qiaolou in the north and south of the world.The attacking method of Qiaolou in the Forbidden City in Da Nei is almost the same as the attacking method in Jizhou. The number of bells struck, why one hundred and eight, this coincides with the annual climate rhythm.Gai has twelve months, twenty-four weathers, and seventy-two weathers in a year, and the addition of the three is exactly the number.The number of Shi's rosary is also one hundred and eight, and this meaning is also borrowed.And every time the bell is struck in the Qiao Tower of the Forbidden City, the song of drawing horns must be played first.There are three songs in the song, which were written by Cao Zijian.The first nong said: "It is difficult to be a king, and it is also difficult to be a minister. It is difficult and difficult." The second nong said: "It is difficult to start a business. It is also difficult to maintain success. It is difficult and difficult." It’s difficult.” There are three corners in this painting, and Gai reminds the monarchs and ministers not to forget the righteousness of entrepreneurship and success, and to be loyal to state affairs with every word and deed. Zhang Siwei read the article carefully from beginning to end, but he didn't know the reason, so he asked suspiciously: "Old Lu Ge, do you think this is a report?" "Yeah, it's for the emperor, it's not yet finalized." "Why does the emperor want this?" Lu Tiaoyang then explained the origin of the incident: Yesterday, the emperor sent Wei Qing, the eunuch on duty at the Qianqing Palace, to his room to convey the oracle, saying that the queen heard the bells of the Qiao Tower in the Forbidden City every night, and it was one hundred and eight. Sound, what's the point here, I hope I can tell you.After receiving the order, Lu Tiaoyang did not dare to be negligent, and searched for evidence from books and cabinets. After a busy day, he wrote this statement: Only then did Zhang Siwei know the reason of the matter, and he couldn't help laughing: "It's thanks to you, Lu Ge, who has learned a lot. Otherwise, I would definitely not be able to write this statement. Queen Wang's question seems ordinary, but it is actually very tricky. If you don't believe me, just do it like this." The origin of the bells in the Qiao Tower has been tested by hundreds of officials, and I am afraid that few people can answer it, not to mention others, but to ourselves, we are also looking at the bottom of the pot, and it is black." "Actually, there's nothing difficult, just read more books." Lu Tiaoyang showed a contented expression on his face, "On this point, Bugu searched Cao Zhao's "Gegu Yaolun". "Seven revisions of class manuscripts" and even Foshi's "Lengjiao Jing" and other books, to find out the root cause of the bell." Zhang Siwei was half flattering and half telling the truth, and praised: "Ge Lu is a veteran and knowledgeable. Among the cabinet ministers, I am afraid that only Li Xiya from the previous dynasty can compare with you." Lu Tiaoyang seemed to be touched by something, and sighed: "At the beginning, Emperor Hongwu abolished the prime minister and set up cabinet assistants. His original intention was to draft a statement for the emperor and answer the questions that the emperor couldn't think of for a while. In fact, he was a consultant. The cabinet ministers used their knowledge to win the trust of the Holy Lord. But later, the duties of the cabinet ministers became confused. In the recent dynasty, especially after Xia Yan and Yan Song, they were no different from prime ministers. If Emperor Hongwu went underground Jiuquan knows, but I don't know how he will feel." From Lu Tiaoyang's words, Zhang Siwei heard some kind of unspeakable resentment.It's no wonder that since he was recommended by Zhang Juzheng to be promoted to the Pavilion in the sixth year of Longqing, he has basically lived in Zhang Juzheng's shadow for the past six years.In the former cabinet, although the head and assistant were the most important, the rest of the cabinet ministers were divided into duties and responsibilities, and all had a piece of real power.Even a self-authorizing prime minister like Gao Gong still let Zhang Juzheng take charge of the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Rites.This Juzheng is very different, the major yamen in the capital, and all the prefectures and counties in the world, which yamen want to do big things, must get his consent before they can be written.Being powerless does not mean being idle. Some irrelevant matters, such as mediating right and wrong, are all piled up on Lu Tiaoyang's head, keeping him busy all day long.The formation of this situation is certainly related to Zhang Juzheng's dictatorship, but it is not entirely his responsibility.In the little emperor's mind, the concept of "let everything be decided by Mr. Zhang" has been deeply ingrained.This time two cabinet ministers, Ma Ziqiang and Shen Shixing, were added, and the emperor simply ordered them to "handle affairs with Yuan Furen's cabinet".As a cabinet minister and unable to participate in decision-making, Lu Tiaoyang's embarrassment can be imagined.Although he is willing to be indifferent and forbearance first, he is a real person after all, and the more embarrassing things happen, the more grievances in his heart will gather.Especially last winter, after the "Duoqing incident", a group of ministers from the Imperial Academy wore red robes and went to the cabinet to congratulate Lu Tiaoyang, meaning that if Zhang Juzheng resigned, Lu Tiaoyang could be promoted to the chief assistant.This matter had nothing to do with Lu Tiaoyang, but it happened to him after all. Zhang Juzheng was very unhappy when he knew about it. After seeing Lu Tiaoyang for a long time, his face was tense, so that Lu Tiaoyang went to Zhang Juzheng's house to take the initiative After reviewing, Zhang Juzheng's attitude eased a little.Zhang Siwei has been in the cabinet for less than two years, and his feelings towards Zhang Juzheng's firm control over power and his unwillingness to be shared are stronger than those of Lu Tiaoyang.But frightened by Zhang Juzheng's power, he never dared to show it in the slightest.Hearing Lu Tiaoyang's complaints now, he just replied with a half-hearted smile: "One emperor and one courtier, one emperor is not a one-dynasty system. The current emperor was only ten years old when he became the throne. Naturally, there must be a minister who is brave enough to take on the role of regent." "Yes, it's also God's will," Lu Tiaoyang sighed helplessly, showing his usual indifference again. After chatting about "stories" for a long time, Zhang Siwei did not forget his purpose of coming.So, he changed the way to bring up the topic: "Mr. Lu Ge, you said in the report that the number of Shi Shi's rosary was borrowed from the one hundred and eight rings of the bell. I'm afraid most monks don't know this." "The monks don't need to know." Lu Tiaoyang laughed. "This time the monk gave them an ultimatum, and they had to ask questions to test them. In my opinion, I added the question of the origin of the number of rosary beads." "This is a partial question, you can't test them like this." "If the questions are not too difficult, if most people pass the test smoothly, it may be even more difficult to handle." "Why?" "Elder Lu Ge probably doesn't know that this year a total of 5,000 monks gathered in the capital to test the degree." "Why are there so many?" "Usually, degree certificates are issued once every three years. Now it has been changed to six years, and the accumulated number of people will be large. Just now, the head of the degree department, Chu Molun, came to me and complained about the difficulties. The main reason is that there are too few places and it is difficult to take care of them." "Take care, who are you taking care of?" Lu Tiaoyang was puzzled. "Well, the current emperor's biological mother, Empress Dowager Li, believes in Buddhism. There are many people in the world who want to be monks. There are also some political leaders and powerful figures who want to take this opportunity to make merit, so they all write notes to Chu Molun for salvation. People leave home." Although Lu Tiaoyang is pedantic, he also knows the behind-the-scenes transactions in the issuance of the ultimatum.He stayed away from discussing this matter from the very beginning.His current mentality is that more things are worse than less things.But since Zhang Siwei came to the door, no matter what, he had to prevaricate, so he said: "The first assistant asked you to take charge of this matter, so you can take whatever idea you want." "What Chu Molun means is, can I implore the emperor to increase the quota at a discount." "It's so good." "Then, Mr. Lu Ge agreed to do so." "It's not a big deal, it's up to you." Lu Tiaoyang blindly pushed back, but with this tone, Zhang Siwei was satisfied, and was about to get up to leave when someone raised the curtain.The two turned their heads and saw that Zhang Hong, the eunuch of Bingbi, the supervisor of ceremonies, came in. "Ah, it's Eunuch Zhang," Zhang Siwei stood up and bowed, and said with a smile, "Since you held a banquet on behalf of the emperor for the chief minister's farewell party at the Vacuum Temple that day, I haven't seen you for five or six days. What, are you still practicing Yunyan Gong every morning?" "Practice, why don't you practice?" Zhang Hongshun made a cloud hand and replied grandly, "I had a colon problem in the early years, and my internal fire was severe. I often couldn't poop for a few days. Now I have practiced Yunyan Kungfu for half a year. You actually got rid of this problem. Mr. Zhang Ge, I advise you to practice too." "Okay, when you are free, please come and teach me." As Zhang Siwei said, he bowed and was about to leave, Zhang Hong hurriedly stopped him and said: "Mr. Zhang Ge, don't leave. The emperor wants servants to come and convey the decree to Mr. Lu Ge and you." As soon as Zhang Hong entered the door, he expressed intimacy with Zhang Siwei. Lu Tiaoyang looked at him and felt very uncomfortable. He had heard that Zhang Siwei had a hot fight with the eunuch, so seeing is believing.But when he first heard the word "decree", he didn't care about thinking about it, and immediately jumped up from the chair. As soon as he brushed off his official sleeves and lifted his robe, he was about to kneel down to receive the decree. Zhang Hong stretched out his hand to stop him , smiled as a sign of respect, and said: "Mr. Lu Ge doesn't need to give a grand ceremony, the emperor's slaves pass on oral instructions." Lu Tiaoyang stood there awkwardly. Zhang Hong stared at him and said word by word with the serious accent he used when delivering the decree: "The emperor ordered: I told Mr. Lu Ge and Mr. Zhang Ge that during the three months since Yuanfu Mr. Zhang left Beijing to return to his hometown to bury his father, you should not deal with any major events that were reported by various yamen. Important memorials must be passed on. Show it to Yuanfu, and let him decide." Speaking of this, Lu Tiaoyang thought that the oral instructions were over, so he bowed, frowned and said: "My minister Lu Tiaoyang complies with the order." "Old Lu Ge, it's not over yet," Zhang Hong continued, "The second decree is to tell the cabinet: After I got married, I haven't rewarded my ministers yet, so you will inform the Ministry of Households to transfer 200,000 taels of silver. Enter the treasure bank of the inner court, hereby." "This……" Lu Tiaoyang froze for a moment, Zhang Hong became happy for no reason after delivering the decree, slapped his hands, stared at Lu Tiaoyang's almost white beard and said: "Old Lu Ge, don't delay the transfer of money. Our more than ten thousand servants are all waiting for the emperor's reward." After Zhang Hong finished speaking, he winked at Zhang Siwei, and then flew away with a high bow.Lu Tiaoyang stared at his back, stomped his feet suddenly, and said angrily: "The emperor's big wedding, you are a slave, why should you be rewarded with silver?" "It is precisely because I am a slave that I want to be rewarded with silver." There was obvious mockery in Zhang Siwei's tone, Lu Tiaoyang gave him a blank look, and muttered: "The emperor's decree is not considered properly." "Why?" Zhang Siwei asked. "Taicang silver is used for state affairs. If it is transferred to reward the ministers, wouldn't it become the emperor's private money?" "Yes, once this decree comes out, it will definitely attract criticism." "In this way, Bugu has to write an anti-shu." "To whom?" "Write to the emperor." "Old Lu Ge, the gourd is hanging on the wall, why do you have to take it off and hang it around your neck?" "What do you mean by that?" "Have you forgotten the emperor's first edict?" "Oh!" Lu Tiaoyang seemed to have been poured a basin of cold water on his head, and suddenly slumped on the chair.Zhang Siwei sneered, and said angrily: "At the end of the day, the emperor only trusts the chief assistant. We are all deaf ears in the cabinet—a display." "Yes," Lu Tiaoyang sighed, and said desolately, "Bu Gu is getting old and useless, so I will write a note to the emperor tomorrow, requesting to return to his hometown as an official." "Old Lu Ge, the emperor still trusts you, otherwise, why would he ask you about the bell in Qiaolou?" "If the first assistant is here, the emperor won't ask me." Lu Tiaoyang's withered eyes suddenly became moist.He hung his head down for a long time, then raised his head and asked, "Brother Fengpan, the emperor wants money, how do you deal with this matter?" "How can you and I be in charge of such a big matter, let the chief assistant be in charge." "Is he not here?" "This is easy," Zhang Siwei sneered, with an imperceptible venomous light shining from his eye sockets, "According to the emperor's will, any important decision-making, such as the transfer of memorials and other official letters, will be expedited within six hundred miles." Pass it to the chief assistant." Lu Tiaoyang thought for a while, shook his head and sighed: "It seems that this is the only way to deal with it."