From the moment Wang Ting and Yan Maoqing arrived at the Weaving Bureau in a sedan chair and saw the current situation, they knew that it was too late.
At this time, the Weaving Bureau was already surrounded by heavily armed soldiers, and from time to time, people were escorted out of the Weaving Bureau by soldiers.
When Yan Maoqing saw this scene, his face turned pale, his whole body trembled, and he murmured to himself: "It's over, it's all over now!"
You must know that the Weaving Bureau is under the control of the palace. Since Zhao Zhenji dared to personally lead troops to surround the Weaving Bureau in broad daylight, he must have something to rely on.
Thinking of this, Yan Maoqing couldn't help but feel a burst of despair. At this moment, what he feared most was that Pang Qian, the eunuch in charge of the Weaving Bureau, would bite randomly in order to reduce his guilt.
Once the matter is exposed, Yan Maoqing's fate will only lead to death!
The more Yan Maoqing thought about it, the more frightened he became. Just as he took a deep breath and tried to pretend to be calm, following Wang Ting's footsteps and walking towards the Weaving Bureau, he almost stumbled and fell to the ground.
Fortunately, the attendant on the side had quick eyesight and quick hands, and stepped forward in time to help Yan Maoqing.
Compared with Yan Maoqing, Wang Ting's side is not much better. At this moment, he looks like he is out of his mind.
When the two arrived at the gate of the Weaving Bureau, they were quickly stopped by the soldiers guarding the gate.
The soldiers guarding the gate saw that Wang Ting and Yan Maoqing were wearing scarlet official uniforms and were of high rank. Therefore, they did not dare to be negligent in the slightest. After confirming their identities, they went in to report.
While waiting for the soldiers to go in and report, Yan Maoqing turned around, looked at Wang Ting aside, and asked: "Master Wang, tell me, will Eunuch Pang..."
Before Yan Maoqing finished speaking, Wang Ting sighed helplessly and said slowly: "Oh, let's take it one step at a time!"
Soon after, the soldier who had gone in to report quickly came to the two of them, leaned down and said respectfully: "My lords, the governor said you can go in, he is waiting for you in the hall!"
After hearing this, Wang Ting and Yan Maoqing looked at each other and immediately stepped into the weaving bureau.
…
After passing the place where the weavers worked and walking through a long corridor, Wang Ting and Yan Maoqing came to the lobby of the Weaving Bureau where guests were entertained.
As soon as they arrived in the hall, Wang Ting and Yan Maoqing were keenly aware that three eyes fell on them.
These three lines of sight came from Zhao Zhenji, who was sitting in the main seat, and Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou on both sides.
Afterwards, the two people gathered their minds, took a step forward, bowed to Zhao Zhenji and said, "I have met the governor!"
Hearing this, Zhao Zhenji glanced at Wang Ting and Yan Maoqing respectively, raised his eyebrows, and asked: "What are you doing here at the Weaving Bureau?"
After hearing the words, Wang Ting gathered up the courage to step forward and asked after organizing the words in his mind: "Xun... Sir Governor, after I learned that you personally led troops to surround the Weaving Bureau, I hurried here! "
When Wang Ting said this, he paused and continued to add: "You must know that the Weaving Bureau is under the control of the palace. Is there anything wrong with what you do? In case..."
When Zhao Zhenji heard Wang Ting's words, an inexplicable smile appeared on his face, and he turned around and said, "So Lord Wang is here to question me?"
When Zhao Zhenji finished speaking, a look of panic flashed across Wang Ting's face. He waved his hands and explained repeatedly: "Xun... Mr. Governor, you misunderstood. This is not what I mean. I just think that." …”
Zhao Zhenji saw the expression on Wang Ting's face and interrupted without mercy: "Master Wang, there is no need to say any more, I have my own sense of proportion!"
"Pang Qian, as the eunuch in charge of the Weaving Bureau, not only engaged in bribery, but also acted as a traitor, making the entire Weaving Bureau a mess. I will truthfully report his crimes to the court!"
Seeing that Zhao Zhenji had already talked about this, Wang Tingxin knew that he could not do anything. If he continued this topic, it would only increase his own suspicion.
Then, he came back to his senses and sneered twice to ease the awkward atmosphere: "Since the governor has already decided, it's better for the subordinates to interfere!"
"The governor is busy with his affairs, so I don't want to disturb you too much, so I'm leaving now!"
After Wang Ting, Yan Maoqing on the side also expressed his intention to leave to Zhao Zhenji.
When Zhao Zhenji heard this, he nodded and said in response: "Well, you two adults, go slowly!"
After the words fell, Wang Ting and Yan Maoqing bowed their hands to Zhao Zhenji and Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou respectively, and then left the hall directly.
After that, I saw Qi Jiguang on the side with a puzzled look on his face, looking in the direction of Zhao Zhenji, and asked: "Sir Governor, what do you think Mr. Wang and Mr. Yan are doing at the Weaving Bureau at this time? The key is that they didn't Say a few words and leave!”
After hearing this, Zhao Zhenji thought about it for a moment, stroked his beard, and responded with a smile: "In my opinion, they came to the Weaving Bureau just to inquire about the current situation!"
When Zhao Zhenji said this, an imperceptible look flashed in his eyes, and he said secretly: "It's a pity that you are officials sent by the imperial court to investigate the case. I can't touch you for the time being. Otherwise, you will just talk to Pang, the eunuch in charge of the Weaving Bureau." Qian, let’s be company together!”
After Wang Ting and Yan Maoqing returned to the inn, they soon learned another unfortunate news from their subordinates.
That is, at present, the Zhejiang government has sent a large number of officials and soldiers to launch a severe crackdown on merchants who buy raw silk from the people at low prices. Countless merchants have been imprisoned in the process.
After the two learned the news, the expressions on their faces suddenly became extremely desperate, which meant that all their previous plans had been in vain.
After all, without the help of the "local snake" of the Weaving Bureau, the power that Wang Ting and Yan Maoqing can mobilize will be greatly reduced.
Right now, the only people they can use are the guards and subordinates they brought with them.
As for those merchants, once they no longer have the Weaving Bureau as their backer, they will soon be reduced to a piece of loose sand under the continuous attacks from the government, and then be defeated one by one.
What makes Wang Ting and Yan Maoqing even more desperate is that not only has Ma Ningyuan's case failed to implicate more people, but they are even responsible for this failure.
After all, many people in the court were involved this time. If they could not successfully complete the task and satisfy their appetites, then Wang Ting and Yan Maoqing, as the main responsible persons, would definitely be liquidated.
When the time comes, all that awaits them is death!
…
Gradually, the sky darkened, inside the study room of the Governor's Mansion.
The two account books previously found from the room of Pang Qian, the eunuch in charge of the Weaving Bureau, were now lying quietly on the desk in the room. Zhao Zhenji's face was full of hesitation.
Zhao Zhenji's original plan was to capture the thief first and capture the king first, and take the lead in attacking Pang Qian, the eunuch in charge of the Weaving Bureau.
Then free up your hands to slowly deal with those merchants who try to buy raw silk from the people at low prices.
Once those merchants lost the Weaving Bureau as their backer, they would naturally be vulnerable.
In this way, the raw silk in the hands of the people can be successfully preserved.
But while searching the Weaving Bureau, they accidentally discovered these two account books from the secret compartment of Pang Qian's room. This sudden change made Zhao Zhenji not sure what to do.
Zhao Zhenji knew very well that once he submitted these two account books to His Majesty, there would definitely be a bloody storm in the court!
Although you will gain credit and be in the limelight, you will also attract the hostility of others.
Zhao Zhenji has always pursued a strategy of self-preservation, trying not to be in the limelight, and doing everything to ensure his own survival.
On weekdays, try your best to be on good terms with others. If unfortunately you become enemies with someone, you must strike first and kill them before the other party can take action!
In this way, we can survive in the treacherous and ever-changing officialdom.
After struggling for a long time, Zhao Zhenji came to his senses, took a deep breath, and muttered silently to himself.
"Today is different from the past. I am now the governor-general of Zhejiang Province and the governor of Zhejiang Province. I am a veritable official of the frontier. I no longer need to be as cautious as before!"
"Everything I have is given by Your Majesty. Without Your Majesty, I would not be where I am today!"
"Besides, since we are a feudal territory, we need to be unconditionally loyal to His Majesty!"
After that, Zhao Zhenji suppressed all the chaotic thoughts in his heart, put down the pen and paper, and wrote a reply.
"Your Majesty, in recent times, there have been many merchants in Zhejiang under the banner of the Weaving Bureau, trying to purchase raw silk from the people at low prices. These merchants have gone to any lengths to purchase raw silk, causing resentment among the people. boiling."
"In order to prevent the situation from deteriorating further, Weichen had no choice but to arrest Pang Qian, the eunuch in charge of the Weaving Bureau, and all relevant people related to the case!"
"As long as we give Wei Chen some more time, we will definitely be able to catch all those merchants in one fell swoop!"
"In addition, Wei Chen also found two account books in the secret compartment of Pang Qian's room, one of which was an open account and the other was a secret account. The things recorded in the two account books were very different. Only seven This month, there is a difference of more than 12,000 pieces of silk!"
"Right now, there are 420,000 pieces of silk in the warehouse of the Weaving Bureau. This matter is of great importance, and I dare not make a decision without permission. Now I have already sent the two account books of the Weaving Bureau, together with this letter, to Leave it to His 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 in his hand back to its original position.
After the ink on the paper was dry, Zhao Zhenji solemnly put it into an envelope, called his confidants, pointed to the two Weaving Bureau account books on the desk, and gave instructions with a solemn face.
"Put this letter, together with the two account books on the table, into His Majesty's hands. No one else must pass between them. Do you understand?"
When the visitor heard Zhao Zhenji's words, he did not dare to be negligent at all. He quickly leaned down and said, "Yes, sir, I will deliver these two things safely to your majesty!"
After the visitor left the study, he mounted the fast horse that had been prepared and headed towards the official road.
…
Forbidden City, Qianqing Palace.
Since the birth of the child in the belly of Imperial Concubine Shen, Jiajing has often gone to Ganlu Palace, and sometimes even lived there directly.
However, some things were not suitable to be mentioned in front of the imperial concubine Shen, and Lu Fang did not want to disturb Jiajing's interest, so he always waited until Jiajing returned to Qianqing Palace before reporting to her.
Lu Fang took a step forward, came to Jiajing's side, and said in a low voice: "Your Majesty, there is news from Bozhou. This is a personal letter sent to you by Feng Yue, governor of Huguang!"
After Lu Fang finished speaking, he took out the envelope from his sleeve and respectfully handed it to Jiajing.
When Jiajing heard what Lu Fang said, he suddenly became interested. Immediately, he put down the memorial in his hand, looked in the direction of Lu Fang, and said: "Oh, show me Feng Yue's letter. Look!"
After Jiajing took the envelope from Lu Fang's hand, he opened it and began to browse the contents, only to see what was written above.
"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 Jiajing read all the contents in the letter, he put it aside and said with emotion: "Well, this Feng Yue did a good job!"
From the moment he handed over the letter, Lu Fang had been secretly observing the expression on Jiajing's face. Seeing Jiajing's joyful face, Lu Fang couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.
Later, after Lu Fang organized the words in her mind, she stepped forward and asked cautiously: "I dare to ask Your Majesty, is there any result about the seven little chieftains with different surnames in Bozhou?"
Hearing this, Jiajing nodded, then handed the letter into Lu Fang's hands, and then said, "Lu Fang, read it for yourself!"
After Jiajing finished speaking, Lu Fang respectfully took the letter from Jiajing's hand and read it carefully.
After a long time, Lu Fang put down the letter with a look of joy on his face, and immediately complimented him: "Your Majesty's move is to eradicate a cancer for the people of Bozhou and for our Ming Dynasty!"
"The local people will all be grateful for His Majesty's kindness, so much so that..."
Before Lu Fang finished speaking, Jiajing waved his hand and interrupted: "Okay, let's get here first!"
Then, Jiajing changed the subject and continued: "By the way, Lu Fang, I ask you, how is the printing of newspapers now?"
When Lu Fang saw Jiajing suddenly mentioning this matter, she didn't dare to hide anything and immediately revealed the current progress.
"Your Majesty, the Information Agency is currently working overtime and doing its best to print. This third issue of Daming Daily will be officially released soon!"
After Jiajing learned the news from Lu Fang, he nodded and then ordered: "The simpler the content, the better. For those newspapers that are meant for the people, the illustrations must be as concise and interesting as possible." !”
"Let them know through the newspapers that the imperial court has decided to exempt people all over the world from taxes for one year!"
When Lu Fang heard Jiajing's words, she immediately lowered her head and responded respectfully: "Yes, Your Majesty, I will definitely live up to Your Majesty's trust!"
After Jiajing heard this, he pondered for a moment and then said to himself: "Now that the remaining seven small chieftains with different surnames in Bozhou have all been eradicated, it's time for me to let them go!"
When Lu Fang heard this, she immediately lowered her head and carefully confirmed to Jiajing: "Is it possible that your Majesty is referring to those clans and nobles who you previously listed on the list?"
When Jiajing heard this, he glanced at Lu Fang indifferently and said, "Well, that's right. Ask the British Duke to come see me tomorrow!"
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
…
One night passed in the blink of an eye, and the next day, the British government mansion.
At this moment, in the room, Zhang Rong was sipping the tea in his cup, looking leisurely and contented.
As soon as he recalled everything that had happened recently, Zhang Rong's face was filled with a smile that could not be concealed.
In Zhang Rong's view, he has become a bridge of communication between the emperor and the clan!
Not only that, his son Zhang Yuangong will soon be selected by the emperor to serve in Bozhou. Although he will start from the lowest level, anyone with a discerning eye can see that these clan members and nobles personally selected by the emperor are nothing more than plating at the grassroots level. A gold.
As long as they have experience in governing the local area, plus their status as clan members and nobles, they will definitely be put to great use by the emperor in the future!
Just as Zhang Rong finished his tea, he was about to go to the study room as usual to take a look at his son Zhang Yuangong's study.
I saw the butler hurriedly walked into the room, leaned down and reported respectfully: "Sir, Eunuch Lu is here, saying that he is following His Majesty's order!"
After Zhang Rong learned the news from the butler, he couldn't help but perked up, stood up from his seat and gave instructions.
"Invite Eunuch Lu in quickly!"
"Yes, sir!"
Seeing Zhang Rong's eagerness, the housekeeper did not dare to neglect him at all. After bowing to Zhang Rong, he turned and left the room.
In Zhang Rong's opinion, Lu Fang's trip should be for those members of the clan and nobles who were previously listed by His Majesty.
After all, Jiajing had personally promised Zhang Rong that when the child in the imperial concubine's belly was born, he would let them officially set off to take up their posts.
Not long after, under the guidance of the housekeeper, Lu Fang stepped into the room.
As soon as Lu Fang entered the room, she leaned down, looked in the direction of Zhang Rong, bowed and said, "I have met the British Duke!"
"Eunuch Lu, there's no need to be so polite, come on, sit down!"
After Zhang Rong finished speaking, he stood up from his seat and helped Lu Fang to the empty seat beside him.
Seeing this, Lu Fang didn't refuse and sat down on her seat.
Soon after, a servant came forward and brought Lu Fang a bowl of steaming tea.
"Eunuch Lu, try it, this is the new tea!"
After the words fell, Zhang Rong made a gesture of invitation to Lu Fang.
After Lu Fang heard Zhang Rong's words, she nodded slightly to him, then picked up the teacup and took a sip.
"Well, that's really good tea!"
After Lu Fang put down the teacup in her hand, her eyes lit up and she couldn't help but praise.
"Since Eunuch Lu likes this tea, how about I send someone to deliver some to you after you come down?"
"Well, then I'll have to trouble the British public!"
Lu Fang did not refuse Zhang Rong's kindness, but accepted it with a smile. After all, it was very rare to be able to establish a relationship with a British father.
After that, the two sides exchanged a few words. Finally, Zhang Rong took the lead in getting down to business. He looked in the direction of Lu Fang and asked.
"Eunuch Lu, why did your Majesty send you here this time?"
"To be honest, Mr. British, our family is following His Majesty's order and asks you to go to Qianqing Palace!"
"His Majesty seems to be planning to let those clans and distinguished disciples who were previously listed on the list set off to take up posts in Bozhou in the near future!"
Hearing Lu Fang's words, Zhang Rong's face flashed with uncontrollable excitement. He stroked his beard and said to himself: "Okay, okay, I have finally waited for this day!"
Lu Fang took in the expression on Zhang Rong's face, chuckled, and then suggested: "Mr. British, without further ado, shall we set off now?"
Naturally, Zhang Rong had no intention of rejecting Lu Fang's proposal. He stood up from his seat and said in a deep voice, "Well, let's go!"
Before setting off, Lu Fang seemed to have suddenly thought of something. He suddenly stopped, turned around, and said in a low voice: "Young Master, I believe you should know that the imperial court plans to visit Banzhou next time. Is this news about the implementation of reform and return to local rule?"
Zhang Rong couldn't help but feel confused when he heard Lu Fang's words, and said in confusion: "Well, this is natural, but logically speaking, isn't this news known to everyone in the court?"
Lu Fang seemed to have guessed what Zhang Rong was thinking, and explained with a smile: "You don't have to worry, Mr. British. What we mean is that it will be much easier for the imperial court to implement the reform of native land in Bozhou!"
"At present, the seven remaining small chieftain families with different surnames in Bozhou have been completely eradicated by His Majesty, and they no longer pose any threat. When the time comes, His Highness, the Crown Prince, will go over and all you have to do is follow the regulations!"
When Zhang Rong heard Lu Fang's words, his pupils suddenly shrank. What Zhang Rong didn't expect was that the emperor would be so decisive and take action at his will!
Then, he came to his senses, his face was full of gratitude, he cupped his hands to Lu Fang, and said respectfully: "Thank you, Eunuch Lu, for your suggestion!"
"Well, Mr. British, let's set off to meet His Majesty right now!"
"Um."
…
Forbidden City, Qianqing Palace.
Under the leadership of Lu Fang, Zhang Rong stepped onto the stairs of Qianqing Palace. At this moment, he was in a very happy mood.
"It seems that my British government no longer needs to continue to decline!"
After entering the Qianqing Palace, Zhang Rong turned his gaze to Jiajing, who was sitting on the dragon throne at the moment, and said in a deep voice: "I bow to your majesty, long live my emperor!"
Hearing this, Jiajing nodded imperceptibly, glanced over Zhang Rong's body, and said, "Well, get up!" (End of Chapter)
