Although before this, Zhao Zhenji had already anticipated the current situation in Zhejiang.
But after listening to Zheng Michang's account, he couldn't help but feel a little surprised. What he didn't expect was that those in the court would act so quickly.
You know, right now, the mulberry seedlings in Zhejiang have just matured, and people in many places have just picked the mature mulberry leaves.
At this time, there were traders with unknown origins who wanted to reserve raw silk in the hands of the people in advance at very low prices.
"These bastards!"
After listening to Zheng Michang's narration, Zhao Zhenji's expression suddenly became very gloomy, he slammed the table and said to himself.
Later, Zhao Zhenji came back to his senses, looked in the direction of Zheng Michang, and confirmed with him.
"You just mentioned that the Weaving Bureau is also involved in this matter, right?"
Facing Zhao Zhenji's scrutinizing gaze, Zheng Michang did not panic at all. After organizing the words in his mind, he spoke in response.
"Yes, Lord Governor, I am convinced that the Weaving Bureau is also involved in this matter!"
When Zheng Michang said this, he hesitated slightly and continued to add: "Since Yang Jinshui, the previous eunuch in charge of the Weaving Bureau, was implicated in the dam collapse case, the imperial court sent a new weaver. Pang Qian, the eunuch in charge of the bureau, will replace Yang Jinshui."
"It's just that the new eunuch in charge of the Weaving Bureau, as soon as he took office, used his power to take bribes wantonly, making the entire Weaving Bureau a mess!"
After listening to Zheng Michang's narration, Zhao Zhenji couldn't help but frown slightly, raised his eyebrows, and asked.
"If that's the case, why don't you go to court to impeach me?"
When Zheng Michang heard Zhao Zhenji's words, he couldn't help but look embarrassed. After struggling for a long time, he lowered his head and said cautiously: "Master Governor, you also know that this weaving bureau is under the control of the palace. Who dares to go to court for impeachment? By the time……"
Before Zheng Michang finished speaking, Zhao Zhenji waved his hand and said in a deep voice: "Well, I understand!"
Then, Zhao Zhenji glanced at Zheng Michang and said: "Let's summon everyone to the meeting hall of the Governor's Mansion tomorrow. I will also take this opportunity to get to know everyone!"
"Yes, Lord Governor!"
When Zheng Michang heard this, he immediately looked stern and responded in a deep voice.
Seeing that he had learned almost everything he needed to know, Zhao Zhenji waved his hand and issued an order to expel the guests.
"Okay, if nothing happens next, you can leave!"
"Your Excellency has been working hard all the way, so you should have a good rest. I will not disturb your rest!"
When Zheng Michang heard this, he quickly leaned down, bowed his hands to Zhao Zhenji, and said respectfully.
After Zheng Michang finished speaking, he was about to leave, but Zhao Zhenji seemed to suddenly remember and stopped Zheng Michang: "By the way, don't forget to call the county magistrates too!"
Hearing this, Zheng Michang could not help but have a look of surprise on his face. Immediately, he stopped, turned around, and said respectfully: "As you command, Lord Governor!"
After that, Zhao Zhenji walked out of the study and came to the yard. At this moment, the sky was getting late, and the moonlight occasionally peeked out of the clouds and fell on the ground.
Zhao Zhenji's shadow also appeared quite clear under the moonlight.
After stopping to watch for a long time, Zhao Zhenji looked away and said silently to himself: "It seems that the situation in Zhejiang is much more serious than I imagined!"
…
The night passed in the blink of an eye, and in the early morning of the next day, many officials were waiting outside the Governor's Mansion before dawn.
After all, the newly appointed Governor-General of Zhejiang Province and Governor of Zhejiang Province came from the Inspectorate!
Not only did he serve as a supervisory censor, but he also visited Zhejiang as an imperial envoy. Youdao is the most important thing when a new official takes office. No one dares to be the first person at this time!
When Zheng Michang arrived at the Governor's Mansion in a sedan chair, he suddenly discovered that He Maocai, Ma Ningyuan, Qi Jiguang, Yu Dayou and others were all present.
After that, Zheng Michang came forward and exchanged a few words with everyone.
As the magistrate of Chun'an County, Wang Yongji naturally waited outside the Governor's Mansion early. However, due to his low rank, he could only stay in a very inconspicuous position.
"Looking at this posture, the newly appointed governor plans to let everyone report their duties!"
Wang Yongji was thinking this, and saw several officials walking out of the governor's palace one after another, announcing something, but because the distance was too far, Wang Yongji didn't hear clearly what those officials said.
Later, Wang Yongji saw the officials around him marching towards the Governor's Mansion one after another, and followed them into the Governor's Mansion.
After everyone entered the Governor's Mansion, they quickly arranged their positions according to their rank, seniority, etc.
A seventh-grade county magistrate like Wang Yongji could only be at the end of the queue, and with him was Wang Yonghe, the magistrate of Jiande County next door, and several other magistrates.
As early as when he took office, Wang Yongji heard from the county magistrate in the county government that when there were heavy rains in Zhejiang for days and the dams collapsed, Wang Yonghe took advantage of the fact that the new magistrate of Chun'an had not yet taken office. The county accounted for most of the share.
Because of this, Jiande County under his rule did not suffer any damage from this incident, but Chun'an County suffered as a result. Many people starved to death due to lack of food!
After this incident, the people of Jiande and Chun'an counties became enemies. Even if the two sides met on the road, it would be easy for them to quarrel and then fight.
While Wang Yong was deep in thought, at this moment, he was in the meeting hall of the Governor's Mansion.
Zhao Zhenji is sitting on the main seat, with Zheng Michang, He Maocai, Ma Ningyuan, Qi Jiguang, Yu Dayou and many other officials sitting on both sides.
After looking around, Zhao Zhenji looked back and said, "Everyone, I am Zhao Zhenji sent by the imperial court to take over the position of Governor Hu!"
"I have just arrived here and I don't know much about many situations in Zhejiang. I will have to rely on you more in the future!"
After everyone heard Zhao Zhenji's words, they immediately lowered their heads with unusual respect and said in unison: "Your Majesty, you are serious!"
At this moment, the officials in the meeting hall of the Governor's Mansion all looked at Zhao Zhenji with a little fear in their eyes!
After all, someone who can be valued by His Majesty and sent to Zhejiang to replace Hu Zongxian and serve as a feudal official is not an easy person to deal with!
After that, Zhao Zhenji coughed twice and got straight to the point.
"Ahem, as I said before, since I have just arrived here, I don't know much about many situations. Therefore, I have gathered everyone here just to take this opportunity to learn more about you. Information about this!"
After Zhao Zhenji finished speaking, he turned his gaze to Zheng Michang who was standing aside. The meaning was self-evident.
"Well, is it possible that the governor is planning to take this opportunity to let us review our duties in person?"
Zheng Michang thought like this, and immediately stood up from his seat and said respectfully: "Your Majesty the Governor, I am the Chief Envoy and currently in charge of the Chief Envoy Division. The Chief Envoy Division..."
After Zheng Michang, He Maocai, Ma Ningyuan, Qi Jiguang, Yu Dayou and others also introduced their respective situations one after another.
During this process, Zhao Zhenji kept their respective narratives in mind.
Time passed by slowly, and as the sky was getting dark, it was finally the turn of Wang Yongji, the magistrate of Chun'an County.
Then, Wang Yongji stepped into the meeting hall of the Governor's Mansion.
As soon as he entered the meeting hall, Wang Yongji was keenly aware that a scrutinizing gaze fell on him. Then, he reacted, knelt down on the ground with a 'plopping', and said respectfully.
"I am the magistrate of Chun'an County, Wang Yongji, and I have met the governor!"
Upon hearing this, Zhao Zhenji looked Wang Yongji up and down, waved his hand, and said: "Well, get up!"
Wang Yongji heard the words and immediately stood up slowly from the ground.
After that, Zhao Zhenji asked Wang Yongji as usual about Chun'an County's revenue and expenditure accounts, as well as issues about relief, land, money, population, and taxation, and then let him leave.
After Wang Yongji left, Zhao Zhenji looked away and said to himself.
"Now it seems that it is barely qualified, but we need to observe it carefully before we can make a conclusion!"
…
Forbidden City, Qianqing Palace.
At this moment, Jiajing was sitting behind the desk, boredly reading the memorial sent by the Supervisor of Ceremonies.
At this moment, Lu Fang came to Jiajing with silent steps and said in a low voice.
"Your Majesty, there is news from the Inspectorate that at present, several memorials to impeach Yan Maoqing have appeared from the Inspectorate!"
"Oh, impeach Yan Maoqing?"
When Jiajing heard this, a look of interest suddenly appeared on his face. He looked at Lu Fang and asked.
Facing Jiajing's inquiry, Lu Fang did not dare to hide anything. After hesitating for a moment, he spoke cautiously.
Your Majesty, I have received news. It is said that the people who impeached Yan Maoqing this time are, without exception, from Mr. Yan Ge. By the way, isn't Yan Maoqing a member of Mr. Yan Ge? Why..."
When Jiajing heard this, he glanced at him quite indifferently and asked unhurriedly.
"Lu Fang, do you know why Yan Song recommended Yan Maoqing to me?"
"Your Majesty, I don't know!"
When Lu Fang heard Jiajing's words, her face was full of humility and she responded without thinking.
When Jiajing heard this, he looked away from Lu Fang's face and immediately said: "From the moment Yan Song recommended Yan Maoqing to me, he probably had no intention of letting him return to the capital alive!"
"After all, only by transferring people away from the capital can we be better able to do things, right?"
After hearing what Jiajing said, Lu Fang's face was full of horror, and she subconsciously said: "But Your Majesty, Yan Maoqing is not..."
Jiajing seemed to have guessed what Lu Fang was thinking. He shook his head and explained: "He Yan Maoqing is just a dog raised by Yan Song!"
"And now, this dog is not only disobedient, but also wants to bite its owner. Lu Fang, do you think, as the owner, should I kill it and eat its meat?"
After Jiajing finished speaking, Lu Fang seemed to have figured out something, and confirmed to Jiajing in shock: "Your Majesty... Your Majesty, what you mean is..."
Jiajing took in the expression on Lu Fang's face, nodded, and then said: "Well, just watch, there will definitely be more and more memorials to impeach Yan Maoqing!"
When Jiajing said this, he paused for a moment and then added: "The money confiscated from Yan Maoqing's house will definitely be much more than before!"
At this moment, Lu Fang seemed to suddenly remember something. He turned his gaze to Jiajing and said cautiously: "Your Majesty, I suddenly remembered that not long ago, His Highness King Jing sent someone to deliver news that he had officially set off on his journey. , will arrive in the capital soon!"
After Jiajing learned the news from Lu Fang, the expression on his face did not change at all. He just responded calmly: "Well, I understand. Let him come to see me when the time comes. !”
When Lu Fang heard this, she immediately looked stern and responded in a deep voice: "As you command, Your Majesty!"
…
Forbidden City, Cabinet.
Since Ma Ningyuan's case was temporarily settled, the cabinet has returned to its former calm.
At the moment, everyone's attention was focused on the belly of Imperial Concubine Shen, and the child who was about to be born had no time to care about anything else.
After all, if the child in the belly of Imperial Concubine Shen is a boy, not only will the Ming Dynasty give birth to a queen, but it is also very likely that the Ming Dynasty will give birth to a new crown prince!
Therefore, in recent times, everyone has tried their best to find out about the preferences of the imperial concubine Shen, with the purpose of taking this opportunity to get closer to the imperial concubine, no, the future queen.
In the cabinet, there was no other sound except the rustling of paper.
Time passed by slowly, maybe because of fatigue, Yan Song put the completed memorial in his hand aside and began to close his eyes and rest.
Everything that had happened recently was constantly replaying in his mind like a slideshow.
First, Ma Ningyuan's case caused a stir in the capital, and even involved Hu Zongxian. Then, late at night, His Majesty sent people to the house and issued the order to sacrifice Ma Ningyuan, and then... …
Just as Yan Song was closing his eyes to rest, he heard Xu Jie's voice from the side: "By the way, do you know the news that His Highness King Jing will return to the capital soon?"
Hearing this, Yan Song suddenly opened his eyes, looked in the direction of Xu Jie, and asked: "Mr. Xu Ge, did you just say that His Highness King Jing will return to the capital soon?"
Xu Jie saw the nervousness on Yan Song's face, chuckled, and immediately said: "Well, that's right, it is said that His Majesty personally sent someone with the imperial edict to De'an, the fiefdom of King Jing!"
If King Jing had to make a list of the most hated people, Yan Song would definitely be at the top of the list.
After all, when King Jing needed help the most, Yan Song abandoned him without hesitation!
It was precisely because of Yan Song's behavior that King Jing ended up going to the fiefdom and becoming a vassal, and completely lost the possibility of fighting for the crown prince!
Xu Jie was naturally happy to see King Jing return to the capital.
Although King Jing could not stay in the capital for a long time, he might not be able to take advantage of it. After all, King Jing hated Yan Song deeply.
At that time, it only takes a little use to get Yan Song into trouble.
After all, only by getting Yan Song into trouble and having too much time to take care of himself can he be able to implement his plan more smoothly.
After Yan Song learned from Xu Jie the news that King Jing was about to return to the capital, he looked distracted. This look lasted until the next day.
After getting off duty, I saw Yan Song, Yan Shifan and his son walking slowly towards the place where the sedan was parked, one after the other.
Seeing Yan Song's distraught appearance, Yan Shifan immediately plucked up the courage to step forward and said cautiously: "Father...Father, are you worried that His Highness King Jing is about to return to the capital?"
When Yan Song heard this, he paused, turned around and looked at Yan Shifan, and said slowly: "Yan Shifan, you should know what kind of person King Jing is, right?"
Yan Shifan heard this and after thinking about it for a moment, he immediately responded: "Father, His Royal Highness King Jing is a narrow-minded person who is determined to retaliate. If you flatly rejected his request, he will definitely hold a grudge and think about it. How to take revenge on you!"
Yan Song heard this, nodded, and then said: "Oh, yes, although King Jing has gone to the fiefdom and became a vassal, and his power has been greatly reduced, there were many officials in the court who had received his favor. , these people should not be underestimated either!”
"That's all on weekdays. Now is the most critical time. There must be no accidents!"
Then, Yan Song looked away from Yan Shifan, looked at the scenery in the distance, and then warned: "Tell Luo Longwen and the others to wipe their butts clean, and don't let others catch them!"
Yan Shifan did not dare to disobey Yan Song's instructions at all. He immediately lowered his head and responded respectfully: "Yes, father, I understand!"
…
After seven days and seven nights of traveling day and night, the ship Hu Zongxian took finally arrived in the capital.
At this time, it was getting late, and after the ship stopped at the dock, Hu Zongxian was escorted by the guards and got off the sampan.
Looking at the towering city walls in the distance, the paved stone floors, the neat roads, and the scattered buildings around him, Hu Zongxian's dusty memories gradually revived.
"The last time I came to the capital, it was because of the incident of destroying embankments and flooding fields. I came to the capital to report my duties to His Majesty in person!"
After Hu Zongxian finished his emotion, he saw Gao Hanwen also get off the sampan of another ship, come to Hu Zongxian's side, and salute him respectfully.
"Where do you plan to stay next, sir? I have an unused mansion in the capital. How about..."
"No need to go to such trouble, I plan to stay at the inn for one night first!"
After hearing what Gao Hanwen said, Hu Zongxian waved his hand and rejected his proposal.
Hearing this, a trace of regret flashed across Gao Hanwen's face. Then, he came back to his senses, lowered his head, and responded respectfully.
"Since your lord has already decided, I don't have to push too hard. My lord, let's just say goodbye!"
"Um."
After Gao Hanwen bowed to Hu Zongxian, he left directly.
Then, Hu Zongxian retracted his gaze, turned around, looked at the guards around him, and gave instructions.
"Let's go to the inn!"
"Yes, sir!"
Afterwards, Hu Zongxian took a sedan and marched towards the post station in the capital specifically for receiving officials.
Soon, the news that Hu Zongxian had arrived in the capital reached Jiajing's ears via Lu Fang.
In the Qianqing Palace, after Jiajing learned the news from Lu Fang, a hint of excitement flashed across his face and he confirmed it.
"Lu Fang, are you saying that Hu Zongxian has arrived in the capital?"
"Yes, Your Majesty, the ship that Hu Zongxian was on has arrived in the capital. Currently, Hu Zongxian has stayed in the post house in the capital!"
Facing Jiajing's inquiry, Lu Fang did not dare to hide anything and immediately told everything she knew.
Then, Jiajing waved his hand, looked away from Lu Fang, and gave instructions.
"Well, I know. Send someone immediately to tell him. Come see me again after you have rested!"
"As ordered, Your Majesty, I will send someone right now!"
After Lu Fang responded, she didn't stay in the Qianqing Palace for too long and left immediately.
On the other side, after Hu Zongxian settled in the post station, he immediately sent someone to find out what major events had happened in the capital recently.
Not long after, when the people sent out to inquire about the news came back, they brought back a very bad news - not long ago, Ma Ningyuan's case was uncovered and caused a stir in the capital!
Now the imperial court has sent officials to Zhejiang to investigate the case!
After Hu Zongxian learned the news, he suddenly became worried.
At this time, Hu Zongxian was not only worried about Ma Ningyuan's fate, but also didn't know how to face Jiajing next.
After all, after all, Ma Ningyuan is also his student, Hu Zongxian. If something like this happens now, he, the teacher, must be to blame!
At this moment, people from the palace came to the inn and relayed to Hu Zongxian exactly what Jiajing had said.
After the father-in-law left, Hu Zongxian sat back on the chair and murmured to himself: "After you have a good rest, will you go to see your Majesty again?"
Then, Hu Zongxian suppressed all the chaotic thoughts in his mind, picked up the teacup on the table, took a sip, and said to himself.
"Well, let's go see the teacher then and ask him what countermeasures he has, right?"
Capital City, Yan Mansion.
At this time, Yan Song was sitting behind the desk, processing the rest of the official documents during the day. At this moment, there was a knock on the door.
Seeing this situation, Yan Song put down the brush in his hand and followed up with instructions.
"Come in!"
After the words fell, there was only a "squeak" sound, the door of the room was pushed open, and the housekeeper walked in, leaned down, and reported respectfully.
"Mr. Yange, Hu Zongxian arrived in the capital not long ago and is currently staying at the post station!"
"What did you say, Hu Ruzhen arrived in the capital?"
After Yan Song learned the news from the butler, he stood up from his seat and asked tremblingly.
"Yes, Mr. Yan Ge!"
After the news was confirmed, Yan Song relaxed. Immediately, he was seen stroking his beard and sighing to himself: "Okay, okay!" (End of Chapter)
