Although the Yang family's status in Bozhou has always been unshakable.
However, the Luo family is the second largest family after the Yang family. In recent years, they have been secretly accumulating strength in order to one day replace the Yang family and become the new master of Bozhou.
Therefore, when the imperial court issued a proclamation against thieves and organized an army of 130,000 to attack the Yang family in a mighty manner, the Luo family and several other small chieftains with different surnames were actually very happy to see it.
Because in this way, not only can the Yang family be greatly weakened, but also the local power in Bozhou. As small chieftains with different surnames, they can also take the opportunity to ask for more chips from the Yang family.
But what no one expected was that the imperial court would uproot the Yang family that had been operating in Bozhou for hundreds of years in just over a month!
In addition, everyone related to the Yang family was also executed!
In order to avoid being liquidated in the future, the Luo family simply united with several other small chieftains with different surnames to send troops to fight against the Yang family.
After the Yang family was all punished by the court for treason, Luo and the remaining chieftains with different surnames could not help but breathe a sigh of relief.
In their view, since the imperial court has achieved its set goals, they should return to the imperial court soon.
Once the imperial army leaves, Bozhou will be back under their control.
But what happened next was far beyond their expectations.
Some time has passed since the imperial court sent troops to exterminate the Yang clan, but the imperial army has not shown any signs of returning to the imperial court.
Luo Zhengqi, who is a fellow scholar of Bozhou Xuanwei, was also very worried after learning about this situation. Although he was very anxious in his heart, he could not show any signs of it, because doing so would easily alarm the snake and increase suspicion!
Because of this, he has been sending people to secretly inquire about the day when the imperial army will return to the court.
Just a few days ago, Feng Yue, the governor of Huguang, finally released the news that the imperial army would return to the court soon.
As soon as the news came out, Luo Zhengqi and the remaining chieftains with different surnames couldn't help but heave a sigh of relief.
Although officials sent by the imperial court have taken up their posts one after another, they have many ways to use these officials sent by the imperial court for their own purposes.
Treating guests, beheading, and being treated as dogs, no official can resist this combination of punches!
…
At this moment, inside the mansion of the Luo family.
Luo Zhengqi was seen sitting in the main seat, looking very satisfied.
Then, he turned his eyes away from the people sent by the remaining chieftain families such as Tian, Zhang, and Yuan in the room.
He called everyone here today mainly to discuss the issue of dividing the interests after the imperial army returned to the court.
"After the imperial army returns to the court, I, the Luo family, will be able to officially replace the Yang family. I never expected that my family's long-cherished wish for many years will actually come true in my hands!"
Luo Zhengqi thought so, his face full of excitement that could not be concealed. Then, he came back to his senses and coughed twice, attracting the attention of everyone present to him.
"Ahem, the purpose of calling everyone here today must be clear to everyone. After a while, the imperial army will return to the court!"
"It's time for us to discuss what we should do next. Let's first agree that our Luo family will take over the waterway. In addition, our Luo family must also take the lead in iron smelting and salt!"
Seeing that the Luo family is so greedy, they actually want to monopolize waterways, and even want to get involved in iron smelting and salt. No one here knows that these things are huge profits!
Seeing that the Luo family was so greedy and did not care about the interests of others, everyone's faces could not help but flash a trace of anger.
Then, a member of the Tian clan slammed the table, stood up angrily, and said in a deep voice: "Hmph, you Luo clan are so greedy, you just want to monopolize the waterway, you even want to smelt salt and iron. Is it too much to step in?"
"Even when Yang Lie was still there, it was far from this extreme, right?"
These words quickly resonated with the other chieftain families present. Immediately, everyone stood up and expressed their dissent.
Seeing this situation, Luo Zhengqi's face suddenly became extremely gloomy. He sneered, looked sideways at everyone, and then turned to speak.
"Hmph, that was before, and now is now. Now my Luo family has the biggest fist, so we should have the final say. Do you want to be my enemy, the Luo family?"
Although Luo Zhengqi's voice was not loud, in the eyes of others at the scene, it was quite harsh.
Since Bozhou's Xuanwei envoy Yang Lie was annihilated by the imperial court, the Luo family has become the most powerful chieftain family in Bozhou after the Yang family.
Even if the remaining chieftain families united, they would still be no match for the Luo family!
Thinking of this, everyone couldn't help but feel a trace of regret in their hearts: "Oh, I didn't expect the Luo family to be so greedy, even worse than the Yang family in the past. I should have had reservations at the beginning, otherwise, I would have been so greedy. We won’t end up like this!”
Luo Zhengqi took in the expressions on everyone's faces and knew that the purpose of the beating had been achieved, and he should give them some sweetness next.
Then, after thinking about it for a moment, he faced everyone, smiled and said: "But then again, for so many years, our chieftain families have been in the same spirit, and we have prospered and suffered losses! "
"Let's do this. We, the Luo family, can consider giving up some of our interests. When the time comes..."
Before Luo Zhengqi finished speaking, he heard a burst of chaotic footsteps from outside. Not long after, the door of the room was pushed open violently, and a frightened servant ran in.
The frightened servant ran into the room and quickly closed the door, breathing heavily.
Luo Zhengqi, who was sitting in the main seat, couldn't help but frown when he saw this situation, and immediately reprimanded: "You bastard, who let you in?"
When the words fell, I saw the slave kneeling on the ground with a plop, and tremblingly reported: "Old... Master, something big... is going bad. The imperial army has surrounded this place. Those soldiers Killing everyone on sight, the front hall and the concierge are already littered with corpses!"
When Luo Zhengqi heard this, his face was full of disbelief. He quickly looked at the slave and asked: "What... what, what did you say? This... this is impossible. The army of the imperial court wants to return to the court." Well, how could it be..."
After Luo Zhengqi finished speaking, he fell back on the chair weakly, as if he had lost all his strength.
It wasn't until this moment that he realized that the news about the imperial army's return to the court that he had previously inquired about was all a cover-up, and its purpose was to make them relax their vigilance so that they could all be caught in one fell swoop.
Thinking of this, Luo Zhengqi's face was full of despair. He knew that he could not escape. Not only that, after tonight, all the chieftain families would cease to exist!
The remaining people in the room were also panicked when they saw this situation, and the shadow of death enveloped everyone.
Because before this, they had never thought that the imperial court would be so disrespectful of martial ethics. Looking at this posture, it was clear that they wanted to exterminate their clan!
At this time, the shouts of killing were getting closer and closer. Immediately, there was a loud bang and the door of the room was kicked open. Immediately afterwards, there was a strong and disgusting smell of blood. Enter the room.
Only then did everyone in the room get a glimpse of the scene outside.
The scene was like a hell on earth, with bodies lying in pools of blood everywhere.
Those soldiers were like messengers crawling out of hell, killing everyone they saw. No matter whether they were men, women, children, or women, no one was spared. There were cries and howls everywhere.
Then, only a dozen Ming soldiers wearing armor and holding Yanling knives came in fiercely.
Everyone in the room couldn't help but panic when they saw this situation. The power, money, and connections they relied on in the past were all useless at this moment, because what they were about to face was the greatest fairness in the world!
"Kill them all, leaving no one behind!"
Seeing this, the leading soldier suddenly swung down the Yanling Saber in his hand and gave instructions in a deep voice.
After that, the dozen soldiers carried Yanling knives, ignored everyone's pleas for mercy, and walked up with a sinister smile.
Then, there was a sound of swords piercing flesh, and soon everyone in the room fell into a pool of blood.
After that, the killing continued. Gradually, those who were hiding were all found and killed one by one.
This inhumane killing lasted all night before it came to an end.
Hailongtun, in the room, Huguang Governor Feng Yue's eyes were bloodshot, and his face was filled with a look of exhaustion that could not be concealed.
Ever since he ordered Shi Bangxian to take formal action last night, he had stayed up all night. The purpose was to be able to deal with possible emergencies.
"It should be almost done!"
After Feng Yue finished speaking, he picked up the teapot on the table and poured himself a cup of hot tea.
At this moment, a rush of footsteps was heard outside the door. Then, the door to the room was pushed open, and a guard walked in, leaned down, and reported respectfully.
"Reporting to the Governor, the Chief Military Officer is outside asking for an audience!"
"Oh, Shi Bangxian is here, let him in quickly!"
Hearing this, Feng Yue suddenly stood up from his seat, then looked away from the guard, and gave the order.
"As you command, Lord Governor!"
After the guard responded respectfully, he turned and left. Shortly after, Shi Bangxian entered the room with steady steps.
After entering the room, Shi Bangxian leaned down, bowed to Feng Yue and said, "I have met the governor!"
As early as the moment Shi Bangxian entered the room, Feng Yue smelled an extremely strong smell of blood. Then, he nodded, looked in the direction of Shi Bangxian, and asked: "How is the situation? Nothing happened." Bar?"
As soon as Feng Yue finished speaking, Shi Bangxian responded without hesitation: "Your Majesty, everything goes well. The seven families of small chieftains with different surnames have all been wiped out by the imperial army. The property confiscated from their homes has been destroyed. The number is too huge and is still being counted!”
After Feng Yue learned the news from Shi Bangxian, he was also very pleased. Immediately, he stroked his beard and said.
"Okay, okay, these cancers have finally been eradicated. I will truthfully report this matter to the court to show your credit!"
When Shi Bangxian heard Feng Yue's words, a look of gratitude appeared on his face. He lowered his head and said respectfully: "Thank you, Lord Governor!"
After that, Feng Yue changed the subject and continued: "Without further delay, we will immediately order people to post notices everywhere in the city. In addition, we must be strictly guarded against anyone who takes this opportunity to fish in troubled waters. Don't be afraid of those bandits." Relax your guard!"
When Shi Bangxian heard this, he immediately looked stern, cupped his hands, and responded in a deep voice: "As you command, Lord Governor!"
After Shi Bangxian left, Feng Yue looked away. After thinking about it for a moment, he spread out his paper and pen, dipped his brush in ink, and then started writing.
"Your Majesty, the remaining seven families of small chieftains with different surnames in Bozhou have been successfully eradicated. The property confiscated from their homes is still being counted intensively due to the huge amount..."
After the last word fell, Feng Yue breathed a sigh of relief. After confirming that the content was correct, he carefully put it into the envelope.
Then, Feng Yue called his subordinates and gave instructions: "Send this letter to the court immediately without any delay!"
When the subordinate heard this, he did not dare to show any slightness. He immediately took the envelope solemnly from Feng Yue's hand and said in a deep voice: "As you command, Lord Governor!"
It was impossible to hide such a big movement last night from the people around. After all, right now, the Yang family had just been destroyed, and it was a time when people's hearts were in a state of uncertainty.
Last night, the roaring sound of horses' hooves trampling the ground, as well as the screams and wails, all kinds of sounds intertwined together, deeply frightened the people nearby.
By daybreak, these sounds gradually disappeared, and many police officers responsible for posting notices appeared on the streets.
After the officers who posted the notices left, some brave people came forward to check the contents of the notices.
Among the crowd, an old man with gray hair and dizzy eyes was seen trying hard to read the words on the announcement.
"The...jing...the court found out that Tian, Zhang, Yuan, Lu, Tan, Luo, Wu and other seven little chieftains with different surnames had colluded with the Yang family and deliberately plotted rebellion. Now they are all under the law. , I hope people don’t want to..."
Before the old man had finished reading all the words on the announcement, the people around him were already discussing the matter impatiently.
"Haha, okay, the sky has eyes, these beasts have finally been punished!"
"These people who bully our people in daily life have finally been punished as they deserve. It's so satisfying!"
"Humph, the government finally did something about personnel matters!"
After that, countless people rushed to tell each other.
After the Yang clan, the news that the remaining seven chieftains with different surnames were all under the law quickly spread with a viral speed.
…
Forbidden City, Qianqing Palace.
At this moment, facing the pile of memorials as tall as a person on the desk, Jiajing showed no interest at all.
Because not long ago, he just learned the news from Lu Fang. At present, the pregnancy reaction of the Imperial Concubine Shen is getting more and more serious. According to the estimation of the imperial doctor of the Imperial Hospital, it is not long before the day when the Imperial Concubine Shen will give birth. Far.
While he was happy, Jiajing was troubled by another problem, that is, how to name it.
When Emperor Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang of the Ming Dynasty ascended the throne and proclaimed himself emperor in Yingtian Mansion, he followed Liu Bowen's suggestion and stipulated a set of naming rules for his descendants. Except for Zhu Yuanzhang's son, who all had two characters, the rest all had three characters. They are surname plus seniority, plus five elements.
For example, the seniority of the Prince Zhu Biao's family is: Yun Wen follows the ancestral precepts, the Qinwu Dajun is victorious, the road is suitable for good luck, and the teacher is good and uses Sheng (sheng) well.
Since Zhu Di, the founder of the Ming Dynasty, ascended the throne after Feng Tianjingnan and ascended the throne, he began to follow the lineage of the Yan family, that is, Gao Zhan Qi Jianyou, Hou Zai Yi Changyou, Ci Heyi Bozhong, Jian Jingdi Xianyou.
In addition, the naming rules of the Ming Dynasty emperors must also be named in the order of fire, earth, metal, water, and wood, and then named by the radicals to show that the five elements are interdependent.
When it was Jiajing's turn, the five elements went around in a circle and started again from fire. Therefore, Jiajing is next to the character for fire, and his son is the character for Zai. The last five elements must be with the character for fire. Next to the word soil.
Just when Jiajing was feeling extremely worried about this, he heard Lu Fang's voice ringing in his ears: "May I ask, Your Majesty, are you worried about the name?"
When Jiajing heard this, he glanced at Lu Fang, his face full of sadness: "Oh, yes, I'm not good at naming at all!"
When Lu Fang heard what Jiajing said, she immediately lowered her head and carefully comforted her: "Your Majesty, don't worry too much. You still have a lot of time to consider this matter!"
Hearing this, Jiajing nodded, then picked up the teacup beside him, took a sip, and said in agreement: "Lu Fang, you are right, I still have a lot of time to consider this matter. !”
After that, Jiajing seemed to suddenly think of something, looked in the direction of Lu Fang, and then asked: "By the way, Lu Fang, I suddenly remembered that there was a clan member named Zhu Shunxian before. My dear, have you taken the imperial examination and how is the situation?"
When Lu Fang heard this, she thought about it for a long time before she responded: "Your Majesty, according to the information obtained by this servant, this Zhu Shunxian has successfully passed the college examination and the provincial examination, and has obtained the status of a civil servant!"
After Jiajing learned the news from Lu Fang, he nodded, and immediately said: "Well, I plan to wait for the birth of the child in the belly of Imperial Concubine Shen, and then conduct an encore next year. Lu Fang, you What do you think?"
When Lu Fang heard what Jiajing said, after hesitating for a long time, she lowered her head and responded: "Your Majesty, I think this is a very good move. When the time comes, all the scholars in the world will remember your kindness!"
When Jiajing heard this, he looked away from Lu Fang and turned to order: "Well, in that case, when you come down later, you can go to the cabinet and tell them about this matter!"
"As you command, Your Majesty!"
When Lu Fang heard Jiajing's words, she immediately lowered her head and responded respectfully.
After that, Jiajing picked up a memorial on the desk and read it casually.
But looking at it, Jiajing couldn't help being stunned. Seeing this situation, Lu Fang couldn't help but panic. After organizing the words in his mind, he asked carefully.
"Your Majesty, Your Majesty, what's wrong with you?"
Jiajing ignored Lu Fang's greetings. At this moment, Jiajing was staring blankly at the content of the memorial. To be precise, Jiajing was actually reading one of the words, which was the word "垣".
Just as Lu Fang was getting more and more uneasy, Jiajing's voice sounded in his ears: "Lu Fang, what do you think of the word Yuan?"
When Lu Fang heard what Jiajing said, she suddenly fell into deep thought. After a long time, she came back to her senses, looked at Jiajing with excitement, and said thoughtfully.
"Your Majesty, the word "Yuan" is similar to "Perseverance". The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. As long as you persevere and work towards a goal, there will be nothing impossible in this world!
"I think this word is very wonderful. It expresses Your Majesty's good expectations. Your Majesty is wise, please accept my worship!"
After Lu Fang finished speaking, he bowed to the ground with great solemnity.
At this moment, Jiajing also looked excited. He didn't expect that the problem that had been bothering him for a long time was solved inadvertently.
Then, Jiajing raised his head, his eyes were bright, and he immediately said: "Well, I have decided that if the child in the imperial concubine's belly is a son, let's call him Zhu Zaiyuan!"
"Your Majesty, your Majesty, long live my emperor!"
Hearing this, Lu Fang looked excitedly in the direction of Jiajing and bowed again.
After that, Jiajing stood up from the dragon chair, came to Lu Fang, and personally helped him up from the ground: "Okay, Lu Fang, get up!"
After Lu Fang was lifted up from the ground by Jiajing, she still looked excited. He did not expect that he would be able to witness with his own eyes the important event that the emperor personally named the soon-to-be-born prince.
"Your Majesty, Your Majesty has already chosen a name for the child in your belly. You must live up to your expectations!"
Just as Lu Fang was praying secretly in his heart, he heard Jiajing's voice ringing in his ears: "Lu Fang, without further ado, go to the cabinet now and announce my decision!"
When Jiajing finished speaking, Lu Fang raised her head and responded without thinking: "As you command, Your Majesty, I will go ahead now!"
After that, Lu Fang did not stay in the Qianqing Palace for too long, but left directly.
After leaving the Qianqing Palace, Lu Fang waved, summoned a confidant, and whispered: "Tell the concubine that your majesty has already chosen a name for the child, Zhu Zaiyuan!"
"Yes, Eunuch Lu, I will definitely bring the words to you!" (End of Chapter)
