本研究以高拱（1512-1578）做為研究主題，探討高拱在明代中葉政治上的作為。從高拱的行事中，可以分析高拱擔任首輔時的人際關係和權力演變。經由高拱參與的國是與政爭，可以瞭解高拱在隆慶朝政治中的運作與影響。 嘉靖四十五年（1566），明世宗朱厚熜（1508-1567）駕崩，二十九歲的朱載垕（1537-1572）即位，稱穆宗，廟號隆慶。穆宗柔仁，剛性不足，但穆宗對朝政不予過問，放手交與閣臣的客觀後果卻是好的。舉隆慶朝，穆宗任用過的首輔大學士有徐階（1503-1583）、李春芳（1510-1584）、高拱等人，但眷顧有加，信任之深，惟高拱一人。高拱以內閣兼領吏部事，責任重大。因此綜觀隆慶朝的政治大事，皆與當時的首輔大學士有密不可分的關係，尤其是高拱執政時期。因為穆宗對高拱信任有加，所以對朝政的影響最大。 高拱為穆宗及徐階賞識，進入內閣權力中心，卻又因與徐階的政治角力，黯然下臺。隆慶三年（1569），又因張居正（1525-1582）的上奏，請求起復高拱，但高拱以才略自許，負氣淩人，不能容人。高拱當朝時，與高拱同朝為官的閣僚、言官只要與高拱政治理念不合，皆為他所逐。終隆慶朝及萬曆朝之初，幾位首輔內閣大學士中，除李春芳較無政治野心，未興起黨派鬥爭外，徐階、高拱及張居正，皆各有一群政治隨從，相互攻訐，一旦當政，則盡棄前人之政。 高拱辦理政事，特別注重實際，能切中要害，又不墨守成規，表現出過人的膽略和魄力，以期能破除積習之不善，高拱在吏治、籌邊、行政等各方面多有建樹。由於高拱為掌握實權，機關算盡，清算政敵的形象深植人心，可是高拱在政事改善的努力，應是功大於過。This research is based on Gao Gong (1512-1578) as the theme of study,which is concerning to investigate Gao’s political performance in the middle period of Ming Dynasty. According to the behavior of Gao Gong, we can analyse the changes of interpersonal relationships and power while Gao Gong taking charge of the premier. Base on the history of Gao Gong participating in the national major issue and political trouble, we can understand the political operation and influence of Gao Gong in the middle period of Ming Dynasty. With full confidence from the emperor Mouzong, Gao Gong began to exclude dissidents. In the internal strives among powerful ministers. However, as prime minister, Gao Gong was more and more arrogant and was caught in political struggles. He was gradually edged out by ministers. Despite depending on Gao Gong’s suggestions and planning and adopting his opinions. However, Gao Gong still had some political performances that were realized in three aspects: governance and finance, education and identifying outstanding talents, military affairs and national policy, that had added the fuel to the Long-qing political situation. Because of his successive decision,the political situation in the Ming Dynasty got steadily. So Yang Tinghe was a very important person indeed who influenced the development in middle and later periods of Ming Dynasty. Gao Gong improved the standing of the premier. Besides the political environment, his own ability and speciality improved the power of cabinet than ever. So, common people should offer an rational evaluation of Yang Tinghe in history, instead of examing in a critical way. Keywords: Gao Gong, prime minister, Long-qing.
