After entering the Qianqing Palace, Hai Rui looked at Jiajing, who was sitting on the dragon chair, and knelt down on the ground with a plop, saying "respectfully".
"I bow to your majesty, long live my emperor!"
"Well, get up!"
When Jiajing heard this, he glanced at Hai Rui, waved his hand, and gave instructions quite casually.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
After responding, Hai Rui slowly stood up from the ground. After a while, he heard Jiajing's voice without any emotion, ringing in his ears.
"Hai Rui, do you know why I called you here this time?"
"Your Majesty, this humble minister is stupid, I hope your Majesty will speak clearly!"
After hearing what Jiajing said, Hai Rui lowered his head and responded with unusual respect.
"Well, let me ask you, why did your Procuratorate suppress all the memorials to impeach Ma Ningyuan?"
"Your Majesty, to be honest, these are all orders given by the minister!"
Facing Jiajing's inquiry, Hai Rui had no intention of hiding anything. He just nodded and told Jiajing all his suspicions.
"Your Majesty, I feel that there is something fishy about this whole thing. It seems that someone behind the scenes wants to use this matter to stir up trouble?"
"Oh, stir up the storm?"
When Jiajing heard this, a look of curiosity suddenly appeared on his face, and he waved his hand, indicating to Hai Rui to continue.
After getting Jiajing's permission, Hai Rui continued to elaborate on his thoughts.
"Your Majesty, when the Supervisory Council received the first memorial to impeach Ma Ningyuan, the prefect of Hangzhou, the ministers were quite shocked by it.
"Because when Wei Chen was serving as the magistrate of Chun'an County, he filed a complaint against Ma Ningyuan in front of the Governor because of this matter!"
When Jiajing heard this, he raised his eyebrows and confirmed to Hai Rui.
"Oh, you mean, Hu Zongxian also knows about this?"
"Yes, Your Majesty, when the Governor learned about this, he was very angry and even wanted to sever the master-disciple relationship with Ma Ningyuan!"
"Later, Wei Chen heard that Ma Ningyuan went to the Inspectorate, and then there was no news about this matter again!"
Facing Jiajing's inquiry, Hai Rui had no intention of hiding anything and immediately told everything he knew about the situation.
After Jiajing heard the news from Hai Rui, he couldn't help but frown.
Then, he came back to his senses, looked in the direction of Hai Rui, and gave instructions in a deep voice.
"Keep talking!"
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
After Hai Rui responded, he continued: "And just a few days ago, the Supervisory Office suddenly received a letter impeaching Ma Ningyuan, the prefect of Hangzhou."
"There are several eloquent articles written in it, the main one of which is the impeachment of Ma Ningyuan, the prefect of Hangzhou, for arbitrarily mobilizing guardsmen, trampling rice seedlings, and causing a murder!"
"In addition, Zhejiang Governor Zheng Michang, Inspector General He Maocai, Tongzhi Gao Hanwen, and Minister of Justice Zhang Runde were all included in the impeachment list on charges of deliberate cover-up!"
After Hai Rui finished speaking, he took out the impeachment memorial from his sleeve and raised it high above his head.
Lu Fang, who was waiting beside Jiajing, saw this situation and without waiting for Jiajing's instructions, he immediately stepped forward and took the impeachment memorial from Hai Rui's hand. Then he came to Jiajing and handed over the impeachment memorial.
"His Majesty!"
"Um."
After Jiajing responded, he took the impeachment memorial from Lu Fang and began to read it carefully.
Soon, Jiajing finished browsing the contents of the impeachment memorial, put it aside casually, nodded to Hai Rui, and motioned for him to continue.
"After Wei Chen learned that there was such an impeachment memorial, he immediately felt strange. After all, the mulberry trees in Zhejiang are already mature at the moment, which is a sensitive time, but at this time, such a memorial appeared. …”
Jiajing saw the expression on Hai Rui's face, took over the conversation, and added.
"So you took it upon yourself to suppress this memorial to impeach Ma Ningyuan, wanting to see what happens next!"
"Your Majesty, Wei Chen planned it this way at the beginning. Later, Wei Chen discovered that things were exactly as Wei Chen had expected. The people behind the scenes increased their efforts after realizing that the memorial to impeach Ma Ningyuan was suppressed! "
When Jiajing heard this, a look of confusion suddenly appeared on his face. Immediately, he looked away from Hai Rui, waved his hand, and gave instructions.
"Well, I understand, Hai Rui, you can leave!"
Although Hai Rui was confused about this, he could tell from Jiajing's expression that Jiajing had figured out the whole story.
Then, Hai Rui suppressed his inner curiosity, leaned down and saluted Jiajing respectfully.
"As ordered, Your Majesty, I will retire now!"
Hai Rui had not taken a few steps when he was stopped by Jiajing: "By the way, I almost forgot to tell you that the imperial court has decided to send officials to Zhejiang to investigate the case!"
"In order to ensure fairness, the Inspectorate will also have to send someone there when the time comes!"
When Hai Rui heard Jiajing's words, he suddenly stopped. Then he turned around, cupped his hands towards Jiajing, and responded in a deep voice.
"As you command, Your Majesty!"
…
Not long after Hai Rui left the Qianqing Palace, he saw a look of ridicule on Jiajing's face and sighed to himself.
"Hmph, why do you ask for life for the people? It really is like the old saying. You talk about doctrines, but your heart is all about business. In the end, you still care about the raw silk in the hands of the people, these bastards!"
Lu Fang, who was waiting beside Jiajing, naturally heard Jiajing's thoughts, but because he was thinking about other things, he did not hear Jiajing's words clearly.
Immediately, he plucked up the courage, looked in the direction of Jiajing, and asked.
"Your Majesty, what did you just say?"
When Jiajing heard this, he waved his hands quite casually and said perfunctorily: "It's okay, it's just some irrelevant words!"
After that, Jiajing Jiajing's face showed a look of loss, and he looked at Lu Fang and asked.
"Lu Fang, you must have heard what Hai Rui said just now, right?"
Lu Fang quickly heard the meaning of Jiajing's words, and immediately saw him lower his head and cautiously confirm.
"Is it possible that your Majesty is referring to Hu Zongxian's knowledge of Ma Ningyuan's case..."
Seeing that Lu Fang had guessed what he was thinking, Jiajing nodded and said, "Well, Lu Fang, you are right. Although this matter is nothing, this Ma Ningyuan is Hu Zongxian's student after all!"
"I originally planned to let Hu Zongxian officially join the cabinet and serve as the Minister of Civil Affairs after he arrived in the capital. But at this time, something like this happened. I am really worried!"
Lu Fang has been with Jiajing for many years, so she can naturally hear the underlying meaning.
Later, Lu Fang was seen carefully considering her tone before stepping forward and comforting her softly.
"Your Majesty, please forgive me for speaking frankly. This matter is nothing. Since this matter started because of Ma Ningyuan, it should also end with him!"
When Jiajing heard Lu Fang's words, a look of interest appeared on his face, he raised his eyebrows and confirmed to him.
"Lu Fang, do you mean to let Ma Ningyuan bear all the blame?"
"Yes, Your Majesty, only by letting Ma Ningyuan bear all the blame alone can we ensure that this matter does not involve Hu Zongxian!"
When Jiajing heard this, he couldn't help but narrow his eyes. Then, he looked at Lu Fang and gave instructions.
"Well, if that's the case, let's do it!"
"As ordered, Your Majesty, I will definitely handle this matter beautifully!"
When Lu Fang heard Jiajing's words, she immediately looked stern and said in a deep voice.
…
After Yan Song and others left the Qianqing Palace one after another, news that the imperial court was about to send officials to Zhejiang to investigate the case spread throughout the capital.
As soon as the news came out, it immediately aroused discussion among many officials.
"Have you heard that the imperial court will soon send officials to Zhejiang to investigate Ma Ningyuan's case?"
"I've heard about it a long time ago. It is said that the officials responsible for investigating the case are Wang Ting and Yan Maoqing. In addition, the Inspectorate will also send people there!"
"Ah, Yan Maoqing, why did your Majesty agree to send him there?"
"I don't know. It is said that Mr. Yan Ge personally recommended him to His Majesty. Who in the civil and military circles of the court doesn't know that Yan Maoqing is a member of Mr. Yan Ge?"
"On Mr. Xu Ge's side, Wang Ting, the right minister of the Ministry of Revenue, was recommended to investigate the case. Well, when the two parties are constrained by each other, I don't think there is any hope of finding out this case!"
"Oh, yes, maybe the higher-ups never thought of clarifying this case. After all, that Ma Ningyuan is Hu Zongxian's student, and His Majesty is quite partial to Hu Zongxian, maybe..."
"Hush, be careful what you say, be careful what you say!"
…
On the other side, Yan Mansion.
On the same day, after getting off duty, Yan Song and his son took a sedan and went straight back to Yan's Mansion.
Night falls, in the study room of Yan Mansion.
After Yan Shifan thought about it for a long time, he looked at Yan Song who was sitting behind the desk and asked cautiously.
"Father, I don't understand why you recommended Yan Maoqing to go to Zhejiang to investigate the case. He is not..."
Yan Song did not rush to answer Yan Shifan's question, but after looking him up and down, he asked.
"Yan Shifan, you might as well put yourself in his shoes and think about it carefully. Why should I send Yan Maoqing to Zhejiang to investigate the case when I know that he has already connected with Qingliu?"
When Yan Shifan heard this, he suddenly fell into deep thought.
Yan Song had a clear view of the expression on Yan Shifan's face, and did not forget to remind him: "Don't forget what I told you before!"
When Yan Song's words fell, Yan Shifan seemed to be enlightened, with an inexplicable look in his eyes. He came back to his senses and said excitedly.
"Father, I understand. You said before that all the 13.7 million taels of silver lost by the Ministry of Industry last year should be put on Yan Maoqing's head!"
Seeing that Yan Shifan understood what he meant, Yan Song felt a little relieved on his face, nodded, and explained.
"This is just one aspect. What's more important is that now Xu Jie and the others don't know that we have grasped the news that Yan Maoqing has betrayed, and we can use this opportunity to catch them off guard!"
When Yan Song said this, he paused for a moment and spoke slowly.
"Anyway, this Yan Maoqing will never come back. Even if he comes back by chance, there is only death waiting for him!"
"Father, what do you mean..."
After Yan Shifan heard Yan Song's words, he immediately wiped his neck gently with his hand and made a silenced gesture.
Yan Song did not choose to answer Yan Shifan's question, but after pondering for a moment, he followed up with instructions.
"Also, tell them that if they make any mistakes, blame them on Yan Maoqing, as long as they are not too ridiculous!"
"Yes, father, the child understands!"
After that, a slight hesitation appeared on Yan Shifan's face. He looked at Yan Song, mustered up the courage, and asked.
"But father, wouldn't it be a bit too obvious to do this? What if His Majesty..."
"It doesn't matter. All we need to do is report the money confiscated from Yan Maoqing's house to His Majesty accurately. Your Majesty will turn a blind eye to this matter!"
After Yan Song learned of Yan Shifan's doubts, he glanced at him, waved his hand, and gave instructions quite calmly.
Seeing that his doubts were answered, all the hesitation on Yan Shifan's face disappeared. He only looked away and responded in a deep voice.
"Yes, father, the child knows!"
"By the way, don't forget to relay what I just said to them and ask them to keep their hands and feet clean!"
After Yan Song finished speaking, he added something as if he suddenly remembered something.
"Yes, father!"
Seeing that all the doubts in his heart were answered, just when Yan Shifan was about to say goodbye and leave, he heard a knock on the door.
Seeing this situation, Yan Shifan frowned slightly and said: "Come in!"
After the words fell, there was only a "squeak" sound, the door of the room was pushed open, and the housekeeper of Yan Mansion walked in.
As soon as the housekeeper entered the study, he looked in the direction of Yan Song, leaned down and reported respectfully.
"Master, Yan Maoqing came to visit!"
After the butler's words fell, Yan Shifan on the side suddenly became furious. He slammed the table and said in a deep voice: "Okay, this person has been eating everything in and out, and he still dares to come. I will never forgive him!"
When Yan Song heard this, he glanced at Yan Shifan quite indifferently and reprimanded: "How can you be a calm and frizzy person? How can you achieve great things like you?"
After reprimanding Yan Shifan, Yan Song turned around, looked at the housekeeper, and gave instructions.
"Bring him here!"
"Yes, sir!"
When the butler heard this, he immediately responded without thinking.
After that, the housekeeper did not stay in the study, but turned around and left.
After the housekeeper left the study, Yan Song retracted his gaze, turned to look at Yan Shifan, and gave instructions.
"If my guess is correct, this Yan Maoqing should be sent by Xu Jie and others to spy on me. Try not to speak later, lest he notice something is wrong!"
"Yes, father, the child understands!"
Yan Shifan did not dare to disobey at all. He immediately lowered his head and responded respectfully.
…
Not long after, under the guidance of the housekeeper, Yan Maoqing stepped into the study of Yan Mansion.
As soon as he entered Yan's study, Yan Maoqing saluted respectfully to Yan Song, who was sitting behind the desk with his eyes closed, and to Yan Shifan beside him.
"I've met Mr. Yange, and I've met Mr. Xiaoge!"
"Um."
Yan Song responded inaudibly, then opened his cloudy eyes, looked in the direction of Yan Maoqing, and asked.
"Yan Maoqing, it's so late, what are you doing here?"
After noticing Yan Song's gaze falling on him, Yan Maoqing couldn't help but feel panicked, as if everything about him had been seen through.
But soon, Yan Maoqing adjusted his mood. He raised his head, his face full of flattery, and responded.
"Old Yan Ge, I'll tell you the truth, I'm here just to thank you!"
"I heard that you overcame all opinions in front of His Majesty and strongly recommended me. I am very grateful, so I took the liberty to come here to bother you!"
When Yan Song heard this, his expression was unusually calm. He looked away from Yan Maoqing and asked instead.
"Yan Maoqing, you must also know how difficult this case is right now, right?"
"Yes, yes, I understand!"
Yan Song saw the expression on Yan Maoqing's face, sighed helplessly, and turned to speak.
"There are too many people involved in Ma Ningyuan's case. Once the case is confirmed, no one will be able to live with it!"
When Yan Song said this, he pondered for a moment and then continued.
"So, next you must try every means to conceal the truth of this case, and this is exactly the reason why I recommend you to His Majesty!"
"Yan Maoqing, can you do it?"
After Yan Maoqing heard Yan Song's words, he immediately gave his assurance without thinking: "Don't worry, Mr. Yan Ge, I will do my best and I will not let you down!"
After Yan Song received Yan Maoqing's assurance, his face was filled with relief. He gently stroked his beard, looked directly into Yan Maoqing's eyes, and said slowly.
"Well, Yan Maoqing, you have made great contributions over the years. When you come back from Zhejiang, I, Yan Song, will not treat you badly!"
"Thank you, Mr. Yan Ge!"
When Yan Maoqing heard this, a look of gratitude appeared on his face. He knelt down on the ground with a thump and said in a deep voice.
After that, Yan Song's face showed a tired look, he waved his hands, looked in the direction of Yan Maoqing, and then spoke.
"Okay, it's getting late and I'm a little tired, so let's do this for now!"
"Yes, Mr. Yan Ge, please take a good rest. I will resign now!"
When Yan Maoqing heard this, he reacted suddenly, stood up slowly from the ground, and kept responding.
After that, Yan Maoqing did not stay too long, but turned around and left Yan's study. However, what he did not notice was that Yan Shifan next to him looked at him as if he were a dead person.
"I won't let this rip-off thing go!"
Looking at Yan Maoqing's leaving figure, Yan Shifan subconsciously clenched his fists and muttered silently to himself.
At this moment, Yan Song's voice without any emotion sounded in Yan Shifan's ears.
"Yan Shifan, it's getting late, you should go back and rest!"
"Yes, father!"
When Yan Shifan heard this, he suddenly came to his senses and immediately saluted Yan Song respectfully.
…
Gradually, it got late at night, and after Yan Shifan left the study, Yan Song was the only one left in the study.
The orange light emitted by the candles lit in the room vaguely reflected Yan Song's figure. At this moment, Yan Song's face was full of sorrow.
For Yan Song, the most unacceptable thing right now is that Hu Zongxian is involved in this case!
After all, no matter what, the fact that Ma Ningyuan is Hu Zongxian's student cannot be changed!
It is foreseeable that this case will definitely have a certain impact on Hu Zongxian's career.
Thinking of this, Yan Song sighed helplessly and sighed to himself: "Oh, it's been such a troubled time recently. It would be great if Ma Ningyuan could bear all the blame alone!"
"This way, there won't be so many worries!"
At this moment, several subtle knocks on the door came from outside the study, interrupting Yan Song's thoughts.
After Yan Song noticed the movement coming from outside the door, he immediately asked with great vigilance.
"Who's out there?"
"Master, it's me!"
After Yan Song finished speaking, he heard the housekeeper's deliberately lowered voice coming from outside the study.
Seeing that the person coming was the housekeeper, Yan Song finally felt relieved. Immediately, he nodded and gave instructions.
"Well, come in!"
After the words fell, the study door was quietly pushed open, and the housekeeper walked in quietly, leaned down, and reported respectfully.
"Master, someone is coming from the palace!"
After Yan Song learned the news from the housekeeper, he couldn't help but raise his vigilance and asked in a low voice.
"Who is coming?"
"Replying to the master, the person who came is Feng Bao, the eunuch who is responsible for the ceremony. It is said that he is following the order of Eunuch Lu!"
When the housekeeper heard Yan Song's words, he immediately responded without thinking.
After Yan Song learned the news from the steward, he nodded and gave instructions.
"Well, I understand, bring him in!"
"Yes, sir!"
After the butler responded, he quickly left.
Yan Song looked at the butler's leaving figure and knew that it would not be easy for Lu Fang to send someone to visit him late at night.
While Yan Song was still racking his brains to figure out the purpose of Lu Fang sending Feng Bao to visit late at night, Feng Bao, led by the housekeeper, had quietly entered Yan's study.
After bringing the person here, the housekeeper left very wisely and thoughtfully closed the door of the study room.
Then, Feng Bao looked at Yan Song in front of him and saluted respectfully.
"I've met Mr. Yan Ge!"
Yan Song heard the words and responded in a subtle way. At this time, he had no intention of going around in circles with Feng Bao, but chose to go straight to the point.
"Eunuch Feng, tell me, it's so late, why did Eunuch Lu send you here?"
"Mr. Yan Ge, to be honest, my godfather sent me here just to give you a message!"
When Yan Song heard this, a look of curiosity appeared on his face. He looked away from Feng Bao's face and continued to ask.
"Oh, bring a message, what are you bringing?"
"My godfather said that since this incident started because of Ma Ningyuan, it should also end with him!"
Yan Song's pupils suddenly shrank when he heard Feng Bao's words. He heard the meaning of Lu Fang's words. Lu Fang meant to let Ma Ningyuan bear all the blame alone!
But soon, Yan Song reacted: "No, no, this is not Lu Fang's intention, this is clearly His Majesty's intention!"
After all, only in this way can we explain why Lu Fang sent his godson Feng Bao to give him a message late at night.
Thinking of this, Yan Song's face was filled with a look of horror that could not be concealed. Feng Bao, who was not far away, saw this situation and knew that his mission for this trip had been completed.
Then, Feng Bao looked away, bowed his hand to Yan Song, and said respectfully: "Mr. Yan Ge, since the words have been brought to us, we won't keep him any longer!"
After Feng Bao left these words, he quickly left the study without waiting for Yan Song to respond.
Shortly after Feng Bao left the study, Yan Song came back to his senses, lowered his head, and murmured to himself.
"Your Majesty is wise, Your Majesty is wise!" (End of this chapter)
