This old punch from Mr. Yan Ge was really caught off guard. Qin Zhongtang was really not prepared at all. He didn't even understand why Yan Song wanted to hit someone?
By the time he reacted, a group of people around him had already separated him from Mr. Yan Ge.
Zhang Chao, the Minister of Rites, held Qin Dewei's shoulders and shouted: "Calm down! Calm down! Don't fight back!"
After all, Yan Song is still in his sixties, and Qin Dewei is only in his twenties.
Respecting the elderly is a mainstream social value. When young people hit the elderly, they are often justified but not justified. They turn from victims to targets of public criticism.
Qin Dewei was like an office worker five hundred years from now who was beaten by an old man because he failed to occupy a seat on a bus. He angrily said to Teacher Zhang: "Did I get punched in vain?"
Teacher Zhang thought for a while and then said, "You have beaten Yan Shifan so many times, and now you have been punched by Yan Shifan's father. It can be considered equal."
Qin Dewei: "..."
He still wanted to argue a few words, but found that no one among the people present actually spoke for him, the one who was beaten. Instead, he secretly protected Mr. Yan Ge, and he suddenly felt angry!
What's going on in this world? Does a traitor like Yan Song, who has a record in history, deserve your protection?
Is it because my name is Qin Dewei, so everything I do is wrong? Only when I get beaten can you feel happy?
Only the good old Jingshan Hou Cui Yuan picked up the official hat, dusted it off, and handed it back to Qin Zhongtang.
Zhai Luan, the first assistant, was not very prestigious and could not control the situation at all. Zhang Zuo, the eunuch in charge of the ceremony, shouted: "The emperor is still in the palace, and you are called civil servants, but you do it in front of the palace, how unbecoming it is!"
When the eunuch said this, the civil servants felt a little embarrassed. Qin Zhongtang could only consider the overall situation first and took two steps back to show that he had no intention of continuing to take action.
In this way, Qin Dewei happened to retreat to the side of Zhu Xizhong, the 26-year-old Duke of Chengguo, and accidentally caught a glimpse of a smile on the corner of Zhu Xizhong's mouth.
I couldn't help but opened my mouth and yelled: "Why are you laughing! How can you still laugh when the emperor is in such a condition? Just wait to be seduced!"
Zhu Xizhong: "..."
You, Qin Dewei, can't take it out on your peers when the old man beats you up! Can't you reflect on why no one helped you fight back at Mr. Yan Ge!
The second eunuch, the eunuch Bingbi and the admiral of Dongchang, Qin Fu said: "Scholar Qin! You said you asked Empress Zhang to monitor the prince, weren't you kidding?"
Eunuch Qin's words finally brought the chaotic scene back on track. Everyone's thoughts that had been interrupted by Yan Song's sudden punch resumed.
It is difficult for everyone to understand why you, Qin Dewei, recommended Queen Mother Zhang to monitor the prince? Who among the people present does not know that Qin Dewei is one of the enemies of the Zhang family?
Although the Ming Dynasty did not have the tradition of listening to politics behind the curtain, nor did it have a system for women to intervene in politics, there was no precedent for the Queen Mother to be the nominal regent.
For example, in the early years of the Zhengtong Dynasty, Empress Zhang of the Renzong Dynasty served as a half-regent as the Empress Dowager, which was the famous Sanyang Assistant Reign period.
But even if someone with real power elects an enemy as regent, even if he can sideline her, wouldn't it be a little more troublesome? Wouldn't it make himself uncomfortable?
From another perspective, if Empress Dowager Zhang is allowed to serve as regent, if Emperor Jiajing wakes up again, how will Qin Dewei explain to Emperor Jiajing?
Originally, some people were interested in Queen Mother Zhang's identity as "Qin Dewei's enemy", but Qin Dewei's initiative to promote her in the opposite direction made others unable to deal with it.
So everyone who was confused and upset felt that Mr. Yan Ge had beaten too lightly and too little just now.
At this very sensitive moment, what everyone fears most is misjudgment!
At this time, Eunuch Qin stood up and directly questioned Qin Dewei on behalf of everyone:
"You and the Zhang family should have a grudge. Yuanfeng Bank seems to have been involved in embezzling the Zhang family's money! Now you are recommending Empress Zhang. What are your intentions?"
This question speaks to everyone's thoughts. If you, Qin Dewei, are not sincere at this time and openly dig a big hole for others, then you are simply heartless and inhumane!
Qin Dewei, on the other hand, was speechless at what Eunuch Qin said. Even if he pretends to be loyal and rebels, even if he supports him and carries the sedan chair, he must pay attention to the impact!
Don't say anything to others! There is nothing wrong with embezzling the Zhang family's money! Those are all ownerless accounts due to special historical reasons!
"I, Qin Dewei, have done what I have done all my life, why do I need to explain it to you!" Qin Zhongtang responded angrily, remembering the experience of no one seeking justice after being beaten just now.
Teacher Zhang couldn't stand it anymore and scolded him: "This is a meeting place. If you don't want to talk, just go out!"
Qin Dewei could only "explain": "The relationship between me and the Zhang family is a personal grudge; what we are discussing now is about stabilizing the country, which is a business matter!
I, Qin Dewei, have always acted with a clear distinction between public and private affairs throughout my life, and I have been selfless. How can I affect state affairs because of personal grudges?"
These principles were so correct that everyone was speechless and were suddenly swayed by Qin Dewei's character.
Eunuch Qin continued to question in an unusually cunning manner: "As far as I know, Madam Fang is from Jiangning, and she is a true fellow villager with you! Why don't you recommend Madam Fang to supervise the prince?"
Qin Deweikang replied passionately: "The Queen Mother is still revered in the palace. If Queen Mother Fang is superior to the Queen Mother, it will be unfair and unjust! If I, Qin Dewei, recommend Lady Fang, I will be depriving the public official for personal reasons."
!
Is it possible that in the eyes of you eunuchs, I, Qin Dewei, only act selfishly and without justice? Is it possible that in the eyes of you eunuchs, only selfish behavior is a normal person?
We ministers, whether civil or military, internal or external, must remember these four words: self-denial and devotion to public service!"
Qin Zhongtang's declaration was so dazzling that others suddenly felt that Qin Zhongtang's image suddenly became taller and taller.
When these words spread, I don’t know how much praise they will receive. After all, most people in this world do not know the truth.
Once again, Mr. Yan Ge couldn't bear it anymore and shouted to Eunuch Qin: "Shut up! Stop asking!"
Eunuch Qin was a little surprised, everyone is of the same level, but you, Yan Song, are so rude!
Then I saw Mr. Yan Ge saying loudly: "Please ask Empress Zhang to monitor the prince! If anyone objects, please remove me, Yan Song first!"
Everyone suddenly felt clearly that after defeating Qin Dewei, Mr. Yan Ge was slightly more domineering, as if the seal had been released, and he seemed to have undergone transformation.
Mr. Yan Ge usually gives everyone the impression that he is sweet-talking but secretly speaking, and is forbearing and ruthless. He is not as domineering as Zhang Fuking and Xia Yan, the powerful officials of the previous two generations.
Could it be that beating Qin Dewei has the effect of changing his temperament?
If the two powerful officials Yan Ge Lao and Qin Zhongtang support Empress Dowager Zhang in monitoring the prince, then it is basically a foregone conclusion, no matter what the eunuchs think.
The ceremonial eunuchs and eunuchs looked at each other a few times, but could only sigh secretly.
Although it is said that the eunuchs in power theoretically have a greater say in palace affairs, there is a prerequisite for this, that is, the emperor is under normal circumstances.
Once the emperor dies, or is in a situation like the current Emperor Jiajing, the eunuchs in power will not speak louder than the ministers.
First, because at such an extremely sensitive time, the eunuchs who were active in the palace naturally had "original sin."
Do you want to take the opportunity to kill the prince? Do you want to take the opportunity to kill the emperor? Do you want to replace the civet cat with the prince? Do you want to establish a new king?
Any behavior of the eunuch in power may be highly suspicious, may be suspected by outsiders, and may even be attacked by people all over the world.
Just like what Qin Zhongtang said just now, "Do you want to be Wang Zhen?", one sentence can choke people to death, and public opinion is in the hands of scholars.
Even Qin Zhongtang, who was born in Qingliu Huaxuan and had a very upright official career, did not dare to recommend Empress Fang from his hometown as regent, let alone a eunuch, in order to avoid suspicion.
Second, the power of the eunuchs comes entirely from the emperor. The emperor is "gone", so what can the eunuchs do to restrain the ministers? Why should the ministers still tolerate you eunuchs?
Therefore, those extremely arrogant eunuch forces in the Ming Dynasty were often easily liquidated when the emperor changed.
As for those eunuchs who have had long-lasting careers, they all have in common that they are low-key, gentle and generous, so that they can always end well.
Eunuch Qin's sudden rush to recognize his son was not an act of wisdom, but rather self-protection.
A sudden palace change changed many people.
Yan Song looked around and said decisively: "The country cannot be without a master, and it can be done without further delay! If there are no objections, I will go to the East Palace now to ask the prince to supervise the country, and then go to Ciqing Palace to ask the Queen Mother to take charge of the overall situation!"
Civil servants, military officials, state relatives, and eunuchs were all present, which was enough to represent the entire temple and the people of the world.
Suddenly, another young eunuch ran over and said to everyone: "Ms. Fang is summoning all the gentlemen of Zhiwuyi Hall and Wenyuan Pavilion in the side hall! Each of them will go to see you individually!"
Empress Fang is also half a "master". She is summoned nearby in an emergency, and it is difficult to refuse due to etiquette. Everyone can only wait for a while.
We are all political veterans, so we can guess that Queen Fang has two meanings.
The first is to encourage the ministers on behalf of the royal family to continue to perform their duties faithfully during extraordinary times; the second is to test the ministers to see if they have any intention of supporting her.
The civil servants entered the side hall one by one. Zhai Luan, the first assistant, Yan Song, the great scholar, and Zhang Chao, the minister of rites, came out soon after. Their expressions were still as usual.
It is not difficult for veterans of the officialdom to deal with the young queen with a few words of gossip.
The fourth person who entered the palace was Qin Dewei, who was the minister of the Ministry of Rites and a bachelor of Dongge, who was also the minister of the Ministry of Industry and in charge of the Ordnance Bureau.
The queen is sitting on the throne. There are no outsiders in the palace. People are waiting outside to be summoned. Only the queen's most trusted female official stands beside her.
At this time, Qin Zhongtang is very calm. As a politician who has no emotions, he will show indifference when he should!
Even after standing in silence for a while with his eyes lowered, Qin Zhongtang couldn't help but be curious and looked up a few times when he still couldn't hear the queen on the throne speaking.
Then I saw a small phoenix crown studded with pearls and emeralds, covering her hair, and a bright yellow double-breasted straight-collared robe.
I just couldn't see her face clearly, because the young queen was lowering her head and wiping tears.
Then Qin Zhongtang felt a deep pain in his balls. Why are you crying, woman? Is this the occasion when you should cry? What if it gets spread?
Fortunately, he was the last one to be summoned. If someone else came in later and found that the queen had cried, he would not be able to explain it!
Then Qin Zhongtang suddenly felt a slight movement deep in his soul, as if a certain consciousness wanted to awaken and try to break through the seal and control himself.
At this moment, Qin Zhongtang had a hallucination of schizophrenia, but he soon used his strong willpower to suppress the consciousness that originated from his predecessor.
She is a queen now, not your teacher’s daughter and dream lover. You’d better be honest!
The atmosphere was so awkward, Qin Dewei said helplessly: "If there is no order, Rong Chen will leave for now!"
It didn't take long to summon the previous ministers, but if I stayed in the palace for too long, it would arouse others' suspicion!
The queen on the throne finally raised her head, revealing a beautiful face that even the picky Emperor Jiajing admired.
The consciousness deep in Qin Zhongtang's soul beat violently again. Qin Dewei, who was used to seeing beauties, had to admit that the queen's appearance was indeed worthy of being the lover of his dreams.
Then I heard the queen say: "If you ask your aunt, the queen mother, to monitor the prince and take charge of the palace, how should I deal with myself?"
The aunt Queen Mother Fang mentioned was the Queen Mother Zhang. The Queen Mother Zhang must have hated Emperor Jiajing, but she definitely didn't want Emperor Jiajing to die, and she might take her anger out on others.
At the very least, Queen Fang's life is not as easy as before. It's like the head of the family suddenly has an evil mother-in-law to take care of things. She'll be damned if she can feel comfortable!
Qin Zhongtang replied in a business-like manner: "I have ministers waiting to take care of you, so your Majesty will have nothing to worry about!"
The Queen seemed very disappointed and said, "Everyone else says that, even you?"
Next to him was probably a close female official who was a relative of the queen, staring at Qin Dewei at this moment.
Qin Dewei was speechless. He was not afraid of business matters being dealt with, but he was afraid of getting mixed up with personal emotional issues. Politics is politics, don’t mix things up like this!
After looking around again to make sure there were no outsiders, Qin Dewei asked: "If I were still an ordinary person trying to make a living, would your Majesty give me another look?"
Queen Fang said sincerely: "No."
Qin Zhongtang's meaning is very obvious. We are all adults now, so we should be realistic and don't mix things up with things that happened in our childhood.
But Queen Fang continued: "But you are now a minister, the most powerful minister, a minister that I have to respect and treat with courtesy. Now besides you, who can I count on? Who can I trust?"
Imagine if a person who is successful, powerful, and able to help others hears the still beautiful lover of his dreams say, "You are so powerful now, I admire you so much, please help me." What will happen?
Feel?
Anyway, the ray of consciousness deep in Qin Dewei's soul couldn't stand it any longer, so Qin Zhongtang was very sensible and did not dare to stay any longer, so he hurriedly resigned.
Before leaving, I couldn't help but say: "I know what I'm doing, there's really no need to worry, Madam!"
After walking out of the side hall, Qin Dewei wiped his sweat. Fortunately, he walked out in time, otherwise he would not be able to suppress the remaining consciousness of his predecessor.
It's okay to sell well, but it also requires political skills. After all, everyone is a politician, but you can't just kneel down blindly!
However, Qin Zhongtang remembered that the eunuch who wanted to be his father said that Queen Fang was a weak person with no ideas. But judging from the situation just now, it doesn't look like it?
How can a weak person with no ideas control his emotions so well?
Logically speaking, a Dongchang admiral like Eunuch Qin would not be blinded easily, even if he had a sharp eye.
So it can only be explained that some people will evolve and change after being stimulated by drastic changes in the external environment?