Chapter 8 Chapter 6 Chaos in the Cabinet (Part 2)

In December of the third year of Longqing, there was a big wave in the cabinet.Yang Bo, Minister of the Ministry of Officials, became an official, and Mu Zongzhao Gao Gong returned to the cabinet and took charge of the affairs of the Ministry of Officials.From then on, the power of the cabinet and the bureaucracy was concentrated in Gao Gong's hands, and he became the de facto prime minister. According to Wang Shizhen's "Shoufu Biography" and "Ming History.The Biography of Zhang Juzheng is entirely based on Juzheng's instigation. Juzheng colluded with Li Fang, the supervisor of ceremonies, and Li Fang proposed to enter the cabinet and take charge of the official department.It is said that Juzheng's plan is not only to introduce Gao Gong to resist Zhao Zhenji, but Yue also wants to use this to deprive the chief assistant Li Chunfang of his power.In fact, during Chunfang's reign, she has never monopolized the political power, and Juzheng's arrangements for Ji Liao have never been restrained by Chunfang.After Zhenji entered the cabinet, Juzheng felt displeased because of his stubborn personality, but introducing Gao Gong and resisting Zhenji was simply attracting tigers and repelling wolves, Juzheng would not do such stupid things.Moreover, in November of the second year of Mu Zong, Li Fang was imprisoned by the Ministry of Criminal Justice for disobedience. In April of the fourth year, he was sent to Nanjing Jingjun ("History of the Ming Dynasty" Volume 305 "Biography of the Eunuch").It is really a shocking story to say that the inner prisoner imprisoned by the Ministry of Punishment can recommend a cabinet minister.

There is no doubt that Gao Gong joined the cabinet this time because of the power of the internal supervisor.Mu Zong is a generous person, but because he lost the proper contact with the ministers, the inner eunuchs on the left and right influenced his views everywhere.The most proud inner eunuchs in the early years of Longqing were Teng Xiang, Meng Chong, and Chen Hong.They are the ones who guide Mu Zong to travel, play with Aoshan lanterns, and drink for a long night.In the second year of Longqing, when Xu Jie became an official, it was because of discord with the inner eunuch, perhaps because of Teng Yang, Meng Chong, and Chen Hong.After Gao Gong entered the cabinet, there was a vacancy for the eunuch of Li Zhangyin. Feng Bao thought that he should fill in, so Gao Gong recommended Chen Hong.Later, when Chen Hong was vacant again, Gao Gong recommended Meng Chong and disappointed Feng Bao again.Therefore, Feng Bao and Gao Gong formed a sworn feud, and became Zhang Ben who colluded with Feng Bao and overthrew Gao Gong in the sixth year of Longqing.

If we understand the reasons for Xu Jie's failure, and at the same time ask Gao Gong's willingness to be against Feng Bao, and repeatedly recommend Meng Chong and Chen Hong, we will obviously know that Gao Gong's second entry into the cabinet is entirely due to Teng Xiang, Meng Chong, and Chen Hong. Chen Hong and his group; and because of later stories, they also know that Gao Gong's entry into the cabinet has nothing to do with Feng Bao, nor Ju Zheng.So, why did Gao Gong resign in the first year of Longqing?Things are also very obvious, one is that Xu Jie's chief assistant is still in power, and the other is that Gao Gong has not yet had a considerable relationship with the eunuchs.In the third year of Longqing, Xu Jie and Gao Gong failed their duties and went home. The Danyang hero Shao Fang first contacted Xu Jie about reinstatement, but Xu Jie did not use it; ("History of Ming Dynasty" Volume 302 "Biography of Lie Nu. Shaw"), this was a story that was famous both at home and abroad at that time (the original text of "History of Ming Dynasty").So this time Gao Gong entered the cabinet, there are people who recommend it, and people who go in between. Everything can be seen in "History of Ming Dynasty", but "History of Ming Dynasty."Juzheng Zhuan" thinks that Juzheng's instigation cannot be regarded as absurd.The hero is just a villain who communicates with China and foreign countries. After Longqing lived in Zhengguo in June of the sixth year, he ordered Yingtian Governor Zhang Jiayin to kill Shao Fang. It was indeed a happy thing.

Although Juzheng didn't instigate Gao Gong's entry into the cabinet, he didn't have any antipathy either. Rather, he still had considerable expectations for Gao Gong.The relationship between myself and Xu Jie is an open fact, but isn't there a considerable relationship between myself and Gao Gong?When they were colleagues in the Imperial Academy, they had gotten to know each other, and they also knew the status they should have in the political world in the future.After Gao Gong's death, Ju Zheng said, only to pursue the promises of the past, Xiao, Cao, Bing, and Wei, once the eternal formula is completed now, every time I read it, tears fill my chest. (Book Fourteen "Answer to Sikou Cao Fuchuan"), it is also said that Bugu and the elders are life-and-death friends, so they are sparsely attached first, even though they are brothers and fathers, they cannot pass. (The same volume "Answer to Sima Cao Fuchuan").At this time, Juzheng had been in power for many years, so there was no need to cover up, and what he said was credible.Even when Gao Gong was very popular, Ju Zheng also said: Today, Ziji is ordered to be secret, who is Cheng Wangxian?His appointees are not under the Duke of Zhou, but at home and abroad, they all stand up against each other and sing praises of Shengde.That is to say, Yu Yuxia, who was fortunate to be the queen of the public, participated in the state affairs. Five years ago, every time the public fell in love with each other, he would consult with him about the affairs of the palace. The gods know it too. (Collected Seventh Preface to the Sixtieth Birthday of Duke Xuan Gao, His Disciple as His Master)

Gao Gong's 60th birthday was on December 13th in the fifth year of Longqing. At that time, there were only Gao Gong and Ju Zheng in the cabinet.Zhou and Zhao Jiafu are just right, and it can be seen that Gao Gong also gave Juzheng a considerable status, so Juzheng mentioned the story of Zhou and Zhao.But Gao Gong was wrong, the Duke of Zhou was the teacher, the Duke of Zhao was the protector, and the king of Xiangcheng was the right and left, and the Duke of Zhao was not mentioned ("Book. Junshi Preface"). Isn't it a written scripture?Although dictatorial power has become a derogatory term in the annals of history, one would not be willing to co-operate with a monopoly of power, leaving a person with political ambitions at his side, but he does not have an outstanding position to cover everything, which will inevitably cause political uneasiness.Juzheng saw it with his own eyes, so when he came to the country, he was only willing to introduce third-class talents such as Lu Tiaoyang, Zhang Siwei, and Ma Ziqiang; Jinshi in the second year is too far behind Juzheng's generation to pose a threat.Gao Gong's failure is exactly Ju Zheng's reference.

Gao Gong joined the cabinet, and at the same time he was in charge of the Ministry of Officials. He had the power of employing people and administration, and single-handedly took care of it. In the government, he became the biggest force.Cho Jung-gil is the one who feels the most threat in the cabinet.It just so happened that Zuodu Yushi Wang Ting took office in the first month of the fourth year of Longqing. Zhenji and his chief assistant Li Chunfang explained that they would also be in charge of the Metropolitan Procuratorate in mid-February.On one side is administrative power and on the other is supervisory power, which is really evenly matched.From the time Gao Gong entered the cabinet in December of the third year of Longqing until Zhao Zhenji took office in November of the fourth year, they were two opposing forces in the cabinet.The chief assistants Li Chunfang and Chen Yiqin were just watching, and they were closer to Gao Gong.This is the general trend of the cabinet this year.

Gao Gong is really the first-rate official minister.In the past, the bureaucratic authorities did not communicate with the outside world as usual, which was regarded as avoiding suspicion.It was not until Xu Jie became the Minister of the Ministry of Officials that he broke this habit.Gao Gong went to the Ministry and ordered the officials of the Ministry of Officials to compile the names and places of origin of all the officials into a book, and at the same time indicate whether they were worthy or not.He believed that national defense was important, and the plan for the Minister of the Ministry of War to be the governor, and the governor to be the minister of the Ministry of War, was determined from then on.He believes that military administration requires specialized talents, so he does not lightly change the officers of the Ministry of War.This is his claim.

In terms of state affairs, his first move was to make things difficult for Xu Jie.He still remembered the story of Xu Jie publishing Sejong's edict without discussion!After waiting for three years, now he wants revenge.Sejong demoted many people because of great gifts, Xu Jie used his will to use them, and Gao Gong deposed them again.He sparsely said: Minglun Grand Ceremony has been promulgated for a long time, and the ministers who are discussing the matter now pretend to entrust the decree. Anyone who offends the ceremony will be commended and displayed, and will be dedicated to the emperor's spirit in the temple. How can we enjoy it?What is the heart of the late emperor's spirit in heaven?And when His Majesty entered the temple at a young age, why did he face the two saints of Yue?The minister thought it was impossible.When Shizong was dying, he believed in the medicine of Wang Jin, Tao Fang, Tao Shien, Liu Wenbin, and Gao Shouzhong, and they were promoted one by one.After Shizong died, Xu Jie issued a will to blame them, so they went to prison together, waiting for the execution of the death sentence.From the first year of Longqing to the fourth year of Longqing, the situation lingered, perhaps it was God's blessing.After Gao Gong entered the pavilion, he said: "The king died in an accident, and he could not end up right. His name is not beautiful."The first emperor lived in imperial court for forty-five years, and he was over sixty years old. He fell ill in his last years, and he was a guest at the end of his life.Now it is said that the late emperor was murdered by Wang Jin, and he was falsely accused of not being able to end it rightly. Why do future generations regard the late emperor as the master?I beg the judiciary to reconsider!Mu Zong approved it, so Wang Jin and others were spared from death, and adapted the words to serve the people.Of course, the edict is only the proposition of the ministers, but besides Xu Jie, Juzheng presided over the edict.Now that the edict has been overthrown, we have read Juzheng's article that Emperor Su (Sejongmiao name) conferred Gu's order on the basis of a jade table, and everyone in the world heard about it, and the commentators were sinful and alchemists, slandering the former emperor, evading their own responsibilities, and public resistance Sparse distinction, the righteousness of the monarch, the minister, the father and the son, is like exposing the sun and the moon. (Collected Works 7 "Preface to the 60th Birthday of Duke Xuan Gao, His Disciple as His Master") This happened in the fifth year of Longqing; Juzheng swallowed a cup of bitter wine slowly.The seeds of Longqing's six-year coup d'etat were growing in his chest day by day.

In the third year of Longqing, when Gao Gong started to use it, Juzheng once said that he liked Gao to use it, and if he was always in the same heart, things in the world could be done. (Book 1 "Answer to Rao Chengshan of Shanxi Press Courtyard") At the beginning of four years, he also said that when Zhongxuan met again, before he got out of the car, he just told him that he had forgotten to complain about Bugong.Fortunately, this public is respectful and trustworthy, and his recent actions are very satisfying to the public opinion.A mere day in power should be preserved for a day for good people, but people's hearts are different, and they can't decide whether to stay or not. (Book Fourteen "Answer to Tongqing Xu Jingwu") This letter is very shining.What is one's heart?Why can't we go or stay?Gao Gong's power is growing day by day, and Juzheng already feels threatened, but he has to struggle, and he refuses to give up his power.

The first to give up power was Chen Yiqin.In a mixed cabinet, he is always neutral.Fighting warriors, Gao Gong is an old colleague of Yudi, Zhao Zhenji is a fellow villager, Zhang Ju is his student, what do you teach me?There are many people who are involved in national affairs, and I am not attached to this position.In July of the fourth year of Longqing, Yiqin became an official. In October of this year, Gao Gong proposed to investigate Ke Dao.The last time Gao Gong resigned, he failed at the hands of the speaker, and now he has to investigate the speaker.The inspection was of course a temporary Beijing inspection, and as usual, it was jointly held by the Ministry of Officials and the Metropolitan Procuratorate, so Gao Gong, who was also in charge of the Ministry of Officials, had a direct confrontation with Zhao Zhenji, who was also in charge of the Metropolitan Procuratorate.Zhen Jishu said: "Because of the censor Ye Mengxiong's disobedience, His Majesty strictly ordered the examination of the speaker, and those who were promoted to the resident, should take the exam. Nearly 200 people should take the exam."Among them, there are no people who are loyal to the Lord, stunned and dare to speak, and now they are guilty of wanton treachery and evil, stealing fear that the department's conduct is too appropriate, loyalty and evil will not be distinguished, resulting in blocking the way of speaking and depressing morale, which is not a blessing for the country.Mu Zong accepted Gao Gong's proposal, and things still had to be done.During the investigation, Gao Gong advocated reprimanding Zhenji's entourage. Of course, Zhenji has his own way. All Gao Gong's entourages should be expelled.A stalemate has formed and mediation is needed. As a result of the mediation, personnel from both sides will be retained, but Gao Gong's political opponents will still be criticized as long as they have nothing to do with Zhenji.During this inspection, twenty-seven people were demoted; the censor Wang Qi was demoted; Wei Shiliang, who had moved to Dali Shaoqing during the incident, went; During the incident, Wu Shilai, who had moved to the governor of Guangdong, Youqian Capital Censor, also went.Others include Yu Shi Hao Jie, who resigned on his own initiative because of the impeachment of Gao Gong, without waiting for investigation at this time.Everything is happy.Some of Gao Gong's subordinates were officials: Han Ji, Song Zhihan, Cheng Wen, and Tu Menggui.Whoever disagrees will be impeached.Now that Juzheng is here, I can't decide whether to stay or not!Wu Shilai is Xu Jie's protégé, Geng Ding Ding is his friend, they all went, Juzheng is of course a little uneasy.But Gao Gong had to deal with Zhao Zhenji first.This time it was Han Ji who came out.Mediation Despite mediation, attack still has to attack.Han Ji impeached Zhenji and Yongheng, and investigated for selfishness.Zhenji Shangshu replied, claiming: I am in charge of the affairs of the court, only to investigate a matter, and I am at odds with Gong; other bad and random selection methods, wantonly committing adultery, and those who are obvious to the eyes and ears, the minister keeps silent and can't say a word, there is a responsibility to envoy, the minister Really mediocre.If it is arched, it can be said to be horizontal.After the ministers were released, fortunately, they still supported the cabinet, so that they could not monopolize power for a long time, and cultivate all parties.Zhenji decided to leave his official position and return to his hometown. He just asked for Gao Gong's power to be removed from the Ministry of Officials, so as to avoid the establishment of a private party.But before he was dismissed, the country's plans, due to an unexpected change, everything still awaits Zhenji's support.

The Tatars in the north of China were always at war with the Central Plains from the beginning of the Ming Dynasty until the Longqing period.The leader of Tatar was the little prince, but after Sejong, the leadership fell into the hands of Alda.It was he who attacked Beijing; it was him who repeatedly imposed martial law in the capital; it was also for him that Sejong killed Minister of the Ministry of War and Governor Jiliao.Some of his men were Tatar warriors, but there were also Han Chinese.In the past, the culture of the neighbors was lower than that of the Central Plains, and the combat effectiveness of individual soldiers may be stronger than that of the Central Plains, but the organizational ability is not as good as that of the Central Plains, so the war is still at a disadvantage.After the Han people left, their organizational strength was strengthened, which further affected their combat effectiveness, and the status of the Central Plains changed from an advantage to a disadvantage.This is the problem of traitors.During the reign of Emperor Shizong of the Ming Dynasty, a group of people like Qiu Fu and Zhao Quan voted for the Tatars, and slowly lured the Han people along the border until tens of thousands of people became a group of traitors.They built castles and opened paddy fields in Toyosu.The place is called Banl, which means house in Tatar.They planned wars for Alta, and sometimes led the enemy to attack the Great Wall. Qiu Fu died in the battle of attacking the motherland, but there was also Zhao Quan.Zhao Quan led Alda to attack Datong.Zhao Quan plans to respect I Da as the emperor, and he is also preparing to become the king himself. Everything is going smoothly like flowing water.But disaster struck, and Zhao Quan finally failed on a woman. Ida's third son Tiebei Taiji died, leaving behind a child named Han Naji.I replied that he should be handed over to his wife, Yikehatun, who would marry Biji for him when he grew up.However, Han Naji was not satisfied, so he fell in love with his aunt's daughter, San Niangzi, and married her.Things should be satisfied, unfortunately I Da also fell in love with his granddaughter.The third lady moved into the arms of the grandfather.Jealousy, shame, resentment, resentment, all concentrated on this young man.The Tatar tent cannot tolerate the pain of broken love.He cursed Tartar, and finally left the north with a dozen people including Biji and Aligo, the nurse's husband. In the frosty October wind, a dozen Tatar horses hurried to the border of the Great Wall.They are going to Datong to meet with the governor of Datong, Fang Fengshi.In the recent past, outside the border of Xuanda, they managed to sneak away for a while. Now that the descendants have arrived, everyone knows that there must be pursuers behind, so when Fang Feng notified the governor of Xuanda, Wang Chonggu, some people argued that he would not accept it. Light, but every time thinks that the opportunity must not be missed, and Chonggu also thinks that rare goods can be lived.Under the concentric mood of the governor, Fang Fengshi finally sent 500 knights to welcome Hannaji.This lovelorn young man temporarily became the honored guest of the governor's yamen. Both Chonggu and Fengshi were transferred to Xuanda this year.Chonggu still remembered that when he was transferred from the trilateral governor, Juzheng said to him: But things are lazy here, which is slightly different from Kansai.Lu Qiang, one also.Yun Zhongbei went straight to the captive court, Ban Sheng rebelled, relying on captives as a trouble, two things.Scholars have no fighting spirit, but only bribes and exemptions, three things.If the soldier is lazy and plays, the general order will not work, and the fourth is also.If you are close to Ji Dian, you will fear and avoid love; if you enter small, you will be a place of liberation;There must be extraordinary people in the world, and then there will be extraordinary things, and there will be extraordinary things, and then there will be extraordinary achievements.The so-called extraordinary people are also, and the five diseases can be cured!I would like to be familiar with the plans and examine the plans. (Book 2, "Response to Wang Jianchuan of Fuyuan of Jizhen on the Five Troubles of Jibian". The official title and title are all wrong.) Chonggu decided that this time was an extraordinary event.Bringing Han Naji, who is actually a prisoner, Chonggu's plan is to exchange prisoners.The broken love of a Tatar boy is not worth considering, he and Fang Fengshi decided to take this opportunity to get Zhao Quan back.At any time, I plan to send Bao Chongde, a hundred households, out of Yunshi Fort to talk with me.Things are going on, Juzheng has got the news, he immediately said to Chonggu: Yesterday someone came from the clouds and said that the captive chief had a grandson, and he led more than ten riders to surrender. I don't know if it is true.The son of Ida saw that there was only one ear of Huang Taiji, and his grandson was the son of Huang Taiji?Why did he lead you to surrender?Why don't you hear it?If there is such a thing, it has a lot to do with border affairs, and it is advisable for the public to try and deal with it.Hope is secret, and believe what you hear. (The second copy of the book "Yu Fuyuan Wang Jianchuan's visit to me is the beginning of the later tribute" is incorrectly titled.) Juzheng's information was fast, but not very accurate.When Chong Gu's report arrived, Ju Zheng decided on a countermeasure: When the captives come to surrender, even though the court has the right way, it can make people from afar turn to them, and it is also within the reach of public power and virtue.Thankfully, thankfully!Considering this matter is of the utmost importance, the opportunity to control captives is really here.In previous years, the Taosong village incident was handled inappropriately by the temple. People laughed at it, and their teeth are still cold. (In the thirty-sixth year of Jiajing, Tao Songzhai, the concubine of my son Xin Ai, surrendered, Xu Lunling, Minister of the Ministry of War, went west, and secretly told Xin Ai to kill him. See "History of the Ming Dynasty", Volume 227, "Biography of Tartar") Today Things are not what they used to be, and they should not be hasty.It is reported that our chief asked for it on the sidelines.The servant is afraid that the other will abandon him and not take it, so I will hold the empty quality and make a grudge against the prisoner. Now he comes to ask for it, and I will benefit.Gongdi warned the officers and men to keep the walls clear and clear the fields, and to guard against dangers and wait for them, so that people would say with kind words: I am not tempting your grandchildren to surrender.The law of China: If the head of the descendant of the captive chieftain is rewarded with ten thousand gold, he will be the Marquis of Judgment.I can't cut off the head of your grandson to ask for a reward, but because he came here for righteousness, and your relatives and grandsons, I couldn't bear to kill him, and I gave him clothes and food very generously.If you want to get it, you should be humble and imitate the money, or cut off the head of my rebellion Zhao Quan and others, and swear to the heavens. For about a few years, if you can't ride into our fortress, you can go to the heaven and send you back with rites.Now it's the fierce rebellion, claiming to be taken by soldiers, how can I be afraid of you?Today's Xuanda people are not compared to previous years. If you come, you will come, and I will wait for it!It is a common thing for captives to invade and invade. Even if their grandsons do not surrender, they must also enter, and I must guard against them.The public should stick to the original intention, review the strategy, and not be confused by public words.But those who are auspicious people should be guarded when they are placed in towns and cities. They should not be communicated with outsiders, and they should be given generously, so as not to make them return to memory.For those who continue to surrender, the real captives will distribute the soldiers, and the Chinese and the Ning family should not gather together in one place, for fear of other dangers. (The same volume as "The Beginning of Answering Jianchuan Ce's Answer") Everything went according to Juzheng's plan.Chonggu and Fengshi jointly named Shangshu: I Da ran rampant outside the Great Wall for dozens of fifty years, coercing all tribes and invading the border.Today, gods are disgusted with vicious virtues, their flesh and blood are betrayed, and they come from thousands of miles away. It is advisable to give them houses, give them official positions, fill them with food, and eat them to please their hearts.After this memorial was uploaded, the court immediately had a heated debate.Yushi Ye Mengxiong, Rao Renkan, and Wu Shangxian advocated not to surrender: they believed that the surrender of Guo Yaoshi and Zhang Wei in the Song Dynasty caused the greatest disaster of war.Han Naji should be sent back now, so as not to cause war in the north.But Wang Chonggu and Fang Fengshi advocated surrender, Zhang Juzheng advocated surrender, and Gao Gong also advocated surrender.The matter has been decided, Han Naji will be awarded the command envoy, Aligo will be awarded the title of Qianhu, and each will be rewarded with a scarlet silk dress. The views of Ye Mengxiong and others are not wrong.Sure enough, the Tartar knights came!I Da led the army to attack Pinglu City. At the same time, he ordered his son Xin Ai to lead 20,000 troops into Hongci Fort, and his nephew Yong Shaobu to lead troops to Weiyuan Fort.The whole north is tense.The air of death and plunder is again rippling.But why did you use Wang Chonggu and Fang Fengshi in the first place?There are Tan Lun and Qi Jiguang in Jiliao; there are Wang Zhigao in the three sides of Shaanxi, and he is also a governor who is not afraid of war.Come on, then!The best preparations have been made here.Juzheng knew that since Longqing, the defense of the north was being strengthened day by day, preparing for a decisive battle with them. Why don't I know.He wanted Hanaji, he couldn't help the urging of Khatun.It's no wonder that this grandson was brought up by his wife, how can he blame her for her urgent request?But he was not sure about the war, nor was he determined.At this time, Bao Chongde sent by Governor Fang came. As soon as my soldiers arrive, your generals.Immediate death, I replied angrily. Yes, Chongde said, but our generals are no better than your own grandson.The imperial court treats your grandson very generously. Once the war breaks out, your grandson will be gone. I don't know the news about Hannaji yet.He sent someone to inquire, and it turned out that Han Naji was alive.Bao Chongde further proposed to him that Han Naji could go back at any time as long as I returned Zhao Quan and the group of traitors.Although I refused to admit it, I expressed great affection for Chongde, and when I left, I told him to choose a good Tatar horse.These news spread from Chonggu to Juzheng, and Juzheng made another arrangement.He replied: To teach, it is said that it is appropriate to take advantage of the urgency of the old chieftain's desire for grandchildren, because the relationship is the market.Indeed!However, the imperial court accepts surrender and Rong, and must have its own body.Now that I have made an official with him, I am one of us. If you accept it with humiliation, but give it with you, it is a matter of coercion, and it is like a child's play.According to Bao Chongde, sent by the governor, he saw the old chief so himself, and ordered him to pick a good horse when he returned.He does not use all kinds of rebellions to change his grandchildren, and he is ashamed of the light and heavy, and he cannot bear all the rebellions.What's the use of storing a baby dog ​​and a foal?But the most important thing is to coerce it, so as to benefit the ears.Now it is advisable to send people first to express the court's intention to treat his grandson generously, so as to appease the old chieftain's heart.But he ordered Naji to give him clothes and a scarlet robe with a gold belt to show off the captives.When he sees that my favorite is different, he is more eager to get it, and the contract is with me, and then he will give it to the market, and if he asks for what I want, he will definitely get it.Or those who worry about the captives staying for a long time and not retreating, and the soldiers even spending money, don't think about the interests!Today's matter, fortunately, can survive several years of side troubles, and the savings are only tens of millions?And why waste so little at present?Fearing that the public will be judged by the public, he will lose his previous achievements, so he dares to Chen Qiyu. (Letter 1 "Speaking with Wang Jianchuan about the Tribute to Our Chieftain") Both the Ming Dynasty and the Tatars were prepared to fight, but neither was absolutely sure.On the court side, neither the cabinet nor the governors were willing to initiate border provocations.As far as the Tatars are concerned, it is not difficult for me to attack, but as soon as the war breaks out, the imperial court will immediately kill Han Naji;War and peace, is a difficult problem to solve.Zhao Quan's proposition is not wrong. He advised me to station troops outside the border and use it as a threat.But Zhao Quan miscalculated Wang Chonggu.Not only is Chonggu not afraid of threats, but with Han Naji in his hands, he can ask me for a not too small price at any time.Zhao Quan knew that there were only two ways: the first way was to give up Han Naji, but he didn't dare to mention it to me; the second way Zhao Quan remembered, he shuddered and didn't dare to think about it any further.This method, Wang Chonggu and Fang Fengshi thought of it, Bao Chongde mentioned it, and in the end I Da actually admitted it.But Juzheng was not at ease, he told Wang Chonggu: The surrender of captives has been known before.If he is able to insist on sending off the rebels, he should be sent back to Naji with rites, generously rewarding him, so as to tie his heart, but ordering him to be a minister, thanking the court for his grace of not killing, and giving him generously, because he sought peace and accepted it. Pay tribute.Once he is sincere and vows never to commit a crime, he can be considered a knight and a tribute to Er'er.But the servant was still prepared for accidents and dared not tell.All the people in Zhao Quan have been barbarians for a long time. Wouldn't they be pre-joined to the left and right of our chieftain, and the people of Biandun would be ineffective as their eyes and ears?Now I clearly request this, and he also generously agrees, how can this generation be completely unaware?If he knew it, would he be willing to sit and be bound like a chicken or a dog?In case of leaking words, Peter conspired, or talked about coercing several people to take responsibility, and the imperial court made it clear that once it was released, it could not be returned, and the quality was lightly discarded. Big loss?This is one thing to worry about. According to Bao Chongde, although the words of our chieftain are pleading, they are still stationed near the border, supporting the soldiers and strengthening themselves. The same coercion is not seen as a sincere payment.Today I will order all the famous rebels to be sent into the country first, returned to their lairs, and sent back to the rangers. Then I will send officials to send them back to their grandchildren with courtesy.If there is a hostage between soldiers and hostages, and the two sides trade, the Yi and the Di will have no relatives, and things may change. In the Tang Dynasty, Tubo robbed the alliance and made fun of Qianghu.There are two things that can be feared. Today's discussants all use the little chieftain as the mediator of misfortune, and are eager to send him away. There is nothing wrong with him. As for the two matters of conferring titles and paying tribute to the city, they are all between yes and no.If you are contemptuous, you think that the interests of the border defense today do not lie in whether Najib is good or not, but in the sincerity or insincerity of seeking peace there.If he is sincere, pretends to be a knight, and allows him to pay tribute to the city, I can repair the tools of war and defense in time, and the benefits of farming, the border is not arrogant, and the farmers are successful.If he seeks an alliance, then I will show the righteousness of restraint; if he breaks the alliance, he will ask the teacher who committed the crime: the odds of winning are with me, and the benefits of countless generations are also.But I am afraid that once his grandson returns, his wish has been fulfilled. If he wants to seek peace, he must obey the original plan: or beg too much, and it will be difficult to listen. Next year, he will come again to invade. Although Zhao Quan and others are won, I am afraid that he will have nothing profit and loss.There are three things to worry about.Dashu will be restored sooner or later, and it is difficult to teach them one by one because of the grievances. Wanggong and Jinhu (Fang Fengshi) carefully plan it. (Same volume "Seeking Bansheng with Wang Jianchuan") The handling of everything is very confidential, but half of the information has been revealed.Yao Jike, the censor of the patrol, went to Shu, impeachment Fang colluded with the enemy at the right time, and things unexpectedly became tense again.Fortunately, both Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng were involved in the game, so they were safe and sound.Juzheng then ordered Wang Chonggu to comfort Fengshi: Yaozi's words are very false, and he is afraid that Jinhu will hear it, and his meaning may be hindered. I hope Gongqu will comfort him. (The same volume "Send off with Wang Jianchuan to that auspicious event").In the Ida camp, it is also being carried out in secret.Zhao Quan has been summoned, and he has many plans that he wants to discuss with me.But I answered that there was no need for Zhao Quan's plan. He ordered his subordinates to surprise Zhao Quan and Li Zixin with more than a dozen Han people ("History of Ming Dynasty" volume 222 "Wang Chong Gu Zhuan" as more than ten people, volume 327 "Tartar Biography" as more than ten people) Several people. "The Chronicle of Ming Dynasty" volume sixty for nine people), sent to Yunshibao in the new wind in December.This time they returned to China, sent from Yunshibao to Datong, and from Datong to Beijing.After Mu Zong was captured in the Meridian Gate Tower, he sacrificed to heaven and sued the Taimiao, and then they were sent to death.Being captured, offering sacrifices to heaven, and suing the Taimiao were all the most solemn ceremonies at that time.After several grand ceremonies, Zhao Quan and Li Zixin finally passed the first nine sides, maybe they don't regret it! Because of this success, Wang Chonggu was promoted to Crown Prince Shaobao, Minister of the Ministry of War, and Governor Xuanda as before;Guo Gan, Shangshu of the Ministry of War, waited for Lang Guzhongxu and Wang Lin to raise their rewards.Li Chunfang, Gao Gong, Zhang Juzheng, and Yin Shidan joined together with the ministers of grace.Zhao Zhenji has already retired in November, but because of his support for this big plan, he is also favored.Shidan, a native of Licheng, was a Jinshi in the same year as Juzheng, and a minister of the Ministry of Rites in the second year of Longqing.After Gao Gong entered the cabinet, Shi Dan remembered that Chen Yiqin, Gao Gong, and Zhang Juzheng all entered the cabinet successively because of their relationship with Yu Mansion as a lecturer.Didn't I work with them in Yu Mansion?He hoped that Gao Gong would support him, but Gao Gong was preparing to support Zhang Siwei, a scholar of the Imperial Academy in Puzhou, and he could not talk about supporting Yin Shidan.He knows that Siwei is submissive and Shi Dan is stubborn, so of course he must use a submissive colleague.This road is obviously blocked, but there is another road.Shi Dan finally got the assistance of the eunuch Chen Hong, and in November, Mu Zong specially ordered him to join the cabinet.Gao Gong hated Shi Dan, and Shi Dan also hated Gao Gong. The cabinet in the fifth year of Longqing was still full of unrest. Longqing's four-year success was completely accidental.The surrender of Han Naji was an accident, and I admit that exchanging Zhao Quan and his group for Han Naji was also an accident, but the accident finally came true.After being treated by Governor Fang, Han Naji wore a special silk red robe and returned to the Tatar tent.Grandfather and grandmother were very moved.The third lady has belonged to grandfather for a long time, so don't care about her now.There were tears of gratitude in the corners of my eyes.He sent someone to thank Wang Chonggu, and he said that from then on, Datong would never be violated again.Juzheng and Chonggu never hoped to make peace at first, but Juzheng also said to Chonggu: He is also a human being, so it is possible not to feel sorry for him. If something happens in the future, when the pawns meet on the battlefield, they will know that there is Wang Taishi in the army (the Tatars call the Ming Dynasty border minister Grand master, it is not necessary for his official to be grand master.), and he must avoid the public. (Letter 2 "Auspicious Event with Wang Jianchuan on Sending Back Home").I vowed not to invade Datong, of course it was another big accident.Everything went according to Chonggu's plan, he just took one steady step, and then took the second step.He sent someone to tell me that he should ask for tribute and reopen the market.What good is there in fighting?The benefits of plunder belong to the subordinates, not to me; the danger of failure belongs to me, not to the subordinates.So why take great risks to win some benefits that have nothing to do with yourself for your subordinates?All propositions are for my answer.I also understand that Chonggu is a good man, otherwise, would he let his grandson come back in a bright red robe?He decided to pay tribute.Chonggu asked him to pay tribute with Tuman, Kunduliha, and Jineng. Shiman is his master, so he can't talk about it; Kunduliha is his younger brother, and Jineng is his nephew. I agree to admit it on their behalf. . Accidents are of course accidents, but why not accidents?The court and the Tatars are always in opposition: if the Tatars are strong, they can attack the Central Plains; if the court is strong, they can also threaten the Tatars.This is a question of strength.Secondly, we should not think that Alta's repeated attacks on the north have great ambitions.He was the same as the one in the Yingzong era. He had force, and he could attack the north repeatedly, but he was just a leader among the Tatars.First of all, there is Tuotuobuhua on the top, and I answer that there is also the little barbarian prince on the top.If their ambitions are too great, they should first develop within the Tartar tribe.But that's not what they're fighting for.As long as they protect their own interests, they might as well admit the existence of the master.So, didn't Zhao Quan respect I Da as the emperor?In fact, this is just Zhao Quan's approach, I don't want to cancel the little prince because of this.Now that I Da recognized the existence of the master, Wang Chonggu and Zhang Juzheng's claim could be realized easily. They only wanted him to admit that the Ming Dynasty was his master if he asked for tribute.Maybe some discomfort?However, it's okay, the owner has changed his name, it doesn't matter much, and there are benefits of reopening the market later.As long as it's worth it, of course I would. The difficulty lies not with the Tatars but with the court.When Wang Chonggu lured Al Da to pay tribute, the court's discussion started all at once.They think it is inconvenient to pay tribute. They remember the story of Qiu Luan opening the horse market. They want to be Yang Jisheng. Not to cause trouble.However, they forget that this is not the era of Sejong, that Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng are not Yan Song, and Wang Chonggu is not Qiu Luan.As for the guarantee that there will be no troubles within a hundred years, who can guarantee that, except for irresponsible prophets in the world?Ju Zhengzhen was really excited, he told Wang Chonggu twice; It is useless for servants to steal their salary, and they are abused for selfishness.The matter of paying tribute is a grand plan to control the security of the captives. At that time, with the heart of prostitution and jealousy, people held mediocre opinions, calculated the current harm, and forgot the long-term benefits, so they wanted to shake things up and stop them.The country has a high rank and rich salary, and raising this generation is not as good as a real dog or horse.The servant receives the state's great kindness, and there is no repayment for his death. He has surrendered and rebelled.When the great sparseness arrives, we should still strongly agree with it, but after Xu Gong, we should take more measures.Now that Jinhu is gone, the successor may not be able to complement each other, so he has to rely on the prestige of the public to stay for several months, so that the common people can avoid future worries. (Letter 2 "Discussion with Wang Jianchuan on the matter of insisting on paying tribute") Jinhu is Fang Fengshi. After taking Han Naji back, because of Ding You's return at Fengshi, Wang Chonggu's responsibility falls on Wang Chonggu. He tried his best to keep him until the first year of Wanli, when he lived in Zhengguo, he was transferred back to Beijing as Minister of Rongzheng to take on a more important responsibility.After Fengshi left office, his successor was Liu Yingji, and the governors all carried the title of the Metropolitan Procuratorate, or the Vice Capital Censor, or the Qiandu Censor, hereinafter referred to as Liu Yuan refers to this. Today's discussants are all saying that they talk about making peace and showing weakness, and the horse market provokes. Those who talk about this are not only disloyal, but also unwise.Husband's so-called peace means that two enemies are fighting each other, both in wisdom and ugliness, and their own strength is not enough to win, so they have to seek peace, such as the Han Dynasty and Song Dynasty. Thinking it was hanging upside down, Kou Gong refused to initiate a discussion.Today, he is called a minister and pays money, obeys the begging, and the peacemaker is in China, not in the barbarians. Compared with the Han and Song Dynasties, it is absolutely unreliable. It can only be called paying tribute, not talking about peace.As for the opening of the horse market in the past, the official gave the price of the horse, and the market traded for horses. He surrounded the country with troops and pressed for the market. Can't do it again.Today, because of the convenience of paying tribute, the officials open the market to make trade with the frontier people slightly restricted, so as not to exclude Chinese property and those that should be banned. The period is three or two days, such as the Liao Dynasty. Opening the original example, how can the horse market be the same?As for the defense of the mulberry soil and the danger of guarding against it, this is my routine, and if I can't afford to be less slack for a day, will there be any damage if I don't pay tribute to the captives?Today in China, my father, son and brother have made an appointment, but I still can't guarantee that I will not betray them, how about Yi Di?But in my strategy of controlling the defense, if the ears are self-contained, how can they be captured without my back?Do not plunder at any time for decades, and do not enter any land. Is it all because of the betrayal of the alliance?Will the disaster of betraying the alliance in the future be added to this?利害之歸較若黑白，而議者猶呶呶以此為言，故僕又以為不智甚矣。劉院既知此事顛末，又與公同心，必能共襄大事，幸採取其議，及鎮守、兵備以下所呈，折以高見，並圖上貢額、貢期、市易事宜，僕與元老，當備聞於上，請旨行之，浮議雖多，不足恤也。 （同卷《答王鑒川計貢市利害》） 朝廷和韃靼的關係到了現階段，共有三個關鍵：（一）是封，指封俺答為王及其昆弟子侄為官之事；（二）是貢，指俺答及其部下入貢之事；（三）是互市，指封貢以後，明代北邊和俺答所屬諸部在限定的日期，指定的貨物以內，實行擇地通商之事。 這三個關鍵，又有當前種種不同的難題。俺答只是一個首領，固然不能指揮土蠻，就是對於自己的子弟，也不一定都能絕對指揮。假如一部通市，一部不通市，那麼因為韃靼是整個的，難免以交易所得的資源，供給尚在敵對狀態中的部落。而且即是對於俺答直接的部下，誰也不能擔保將來不發生意外的變化，所以互市以後的困難，還是不少。從好的方面講，要顧慮到封貢、互市成立以後，中國的邊防，不至因此頹廢，以致引起後來的外侮。從壞的方面講，也還有一部分邊將，指望每年秋天向韃靼方面抄掠，以飽私人的欲壑。顧慮愈多，障礙愈多，事情困難了。但是為整個國家的利害計算，不能不有一個切實的決定。 兵部尚書郭乾指出世宗禁止馬市的故事，反對互市；給事中章端甫指摘王崇古邀近功，忽遠慮。但是居正在內策動，再由崇古上疏。崇古說：朝廷若允俺答封貢，諸邊有數年之安，可乘時修備。設敵背盟，吾以數年蓄養之財力，從事戰守，愈於終歲奔命，自救不暇者矣。 ，又說：夫先帝禁開馬市，未禁北敵之納款。今敵求貢市，不過如遼東開原、廣寧之規，商人自以有無貿易，非請復開馬市也。俺答父子兄弟，橫行四、五十年，震驚宸嚴，流毒畿輔，莫收遏劉功者，緣議論太多，文網牽制，使邊臣無所措手足耳。昨俺答東行，京師戒嚴，至倡運磚聚灰，塞門乘城之計。今納款求貢，又必責以久要，欲保百年無事，否則治首事之罪。豈惟臣等不能逆料他時，雖俺答亦恐能保其身，不能制諸部於身後也。夫投之時勢，既當俯從，考之典故，非今創始，堂堂天朝，容荒服之來王，昭聖圖之廣大，以示東西諸部，傳天下萬世，諸臣何疑憚而不為耶？ .崇古這一次上疏，和居正平時的主張相同的太多了。他同樣地要省議論（參居正《陳六事疏》），同樣地指摘隆慶四年的守城之策（參居正《答薊鎮吳環洲書》），是居正的手筆嗎？我們不敢說，但是不免給我們一種曾經商討的印象。 崇古的奏疏裡，又議封貢八事：（一）議封號，（二）定貢額，（三）議貢期，（四）立互市，（五）議撫賞，（六）議歸降，（七）審經權，（八）戒狡飾。內閣方面，李春芳、高拱、張居正贊同了，殷士儋不反對。兵部尚書郭乾認識有關國防的事，都是兵部的事，但是沒有方法解決，最後還是由皇帝下詔，召集廷議。廷議是當時的大臣會議，每人都有發言權，但是決定權卻屬於皇帝。這一次的大臣會議當中，定國公徐文璧、吏部右侍郎張四維等二十二人以為封貢、互市可許；英國公張溶、戶部尚書張守直等十七人以為不可許；工部尚書朱衡等五人以為封貢可許，互市不可許。用現在的術語說，封貢是多數通過了，但是互市還是不能通過，一切又成了僵局。郭乾把會議的結果奏明皇上，只候皇帝的決定。 這是穆宗裁決的時候了。他和大學士商量：居正是策動人，當然認為可許；高拱也在後邊策動；通過封貢，全是高拱指揮，張四維四處活動的結果。在這幾個人的慫恿之下，穆宗決定外示羈縻，內修守備，便是一面詔許封貢、互市，一面整頓國防的政策。政府的大政方針決定了：詔封俺答為順義王，賜紅蟒衣一襲；昆都力哈、黃台吉授都督同知，各賜紅獅子衣一襲；其餘授官的，一共六十一人，把漢那吉封昭勇將軍，指揮使如故。都督同知是現代的中將，指揮使是現在的上校。從此以後，韃靼騎士都成為中國的貴族和軍官，有王，有中將，有上校。他們的鐵蹄，不再踐踏中國的田野；他們的刀槍，不再濡染中國的膏血。當然，朝廷談不到使用韃靼作戰，但是朝廷也用不到對於韃靼作成。高拱、王崇古、方逢時是嘉靖二十年的進士；譚綸是嘉靖二十三年的進士；李春芳、張居正是嘉靖二十六年的進士。他們回想到在自己出身的時代，正是俺答屢次南下，北京屢次戒嚴的時代：京師九門被圍，僥倖沒有失守；如今的國家，在他們手裡蘇醒過來了，整個的北邊，解除了敵人的威脅，而且在人力和物力不再感受壓迫的時候，可以從容佈置。他們感覺到一種特有的愉快。朝廷方面，所費的只是幾十件紅袍；讓紅蟒、紅獅子安慰韃靼罷，當時所得的是北方的安全。 隆慶五年辛未會試，居正為主考，吏部左侍郎翰林學士呂調陽為副主考。居正嘉靖三十二年曾為同考官，那一次的進士如龐尚鵬、梁夢龍、陳瑞、曾省吾都是居正的門生，以後成為有名的人物。辛未科第一名進士張元汴，和第三名進士鄧以贊同入《明史．儒林傳》，但在事功方面，同樣沒有什麼表現。同科惟有徐貞明留下一部有名的著作和一件偉大而始終沒有完成的事業。他認定北方只知水害，不知水利。他也認定水害未除，正由於水利未興。在他謫居潞河的時候，著《潞水客談》，列舉修北方水利十四利。萬曆十三年，貞明遷尚寶司丞，兼監察御史，奉詔墾田永平，於是招南人，大興水利，次年墾田三萬九千餘畝。一切計劃，正在逐步完成，但是北方人惟恐水田成功以後，江南的漕糧，必定派到北方，於是御史王之棟奏稱水田必不可行，又稱開滹沱河不便者十二事。經過這一個打擊，貞明的計劃，終於功敗垂成，但是他不能不算是辛未科傑出的人才。最有表見的是劉台、傅應禎、吳中行、趙用賢。他們都是隆慶五年進士，都是居正的門生，其後對於居正，都曾經提出彈劾，因此在歷史上都留下不朽的盛名。居正的不樹立黨羽，和劉台等的不阿附座主，都是可以稱道的事件。不過從大體講起，辛未一科的人才，還是貧乏；這一科裡，任何方面，都沒有第一流的人物。 俺答封貢的決策中，兵部尚書郭乾的表現太差了；沒有辦法，沒有決斷。五年三月，郭乾免職。高拱想起第一流的軍事專家楊博，但是楊博曾經做過吏部尚書，他已經是六部的領袖，也許不願意回兵部。不妨事，官銜仍是吏部尚書，由他管理兵部的事。整個的政局，因為高拱以大學士管理吏部事，楊博以吏部尚書管理兵部事，顯見得畸形，但是高拱和楊博都算是用當其才。 政權是高拱的了，首輔李春芳一切放任，自己既不眷戀政權，為什麼要爭權呢？而且春芳也明白，大學士只是皇帝的私人秘書，首輔的地位，在政治制度上，沒有明顯的規定，一切都是演變的結果，既然是演變，根本就說不上固定，那嗎，由他去罷。但是高拱決定不能容許春芳的存在。高拱想起自己和徐階的夙仇，正要報復，都被春芳擋住了，因此決定攻擊春芳。春芳也看見了，認得高拱不能相容，索性上疏請求致仕，一次不行，再來一次。穆宗還在留他，經不起南京給事中王禎又提出一次彈劾，五月間，春芳終於致仕而去，他從隆慶二年七月至五年五月，一共做了二年十一個月的首輔。據說王禎這次的彈劾，完全是仰承高拱的意旨。從此高拱是首輔兼管吏部尚書事。憑著穆宗的信任，和他自己的才具，以及那有仇必報的氣度，他已經成為事實的獨裁者。 在封貢、互市的爭論中，居正佔據主要的地位。這次決策的大功，當然應由高拱、王崇古，和居正平分，但是居正卻盡了最大的努力。在郭乾徬徨歧路的時間，向皇帝請旨召集廷議的是他。封俺答一事尚未決定的時間，檢出成祖敕封和甯、太平、賢義三王的故事以為前例的是他。決定以後，擬旨敕行的也是他。他正在和王崇古計議四件事： （一）開市之初，民間不願和韃靼交易，所以最初必須由官中佈置，使人知有利，自易樂從； （二）韃靼要求買鍋，鍋是鐵鑄的，日後便是武器的來源，輕易賣不得。廣鍋不能鑄造兵器，不妨出賣廣鍋，但是買的時候要拿破舊的鐵鍋掉換； （三）韃靼使者一概不許入朝，也不許入城，只許在邊堡逗留； （四）朝廷和韃靼休戰，沿邊將士失去擄掠的機會，不免生怨，應當加意防備。 種種方面，他都顧慮到了。講和也罷，封貢也罷，這是一個名稱；居正只認為是停戰。停戰是繼續戰爭的準備，他要修城堡，開邊荒；他要消滅趙全這一群漢奸的餘黨，他要訓練將士以防韃靼的進攻。（參書牘三《與王鑒川計四事四要》） 居正對於國事的籌措，沒有使他忘去對於老師的維護。徐階是一位有能力，有辦法的首輔，但是對於自己的三個兒子，竟是毫無辦法。隆慶三年應天巡撫海瑞到了，這是有名的鐵面御史，他對於屬內的大紳巨室，一概不買賬。最先感覺威脅的便是徐階的三位少君。他們寫信給居正，居正一邊告誡，一邊安慰他們說： 辱翰貺，深荷遠情。近來人情風俗，誠為可駭，俟海公人至，當作一書善譬之。太翁老師年高，恐不能堪此，望公朝夕保護。事有可了者，宜即自了之，勿致貽戚可也。恃在通家，敢爾妄及。（書讀十四《與符卿徐仰齋》） 這一陣風波過去以後，高拱再相，徐階更感覺不安，居正和應天巡撫朱大器說： 存齋老先生，以故相家居，近聞中翁再相，意頗不安，願公一慰藉之。至於海剛峰（瑞）之在吳，其施雖若過當，而心則出於為民。霜雪之後，少加和煦，人即懷春，亦不必盡變其法以徇人也。惟公虛心劑量之，地方幸甚。（同卷《答應天巡撫朱東園》） 隆慶五年，事態更加嚴重。這年，徐階生日，居正去信，自稱不敢走介，畏行多露。又說，鄙懷種種，亦噤不敢言，臨楮惆悵而已。（同卷《答上師相徐存齋九》）。內閣的大權，完全在高拱手裡，言官們又聽他指揮，一步走錯不得，一句說錯不得，這是隆慶五年居正所處的地位。徐階的地位更壞了。三個兒子同時被逮，田產充公了，兩個兒子也問了充軍的大罪，只留得徐階慢慢地回味會不會得到和嚴嵩一樣的結果。在嚴重的局勢下面，居正還是苦心調護。他不願得罪高拱，但是他要保障徐階；集中留著下列幾封信： 憶公昔在姑蘇，有惠政，士民所仰，故再借憲節以臨之。乃近聞之道路云，存翁相公家居，三子皆被重逮，且云，吳中上司揣知中玄相公（高拱），有憾於徐，故為之甘心焉。此非義所宜出也。夫古人敵惠、敵怨，不及其子。中玄公光明正大，宅心平恕，僕素所深諒，即有怨於人，可一言立解。且中玄公曾有手書奉公，乃其由中之語，必不藏怒，而過為已甚者也。且存翁以故相終老，未有顯過聞於天下，而使其子皆駢首就逮，脫不幸有傷霧露之疾，至於顛隕，其無乃虧朝廷所以優禮舊臣之意乎！亦非中玄公所樂聞也。僕上惜國家體面，下欲為朋友消怨業，知公有道君子也，故敢以聞，惟執事其審圖之。（書牘十四《答松江兵憲蔡春台諱國熙》，按國熙承高拱旨，窮治徐階事，見王世貞《首輔傳》卷六） 松江事，高老先生業已寢之，似不必深究。仲尼不為已甚，報怨亦自有當。牽牛以蹊人之田，而奪之牛。蹊者固有罪矣，而奪之牛，無乃過乎？今全吳亦所以愛鄭也，公有道者，故敢以此言告，幸惟裁之。（同卷《答河南巡撫梁鳴泉》） 往者奉書云云，蓋推玄翁之意以告公也。辱回示，業已施行，自難停寢，但望明示寬假，使問官不敢深求，早與歸結，則訟端從此可絕，而存老之體面，玄翁之美意，兩得之矣。僕於此亦有微嫌，然而不敢避者，所謂老婆心切也，望公亮之。辱教，有欲告我者，此僕之所欲聞也，傾耳以承，幸勿終靳！（同卷《答應天巡撫》） 這三封信，都很閃爍，尤其是後面的兩函。高拱和徐階結怨，急圖報復，久已成為公開的秘密。所指高拱給蔡國熙的信，大致是解釋仇怨的話，這是表面文章，居正認為宅心平恕，必不藏怒蓄恨，只是順水難舟，一種無可奈何的辦法。《答梁鳴泉函》，不知是否誤題，梁夢龍（即鳴泉）為居正門下士，函中語氣，似不類。徐階、松江人，高拱、新鄭人，所謂全吳愛鄭者指此。答應天巡撫函所謂辱回示業已施行，正指來函無可挽回的表示，至於有欲告我者一句，是不是對於居正的一種謠言，正取一種欲說不說的姿勢？現在不管他，但對於居正，還是一種威脅。是僕之所樂聞也，是一句掙扎的話。 高拱入閣以後，居正所處的是一個最困難的地位，一步一步都需要最大的審慎。熱中的人不肯輕易放棄政權，但是要想維持政權，便不是一件容易的事。隆慶五年居正還遇到一個問題，然而也居然被他度過了，這是膠萊河的問題。 隆慶四年九月，黃河在邳州決口，從睢寧到宿遷一百八十里河水驟淺，江南來的糧船，一概不能北上。在明代這是一個異常重大的問題。明代的政治中心在北京，但是明代的經濟中心卻在南京。一切的資源出在南方，尤其是四百萬石糧食，全賴南方的接濟。從南方到北方，唯一的生命線是運河，運河發生了問題，南方和北方失去聯絡，整個的國家，立刻受到影響。偏偏運河不是我們所想像到的那一條安全的水道，從瓜洲渡江，要經過邵伯湖、高郵湖、氾光湖、寶應湖、白馬湖，這些地方還好；再上去便是洪澤湖，淮水從安徽來，在清口和黃河交匯，這是最大的難關。再上去，從清口到徐州茶城，黃河就是運河，運河要靠黃河的接濟。水量太大了，南方來的糧船隨時有漂沒的危險；可是水量太小了，糧船便要膠擱半途。國家的前途，完全寄頓在這一條毫無辦法、不可捉摸的水道上面，真是太危險了。因此明代一面重視河道總督和漕運總督的職責，一面仍是不時提出海運的問題。海運是從太倉、嘉定沿東海繞成山角，入天津的一條航線。在現代當然是一條很簡單、很安全的航線，但是十六世紀的中國，航海和造船的技術不比現代，所以一路的危險還是很多。有了危險，便不免要犧牲。犧牲人命，不是一件簡單的事，在明代，連皇帝殺一個罪犯，還要經過法司五次的執奏，何況是平常的官吏！隆慶年間，漕運總督王宗沐運米十二萬石，自淮入海，直抵天津，不能不算很大的成功，但是因為八舟漂沒，失米三千二百石，引起南京給事中張煥的彈劾。三千二百石只是不足百分之三的損失，本來不算太大，但是張煥質問，米可補，人命可補乎？便無從答覆了。運河既然時常發生困難，海運又危險太大，因此便有縮短海程、避免成山角的提議。這便是膠萊河。 膠萊河出自山東高密縣，分南北二流：南流至膠州麻灣口入海，北流至掖縣海倉入海，這是天然的水道。單憑這一條水道，當然談不上漕運，因此便有人提議在中間另鑿新水道，溝通南端的膠河，北端的萊河，這便是所謂膠萊新河。膠萊新河始終不曾完成，但是卻不斷地湧現在明人的腦際。隆慶五年，給事中李貴和舊事重提，上疏請開膠萊新河。恰恰在隆慶四年黃河再決，高家堰大潰，運河水量不足，漕運中斷以後，這一個問題，重新引起很大的注意。高拱極力主張重開膠萊河，這不是他的好大喜功，而是他的公忠體國。有了膠萊河，漕運便可以由淮入海，由膠州灣入膠萊河，再由海倉口出海直入天津，漕運便利了，北邊的糧餉有了把握，國防問題、經濟問題，跟著膠萊河一同解決，為什麼不要開！居正的公忠體國，和高拱一樣，但是他不能不顧慮到水源的問題。膠河和萊河的分水嶺要鑿，已經夠困難了，還不算是困難的中心；有了水道，便要有水，水從那裡來？山中不是沒有水，但是不夠行船，更談不到刷沙；在河水不能刷沙的時候，海沙侵入河身，那又怎樣辦？這些問題，居正都顧慮到，但是他更不能不顧慮自己的問題。他的境遇已經困難，他不願意和高拱衝突，最後他想起胡檟。胡檟也是給事中，是高拱的一系，不過他是一個有定見、不隨聲附和的人。居正提議派胡檟查勘，高拱當然同意。胡檟到了山東以後，事情看清楚，他也主張不開膠萊河。居正又安穩地度過一次難關。他和胡檟說起： 新河之議，原為國計耳。今既灼見其不可，則亦何必罄有用之財，為無益之費，持固必之見，期難圖之功哉！幸早以疏聞，亟從寢閣。始者建議之人，意蓋甚美，其說雖不售，固亦無罪也。（書牘三《答河道按院胡玉吾》） 始慮新河水泉難濟，臆度之見，不意偶中。辱別揭所云，剴切洞達，深切事理。自勝國以來，二百餘年，紛紛之議，今日始決，非執事之卓見高識，不能剖此大疑，了此公案。後之好事者，可以息喙矣。書至，即過玄翁，言其不可成之狀，玄翁亦慨然請罷。蓋其初意，但憂運道艱阻，為國家