Seeing that there were no other people around, Ma Ningyuan took a deep breath. After calming down, he looked at Zheng and He hopefully and asked.
"Master Zheng, Master He, what is going on? How did the previous case suddenly come out?"
He Maocai sighed helplessly after hearing this. After thinking about it for a moment, he responded: "Well, I don't know the specific situation. In short, the court has sent officials to Zhejiang to investigate this matter. case!"
"Counting the days, in a while, the officials sent by the imperial court to investigate the case should be able to arrive in Zhejiang!"
"What!"
After Ma Ningyuan learned the news from He Maocai, a look of panic flashed across his face.
The reason why Ma Ningyuan was panicking about this was because, since the imperial court had sent officials to Zhejiang to investigate the case, it was enough to show how much the imperial court attached great importance to this matter, and this also meant that they had to investigate during this trip. Nothing can happen!
In other words, if these officials sent by the imperial court to Zhejiang to investigate the case did not find any clues, they would not be able to report it to their superiors!
After all, Ma Ningyuan has been immersed in the officialdom for many years, and he is very familiar with the frame-up tricks in the officialdom.
At this moment, Zheng Michang on the side seemed to see the paranoia in Ma Ningyuan's heart. He coughed twice and comforted him: "Don't worry too much. The people sent by the court to investigate the case this time , in addition to Wang Ting, the right minister of the Ministry of Revenue, and an official from the Inspectorate, there is also Yan Maoqing!"
Ma Ningyuan felt a little relieved after hearing the news from Zheng Michang.
Then, he saw a look of confusion on his face, looked in the direction of Zheng Mi Chang, and confirmed to him: "Mr. Yan Ge, did they send Yan Maoqing down too?"
Facing Ma Ningyuan's extremely puzzled gaze, Zheng Mi Chang nodded firmly and said in a deep voice: "Well, that's right. With Yan Maoqing's help, we will feel a lot more relaxed!"
When Zheng Michang finished speaking, He Maocai on the side took over and added: "So, you can stay here for a few days with peace of mind. There won't be any big problems!"
When He Maocai said this, he paused for a moment and then continued to add: "After all, you are also the student of the Governor-General. Those people should be wary and dare not mess around!"
He Maocai's words undoubtedly gave Ma Ningyuan a shot in the arm, giving him the courage to face whatever might happen next.
"Yes, I am the teacher's student. The teacher will not sit idly by and do nothing. Besides, there are Mr. Zheng and Mr. He helping behind the scenes!"
Ma Ningyuan thought this, and then came back to his senses, looked at Zheng Michang and He Maocai, and said in a deep voice: "Well, I understand!"
After that, Ma Ningyuan changed the subject, withdrew his gaze, and continued: "By the way, not long ago, people from the Yamen came to report that they found merchants with unknown origins who sneaked into the Weaving Bureau! "
As soon as Ma Ningyuan finished speaking, Zheng Mi Chang saw a gloomy look on his face. He subconsciously clenched his fists and said in a deep voice.
"Hmph, I just wanted to tell you why these merchants can't be found anywhere recently. It turns out they are hiding in the Weaving Bureau!"
He Maocai, who was on the side, saw that Zheng Michang was agitated, and immediately stepped forward and warned him: "Old Zheng, calm down, the Weaving Bureau is under the control of the palace. If the two of us collided so stupidly, it would be like throwing an egg against a stone! "
"It's better to tell the governor the truth about this matter first, and then make a decision!"
After listening to He Maocai's advice, Zheng Michang gradually calmed down. Then, he nodded and spoke in agreement.
"Well, Lao He, what you said makes sense. Just the two of us will never be able to win over the Weaving Bureau. We have to bring the governor over too!"
After that, Zheng Michang turned around, bowed his hands to Ma Ningyuan, and said in a deep voice: "I have wronged you recently. If you need anything, just say it!"
When Ma Ningyuan heard Zheng Michang's words, a look of gratitude appeared on his face. He quickly lowered his head and returned the gift to Zheng Michang: "Then I'll trouble you, Mr. Zheng!"
Seeing this, He Maocai on the side immediately took over the conversation and said with a smile: "Okay, we have been officials in Zhejiang for so many years, why are we so polite!"
After that, the three of them chatted for a while, and then Zheng and He left the cell on the grounds that they wanted to return to the Governor's Mansion to repay Zhao Zhenji.
After Zheng Michang and He Maocai left the cell one after another, they saw the jailers who had been waiting outside for a long time walking in with a change of clothes, their faces full of flattery.
"I know... Your Majesty, the change of clothes is here. Do you want to..."
"Well, I understand. Let's leave it there for now. I will change it later!"
…
As Zheng Michang and He Maocai said before, after leaving the prison, they took a sedan and rushed back to the Governor's Mansion without stopping to return to Zhao Zhenji.
At this moment, in the study room of the Governor's Mansion, Zhao Zhenji put down the brush in his hand and complained: "What on earth are Zheng Michang and He Maocai doing? It's been so long, why haven't they come back yet?"
"Is it possible that something happened in the meantime?"
As soon as this idea came to mind, Zhao Zhenji rejected it without hesitation: "No, there shouldn't be any problem. It must have been delayed by something on the road!"
Just as Zhao Zhenji's thoughts were racing, he heard a rush of footsteps coming from outside the door.
Not long after, a guard hurried in, leaned down, and reported to Zhao Zhenji in a deep voice: "Your Majesty, the Governor, the Chief Envoy and the Inspector are outside asking for an audience!"
Hearing this, Zhao Zhenji suddenly stood up from his seat, looked at the guard, and said in a deep voice: "Well, let them wait in the meeting hall for a while, I will be there soon!"
When the guard heard this, he immediately lowered his head, bowed his hand to Zhao Zhenji, and said solemnly: "Yes, Lord Governor!"
After the guard left the study, Zhao Zhenji followed closely and walked out of the study.
At this moment, in the meeting hall of the Governor's Mansion, Zheng Michang and He Maocai looked restless.
The reason is simple. Ma Ningyuan, who has been an official in Zhejiang for many years, is now inexplicably imprisoned because of an official document issued by the court.
This incident made Zheng Michang and He Maocai feel a vague sense of crisis.
Just as the two of them were still thinking about how to deal with it next, they heard a burst of footsteps.
The two followed the sound and saw Zhao Zhenji stepping into the meeting hall of the Governor's Mansion.
When the two of them saw Zhao Zhenji's arrival, they quickly suppressed all the chaotic thoughts in their hearts, stood up from their seats, and saluted him respectfully.
"I have met the governor!"
"No need to be so polite, please sit down!"
Upon hearing this, Zhao Zhenji glanced at Zheng Michang and He Maocai respectively, waved his hand, and gave instructions.
"Yes, Lord Governor!"
After the words fell, Zheng Michang and He Maocai sat back on their chairs.
After that, Zhao Zhenji looked at the two of them separately and asked, "How are things going?"
After hearing this, the two looked at each other and saw He Maocai getting up from his seat, facing Zhao Zhenji, and reported respectfully: "Your Majesty, the governor, I have arrested Ma Ningyuan according to the official document issued by the court!"
When He Maocai said this, he couldn't help but have a look of worry on his face. After a pause, he added: "My Lord Governor, I always feel that there is something fishy about this matter. It is a critical moment now. I’m just afraid that when the time comes…”
Zhao Zhenji naturally heard the meaning contained in He Maocai's words, and then he sighed helplessly and said slowly.
"Alas, there is no other way. Since this is an order from the imperial court, we can only obey it!"
At this moment, Zheng Mi Chang stood up after organizing his words in his mind, and said in a deep voice: "Your Majesty the Governor, when the two of us went to arrest Ma Ningyuan and bring him to justice, Ma Ningyuan revealed to us An important message!"
When Zhao Zhenji heard this, a look of curiosity suddenly appeared on his face. He turned his eyes to Zheng Michang and asked, "Oh, what's the important news?"
Seeing Zhao Zhenji's eyes falling on him, Zheng Michang immediately responded without thinking: "Your Majesty the Governor, I learned from Ma Ningyuan that in recent times, merchants with unknown origins have entered the Weaving Bureau. !”
After Zhao Zhenji learned the news from Zheng Michang, he couldn't help but frown and said to himself: "No wonder the government can't find any trace of them in recent days. It turns out they are hiding in the Weaving Bureau! "
He Maocai on the side couldn't help but look embarrassed when he saw this situation, and cautiously asked Zhao Zhenji: "Sir Governor, this weaving bureau is under the control of the palace, we have to be careful!"
Hearing He Maocai's words, Zhao Zhenji showed a confident smile on his face. He waved his hand and said in agreement: "It doesn't matter. Before coming, your Majesty gave me the power to present the memorial in person!"
"When I come down later, I will immediately write a memorial to His Majesty and tell him the truth about the current situation!"
When Zhao Zhenji finished speaking, Zheng Michang and He Maocai on the side had expressions of shock that could not be concealed. What they did not expect was that besides Hu Zongxian, there were people who actually had the power to present the memorial to His Majesty!
"It seems that the governor has a lot of background!"
Thinking this, Zheng Michang couldn't help but secretly increase his vigilance. He always felt that the purpose of Zhao Zhenji being sent to Zhejiang by His Majesty this time was not as simple as it seemed.
Later, Zheng Michang came to his senses, looked in the direction of Zhao Zhenji, and asked: "Then Governor, should we continue to send people to keep an eye on the Weaving Bureau?"
Zhao Zhenji heard Zheng Michang's words, nodded, and said: "This is natural. Although the Weaving Bureau is under the control of the palace, no matter what, it is Zhejiang. As the governor of Zhejiang, I have the obligation to serve Think about the people of Zhejiang!"
As soon as Zhao Zhenji finished speaking, He Maocai stood up and volunteered: "The governor is absolutely right, let me leave this matter to my subordinates!"
Hearing this, Zhao Zhenji nodded, responded in a subtle way, and then said, "In that case, Master He will be responsible for this matter!"
When Zhao Zhenji finished speaking, Zheng Michang and He Maocai on the side immediately looked stern, stood up from their seats, and responded in a deep voice: "As you command, Lord Governor!"
Seeing that the matter had settled, Zhao Zhenji stood up from his seat, faced everyone, and said, "Okay, let's leave it like this for now. You guys go down and prepare first!"
"Yes, Lord Governor, I will resign immediately!"
After Zheng and He bowed to Zhao Zhenji, they turned and left the meeting hall of the Governor's Mansion.
Zhao Zhenji looked at the two people leaving with an inexplicable look on his face.
It has been some time since Zhao Zhenji succeeded Hu Zongxian and became the governor-general of Zhejiang and the governor of Zhejiang. During this time, Zhao Zhenji quickly smoothed out related matters and became more and more handy.
Despite this, Zhao Zhenji could still clearly feel that Zheng Michang and He Maocai only had superficial respect for him.
The two of them have been chief envoys and inspectors in Zhejiang for many years, and their influence has long been deeply rooted.
What's more, they still have Mr. Yan Ge as their backer, so they are even more confident in dealing with themselves, the governor-general of Zhejiang and governor of Zhejiang who landed by air.
Therefore, Zhao Zhenji just now deliberately mentioned in front of Zheng Michang and He Maocai that he had the right to present the memorial directly to His Majesty!
The purpose was to give Zheng Michang and He Maocai a good beating to make them obedient.
What Zhao Zhenji wants to convey is very simple - I guess you don't want to see a situation where everyone is at odds with each other. In this case, just cooperate with me!
Of course, Zhao Zhenji did not forget that before coming, the emperor gave him the power to kill first and then play later!
This is Zhao Zhenji's trump card. He will never use it unless it is extremely urgent!
After that, Zhao Zhenji suppressed all the chaotic thoughts in his heart and walked towards the direction of the study room of the Governor's Mansion.
…
After Zhao Zhenji returned to the study room of the Governor's Mansion, he retreated to the left and right sides. After grinding the ink, Zhao Zhenji spread out the paper and pen. After thinking for a long time, he took up the pen to write.
"Your Majesty, Weichen Zhao Zhenji, it has been some time since Weichen took over Hu Zongxian's position as the Governor-General of Zhejiang and the Governor of Zhejiang!"
"In recent times, everything has been going smoothly, but Weichen discovered that there were suddenly many merchants with unknown origins in Zhejiang, trying to buy raw silk from the people at low prices. Under the continuous crackdown by the government, these merchants The behavior has now been effectively curbed!"
"In addition, Weichen also discovered that Pang Qian, the new eunuch in charge of the Weaving Bureau sent to Zhejiang by the imperial court, engaged in wanton bribery and nepotism, which seriously interfered with the normal operation of the Weaving Bureau. Not only that, the Weaving Bureau also provided shelter for those merchants, Weichen I would like to implore Your Majesty..."
When the last word fell, Zhao Zhenji couldn't help but breathed a sigh of relief. Then, he carefully checked the contents of the letter from beginning to end. After confirming that it was correct, he put the brush back to its original position.
After the ink on the paper dried, Zhao Zhenji put the letter into an envelope, called his confidants, and gave instructions.
"Send this letter to His Majesty immediately. It must not pass through anyone else's hands. Do you understand?"
Seeing that the expression on Zhao Zhenji's face was extremely serious, the confidant did not dare to show any slightness. He immediately took the letter solemnly, lowered his head, and responded in a deep voice: "Yes, sir, I understand!"
When Zhao Zhenji heard this, he waved his hand and gave instructions.
"Without further ado, let's set off now!"
"Yes, sir!"
After the confidant left the study, Zhao Zhenji's face showed a look of sadness.
The intuition he developed after serving as a supervisory censor for many years told him that Zhejiang would not be peaceful in the future.
On the other side, Zheng Michang and He Maocai got together again after leaving the Governor's Mansion.
In the room, Zheng Michang picked up the tea cup on the table, took a sip, and said with emotion: "Old He, it seems that the purpose of the governor's trip is not simple!"
When Zheng Michang's words fell, He Maocai on the side responded: "Yes, not everyone has the power to directly present the memorial to His Majesty. Over the years, except for the Governor, it seems that we have not yet Have you ever seen anyone else with such power?"
"Old Zheng, we have to be careful next time. If we make the governor unhappy, things will be in trouble!"
Hearing this, Zheng Michang shook his head and said unhurriedly: "It doesn't matter, there is no need to consider these things for the time being. No matter what mission the governor has, at the moment, the interests of both of us are the same!"
"After all, no one wants to see the raw silk in the hands of ordinary people being purchased at a low price. When the time comes, we will not be the only ones who are unlucky. Zhao Zhenji, as the governor of Zhejiang, will also be to blame!"
"Therefore, we need to do our best to cooperate with him and get over the current difficulties first!"
He Maocai on the side also agreed with Zheng Michang's words. He nodded and said solemnly: "Old Zheng, what you said makes sense!"
After that, He Maocai seemed to suddenly remember something. He looked hesitant and confirmed to Zheng Michang: "Old Zheng, tell me, should we report this matter to Mr. Xiaoge and the others?" Get ready?"
When Zheng Michang heard this, he immediately responded without any hesitation: "There is no need to tell Mr. Xiaoge and the others about such a trivial matter!"
…
Night falls, in the capital, Yan Mansion.
At this time, Yan Shifan was sitting in the room, concentrating on browsing the books in his hands.
Perhaps out of boredom, Yan Shifan put the books in his hands aside, recalling what had happened in recent days, and couldn't help but sigh.
"Father really made a decisive decision. If those officials collude with King Jing, things will get out of hand!"
Ever since Yan Song took action decisively and ordered officials to impeach those officials who had been to Prince Jing's Mansion, no one had dared to go to Prince Jing's Mansion rashly.
After all, anyone with a discerning eye can see that getting close to King Jing at this time is tantamount to sending oneself into a pit of fire!
At this moment, there was a knock on the door. Seeing this, Yan Shifan immediately ordered: "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, leaned down, and reported respectfully.
"Mr. Xiaoge, your student Gao Hanwen is outside asking for a meeting!"
"Oh, he's finally here, let him in!"
When Yan Shifan heard this, a hint of excitement flashed across his face, he waved his hand and gave instructions.
"Yes, Mr. Xiaoge!"
Upon hearing this, the housekeeper bowed to Yan Shifan and then turned and left.
Not long after, Gao Hanwen, who looked embarrassed and uneasy, entered Yan Shifan's room under the guidance of the housekeeper.
After entering the room, Gao Hanwen leaned down and saluted Yan Shifan respectfully: "Student... I have met the teacher!"
When Yan Shifan heard this, he immediately raised his head from the desk. After looking Gao Hanwen up and down, a warm smile appeared on his face: "Hanwen is here, come and sit down!"
"Thank you teacher!"
After Gao Hanwen heard what Yan Shifan said, he didn't refuse and sat directly on the empty seat beside him.
After that, Yan Shifan looked away from Gao Hanwen and joked with a smile: "You have suffered a lot when I sent you to Zhejiang this time and you have become haggard. I hope you don't blame the teacher." !”
Hearing this, Gao Hanwen quickly waved his hand and explained: "Old...teacher, you said before that serving as an official will benefit one party. The students did not have any dissatisfaction. On the contrary, the students were very happy and the teacher was able to take the risk." , recommend students to the imperial court to serve in Zhejiang!"
When Yan Shifan heard Gao Hanwen's words, his face was filled with relief, and he said with emotion: "I didn't expect that you could still remember it so clearly!"
As soon as Yan Shifan finished speaking, Gao Hanwen responded without hesitation: "Because this is the teacher's teaching, you should naturally keep it in mind!"
When Gao Hanwen finished speaking, Yan Shifan seemed to be touched. After being stunned for a moment, he came back to his senses and spoke with a smile.
"Okay, okay, the teacher didn't accept you as a student in vain!"
After that, Yan Shifan changed the topic and continued: "Hanwen, I think you should know about the incident that caused a commotion in the capital some time ago, right?"
Hearing Yan Shifan's words, Gao Hanwen couldn't help but feel panic on his face. Immediately, he carefully confirmed to Yan Shifan: "Is it possible that the teacher is referring to..."
Yan Shifan took in the expression on Gao Hanwen's face, nodded, and responded unhurriedly: "Well, that's right, it was Ma Ningyuan's case. If the teacher remembers correctly, you also suffered. It’s time for impeachment, right?”
Facing Yan Shifan's gaze, Gao Hanwen nodded and said timidly: "Yes... yes, teacher, but..."
Before Gao Hanwen could finish his words, he was decisively interrupted by Yan Shifan: "Okay, there's no need to explain. The teacher knows that you have nothing to do with this matter!" (End of Chapter)
