A few days ago, in the Miao territory, I patrolled the censor's residence.
The painting girl was painting when the maid came in to report that the second wife of the chieftain Zhe En came to visit. The painting girl was so bored that she put down her brush and asked people to come in.
Zhe'en Tusi is a small chieftain here. The land under his jurisdiction has a small population, but his reputation is good. Hu Zongxian's relationship with the chieftains was both close and distant, and chieftain Zhe'en was considered relatively close.
When officials interact with each other, there is naturally also lady diplomacy. The painting girl has a beautiful soul, is versatile, and is very capable. Hu Zongxian took her with him wherever he went, not all because of his love.
Chieftain Zheen's second wife was also a brothel girl. Chieftain Zheen redeemed her from the south of the Yangtze River, so she and the painting girl had a lot in common and had a good friendship.
The two drank tea for a while, and the second lady asked the painting girl to withdraw her maid. Suddenly she stood up and knelt down in front of the painting girl.
The painting girl was startled: "Sister, why is this happening? Please get up!"
The second lady burst into tears: "Sister, I have something to ask of you, please do it. Otherwise I won't get up."
The painting girl helped the second lady up and said that she would definitely help as long as she could within her ability. The second lady wiped away her tears and told the whole story.
It turned out that when the second wife was in a brothel in Jiangnan, she had a crush on a scholar. The scholar came from an ordinary family, but he was elegant and suave, and he fell in love with the second lady.
It's just that the scholar has no money after all and can't redeem the second lady's life. When Chieftain Zhe'en took out gold and silver to redeem the second lady's death, he took her back to Miao territory, and from then on they were separated.
The second lady had a dream at midnight last night. She dreamed of this scholar, who was in a very poor condition and had insufficient food and clothing. Although she didn't know whether the dream was true or false, the second lady found it difficult to fall asleep.
After finally holding on until dawn, the second lady begged Chief Zhe'en and said she wanted to chat with the painting girl. Chieftain Zhe'en knew that the second wife had a good relationship with Hu Yushi's fourth wife, so he didn't worry too much.
The second lady took out two silver notes and cried: "Sister, since I joined Chief Zhe'en, I have served him carefully, and he often rewards me with gold and silver.
I secretly asked my confidant maid to exchange them for these two banknotes. This is all my sister's savings. My sister is like a bird in a cage, and she doesn't dare to find anyone to do things for fear that the chieftain will know.
The relationship between my sister and Mr. Hu is something that my sister will never envy in her life. If my sister wants something, Mr. Hu will take it to heart. Let alone a concubine, how many people can reach her as a legitimate wife? "
The painting girl was proud that Hu Zongxian loved her very much. She puffed up her chest and said, "Sister, just tell me if you have something to do. There's no need for this."
The second lady looked at her eagerly: "Sister, I want to ask you to help me find that person and help me give him this thousand taels of silver.
He spent a lot of money on me back then. I can't grow old with him in this life. If I can help him, I will feel at ease even after I die. "
When the painting girl was in Chunyan Tower, she saw many such things like life, separation and death. She felt the same way and could understand the second lady's mood very well. She even shed tears without feeling it.
"My sister understands what I'm thinking. It's just that one thousand taels of silver is too much. It's not easy for my sister to save some money, so I have to keep some for me.
In my sister's opinion, it's just a dream, and it may not be difficult for the scholar to be like this. If my sister is worried, she can give half of it, which is enough to feed and clothe an ordinary person for many years. "
The second lady hesitated: "Sister, I have to send someone to find him. This is all about making money. My sister will accept the five hundred taels, and I will give him the remaining five hundred taels."
The painting girl made a serious face: "If my sister talks like this, I won't care about such noisy matters.
I was kind-hearted and thinking about my sister, so I had no intention of taking money from it. It's not my sister's boast. I don't take five hundred taels of silver seriously. "
The second wife was frightened, fearing that the painting girl would not care, so she quickly expressed her position that she would do whatever her sister said. The painting girl smiled and nodded.
"Sister, just listen to me and keep half of it. The remaining five hundred taels, I will send someone to look for this person. If he is found, he will definitely give me a reply."
The second lady left five hundred taels of silver as promised, and the two chatted a few more words.
At this time, the second lady's maid came to urge the second lady to go home, but the second lady was hesitant and unwilling to leave, but she blushed and said nothing.
It suddenly dawned on her heart that the painting girl was such a smart person. This five hundred taels of silver is nothing to me, but to the second lady, it is half of my life savings.
A woman from the south of the Yangtze River ended up alone in a place like Miaojiang, where no one had a chance to shit. She accompanied and carefully served the master, and was tortured by his wife and plundered by his servants from time to time. To be able to save this bit of body, she must have shed blood and tears.
But she came to ask him to do something, but she couldn't shamelessly ask for a receipt, and she was really worried. After all, he and his second wife had only been dating for a few months.
The painting girl sighed, picked up the painting pen, and wrote a receipt on a piece of paper, proving that she received five hundred taels of silver from the second lady on a certain day of the month, and would hand it over to her when she found someone.
The second lady turned red, took the receipt, and without saying a word, knelt down and kowtowed three times to the painting girl. She ran out crying without waiting for the painting girl to help her.
The painting girl shook her head, it's true that this second lady is worth crying like this for just this little thing? It seemed as if she owed him something big.
Taking the name and address left by the second lady, the painting girl asked Hu Zongxian's right-hand man to find the scholar. If he could find it, she would find a way to give him the money.
The painting girl who had done a good deed stretched herself and continued painting. But at this time, in the chieftain's mansion, a pigeon soared into the sky and flew to the distant capital.
Early the next morning, Xiao Feng put aside all his worries, put on his green robe and white robe, and walked into the palace proudly.
In order to show the importance to the Miao mission, Jiajing specially moved the meeting from Xiyuan to the palace. At the same time, he also changed the small court meeting to the large court meeting, which gave the Miao mission plenty of face.
Ke Zifan was led to the main hall by the chamberlain and knelt down to Jiajing. En Zhun stood up and stood in the main hall, looking up at Xiao Feng opposite him.
Xiao Feng was also looking at him. He had handsome features and was dressed in Han Chinese clothes, but with a Miao aristocratic crown. His expression was indifferent and his eyes were bright, as if he was sure and confident about everything. .
If Xiao Qin gives people the feeling of being gentle and amiable, but showing off her domineering power; Ke Zifan gives people the feeling of being naturally noble and possessing wisdom.
The two looked at each other like two boxers at a press conference, sizing up each other's strength. Until the official of Honglu Temple came out and rang the bell for the competition.
"Dear envoy, this is Xiao Feng, the governor of Jiangnan, the real person of Wenxuan. Mr. Xiao is fully responsible for the court's interview and negotiation with Miao.
The emperor is in court, and all the officials are at your side. You two should speak politely and not be disrespectful. If the imperial court is large and the Miao territory is sincere, everyone will be happy. "
The translation is: Are you all ready? Let's do it, but in full view of everyone, no kicking in the crotch, no eye penetration, no hitting on the back of the head!
Ke Zifan looked at Xiao Feng with a smile, knowing that Xiao Feng was the host at this time and he was the guest. He could not speak at all, but Xiao Feng had to speak, otherwise it would be rude. This was the rule, so he was not in a hurry.
In matters like negotiation, whoever speaks first will unconsciously lose his momentum. No matter what he says, even if he is swearing, it is still a bluff and cannot change the situation, so...
Xiao Fenggong cupped his hands: "Has your envoy eaten?"
Ke Zifan was stunned. He had expected a hundred openings that Xiao Feng would say, but he didn't expect this. We are not ordinary people who met on the street. How could we start like this?
But now that Xiao Feng has spoken, he must answer. This is also the rule.
"have eaten."
"What to eat?"
"...Meals prepared by the host and guest."
"I know the chef who serves as host and guest is Shi Zhenxiang's apprentice, and he can cook some delicious food. I'll treat you to a meal after dinner."
Ke Zifan finally couldn't help it anymore: "Mr. Xiao, in this court, if you don't talk about business and only talk about eating, is it because you have no ambition, or are you deliberately scorning me?"
Xiao Feng said in surprise: "Food is the most important thing for the people. It is a legitimate thing for me to care about your diet. How can this not be a serious matter?"
Ke Zifan said cautiously: "Of course eating is a serious matter, but on an occasion like today, the things to be discussed are trivial matters.
Big things and small things change with time. Such a simple truth, Mr. Xiao is not deliberately pretending to be confused. "
Xiao Feng said: "I understand, Mr. Ke said that today we are discussing important matters in the court, so although food is the most important thing for the people, today it can only be regarded as a small matter, not a serious matter."
Ke Zifan nodded: "Let's ask Mr. Xiao to start talking about business."
Xiao Feng turned to the court reporter next to the chief minister of Honglu Temple. The court reporter, who had been single for twenty years, was writing furiously. He could not even leave a single punctuation mark on what everyone in the court said.
Normally, there is only one court reporter in the court meeting, but today four were arranged to take up the post at the same time. Firstly, to show their attention, and secondly, to be prepared in case several people suddenly start arguing at the same time.
If there is only one person, let alone being single for twenty years, even if you are single, you may not have enough hand speed to enter the coffin.
"Everyone has heard that Ke Zifan, the envoy of the Miao border, voluntarily removed the fourth item in the memorial: to allocate 100,000 stones of grain to the Miao border every year."
Ke Zifan was shocked: "When did I say this?"
Xiao Feng smiled and said: "Your envoy just said that among the major events discussed in the court today, eating should not be included.
Food is the most important thing for the people. Although it is important, on an occasion like today, among the major issues to be discussed, it is a small matter.
Since it is a trivial matter, your envoy should not have written it in the memorial in a grand manner. If such a trivial matter is heard in heaven, does Miao Jiang feel that Long Live is too idle? "
Ke Zifan said angrily: "You only asked me about eating alone, and I'm also talking about eating alone. This is of course a trivial matter.
But feeding millions of Miao people is a big deal. A small matter for one person is a big matter for the country. Isn't Mr. Xiao messing around? "
Xiao Feng was not annoyed at all and asked humbly: "Your envoy said that when it comes to eating, the more people there are, the bigger the matter will be, and the fewer people, the smaller the matter will be, right?"
Ke Zifan nodded and said: "Of course it is, why say more?"
Xiao Feng smiled: "How much of the population of the Ming Dynasty can be accounted for by the Miao Territory? For example, in Henan alone, can the entire population of the Miao Territory be equal?
The population of the Ming Dynasty was prosperous, and the food supply in areas outside the Miao territory was much greater than that in the Miao territory. The court in those places did not allocate regular grain relief, so why should the Miao territory provide relief? "
Ke Zifan laughed angrily. He really didn't expect Xiao Feng to set a trap for him from the beginning. It seemed that what Xiao Qin reminded him was right. Xiao Feng was an extremely rogue person!
"Master Xiao, you are so strong-minded, is this the style of an important official in the Ming Dynasty?
If you continue to make things difficult like this, I’m afraid there’s no point in continuing the conversation! "
"Envoy Ke Gui, you broke your promise and got rich, is this the credibility of the Miao Mission?
If even the envoy's words are ignored, the imperial court will not be able to reach any agreement with the envoy! "
The two men were quarreling and talking very fast. The ministers blinked their eyes. Many people had not even figured it out yet. Why did they suddenly change from "Have you eaten?" to this?
The four court reporters rolled up their sleeves, and their brushes were left with afterimages. The people grinding ink next to them had scratches on their inkstones, for fear that if they missed a word, they would be messed up!
Ke Zifan took a deep breath and calmed down. He was here to test the court's bottom line, not to have a fight of will.
What's more, Yan Shifan and Xiao Qin expected him to take the opportunity to dig a hole for Xiao Feng. He couldn't fall for Xiao Feng's deception. Once he walked away, his trip would be in vain!
"Mr. Xiao, let's put this fourth clause aside for now and think about it in the long term. How about we discuss other clauses first?"
Yan Song coughed: "Master Xiao, Miao Jiang has always been very loyal to the court, don't be so mean."
Yan Song's words actually represented part of Jiajing's attitude. Although he was satisfied with Xiao Feng's approach of suppressing the Miao envoy's arrogance, he was also worried that the other party would walk away and miss the opportunity.
So Jiajing nodded slightly to express his approval of Yan Song and also hinted to Xiao Feng that enough was enough.
Xiao Feng smiled faintly: "Of course, the imperial court has put on such a grand scene today to discuss issues. Since the fourth item is not discussed, which one does your envoy want to talk about?"
Ke Zifan frowned. After all the talk, the fourth item became irrelevant. Could it be that he was really messing around and just erased this one in a few words?
But let go of what he just said. If he continues to talk about the fourth point now, he will indeed seem unreasonable. He gritted his teeth and decided to win a game first and regain his momentum.
"Master Xiao, let's talk about the first point. As the censor of Huguang, Hu Zongxian inspected the place on behalf of the emperor. He should have cooperated with the local officials to benefit the people.
However, Hu Zongxian monopolized power, suppressed local officials, was arrogant and domineering, and suppressed the Miao people, causing public resentment to boil. If the imperial court does not punish them severely, how can the Miao people return to their homeland? "
Xiao Feng's tone also turned cold: "Your envoy accused Hu Zongxian of a serious crime. Is there any real evidence?"
Ke Zifan felt happy. Listening to Xiao Feng's tone, the information provided by Xiao Qin was accurate. Hu Zongxian was definitely a member of Xiao Feng's party. Okay, then grab the tail and hit the head!
"Master Xiao, before Hu Zongxian took office, Miao territory and the imperial court had maintained peace for more than ten years.
As soon as Hu Zongxian took office, there were many conflicts and turmoil in Miao territory. Isn’t this true evidence? Since ancient times, officials have forced the people to rebel. If the officials did not force them, why would the people rebel? "
"What is it that the government forces the people to rebel? Is it the words of a saint? Is it some irrefutable truth? Can it also be used as evidence?"
"It is a common saying that the government forces the people to rebel, and it is a saying that has been passed down by you Han people for thousands of years! If this is the case, it means that this truth has been verified by time!"
Xiao Feng nodded: "Then 'the upper beam is not upright and the lower beam is crooked' is also a common saying. Hu Zongxian is an official of the imperial court and was appointed by the cabinet vote. Are you accusing the chief minister of the cabinet, Mr. Yan, of being an unjust official?"
Um? Yan Song was eating melon leisurely outside the rope circle. Unexpectedly, a boxer suddenly jumped out of the ring and punched himself, and stars suddenly appeared in his eyes.
"Xiao Feng, you are so presumptuous! You must not talk nonsense in the court!"
Xiao Feng looked at Yan Song innocently: "Master Chief Assistant, I am not talking nonsense. Just ask Ke Guisheng, he said that the sayings that have been passed down for thousands of years have been verified by time!"
Ke Zifan looked at Xiao Feng and knew that Xiao Feng was going to tie Yan Song to Hu Zongxian's body and they would die together. But Yan Shifan was an ally, and Yan Song couldn't die.
"Master Xiao, Yan Shoufu has everything to do every day, and he has tens of thousands of officials to vote for. How can he be held responsible for every official's fault?"
"Envoy Ke Gui, Hu Zongxian patrolled Huguang and governed tens of thousands of people. How can he be held responsible for every citizen's rebellion?"
Ke Zifan gritted his teeth and said: "Master Xiao, I heard that Hu Zongxian is a disciple of Master Xiao. Is this why you protect him again and again?"
Xiao Feng smiled and said: "Mr. Ke Gui, Hu Zongxian was born as a Jinshi and a disciple of the Emperor. How can Xiao Feng be so virtuous and capable as to have a disciple?"
"Master Xiao, Hu Zongxian is cunning, vicious and cautious in his actions. How could he leave real evidence so easily? Aren't you deliberately making things difficult for others?"
"Shi Gui, according to you, those who have real evidence are acting arrogantly; those who do not have real evidence are insidious and cunning. Is there anyone in this world who can be an official?"
"Master Xiao, are you saying that if I have real evidence, you will seek justice for Miao Jiang?"
"this……"
Xiao Feng's heart suddenly sank and he looked at Ke Zifan. Xiao Qin should be in Miaojiang, and the Miaojiang envoy who can be favored by him will definitely not be a weakling. There is indeed a trap.
But at this time, Ke Zifan had already reached this point in his talk. It was definitely not possible for Xiao Feng to avoid answering. He thought carefully and spoke cautiously.
"If there is real evidence, I will not need to seek justice for Miao Jiang, and the imperial court will naturally give justice to Miao Jiang."
Ke Zifan smiled. Although he was caught off guard by Xiao Feng when he came up, now he went around and gained the upper hand again.
"Although Hu Zongxian is cunning, justice will always exist. I was indeed lucky enough to get a copy of his charges. Mr. Xiao, do you want to take a look?"
Xiao Feng nodded: "You have brought all your envoys and their belts. How can I not look at them? Isn't that really bullying Miao Jiang?"
Ke Zifan clapped his hands, and the deputy envoy who had been following him took out a package and opened it, revealing two pieces of paper.
One is a receipt, and the other is a red and eye-catching Book of All Nations.
The receipt was a gift from a little chieftain, and it said a gift of five hundred taels of silver to Hu Zongxian! The signee turned out to be Hu Zongxian’s painting of the fourth lady!
Some people died, but not completely...
