My father is Jiajing

Zhang Juzheng pushed open the window of the Ministry of Personnel's duty room, and a chilly spring breeze mixed with whispers blew in his face.

Zhang Juzheng looked at the dark night outside the window, the pen in his hand hung on the paper for a long time, but he was reluctant to put it down.

"Taiyue, what difficulties have you encountered?"

Zhao Zhenji's voice came from behind him. Zhang Juzheng turned around and saw the Minister of Personnel who had been working overtime with him late at night walking towards him with a cup of hot tea.

Under the candlelight, the wrinkles at the corners of Zhao Zhenji's eyes became deeper than before, which showed that Zhao Zhenji was under a lot of pressure during this period.

"Minister."

Zhang Juzheng looked up at Zhao Zhenji and called out to him respectfully.

Zhao Zhenji placed the hot tea on the table beside Zhang Juzheng and said with a smile, "Taiyue, there is no need to be so reserved. Now it's just you and me. Just call me by my courtesy name."

Zhang Juzheng thanked Zhao Zhenji again and said, "I have already drafted the details of the preliminary examination system, but I still feel that it is not perfect enough. If it is implemented hastily, I am afraid it will cause opposition from the ministers in the court."

Zhao Zhenji's expression froze. He looked at Zhang Juzheng and said, "Show it to me."

Zhang Juzheng took a deep breath, took another look at the first draft of the "Performance Evaluation Method" which he had just finished writing but had not had time to check, and handed it to Zhao Zhenji.

Zhao Zhenji took the first draft of the "Kaocheng Law" handed over by Zhang Juzheng, and immediately placed it in front of a bright glass lamp and began to read it carefully.

After a long while, Zhao Zhenji let out a long breath that had been held in his heart for a long time.

Zhao Zhenji said: "Taiyue is really a great talent! You can formulate the law in such detail, which shows that you have already planned this matter in mind. You were too modest just now. However, if this law is implemented, it will indeed cause opposition from all officials in the court and the country."

"For example, this one says, 'All official performance evaluations must be based on actual performance, and no favoritism is allowed.' Having said that, how do we define actual performance? And who will judge? These are all areas that need to be considered."

Zhang Juzheng nodded and said, "This is also a problem for me. If the criteria for judging are not clear, it will give those with ulterior motives an opportunity to take advantage of it."

"How about this," Zhao Zhenji picked up a pen and wrote a few lines on the paper, "We can break down the responsibilities of officials into several items, and set specific assessment standards for each item. For example, officials in the Ministry of Revenue can be assessed on the amount of taxes collected and the effectiveness of disaster relief, etc.; officials in the Ministry of War can be assessed on the effectiveness of their military training and the rectification of their armaments, etc."

Zhang Juzheng's eyes lit up: "Great! This way, we have clear criteria for judging and can prevent people from cheating for personal gain."

After Zhao Zhenji helped Zhang Juzheng add some key information, he said, "But we don't need to consider their thoughts too much now. Before the prince and His Majesty left Beijing, they had high hopes for you and me. Sometimes it is not easy to satisfy everyone."

"Now that you have written the first draft of the detailed rules, I think it would be better to send it to Anlu by express delivery of 800 miles, so that the prince and His Majesty can have a look at it. After three to five days, there may be new results."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Juzheng couldn't help but look out the window, looking at the dark sky, as if he could see Anlu where Zhu Zaigui and Emperor Jiajing were in the distance.

Zhang Juzheng said, "What the minister said is absolutely right. I will seal this draft and send it to Anlu to present it to the prince and His Majesty for your inspection."

Zhao Zhenji laughed and said, "Don't worry, I have a role in this matter too. I'll sign my name on it."

After hearing this, Zhang Juzheng did not think that Zhao Zhenji was trying to steal the credit from him. Instead, he felt that it was Zhao Zhenji's responsibility.

You must know that once the performance evaluation method he wrote was adopted by Zhu Zaigui and Emperor Jiajing, the person who originally presented this method would inevitably become the target of public criticism.

Now Zhao Zhenji wants to sign his name together, which shows that Zhao Zhenji is also not afraid of the risk of people talking and is willing to bear the consequences and responsibilities with him!

Zhang Juzheng bowed to Zhao Zhenji with deep emotion, "You are so righteous!"

Zhao Zhenji smiled and said, "I can reach the high position I am today, all thanks to the trust of the prince, and all thanks to the selection of your majesty. Now is the time for the great rejuvenation of the country. If I cling to my shortcomings and refuse to make progress, and fail to keep up with the times, how can I have the face to occupy such a position?"

After Zhao Zhenji finished saying these words, he picked up the brush on Zhang Juzheng's desk and solemnly wrote his name on the first draft of the Kaocheng Law written by Zhang Juzheng.

Then he and Zhang Juzheng used their seals on the secret letter together, and also stamped his own silver seal on the lacquer seal.

After doing all this, Zhang Juzheng also breathed a sigh of relief and said: "Your Majesty is far away in Anlu, but you can arrange everything in the capital so well. It is really a great blessing to be born in this era."

Zhao Zhenji also hurriedly sighed, "Yes, all the things that the prince has done for the Ming Dynasty over the years are for the good of the Ming Dynasty, and these things have far-reaching influences. It is a great blessing for us to meet such a master!"

The two were sighing with emotion when they suddenly heard hurried footsteps coming from outside.

Zhao Zhenji and Zhang Juzheng looked at each other. Who would come to the Ministry of Personnel at this time?

Zhang Juzheng took the initiative to look outside the door, and saw Chen Hong coming over breathlessly.

The young eunuch entered the room and saw Zhang Juzheng and Zhao Zhenji. He smiled and bowed, "Mr. Zhao and Mr. Zhang, it was really easy for us to find them."

Zhang Juzheng and Zhao Zhenji looked at each other and saw surprise in each other's eyes.

The two of them also bowed back to Chen Hong, "Thank you for your hard work, father-in-law."

Then Zhao Zhenji asked again: "Why did the eunuch come to visit so late at night?"

Chen Hong smiled and said, "It's the decree from His Majesty and the Prince. We dare not delay, so we came here."

When Zhao Zhenji and Zhang Juzheng heard that it was an order from Zhu Zaigui and Emperor Jiajing, they immediately knelt down to receive the order.

But Chen Hong stopped them again.

Chen Hong said: "This is a secret decree from His Majesty and the Prince to you two. We are not allowed to read it."

While speaking, Chen Hong also took out a completely sealed envelope from his arms.

Zhao Zhenji and Zhang Juzheng immediately received the letter respectfully, and Chen Hong also respectfully handed the secret decree to Zhao Zhenji and Zhang Juzheng with both hands.

After delivering it, Chen Hong said, "The prince has also told us that if Zhao Bu Tang and Zhang Shi Lang encounter any resistance in what they want to do, they can always ask us for help."

Zhao Zhenji and Zhang Juzheng thanked Chen Hong again, "Thank you for your help, eunuch."

Chen Hong laughed and said, "If there's nothing else, we'll leave first."

Zhao Zhenji and Zhang Juzheng escorted Chen Hong to the door again.

Only after they watched Chen Hong's back disappear into the night did they come back and open the secret decree.

The two of them put their heads together to look at the contents of the secret decree, and couldn't help but look at each other in surprise.

"The prince is truly a god! He actually knew what you were thinking before you knew it, Taiyue."

Zhao Zhenji was extremely shocked, and so was Zhang Juzheng.

He never expected that the secret decree Zhu Zaigui gave him also talked about the performance evaluation system. Although it was only a few words, it shocked Zhao Zhenji and Zhang Juzheng.

Zhang Juzheng sighed, "No wonder the prince ordered us to stay behind. It turns out that the prince has been planning this from the beginning, and he has helped us bring the biggest obstacles to the implementation of this matter to Anlu. Now we just need to follow the prince's will, cooperate with Li Chunfang and Chen Hong, get the cabinet's vote and the approval of the Ministry of Ceremonies, and this matter will be done."

Zhao Zhenji listened to Zhang Juzheng's words, and the two looked at each other again, feeling their heartbeats quicken. They knew that this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Zhang Juzheng looked at Zhao Zhenji again, "Minister, shall we do it?"

Zhao Zhenji was silent.

Although this matter had Zhu Zaigui's secret order, the risks were still extremely huge.

Once a lot of opposition was aroused, and Zhu Zaigui and Emperor Jiajing turned against each other and refused to acknowledge their commitment, it would be a serious crime that they had colluded with the Cabinet and the Imperial Household Department to act in private!
So Zhao Zhenji was also in a difficult position to make a decision at this time!
But sometimes, for some things, you just need to take some risks in order to get excess returns!

Moreover, even if we take a step back and say that Zhang Juzheng's performance evaluation system was harsh, it was for the good of the court and the Ming Dynasty.

Even if someone objects, they can't hit where it hurts.

At most, it's just a few nasty words.

Zhao Zhenji gritted his teeth and said, "Do it! We must do it! The prince has already helped us remove so many obstacles and barriers. If we back down at the critical moment, how can we repay the prince's trust in the future?"

"Before leaving Beijing, the prince had already made it clear that the cabinet would be recruited with new members. If we do nothing and still want to join the cabinet, isn't that just a joke?"

After Zhao Zhenji said this, Zhang Juzheng's face couldn't help but turn red with excitement.

Entering the cabinet is the common dream of all civil servants!

He, Zhang Juzheng, is no exception!

Zhang Juzheng said: "I am willing to bear all the consequences together with the ministers!"

Zhao Zhenji looked at Zhang Juzheng with a firm gaze, and finally he nodded. At this moment, the two reached a consensus.

On the second day, Zhao Zhenji and Zhang Juzheng found Li Chunfang and talked to him about the performance evaluation system.

Li Chunfang felt it was a little unbelievable when listening to what the two said, but when he thought about it, it seemed to be true.

Otherwise, why would the prince leave them behind to guard the capital?

Moreover, during this period, both the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of War have been very active!

Anyone who is not blind can see that there is something fishy going on.

However, no one dared to expose this secret in public.

Moreover, Li Chunfang also had his own interests to consider. If he supported this matter, although he would be involved in certain risks, the rewards he would get would also be huge. Even if he could not leave and become the prime minister of the cabinet, he would get the staunch support of Zhao Zhenji and Zhang Juzheng.

In this way, wouldn't his say in the cabinet be even greater?

Therefore, after some intense thinking, Li Chunfang also said to Zhao Zhenji and Zhang Juzheng: "I think this is a good idea. The cabinet will vote on this matter."

Zhao Zhenji and Zhang Juzheng were also overjoyed when they heard this.

The two men bowed to Li Chunfang, "You are so righteous, Lord!"

Li Chunfang couldn't help feeling a little elated after being bowed to by the two men.

Especially Zhang Juzheng's bow made Li Chunfang inexplicably feel comfortable!

Everyone knows that Zhang Juzheng is Xu Jie's favorite disciple, but now his disciples are saluting him, this feeling is priceless!

A few days later, a method for evaluating officials, called the Kaocheng Law, was released by the Ministry of Personnel and implemented throughout the country.

For a while, all officials were still confused about what the performance evaluation system was.
After they actually saw the published details of the performance evaluation system, they all gasped.

Especially those officials who have been lying down and doing nothing for a long time, they hate this law with gnashing teeth!

Anlu, the temporary palace of Prince Xing.

"This method is ridiculous!" This was Xu Jie's first reaction after receiving the urgent message from officials in the capital.

Xu Jie and Guo Pu came together, and Xu Jie said, "I want to see the emperor, would you like to go with me?"

Guo Pu immediately replied: "How dare you disobey my order!"

The two of them rushed to see Emperor Jiajing.

At this time, Emperor Jiajing and Zhu Zaigui were fishing and chatting by the pond in the palace, looking very comfortable!

But soon this leisurely scene was destroyed by two uninvited guests, Xu Jie and Guo Pu.

Xu Jie approached Emperor Jiajing and Zhu Zaigui and could not help but bow eagerly. "I have heard recently that someone intends to change the ancestral system and implement the so-called performance evaluation system. Such behavior is truly treasonous!"

"Lord Xu," Emperor Jiajing said lazily, "you said someone wants to change the ancestral system. Do you have any evidence?"

Xu Jie bowed and said, "Your Majesty, although I am old, I still have eyes and ears. As far as I know, the Ministry of Personnel has been making frequent moves recently, and it seems that something big is about to happen."

Emperor Jiajing glanced at the fish floating in the pond and said nonchalantly, "What's the big deal?"

Xu Jie said: "I, the Minister of Personnel Zhao Zhenji, colluded with the Deputy Minister of the Cabinet Li Chunfang and the eunuch Chen Hong of the Imperial Household Department to deceive the superiors and subordinates, and took advantage of the opportunity when the emperor was away to promote the so-called performance evaluation system and criticize all officials. I think this law is an evil law and is suspected of alienating the emperor and his ministers. I hope Your Majesty will understand it!"

Zhu Zaigui looked at Xu Jie who was so serious. He never expected that with Xu Jie's turtle magic skills, he would jump out so quickly.

It can be seen that the performance evaluation system was so fierce that even veteran officials like Xu Jie felt panicked.

Zhu Zaigui said calmly, "Lord Xu is exaggerating. I have known about this for a long time. The Ministry of Personnel has recently been sorting out the files of official assessments over the years and preparing to compile a "Complete Mirror of Official Administration" for future reference. How can this be considered a change to the ancestral system?"

Xu Jie obviously did not expect Prince Yu to say this, and he actually knew it a long time ago. This made Xu Jie speechless for a moment.

Emperor Jiajing was standing by like a supporting actor, and he seemed to be interested: "Oh? Compiling the "Complete Mirror of Official Administration"? That's a good idea. San'er, tell me in detail."

Zhu Zaigui said: "Zhao Zhenji talked about this with me a long time ago. He and others thought that sorting out the gains and losses of the administration of officials in the past dynasties would be of great benefit to the selection and appointment of officials in the future. For example, a certain official in the previous dynasty was corrupt because of lax assessment; and another honest official was reused because of proper assessment, which benefited the people."

Emperor Jiajing nodded repeatedly after hearing this: "Not bad, not bad. In that case, let's do it well. Lord Xu, you are also an old minister, you should support young talents more."

Xu Jie had no choice but to bow and nod, an indescribable sinister look flashing in his lowered eyes.

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