Of course, there are not 10,000 people in the Wanmin Book, but looking at the dense signatures on it, there are at least several hundred people. At the top is a line of text.
"All ethnic groups in the Miao territory are complaining with tears and blood. Hu Zongxian has harmed the Miao territory, corrupted and violated the law. I hope the court will clarify the punishment!"
Ke Zifan looked at Xiao Feng indifferently, "Don't you want evidence? Now that I have taken out the evidence, what else do you have to say?"
Jiajing's face also became a little ugly. He knew that Miao Jiang was unruly and he didn't take the matter of suing Hu Zongxian seriously. But when the evidence was brought out, the entire Ming court was embarrassed.
Xiao Feng's heart was spinning rapidly, recalling the time he spent with Hu Zongxian and the reputation of Hu Zongxian in history, and he quickly came to a conclusion.
Receiving gifts may be true. Hu Zongxian has never been an honest person, and he has never had a hard life. But he is not that stupid to teach others things like this. It seems that the painting girl is ignorant and has been set up by others.
But since you have been calculated, you have to admit that this kind of thing itself is unclear, and you can only minimize the damage.
It must be a lie to harm the various ethnic groups in Miao territory. He is not that kind of person, and there is no need to do so.
Hu Zongxian is a smart and normal person. He will not be an unnecessary evil person. He may be too strict and arouse resentment.
"The receipt held by your envoy cannot be proven to be true or false. Even if it is true, it clearly says that the painting girl handed over the silver coins to others. Why do you think it was Hu Zongxian who asked for a bribe?"
Ke Zifan sneered in his heart: "Since ancient times, money and silk have moved people's hearts. If they didn't ask for it by force, who would be so generous and give away five hundred taels?
As for transferring banknotes, it's just a trick to ask for bribes and give gifts. Chieftain Zheen's second wife was raised as a Yangzhou thin horse and had never been in a brothel!
It is even less likely that she knows any scholars! I sent someone to check the scholar’s name and address, and it turned out to be completely false! "
Xiao Feng asked puzzledly: "People say that a strong dragon cannot suppress a local snake. What ability does Hu Zongxian have to forcefully demand money from the local chieftain?"
Ke Zifan said: "Of course he can mobilize the local garrison. Although the rank of the patrol censor is low, he is patrolling on behalf of heaven. Local officials dare not disobey."
Xiao Feng smiled and said: "Although the censor has the right to mobilize troops, that is only with the permission of the commander-in-chief.
Are the general soldiers in Miao Jiang also afraid of Hu Zongxian? Or are they colluding with Hu Zongxian to persecute the chieftains? "
Ke Zifan glanced at Xiao Feng and knew that he wanted to muddy the water. If Hu Zongxian is sued alone, then Hu Zongxian's backstage is Xiao Feng, and he can catch both of them in one fell swoop.
If several generals from the Miao border were brought in at one go, not to mention that each of those generals had a back-up, the impact would be too large, and Jiajing would also be suspicious.
What’s the matter, there are no good people in Hongdong County? My patrol censor is a bad person, and my general soldiers are also bad people. Are you the only one in Miao territory who is a good person?
"The generals are all military generals, so it is inevitable that they will be wary of civilian officials. Hu Zongxian is extremely cunning, so it is inevitable that the generals will be deceived.
Why should Mr. Xiao care about him? This receipt is a fact. Although Hu Zongxian did not accept the gift personally, he allowed his family members to accept the gift, and the nature was equally bad.
If the court doesn't believe it, it can check Hu Zongxian's family property! "
Xiao Feng thought to himself, this trick of yours is what I left behind. Don't worry, the court will never check anyone's property because of your report.
Xiao Feng smiled: "Since your envoy said that Hu Zongxian is cunning and strict in his work, it must be very difficult for your envoy to get such a receipt. Does your envoy have a second one?"
Ke Zifan frowned: "Why, isn't a receipt enough to prove Hu Zongxian's crime of corruption? Does your Lord protect Hu Zongxian in this way, making it difficult for the complainant?"
Xiao Feng shook his head: "This receipt contains five hundred taels of silver, and the court will definitely verify it and give Miao Jiang an explanation.
Even if it is difficult to tell the truth from the false in the end, Miao Jiang is still justified! Your Majesty is right, we should not overly embarrass those who complain, otherwise who would dare to complain? "
Ke Zifan was overjoyed. He had thought that Xiao Feng would drag him around. If Hu Zongxian lost his car to protect his commander and divorced his fourth wife, the matter would still be open to debate.
Unexpectedly, Xiao Feng surrendered so quickly. He couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief, and then pursued the victory.
"What about the Book of Ten Thousand People? Don't you recognize it, sir?"
Xiao Feng shook his head repeatedly: "This thing called the Book of the People is really unrecognizable. When you are an official, you will offend people, and when you are an official leading soldiers in war, you will offend people even more. m.
What's more, your crimes written by Wanmin are too vague. You want to be more specific, such as how Hu Zongxian harmed Miao territory?
Did you steal someone's eldest daughter, or kill someone's younger daughter-in-law? As far as I know, Hu Zongxian just led troops to suppress two rebellions and built a few sections of the separation wall. "
Ke Zifan's face darkened: "Master Xiao, as an important minister of the imperial court, do you despise public opinion so much? Is public opinion so unworthy of mention in your eyes?"
Xiao Feng smiled slightly: "Yes, in my eyes, not all public opinions are worthy of attention."
Everyone was shocked, could they say this? Jiajing also opened his eyes and looked at Xiao Feng blankly.
Junior brother, what you said is correct, but you can just think about this damn thing in your mind, how can you make it public?
Ke Zifan was shocked at first, and then overjoyed. Is this guy in front of him really the Xiao Feng that Xiao Qin praised repeatedly?
Could it be that he was poisoned by the Erysipelas of the God of Paradise, leaving behind sequelae, and all he could think about was the tadpoles rushing towards him in a counterattack?
"Master Xiao! As a real person of the Ming Dynasty and an important minister of the imperial court, you actually said such words, which is really chilling!
Are all officials in the Ming Dynasty who ignore public opinion? No wonder..."
Xiao Feng smiled: "No wonder what? No wonder the Mongols invaded? No wonder the Miao border is not peaceful? No wonder the Japanese pirates are endless?"
Ke Zifan said quickly: "My lord, you said these yourself, I didn't say a word!"
Xiao Feng said calmly: "There are many types of public opinion. Some need to be taken seriously and some do not. Don't your envoys understand this?"
Ke Zifan thought that you had made a mistake and it was too late to quibble now. He raised his voice to prevent Xiao Feng from fishing in troubled waters.
"This is quite new. Sir, please tell me, what kind of public opinion is not worthy of attention?"
Xiao Feng smiled and said: "If the Tatars gather together a book of ten thousand people, the first step must be to fight back to the capital, rebuild the capital, and reproduce the glory of the Yuan Dynasty.
Do you think this public opinion is worth the attention of the Ming court? "
Um? Ke Zifan was stunned, his mouth opened and speechless. Jiajing was also stunned for a moment, then the corners of his mouth raised slightly and his eyes closed again.
After a long time, Ke Zifan gritted his teeth and said: "My lord, this is a clever word. The Tatars are not the people of the Ming Dynasty. Naturally, the Ming Dynasty court will not pay attention to their public opinion. But how can the Miao border be the same?"
Xiao Feng said in surprise: "I don't like to hear this anymore. What happened to the Tatars? Our Ming Dynasty has always been gentle to the world and nurtured all people.
During the Yongle period, after Cheng Zu, the three leaders of the Mongolian Oara Tribe, Mahamu, Taiping, and Batu Polo, were canonized as the Three Kings of Shunning, Xianyi, and Anle, and the leader of the Tatar Tribe, Alutai, was canonized as the King of Hening.
The Jurchens outside the Pass even beat themselves up like black-eyed chickens in order to obtain canonization from the imperial court, which shows that they are all subjects of the Ming Dynasty.
Even now, Anda Khan has gone to court several times, requesting Long Live to be conferred. Long Live has already decided on the title "King of Shunyi", but An Da Khan has offended the power of Heaven before, so he has been delaying the title.
They all regard themselves as people of the Ming Dynasty and are proud of being conferred by the imperial court. Why do you insist that they are not people of the Ming Dynasty? "
The evidence for what Xiao Feng said is correct, and the rest is nonsense.
These things are all true, but they probably don't really want to be Ming Dynasty subjects. They just want to do business with the Ming Dynasty through canonization and take advantage.
But these words cannot be discussed in public, so no one can refute Xiao Feng's words. Jiajing is even more satisfied and feels very proud.
Ke Zifan was anxious. Xiao Feng's words were obviously strong words, but they were also well-founded. He felt very aggrieved and said angrily.
"Sir, the Miao Territory has always been the territory of the Ming Dynasty, and the people of the Miao Territory have always been the people of the Ming Dynasty. When you compare the Miao Territory with these foreign races, do you sincerely regard the Miao Territory as a foreign race and a foreign land, and force the Miao Territory to rebel?"
As soon as these words came out, the court was in an uproar. Ke Zifan was making a ruthless and desperate move.
Under normal circumstances, uttering the word rebellion is a serious crime, but in this context, Xiao Feng was at fault first. If he were to be held accountable, Xiao Feng would be even more seriously injured!
Xiao Feng, however, was neither anxious nor annoyed, and said loudly amidst the uproar of the ministers: "Hasn't Miao Jiang rebelled yet? Does Miao Jiang still regard itself as a subject of the Ming Dynasty?"
Ke Zifan responded even louder: "Of course! Why do you need to be alarmist? When did Miao Jiang stop thinking that he is a subject of the Ming Dynasty?"
Xiao Feng put away his smile and said coldly: "Your Majesty, apart from foreign races and foreign lands, which city or province in the Ming Dynasty dares to form a mission to see Long Live?"
In one word, all the uproar was gone. The ministers stared at Xiao Feng dumbfounded, and then all turned their attention to Ke Zifan.
Since the founding of the Ming Dynasty, Miao Jiang has often sent envoys to Beijing. This has always been the case whether the relationship is close or when the relationship is bad.
Wu Zang would also send envoys to the court, and the Jurchens would also send envoys to the court. Since there are envoys, there are naturally envoys. Because this thing has always existed, people don’t think there’s anything wrong with it.
But speaking of it, these places are indeed the territory of the Ming Dynasty in theory. The so-called envoys are really a bit reluctant.
Because to break it down, envoys are only used between two countries. How can there be any reason to send envoys within a country?
Ke Zifan said too much before, saying that Miao Jiang was different from other foreign ethnic groups, but now the ironclad facts show that Miao Jiang has always felt that it is different from other provinces, but similar to Uszang, Jurchen and other places!
Ke Zifan gritted his teeth: "This, this has been a long-standing tradition. If the court feels it is inappropriate, it can naturally not be regarded as an envoy."
Xiao Feng said coldly: "But I am a noble envoy, but you listen to it very well. It is obvious that you are from the bottom of your heart and are outside the court.
Under such circumstances, I don’t value Miao Jiang’s so-called public opinion. What’s the problem? "
Ke Zifan knew that he had been pushed into a corner and he had to fight to the death to reverse the situation. Otherwise, even if the imperial court was concerned about the situation in Miao territory and did not dare to convict easily, it would be difficult for this mission to accomplish anything.
Therefore, Ke Zifan turned from defense to offense: "Master Xiao, why do you need to chew on words and force your words to make sense?
Chieftains are also officials appointed by the imperial court. As the son of the chief chieftain, I will go to Beijing to report on my duties as an official. Is that okay? "
Xiao Feng nodded: "Of course."
"Well, from now on, the Miao Territory will no longer be called the Envoy Mission. As the son of the Chief Chieftain, an official appointed by the imperial court, I, Ke Zifan, ask the court to pay attention to the public opinion of the Miao Territory. What else does Mr. Xiao have to say?"
Xiao Feng looked at the four court reporters who were wielding their pens like the wind, and nodded with satisfaction.
"Very good, Ke Zifan, the imperial court has accepted your Wanmin Book and will investigate it as well. Just wait for the news and go down."
Go down? Where am I going? Ke Zifan gritted his teeth and said, "Sir, regarding Hu Zongxian's matter, don't you give me some regulations?"
Xiao Feng said coldly: "The court will naturally investigate Hu Zongxian's matter. As a court official, you have handed over the evidence to the court. When and how will the court investigate? Is it your responsibility?"
"You!" Ke Zifan was about to curse. Who is this person? Just now he was polite and talking to each other as equals. In the blink of an eye, his attitude changed!
Seeing that Ke Zifan was trembling with anger, Xiao Feng calmed down and said, "Ke Zifan, no matter whether what is written in the book of people is true or not, I believe you about the corruption of five hundred taels.
Let's do this. If you want a result, I will give you a result. I will advise the court to remove Hu Zongxian from the post of censor of Huguang Patrol and send him to serve in the army.
It's only five hundred taels of silver. This punishment is already very severe. If Hu Zongxian was more cruel and put all the blame on his concubine, the punishment would only be lighter. What do you think? "
Ke Zifan fell into deep thought. He really wanted to kill Hu Zongxian. Because Xiao Qin said that Hu Zongxian was scheming and ruthless, which was a big help to Xiao Feng.
The iron-blooded suppression of the rebellion and the subjugation of honest chieftains will surely lead to Miao territory being gradually subdued by the imperial court in the long run, and the great chieftains will no longer have a transcendent status.
They had been planning for a long time, but they could not catch Hu Zongxian. So he arranged for Chief Zhe'en to pretend to be bullied by the big chieftain and get close to Hu Zongxian.
Finally, while Hu Zongxian was out on inspection, the second wife of the chieftain, who was the best at handling matters, deceived the fourth wife accompanying Hu Zongxian by relying on her sympathy, and obtained evidence of bribery.
Originally, I wanted the bigger the amount, the better, but if the amount was too big, it would arouse doubts. How could a concubine of a little toast save so much money?
So Xiao Feng was right. The only evidence he could really produce was this receipt.
As for things like the Book of All Nations, the imperial court has it. If you don’t believe it, it’s just a piece of waste paper, which is too hard to wipe your butt.
Being able to kick Hu Zongxian away from Miao territory and demote him to join the army is an acceptable result.
After arguing for a long time, he even lost his identity as an envoy. This victory must be preserved!
So Ke Zifan nodded, agreed to the treatment plan for Hu Zongxian, and then immediately strived to expand the results.
"Master Xiao, regarding the second item, it is reasonable and reasonable to add Miao specialties to the tea and horse trade products. I think the imperial court will definitely approve it."
Xiao Feng said with a smile: "There are many specialties in Miao Territory. The tea and horse trade also passes through Miao Territory. It is of course a good thing to add a few more commodities to make the people of Miao Territory live a little richer."
Ke Zifan was overjoyed: "Your Excellency is wise, does this mean we have passed the second clause?"
Xiao Feng shook his head: "But the products for mutual trading should not be too complicated. Let's do this. In addition to Baihua Xianjiu, Bliss Pill and other Golden Mantra-related medicines, other specialties can be listed."
Ke Zifan was stunned and said angrily: "Are you kidding me? Among the specialties of Miao territory, Baihua Xianjiu and Paradise Pill are the most important. If you remove these two, what else is there to trade?"
Xiao Feng looked at Ke Zifan: "Since you admit that you are an official of the imperial court, the imperial court has decreed that Paradise Pills will be listed as a banned drug. Don't you know?"
Ke Zifan puffed up his chest: "Bliss Pill is a special product of our Miao territory. It is an elixir for relieving pain and aphrodisiac. It is a medicine with three parts poison. Do you think that just because the Han people don't know how to use it, do they regard the elixir as a poison?
I would like to ask my lord, the number of people who die from arsenic every year is probably a hundred times more than the number of people who die from the Bliss Pill, so why do they still sell arsenic in pharmacies?
Even for other good medicines, if the doctor uses them incorrectly, they will turn into poisons. Why are they not banned in pharmacies? "
Xiao Feng was speechless, and after a moment he slowly said: "Listening to what you said, it seems to make some sense!"
Ke Zifan sneered and said: "Justice comes from the heart of the people. The imperial court listed the Paradise Pill as a banned drug for no reason. I heard it was Mr. Xiao's idea.
To untie the bell, one must tie the bell. If Mr. Xiao cannot explain the reason, please ask Mr. Xiao to personally apply to the court to allow the Paradise Pill to return to the market! "
Xiao Feng said slowly: "It is a medicine that is three parts poisonous. From this point of view, Baihua Xianjiu is the same. The imperial court should allow it to return to the market."
Ke Zifan nodded: "That's right! These two are specialties of our Miao territory and are of great value. Please allow me to trade them in the market!"
Xiao Feng shook his head: "It still doesn't work."
Ke Zifan took a deep breath: "Sir, are you going to be unreasonable?"
Xiao Feng looked at him and said calmly: "The medicine can be sold, but the production must be organized by the imperial court. If you want to sell it, just sell the raw materials and formula to the imperial court."
Ke Zifan was furious: "Your Majesty, you are obviously jealous of our Miao territory's specialty products and want to profit from them. What's the point?"
Xiao Feng looked at him calmly and said slowly: "Because I can't trust what Miao Jiang makes, and I'm afraid there is poison in it."
Some people died, but not completely...
