In the cold morning, the noise in his stomach was particularly refreshing, and Tie Mo was embarrassed.
Zhang Yan covered her mouth and smiled softly, and the two maids next to her couldn't help laughing. She ordered the guards, and Zhang Yan led Tie Mo towards the west.
Along the way, walking on the cold stone road, with the faint morning light on her back, Zhang Yan introduced the buildings on the roadside. As she walked far away, there were no other people around, and she became more casual. As a traveler, Tie Mo had a lot of respect for Zhang Yan.
There was a little less respect, but Zhang Yan also had a special feeling for Tie Mo because of what happened on the grassland, so she became a little more close and dependent.
"It's so early in the morning, it's not bright yet, how can you go to the imperial kitchen in person?"
"Hey, since I came back from Zhangbei, I have felt that my body is too weak, so I get up early every day, walk around the palace, and go to the imperial kitchen to bring some breakfast. I didn't expect that I would meet you today."
"Ha ha....."
The two of them were like a pair of old friends, chatting about some casual things, and unknowingly they had arrived at the imperial dining room.
Naturally, it is impossible for Zhang Yan and Tie Mo to eat in the imperial dining room. In front of so many people, there are too many taboos. Tie Mo is the only one who speaks to you, and does not even have an honorific title, so it is easy for others to catch him.
In an elegant room, Tie Mo was eating a delicious breakfast. The palace maids and eunuchs were waiting outside, and they did not dare to come in and disturb without Zhang Yan summoning them. According to the rules, Zhang Yan invited the man into the room for dinner, which was already a bit inappropriate.
The rules have been followed, but neither of them is aware of this problem at the moment.
Speaking of which, the relationship between the two is very mysterious. To say that they are close, they have never met each other a few times. To say that they are not close, they have often contacted each other through letters in the past two years. Shanxi merchants have some difficult matters in the capital. Many times, it is Tie Mo who invites Zhang Yan.
The two are often in contact, and even Zhu Youjian knows this. However, no one can tell what the relationship is.
There were no outsiders in the room, and there were fewer taboos. Zhang Yan talked about Yuan Chonghuan casually, "Recently, there has been a lot of talk about Yuan Chonghuan inside and outside the capital. I think you should advise His Majesty. Although Yuan Chonghuan is not considerate in his actions.
, but in the end, sin does not lead to death.”
Zhang Yan has always abided by the rules of the harem and did not interfere in government affairs, so she just told Tie Mo about these matters. Tie Mo put down the bowl and chopsticks, picked up the handkerchief and wiped his mouth, "What you said makes sense, but you have to
Understand, someone has to be responsible for the Tatars to block the border. Why is Your Majesty willing to touch Yuan Chonghuan? Yuan Chonghuan was pushed to the position by His Majesty. Taking Yuan Chonghuan down is tantamount to a slap in the face."
"Persuasion? It's useless. Everything is up to His Majesty. And the most terrible thing is that no one in the civil and military dynasty is willing to stand up to protect him." Tie Mo smiled helplessly. In fact, the last one is the most important. Chongzhen wants to kill him.
Yuan Chonghuan, if half of the civil and military people in the Manchu Dynasty wanted to protect him, Chongzhen might have stopped thinking about it. Unfortunately, Yuan Chonghuan was arrogant and did not know how to behave, and his relationship with many people was very tense. In this regard, he was better than the previous ones.
The governor Ren Jiliao was far behind, even worse than Mao Wenlong.
At least, when Mao Wenlong was killed, many people stood up and clamored for severe punishment of Yuan Chonghuan. Yuan Chonghuan was sent to prison, and the civil and military officials in the court were silent. Many people even added insult to injury and listed crimes. Sitting in the position of Governor of Jiliao, even the court
If you can't figure out the relationship between the two, what qualifications do you have to continue to be the governor of Jiliao?
What's more, Tie Mo never thought about protecting Yuan Chonghuan.
"Forget it, let's not mention him. Let me tell you another thing. I originally wanted to send someone to inform you. In order to celebrate the defeat of the Tatars, the British Duke held a banquet at his house and invited many people.
Zhang Guogong sent you a message, but I have no contact with you, so I ask you to send a message in the middle!"
Zhang Yan asked the palace maid to remove the dishes and bring two glasses of water. She seemed to be worried that Tie Mo would not agree, and said slowly: "It will do no harm to you to get to know Mr. Zhang. Moreover, when you asked me for help in the past, many
I also asked Mr. Zhang to come forward to help me with this matter. In both circumstances, please give Mr. Zhang some face."
Tie Mo nodded lightly. In fact, he also intended to make friends with Zhang Weixian. Although since the Tumu Fort Incident, the power in the hands of the nobles was gradually taken away by civilian officials, and today, the nobles no longer have much real power.
However, these noble families who have been established for more than ten generations in the Ming Dynasty still have great influence. Especially in North Zhili and Southern Zhili, many times these noble families come forward and are more effective than Shuntian Mansion.
But Tie Mo was very curious, how could Zhang Yan, a has-been queen, ask Zhang Weixian to help? Although Zhang Yan also had a surname of Zhang, the two were not related.
"Empress, I am very strange, I am very strange, what is the relationship between you and Mr. Zhang?"
"Huh?" Zhang Yan was stunned, and then a hint of bitterness appeared on her beautiful face. She held her chin, as if she was lost in memories, "If there is any relationship, it is just that I come from the Zhang family.
When I was in trouble a few years ago, thanks to Mr. Zhang's secret help, I was able to survive. Later, the two sides interacted more. Later, Mr. Zhang knew about my relationship with you, and out of other considerations,
It’s not that I was ignored like others.”
What Zhang Yan said was very simple, but Tie Mo could hear the sadness in it. Think about it, the Forbidden City is like a prison. Marrying into the palace is tantamount to confining yourself. As a queen, it is said that she is a mother.
Yi Tianxia, doesn’t it still depend on the emperor’s attitude towards him?
When the late emperor was in power, Wei Zhongxian was extremely powerful and secretly colluded with the inner palace. Although he may not have been as wanton as the rumors, Zhang Yan's life was not easy. After the late emperor passed away, Zhang Yan's identity became even more embarrassing.
If the emperor is alive and not favored, he will not have a good life, let alone the woman of a dead emperor. If there is an heir, and the one who succeeds is his own child, everything is easy to say. As the queen mother, she will still enjoy wealth and honor.
.But a royal sister-in-law...
"My Lady, in fact, if you feel too tired, you can ask His Majesty for permission to leave..."
Zhang Yan raised her head blankly, and before Tie Mo finished speaking, she smiled and shook her head, "You don't understand the royal family. When you enter the palace, you are born as a royal person and die as a ghost of the royal family. Sometimes, the royal family
Your face is more important than your life..."
Tie Mo frowned tightly, looking at the peerless and beautiful face in front of him, he really couldn't imagine that such a young woman was destined to grow old alone within the palace walls. The royal family also has the sorrow of the royal family!
........
The sky prison was dark and damp. The cell door was opened, and a ray of sunlight shone in through the morning fog. Several guards patrolled here and looked up at the people who entered the prison. After just one glance, they knelt on the ground in shock.
"See Your Majesty!"
Who would have thought that His Majesty the Emperor of the Ming Dynasty would come to the prison so early in the morning. There were many old men among the guards who had been around for many years, but I had never heard of the Emperor entering the prison to chat with prisoners. Today I saw it.
Zhu Youjian waved his hand to signal the guards to step back and not follow him. He breathed out softly, but he still couldn't wave away the turbid atmosphere in the cell. This was the first time he came to Tianlao since he was a child. I hope this
It was the first and last time. Zhu Youjian didn't want to come, but he finally followed Sun Chengzong's advice. This was not bowing to Yuan Chonghuan, but giving Yuan Chonghuan one last chance.
Zhu Youjian has been holding back, even when he wanted to kill people the most, he still wanted to be open to Yuan Chonghuan. For no other reason, just because Yuan Chonghuan was chosen by him, Zhu Youjian, denying Yuan Chonghuan is tantamount to admitting himself in disguise
I don’t know people well.
At a square table, the emperor and his ministers sat opposite each other. Looking at Yuan Chonghuan, who was disheveled and a little decadent, Zhu Youjian didn't know what to say. If it were before, he would have couldn't help but excitedly talk to Yuan Chonghuan about Liaodong, and Yuan Chonghuan also
He would describe the plan to pacify Liaodong with high spirits. But at this moment, he couldn't say it out loud. If he did, he would feel stupid and embarrassed.
To pacify Liaodong? Haha, this is a joke. Not long ago, the Tatars arrived in the capital, robbed a circle around the capital, and quickly returned to Liaodong.
"Last night, more than a dozen generals in Liaodong jointly wrote an official document. They said that the Tatars were returning. They were afraid that Liaodong would be unstable, and they would immediately return to Liaodong to rectify military affairs and guard against Tatar sneak attacks! Yuan Chonghuan, what do you think I should do? Do you agree or disagree?
agree?"
Chongzhen asked lightly, but stared at Yuan Chonghuan with a pair of eyes, unwilling to miss any change in his expression.
Yuan Chonghuan was stunned for a moment, thought for a while, and smiled bitterly: "Your Majesty, I am still in prison, and I don't know the situation in Liaodong. I really don't know how to share your Majesty's worries."
If Sun Chengzong or Tie Mo were here, they would definitely be shocked by Yuan Chonghuan's answer. No one knows whether Yuan Chonghuan is telling the truth. Maybe, he really doesn't know the details and dare not give random opinions. Or maybe, he has
Other thoughts.
But at this moment, Yuan Chonghuan's answer completely froze the last trace of warmth in Chongzhen's heart and cut off the last trace of life.
If Yuan Chonghuan was furious, rebuked the Liaodong generals without hesitation, and was willing to write a letter asking the Liaodong troops to continue to stand still and listen to the court's orders. Then, even if Chongzhen is angry again, at least he will feel warm in his heart. Even if Yuan Chonghuan is not used, he will finally
He would be spared his life. But now, Chongzhen felt nothing but disappointment.
The man in front of him was the Governor of Ji Liao whom he had spent two years supporting at the expense of his entire family. This man was the Optimus Prime whom he had given high hopes to pacify Liaodong. Chongzhen felt that he was really blind at the beginning, why did he believe Yuan Chonghuan?
The sun shone in through the narrow window, and the cold wind also poured in, blowing a strand of white hair beside his ears. Zhu Youjian stood up slowly, frowned, and suddenly his tone became much colder, "Yuan Chonghuan, you
Can you know the crime?"
Yuan Chonghuan was a little confused and at a loss, "Your Majesty, what do you mean?"
"What do you mean? I ask you, you told me that you could pacify Liaodong in five years, but in just two years, the Tatars have become more and more courageous, and now they have reached the capital. You said that you can pacify Liaodong in five years, I can't wait to
Without food or drink, every year the treasury funds are given priority to Liaodong, but why can the Tatars bypass the Xifengkou to block the customs? Are the hundreds of thousands of Liaodong soldiers and horses just decorations?"
The more Zhu Youjian talked, the more excited he became. At this moment, all the grievances and unwillingness in his heart turned into anger and roar, and his voice became louder and louder. In the end, not to mention Yuan Chonghuan, even the jailer in the corridor could hear it clearly.
"Five years of Ping Liao, in order to support you, have I ever said a word of no to you? You went to Liaodong and kept asking for military pay, causing trouble in the Xuanfu and Datong border troops who were short of food and pay. You overstepped your authority to kill without permission.
Mao Wenlong, the entire civil and military dynasty was furious, so I carried it for you. I thought that in extraordinary times, people resort to extraordinary means, and since it will take five years to level the Liao Dynasty, something must be done."
"I did everything I shouldn't have done." Zhu Youjian bent down, sneered and patted the table with an angry expression, "But... what did I get? What I got was Tatars."
After two years of withholding customs, Shaanxi was corrupted, and the court was unable to provide relief. What I got was that the people in the capital were massacred, and the wealth was robbed by the Tatars. You keep saying that Liaodong was pacified in five years, but is this how you helped me pacify Liaodong?"
Zhu Youjian was really angry and aggrieved. He had paid too much to pacify Liaodong.
Shaanxi was full of hungry people. He withstood the pressure and allocated the full amount of food and salary to Liaodong. When the salary and silver were insufficient, he emptied his own money and asked Shanxi merchants to borrow money. He even considered raising agricultural taxes. Because of this matter, the people of Shanxi still have to pay for it.
Some people called him Zhu Youjian a coward.
How much pressure did he bear and how much infamy did he receive? It was all because he supported Yuan Chonghuan. In the end, it was all a dream. The Tatar slapped him hard in the face and told him plainly that Zhu Youjian's five years in Pingliao was a joke.
Yuan Chonghuan, whom he had always supported, was like a joke, being led by the Tatars. On the contrary, it was Tie Mo who jumped out of the wild road and brought a huge surprise. In order to force the Tatars back, Tie Mo even took risks.
Danger, approaching Liaodong.
After Zhu Youjian finished his roar, he felt a lot better. From the beginning to the end, Yuan Chonghuan's head was buzzing, and he couldn't say a word when Chongzhen questioned him.
Yuan Chonghuan was dissatisfied, but he didn't know how to refute it, because no matter how he explained it, he couldn't get around a hurdle, and the Tatars broke through and attacked the capital.
When the Tatars seized the pass and attacked the capital, they did not hit the capital. They hit the face of the Ming Dynasty and Emperor Zhu Youjian. Yuan Chonghuan defeated the Liao Dynasty in five years, but he brought the Tatars to the capital in just two years.
.
At this moment, Yuan Chonghuan was completely silent. And Chongzhen was also silent because he didn't want to say anything else. Yuan Chonghuan deserved to die.
Putting aside all kinds of anger, Yuan Chonghuan had to be killed for many reasons. The anger of millions of people in the capital had to find an outlet, and someone had to shoulder the responsibility of the Tatars entering the capital. Anyway, Yuan Chonghuan was dead, so let him die.
It makes a little more sense.
At this moment, Yuan Chonghuan felt deep regret in his heart. Maybe he should not have rushed to the capital in the first place. If he had attacked Shenyang and the Jurchen hinterland without hesitation, would the Tatars still dare to cross Xifengkou?
The answer is no, because Tie Mo has told everyone with facts that the Tatars are also gambling.
It's a pity that he, Yuan Chonghuan, really didn't dare to do this at the time. Some people even proposed attacking Liaodong, but he, Yuan Chonghuan, rejected it.
........
On the 21st day of the twelfth lunar month in the second year of Chongzhen, official documents were posted everywhere inside and outside the capital.
The official document listed twelve charges and completely convicted Yuan Chonghuan of death. Moreover, the court decided that due to the special period, Yuan Chonghuan would be executed in public in the spring of next year.