Chapter 430 The shortcomings and strategies of Zhuzi (please vote for me!)
Today, the results of the imperial examination have spread widely. Especially this time, the top three were leaked in advance, which attracted huge attention.
There is no shortage of thoughtful people in the officialdom. Many people are beginning to wonder, what does the imperial court mean by this? Is this an attempt to "solicit extensive opinions"?
But for the officials from the five families who had been beaten up, as well as the son-in-law of Shen Li, the Minister of Rites, the news was like a thunderbolt!
For the sake of the overall situation, he endured the humiliation and endured the heavy burden. In the end, Lin Tailai was the number one pick? Wasn't that beating in vain?
In particular, the only daughter of Shen Shangshu was immediately shocked. She took her husband and abandoned her parents and ran away from home.
Shi Menglin, on the other hand, had no intention of working at all, and trudged home after noon.
He looked at the still broken door, sighed, and continued walking inside.
I also saw my fierce woman sitting in the hall, eating melon seeds, spitting out the melon seed peels and saying:
"Hey! What my husband said is so good. Just bear with him and let him have nothing else. How many more days will you wait to see him?
So you just want me to see the top pick? It’s really unusual for the top pick to hit someone and knock on the door like this.”
Shi Shiyi turned his head indifferently to avoid the melon seed peel, but the melon seed peel still fell on his shoulder, so he slapped it away ruthlessly.
Then he said: "Give me some respect, there are a few guests coming over soon."
Shi Shiyi has indeed sent people to inform several other comrades that they will gather together no matter what today.
Not long after, several people including Jiang Shichang, Wang Jiguang, Feng Jinglong, etc. came to visit. These people were either Shizhong, Yushi, or officials from the Ministry of Etiquette, and they had all been arranged for the "Smashing Questions" package before.
Several people couldn't help but feel sympathy for each other and sighed together.
Not to mention what happened in previous years, since Lin Tailai came to Beijing this time, their Qingliu forces have been fighting non-stop.
Zhao Nanxing took action to throw dirty water, but was immediately labeled as the author of Jin Ping Mei. He is still autistic and low-key to this day.
The subsequent suppression of public opinion was broken by Lin Tailai's continuous spending of money for two months. It is said that more than 2,000 taels of silver have been spent, which is equivalent to six or seven three-bedroom apartments in prime locations in the capital.
When it came to the general examination, I encountered Lin Tailai's neurotic vigilance, and all the little tricks he had prepared failed.
After the general examination, Lin Tailai continued to maintain a high-intensity preemptive strike and smashed things crazily. Not only did he snatch away all the hot spots, but he also shocked many people, and even the low-ranking scholars were unable to organize troubles.
Not to mention the palace examination, their leader, Shen Li, the Minister of Rites, was bedridden and closed his doors to no one.
At the beginning, they could take the initiative to do something, but as they went on, they found that there was almost nothing they could do, and the roads seemed to have been blocked by Lin Tailai.
It feels very uncomfortable to be ridden in the face by the enemy and output, and it is even more unpleasant to be ridden in the face and output by the enemy over and over again!
But after being ridden all the way by the enemy, and the enemy can still snatch away the number one pick, you will be so unhappy that you will go crazy.
"There is still a chance." Shi Shiyi said to everyone: "As the saying goes, everything is possible even if the world is not determined!
According to my careful research, taking into account various factors, Tao Wangling, who ranked third in the imperial examination, is more suitable to be the number one scholar."
It can only be said that sometimes there seems to be a set of formulas in the officialdom, and different people can calculate the same conclusion.
A well-known family in a province with a major imperial examination, a lot of officials from his father's generation, a successor to the orthodox spiritual school, and a close relationship with the chief minister. The factors in Tao Wangling can be noticed by more than one person.
One of the guests named Feng Jinglong said: "But he is not one of our own."
Shi Shiyi said decisively: "It doesn't matter if he is not one of our own. The most important thing at the moment is not to let Lin Tailai be the number one pick!"
Otherwise, we, including Uncle Zong, will become the laughingstock of the world!
It can even be said that as long as it is not Lin Tailai, anyone can be the number one pick!"
Everyone agreed that if Lin Tailai became the number one scholar, the five families and Shen Shangshu would be nailed to the pillar of shame, and would be ridiculed for at least several years.
Shi Shiyi said to Feng Jinglong: "If we want to persuade the emperor to change the number one scholar, we don't have enough weight. At least we need a group of cabinet ministers to come forward.
Therefore, in the past few days, we must seize the time to act separately and lobby the ministers separately. In addition, we must also persuade Tao Wangling.
The highest-ranking people in Zhejiang were Wu Shilai of the Metropolitan Procuratorate and Lu Dasikou of the Ministry of Punishment. Wu Shilai and Qu Jie took refuge with the chief assistant, Qiu Yumou.
So I ask you, a native of Zhejiang, to go with me to persuade the mainland Sikou."
Feng Jinglong nodded solemnly and said: "I will do my best!"
If we put it in other eras, it would be foolish for a few officials to want to do big things, and they would overestimate their own capabilities.
But in the late Ming Dynasty, it was not unusual. The middle and lower-level officials were extremely active in politics. They organized and organized troubles, and were even the main force in political struggles.
After several people discussed and agreed on a unified approach, Shi Shiyi and Feng Jinglong went out together to lobby Lu Guangzu, the chief minister.
The imperial examination paper reading just ended yesterday. Most of the ministers who participated in the paper reading, except Shen Shoufu, were resting at home.
Therefore, Shi Shiyi and Feng Jinglong met Lu Guangzu smoothly and had an in-depth conversation for half an hour.
Lu Guangzu did not directly agree or object, only saying that it would take a day to consider.
Shi Shiyi also expressed his understanding of this. Perhaps Lu Guangzu also needed to inquire about the attitudes of various parties and make a decision after comprehensive consideration.
Finally, Shi Menglin advised: "Da Sikou and Tao Wangling's father are of the same age, so it is natural for them to support the younger generation."
After the conversation, Shi Shiyi and Feng Jinglong walked out, but as soon as they reached the gate of the Lu family, they saw dozens of familiar burly men appearing outside!
Shi Shiyi stopped in shock and did not dare to go out.
Damn it! Lin Daguan outside the gate was also surprised. He didn't expect to meet these two people. It's true that there is a way to heaven but you can't take it, and there is no way to hell so you have to break through it.
Just thinking about how to start from scratch, isn't this the ready-made one?
Official Lin waved his hand excitedly and shouted: "You are indeed colluding together!
Your two businesses have nothing to do with the Ministry of Punishment. Why did you come to visit Lu Shangshu right after you finished reading the imperial examination papers?
The rumors are indeed true, you must be planning to change the imperial rankings and promote Tao Wangling, who is also from Zhejiang Province, to the top of the list!"
With the righteousness in hand, the fight started without saying a word!
Shi Shiyi and Feng Jinglong's cars and sedans, as well as the servants, were waiting outside the gate at the moment, and they immediately suffered a disaster.
The horses were released, the carts were chopped up, the sedans were dismantled, and the people were all lying down.
But Official Lin didn't leave yet, so he blocked the gate of the Lu Mansion, shouting slogans indiscriminately.
Shi and Feng could not get out at all, so they fled back to the Lu family and asked Lu Shangshu for help.
Due to the special nature of its business, the Punishment Department itself is somewhat directly under the armed forces, and the Punishment Department is located in the west of the city, very close to the official residence area.
So Lu Guangzu, the chief minister, quickly sent his servants to go out through the side door and called people from the punishment department to come to the rescue.
Less than half an hour later, there was a report that three hundred guards from the Ministry of Punishment had rushed over. Lu Shangshu, who felt that he had taken control of the situation, called for Shi Menglin and Feng Jinglong to sit down and drink tea.
But after a while, Lu Shangshu felt that the tea cup in his hand was still hot, and he saw his disciples rushing to the study and shouting in a panic: "All the pawns of the Criminal Department have been defeated!"
Lu Shangshu was shocked and angry: "Three hundred versus fifty, the advantage is so huge, how come they were defeated so quickly?"
The disciple continued to report: "Lin's gang pretended to be afraid at first, fought and retreated, and fled into a small alley to the east.
The pawns of the Ministry of Justice chased in, but the alley was narrow and there were many people and they couldn't move.
At this time, Lin Thief and his servants suddenly launched a counterattack. Under the cover of the formation of large bamboo baskets, he personally acted as an arrow and took the lead.
But the front row of the Criminal Department's pawns couldn't stop them at all, and they were defeated one after another, and then there was a complete rout!
Moreover, more than a hundred defeated soldiers fled into the mansion, and they all gathered in the front yard, and the thieves blocked the gate again!"
Lu Shangshu was in a daze and thought that he was not the Shangshu of the capital, but the governor of a border town.
Usually we only see those nobles resolving conflicts by fighting, and hundreds of people are often gathered to fight for this purpose.
Does it mean that even in the civil service circle, one has to rely on force to speak his mind?
At this time, Shi Menglin said: "The Lin thief is only blocking the gate and does not dare to destroy the gate. It shows that the Lin thief is still wary of the big Sikou, so he can only ask the big Sikou to fight off the enemy in person."
Of course, if Lin Tailai really dared to take action against the Minister of Punishment, one of the seven ministers of the imperial court, the result would not be bad.
Lu Shangshu took a deep breath, stood up and walked out.
When they arrived at the front yard, they saw more than a hundred defeated soldiers in a chaotic mess, looking towards the gate in panic, as if they were afraid that the enemy might break in.
Lu Shangshu ignored the rubbish and continued walking with his head held high. When he approached the gate, he stopped for a moment.
This is not because of fear, but to cultivate the attitude of the seven ministers of the imperial court to look down upon the world! As long as Lin Tailai does not rebel, he will not dare to attack him directly!
Walking to the middle of the gate, Lu Guangzu was about to say something about the situation, but his eyes suddenly widened, and he almost thought he was hallucinating.
Lin Tailai's thick arms were tied behind his back with straw ropes, and he stood outside the door with his head bowed!
Moreover, there was an old official next to Lin Tailai. Lu Guangzu recognized him. He was Zhao Zhigao, the left minister of the Ministry of Personnel, who was also from Zhejiang.
At this moment, Zhao Zhigao's eyes widened with anger, he pointed at Lin Tailai and scolded sternly:
"Who said that our ministers from Zhejiang would collude to promote Tao Wangling? How could I not know?
You are also about to ascend the throne and enter the imperial court. Why are you so incapable of distinguishing rumors? Do you believe whatever you hear?
How dare you listen to the wind and rain and go to the court of Da Sikou to cause trouble?"
Lu Guangzu: "???"
What kind of drama is this? It was so sudden that I couldn’t react at the moment.
Seeing Lu Shangshu appear at the door, Zhao Zhigao continued to yell at Lin Tailai:
"If I hadn't been there to stop you, you would have caused a huge disaster! You must apologize to Da Sikou!"
Official Lin still lowered his head and said nothing.
Zhao Zhigao turned to Lu Guangzu, cupped his hands, and said with an upright face: "Lin Tailai heard that we Zhejiang people want to recommend Tao Wangling as the number one scholar, which is really ridiculous.
I have already advised Lin Tai to plead guilty and ask Da Si Kou to deal with it, but I will never intercede!"
After finishing speaking, Zhao Zhigao really did not drag his feet, leaving Lin Tailai who had tied himself up and walked away directly.
Lu Guangzu's face twitched again and again, and he was speechless for a long time.
It is difficult to deal with the arrogant and domineering Lin Tailai, and it is even more difficult to deal with Lin Tailai who binds himself to plead guilty!
If we "act in accordance with the law" now and take advantage of the situation and put Lin Tailai in the Ministry of Punishment's prison, then the would-be number one scholar will definitely miss the Confucius Memorial Ceremony the day after tomorrow and the Golden Palace Passage Ceremony the day after tomorrow.
That would set a bad precedent of using judicial means to directly interfere in the selection of the top pick and to promote a fellow countryman to the top. And what would he gain?
All political pressure and moral pressure will be concentrated on oneself, and in the end he will be blamed by everyone? Will he be ruined?
The enemy will not reason with you, and will definitely alarm the emperor, so how can you explain your motives to the emperor?
Is it worth it for a No. 1 pick? The No. 1 pick has no actual power.
But thinking about it on the other hand, if I just let Lin Tailai go now, I would be very reluctant! I don’t have a clear idea!
Lin Tailai's opportunity to become a prisoner is so rare! If you miss this time, there may not be a next time!
While thinking over and over again in his mind, Lu Shangshu's eyes wandered unconsciously, and he suddenly discovered new details.
If you, Lin Tailai, are really sincere, can you use the thickest cowhide rope to bind your arms?
What does a straw rope mean? As long as you, Lin Tailai, use your arms hard, this straw rope can be broken, right?
Also, since you, Lin Tai, have come to plead guilty, why are there dozens of men standing around looking at you with eager eyes?
Are you planning to get angry and continue fighting if you disagree?
Lu Guangzu hesitated for too long, which made Lin Daguan feel impatient, so he raised his head and shouted: "The binding is too urgent, please slow down!"
Lu Shangshu answered subconsciously: "Tie Hu must be in a hurry."
At this time, Shi Shiyi heard the news and walked out of the house and stood beside Lu Shangshu.
Lu Shangshu reviewed the historical relics and asked: "How?"
Shi Shiyi replied coldly: "Did you not see what happened to Uncle Shen Dazong, Xin Zixiu, Li Shida, Shi Kunyu, Li Lai, Cai Shiding, and Fang Wanshan?"
It is not convenient to say many things directly in public, so I can only try to imply them.
But Lu Shangshu was a little confused. What does this mean? Can you explain it more clearly?
Then he woke up, he no longer hesitated, waved to Lin Tailai and said:
"This department has no intention of favoring fellow countrymen, nor does it care about you! Just go ahead!"
This is a public commitment not to cause trouble on the issue of No. 1 pick.
Lin Daguan used both arms to break the straw rope and left cursing with his men.
Shi Shiyi was a little impatient and asked Lu Guangzu regardless of etiquette: "Da Sikou! Why did you let the tiger go back to the mountain?"
Lu Guangzu said in confusion: "Didn't you persuade me to let him go just now?
When you mentioned those people, didn't you specifically remind me not to make the same mistake again and fall into Lin Tailai's trap like them, leading to ruin?"
Historical Supplements: ""
He mentioned those "martyrs" to imply that Lu Guangzu and Lin Tailai were doing great harm! Therefore, Lin Tailai should be dealt with at any cost, even if they both die together, it is worth it!
Is this Lu Da Sikou really stupid, or is he pretending to be stupid?
Shi Shiyi didn't want to talk any more, so he turned around and walked out. When he reached the intersection, he couldn't help but look up to the sky and sigh: "There is no way to make a plan! Anyone who messes up the world will be released today!"