Chapter 559: The Dead of Night is the Time for Secret Meetings
The city of Jingchao gradually became quiet at night. As the drums started to beat at the Drum Tower and the bells rang from the Bell Tower at night time, the night ban officially began. There were almost no pedestrians visible in the streets and alleys. Only the occasional official mansion or official residence could be seen.
The inspection of the five-city army and horse department has also begun as usual. According to the usual practice, the west is tight and the east is loose, and the south is tight and the north is loose. This is because there are more nobles in the west and more court officials in the south. But even if
This was not without exception. At this moment, the commander of the North City Army and Horse Division saw the oncoming group of people and hurriedly gave orders to his subordinates, then stood hunched by the road.
"Is this a patrol?"
Seeing the large sedan stopped in front of him, a somewhat arrogant voice came from inside. Zhong Wen, the commander of the troops and horses, quickly and respectfully replied: "Reporting to my father-in-law, my humble duty is to lead my men on night patrols.
"
"Well, patrol carefully. This is the prosperous age of Taipei. Don't let water leak out, or bandits appear, or some big thieves sneak into the houses of officials. You won't be able to eat at that time and walk around! Okay,
Walk!"
As the group of people crowded around and set off again, Zhong Wen finally breathed a sigh of relief. He straightened up and looked at the gorgeous sedan. He cursed in his heart, and then shouted angrily at the people below.
: "Okay, don't be embarrassed and continue your night patrol."
You all heard what I said just now. Such a master just bought a private house in our northern city. If anything goes wrong, we will be skinned!"
Most of the patrolmen were reluctant to agree, but there was also a newcomer who had just come in and asked Zhong Wen at the side in confusion: "Master Zhong, which father-in-law just passed by was so big-hearted? We, adults, usually have good taste."
The officials are not that respectful either."
"Who else could it be? The number one person in the palace right now is Eunuch Liu, who has just taken over as the Supervisor of Ceremonies!"
Just as the well-informed military official of the five cities said, Liu Jin was also happy on the day Xu Xun received the imperial certificate. Although Li Rong had the intention to wait for a few months, Liu Jin was not willing to give him this at all.
Opportunity, so he hurriedly left the Supervisor of Ceremonies to report his old age, almost as if he was driven away. At the same time, Liu Jin forcefully entered the Chongsheng Hall to the north of the inner library of the Supervisor of Ceremonies to worship, and then immediately moved in
Historically, the Supervisor of Ceremonies was in charge of the public halls occupied by the eunuchs. The house in the straight house by the river that originally belonged to Li Rong also changed its owner.
Although all traces of his predecessor were cleared away as quickly as possible in the palace, Liu Jin was not willing to move into a house by the river that night. Instead, he went out of the palace to see his newly purchased private residence. In order to make it easier to enter and exit the palace·
He deliberately chose Shajia Hutong, which is not far from Bei'anmen and just east of Gulouxia Street. It was originally the old villa of a noble Ningyang Marquis, but now it is far away from the founding of the country. This generation of Ningyang Marquis is not something
An extraordinary person, he sold this property at a low price when his family was in urgent need, which greatly benefited Liu Jin. At this moment, he was supported by someone and walked from the main gate to the second gate, with a face full of satisfaction.
"You can do things!"
Sun Cong was waiting for Liu Jin's words, and his face was beaming with joy. Seeing that Liu Jin was in a very good mood, he said jokingly: "My father-in-law was promoted today, and the house has been tidied up. It can be said that it is a double life."
We are very happy. But my father-in-law came back today to stay for one night. He can only look at the house. This housewarming should be properly organized."
"If it works, it's up to you."
Liu Jin had been poor in the past and would not refuse to put on a show to show off, so he nodded immediately. But Sun Cong knew that he was right in flattering him. He saw several other eunuchs around Liu Jin with smiles and flattery on their faces.
He simply followed behind without saying a word. Until Liu Jin arrived at the door of the main room, he ordered everyone to go back without looking back. He sent everyone out first, and then returned to the main room. As soon as he walked in, he found that
Liu Jin was sitting leisurely and comfortably on the Taishi chair in the middle, soaking his feet. Beneath him, a young man of sixteen or seventeen years old was kneeling there. He was carefully rubbing the hot water, rubbing and squeezing it, and he was already sweating profusely.
.….
"Father, everyone has left."
Sun Cong mentioned this, and when Liu Jin had no other reaction, he stood next to the person and reported word by word the many human interactions during the day - almost all of them were in, not out, and the only out was
He sent a pair of jade paperweights to Xing'an Bo Mansion as a congratulatory gift, and what Xu Xun forwarded was a roll of famous calligraphy and paintings worth thousands of gold, which was thicker than what he had given away. Seeing that Liu Jin was still in low spirits, he swallowed
He took a sip and then said cautiously: "In addition, the person who sent ten thousand taels of silver last time sent another ten thousand taels of silver today."
Liu Jin is now firmly seated. Although he was unable to defeat Wang Shouren, nor was he able to remove Han Wen from his post to establish his authority, in the end, all those who were in the way were far away, and the little emperor did not really care about Xu Xun's assassination.
No matter how alienated he is, he is not really that satisfied in his heart. Although there are many people who come to the door every day to cling to him, there are many puppies and kittens and few important people, let alone giving gifts.
.Except for the 10,000 taels that Liu Yu received from his promise last time, they are all small amounts of money that are not very attractive. These two bets of 10,000 taels are definitely impressive!
Liu Jin, who suddenly sat up straight and stared at Sun Cong, asked word by word: "Where is the person? Is it possible that this time the person left after giving the gift?"
"Replying to my father-in-law, he didn't leave this time. After delivering the gifts during the day, I mentioned my father-in-law's words. After he thanked me profusely, he waited in the concierge. Now the tea has become weak, and dinner was served there.
"
"Very good." Although Liu Jin valued this big fortune, if the person was still as mysterious as last time, he would naturally feel that the person was putting on airs with him. At this time, his expression softened, "Go and invite someone.
Come in."
As soon as Sun Cong left, he kicked the little fireman who was still busy and said: "Okay, go get the shoes and socks for our family to wear, we have guests!"
When Sun Cong went to invite the people in, Liu Jin, who had tidied up, sat on the imperial chair and looked at the middle-aged scholar who bowed deeply and saluted. He didn't care whether he kowtowed or not. After looking at him with interest for a while, he spoke.
Said: "You look like a scholar. If you want to seek fame from our family, you are looking for the wrong person."
"My father-in-law is joking. You are now inferior to one person and superior to tens of thousands of people. You have fame, wealth and wealth at your fingertips. It's just a matter of effort and lack of effort. How could you have found the wrong person when you were born late?"
It was just a simple sentence, and Liu Jin felt very happy after hearing it. He himself had never been to the inner study hall, and he always had an innate rejection of those who came out of the inner study hall to speak in perfect order, so he promoted several Suitang and
The clerks were not serious people from the inner study hall. Although these people could also say good things, it was difficult for them to speak like this to people's eyes. Therefore, with a smile on his face, he nodded and immediately gave a gesture to Sun Cong.
Bring someone a chair.
"Okay, since you respect our family so much, we don't want to go around in circles. If you have any questions, just say it. If our family has the time to do it, we will do it for you."
"Thank you so much, father-in-law!" The middle-aged scholar bowed deeply, then looked up at Liu Jin and said with a smile on his face, "Wan Sheng is not asking for fame from my father-in-law, he is just asking for my father-in-law for something that can be done easily.
thing."
"Um?"
Seeing that Liu Jin's face suddenly became tense, the middle-aged scholar simply stood up and bowed deeply again respectfully: "To be honest with you, Eunuch Liu, my Highness is Prince Ning of Jiangxi. As a vassal king, I have great honor."
I originally had no other extravagant aspirations, but I have been plagued by nightmares in the past few years. I have repeatedly dreamed that my ancestors blamed him for delaying medical treatment for many years. Just when the current emperor ascended the throne, my highness had another dream, which is
The current emperor is a wise and promising king, and he treats the royal family with courtesy, so he must ask the emperor to protect him, King Fu Ning. I was born in the late period and became a secret servant of the palace. Although I knew that there was no hope, I had to share the worries of my highness and go to the capital city.
Knowing that my father-in-law is the most trusted person by the Emperor, Wan Sheng visited the house last time, but it was difficult to say anything for a while, so he went back with a guilty conscience."….
After explaining clearly the reason why he returned after sending heavy gifts, he saw that Liu Jin's face was not as solemn as before, so he lifted up the hem of his clothes and knelt down: "Eating the emperor's salary is a matter of loyalty to the emperor.
I don’t dare to embarrass my father-in-law, but if I have the opportunity, I would like to ask my father-in-law to say a few kind words for my highness in front of the emperor. Not only will I be grateful to you, but my highness will also be grateful for my father-in-law’s kindness!”
What he said was reasonable and reasonable. Even though Liu Jin hesitated at first whether he had caused such a trouble, he couldn't help but feel that there was something interesting about the person sent by King Ning. In any case, the twenty thousand taels of silver were delivered.
In his hand, he naturally didn't want to go back, so he sat there and thought for a long time. He suddenly asked with a smile: "Now in Jingchu City, our family is not the only one who has the trust of the emperor. Pingbei
Bo Xuxun's favor is not under our family, why don't you also go and beg him?"
"My father-in-law is joking. If I entrust two people with one thing in my later life, I will be suspicious of not being able to trust my father-in-law. Although Uncle Pingbei is deeply favored, how can he compare with the love between my father-in-law and the emperor? Furthermore, such a big thing must be entrusted to the emperor naturally.
In the hands of responsible people, Uncle Pingbei is young after all, how can he be as responsible as his father-in-law. And, as far as Wan Sheng knows..." The middle-aged scholar paused for a moment before hesitatingly said, "I heard that Ping Beibo is as responsible as his father-in-law.
Uncle Bei overestimates his abilities and has some disagreements with my father-in-law. If this is really the case, no matter how powerful he is now, I am afraid it will be nothing more than a flash in the pan."
Hearing this, Liu Jin felt extremely comfortable. She felt that the middle-aged scholar in front of her was very pleasing to her eyes. However, the expression on his face was a little gloomy, and he even scolded him angrily: "You are talking nonsense, our family is in peace."
We have a very good friendship with Uncle Bei. Who is spreading rumors and causing trouble behind your back? Don’t tell me by hearsay!"
"Yes, yes, it's just a late-life speculation, a wild guess!"
"Okay, okay, get up!" Liu Jin then called someone to get up. Seeing the nervousness on the middle-aged scholar's face, he found it interesting, so he asked again, "The lot is going on, we know who your master is.
, but I still don’t know your name.”
"Reporting to my father-in-law, Roddick was born late, enlightened and conquered." Seeing Liu Jin repeating this name over and over again with a strange look on his face, he quickly explained, "My father once met a few barbarian businessmen with blond hair and blue eyes.
, I came up with such a name on the spur of the moment. It’s just that my body, hair, and skin are acceptable to my parents, not to mention the name. Even though I’m a late student, I find it hard to pronounce, but I don’t dare to change it rashly.”
"Well, you do have some filial piety." After hearing this explanation, Liu Jin stopped arguing about such a name. He asked Roddick a few more questions and learned that he lived in the Jiangxi Guild Hall in the south outside Chongwenmen. He nodded and said,
"I'm afraid this matter will not come to an end in a while. If you are patient and wait, just continue to live there. If you are impatient, go back and say something to your highness. We will take over this matter and you can always give it to us when the time comes.
Good news for you!"
After seeing off Roddick, Sun Cong came in again and reported to Liu Jin that several boxes of silver had all been weighed and he had personally checked the quality. They were all high-quality official cast honeycomb needles. Seeing that Liu Jin was in a good mood, he
Then he lowered his voice and said: "I have something else to report to my father-in-law. After Lin Han and Zhang Fuhua went to Xing'an Bo Mansion in the afternoon, tonight, the Beijian offered wine to thank Duo, as well as Zhang Cai, Xu Zhenqing, Zhan Ruoshui, Yansong and several other concubines.
All the scholars were invited to go there."
Liu Jin had already learned from Dongchangqiu Jukou that Xu Xun had gone to pick up Lin Han and Zhang Fuhua in person. But there were so many other people at night, and his face suddenly darkened. He thought about this over and over again.
After reading the list, he suddenly had another idea.
Isn’t this Xu Xun aiming at that position again? Oops, how come this guy has one person on the left and one on the right in his pocket?….
If Xu Xun knew Liu Jin's first thought after hearing such a list, he would definitely give a thumbs up and praise Liu Jin for knowing me. It was said to be a drink, but this evening everyone gathered at Xing'an Bo Mansion and drank.
After a brief taste, even Xu Xun, who has a pretty good drinking capacity now, only touched his lips a little. After the meal, he was served sobering soup and strong tea, as if he wanted to have a long conversation. The others were just that, Yan Song
No matter what, I feel a little awkward.
Lin Han, Zhang Fuhua, was a senior official in the Qing Dynasty, Xie Duo was the Beijian Jijiujiu with the title of Zuo Shilang of the Ministry of Ceremonies, Zhang Cai was the Fourth Rank Yushi of Youqiandu, Xu Zhenqing, and Zhan Ruoshui, although they had never been awarded an official title, they were
He is a close friend of Tang Yin, a Qing guest in the Xu Mansion. It is said that the rank of Jinshi is not unrelated to Xu Xun. Zhan Ruoshui is a close friend of Wang Shouren. The relationship between Wang Shouren and Xu Xun is nothing else. This time, he can leave the capital safely without the imperial staff.
, it is said that it is the power of Xu Xunshi. But he is a commoner in his early twenties, has a poor reputation, and is not a talented poet who writes like a god. Why call him?
Yan Song didn't understand, but Xu Xun glanced sideways at Yan Song, who was in the last seat, thinking that he had really developed a strong complex. He had used Xia Yan in Nanjing, and now he fell in love with Yan Song again. Although that was
Looking at the entire Ming Dynasty in the history books, it was a rare traitor to be seen, but he remembered that Yan Song was a late bloomer, so now it was just right for him to cultivate him, and he was doing well, and Yan Song's character was not bad now.
Naturally, Xu Xun would not say that he was deliberately assassinated before to test the holy will, seeing how deep Zhu Houzhao's trust in Liu Jin was, but this result has become extremely obvious due to Wang Shouren's expulsion. Therefore, when he put the previous assassination in the carriage
What he said to Lin Han and Zhang Fuhua was once again shared with the others, and the atmosphere became slightly lively.
“So, today’s purpose is very simple: grab the seats that deserve to be grabbed, but never give up if you can’t win.
Everyone should do their own practical work, do more and speak less. As long as I am in front of the emperor, your merits and achievements will be heard in the sky. As for making mistakes, as long as the sky does not fall, then there will be a lot to do!"
When Liu Jian and Xie Qian were in power, even if Xu Xun dared to say such things, others would look down upon them. But now times have changed, and under his own troubles, the eunuch party has become more powerful, but the righteousness has gradually declined. Now Xu Xun
Xun has created such a group of people who are close to him from the Qingliu civil servants, and the effect of this decisive action will be quite different.
At this moment, he paused, then looked at Nanjian, who was offering wine and thanking Duo, and said: "The emperor originally wanted to build Hongwen Pavilion to assist the government, but now that the situation is like this, Hongwen Pavilion can play the role of gathering literati from all over the world.
But it's more important. I heard that Zhang Shangshu of the Ministry of Rites has submitted a letter to resign. Although Xie Da Sicheng has also asked for resignation many times, but now that there is no one in the court, I only hope that Xie Da Sicheng can consider this consideration."
Thinking about what it means, there are all smart people present, and no one does not understand. But the more they understand, the more everyone thinks about it, the more they feel that this matter has great potential. Xie Duo has a very high reputation among the scholars.
Offering wine in the South Prison to offering wine in the North Prison, he is highly regarded by the students. Now he has the title of Left Minister of the Ministry of Rites. If he really wants to be promoted to the Minister of Rites, he can win a lot of support from the nine ministers, not to mention Xie Duo and Zhang
Fu Hua and Li Dongyang both belong to the same year of Tianshun's eighth year.
"If I say that I am really powerless, I'm afraid everyone will be disappointed." Xie Duo saw Lin Han's pretentiousness but smiled silently. He couldn't help but sighed deeply, "Well, if it's really a fluke,
Fortunately, I will just have to do it. However, it would be better if there were more young and capable people in the court to fill the vacancies such as mine."
Zhan Ruoshui glanced sideways at Xu Xun, thinking to himself how Wang Shouren would feel if he knew that Xu Xun had arranged things to this point without saying a word. He knew that he, a bastard, could only wave the flag and shout.
After hesitating, he said: "That day, Li Kongtong and I went to see Wang Bo'an go south. Li Kongtong once said that he planned to try to summon upright and outspoken people in the court. He hoped that everyone would work together and not attack rashly, so as not to cause trouble.
Liu Jin’s opportunity to humiliate a gentleman.”….
As soon as these words came out, everyone was stunned. Thinking that the brave Li Mengyang had come up with such an idea, Xu Xun didn't know whether to secretly sigh that this person was bold or to shake his head that this person was naive. He smiled and said,
Then he said disapprovingly: "The so-called honest and daring people, if they have no other talents, and if they no longer dare to speak, they will be lost to everyone. Li Kongtong means well, but others are not as powerful as him."
How could someone with such a bad writing skills and such a reputation in the poetry circle just listen to him like this? Even for all of you, it’s hard to think about letting go of Liu Jin, let alone other people? So, it’s not me.
Liang Shui, Li Kongtong is not only wishful thinking, but..."
He paused slightly and then said the most important words: "He drafted a memorial for Han Guandao to impeach Liu Jin. This is not a secret thing. If he didn't connect in this way, it would be fine. Since he connected in this way,
The news will soon leak out, and he will probably be unable to protect himself by then. With his temper, how many people have offended him in the past? There are many people who want to see him unlucky!"
Zhan Ruoshui opened his mouth, but felt that he was full of knowledge, but could not find any reason to refute Xu Xun on this matter. After thinking for a long time, he sighed helplessly. Xu Zhenqing on the side also smiled bitterly: "My lord, these words are really profound.
.It’s a pity that Li Kongtong is the most impatient person. I’m afraid that even if we say a thousand things, he won’t listen to us.”
"Then let's wait until he falls." Zhang Cai's temperament is the most practical. I just think that Xu Xun's analysis of Qingliu just now is incisive and brilliant. It's a pity that Lin Han and Zhang Fuhua were also such Qingliu. Naturally, he
It’s hard to praise anything at this time. With this sentence, he changed the topic and said, "I wonder if your Excellency has called us here tonight. Apart from the candidates for the main hall of the Ministry of Rites, what other things are there?"
"You still know me, Xilu."
Xu Xun is now getting more and more comfortable with Zhang Cai, and he is very happy that he intervened like this at this time. After looking at everyone, he said seriously: "The first thing now is to arrest the thief!"
Seeing several shujis who were quite puzzled, only Lin Han and Zhang Fuhua frowned. He knew that these two people had heard about it when they were in Nanjing, so he said word by word: "Over the years, people from all over the country have traveled around."
There are more and more gangsters and robbers, and the government sends out countless robbers and censors year after year. But except for some who are really capable and honest, most of the others are either exhausted or exploiting the people.
, making life more and more difficult for people everywhere. Not to mention other things, just in Jinan, how many sea arrest documents issued by the Ministry of Punishment every year remain idle for several years without ending? There is nothing the government can do.
, there is only a reward for the capable person to do it, so many people among the people make a living from this, and even a new one is born, that is, raising thieves!"
These words made everyone horrified for a moment. But Xu Xun walked to the bookshelf, took out a stack of things, and motioned for everyone to pass them around one by one. Then he said: "This is the reason why I am recovering from my injuries these days, using the excuse of Jiang Shanfei."
, I asked Jin Yiwei and Xichang to help me get it. The assassination of me alone is a small matter, but so many people haunting the mountains and fields, at least it is a disaster for the whole countryside, at worst... that is not
Seeds of stability!”
After seeing everyone passing it around, Xu Xun frowned for a moment. Xu Xun did not take back the detailed information, and then extended a second finger: "This second item is border affairs. The two candidates recommended by Yang Suian are still there.
It's stuck with Liu Yu of the Ministry of War, but this matter is not just the Ministry of War's final decision. Let's argue based on the reasons. I just mentioned a few words in front of the emperor, and the matter is settled. It's just that although there is civil strife outside the Great Wall, the little prince
He is a man of great talent and strategy, but he cannot be underestimated. He must have a reliable person to patrol while preparing food and supplies.”….
He paused again, then raised a third finger: "The third and most important thing is people. If you have disciples and old friends, and friends from the hometown, there must be outstanding talents among them. Now Lin Shangshu
When choosing a director, you are not afraid of using someone who is not a good person, but you are afraid that people will not use you. These days, there are many people in the imperial court who have signed a seal to report illness and even become officials. To be fair, you can't blame them, but everyone is like this.
Who can I entrust with important matters? Besides, it would be a pity if there are still people like Wang Bo'an before me."
At this moment, everyone else understood what he meant. Even if they can't place everyone in high positions at once, if they prepare well in advance, they can recommend them quietly, or when someone is thinking about them.
Take action to save it. This is similar to Li Mengyang's idea. However, although Li Mengyang has some reputation, he is a lonely person, while Xu Xun has the support of these people here.
That night, everyone chatted until the moon was above the treetops before they left one by one. To avoid accidents, Young Master Xu Xun had to order the guards to see them off one by one. When everyone left, he just returned to the study with his front legs and gold on his back legs.
Liu chased after him.
"Young Master... The family of Tu Shangshu of the Ministry of Punishment sent a gift. Because the Young Master and all the adults are discussing, I have never dared to report it." Jin Liu said this in silence, but there was a smile in the corners of his eyes and eyebrows.
Thinking of his son Jin Yuanbao... no, he should be called Jin Hong now, and he was given the name by the new Zuodu Yushi, he just felt that he could not stop exerting all his energy!
Xu Xun took the post from Jin Liu and sent it away. He looked over it several times and his expression became strange.
He and Tu Xun have never had any contact, so why did this person come to Nuanmen to give him a gift? Wait, although Jiang Shanfei was killed just today, the case is still pending in the West Factory, but there is no intention to close it yet! Liu Jin wants to
To remove the suspicion of Jiao Fang, this Tu Xun is probably the best scapegoat! Speaking of which, we only mentioned arresting thefts tonight, and Tu Xun sent them to the door. God helped us, but it was only three o'clock in the middle of the night.
As for the gift, Tu Xun figured out that he was indeed a face-saving boss!
ps: The large-scale rebellion during the Zhengde period was around the time Liu Jin was overthrown in the fifth year of Zhengde, so it hasn’t started yet... [To be continued "The text of this article is provided by Provider". If you like this work
, you are welcome to come to ◣Start◥ to vote for recommendations and monthly votes. Your support is my biggest motivation.].