The so-called New Year has a new atmosphere. The capital has omitted lantern festivals and fireworks. Fortunately, the lack of New Year flavor has been made up by Nazhili.
This New Year in Nanzhili can be described as prosperous.
Leaving aside the joy among the people, the officialdom was even more lively.
The first thing that happened was that Zhang Jing, the Nanjing garrison, had a dispute with Sun Shizhong, the Nanjing garrison and the governor of the Chinese Army.
The two men got into a private fight and saw a lot of blood. It was a prosperous start to the new year.
The reason for the private fight is also very simple.
The Nanjing garrison controlled the powers and responsibilities of the various Nanjing garrison posts. Under the premise that garrison Zhang Jing gave repeated orders not to leave the camp without an order, a small flag from the Feixiong Guard led the troops out of the camp for no reason and did not return for several days. After Zhang Jing discovered
, so he must be punished in a canonical manner.
Nanjing garrison Sun Shizhong learned of the incident and immediately intervened. However, he found out that Xiao Qi was returning to his hometown to visit relatives, and his subordinates sent him off for a while. The procedures were legal and compliant, and he was not guilty.
Both sides hold their own opinions.
Finally, the Nanjing Ministry of War Yamen came forward to smooth things over and gave Xiao Qi a military stick, and the matter was resolved.
Little did he know that Zhang Jing's fellow was a cunning man with a poisonous snake in his belly.
Years later, Zhang Jing took advantage of Sun Shizhong's absence to capture Xiaoqi and executed him personally in front of the officers of the garrison camp.
When Sun Shizhong arrived, only two body parts were left.
Conflict naturally broke out between the two sides, but they could not go too far, so a private fight broke out among the men.
Later, the Ministry of War was alarmed again, and even the general water transport troops who happened to be on official business in Nanzhili also came to negotiate and mediate the matter.
With great difficulty it all died down.
The second incident was that of Chen Dong, the young minister of Dali Temple. Chang Ke, the deputy judge of the Transportation Department who was under his custody, died in prison for no apparent reason, and his relatives and friends came to ask for an explanation.
Chen Dong took out the documents from the Sanfa Division and determined that this person was guilty of a capital crime.
But the family members refused to let him go. They only said that although Chang Ke was sentenced to death by the Sanfa Division, it was not a canonical punishment and there must be something fishy about it.
Then relatives, friends and family members started crying and complaining, making the matter a big deal.
Later, loyal people from all over the country came to support him.
He coerced the people to ask for an explanation from the young minister of Dali Temple.
Finally, the climax was reached when Chang Ke's mother, unable to bear the injustice, bumped her head to death in front of Chen Dong.
Public opinion in the entire Taizhou Prefecture instantly surged, and they gathered to seek an explanation for Chang Ke's mother and son.
The government officials tried to intervene but were unable to mediate, so they only advised Chen Shaoqing to leave quickly.
After Chen Dong refused, many loyal people wanted to die together with these cruel officials.
Under Jiao Ze's protection, although nothing really happened, the situation became more serious day by day.
The third red fire was the Huai'an Magistrate's Yamen, which once again caught fire.
After Hai Rui confiscated several salt merchants, including Shen Chuanyin, he caused panic among the salt merchants throughout South Zhili.
They believed that Hai Rui had insufficient evidence and was deliberately plundering the salt merchant's property to serve his own selfish desires and frame himself for injustice.
They all gathered together at the Huai'an government office to seek explanation from Hai Rui.
Needless to say, there are those who throw eggs and rotten vegetable leaves.
However, during this period, some people of unknown origin broke into the government office, identified a pile of boxes, and set off a huge fire.
Fortunately, the box was empty and no major damage was caused.
Just like this, you finished singing and I came on stage, and Nanzhili stumbled around until it was the sixteenth day of the first lunar month.
…
The Lantern Festival had just passed last night, but as a serious place, the magistrate's office did not feel festive.
Not only today, but for the past half month, the Huai'an government office has been shrouded in a strange atmosphere.
Governor Hai Rui seemed to be on intermission. Apart from occasionally raiding the salt merchant's house, he had done nothing wrong with the Southern Zhili officialdom.
He originally came here to handle a big case, but he hunkered down in the government office and couldn't get out.
While the officials breathed a sigh of relief, they couldn't help but wonder, what on earth is Hai Rui waiting for?
"Governor, are we just going to wait like this?"
Chen Yinzhao was the prince of Pingjiang Bo. He asked many questions without any scruples.
Hai Rui was sitting on the ground, washing his clothes with a washboard.
Hearing this, he said without raising his head: "What?"
Chen Yinzhao said helplessly: "Governor, anyone with a discerning eye can see that this is Nanzhili's counterattack."
"With regard to the two Nanjing garrison matters, if my father had not gone to mediate and calm things down, I am afraid that Zhang Shoubei would have been driven back to the palace."
"And Chen Shaoqing, who is a righteous man for the common people? There was a crossbow attack a few days ago! How can there be such common people!?"
Having said this, Chen Yinzhao raised his head and looked outside the government office, as if he was seeing the salt merchant outside the government office through the wall.
"The salt merchants outside the government office are just making trouble, and they let the censor sit in the tea shed and watch. They are obviously here to take charge. It's really too arrogant!"
"Governor, not only me, but my father and Governor Wang are also wondering why you have been beaten so passively, and you can't use thunderous methods."
Hai Rui wrung out his clothes and looked up at Chen Yinzhao.
He asked why this kid talked so much today. It turned out to be Wang Zongmu and Chen Wangmo who asked.
No wonder.
In these days, Southern Zhili's counterattack has become more and more fierce.
The pressure can be said to be increasing day by day.
Wang Zongmu and Chen Wangmo were both under different pressures.
It wasn't that these two people really didn't understand, so they asked Chen Yinzhao to ask on their behalf.
It was precisely because this governor and the commander-in-chief understood so well that he urged Hai Rui to take action quickly and cut the mess quickly!
Everyone has their own solution.
Zhang Juzheng wanted to take over this matter and use his position as the chief minister of the cabinet.
Gao Gong naturally has its own solution.
He didn't mind killing Xu Jie - he still had two more tickets to avoid death.
As long as Xu Jie is killed with a knife and the eighteen boxes of evidence are burned, Hai Rui's case can continue to be handled - just prosecute whoever is found. Isn't it much simpler than such a huge case?
What's more, Xu Jie wanted to seize the emperor's ambition? But Gao Gong killed him because of a personal grudge, and the emperor didn't know anything.
This method, to a certain extent, offers the best of both worlds, and has been recognized by Wang Zongmu, Chen Wangmo, and even Zhu Xixiao.
Now, I am urging Hai Rui to act accordingly and relieve your worries.
However, Hai Rui did not agree before and still will not agree today.
He raised his head, looked at Chen Yinzhao, and said seriously: "You can tell your father that I am waiting for His Majesty's decree."
It may be a public edict asking him to continue handling the case, or a private edict urging him to stop.
Hai Rui always had to wait for the emperor's will before he acted.
The emperor wanted to stop, but he was not in a hurry. At this moment, Hai Rui would obey the emperor's will and would not have his own way.
He just... wanted to see what the emperor did.
This matter is not something Chen Yinzhao can comment on. He is only responsible for passing on the news.
After receiving the result, he cupped his hands and turned around to go to the Caoyun Yamen.
Hai Rui withdrew his gaze, took out another bag of soap locust, and prepared to clean his shoes.
At this moment, Gu Chengguang took three steps at a time and walked in from the outside.
He informed: "Governor, there is a high official from Yingtian Mansion, it seems he is the Censor of the Nanjing Metropolitan Procuratorate!"
Hai Rui stopped moving his hands.
He is the censor of Qiandu. It may not be a good thing to have a censor of Qiandu here.
He gently put down his shoes and stood up slowly.
He wiped his wet hands randomly on the hem.
He looked at Gu Chengguang, nodded and said, "Lead the way."
No matter why you came, you still have to spend some time.
In the days after Xu Jie surrendered, he had blocked too many gods and Buddhas.
Fortunately, before leaving, the emperor specifically asked Gu Chengguang and Jiao Ze, the two soldiers in charge, to obey his orders in everything.
Because of this, he was able to hold on for more than half a month, neither killing nor letting go of Xu Jie.
Gu Chengguang led the way and took Hai Rui to the government office.
As soon as Hai Rui entered the court, he saw an old man in scarlet robe sitting majestically above the head of the government office.
He was about to speak.
The old man behind the case said coldly: "I am the censor of Youdu, Nanzhili, Xu Shi."
"You are Hai Rui?"
In the Southern Zhili Metropolitan Procuratorate, there is no censor from the left capital, only the censor from the right capital.
This means that this Xu Shi is the chief official of the Southern Zhili Metropolitan Procuratorate and a second-rank official.
A second-rank Censor of the capital, opposite to a fourth-rank Censor of the capital.
When the other party introduced himself, Hai Rui couldn't lose his etiquette. He returned the greeting and was about to respond.
Xu Shi suddenly said: "Is this how you salute your superior when you meet him?"
The condescending scolding interrupted Hai Rui's movements.
Hai Rui paused.
Since he was so obviously looking for trouble, he might as well just give it up.
He straightened his body, looked directly at Xu Shi, and said solemnly: "My official position is only the fourth rank, but I have the position of imperial envoy and governor, patrolling the sky on behalf of the sky, what kind of etiquette do you want me to do!?"
"On the other hand, you know full well that I represent the Holy Emperor and the two palaces."
"You still dare to stand in the court hall and be condescending to the imperial envoy. Are you despising the imperial envoy, the two palaces, and the Holy One?"
"On the strength of being a second-rank official, you dare to point your finger at the governor's talisman and brazenly say that you are going to receive a big gift. Can you bear it?"
"Which one is more powerful is your second-rank official status, or is it the imperial envoy who is more powerful, or is it you who is more powerful, like the Metropolitan Inspector, or is it the Ming Dynasty's law that is more powerful!"
"Xu Shi, as long as you still have the Holy One and the laws of the Ming Dynasty in your eyes, get up and talk to me!"
Xu Shi stood up suddenly and became furious.
He gritted his teeth and said, "When I was patrolling Jiangxi and Zhejiang, you were still nursing!"
"I will not argue with you over a small matter."
"It's for Zhang Huan, give it to me, I'll take it away!"
Last year, or when Hai Rui first came to South Zhili, he arrested a group of people, including the prince of Wei Guogong, Xu Jie's domestic slaves, and Zhang Huan who was involved in the incident.
Some were killed by Hai Rui, and some were released, but Zhang Huan was still imprisoned by Hai Rui.
Hai Rui rolled his sleeves and said displeasedly: "Censor of Xudu, are you going to interfere in the imperial case?"
Xu Shi suddenly sneered: "The case? Your Majesty is wise and powerful, and he makes your own decisions. Hai Rui, the day is not far when you can return to Hainan to raise fish."
Nearly a month has passed since Xu Jie surrendered.
But there has been no movement in the capital.
At least it shows that the central government has not made up its mind until New Year's Day.
What this sign means is anyone's guess.
Because of this, Xu Shi dared to take the initiative and come to beg Zhang Huan today.
This is an invitation to fame and also political speculation.
He took a deep look at Hai Rui and said meaningfully: "Censor Hai can't deal with a speech official, so why bother holding him back?"
"Censor Hai, the overall situation is of paramount importance. Please hand Zhang Huan over to me. I will leave immediately."
Hai Rui didn't answer.
Naturally, Xu Shi came here after making preparations, and he also had a clear understanding of the conduct of people like Hai Rui and Chen Dong.
Obviously, senior officials are not qualified to deal with it directly.
Although Yanguan is only of the seventh rank, his status is extraordinary. "The six subjects are all promoted, the inner rank is the fourth rank, the palace, the third rank is the outer rank, and the third rank is involved in politics. The outer rank is the seventh rank, and it is the third rank."
This means that although Yan Guan is only a seventh-rank official, as long as he is transferred, if he is outside, he will be a third-rank official, and in Beijing, he will be a fourth-rank official.
Unparalleled by ordinary officials.
It also means that Hai Rui is not qualified to be a spokesperson.
When the emperor wanted to kill Hu and Jia, he had to get approval from the cabinet and all six ministries before he could do it. Hai Rui was not good at killing officials.
Since Hai Rui was about to be kicked out and he couldn't deal with Zhang Huan, there was no need to force him to stay.
Xu Shi is very confident about this matter.
But Hai Rui gave Xu Shi a strange look: "Censor of Xu Du, I have something unclear."
He pondered for a while and couldn't help but ask: "Why do you all think you are in charge of the overall situation?"
Xu Shi sneered.
Although Xu Jie's move disgusted everyone.
But I have to admit that this trick is absolutely effective.
If the emperor refuses to compromise, does he really dare to punish all the officials involved in the Xu Jie case?
Even if it was only done half way, it would be enough to shock the two capitals.
Expansion is not limited to Xu Jiehui. How many clean officials are there in the two capitals?
Xu Jie's skill is not difficult and everyone can learn it. I'm afraid the emperor is not willing to see how far it will be expanded.
Unless most of them are spared, they will only kill the chickens to scare the monkeys.
But if you let most of them go, what's the point of doing anything? It won't scare others, it will only make others see your weakness.
Xu Shi couldn't help but condescended and pitied him: "Hai Rui, you have never dealt with the overall situation. You don't understand."
Isolated ministers will never understand the overall situation.
Xu Shi wasted his time explaining more.
After saying that, he sat down again and waited quietly for Hai Rui's reply.
Hai Rui didn't think about it for long, and said solemnly and bluntly: "The case hasn't been completed yet. Zhang Huan is spying on the imperial envoy's secrets. We can't let them go."
After saying that, he turned around and left.
Xu Shi slapped the table and stopped Hai Rui.
He pointed at Hai Rui's back and cursed angrily: "You are like a stone in a pit, you are so shameless!"
"You put on a face that is more saintly than a saint all day long, how many more days do you think you can be proud of it!?"
"Believe it or not, the edict for your dismissal from office is already on its way to South Zhili!"
Hai Rui slowly turned around and stared at Xu Shi.
The latter was imposing and condescending.
The former had an expressionless face and said nothing.
One of the two people is sitting on the koan, and the other is standing in the lobby.
One up and one down, it seems that there is a clear distinction between superior and inferior.
Only the morning light passed through the lobby and shone on Hai Rui.
A long time passed.
Hai Rui finally spoke.
At this moment.
There are crowds of people outside.
There was an inexplicable commotion.
Xu Shi raised his eyes and looked up.
Hai Rui turned around.
Only a sharp voice was heard, coming into the lobby.
"The imperial edict has arrived!"
"The imperial edict has arrived!"
I saw Gu Chengguang trotting in again and heading towards the lobby.
But behind him was a group of eunuchs, one of whom was still singing and shouting.
Xu Shi's expression changed and turned into ecstasy.
He pointed at Hai Rui and sneered: "Hai Rui, how about it? Now you understand what the overall situation is?"
He snorted coldly and finally regained his face.
Hai Rui ignored Xu Shi.
He stood upright, expressionless, waiting for the imperial decree quietly.
Xu Shi had already stepped down from the public case: "Hai Rui, don't think that you can be invincible just by carrying the banner of the Ming Dynasty's laws."
He patted Hai Rui on the shoulder, with a mocking look in his eyes, and said word by word: "The overall situation is the most important thing."
Luo Sigong on the side looked at Xu Shi frequently and clenched his fists, not knowing what he was thinking.
Not long after.
Gu Chengguang first led several eunuchs to the court.
Hai Rui and Xu Shi both knelt down to listen to the order.
The leading eunuch said quickly: "Is this an order for Young Master Xu Jie? Please call Xu Jie out first and then listen to the order."
After saying that, the eunuch nodded to Gu Chengguang and motioned for him to call Xu Jie.
Gu Chengguang responded and left.
Hai Rui was at a loss for a moment.
He couldn't help but salute the capital: "Eunuch, would you like to express your greetings to Your Majesty?"
Gu Chengguang had just introduced him in a whisper, and the eunuch naturally recognized him: "Governor Hai, your majesty pays your respects."
The eunuch knew what Hai Rui wanted to ask, so he didn't get interested and said pleasantly: "There is no imperial edict for Governor Hai, but there is a handwritten letter."
He nodded to the eunuch behind him, and the little eunuch quickly presented a box.
Xu Shi watched with cold eyes, secretly thinking that it was a pity.
If he is to be dismissed, it should be a clear edict.
Now this sneaky move is obviously to give Hai Rui some dignity and let him return to Beijing to idle.
But it doesn't matter, Hai Rui, who was frustrated twice, is no longer just a pure auspicious person, and he just happens to be watching the turmoil in the officialdom.
He sneered in his heart.
Hai Rui bowed to the eunuch and took the box containing the emperor's handwriting.
A handwritten letter can be regarded as a private message or an edict. In today's political environment, one has little power and can only give instructions.
So...what does the emperor want to instruct him?
Summon him back to Beijing? Or just kill the culprit? Or is the overall situation more important?
Hai Rui took a look at the signature, Chang Wei layman, and confirmed that it was the emperor's private message.
He took a deep breath and slowly started reading from the beginning.
At this moment, Gu Chengguang led Xu Jie out of the inner hall.
He quickly saluted: "I have seen an angel."
The eunuch quickly asked him to get up.
At this time, Gu Chengguang had already gone to arrange the incense table and was waiting for the announcement.
Seeing that the eunuch was so polite to Xu Jie, Xu Shi gave up his last doubt.
He walked to Xu Jie and couldn't help but sarcastically said: "Master Xu has passed this level, but there are still many more to come."
With Xu Jie's hand, everyone was put on the scale and weighed by the emperor.
Now the emperor has let him go, but the people who have won the title may not necessarily make it easier for Xu Jie.
Xu Jie shook his head: "The censor of Xudu was joking. It's a good thing to be able to pass each test."
Xu Shi couldn't help but be dissatisfied with this man's mentality.
He said a few words and didn't say anything until Xu Jie went to clean his hands and prepare to receive the order.
Then he turned to look at Hai Rui.
I saw this governor, who at first had the face of a saint, cold and stern, and no one could make him change his demeanor.
Now he had a look of astonishment on his face.
Xu Shi felt happy.
It was really hard for him to have any favorable impression of such a stinky officialdom.
Now that he has been abandoned by the emperor for the second time, he is obviously on the verge of breaking up. He really deserves it.
Do you really think that the emperor of the old Zhu family can be trusted? It would be too naive.
He glanced again and couldn't help but frown. Hai Qingtian's expression was actually relieved?
Is this another stab in the back that forgave the emperor?
Really foolish and loyal.
Xu Shi shook his head.
He was too lazy to worry about this smelly rock anymore. At least today, he could take Zhang Huan away.
Hai Rui gradually closed the emperor's handwriting and regained his composure.
He thanked the eunuch, but the eunuch quickly turned aside.
Xu Shi interrupted Hai Rui's false courtesy and said, attracting everyone's attention: "Hai Yushi, can you release Zhang Huan?"
He didn't believe that Hai Rui could survive this situation.
Hai Rui paused, looked Xu Shi back and forth, then smiled and nodded gently: "It's time to reunite Xu Du Censor and Zhang Huan."
Xu Shi patted Hai Rui on the shoulder with satisfaction.
He turned around and went to wait for others outside the government office, just to give Hai Rui some dignity.
Hai Rui is not a man of official ethics, but he cannot lack this quality.
He had just taken two steps when he heard a voice coming from behind him: "Catch this thief and lock him up next door to Zhang Huan."
As soon as he finished speaking, Xu Shi was stunned for a moment, unable to realize what he meant.
He slowly turned around and saw that the Jin Yiwei beside Hai Rui had already rushed toward him.
Only then did Xu Shi realize what he meant by that sentence. His expression suddenly changed: "Hai Rui!"
I only had time to utter two words.
Luo Sigong's big palms had directly clamped his neck and pinned him to the ground on the spot.
Xu Shi struggled endlessly, but could not make any sound.
Luo Sigong restrained his efforts and kicked, and Xu Shi immediately stopped struggling and was dragged out.
The sudden change did not shock anyone.
Only Xu Jie, who had just cleansed his hands and burned incense, suddenly stood on the spot.
His mind raced and he vaguely understood something.
But he looked at Hai Rui in disbelief: "Governor Hai, that was a second-grade official just now!?"
Hai Rui's expression cleared of gloom at this moment, and he silently stepped aside.
He did not explain, but smiled and said to Xu Jie: "Master Xu, please accept the order first."
I did overestimate the difficulty of production. The unstable update is my problem. However, the number of words this month will definitely not be small. I am afraid I will have to consider the update time in the future.
Chapter completed!