Chapter 7 Chapter 5 Melee in the Cabinet (Part 1)

In December of the forty-fifth year of Jiajing, King Yu Zaihou came to the throne, which was later Mu Zong.He was thirty years old when he came to the throne. Sejong was a capable monarch.He worshiped Taoism and engaged in fasting, but he never forgot that he was a monarch.Yang Tinghe, Yang Yiqing, Zhang Fujing, Xia Yan, Yan Song, Xu Jie, this group of well-known chief assistants, although they once held power, their prestige is still in the hands of Sejong.Mu Zong is different from his father, he is a figure in a completely different category.When Sejong was in power, he was just blindly cautious, and even his father didn't dare to look at him.Sejong passed away, and he became the monarch himself, but the authority of the monarch was a painful experience for him.During the court meeting, as usual, he did not say a word.Year after year passed like this.At first, it might as well be said that Gaozong forgives Yin, and he didn't speak for three years, but until the fourth year, he still didn't feel the need to speak.This is indeed a bit scary.In the third year of Longqing, Shang Baocheng, Zheng Luchun, went to Shu:

Your Majesty has been worshiped for the third time. He once summoned a minister, confronted an official, and rewarded an admonisher, so as to jointly draw up strategies for preventing and preventing troubles?High-pitched and isolated, heaven and earth are not separated, loyal words are punished by breaking the threshold, Confucian officials vainly accept the merits of the scorpion, the palace violates the rules of Tuoer, and the imperial majesty is in the same boat.Condemned in response, supplemented by Xi Cong?If the internal batch comes out, why should it be sealed? In the fourth year of Longqing period, Lu Shude, the head of the Ministry of Criminal Affairs, said that the superior and the subordinates are in harmony with each other. If this is the case today, why do you want to punish the emperor and teach him all the opportunities?But all the rules and disputes had no effect on Mu Zong.

Of course, Mu Zong is not an idiot, he is just tired of actual politics.In court, he has his loves and hates.He loves women, drinking, playing with eunuchs, Ao Mountain, palace gardens, swings, dragon and phoenix ships, and golden chambers and jade pots; he loves all leisure and entertainment, and hates all practical politics.As a matter of fact, he does not need to worry about the actual politics.He has capable politicians like Xu Jie, Gao Gong, and Zhang Juzheng; he also has loyal ministers like Li Chunfang, Chen Yiqin, and Guo Pu.Let the power be handed over to them, Mu Zong thought to himself.Unfortunately, he even let go of the prestige of controlling ministers, so during Mu Zong's reign, there were only constant fighting in the cabinet.

Moojong is a generous monarch and this is where he is absolutely different from Sejong.In the early years of his accession to the throne, he ordered the household department to buy jewelry, and the household secretary Ma Sen played it, but he refused to listen; he gave advice to Shizhong and Yushi, but he did not listen.In the end, the censor Zhan Yangbi was enraged, and he went to the Shu and said: Your Majesty's good side is gradually revealed, and Bi Bi's remonstrance is bad news.This was a direct attack on the emperor, and Mu Zong only gave him a no answer.Mu Zong became increasingly estranged from Empress Chen, and the empress moved to another palace, and gradually fell ill.

The late emperor carefully selected a virtuous and virtuous person to be his majesty's matchmaker, and to be the lord of the ancestral temple.It has been a year since I heard that the Queen moved to another palace, she became depressed and became sick, His Majesty did not pay attention to it.In case you are not afraid, such as Shengdehe!The ministers are all worried, and they dare not speak out because they are involved in the palace ban.A minister calls the righteousness of a minister, if you know but don't speak, you should die, if you speak and touch the taboo, you should die.The minister is not hesitant to die today. I hope that your majesty will listen to the minister's words, restore the queen's palace, and give condolences from time to time.

So straight, when he was in Shizong, he should have been punished by the imperial staff for a long time. Mu Zong only approved it. Afterwards, he had no children and became sick.How do you know the affairs of the inner court, Gu blasphemy!In the Ming Dynasty, this was really rare. Everything showed that Mu Zong was a mediocre but generous monarch. When Mu Zong ascended the throne, there were Xu Jie, Li Chunfang, Guo Pu and Gao Gong who were the Grand Scholars in the cabinet.Xu Jie was the chief assistant, and Gao Gong was the most restless member of the cabinet. A short period of December passed, and the next year was the first year of Mu Zonglongqing.At the beginning of the new year, Juzheng was a bachelor of the Hanlin Academy, and he was the right servant of the Ministry of Rites, and he was also a bachelor of the Imperial Academy.The assistant minister is the third rank. This is already an official, but it is only a ladder.In February, he lived in the Zhengjin Ministry of Officials Zuo Shilang and Dongge University Bachelor, and entered the cabinet.At the same time, his house teacher Chen Yiqin joined the cabinet.The two joined the cabinet, of course, because they had been lecturers for Yu Mansion.

Juzheng is forty-three years old this year, maybe he still remembers the two lines of Zhang Xiucai's poem in Jingzhou, "The phoenix hair is full of strength, straight to the end."work hard!Thirty years later, he has already reached the end, but he still has to work hard, and he must always catch up to the top of the end. After he entered the cabinet under the imperial edict, he wrote "Ci Mian En Ming Shu", which is a commemorative article, which is fully recorded in the following: In order to resign and avoid grace, on the ninth day of February in the first year of Longqing, he was appointed as a counselor by the Ministry of Officials, and received an imperial edict on the day: the former lecturer, the right minister of the Ministry of Rites, and the scholar of the Imperial Academy, Zhang Juzheng, was promoted to the left servant of the Ministry of Officials and Dongge A bachelor, entered the cabinet, and worked with Xu Jie and others, as ordered.This is it.I am extremely grateful and apprehensive for the extraordinary fate, the extraordinary kindness, the indiscriminate grace, and the mediocrity.Stealing the position of the cabinet, several tasks are the secretary, to speak for the king, and to be carried by Emperor Xi, there must be profound and profound learning, and the talents of economics and economics, and then it is enough to assist the emperor and become a saint.The minister's learning is not enough to learn the insignificance of the ancients, and his knowledge is not enough to understand the affairs of the world. He has no talent and hope, and he is old-fashioned. Sudden benevolence, promoted to Quanheng, Jin Shenmi not, power is weaker than mosquitoes, responsibility is more important than hills and mountains, retreat to self-examination, if it is acceptable.In the past Tang Dynasty, Li Mi and Lu Zhi met the two lords of Dai and De in the vassal mansion; the former ministers Yang Pu and Liu Jian served the two temples of benevolence and filial piety in the Qing Palace: salty and old labor, so they joined the stage.However, I didn't think it was lucky at that time. Those who later generations admired his quiet voice, because the four ministers heard and looked at Sulong, and Xun Yongmao wrote it.The inferiority of the ministers, how can they be far away from the former sages, and be close to the sages, and once the latecomers, the toilets are left among the old and the old, and the mediocre people are indiscriminate in the ranks of the handsome and the virtuous, what will happen? The agreement of material conditions, the selflessness of Zhao Tianjian?That is to say, can you not feel ashamed?At the beginning of Kuang Shengming's coming to the imperial court, when he was watching and listening in the sea, if his actions were not satisfied with the public evaluation, then the persuasion would be attributable to the national code, and the blame for the injustice, I would rather be alone with the minister!I hope that the emperor's inspectors will be honest, not by pretentiousness, but they will be ordered to stop, and they will be appointed to the wise men of the time, so that the ministers will still be the old officials, trying to do what they want.The common people are only able to do what they can, and they are free from the worries of being overthrown by the humble ministers, and they can choose people for the officials, and they will have great fortune in the country.The minister Wuren trembled and Yunyue waited for his life. (Memorial Twelve)

Of course, this is a routine article.The appointment of ministers in the Ming Dynasty evolved into a system of push and push after the middle period. "Ming Hui Dian": The ministers of the cabinet, the two ministers of officials and soldiers, the nine ministers, the officials of the fifth rank and above, and the subjects and Taoists. The court recommends two people, or three or four more people, all of whom are invited to be judged by themselves. (Wanli reworked volume 5), which refers to this matter.Tingtui has some meaning of parliamentary electoral system.However, it is called Huitui, but in fact the moderator has his own person, and the rest has to be recognized, not necessarily openly depends on the approval of the majority.So later Yan Jizu said that he could push, but those who mastered seal script in the six subjects were the main ones, and the ministers of Qing Ertai rarely came. ("History of the Ming Dynasty" volume 24 Bayan inherited from the ancestors), this means that the presiding power falls in the six subjects. future situation.But since Wanli, great power has only been in the hands of the Minister of the Ministry of Officials and the doctor of Wenxuan Division, and the court push is only a form ("Ming History" Volume 24 "Chen Younian Biography").In fact, even in countries where the Western parliamentary system prevails, elections are only a public form, and all decisions are still presided over by one or two people.So in general, there are quite a few similarities.

But in addition to the system that will be promoted, there are also special briefings.When appointing ministers, there are two overlapping methods: push and brief.Sometimes ministers think that Tejian is a kind of partial grace, and even refuse the emperor's honorary order.Emperor Xiaozong changed Xu Ke to be the right servant of the Nanjing Ministry of Industry with the imperial decree. Ke Shu said that the ministers should be promoted and should be pushed out of the court.The minister did not dare to enter by other means in his life, please grant him dismissal. ("Ming History" Volume 185 "Xu Ke Biography"), this is a good example.But the system of Tejian will always coexist with the system of Pushing.A capable monarch is even mostly out of special simplicity when employing people for administration.In the hands of a generous and mediocre monarch, Tejian's power still exists, but the ministers used by Jane are either recommended by the chief minister or introduced by luck.Juzheng's entry into the cabinet this time is all due to Xu Jie's strength.Juzheng said to himself that the Holy Lord remembered the old days of Gan Pan and never abandoned his hairpins; Yuan Weng showed his kindness in accepting and guiding him, and he never left Guan Kuai (Book 1 "Answer to Zhongcheng Hong Fangzhou"). The so-called Yuan Weng refers to Xu Jie.

After entering the cabinet, there will be measures after entering the cabinet.There is no doubt that Juzheng is passionate about the regime.From entering the cabinet in the first year of Longqing to his death in the tenth year of Wanli, in the sixteen long years, there was not a day when he was not actively consolidating his regime, nor was there a day when he gave up his regime.With the power in his hands, he has to do something.In the first year of Longqing, he was just a newcomer, the pavilion was full of his teachers and seniors, only Li Chunfang was his same year, but before he entered the pavilion, Chunfang was already a two-year bachelor.But since Juzheng entered the cabinet, he had some ambitions.Maybe when he was a Hanlin scholar, he was planning to be a literati, but now things are different, everything is in his eyes.At the beginning of joining the cabinet, he had several letters like this:

The servant is superficial, and suddenly acts out of place. He is panicked day and night, and he doesn't know what to do.Those who think about rewarding the Lord's favor and comforting their confidantes, but only calm their minds, and dare not make likes and dislikes to the world.As for the turning point, it is inevitable that there will be some inconsequential judgments. The literati and bureaucrats have deep responsibilities, and they may not be able to do what they want, but they have no time to worry about it. (Letter 1 "Answer to Nanzhong Tixue Yushi Geng Chutong") If you are deep but thin, if you let your talents go, if you read it all night, it will be called a fortress.But you should stick to the knots of your life and devote every thought to your loyalty, so that you can live up to the famous teachings and your confidantes. (same volume as "Answer to Zhongcheng Hong Fangzhou") A servant who is thin, who receives the last light of the sun and the moon, who is obscene from the last step, suddenly enters three things, bundles a bamboo tree as a pillar, and uses a lotus as a beam.It's humiliating but not despicable, and I send congratulations from afar, and rewards for my kindness, and add to my shame.Even if I encourage my servant to be an author, I dare not do it.It is rare in the world for the ancients to be prominent in their friendship articles at the same time.Over two hundred years since the Ming Dynasty, the assistants of the world and the experts of the world have done a few works, but a generation of articles have not been able to trace the past, but they want to blame the people of Zhilu, can they do it?If you make it with the guard of the villain, the tired heart of accepting teachings, and the vacancy of the post day and night, you can use a strand to fill it up, so as to look forward to the prosperity and avoid crimes, or a few ears. (The same volume "Answer to Zongbo Dong Xunyang") There is another record about Juzheng's entry into the cabinet, which should be corrected.Wang Shizhen's "Zhang Juzheng Biography" states that when Juzheng enters the cabinet, all six cabinet ministers worship at Juzheng last. In a word, those who are in the middle, people are more afraid of them, and they are more important than others.Later, "History of the Ming Dynasty" Juzheng Biography also said that when Xu Jie took Su Lao as the first assistant, he and Li Chunfang were both ceremonial scholars, and they were the last to enter. Noir to the point, people are so serious about it, more important than others. The records in the biography of "History of Ming Dynasty" are completely based on Wang's biography, and even the similarities can be pointed out in terms of words and sentences.In fact, both claims are wrong. The error in this record is an error in time.There are times when Juzheng sees Jiuqing with embarrassment and is feared by everyone, but this is after Wanli.In September of the first year of Wanli, Yang Bo, Minister of the Ministry of Officials, became an official. In December, Lu Shusheng, Minister of Rites, became an official. In June of the third year, Ge Shouli, the censor of Zuodu, retired. It's his relatives, Juzheng is the chief assistant, and even Lu Tiaoyang and Zhang Siwei in the pavilion have almost become his staff, not to mention Jiuqing!It is true that there is arrogance, and fear is also reasonable.But in the first year of Longqing, when Juzheng entered the cabinet, Yang Bo was the Minister of the Ministry of Officials, and Ge Shouli was the Minister of the Household Department. .In June of the sixth year of Longqing, Shenzong ascended the throne and lived in Zhengguo. In July, Lu Shusheng was appointed Minister of Rites.The sound of the tree is a Jinshi in the 20th year of Jiajing.Once Shusheng visited Juzheng in the cabinet, because the guest seat was a little far away, he simply refused to sit in, and he was willing to talk until Juzheng personally corrected the seat.Although we can see the seriousness of the sound of the tree here, we can also see the courtesy of Juzheng.Of course Juzheng has the spirit of Juzheng, but it is a mistake of time to say that he underestimated Jiuqing when he joined the cabinet. In April of the first year of Longqing, Juzheng entered the Ministry of Rites and was also a Bachelor of Wuyingdian University.According to "Wen Zhonggong Xingshi", this time he became an official because of the completion of the Yongle Dadian. Of course, this refers to the story of rebuilding the "Yongle Dadian". During this short period of time, there was a cabinet tide in the cabinet.The cabinet in the early years of Longqing was actually the cabinet of three famous ministers, Xu Jie, Gao Gong, and Zhang Juzheng.Juzheng has a considerable relationship with Xu Jie and Gao Gong, and it is not yet the time for him to make his mark, but the confrontation between Xu Jie and Gao Gong is becoming more and more acute day by day. The first person to attack Gao Gong was Hu Yingjia in the official department.When Shizong was seriously ill, Gao Gong sneaked back from Zhiluli, preparing to move.Ying Jia knew about it and proposed impeachment. Sejong was in a daze and didn't ask anything. But Gao Gong believed that Hu Yingjia and Xu Jie's fellow countrymen must have been instructed by Xu Jie, and the situation escalated.Gao Gong will take revenge when he has a grudge, and he can't even talk about tolerance, everything is waiting for an opportunity.In the first year of Longqing, Yang Bo, Minister of the Ministry of Officials, presided over the Jingcha. The Jingcha was a system in the Ming Dynasty. Emperor Xianzong Chenghua made a four-year report. For Beijing officials below the fifth rank, the Ministry of Officials will jointly inspect with the Metropolitan Procuratorate and the seal officials of each hall.The seventeenth year of Xiaozong Hongzhi's performance is held every six years.The system of Jingcha was established in the sixth year, but before Wanli, sometimes there was a special inspection, which was the so-called Juncha. Originally, the civil service system in the Ming Dynasty was lifelong, and systems such as reorganization, layoffs, and manual dismissal had not yet been invented.The prestige in the hands of the minister is only Jingcha.This prestige is logically held in the hands of the Minister of Rites, and he is not subject to any interference except that the capital censor can intervene at any time.Now that the power is in Yang Bo's hands, this time the Jingcha has even deposed the censor and Qishizhong, which can be regarded as vigorous and resolute.However, none of Yang Bo's fellow villagers from Shanxi was deposed.This moved the censor and the public indignation in the matter.The first person to attack Yang Bo was Hu Yingjia again. Ying Jia impeached Yang Bo with his personal anger and sheltered the village. It was not wrong to say that it was wrong, but it was precisely Ying Jia's official affairs.When the Ministry of Officials handled the Beijing inspection, the Ministry of Officials should participate in the matter, and did not raise any objections beforehand, but impeachment was proposed afterwards.Even the generous Mu Zong thought it was a contradiction and ordered the cabinet to discuss punishment.Now is the time for Gao Gong to retaliate. Among the cabinet members, Guo Pu and Gao Gong were from the same hometown, and this time it was Guo Pu who spoke first.He resolutely said: Hu Yingjia turned his back on what he said, which is not the principle that a minister should serve the emperor at all, and should be dismissed. Should be dismissed for the people.Gao Gong also said. Xu Jie looked at Guo Pu, then at Gao Gong, the two elders were very nervous, they had no choice but to nod.Hu Yingjia's dismissal is considered a final decision. The officials of the Ming Dynasty were really amazing.They are a swarm of wasps, if you move one, a swarm of them will come.Some of the Metropolitan Procuratorate are censors, and some of the six departments are for Shizhong. Look!At the time of Jingcha, the Minister of the Ministry of Officials, as usual, could not talk about demotion to the officials.But Yang Bo demoted them once, and Guo Pu and Gao Gong advocated Hu Yingjia's resignation to the people. Hu Fengfeng was alarmed.Xin Zixiu and the censor Chen Lianfang went to the court to impeach Gao Gong again, and the censor Hao Jie directly attacked Gao Gong without Zai's auxiliary equipment.Things got worse.All the responsibility rests on Xu Jie.Xu Jie drafted an order to transfer Hu Yingjia to be an official in Jianning, and the punishment was reduced, but the general officials were not satisfied.It is urgent for Ouyang Yijing to impeach Gao Gongwei to control the court gentry and specialize in the country.Of course Gao Gong couldn't admit it, so he came to defend him.The matter was in Xu Jie's hands again.Xu Jie drafted an edict to comfort Gao Gong while reprimanding the official: he thought that a public case would be over from then on. But Gao Gong was not satisfied.Gao Gong hoped that Xu Jie would draw up a decree and give the officials a court stick.Staff, staff, staff!Gao Gong remembered that when Shizong was impeached by the magistrates, it was usually a court shove, and there might be worse ones behind.Xu Jie also remembered that this was the story of Yan Song gaining power; he knew that Mu Zong was not Sejong, and he was not Yan Song, and as for Gao Gong, it would not be worthwhile to start a grudge with the eunuchs; he thought it over and just shook his head.Xu Jie decided not to have a grudge with the officials, but Gao Gong decided to have a grudge with Xu Jie.You have officials under your command, Gao Gong thought, and I have one or two under my command. Gao Gong's censor is Qi Kang.Soon after Ying Jia's incident, Qi Kang proposed an impeachment against Xu Jie.But this time, he was outraged by the speech officials. The crowd gathered together and gave him a swearing first.One respect impeaches Qi Kang, and Qi Kang also impeaches one respect.If you say I am Gao Dang, I will say you are Xu Dang.Beijing is full of papers, impeachment, impeachment!But there are too few people on Qi Kang's side, after all, it can't match Ouyang Yijing's momentum.Since then, Gao Gong has become the target of public criticism.But the last arrow was released from Nanjing. The power of the Jingcha is in the hands of the Ministry of Officials and the Metropolitan Procuratorate. When I was in Jingcha, even the emperor was not allowed to keep those who were demoted.Before Longqing, the Jingcha was the supreme authority, and officials below the fifth rank would be humiliated for life once they were inspected.This is up and down.But in the Ming Dynasty system, everything has a balance. If the upper overcomes the lower, of course the lower overcomes the upper.Officials of the fourth rank and above cannot be controlled by the Jingchao. During the year they were in the Jingchao, each of them obeyed the imperial edict and reported themselves as usual.Self-Chen is to state personal deficiencies and wait for the emperor's punishment.Of course, this is a formality. You might as well come to someone who has little knowledge and talent, and you don’t need to be straightforward and subtle, and attack on your own.But for Shizhong and the censors, you can propose Jingcha to pick up relics; those who have passed through Jingcha to pick up relics have no chance of being spared.This time Gao Gong had a falling out with the Yanguan in Beijing, because he had to take care of himself, and it was difficult for the Yanguan in Beijing to propose pick-ups.The responsibility of picking up the relics fell on the shoulders of Nanjing's Shizhong and Yushi.In May of the first year of Longqing, Gao Gong became an official.After Gao Gong left, the eunuchs continued to attack Guo Pu, and in September, Guo Pu also resigned.This time in the pavilion tide, Xu Jie won another decisive victory. Of course, this was a serious court tide, but Juzheng got through it after all. In the dilemma, he finally did not offend his teacher or his friends, but he left an indelible impression on the arrogance of the officials.He believes that scholars are accustomed to human feelings, and they are gradually falling into the late Song Dynasty (Letter 1, "Answer to Shao Sima Yang Ershan"), and he is thinking about how to punish them.The officials were guaranteed by Xu Jie, and the discussions became heated day by day. Mu Zong felt tired and ordered Xu Jie to punish him.This is how to spend the first year of Longqing. In the first month of the second year, Juzheng Jia Shaobao and Prince Taibao. In the first half of the year, the political situation experienced some waves again.In the cabinet, apart from Xu Jie and Ju Zheng, only Li Chunfang and Chen Yiqin were loyal elders, so there would be no disturbances.The waves happened in the emperor's palace.Mu Zong is a generous person, but he loves to have fun and travel.What is this?But the ministers in ancient times were politically responsible for the emperor's private actions.Xu Jie's repeated dissuasion could not avoid the disgust of the emperor's left and right.In June, Mu Zong was lucky again with Nan Haizi, and Xu Jie came to remonstrate once again.Maybe Mu Zong was really tired, maybe he didn't know very well that he went to Nanhaizi after all. In July, Zhang Qi proposed another impeachment against Xu Jie.Finally, Xu Jie also retired. He was a bachelor for seventeen years and a chief assistant for seven years. In July of the second year of Longqing, he gave up his political life in Beijing and returned to his hometown in Jiangnan.Before leaving, Xu Jie entrusted all important court affairs and personal family affairs to Juzheng.Of course Juzheng should be responsible for the important affairs of the court.There may be some twists and turns in the matter of the Xu family.Xu Jie's three sons, when Xu Jie was in power, were indeed somewhat domineering in their hometown.Although the father was there to lecture on the science of mind and nature, all the sons loved was money.The head of the relative Lu's family died, the child was still young, and the huge wealth of the family went to the Xu family.Resentment in my hometown is growing there, and even in Beijing, it has become public news.Didn't Qi Kang propose impeachment for this?Gao Gong has retired, but no one can say whether he will grow in the forest.Xu Jie knew that he was from the forest, so he had to be careful everywhere.He can only order Juzheng, he knows that only Juzheng is the one he single-handedly selected, and only Juzheng can take on these important tasks for him. (Refer to Book 3 "Answer to Master Xiang Xu Cunzhai Eighteen") After parting with Xu Jie, Juzheng wrote him a letter: Unworthy is known by the teacher, and everyone in the world hears about it; the teacher entrusts him with family and country affairs, and everyone in the world does not hear about it.In the matter of Bingyin, the teacher holds the sun and the moon in his hand, shines on the universe, Shen Ji conspires, and discusses with each other in the tent, it is not worthy of one person.Even after receiving the last light, being overwhelmed and aided, he is unworthy and thinks that he is not in the world. Day and night, he thinks about those who repay the Lord's favor and confidantes.Later, I realized that personnel and personnel are not in order, and the world situation has changed repeatedly, so that the teacher's financial aid has not been fully relieved; the unworthy gratitude for repaying the plan has actually become a barrier.Therefore, when we left the gate of the capital yesterday, the tears could not be stopped, and it was not for the sake of saying goodbye. I sighed that the original picture was not enough, and my contempt was not extended.It's true, what is it called!A man who promises the country and his confidant with his body, but he does his best, what can he say. (Letter 14 "Answer to Master Xu Cunzhai 1") The matter of Bingyin refers to the establishment of Mu Zong and the issuance of a will.This book reveals the close relationship between Xu Jie and Ju Zhengzhong.In the fourth year of Longqing, Juzheng wrote another book, describing his position in the two political tides: Reading Taihan in both hands, tears and tears crossed.With unworthy superficiality, he humiliated the teacher Zhen Tao and pulled him out, until today, his kindness is more important than Qiushan, and the repayment is as small as the end.In the matter of the first year, it is a crime to choose to be self-reliant, not to be able to speak freely, and to establish a righteous banner.As well as slandering and coaxing externally, the middleman internally constructs, if you can't break your heart to show the sincerity of the teacher, it is two crimes.Gongdan avoids rumors. In the past three years, he cannot use one word to deceive the Lord, so that Jin Teng will be closed for a long time.Today's affairs can only be explained away by accumulating embarrassment, how can you repay your confidant because you look at the ancients!Hanjiao is far away, and I feel ashamed.From now on, the situation in the world should be changed again.Minghong has a long track, and pays for Anshi?Only strong self-restraint, to comfort Geng Geng. (same volume as "Response to Master Xiang Xu Cunzhai VII") This book was roughly written in the fourth year of Longqing, and no later than five years.In December of the third year, Gao Gong was called back, and he was also in charge of the Ministry of officials.The so-called world situation is a new one, which refers to Gao Gong's restoration of political affairs.Ming Hongjiyuan said a few words to give Xu Jie some comfort.After Gao Gong returned to power, Xu Jie was chilled. The so-called Taihan was of course another order, so he stayed upright and comforted him.This book also shows that Xu Jie's failure in the second year of Longqing was entirely due to the attacks of the internal eunuchs, which is what the so-called internal structurers refer to.If you understand the reasons for Xu Jie's failure, you can understand the reasons for Gao Gong's reinstatement.A generous emperor, unable to take charge of the government himself, has lost due contact with the scholar-bureaucrats, and puts all his eyes and ears on the eunuch, and all the political waves come from the court. This is Mu Zong's mistake.The history of the Ming Dynasty blamed Mu Zong for fighting against each other, and the door gradually opened, but the emperor failed to revitalize the cadres and correct the old habits. ("History of Ming Dynasty" Volume 19 "Praise of Mu Zong Benji") is just a mediocre conclusion. Xu Jie resigned, and Li Chunfang took over as the head and assistant. The government should belong to Chunfang, but Chunfang is just a good gentleman and can't talk about doing anything.By August, Ju Zhengshang Chen Liu had nothing to do.The six things are: (1) Provincial Discussion, (2) Zhenji Gang, (3) Heavy Edict, (4) Verification of Name and Verification, (5) Solid State Book, and (6) Armed Forces.This is Juzheng's major policy.What lofty political views?No, there are only ordinary views here, no superb theories.Ju Zheng is not a political commentator, he is just a realistic minister.All propositions are aimed at the needs of the time.Provincial discussions, verification of names and facts, and military preparations are all of considerable value to a modern country, and are reproduced as follows: 1. Provincial discussion When a minister hears about the affairs of the world, it is important to consider them in detail, and to act with great strength. The strategy lies in the public, and the judgment lies in the independence.Hanchen Shen Gongyun said: To rule is not to talk too much, but Gu Lixing is as good as your ears. I have secretly seen that in the past few years, there have been too many discussions among the courts, whether one thing is right or not, or one person is facing the opposite direction, or the front and back are not aware of it, or the reputation is self-contradictory. Right and wrong are confused with lips and kisses. Letting go depends on love and hate, there are many changes in politics, and there is no rule of thumb.And every time I see governors and other officials, when I first arrive at the place, there are rules and regulations, or rambling about a few things, or changing a number of officials.Wen Zao competes for work, and the viewers are always dazzled, not saying that this person is talented, that is, this person is doing things.In fact, at the beginning of my appointment, is it well known that the local area is beneficial to the disease?Whether it is an official or not, how can we have insight?But listen to everyone.Reading his rhetoric, although it seems to be rotten, looking at what it means, it is not effective, and it has been longer than it, or it will be forgotten by those who talk about it. Just like last year, the emperor ordered the courtiers to discuss the strategy of preventing the captives because of the internal crimes of the captives. Will it be held?Is what it does really effective?Another example is the case of Jizhen. The first suggester said: I want to say so, and the person in charge also said: I want to say so. There are many people who discuss the dismissal of military training. I secretly think that there is no complete benefit or complete harm in everything. People have their strengths and weaknesses. It depends on the amount of power and harm, and the right and wrong.At the beginning, the plan is not clear, and it is quick to act according to human words, but in the end it is steadfast, and it is stopped abruptly with human words. In addition, love and hate are aggressive, opinions are thrown out, slander is small, and words are spread, and it is impossible to find them. Investigating the truth, it is too dizzying to listen to it, because people doubt it, see it as a lie, and when it is too old, success is hard to see.Yu said: Too many fingers to look at, talk too much to listen!This is the most serious problem today. From now on, His Majesty Fuwang will work hard to govern, dominate the mechanism, sweep away useless words, and seek the actual effect of practice.If you want to do something, you must judge it at the beginning, so that it can be stopped, and after the consideration has been judged, you should make a decision immediately, just like Tang Xianzong's discussion of Huai Cai, although he was blocked by all means, he did not waver in the end.If you want to use a person, you must be cautious at the beginning and strive to respond accordingly. Once you have the person, trust and let him go, just like Wei Wenhou used Leyang, although the basket was full of slander books, he did not move in the end.Begging for heavenly words again, and urging the ministries and other yamen, in the future, everyone should look up to the imperial court's intention to save things and keep the truth.Ministers and workers, big or small, should also be impartial and upright, treat each other with sincerity and straightness, and take it as their duty to cultivate their profession. cut. 1. Verification The minister heard that the reason why the master controls his ministers is to reward and punish them.If you want to give up rewards and punishments, it depends on comprehensively verifying the name and reality.Every time a minister sees that the court intends to employ a person, the person involved often sighs that he lacks talent. He secretly thinks that the talents of ancient and modern times are not very far apart. Said: There is no talent in the world!I don't believe it.But if the name and reality are not checked, the selection is not precise, what is used is not what one is anxious about, and what one takes is not what one seeks, then the rank and salary of a scholar are not important, and people have the heart of chance, and the cows and horses are exhausted by riding together, and the work is clumsy. There is no lack of talent if you mix it up without being able to distinguish it, and there is no shortage of evil things!Please give me a brief overview. A husband must try a weapon and then he will know its sharpness and bluntness; a horse must be ridden and then he will know its poor quality, but this is not the case when using a human being.To call a person's talent, you don't have to try it, let it be done, you don't have to test its success, and when it's time to do something, you don't necessarily know the crime.Those who are poor in literature are ridiculed for being useless; those who speak big and wrong use their reputation to steal their reputation;Although their talents are useful, they may be neglected because they are humble; Tell him that you are sick.He has been appointed as an official for a short time, without accountability, too many transfers, too sudden transfer, too restrictive qualifications, and untrue reputation.And recently there has been a trend that scholar-bureaucrats do their job for the sake of claiming, abandoning their careers, and becoming a position is thinking, building white papers, voluminous articles, and even verifying their own careers, which is ignorant.Those who are in charge of money and valleys are not correct about the number of cashiers, and those who are responsible for punishments do not refer to the text of laws and regulations.Since the official guard is lost, what is the matter?All of these are the so-called name and reality.In this way, how can a person with real talent and ability get in?And a hundred officials have the post of secretary, why do they have to do it? Therefore, I falsely think that the world does not suffer from lack of talent and the way of uselessness.If you get the right way, then all the people in the world will be raised, and only the superior will do what they want, and there will be no one who should not.I hope that the emperor will be careful about the famous utensils, cherish the rewards of the nobility, employ people must test their end, and teach people must be worthy. If you have contributed to the country, you should not be stingy, even if you are rewarded with a thousand pieces of gold or the seal of a prince. Don't give me the lowliness of my poor dude lightly.I still beg the Ministry of Officials to strictly examine the method of class examination, to examine the names and facts, and to follow the old system of the ancestors. All Beijing officials and foreign officials who pass the examination in three or six years are not allowed to be reinstated. , Ordinary, incompetent, think the palace is the best.If his merits and demerits are not significant, and those who cannot be quickly deposed, beg for the general's edict, honor rank, etc., and make discretionary cuts, with a slight difference, etc., to show encouragement.As for advancing and retreating with sacrifices, one should take merit as the criterion, don't be dazzled by fame, don't be constrained by qualifications, don't shake it for reputation, don't mix it with love and hate, don't generalize one's life by one thing, and don't cover up one's greatness by one small thing. Festival. In every yamen in Beijing, the assistant officials must be awarded to those who are suitable for their talents. In ordinary life, they should pay attention to their profession and praise the chief officers.If there is a vacancy in the chief, he will be replaced by Zuoer, and there is no need to ask for another one.The subordinate officials are well-versed in stories and devoted to officialdom. Those who have served for nine years will also be promoted to official positions according to the Ministry of Officials, and those who are high will be transferred to the official office.Those who are of the same rank as Xiaojiuqing hall officials do not need to be called more.The governors of various places, if they are suitable for the place, may be added to each other for a long time, and there is no need to move to other provinces.According to the two officials, if you have participated in the consultation for a long time, you can be promoted to participate in politics;In this way, people have full-time jobs and can be responsible for things, and there is no shortage of talents.In addition, if there is something unfinished in the minister's words, he also begs to be ordered to the Ministry, pay attention to it carefully, and list it in detail.V begging for the holy judge. 1. Armed But today's affairs, what you can worry about, don't focus on frontier defense; above the temple, those who draw pictures day and night, don't rush to frontier defense.Since the recent years, the captives have been suffering more and more, and the border affairs have been abandoned for a long time.For example, he has repeatedly received sacred edicts, strictly ordered the border officials, and was very motivated. At one time, the governors, generals and other officials were quite worthy of people, and they seem to be slightly prepared for the current defense.However, I think that captives are like animals, and if they don't injure them, their troubles will continue. But war is a dangerous thing, and it is not easy to talk about it. We must calmly review the plans and count the ears of victory.The best policy today is self-government, and the secret lies in the emperor's vigorous efforts to set his will first.A person with a determined sage, but a person with loyalty and strategy, can be effective in the past.Everyone in Tan today said: "I don't have many soldiers, I don't have enough food, and I can't be a good general." , I think that these three are not enough to worry about. Husbands do not suffer from fewer soldiers but from weakness.Although there is a shortage of troops in the army today, but the food records are still available, if we can solicit according to the records, check out hidden occupations, recruit supplements as appropriate, and train hard, how can there be no soldiers?Donate useless and urgent expenses, and use their financial resources to support fighters, so why worry about having no money?Offering heavy rewards to persuade meritorious service, and lenient grammar to extend the general's power, then a loyal and brave husband will not think hard, so why worry about having no generals?The minister's problem is that China has no ambition to inspire, and if he is lazy and plays around, he will not be able to make a difference even if he has a good soldier and a good general.Therefore, I hope that the emperor will be the first to plan for self-government, and be firm in his ambition. He will serve as a counselor, practice practical governance, do not seek short-term achievements, and do not forget things.As for the current self-defense strategy, don't choose frontier officials, train township soldiers, and guard pier fortresses, so that the people can collect and protect them.Although this number has already been discussed by the cabinet and the Ministry yesterday, the officials are still afraid that people will play tricks for a long time, and they still use empty words to fill the blame.Fuqi ordered the Ministry of War to order the governors of all sides to carry out the affairs of the border.After the end of the autumn defense, we will strictly check whether it is effective, and reward and punish.According to the ancestors, there were hundreds of thousands of soldiers in the Beijing camp. Although they are not enough today, they can still get 80,000 to 90,000. If they are well trained, they will be completely useless. , It's nothing but literary. The ancient rituals of the minister's examination, as well as the stories of my ancestors, all have the ritual of grand reading, so that you can practice martial arts without danger.Today, inside and outside the capital, the defense is weak, and the ministers often worry about it.Fu Qi ordered the Minister of Military Affairs to apply for strict military administration and try to train.Every year or every year, during the winter and agricultural breaks, I respectfully invite the holy driver to come and review in person. One is to test the generals' ability, and the other is to observe the courage and cowardice of the soldiers. Those who are skilled in skills will be rewarded separately. It's easy to eliminate.In this way, not only will there be tens of thousands of elite soldiers under the chariot, but this move will be spread far and near, and everyone knows that the emperor's intention to increase military equipment and rectify military affairs is also enough to defeat the plot of mad captives. The trouble of being unloved is an opportunity for sincerity to turn from weakness to strength.V begging for the holy judge. 三條以外，振紀綱條則言：伏望皇上奮乾綱之斷，普離照之明，張法紀以肅群工，攬權綱而貞百度；刑賞予奪，一歸之公道而不必曲絢乎私情，政教號令，必斷於高衷而毋致紛更於浮議。法所當加，雖貴近不宥，事有所枉，雖疏賤必申。重詔令條則言伏望敕下部、院等衙門，凡大小事務，既奉明旨，須數日之內，即行題復，若事理了然，明白易見者，即宜據理剖斷，毋但諉之撫、按議處，以致耽延。其有合行議勘問奏者，亦要酌量事情緩急，道裡遠近，嚴立限期，責令上緊奏報，該部置立號簿，發記註銷。如有違限不行奏報者，從實查參，坐以違制之罪，吏部即以此考其勤惰，以為賢否。然後人思盡職而事無壅滯也。 固邦本一條，從國家經費的立場立論。本來居正對於嘉靖以來，民窮財盡的情形，目睹心傷，所以一面言：伏望皇上軫念民窮，加惠邦本，於凡不急工程，無益徵辦，一切停免，敦尚儉素，以為天下先；一面又說：吟風俗侈靡，官民服舍，俱無限制。外之豪強兼併，賦役不均，花分詭寄，恃頑不納田糧，偏累小民。內之官府造作，侵欺冒破，奸徒罔利，有名無實。各衙門在官錢糧，漫無稽查，假公濟私，官吏滋弊，凡此皆耗財病民之大者，若求其害財者而去之，則亦何必索之於窮困之民，以自耗天下之元氣乎？ 居正二十五歲有《論時政疏》；上《陳六事疏》的時候，他已經四十四歲了。二十年的當中，固然有許多前後一貫的地方，但是二十年的經驗，在他的主張裡，發生不可磨滅的變化。他的議論，已經擺脫少年文士的習氣，一切扼著要點，他所陳的六事，我們不妨分為兩大項：第一是論政本，第二是論急務。 第一條到第四條是論政本。他希望穆宗有主張，有決斷，一切的詔令要實現，一切的政策要貫徹，一切的議論要控制。用現代的術語，他希望穆宗實行獨裁政治。不明白君主政治的內容的人，也許以為君主政治都是獨裁的，其實這是觀念的錯誤。君主政治只能加強獨裁的地位，不一定是獨裁政治。在一個優柔寡斷的君主手裡，整個的政局，常有多頭政治的傾向，這不是獨裁。居正的主張，是希望穆宗獨裁。振紀綱，崇詔令兩條，增進君主的地位；省議論一條，取締一般的言論；核名實一條，完成獨裁的機構。獨裁，獨裁，惟有獨裁，才是居正的理想。他歌頌成湯，歌頌秦始皇，歌頌明太祖。他曾說過： 三代至秦，渾沌之再辟者也，其創制立法，至今守之以為利。史稱其得聖人之威。使始皇有賢子，守其法而益振之，積至數十年，繼宗世族，變夷已盡，老師宿儒，聞見悉去，民之復起者，皆改心易慮，以聽上之令，即有劉項百輩，何能為哉！惜乎扶蘇仁懦，胡亥稚蒙，奸宄內發，六國餘孽尚存，因天下之怨而以秦為招，再傳而蹙，此始皇之不幸也。假令扶蘇不死繼立，必取始皇之法紛更之，以求復三代之舊，至於國勢微弱，強宗復起，亦必亂亡。後世儒者，苟見扶蘇之諫焚書坑儒，遂以為賢，而不知亂秦者扶蘇也。高皇帝以神武定天下，其治主於威強，前代繁文苛禮，亂政弊習，剗削殆盡，其所芟除夷滅，秦法不嚴於此矣。又渾沌之再辟也。懿文仁柔，建文誤用齊、黃諸人，踵衰宋之陋習，日取高皇帝約束紛更之，亦秦之扶蘇也。建文不早自敗，亦必亡國。幸賴成祖神武，起而振之。歷仁、宣、英、憲、孝，皆以剛明英斷，總攬乾綱，獨運威福，兢兢守高皇帝之法，不敢失墜，故人心大定，而勢有常尊。 至於世廟，承正德群奸亂政之後，又用威以振之，恢皇綱，飭法紀，而國家神氣，為之再揚。蓋人心久則難變，法之行，不可慮始，即有不便於人者，彼久而習之，長而安焉，亦自無不宜矣。三代惟商之規模法度，最為整肅，成湯、伊尹，以聖哲勇智，創造基業，其後賢聖之君六七作，故國勢常強，紂雖無道，而周取之甚難。以文、武、周公之聖，世歷三紀，始得帖然順服，蓋天下之歸殷久矣。余嘗謂本朝立國規模，大略似商，周以下遠不及也。列聖相承，綱維丕振，雖歷年二百有餘，累經大故，而海內人心，晏然不搖，斯用威之效也。腐儒不達時變，動稱三代云云，及言革除事，以非議我二祖法令者，皆宋時奸臣賣國之餘習。老儒臭腐之迂談，必不可用也。（文集十一《雜著》） 《雜著》不知是那一年度著作，從太祖洪武元年，到穆宗隆慶元年，恰恰二百年，所以這一段是隆慶二年以後寫的了，或許是和《陳六事疏》同時或略後。在這一段時間裡，居正希望穆宗做成湯，他自己也準備做伊尹。但是居正的《陳六事疏》，和《論政事疏》一樣，沒有達到應有的希望。事情再簡單沒有，穆宗不是成湯，不是秦始皇，不是明太祖、成祖，連帶不是世宗，他只是一個寬厚的君主，談不上總攬乾綱，獨運威福。當然，居正顯然地憧憬到景帝任用于謙的故事。那時只要有一個負責的大臣，國家一樣地可以轉危為安，但是隆慶二年，整個的國家，在粉飾太平的當中，皇帝對於居正，未必像景帝那樣的信任，而且內閣還有李春芳、陳以勤這幾位大臣，一切的大權也輪不到居正。等待，等待，居正還得等待。他所得的只有朱批覽卿奏，俱深切時務，具見謀國忠懇，該部、院看議行二十個字。 成效不能說是沒有的。都御史王廷復振紀綱，重詔令二事，分為八條。戶部尚書馬森議固邦本事，言財用之當經理者十條。兵部尚書霍冀議飭武備事，一議兵，二議將，三議團練鄉兵，四議守城堡，五議整飭京營；又奏請親臨大閱。一切都是空文。 但是畢竟還有一些成績，這便是省議論。隆慶二年八月以後，議論少得多了。居正自己屢次說過： 近來士習人情，似覺稍異於昔，浮議漸省，實意漸孚。鄙人疏發其端，而太宰公力助之。太平之休，庶幾可望，但不知後來何如耳。（書牘一《答中丞梁鳴泉》） 近來士習人情，似覺稍異於昔。李石翁寬和沉靜，斡握機衡，僕亦竭其駑鈍，以共相疏附，詩所謂伯氏吹塤，仲氏吹篪者，或庶幾焉。（同卷《答御史顧公曰唯》） 近來士習人情，紀綱法度，似覺稍異於昔，實自小疏發之，然忌我者，亦自此始矣。念既已深荷重任，義當直道正言，期上不負天子，下不負所學，遑恤其他。（同卷《答奉常羅月岩》） 太宰指吏部尚書楊博，李石翁即李春芳，字石麓。本來從嘉靖末年起，內閣裡面，種下鬥爭的種子，許多議論發生了，或一事而甲可乙否，或一人而朝由暮蹠，這是事實。現在高拱去了，徐階去了，吏部尚書有老成練達的楊博，內閣首輔有寬和沉靜的李春芳。一切的風波平定下來。不過這只是暫時的停止，到隆慶三年的秋天，風波又起，以後波濤洶湧，直到隆慶六年的秋天。隆慶四年，居正曾說：聲容盛而武備衰，議論多而成功少，宋之所以不競也，不圖今日，復見此事。僕不度德量力，欲一起而振之，而力不從心，動見齟齬，茹堇懷冰，有難以言控者，唯當鞠躬盡瘁，以答主知而已。其濟與否，誠不可逆睹也。（書牘二《答藩伯施恒齋》）居正當日的處境，我們由此可以想像。 李春芳、陳以勤這幾位大學士，只是太平的宰相，在動亂的當中，他們談不到幹濟。相傳徐階致仕以後，春芳長嘆一聲； 徐公致仕了，我說不到久留，只有早晚也去，他說。 只有這樣，才可保全令名。居正接下說。 據說因此春芳連上三疏，請求致仕。（《明史》卷一九三《李春芳傳》）事情也許不一定如此。但是居正對於當時的朝政，委實十分地憂慮。後來他也說竊見嘉、隆以來，紀綱頹墜，法度陵夷，駸駸宋、元之弊。（書牘十《答司空雷古和敘知己》）他真不料到在這個困難中，一起而振的抱負只存在自己的腔子裡。當他看到這幾位雍容進退的大臣時，他會想起孔子的議論：危而不持，顛而不扶，則將焉用彼相矣。孔子不是過激，他只覺得處在有責任的地位，應當把責任切實負起來。孔子又曾經提起質問：虎兕出於柙，龜玉毀於櫝中，是誰之過與？居正當然記得《朱嘉《集注》典守者不得辭其過。猛獸從籠子裡出來，寶貝在櫃子裡毀掉，這都是負責任者的罪過。居正慨然地感覺到一切都是自己的責任。鞠躬盡瘁，死而後已，居正自己看得很明白。 當時第一重責任，便是國防。明朝的制度，完全是戰時體制，國家的政治中心，放在第一道戰線上，永遠脫離不了戰爭的威脅；憂國的大臣，當然也抱定國防第一的方略。萬曆三年，北邊的大局，已經漸漸地穩定，居正還說僕內奉宸扆，外憂邊境，一日之內，神馳九塞，蓋不啻一再至而已。（書牘七《答吳環洲淪邊臣任事》）那麼在隆慶初元，他對於邊境的憂慮，當然更可知。他的方針，是先行整理邊防的佈置，隨時再作出擊的計劃。 從明朝初年直到張居正時代，最大的敵人只是北方的韃靼。明朝對外的策略，第一是修築北方的邊牆，這是有名的萬里長城，當時的國防工事。在長城以內設有九鎮：遼東、薊州、宣府、大同、榆林、寧夏、甘肅、太原、固原。用現在的術語，便是九個軍區，居正所謂神遊九塞者指此。河套一帶，敵人的勢力比較地薄弱，因此西部四鎮不十分吃重，太原在內長城以內，也還安定。吃緊的是遼東、薊州、宣化、大同四鎮。嘉靖二十九年，設總督薊遼、保定等處軍務一員，總督宣大、山西等處軍務一員，簡稱薊遼總督，宣大總督。這是北京的左、右兩翼，拱衛國家的中心。兵部左、右侍郎出為薊遼總督、宣大總督；總督入京，便是兵部尚書；有時特任兵部尚書，出為總督。從一切的體制裡，都看出對於薊遼、宣大的重視，四鎮之中，最吃緊的還是薊州。 最初，遼東還沒有受到外來的威脅以前，這裡距離韃靼的中心還遠，所以不十分吃緊，宣化、大同外面，也有山險可守，所以最危險的還是薊州。自從放棄三衛以後，北京東北直至山海關，中國和韃靼的交界，只剩一條邊牆，敵人可以隨時從喜峰口、黃崖口、古北口入境。等到敵人入境以後，他們可以隨時包圍北京，薊遼總督只能在外線掙扎。情勢真是最危險了，所以隆慶五年，薊遼總督劉應節上言以今上計，發精兵二十餘萬，恢復大寧，控制外邊，俾畿輔肩臂益厚，宣、遼聲援相通，國有重關，廷無近寇，此萬年之利也。如其不然，集兵三十萬，分屯列成，使首尾相應，此百年之利也。又不然，則選主客兵十七萬，訓練有成，不必仰借鄰鎮，亦目前苟安之計。應節三計，上策是戰略的大成功，恢復大寧以後，東北的國防線縮短，東西聲息相通，北京的外圍，增加幾重的保障。但是自從成祖放棄大寧，整個的明朝就沒有恢復三衛的決心。於是一切的重心，落到薊州。 嘉靖年間，楊博早看到薊州的重要；三十八年楊博上疏：今九邊薊鎮為重，請飭邊臣逐大同寇，使不得近薊，宣大諸將從獨石偵情形，預備黃花、古北諸要害，使一騎不得入關，即首功也。他看定當時沒有大舉進攻的可能，所以他主張堅守。隆慶五年，楊博再起，任兵部尚書的時候，他說：議者以守牆為怯，言可聽，實無實效。牆外邀擊，害七利三，牆內格鬥，利一害九。夫因牆守，所謂先處戰地而待敵，名守實戰也。臣為總督，嘗拒打來孫十萬眾，以為當守牆無疑。他和劉應節的議論，都是隆慶五年的議論。那時薊州已經有一番佈置，中國和韃靼，也暫時維持和平的局勢。 隆慶元年九月，俺答寇大同，陷石州，掠交城、文水、烽火照遍山西的中部。同時土蠻進犯薊鎮，掠昌黎、盧龍，直至灤河。整個的北京又陷入戰爭的恐慌中，直到十月，才能解嚴。穆宗下詔群臣議戰守事宜。居正《陳六事疏》所稱眾言盈庭，群策畢舉者指此。這時吳時來已自橫州回朝，進工科給事中了；時來上疏薦譚綸、俞大猷、戚繼光：他主張用這三位討破倭寇的大將，練兵薊州，抵抗北方的敵人。一則時來是徐階的門生，二則譚綸等也是當日第一等的人材，這個主張終於實現了。譚綸本來總督兩廣軍務，立即召回為兵部左侍郎兼右僉都御史，總督薊遼、保定軍務。大猷老了，仍舊駐紮廣西，為廣西總兵官，沒有動。繼光召為神機營副將，隆慶二年五月，奉令總理薊州、昌平、保定三鎮練兵事，總兵官以下，悉受節制。從此譚綸、戚繼光都到北邊練兵，居正也和他們結下深切的關係。隆慶六年，居正當國，譚綸人為兵部尚書，直到萬曆五年四月病歿為止；繼光鎮守薊州十六年，也直待居正病歿以後，方才調往廣東。 譚綸就任薊遼總督以後，第一著便是練兵，疏稱： 薊昌卒不滿十萬而老弱居半，分屬諸將，散二千里間，敵聚攻，我分守，眾寡強弱不侔，故言者亟請練兵，然四難不去，兵終不可練。夫敵之長技在騎，非召募三萬人勤習車戰，不足以制敵，計三萬人月餉五十四萬，此一難也。燕趙之士銳氣盡於防邊，非募吳越習戰卒萬二千人雜教之，事必無成。臣與繼光召之可立至，議者以為不可信，任之不專，此二難也。軍事尚嚴，而燕趙士素驕，驟見軍法，必大震駭，且去京師近，流言易生，徒令忠智之士掣肘廢功，更釀他患，此三難也。我兵素未當敵，戰而勝之，彼不心服，能再破乃終身創，而忌嫉易生，欲再舉禍已先至，此四難也。以今之計，請調薊鎮、真定、大名、井陘，及督、撫標兵三萬，分為三營，令總兵、參、遊分將之，而授繼光以總理練兵之職。春秋兩防，三營兵各移近邊，至則遏之邊外，入則決死邊內，二者不效，臣無所逃罪。又練兵非旦夕可期，今秋防已近，請速調浙兵三千，以濟緩急，三年後邊軍既練，遣還。 一切的計劃都照准，一切的困難都解決，在內閣中主持的全是居正。繼光到鎮以後上疏備言練兵之害七，士卒不練之失六，雖練無益之弊四。繼光又言臣官為創設，諸將視臣為綴疣，臣安從展布？綴疣委實是綴疣，有了薊州、昌平、保定三個總兵，又有成繼光的總理。總理只能練兵三萬，名為總兵官受其節制，其實三鎮額兵十餘萬，總理無從節制。所以繼光的地位，正是非常困難。在困難當中，兵部尚書霍冀想到解決的方法。 假如我們認識明代的政治，我們不妨認為當時的政治中心組織，完全是二元制。中葉以後，內閣的地位，漸漸地形成為政治中心，但是名義上只是皇帝的秘書處，大學士的責任，在名義上，至多只能票擬，他們對於六部，在名義上，也談不到統制。用人的大權，在吏部尚書手裡，國防的大權，在兵部尚書手裡，因此吏、兵二部，在六部中的地位特高。吏、兵兩部尚書的實權，有時在大學士之上：景帝的時候，國家大政，完全在兵部尚書于謙手裡，這是一個實例。吏、兵尚書的實權，有時完全在大學士之下，居正大權獨攬的時候，也是一個實例。但是事實上內閣和吏、兵二部，永遠在牽制和摩擦的當中。有時還能妥協，有時竟會衝突。在困難的當中，只有賦有政治才能的人，方能安穩地度過。 戚繼光的問題來了，恰巧薊遼總督譚綸對於薊州鎮總兵郭琥有不滿意的消息，這是兵部的職權。兵部尚書霍冀看到了，事情再簡單沒有，他奏明瞭，郭琥解職，調戚繼光補薊州鎮總兵。但是事情偏不這樣簡單。郭琥是一位得力的將官，譚綸對他沒有什麼不滿意，戚繼光由節制三鎮的總理，改為一鎮的總兵，實權儘管增加，名義上只是降黜。三個人都受到委屈。兵部尚書不管，內閣中的李春芳、陳以勤也不管，調處的責任只得由居正負起。我們看到他給譚綸的幾封信，怎能不欽服他的苦心孤詣呢？ 前聞道體小違和，無任懸念，今想勿藥矣。近日處分戚帥，誠出下策，然非得已也。頃會霍司馬雲，公本欲論郭琥，則屬者之舉，似亦與高見懸符。且事權歸一，法令易行，兵不遠索，浮議自省，假之以便宜，需之以歲月，薊鎮之事。亦未必不可振也。但以總理體面，比之鎮守為優，今既易銜，