In the official structure of the Ming Dynasty, the Shuntian Fuyin in the capital and the Yingtian Fuyin in Nanjing had a very special status. Not only were their official ranks significantly higher than those of ordinary state officials, but the size of the yamen was also quite large.
There are also a large number of auxiliary officials such as Fu Cheng, Zhi Zhong, Tong San, and Recommendation.
Among them, Fu Cheng is the deputy, Zhizhong is responsible for review and assessment, Tongjian is responsible for money and food accounts, and Tuiguan is responsible for settling cases and redressing grievances. They have different responsibilities.
At the same time, the two capitals of Shuntian and Yingtian also set up large-scale patrol camps, responsible for public security, fire prevention, street management and other matters. The leader of the patrol camp was the admiral, who was also controlled by the governor of the two capitals.
In this regard, although Xie Qing considers himself weak and helpless, he still has great power in name and has a lot of power at his disposal.
But just now, all the officials under Xie Qing's command, such as Fu Cheng, Zhi Zhong, Tui Guan, Admiral, etc., were all injured or sick. They were unable to stand up again and were unable to obey orders.
Obviously, the reason why these people were sick and injured was to seek refuge from disaster.
After all, once the Jin gentry forces represented by Song Chengren and the imperial forces represented by the seventh prince Zhu Hejian begin a full-scale conflict, three things will inevitably happen next.
That is, some issues need to be held accountable, some issues need to take sides, and some messes need to be sorted out.
These three things, especially the last two, are a huge disaster for ordinary officials, and they must be afraid to avoid them.
Therefore, it is not surprising that various officials in Yingtianfu Yamen were injured and fell ill one after another.
The weight and size of Yingtianfu Yamen are just right. Some blames must be shouldered by Yingtianfu Yamen. No matter whether the officials of Yingtianfu Yamen show up next or not, they will inevitably fall for certain things.
The fate of the scapegoat.
But after these Yingtianfu officials got sick and injured, they could at least avoid the problem of taking sides in the subsequent turmoil, and they could also avoid all kinds of thankless and difficult tasks that were inhumane, and there was still hope of protecting their lives and property.
There is also hope of preserving their career prospects.
And once you show up in the subsequent turmoil, you will inevitably encounter various propositions.
For example, if all parties decide to let Yingtianfu Yamen comprehensively investigate the root causes of the recent chaos in Nanjing, and assess the specific responsibilities of all parties in the recent chaos in Nanjing based on the various evidence collected by Yingtianfu Yamen, this kind of
How should I choose Yingtianfu Yamen?
For another example, if the Seventh Prince forcibly ordered Yingtian Mansion to arrest and imprison certain important figures, such as Li Bao, the leader of the grain gang in Nanjing City, Song Jicheng, the direct grandson of the Song family, or even Song Chengren, the old head of the Song family,
Should we follow this order?
For another example, during the confrontation between Song Chengren and the Seventh Prince, if the gunfire went off and supporters of both sides started a fierce fight, should Yingtianfu Yamen intervene to start a fight? If so, how should the fight be started?
Once involved in the subsequent storm, these things are inevitable and fatal.
Therefore, the best choice at this time is to pretend to be sick and avoid disaster, so that you can directly escape from the subsequent storm.
As the Yin of Yingtian Prefecture, Xie Qing is also a smart person and quickly figured out the pros and cons.
Therefore, on the one hand, Xie Qing was full of resentment and believed that officials at all levels of Yingtianfu Yamen were irresponsible, cowardly people without any sense of loyalty, but on the other hand, Xie Qing also secretly decided that it was time for him to get hurt as well.
Being sick, he could not get involved in the subsequent turmoil no matter what, leaving all the issues of partisanship and various difficult tasks to the only Yingtianfu Tongpan Yiping who could still act normally to handle them.
However, before Xie Qing could figure out how to deal with his illness and injury, he saw Tongpan Yiping's complexion suddenly changed drastically, and then he curled up in his seat with a painful expression and groaned loudly: "Ouch! No!
Okay! It’s probably because of bad food, Xiaguan suddenly has a severe stomachache..."
Then, probably because he felt that the excuse for abdominal pain was not enough to completely avoid the subsequent storm, Yi Ping took out a handkerchief and covered his mouth and nose. I don’t know what method was used. The next moment
There were blood stains on the handkerchief.
After seeing the blood stains, Yi Ping became more and more panicked and yelled: "Ah! Why are the seven orifices bleeding? It doesn't look like abdominal pain! Did someone poison Xiaguan? Damn it, Xiaguan was under martial law during this period.
I have offended too many enemies! No! I must find a doctor for diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible!"
After saying that, Yi Ping stood up and left tremblingly, not even planning to discuss it with Xie Qing.
Xie Qing stared at Yi Ping's live performance in amazement. He never expected that Yi Ping, who had always been honest and honest, and had always been respectful and obedient to himself, would betray himself and evade responsibility at this time!
However, before Xie Qing could react, another middle-aged man strode into the lobby of Yingtian Mansion.
This middle-aged man had an unattractive appearance, was dressed as a servant, and his behavior seemed humble. However, when he entered the lobby of Yingtianfu Yamen without any notice, the Yamen officials did not dare to stop this man for some reason. Instead, they
Cautiously followed behind this middle-aged man.
After the middle-aged man entered the lobby of Yingtian Mansion, he first looked around and saw Yi Ping curled up with a painful expression, while Xie Qing stared at Yi Ping dumbfounded. He immediately guessed the situation.
A trace of sarcasm quickly flashed across his expression.
The next moment, the middle-aged man saluted humbly and said hello, and said slowly: "The villain Zhou Quan is one of the senior subordinates of Lord Zhou, the first assistant. Under the instructions of the first assistant Zhou, he came to Yingtianfu Yamen to visit you all.
, I would also like to send a message to everyone in Yingtian Mansion on behalf of Lord Chief Assistant."
After hearing the thorough self-introduction and intention of coming, both Xie Qing and Yi Ping were shocked and their expressions changed slightly. For a moment, not only Xie Qing forgot to glare at Yi Ping, but Yi Ping also forgot to continue pretending to be sick.
His eyes turned to Zhou Quan.
This chapter is not finished yet, please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content! Zhou Quan smiled slightly and continued: "My Lord Chief Assistant said that Nanjing is experiencing troubled times these days, and everyone from Tianfu Yamen is in Nanjing.
The parents and officials in the city must be exhausted and may get sick. However, the situation in Nanjing is at a very sensitive time, and it cannot be separated from the overall situation of the adults. The chief minister is sympathetic to you and specially allows the villain to lead a few people.
A famous doctor from Xinglin came to Yingtianfu Yamen to diagnose your physical condition!
The Chief Assistant also said that if your physical condition can still barely persist, please continue to persist for a few days. The situation in Nanjing is about to be settled, and you must not give up halfway at this time!
In fact, in addition to Xie Fuyin and Yi Tongpan, the villain will also successively find He Fucheng, Ge Zhizhong, and Admiral Li from the patrol camp to ensure that their physical conditions will not cause any problems.
question."
After hearing this, both Xie Qing and Yi Ping's expressions changed slightly again.
Obviously, as Zhou Shangjing sent a group of doctors, it would be impossible for them to claim that they were ill.
As mentioned above, under the current situation in Nanjing, whether Ying Tianfu Yamen needs to end, when should end, and in what posture should end, they are not allowed to decide by themselves. They are both chess pieces and chessboard, and they can only let it go.
Let the chess players manipulate it at will!
But Zhou Shangjing's power and prestige were too high. At this time, Xie Qing and Yi Ping only dared to lament their bad luck, but they did not dare to complain that Zhou Shangjing was too pushy.
At the same time, Xie Qing and Yi Ping were unable to guess Zhou Shangjing's true thoughts. Not long ago, Zhou Shangjing had clearly sent a famous invitation, requesting Yingtianfu Yamen officials at all levels not to take sides easily, leaving Yingtianfu Yamen to sit back and watch the Jin Yiwei.
To make things worse, why are you forcing Yingtianfu Yamen to do things now?
Thinking of this, Yi Ping simply stopped pretending to be sick and cautiously tried: "The situation in Nanjing is extremely complicated at the moment. I, Ying Tianfu Yamen, am weak and in a low position, so I may not be able to play much role... But I don't know that Zhou Shou assists him.
What is your attitude? What do I need to do in response to Tianfu officials?"
Xie Qing nodded repeatedly: "Yes! What should the official and others do? I hope this brother will make it clear! Otherwise... if you just do something wrong and bring trouble for yourself, that's it, but if you accidentally destroy Zhou Shoufu
If it’s a big plan, then it’s hard to escape the blame for death!”
Zhou Quan smiled slightly again and said: "My Zhou Shoufu has never pushed people too hard. He is very aware of your difficulties and will not force you to do anything. No matter what happens next, you just need to be fair and impartial according to the law."
Just deal with it! My Lord, Chief Assistant, he also reassured you that the situation in Nanjing will be completely settled the day after tomorrow at the latest, and as long as you do not violate the laws and regulations of the court and are not criticized by the fierce public opinion, you will definitely not become an outcast.
, my future career will not be affected.”
After hearing Zhou Shangjing's promise, Xie and Yi finally felt at ease.
After all, Zhou Shangjing's promise still carries some weight.
And just when Xie and Yi felt at ease, Zhou Quan seemed to have thought of something on the spur of the moment and added: "By the way, my chief minister actually mentioned one thing... that is the scholars in Nanjing! My family
The Chief Assistant believes that the current situation in Nanjing is unstable and the public security is uneven, and accidents are easy to happen! Under such circumstances, the focus should be on protecting those famous scholars in Nanjing. They are the future of the imperial court and must not be lost! Therefore,
It would be best to have them gather together, so that it will be easier to focus on protection, but I wonder what Xie Fuyin and Yi Tong will decide?"
After hearing this, Xie and Yi's expressions changed again.
The so-called "people's hearts and minds" are actually in the hands of scholars.
These days, the situation in Nanjing is chaotic, and the scholars have long been angry. However, due to the martial law, these scholars cannot contact each other at will, and they cannot communicate with each other, unify their positions, and join forces to cause trouble.
But now, Zhou Shangjing wants to gather the scholars in Nanjing for protection, so he gives these scholars the opportunity to communicate and connect, which means that the public opinion in Nanjing will soon be unified, and maybe these scholars will cause trouble again after gathering.
.
Thinking of this, both Xie Qing and Yi Ping were a little hesitant and did not dare to agree casually.
After Zhou Quan saw Xie and Yi's reaction, he was not surprised. He just smiled and said: "Of course, Zhou Shoufu is not in good health now and cannot personally intervene in the situation in Nanjing, so this proposal is just a suggestion.
I will not force the two adults to agree...
But this proposal of my chief minister is actually for the consideration of all the lords of Ying Tianfu Yamen. After all, as the situation is about to be settled, the central government of the imperial court will also be held accountable. At that time, public opinion will need to be considered, so Yingtianfu Yamen is the one who
At this time, it is best to take advantage of the opportunity to show favor to the scholars in Nanjing and win the favor of the scholars in the world! On the contrary, we may be criticized by the fierce public opinion. Even if my chief minister wants to protect you, I am afraid it will not be easy for you to take action.
.”
After saying that, without even thanking Zhou Quan, the two of them negotiated the price plan, bowed again, and then turned around and left.
About a quarter of an hour later, due to the thorough "visiting and greetings", the illnesses and injuries of Yingtianfu Yamen officials at all levels were quickly cured, and they rushed to Xie Qing's place to report, and no one was absent.
At this time, Xie Qing didn't care to complain about the mess they had thrown at him not long ago. Instead, he quickly led officials at all levels of Yingtian Mansion and a group of patrol officers to anxiously rush to the temporary residence of the Seventh Prince Zhu Hejian.
direction of Zhanyuan.
When they rushed to Zhanyuan, they found that the situation outside Zhanyuan was really tense.
The outside environment of Zhanyuan can be considered spacious, but at this time it is densely packed with a large number of people from all forces.
This chapter is not over yet, please click on the next page to continue reading! Hundreds of Jin Yiwei, with their swords unsheathed, bows and arrows bent, are tightly guarded outside Zhanyuan, as if they are ready to fight the enemy at any time.
There were also a large number of grain gangs, servants of the Jin Gentry family, and other guards, blocking the main entrance of Zhan Yuan in layers. Although Zhan Yuan was not completely surrounded, it seemed that they would rush into Zhan Yuan at any time.
At the same time, the Nanjing garrison was also deployed layer by layer, and tightly surrounded all forces outside Zhanyuan at a more peripheral position, and it was also in a posture of being ready to put down the rebellion at any time.
Seeing this situation, Xie Qing and others became even more frightened.
Although they had received news long ago that Song Chengren led a group of supporters to block the gate of Zhanyuan due to his status and qualifications, they thought that Song Chengren just wanted to "please for the people" and argued face to face with the seventh prince Zhu Hejian about the current situation in Nanjing.
Right and wrong, but I didn't expect it to be so tense.
Speaking of which, it seems that not only Jin Yiwei is crazy tonight, but Song Chengren is also crazy. He dared to lead the crowd to surround a prince's residence without any concealment, and put pressure on the palace. He is definitely guilty of the following:
If a crowd is gathered to plot chaos, how should one explain it to the central government afterwards?
All in all, Xie Qing was frightened, but he did not dare to neglect, and quickly got busy, hurriedly arranging officials at all levels under his command to communicate with all parties, trying his best to ease the tension, and he himself entered immediately
In the garden, I asked to see the seventh prince Zhu Hejian.
After all, Xie Qing was the father-in-law of Nanjing City, and he was quickly summoned by the seventh prince Zhu Hejian.
According to the information obtained by Xie Qing, a large number of powerful people have gathered in Zhanyuan at this time, such as Song Chengren, the old head of the Song family, Xi Cheng, the eunuch guarding Nanjing, Wang Baoren, the crown prince, and Wang Baoren, the grand master.
Nanjing defender Xu Shengying.
Except for the first assistant Zhou Shangjing who claimed to be unwell and did not come forward, and the academic scholar Huo Zhengyuan who was missing, all the important figures in Nanjing City were gathered in Zhanyuan at this time.
Compared to these big shots, Xie Qing is still just an insignificant little guy.
When Xie Qing quickly entered the main hall of Zhanyuan, he was already mentally prepared. He guessed that the big shots must be quarreling fiercely at this time, and no one was willing to give in. The atmosphere must be suffocating.
However, when Xie Qing actually stepped into the main hall of Zhanyuan and carefully raised his eyes to observe the situation, the sight in front of him shocked him again!
He never expected that compared to the tense atmosphere outside Zhanyuan, the atmosphere inside the main hall of Zhanyuan was completely opposite. All the dignitaries had happy and relaxed expressions, complimenting each other politely, and it was like a guest and a host enjoying each other, laughing.
A series of peaceful scenes!
Seeing this situation, although Xie Qing felt strange, he could not help but feel reassured, thinking that the current situation was not as tense as he had expected.
But the next moment, when Xie Qing heard the specific attitudes expressed by these big shots while laughing and joking, his heart quickly picked up again, and he almost jumped out of fright.