高(gao)(gao)(gao)拱(gong)祖(zu)籍山西洪洞,先祖(zu)為(wei)避元末亂遷徙新鄭高(gao)(gao)(gao)老莊(zhuang)村。他出身官宦世家(jia),父親高(gao)(gao)(gao)尚賢,正德十(shi)二年(1517年)進(jin)士,歷任山東按察司提學僉事(shi)、陜西按察司僉事(shi)等,至光祿寺少卿。
高拱生于正(zheng)德(de)七年(nian)(nian)(nian)(1512年(nian)(nian)(nian))十二月十三(san)日,自幼受到嚴(yan)格(ge)的家教,“五歲善對偶(ou),八歲誦千言” 。稍長(chang),即攻讀(du)經(jing)(jing)義,苦鉆學問。十七歲以“禮經(jing)(jing)”魁于鄉,以后卻在科舉道路(lu)上蹉跎了十三(san)個年(nian)(nian)(nian)頭(tou),才(cai)考中進(jin)士,并選(xuan)(xuan)為(wei)庶吉士。嘉靖二十一年(nian)(nian)(nian)(1542年(nian)(nian)(nian))授任翰(han)(han)林編修,九年(nian)(nian)(nian)考滿(man),升翰(han)(han)林侍讀(du)。嘉靖三(san)十一年(nian)(nian)(nian)(1552年(nian)(nian)(nian)),裕(yu)王(wang)(wang)(wang)朱載垕開(kai)邸(di)受經(jing)(jing),高拱首被當(dang)選(xuan)(xuan),進(jin)府(fu)入講。此時皇(huang)太(tai)子朱載壡已歿(mo)二年(nian)(nian)(nian)而(er)新儲未(wei)建,裕(yu)王(wang)(wang)(wang)與其異母兄弟(di)景(jing)王(wang)(wang)(wang)朱載圳(zhen)都(dou)居京城,論(lun)序(xu)當(dang)立裕(yu)王(wang)(wang)(wang),而(er)世宗似屬意景(jing)王(wang)(wang)(wang)。裕(yu)王(wang)(wang)(wang)前(qian)途未(wei)卜,朝廷上下,猜(cai)測種種、議論(lun)紛(fen)紛(fen)。高拱出入王(wang)(wang)(wang)府(fu),多方(fang)調護,給裕(yu)王(wang)(wang)(wang)很大寬(kuan)慰。
當時(shi)(shi),內閣(ge)首(shou)輔嚴(yan)(yan)(yan)嵩(song)(song)、次輔徐階正互相(xiang)傾軋(ya),抵牾日著,高(gao)拱(gong)(gong)泰(tai)然(ran)往返于二人之間(jian),未(wei)見有(you)所厚薄。兩人因高(gao)拱(gong)(gong)為(wei)(wei)裕王講官,以(yi)(yi)后(hou)騰達有(you)日,故也頗(po)器重于他,有(you)時(shi)(shi)甚至避(bi)讓(rang)幾分。時(shi)(shi)嚴(yan)(yan)(yan)嵩(song)(song)權勢熏灼,絲毫得罪不(bu)得,高(gao)拱(gong)(gong)卻不(bu)十分顧忌。一次他以(yi)(yi)韓愈“大雞昂然(ran)來,小雞悚而(er)待”詩(shi)句,調侃嚴(yan)(yan)(yan)嵩(song)(song)在(zai)見其鄉袞、下僚時(shi)(shi)的傲態,嚴(yan)(yan)(yan)嵩(song)(song)聽了不(bu)僅不(bu)怪罪,反而(er)為(wei)(wei)之破(po)顏。 在(zai)嚴(yan)(yan)(yan)嵩(song)(song)、徐階相(xiang)與(yu)推(tui)薦下,嘉靖三(san)十七年(1558年),高(gao)拱(gong)(gong)遷為(wei)(wei)翰林侍講學士。
高(gao)拱在裕(yu)(yu)王(wang)府(fu)邸(di)度過(guo)九(jiu)(jiu)個春秋,于嘉靖三十九(jiu)(jiu)年(nian)(1560年(nian))升太常寺卿,管國子監祭(ji)酒事。九(jiu)(jiu)年(nian)里,高(gao)拱講(jiang)授(shou)經筵(yan),敷陳剴(kai)切,謹(jin)慎用事。裕(yu)(yu)王(wang)深受教(jiao)益。二(er)人建立了(le)深厚的王(wang)臣、師(shi)生關(guan)(guan)系(xi)。高(gao)拱離王(wang)府(fu)后(hou),“府(fu)中事無大小(xiao),(裕(yu)(yu)王(wang))必令中使往問(wen)”,裕(yu)(yu)王(wang)還先后(hou)手書“啟發(fa)弘多”、“懷賢”、“忠貞”等字贈賜。翌(yi)年(nian)景王(wang)入藩之(zhi)國,裕(yu)(yu)王(wang)為嗣(si)的地位(wei)開始明朗,因(yin)而(er)高(gao)拱與裕(yu)(yu)王(wang)的這層關(guan)(guan)系(xi),不僅(jin)使高(gao)拱的上司、同(tong)僚對他(ta)刮目(mu)相看、趨之(zhi)若鶩,而(er)且也奠定了(le)以后(hou)他(ta)在政治(zhi)上大大發(fa)揮作用的基礎。
嘉靖四十(shi)四年(nian)(1565年(nian)),景王薨于藩(fan)地(di),裕王的地(di)位確(que)立。高拱(gong)(gong)升(sheng)禮部尚(shang)書(shu),召入直廬,并以(yi)青詞見寵,得賜飛(fei)魚服。嘉靖四十(shi)五年(nian)(1566年(nian))三月,由徐(xu)(xu)階(jie)薦舉,以(yi)禮部尚(shang)書(shu)兼文淵(yuan)(yuan)閣(ge)(ge)大(da)學(xue)(xue)士。剛剛入閣(ge)(ge),高拱(gong)(gong)即欲展(zhan)抱負示才。當時(shi)世宗久(jiu)居西苑,大(da)臣率(lv)以(yi)召入直廬為榮,閣(ge)(ge)事有所(suo)不周(zhou)。世宗因諭(yu)曰:“閣(ge)(ge)中政本可輪一人往(wang)”。首輔徐(xu)(xu)階(jie)及“青詞宰(zai)相(xiang)”袁煒以(yi)不能(neng)離開世宗須臾為由,不去(qu)閣(ge)(ge)中辦公(gong)(gong)。高拱(gong)(gong)對徐(xu)(xu)階(jie)說:“公(gong)(gong)元老,常直可矣。不才與李(春芳(fang))、郭(樸)兩公(gong)(gong)愿日(ri)輪一人,詣閣(ge)(ge)中習故(gu)事。” 同年(nian)十(shi)二月十(shi)四日(ri),世宗嘉靖帝駕崩,朱載垕繼位為帝,封(feng)高拱(gong)(gong)為少(shao)保兼太子太保,并以(yi)文淵(yuan)(yuan)閣(ge)(ge)大(da)學(xue)(xue)士入值內閣(ge)(ge)。不久(jiu),高拱(gong)(gong)與徐(xu)(xu)階(jie)反目成仇,竟至相(xiang)互攻(gong)訐,后為胡應嘉、歐陽一敬所(suo)逼退。
隆(long)慶(qing)二(er)年(nian)(1568年(nian))七月,徐(xu)階退(tui)休歸鄉(xiang)。隆(long)慶(qing)三年(nian)(1569年(nian)),張(zhang)居(ju)正與太(tai)監(jian)李(li)(li)芳等(deng)合(he)謀,奏請(qing)復起高(gao)(gao)拱。是(shi)年(nian)十二(er)月,冷落(luo)了一年(nian)多的(de)高(gao)(gao)拱接(jie)旨后,不顧臘月嚴寒,日夜兼程,直奔京(jing)城,以大(da)(da)學士兼掌吏(li)部重新登臺。言(yan)路(lu)原多與高(gao)(gao)拱有隙(xi),故(gu)人多不自(zi)安。胡(hu)應(ying)嘉(jia)聞高(gao)(gao)拱復出(chu),驚嚇破膽(dan)而亡(wang),歐陽一敬也在解官歸田途(tu)中郁(yu)郁(yu)而死,一時(shi)人心惶(huang)惶(huang)。高(gao)(gao)拱通過門(men)生(sheng)腹心散(san)布言(yan)論(lun),安撫言(yan)路(lu)諸(zhu)官說,“徐(xu)階昔日對我(wo)有恩情,后來因為(wei)小(xiao)事不睦(mu),不足以怨恨(hen)”,“我(wo)自(zi)當徹底改變過去不好的(de)思想和念(nian)頭,與諸(zhu)君共同治理朝政”。言(yan)之鑿鑿,頗為(wei)大(da)(da)度,于是(shi)人心稍安。當時(shi)接(jie)徐(xu)階任(ren)首輔者(zhe)為(wei)李(li)(li)春芳。李(li)(li)春芳為(wei)人寬(kuan)厚(hou),居(ju)政持論(lun)平(ping),不事操切,雖無失措之舉,卻總顯得(de)氣(qi)魄、才(cai)力不足。高(gao)(gao)拱仗著(zhu)自(zi)己是(shi)朱載垕心腹之臣,慨然以天下(xia)為(wei)己任(ren),發揮了李(li)(li)春芳起不到(dao)的(de)作用。
隆(long)慶四年(1570年)八月(yue),北邊(bian)(bian)有警(jing),高拱(gong)(gong)(gong)以尚書陳希學、曹邦輔,侍郎(lang)王(wang)遴(lin)各率師背(bei)城列陣以待(dai);以京尹栗(li)永祿、南都御史(shi)護守(shou)山陵;又起(qi)御史(shi)劉燾在天津守(shou)通糧,而(er)以總督王(wang)崇(chong)古、譚綸專征剿無(wu)內(nei)顧(gu);以侍郎(lang)戴(dai)才理軍餉。由(you)于布置(zhi)周密,防范嚴謹,蒙古兵未敢入犯。十月(yue),俺答(da)汗(han)孫(sun)(sun)子把漢(han)那吉(ji)(ji)(ji)因與(yu)(yu)祖父發(fa)生沖突,率所屬阿力哥等(deng)十人前來求降。巡撫(fu)方逢(feng)時(shi);總督王(wang)崇(chong)古主張(zhang)受降。奏上,朝(chao)議紛然,多以為敵情叵(po)測,不(bu)(bu)能貿然收留(liu)把漢(han)那吉(ji)(ji)(ji)。高拱(gong)(gong)(gong)與(yu)(yu)張(zhang)居正卻一致支持王(wang)、方意(yi)見,請(qing)奏朱載(zai)垕加封把漢(han)那吉(ji)(ji)(ji)為指揮(hui)使(shi),并“厚其服食供用”,以誠相待(dai),結(jie)得其心,朱載(zai)垕準旨。接著高拱(gong)(gong)(gong)又命邊(bian)(bian)臣讓把漢(han)那吉(ji)(ji)(ji)穿錦衣、坐(zuo)華車、騎(qi)好馬,前呼后擁在街市行走。俺答(da)得曉明廷(ting)厚待(dai)其孫(sun)(sun),深受感動,遂決意(yi)與(yu)(yu)明朝(chao)和好,請(qing)封貢之(zhi)事。此議一起(qi),朝(chao)廷(ting)上下有如鼎(ding)沸,反對派援引宋朝(chao)講和之(zhi)例,力言(yan)不(bu)(bu)可。高拱(gong)(gong)(gong)先利用考察科道之(zhi)機,將極力反對與(yu)(yu)俺答(da)汗(han)結(jie)好的葉夢熊“降二(er)級,調外任”,以息異議。他又發(fa)內(nei)閣舊藏明成祖封瓦(wa)剌(la)、韃(da)靼諸王(wang)故事,揀(jian)發(fa)兵部,力主封俺答(da)汗(han)為王(wang),這(zhe)種將蒙古與(yu)(yu)中原看成一個整體的觀念,比僅圖邊(bian)(bian)安(an)(an)的想法又高一籌(chou)。高拱(gong)(gong)(gong)批評反對派:“你們這(zhe)些人喋喋不(bu)(bu)休,難道是(shi)(shi)國(guo)家籌(chou)劃輕重厲害嗎?徒念重大,恐(kong)有不(bu)(bu)效,留(liu)為后言(yan)耳!”遂無(wu)敢復言(yan)者(zhe)。同年,貴州撫(fu)臣告土官安(an)(an)國(guo)亨叛,請(qing)進剿。高拱(gong)(gong)(gong)不(bu)(bu)輕信是(shi)(shi)言(yan),經深入察查,知(zhi)“國(guo)亨非叛,而(er)巡撫(fu)者(zhe)輕聽(ting)讒言(yan)以幸功也”,便(bian)專派員前去安(an)(an)撫(fu)釋(shi)嫌,避免了一場(chang)兵戎相加。
隆慶五(wu)年(1571年)三(san)(san)月,明(ming)(ming)廷封俺(an)(an)答(da)汗(han)為(wei)順義王,其(qi)他(ta)各(ge)部首(shou)領(ling)也(ye)分別(bie)封為(wei)都(dou)督指揮(hui)、千戶、百(bai)戶等(deng)有差(cha)。八月,明(ming)(ming)廷又準(zhun)與(yu)俺(an)(an)答(da)互市(shi)。時(shi)陜西(xi)三(san)(san)邊總督以該邊不(bu)同宣(xuan)、大,不(bu)欲通(tong)(tong)(tong)貢(gong)互市(shi)。高(gao)拱(gong)擬旨切責。不(bu)久陜西(xi)三(san)(san)邊也(ye)開(kai)貢(gong)市(shi)。幾個月之間,邊陲晏然,沒有一(yi)個蒙(meng)古(gu)(gu)人(ren)(ren)侵擾(rao),邊境百(bai)姓丟掉戈矛(mao)而(er)拿起(qi)鋤頭耕作,關城熄滅烽火可(ke)(ke)以安(an)枕(zhen),從(cong)此(ci)(ci)基(ji)本結束了明(ming)(ming)朝與(yu)蒙(meng)古(gu)(gu)韃(da)靼(da)各(ge)部近二百(bai)年兵戈相(xiang)加的局面。在滿朝爭議的情況下,穆宗(zong)能如此(ci)(ci)迅速、圓滿地解(jie)決這一(yi)先(xian)朝遺患,與(yu)高(gao)拱(gong)等(deng)的著力贊襄(xiang)是(shi)分不(bu)開(kai)的。在議貢(gong)過程中,主通(tong)(tong)(tong)貢(gong)互市(shi)的總督王崇古(gu)(gu)曾(ceng)以人(ren)(ren)言求去,高(gao)拱(gong)知后(hou),一(yi)面在朝廷力稱崇古(gu)(gu)議,一(yi)面抱病修(xiu)書崇古(gu)(gu):“惟公安(an)心暢意,始終此(ci)(ci)事,不(bu)必更懷(huai)憂慮”,使崇古(gu)(gu)受(shou)到極(ji)大鼓勵(li)和寬慰。方(fang)逢時(shi)因封貢(gong)事曾(ceng)面會(hui)俺(an)(an)答(da)下人(ren)(ren),遭(zao)人(ren)(ren)彈劾,說他(ta)“輒通(tong)(tong)(tong)寇(kou)使,屏人(ren)(ren)語,導之東行,嫁禍鄰(lin)鎮”。高(gao)拱(gong)力斥其(qi)謬,“撫(fu)臣臨機(ji)設策,何(he)可(ke)(ke)泄(xie)也(ye)”,保護了方(fang)逢時(shi),使他(ta)免(mian)受(shou)貶(bian)謫。朱載垕以其(qi)“殫忠遠謀,勞(lao)績可(ke)(ke)嘉”,進高(gao)拱(gong)少師兼太子太師、尚(shang)書,改建極(ji)殿大學士(shi)。
俺答封貢事(shi)(shi)既成(cheng),高拱猶居安思(si)危,擔心(xin)邊(bian)方兵將因無事(shi)(shi)而(er)疏怠偷安,再壞邊(bian)備。他一(yi)(yi)向主(zhu)張“不(bu)恃人之(zhi)(zhi)不(bu)吾犯(fan),恃我(wo)不(bu)可犯(fan);不(bu)恃人之(zhi)(zhi)不(bu)吾欺,恃我(wo)不(bu)可欺”,強(qiang)調自強(qiang)。于(yu)是再上疏,“請每歲(sui)特(te)遣才望(wang)大臣(chen)四出閱視,以(yi)今視昔(xi),錢谷贏幾(ji)何(he),兵馬(ma)增(zeng)(zeng)幾(ji)何(he),器(qi)械整幾(ji)何(he),其他屯田(tian)鹽法以(yi)及諸事(shi)(shi)拓廣幾(ji)何(he)”,明白開報,若比往(wang)昔(xi)有所增(zeng)(zeng)益,則與過去戰時擒斬同功論(lun)(lun)賞;如果只保持以(yi)往(wang)水(shui)平,則罪(zui)如失機論(lun)(lun)處。”朱(zhu)載垕贊賞這些意見并采納,兵部遂一(yi)(yi)一(yi)(yi)制定具(ju)體措施行之(zhi)(zhi)。以(yi)后的幾(ji)十年中,西北邊(bian)境(jing)始終安定,無大擾,此亦(yi)高拱一(yi)(yi)大政(zheng)。
高(gao)拱在南(nan)方兩廣(guang)、云(yun)貴邊事(shi)上(shang)亦(yi)頗多(duo)建(jian)樹。隆慶(qing)初,廣(guang)西古田壯族(zu)人(ren)韋銀豹等(deng)據寨反明,有司多(duo)次往撫剿,均不(bu)效(xiao)。高(gao)拱再(zai)起,薦(jian)(jian)殷正(zheng)(zheng)茂(mao)為(wei)總督往剿。正(zheng)(zheng)茂(mao)任法嚴、善(shan)戰,但性貪。高(gao)拱說:“吾捐百萬金予正(zheng)(zheng)茂(mao),縱乾沒者半,然(ran)事(shi)可立辦(ban)”。其實,他在用(yong)正(zheng)(zheng)茂(mao)的同時,已著眼于提(ti)擢、培養本(ben)省人(ren)才,在兩廣(guang)郡縣中“多(duo)除制科(ke),寬其薦(jian)(jian)額,勿拘成數”,引導(dao)民風向上(shang)。不(bu)久(jiu),果然(ran)“亂(luan)民樂業(ye)而向化矣”。時人(ren)都(dou)以高(gao)拱為(wei)善(shan)用(yong)人(ren)。
高拱(gong)勵精圖治,不數年內,政績(ji)卓(zhuo)然,自是(shi)一面。但他以才略自許(xu),負氣(qi)凌人,“性迫急,不能(neng)(neng)容物,又不能(neng)(neng)藏蓄需(xu)忍(ren),有所忤觸之立碎。每張目怒視,惡聲繼之,即左右皆(jie)為之辟易”,很(hen)是(shi)專橫跋(ba)扈,這(zhe)是(shi)他的(de)(de)另(ling)一面。正(zheng)是(shi)這(zhe)一面,造成了他與同僚的(de)(de)仇隙不合,以致(zhi)招來物議,釀成了以后被逐的(de)(de)悲劇。
先是在隆(long)慶四(si)年(nian)(nian)(1570年(nian)(nian))七月,曾(ceng)也是裕府舊僚的大學士陳以勤,因與高(gao)拱(gong)(gong)有小嫌,又(you)見高(gao)拱(gong)(gong)在內閣不可一(yi)世,恐終(zhong)不為(wei)所容,便激流勇(yong)退,引疾罷(ba)去(qu)。不久,掌都察院(yuan)大學士趙(zhao)(zhao)(zhao)貞(zhen)吉(ji)因高(gao)拱(gong)(gong)挾(xie)私憾考科道,上疏請(qing)止(zhi)。高(gao)拱(gong)(gong)不悅,與之(zhi)相(xiang)傾,嗾使(shi)門生、給事(shi)中韓楫劾(he)趙(zhao)(zhao)(zhao)貞(zhen)吉(ji)庸(yong)橫。趙(zhao)(zhao)(zhao)貞(zhen)吉(ji)也抗章(zhang)劾(he)拱(gong)(gong)。朱載垕(hou)眷高(gao)拱(gong)(gong)竟令趙(zhao)(zhao)(zhao)貞(zhen)吉(ji)致(zhi)仕(shi)。趙(zhao)(zhao)(zhao)貞(zhen)吉(ji)曾(ceng)因高(gao)拱(gong)(gong)以內閣掌吏(li)部,權如真宰相(xiang),請(qing)李(li)春芳(fang)(fang)謀(mou)與掌都察院(yuan),以遏高(gao)拱(gong)(gong)全(quan)力,李(li)春芳(fang)(fang)答應了。趙(zhao)(zhao)(zhao)貞(zhen)吉(ji)離開后,李(li)春芳(fang)(fang)自(zi)不安,李(li)春芳(fang)(fang)又(you)曾(ceng)因徐(xu)階事(shi)與高(gao)有隙,遂于(yu)隆(long)慶五(wu)年(nian)(nian)(1571年(nian)(nian))五(wu)月乞休歸田。
高(gao)拱(gong)(gong)接(jie)任首揆,越發趾高(gao)氣(qi)揚(yang)。當時殷(yin)(yin)(yin)士儋入(ru)閣(ge)(ge)(ge)輔政。殷(yin)(yin)(yin)士儋也是高(gao)拱(gong)(gong)在裕(yu)府時的(de)同僚,因不曲事高(gao)拱(gong)(gong)而(er)久不得(de)提拔。后取中旨入(ru)閣(ge)(ge)(ge),高(gao)拱(gong)(gong)不悅。后有人劾高(gao)拱(gong)(gong)心腹張(zhang)(zhang)四維,高(gao)拱(gong)(gong)疑殷(yin)(yin)(yin)士儋指使(shi),又嗾(sou)韓楫相脅。殷(yin)(yin)(yin)士儋不能(neng)忍,在內(nei)閣(ge)(ge)(ge)當面詬拱(gong)(gong):“若先逐陳公,再逐趙公,又再逐李公,次逐我。若能(neng)長此座耶?”說罷(ba)竟揮拳(quan)擊(ji)高(gao)拱(gong)(gong)。隆慶五年(nian)(1571年(nian))十(shi)一(yi)月殷(yin)(yin)(yin)士儋也被驅(qu)出(chu)。這(zhe)樣(yang),舊輔除張(zhang)(zhang)居正外,悉被高(gao)拱(gong)(gong)排斥一(yi)凈。高(gao)拱(gong)(gong)位(wei)居極品(pin),頤指氣(qi)使(shi),專(zhuan)擅國(guo)柄。
高(gao)(gao)拱與張(zhang)居正(zheng)(zheng)供職時(shi)國子監(jian)相識,二(er)人志趣相投,相期(qi)將(jiang)來入(ru)閣(ge)匡扶社稷(ji)。但當(dang)嘉靖帝去世當(dang)天,當(dang)時(shi)的(de)(de)朝廷首輔(fu)徐階只召自己門生張(zhang)居正(zheng)(zheng)共同(tong)寫就嘉靖遺詔,并(bing)未(wei)通(tong)知已是閣(ge)臣的(de)(de)對手高(gao)(gao)拱,高(gao)(gao)、張(zhang)二(er)人頓生齟齬。此(ci)外,在隆慶五年高(gao)(gao)拱的(de)(de)親信(xin)傳言張(zhang)居正(zheng)(zheng)接受(shou)徐階三(san)萬兩白(bai)銀賄(hui)賂(lu)以救他(ta)的(de)(de)三(san)個兒(er)子,二(er)人心(xin)中誤解日益加深。張(zhang)居正(zheng)(zheng)暗中和對高(gao)(gao)拱不(bu)滿(man)的(de)(de)司禮監(jian)秉(bing)筆太監(jian)馮保(bao)同(tong)盟。
隆慶六年(nian)(1572年(nian))正月,以(yi)高拱(gong)(gong)(gong)為(wei)柱(zhu)國,進(jin)中(zhong)極(ji)殿(dian)大學士。然(ran)而他專橫更甚。加之(zhi)其門生韓楫、程文等(deng)日(ri)(ri)夜(ye)奔走其門,狐假(jia)虎威,專以(yi)博戲為(wei)務,人(ren)都惡之(zhi)。高拱(gong)(gong)(gong)初尚持清操(cao),后(hou)漸狎奢(she),常對人(ren)曰(yue)“日(ri)(ri)用不給,奈何?”門生、下僚聞之(zhi),爭相進(jin)獻,“賕納且(qie)集矣”,因此遭(zao)致物議。御史(shi)汪文輝上疏譏刺(ci)時事,語連高拱(gong)(gong)(gong),高拱(gong)(gong)(gong)召而罵之(zhi),亟補寧夏僉事以(yi)出。尚寶卿(qing)劉(liu)奮庸也上疏糾(jiu)拱(gong)(gong)(gong),給事中(zhong)曹(cao)大野則抗(kang)章劾高拱(gong)(gong)(gong)不忠十事,中(zhong)有高拱(gong)(gong)(gong)擅權報復、排斥善類、超擢親戚鄉里門生故舊,以(yi)及親開賄賂(lu)之(zhi)門等(deng)等(deng),朱載垕不聽。二人(ren)皆謫外任。
是年五月,朱(zhu)載垕(hou)病(bing)危,召高(gao)拱、張居正(zheng)及高(gao)儀三人為顧(gu)命大臣(chen),穆宗(zong)握著高(gao)拱的(de)手說:“以天下累先生”。朱(zhu)載垕(hou)去世后(hou)因遺詔(zhao)問題,高(gao)拱計劃發動百僚驅逐馮(feng)保,雙方正(zheng)式決戰。
明神宗(zong)朱翊鈞(jun)即(ji)位后(hou)(hou),張居(ju)正指使神宗(zong)“大伴(ban)”已是司禮太(tai)監(jian)馮(feng)保(bao)在皇(huang)貴妃(fei)李(li)氏和陳皇(huang)后(hou)(hou)面(mian)前將(jiang)高(gao)拱(gong)曾(ceng)在內閣說過(guo)的一句(ju)話“十(shi)歲太(tai)子,如(ru)何治天下!”改為“十(shi)歲孩子,如(ru)何作人主。” 宣稱(cheng)高(gao)拱(gong)謀擁(yong)立藩王(wang),皇(huang)貴妃(fei)和陳皇(huang)后(hou)(hou)大驚。六(liu)月十(shi)六(liu)日(ri)早朝,“召(zhao)內閣、五(wu)府、六(liu)部眾至”,切責高(gao)拱(gong)擅權無君(jun)。到(dao)會極門,太(tai)監(jian)王(wang)榛捧旨(zhi)宣讀:“今有(you)大學士高(gao)拱(gong)專(zhuan)權擅政,把朝廷(ting)威福都強奪自專(zhuan),通不許(xu)皇(huang)帝主專(zhuan)。不知他(ta)要(yao)何為?我(wo)母子三人驚懼(ju)不寧。高(gao)拱(gong)著回籍閑住(zhu),不許(xu)停(ting)留(liu)!”高(gao)拱(gong)聽旨(zhi)后(hou)(hou),“面(mian)色如(ru)死灰(hui)”,“汗陡下如(ru)雨,伏不能起(qi)”,從后(hou)(hou)趕來(lai)的張居(ju)正將(jiang)他(ta)扶起(qi)。馮(feng)保(bao)又造王(wang)大臣(chen)事件(jian),欲置(zhi)高(gao)拱(gong)于(yu)死地。幸賴吏(li)部尚書楊博、御史葛(ge)守禮等力救,張居(ju)正“貽書相慰安,乃止。” 高(gao)拱(gong)得(de)免于(yu)難。
萬歷五年(nian)(1577年(nian)),張居(ju)(ju)正(zheng)回故鄉湖北江陵葬父,路過高(gao)拱(gong)的(de)(de)故里,專程探望(wang)高(gao)拱(gong),兩人相(xiang)見掩面而泣,感慨不已。臨終(zhong)前高(gao)拱(gong)寫了《病榻遺言》四卷,記述張居(ju)(ju)正(zheng)勾(gou)結馮保(bao)陰奪首輔(fu)之位(wei)的(de)(de)經過,將張居(ju)(ju)正(zheng)描述為(wei)陰險刻毒的(de)(de)人物,大罵張居(ju)(ju)正(zheng)“又做(zuo)(zuo)師婆又做(zuo)(zuo)鬼,吹(chui)笛捏眼打鼓弄琵琶”。
萬(wan)歷六年(nian)(nian)(1578年(nian)(nian))七月(yue)二日,高拱在新鄭家中去世(shi),葬于縣(xian)城北郊今閣老墳村。萬(wan)歷七年(nian)(nian)(1579年(nian)(nian)),以“高某(mou)擔當受降,北虜(lu)稱臣,功不可泯”,贈復原官(guan)。張(zhang)居(ju)正(zheng)死后,《病榻遺言》刊刻(ke),此書在北京廣為流傳,催化了萬(wan)歷皇帝對張(zhang)居(ju)正(zheng)的(de)清算。
萬(wan)歷三十年(nian)(1602年(nian)),詔贈高拱為太(tai)師,謚號文(wen)襄,蔭(yin)其子高務(wu)觀尚寶司(si)司(si)丞。
高拱不囿(you)于先儒成(cheng)說,以(yi)(yi)為(wei)(wei)“其(qi)(qi)不能(neng)得者(zhe)亦(yi)不可強從(cong)”。直斥程朱理學“遠人情以(yi)(yi)為(wei)(wei)天理”;他很贊同(tong)同(tong)時代思想(xiang)家王廷相的(de)觀點,認為(wei)(wei)理在事物,無(wu)(wu)(wu)其(qi)(qi)事即無(wu)(wu)(wu)其(qi)(qi)理。他對(dui)“權(quan)”字更(geng)有(you)一套(tao)獨(du)到的(de)見解,把(ba)“權(quan)”與“經(jing)(jing)(jing)”比作秤上的(de)“錘”和(he)(he)“衡”,兩者(zhe)關系是“蓋經(jing)(jing)(jing)乃有(you)定(ding)(ding)之(zhi)權(quan),權(quan)乃無(wu)(wu)(wu)定(ding)(ding)之(zhi)經(jing)(jing)(jing),無(wu)(wu)(wu)定(ding)(ding)也,而(er)以(yi)(yi)求其(qi)(qi)定(ding)(ding),其(qi)(qi)定(ding)(ding)乃為(wei)(wei)正也”。即:權(quan)和(he)(he)經(jing)(jing)(jing)是對(dui)立的(de)統(tong)一體,凡事皆有(you)經(jing)(jing)(jing),其(qi)(qi)事實行(xing)時應認真權(quan)一下,使權(quan)與經(jing)(jing)(jing)得以(yi)(yi)統(tong)一。
在“義(yi)”和“利(li)”的(de)問題上,認(ren)為(wei)“茍出乎義(yi),則利(li)皆義(yi)也;茍出乎利(li),則義(yi)皆利(li)”,只要(yao)擺正(zheng)(zheng)義(yi)和利(li)的(de)關系,言利(li)也不(bu)(bu)是(shi)不(bu)(bu)好,痛斥了“君子不(bu)(bu)言利(li)”的(de)迂腐觀點。他(ta)還認(ren)為(wei)正(zheng)(zheng)因前人(ren)沒有把(ba)握住(zhu)這(zhe)種關系,才造成“經制之(zhi)略置之(zhi)不(bu)(bu)講”,善理財者不(bu)(bu)聞(wen),禍國殃民(min)。他(ta)自己十分重(zhong)視理財,重(zhong)視有關國計民(min)生的(de)政務(wu),主張務(wu)實。他(ta)的(de)學術思想正(zheng)(zheng)是(shi)他(ta)行使政務(wu)、取得政績的(de)思想根(gen)源。
高拱(gong)素好(hao)(hao)讀(du)書(shu),為(wei)文(wen)不好(hao)(hao)詞藻,而深重有(you)(you)力。他著述甚富,有(you)(you)《問辨錄(lu)》十(shi)(shi)卷(juan)(juan)(juan)、《春秋正旨》一卷(juan)(juan)(juan)、《本語》六(liu)卷(juan)(juan)(juan)、《邊略》五(wu)卷(juan)(juan)(juan)、《綸扉外稿》四卷(juan)(juan)(juan)、《掌銓題(ti)稿》三十(shi)(shi)四卷(juan)(juan)(juan)、《南宮(gong)奏牘(du)》四卷(juan)(juan)(juan)、《政府書(shu)答》四卷(juan)(juan)(juan)、《綸扉集(ji)(ji)》一卷(juan)(juan)(juan)、《程士集(ji)(ji)》四卷(juan)(juan)(juan)、《外制卷(juan)(juan)(juan)》二卷(juan)(juan)(juan)、《日進直講》十(shi)(shi)卷(juan)(juan)(juan)、《獻忱集(ji)(ji)》四卷(juan)(juan)(juan)等等,后人輯為(wei)《高文(wen)襄(xiang)公集(ji)(ji)》。
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朱載垕:“且值國家多事(shi)之(zhi)時(shi),先(xian)為(wei)社稷萬年之(zhi)計。乃(nai)(nai)通海運,乃(nai)(nai)飭邊防(fang),乃(nai)(nai)定滇南(nan),乃(nai)(nai)平嶺(ling)表。制(zhi)降(jiang)西虜,坐令稽(ji)顙以稱藩(fan);威撻東夷,屢致(zhi)投(tou)戈而(er)授首。蓋有不世(shi)之(zhi)略,乃(nai)(nai)可(ke)建(jian)不世(shi)之(zhi)勛;然必(bi)非(fei)常之(zhi)人,斯可(ke)濟非(fei)常之(zhi)事(shi)。”
朱翊鈞(jun):“銳(rui)志匡時,宏(hong)才(cai)贊理(li)。當畿庭(ting)之(zhi)再(zai)入,肩大任(ren)而不撓(nao)。位重多危,功高取忌(ji)。謀(mou)身(shen)近(jin)拙,實深(shen)許(xu)國(guo)之(zhi)忠;遺俗似迂,雅抱殿邦之(zhi)略(lve)。幕畫得(de)羌胡之(zhi)要領,箸籌洞邊塞之(zhi)機宜。化椎結為(wei)冠裳(shang),柔犬羊于帖服。利(li)同魏(wei)絳(jiang)杜猾夏之(zhi)深(shen)憂,策比仲淹握御戎之(zhi)勝算。在昔(xi)允(yun)資定力,于今想(xiang)膚功。 ?“高拱博(bo)大精詳(xiang),淵宏(hong)邃密(mi),經綸偉業,社(she)稷名臣(chen)。……慷慨(kai)有為(wei),公忠任(ren)事。迨殫內寧之(zhi)略(lve),益宏(hong)外(wai)御之(zhi)勛。嶺表滇(dian)南,氛凈長(chang)蛇封豕;東(dong)夷西虜(lu),煙消(xiao)堠鷺庭(ting)烏。洵稱(cheng)緯武經文,不愧(kui)帝臣(chen)王佐。”