明代天順期の閣臣李賢と內閣政治の變容

Abstract

This paper focuses on the Neige 內閣 (the Grand Secretariat) during the Tianshun era of the Ming dynasty and studies the evolution of Neige politics beginning the Restoration (奪門) of Emperor Yingzong. The first section introduces the life and works of Li Xian 李賢, who was one of the Grand Secretaries (閣臣). The second section examines the changes in the personnel of Grand Secretariat, mainly by observing the political ties among Emperor Yingzong, Grand Secretaries, and Meritorious Retainers of the Restoration. The third section analyzes and summarizes the political activities of Grand Secretaries and the characteristics of the Neige. Shortly after the Restoration, conflict arose between the Meritorious group and the Grand Secretaries. Emperor Yingzong formed an alliance with the Grand Secretaries, and through their power, he successfully purged the Meritorious Retainers group. Although the Grand Secretaries made many sacrifices, they were able to gain political power by declaring their anti-Meritorious Retainers position and participating in the purge. At the same time, evolution within the Neige can also be seen. Due to the conflict with Meritorious Retainers, by the time of the purge, only Li Xian, Peng Shi 彭時, and Lü Yuan 呂原 remained within the Neige. At that time, Li Xian had gained the trust of Emperor Yingzong, so he alone could communicate with the emperor via verbal or written means at most times, and Peng and Lü were unable to participate directly in political decision-making. Even if the other Grand Secretaries had a chance to communicate with the emperor, their influence was far less than that of Li Xian. Nevertheless, Li Xian could not keep the Neige under his control, and the other Grand Secretaries would not obey him. If Li Xian had pushed his will and ideas, he would have faced the resentment and resistance from other Grand Secretaries. Moreover, Emperor Yingzong did not wish to grant greater power to the Neige, so Li Xian could not rely on the emperor. Li Xian continually strove for leadership in the Neige, in other words, he tried to build a superior-subordinate relationship within the Neige, but he failed. In conclusion, a superior-subordinate relationship was not formed and merely a collegial system was maintained within the Neige.