It was late at night and the Ministry of War was peaceful and peaceful.

Chen Xi sat upright in the office room, with no one around him, and most of the officials and officials were sent home by him. Under the swaying candlelight, he looked alone.

After the third update, Yun Liu returned and brought a key figure in the Liu Jin case. It was Liu Jin's previous confidant adviser, Sun Cong, who had good ability to make plans for Liu Jin.

After Liu Jin fell, Sun Cong never thought about running away. He knew that he had no way to escape, so he simply surrendered. After being imprisoned in Shuntian Mansion, he thought he would die, but he did not expect that he would be taken out at the critical moment. He had met Chen Xi until the Ministry of War. He had not figured out why Chen Xi met him.

"Mr. Shen..."

When Sun Cong saw Chen Xi, he bowed his hands and had no intention of kneeling down.

Since Liu Jin's rise, Sun Cong has been working in the Department of the Ministry of Rites. The Department of Rites is a ninth rank yamen under the Ministry of Rites. Although Sun Cong was called Sun Langzhong, his specific duties were only officials. Sun Cong was not promoted from beginning to end and did not get much benefit from Liu Jin.

Chen Xi waved his hand and signaled Yunliu to retreat.

Yun Liu was a little worried, but when she saw Chen Xi's firm attitude, she sighed in her heart and left the office room for Chen Xi and Sun Cong.

Chen Xi walked out from behind his desk and looked at Sun Cong and said, "Sun Keming, do you know why this official is looking for you?"

Sun Cong shook his head: "If the dying person has no value, the adults will not worry about it... but I don't know where can help you?"

Chen Xidao: "Liu Jin has been killed. His death is purely a cause. When he was lawless in the court, he should have expected that there will be today, but I don't think you should be buried with him..."

"Haha." Sun Cong looked helpless. He knew very well that Liu Jin's charge was to rebel. He wanted to kill the nine clans according to convention, and he happened to be within the nine clans.

Chen Xi walked up to Sun Cong and sighed: "You don't have to be too careful. Although Liu Jin has done many evil deeds, his family is innocent. I will not involve too much. I came to you this time because I don't understand some things, such as what Liu Jin does on weekdays, and I want to determine something from you."

Sun Cong looked at Chen Xi in disbelief, and after a while, he said, "Sir, even if you know, you will definitely tell me the truth, but if you really don't know, you will be powerless."

Regardless of whether Sun Cong felt that he should die or not, he had the intention to survive. Now that Shen Xi asked him about it, he could see that Chen Xi did not have the intention to kill. He would work hard if he had a little hope of survival, especially after Liu Jin died. He knew that the only value he had left was to know Liu Jin's secret, so he naturally knew everything.

Chen Xi asked, "Liu Jin wanted to kill me several times, and even sent Zhang Yanguang and Jiang Guyan to Xuanfu to preside over related matters. You should be clear about this matter, right?"

Although Sun Cong didn't want to admit it, he nodded: "I know exactly what I know."

"Um."

Chen Xi asked, "Do you know where Jiang Guyan is now?"

Sun Cong smiled bitterly and said, "I don't have much interaction with this person below. In the past, it was all the flames... Zhang Wenmian contacted him. I heard that Jiang Gu Yan spent all his family money to bribe Zhang Wenmian. If you want to know more details, you should ask Zhang Wenmian."

Chen Xidao: "No need, Zhang Yanguang probably has himself cut off in prison now."

"ah……"

Sun Cong felt a chill in his vest. Chen Xi said that Zhang Wenmian would break himself, and then he would have no physiology. Chen Xi has now replaced Liu Jin as the person he trusted most with Emperor Zhengde. It is as easy to kill someone as kill an ant.

Chen Xidao: "I and Jiang Guyan are old acquaintances. Due to personal grievances, they finally reached the point where the water and fire are incompatible. He wants to kill me, but I don't think it's strange. Liu Jin also wants to die. The two of them have the right appetite. This is the basis of their cooperation. But... I don't quite understand. Jiang Guyan had assassinated Liu Jin before, why can Liu Jin tolerate him?"

Sun Cong smiled bitterly and said, "Mr. Liu Jin intends to murder him. He hit it off with Jiang Guyan. What is the previous grudge? Besides, Jiang Guyan also gave Liu Jin a lot of wealth... The master should have known this a long time ago, so he was prepared in advance to avoid danger again and again, right?"

Chen Xi did not answer Sun Cong’s question and asked again: “Where is the concubine Hua next to His Majesty?”

"Hmm!" Sun Cong could have answered Chen Xi's question calmly, but after hearing the name of Hua Fei, he was obviously a little nervous.

Chen Xi said: "You don't have to cover up. I still have some understanding of the things around Your Majesty... Although I didn't know what the relationship between Hua Concubine Hua and Liu Jin was, now I probably understand that this woman changed hands twice by Jiang Guyan, first gave it to Marquis Jianchang, and then to Your Majesty. Now she has become the most favored woman in front of Your Majesty."

Sun Cong shook his head: "How dare the next step-by-step criticize the affairs of the palace?"

Chen Xi raised his face: "Don't you dare to criticize or not report it? Sun Keming, this is the last chance I have given you. If you want to survive or save your family, you should cooperate with me... It is not difficult for me to let you go and your family. After all, you did some good things in front of Liu Jin. Although I later became accomplices, I am still willing to give you a chance to reform!"

"yes!"

Sun Cong gritted his teeth, "It was Jiang Guyan who sent the man to His Majesty, and Eunuch Liu often contacted Concubine Hua. Whenever there was something wrong with His Majesty, Concubine Hua would pass the news immediately. Therefore, Eunuch Liu could always grasp the joys, sorrows, and sorrows of His Majesty... Lord Shen should know that Eunuch Liu had much less chance of appearing in front of His Majesty this year, and he could only obtain His Majesty's intelligence in this way."

Chen Xi asked, "Then what is the origin of this Concubine Hua?"

Sun Cong said: "Jiang Guyan just said that this woman has a grudge with Lord Shen. As for how to make a grudge, Jiang Guyan did not explain it, but I expected that this woman was held captive by Jiang Guyan, or had a handle on her hands. If the adults wanted to imitate Liu Jin and use this woman, there would be no chance... unless they could gather Jiang Guyan first."

Chen Xi shook his head: "Do you think I want to use Concubine Hua to get information? Haha, I will not be like Liu Jin, I will only rely on studying Your Majesty's preferences to establish myself in the court."

Sun Cong dared not speak casually. As he thought, Chen Xi suddenly asked about Concubine Hua. It was impossible for him to have no reason. No matter from which perspective, only when Chen Xi intends to replace Liu Jin and influence or even control Zhu Houzhao through some methods will he be interested in Concubine Hua.

Chen Xi finally said: "Sun Keming, you are doing things for the eunuch party. I should have killed you to correct the laws and regulations of the court. However, I think you have no bad deeds, so I let you go and let you return to the court. But you will not serve in the capital again, but will leave it out of the place..."

"Sir, you... do you really want to let me go?" Sun Cong couldn't believe his ears for a moment.

He believed that he was Liu Jin's favor. Not only did he help Liu Jin do a lot of bad things, he was still among the nine clans and was targeted for severe crackdowns. But now Shen Xi said that he could not only save his life, but also continue to be an official, but he just couldn't be an official in the capital, which was too incredible.

Chen Xidao: "I will just ask you one thing, did Liu Jin really want to rebel last night?"

Sun Cong smiled bitterly: "Sir, that's it. In fact, Liu Jin had a disobedient heart for a long time, but he didn't have the courage before. Even if he dealt with him, it would be very satisfying!"

...

...

Liu Jin died, and all the officials listed in the eunuch party in the court were punished. From the Cabinet Scholars and the Minister of Personnel, hundreds of officials were dismissed from office, and Zhang Cai and others were even imprisoned, and the court was panicked.

But for Zhu Houzhao, the investigation of the eunuch party had little to do with him. Although he had been sad about Liu Jin's betrayal for a long time, his life returned to its original state afterwards. He still disappeared from the ministers. It seemed that without him, the Ming Dynasty court could operate on its own without him, so he didn't have to worry about it.

At this time, the liquidation work of the eunuch party was in an orderly manner. The vacancy left by Liu Jin and the position of the Sili Supervisor in charge of the seal were coveted by many people in the palace. This time, most of the eunuchs in the palace were fine. Except for a few eunuchs who were close to Liu Jin, even Wei Bin was not questioned.

Chen Xi was busy all night in the War Department's Office. He was about to rest the next morning, just in case Zhu Houzhao woke up and reported to him in the afternoon, so Zhang Yuan came to ask for a meeting.

With Zhang Yong's precedent, Chen Xi knew the purpose of Zhang Yuan's visit.

As the former attendant of the Eastern Palace, Zhang Yuan was more eager to get the position of the eunuch in charge of the seal of the Sili Supervisor. In his opinion, he made the "first contribution" in the major incident of overthrowing Liu Jin. If he had not submitted the blood donation letter with Zhu Houzhao, Chen Xi's subsequent series of plans would have been unable to be implemented.

Chen Xi did not meet Zhang Yuan in the Ministry of War’s office, but instead invited the person to the side garden flower hall.

When Zhang Yuan came in and saw Chen Xi's eyes red, he immediately asked with concern: "Qilang must have not been asleep all night. Even if he is busy with work, he still needs to pay attention to his health."

Chen Xi glanced at Zhang Yuan, his stern eyes made Zhang Yuan's heart tense.

Chen Xi asked, "What's wrong with Eunuch Zhang coming? If it's a reminiscence, there's no need. Now all matters in the court are stagnant, and it's not the time for you and me to relax."

Zhang Yuan sighed: "Mr. Shen is busy with his work, and our family cannot compare with him. As for the current situation where the imperial court is in trouble, our family is anxious in their hearts... they only have the desire to help His Majesty..."

Zhang Yuan spoke round the bush, but his eyes were straight at Chen Xi, believing that Chen Xi could understand what he said. After Liu Jin was killed, the position of the Sili Supervisor's seal was too tempting, and he had no other choice but to ask Chen Xi for help.

Chen Xidao: "Are you here to take charge of the seal for the Sili Supervisor?"

"hehe."

Zhang Yuan smiled and said, "It's just a direct talk to my eldest nephew. It was not suitable to tell you this before. At that time, Liu Jin relied on his favor with His Majesty, deceived his superiors and concealed his subordinates, and did bad things. Even his eldest nephew was suppressed by him. But now the situation is different. The eldest nephew is at its peak in the court, and even Xie Yuqiao is not your opponent. As long as you say a word, Your Majesty will definitely promote our family to the position of the Sili Supervisor, which will also have many benefits for you!"

Chen Xi shrugged and spread his hands out, "Eunuch Zhang looks down on me too highly. If I say something, Your Majesty will agree, and it will not be until today that Liu Jin will be killed. I am afraid I will be unable to help with this."

Chen Xi did not directly refuse, but said that there was a difficulty in this matter. Because he felt that he would be useful to Zhang Yuan in the future and did not want to get along with him. Moreover, Zhang Yuan did help a lot this time and could not turn against him ruthlessly.

But in Zhang Yuan's opinion, Chen Xi was unkind to help, and his face changed: "Is Shangshu Chen going to turn against others? Do you forget who risked his life to present your blood letter to His Majesty the night before? If it weren't for our family, how could you hide it from Liu Jin? You wouldn't want to ignore our family, right?"

Chen Xi frowned and looked at Zhang Yuan, while Zhang Yuan was angry.

Both uncle and nephew had their own ideas. Chen Xi did not want Zhang Yuan to lose his power. If the Sili Supervisor seal was Zhang Yuan, it would be of some help to his future administration, because Zhang Yuan was not capable, and the power network weaving in the court was not as powerful as Liu Jin. Even if he became the boss, Li Jian, he would ask for help from outsiders, and Chen Xi, who helped him to power, was naturally the best candidate.

Chen Xidao: "It seems that Eunuch Zhang is bound to win this position?"

Zhang Yuan said annoyedly: "This is what our family thinks, but how can it be so easy? Your Majesty has not mentioned the vacant seal of the Sili Supervisor. It seems that he is just waiting for you to make a comment, but you are watching the fire from the other side of the river. Do you want Xiao Jing and other old stubbornness to regain their power? At that time, Xiao Jing and Xie Yuqiao cooperated secretly to restore the situation of the late emperor, and you would be happy?"

When Zhang Yuan said this, Chen Xi was very surprised and even looked up at the other party because Zhang Yuan's analysis of the matter was quite pertinent.

Especially involving Xiao Jing's comeback.

Xiao Jing was persuaded to leave by Zhu Houzhao back then, but he did not get into a bad relationship with Zhu Houzhao. It is possible to re-activate this time, especially Xie Qian is very enthusiastic about this.

In Xie Qian's mind, the personnel arrangements of the Hongzhi Dynasty were good. Not only did he want Xiao Jing to come back, but he even wanted to invite Liu Jian and Li Dongyang to come back.

Once these old guys come out, it means that the new forces in the North Korea and China will be suppressed in a comprehensive manner, and Chen Xi himself will not have a good life in the court.

Chen Xidao: "Why does Eunuch Zhang think that Your Majesty will let you take charge of the rituals and supervisors?"

Zhang Yuan shouted, "Does our family say we can definitely become a member? Our family just wants Lord Shen to talk to His Majesty when you meet the saint. As for whether the matter is successful or not, it is best for the matter to be successful. If it fails, our family will never complain... Lord Shen, what do you think this is the case?"

Chen Xi did not comment and smiled and said, "Your Majesty can now serve as the supervisor of the Secretariat. In addition to Eunuch Zhang, there are Zhang Yong, Dai Yi, Gao Feng, Xiao Baozi and others..."

Zhang Yuan said: "What do you mean?"

Chen Xi shook his head: "I won't hide some things from you. Last night, Eunuch Zhang Yong and Zhang also came to me and mentioned that the position of the Sili Supervisor's seal is vacant, and he believes that he has worked hard and made great contributions."

Zhang Yuan jumped up and said, "What is his identity? What is his identity? Not to mention that our family is the attendant of the Eastern Palace, you and I are the family connected by blood. Our family is the boss, the chief etiquette, how can the help to you be able to be achieved by an old man named Zhang? Are you careless or can't settle accounts..."

As soon as he got anxious, Zhang Yuan started to curse again.

But then he calmed down and said, "Qilang, although you are in charge of the Ministry of War, your life may not be as good as Liu Jin abusing power... Xie Yuqiao is definitely not a good person. He is your guide in the officialdom. According to common sense, you cannot oppose him. Those who can suppress him must have some means. Don't you think that our family is the most beneficial to you in charge of the ritual supervision?"

Chen Xi asked, "Why, Eunuch Zhang wants me to be enemies with the civil servant group?"

"You didn't let anyone be enemies, but at least you should be able to distinguish between relatives and distantness..." Zhang Yuan's tone became weaker in the end, and he was obviously helpless with Chen Xi's capriciousness.

Chen Xidao: "If there is nothing else in Eunuch Zhang, please come back. I will think about this matter carefully. If Your Majesty mentions it, I would like to recommend you."

"It's not a tendency, but a need to support our family. Our family can place all hope on you. If our family is the boss, the seal will be under the supervision of the seal, then as long as you say a word, our family will obey." Zhang Yuan said anxiously.

Chen Xi narrowed his eyes and looked at Zhang Yuan: "I'm afraid that after Eunuch Zhang took office, he would forget his promise today."

Zhang Yuan said anxiously: "You don't believe others. Our family is your uncle, how can we break the agreement? Besides, what are the benefits of our family lying to you? We don't have many acquaintances in the court, so we can only count on you as a relative. Unfortunately, you are not in the cabinet, otherwise... our uncle and nephew can do more articles, but even so, if it comes to military affairs, our family will completely obey you. You can do whatever you say!"

Chen Xi nodded slightly, agreeing with Zhang Yuan's statement.

Zhang Yuan said: "Our family cannot stay with you for a long time. If others know about it, they will definitely be suspicious... Qilang, our family will return to the palace first. You should quickly make suggestions with Your Majesty. If Your Majesty changes to someone else to preside over the rank of the ranks, you will have no good life!"

With both kindness and power, Zhang Yuan hurriedly left.

After Zhang Yuan said goodbye, Chen Xi did not think much about the vacancy of the seal of the Sili Supervisor. He stood up and walked out of the flower hall, and happened to meet Wang Shouren and bring people in.

Wang Shouren greeted: "Shangshu Chen, you..."

Chen Xi waved his hand and interrupted Wang Shouren, "I've been too busy these two days and am already in a difficult situation. I'm ready to take a good rest, but I won't go back to the house, but stay in the Ministry of War. If there is news from the palace, I can wake me up, but if I'm from other yamen, I'll block it. After I wake up in the afternoon, I may have to enter the palace to meet the saint."

Wang Shouren was a little surprised. Chen Xi could have rested last night, but he had to wait until dawn to sleep. Why is this kind of daily routine exactly the same as Zhu Houzhao?

"Yes, Shangshu Chen."

In front of outsiders, Wang Shouren deliberately kept a distance from Chen Xi, and his etiquette was very detailed.

Chen Xi glanced at Wang Shouren, and a thought suddenly popped up in his mind: "I haven't thought about who will lead the three sides before. Now it seems that Wang Shouren is the most suitable. He has the ability and courage. If he really wants to go to war with the Tatars next year, having this person on the three sides is equivalent to a solid barrier on the flanks, which is better than those who are only qualified but unable to do so."
Chapter completed!