Back in Zhangzhou, Hong Lizhen introduced Governor Song to send the memorial to Officer Lingchi, while he himself made a separate report, reporting to Niu Yuan the incident of the accidental attack, and impeaching Governor Song for his misconduct in commanding his subordinates, and for covering up his mistakes by blaming others, etc.
It can almost lead to his dismissal.
Niu Yuan has been anxiously waiting for news from the south recently. His eyes lit up when he saw the letter from Governor Song. Although he was a little confused about it, he felt that it should be the report from Hong Lisan; but he still raised his hand and opened the memorial.
He even had no scruples and read loudly in front of the provincial officials: "Song, the governor of Fujian, reported: Yesterday, three Japanese warships carrying artillery arrived at Dongshan Island. However, due to a quarrel, an officer...
" His voice became smaller and smaller. When he read this, he swallowed the words he was about to read back into his throat and closed his lips tightly. His majestic momentum suddenly weakened, and his eyes turned dim gray.
Seeing his sudden silence, all the confidants knew that the situation had changed, and no one dared to ask. They all shrank their necks, waiting for his upcoming rage.
But this time, Niu Yuan was not too angry. It was not because he suddenly became calmer, but because he understood in his heart that under his own policy guidance, if such a serious incident occurred, the responsibility must not be escaped, and there was no plan at all.
He could handle it. He had long forgotten the overwhelming power at that time, and now he only felt that he had fallen into an abyss of eternal destruction. Powerlessness and fear surrounded him, making him unable to even think about getting angry.
"An officer mistakenly thought he was a bandit and ordered his subordinates to bombard without authorization... This criminal has been detained. Please treat him as guilty of treason." He finished what he had said word for word, and then folded it.
He was writing a memorial and looking at the crowd listlessly.
Everyone was so frightened that their expressions changed. How could they dare to speak in front of Niu Yuan? They were afraid that a single slip of the tongue could lead to their own death. But they also knew that someone needed to come out to give Feng Xiang peace of mind at this time, so they all turned their gazes
Invested in one of the most famous people.
That person was the newly promoted Yushi Zongshan. Seeing such a situation, he was extremely frightened. However, he could not bear the expectations of everyone, so he had to straighten up his fat body and said: "Fengxiang, this is just a border area."
What responsibility can an officer bear? Even if he is punished with a long time, it will not help, but it will only relieve his depression. For the sake of your Excellency, but also for the country, it is necessary to remove several local officials vigorously and swiftly to block the situation.
Your long words can soothe the hearts of the people in the court."
"Of course I know I need to find someone who can take the blame," Niu Yuan sighed, "but we still don't know what exactly is going on in the south and which officials made the big mistake."
"Reporting to the Prime Minister, Hong Shenzheng's secret message!"
Niu Yuan was still hesitating. Hearing the news, it was as if he had received a life-saving straw. He stood up excitedly, his face flushed. But then thinking of the current situation, he felt lost again and sat down slowly: "Okay, bring it up.
Bar."
He opened the seal of the memorial, quickly read the contents, and then smiled at Su Zhongcheng and said: "Look, we were just talking about the accusation, and Hong Lisan's impeachment came. He really saw it.
Long-term! With him taking the lead, the next step will be easy. Send it to the Yushitai immediately and ask Lieutenant Gui to trouble you."
The accidental attack of a warship suddenly caused a sensation in the entire court. The opponents were ecstatic and did not seem to think that this was something worth mourning. Especially the 'main force' in the impeachment, headed by Zeng Liang, showed their writing skills and went crazy.
They openly denounced Niu Yuan's new policy and attacked his already precarious position; the supporters also changed their faces in an instant, impeaching and scorning, and even boasted about their greatness in cutting off their robes and righteousness, calling on everyone to follow suit.
They worked together to make suggestions for the great cause of the country. However, those who had a close friendship with Liu Zhennian and others could not be so straightforward, so they had to take a leave of absence to recuperate and avoid the limelight. They envied their current invincibility and hated that they had fawned over the wrong person in the past.
Niu Yuan tried his best to ignore the rumors and went to work in Zhongshu Province as usual, but there were still people making noise at the gate in groups, making him unable to sleep and restless. After suffering for several days, he
With the help of Yushitai, he finally announced the first step through the emperor's edict: he would transfer all the responsibilities to the governor of Fujian, saying that he "deliberately exaggerated the truth in order to shirk the blame from his subordinates, and wanted to use the death penalty of others to cover up his oversight."
’, so he was dismissed from his official post and escorted to Beijing immediately.
After all, there is a memorial written by the governor himself as evidence. This explanation can somewhat convince the public. However, how can Zeng Liang and others be satisfied with this? They continue to pursue and attack Niu Yuan, accusing Niu Yuan of being ignorant.
To thank the world by deposing the important officials involved. In Niu Yuan's view, this goal is very clear: if they don't scrape a few pieces of flesh from themselves, they will not be finished.
But if he wanted to make a comeback, he had to make all kinds of humiliating compromises. So Niu Yuan deposed his confidant Hong Lishen from the capital and asked him to return to his hometown. He also selected the two prime ministers Su Zongshan and Gui Fu to enter the imperial censor.
In the Zhongshu Province, Su Zongshan was appointed to participate in politics, while Gui Fu held the position concurrently. He was temporarily in charge for one year, and then someone recommended by hundreds of officials could take over.
Niu Yuan was fortunate that Su Zongshan's appointment did not receive much opposition. Although this thirty-eight-year-old newcomer to officialdom was a close confidant of Feng Xiang, he was a full-fledged member of the Liu Party.
He was smooth and had never done anything to offend anyone (also because he was not taken seriously by Liu Zhennian), so the courtiers had a good impression of him and approved him as a provincial minister. As for Guifu, the ministers did not care much.
This figure is just running errands for the Liu Party. He is like a puppet and has no opinion. He seems to be insignificant to the overall situation. What they pay attention to is the official who will take over this position next year. There are many people who covet power. A rain of blood.
The fight between Xingfeng and Xingfeng was inevitable - Niu Yuan's special thought was something they never expected.
But Niu Yuan can't do anything now. His blind compromise has ruined his dignity and no longer has the power to influence the government. In view of such a mess, Niu Yuan had to turn to Liu Zhennian, who has been out of the decision-making center for many years.
old man.
"Mr. Liu!" Niu Yuan, dressed in simple white clothes, knelt in front of Liu Zhennian, "The lower official is guilty, the lower official is guilty..."
"When you were determined to kill Yan Wen, did you ever think about today?" Liu Zhennian asked in a stern tone.
"I am wrong, deeply wrong. But people cannot be resurrected, so this burden can only be shouldered by you..." Niu Yuan wiped his tears and sniffed, "How many ministers are eyeing your seat.
, just for the sake of the world, come out and take charge again!"