Chapter 084 Zhejiang Troubles
"The Emperor, who has been entrusted by Heaven, has issued an edict: The people of Sifan are prospering in the land of Zhejiang and Fujian, and your rich land will be of great service to the court. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . " Wu Bo and Chen Cao visited all the prefectures in Zhejiang and admired this."
Wu Chun recited word by word in a cadence, and the officials of the Third Division of Zhejiang below knelt on the dock one by one to listen to the order. It was not until after Wu Chun finished reading that Chen Cao walked out of the cabin and disembarked that the group of people stood up one by one.
Liu Weisi was the first to offer his hand to Chen Cao: "Uncle Dingwu has come all the way. We and other officials from the Third Division of Zhejiang did not greet him first, but we still expected Uncle Dingwu to come."
Chen Cao was smiling, but his tone was a bit cold: "It doesn't matter, it's just unnecessary, but it can't damage His Majesty's power. Besides, the Imperial Guards are not all good people. Mr. Liu, do you think this uncle's words are reasonable?"
Liu Weisi's body trembled, but he had to hold his hands towards Chen Cao with an embarrassed smile: "Uncle Dingwu's words are very profound, and the subordinates don't quite understand... I don't quite understand..."
Chen Cao raised the corner of his mouth slightly, then ignored them and walked forward. The inspector Liao Kaiwen quickly winked and followed Huang Chongtao after him: "Uncle Dingwu, we and other Zhejiang officials have already set up the imperial envoy's entourage in the city. After the Fengfeng Banquet, I also asked Uncle Dingwu to move out and admire the scenery..."
Chen Cao was not only an imperial envoy, but more importantly, he was a person with a title. In the late Ming Dynasty, there were only three Dukes and Dukes. The lowest status of an earl was also a super rank. Regardless of whether they were civil or military, they had to bow to him first when they saw him. This is Ming rules.
Chen Cao was very patient with those flatterers. Seeing that Liao Kaiwen was so sensible, he stopped and turned around: "How about a drink and a meal? That's fine. I've been traveling all the way and I'm hungry. Don't starve Wu who is delivering the order." Father-in-law.”
Huang Chongtao cupped his hands and said, "Uncle, I will show you the way."
The brothels in Hangzhou are not inferior to those in Jinling. If Jinling had not been set off by the Qinhuai River, it would have been overshadowed by the flower boats and painted boats in West Lake. A simple brothel can sometimes attract wealthy people. Thousands of dollars were spent, not to mention those poor people who were picked up by brothels.
I wonder if Li Fengchun was also born in Qing Dynasty.
There is too much competition in the brothels in Hangzhou, and officials generally like to go to Jinxianglou, not only because of the shares of Jiaofangsi, but more importantly because of the boss behind Jinxianglou.
There are many waiters in Jinxiang Tower. Li Fengchun is one of the waiters who left Jinxiang Tower. Chen Cao, led by Huang Chongtao, arrived at the large private room on the fifth floor of Jinxiang Tower. There was a large round table that could seat more than twenty people. At this moment, the seats were empty. Chen Cao was sitting on the main seat, with Wu Chun on the left, Liu Weisi on the right, and then the main officials of the Third Division of Zhejiang sat down one by one according to their official positions.
Led by Liu Weisi and others, a group of officials toasted to Chen Cao. After three drinks in succession, the main topic began.
Peng Chun, the prefect of Hangzhou, sat directly opposite Chen Cao. He was a little fat and stood up with a smile like a Maitreya Buddha. He saluted Chen Cao: "Uncle Dingwu, the lower official originally rejected them. After all, Dingwu Uncle Ding was an imperial envoy, but he couldn't resist the requests of those businessmen and celebrities, so he brought them here. They also prepared some gifts for Uncle Dingwu and the accompanying envoys. They also asked Uncle Dingwu to consider the hospitality of Zhejiang people. See them for my own sake."
Officials give gifts to officials. In order to avoid being accused of offering or accepting bribes, they usually ask the local gentry to organize and send out the gifts as gifts. Firstly, their own purpose is achieved, and secondly, if the other party does not Take it, even if you want to bite back, you can't find a reason. Gifts from a wealthy gentleman are considered favors, and others don't bribe them. What can you do to others?
It was a big deal. Under the leadership of a group of wealthy gentry and wealthy businessmen in Hangzhou, some servants carried five large boxes into the private room. Then this group of people got close to Chen Cao and evacuated one after another.
Thinking that this group of people were already familiar with this task, and it was not just a day or two, Chen Cao wanted to be a governor or a landowner in Zhejiang, and he would be a wealthy person.
"Hahaha..." Liu Weisi swept away his previous embarrassment, and then said with a smile: "Uncle Dingwu, don't be surprised. We Zhejiang people have always been enthusiastic about guests. When Xiaguan first came to Zhejiang, he was more than amazed. Please invite me." Don't be polite, Uncle Dingwu, it's all the people's wishes. I hope Uncle Dingwu and all the ministers will accept these things."
As a member of the eunuch party, Chen Operation naturally has many allies on the same front. There are also many "green grassroots" in Zhejiang who have taken refuge with Wei Zhongxian, but it is still difficult to tell which ones here are and which are not: " Oh, before I left Kyoto, I only heard that the wealth in Jiangnan supported the entire Ming Dynasty. Now it seems that this is wrong..."
"Ha ha ha ha..."
There was a lot of laughter in the private room...
After Chen Cao finished speaking, he said: "Let's talk about it. Since it has been delivered, I can't favor one thing over another. Everyone should have their share..."
Huang Chongtao waved his hands repeatedly: "No, no, no...this is sent by the local gentry in Hangzhou to reward the imperial envoy. We people, we will not receive rewards for no merit, and we will not receive rewards for no merit..."
Liu Weisi felt that Chen Cao was trying to trick them, so naturally he would not accept it: "Uncle Dingwu is seriously joking. What do you think of our Zhejiang officials? Uncle Dingwu patrols the sky on behalf of the sky. If you have anything to say, just tell me." , I will definitely inform the local government and cooperate closely, and I will definitely not bring any trouble to Uncle Wu."
Chen Cao turned around and stared at Liu Weisi with interest, then smiled and said: "Well, that makes sense. Zhao Xin, go open the box and see what good things are there."
Zhao Xin naturally ignored Liu Weisi's dissuasion. As soon as Chen Cao gave the order, he immediately stood up and walked forward, opening all the boxes in front of more than 20 people.
Inside there were either shiny gold bars or land deeds and silver notes. There was no silver in sight. There were also many famous people's calligraphy and paintings as well as antiques handed down from ancient times.
"Oh..." Chen Cao stood up immediately and stood on tiptoe to watch.
Liu Weisi and the others looked at each other with a smile. Everyone nodded tacitly, and then looked at Chen Cao with satisfaction.
Peng Chun looked at Chen Cao with enthusiasm: "Uncle Dingwu, please sit down. This is just the beginning, don't be surprised."
"Start?" Chen Cao asked in shock, "Is there more to come?"
Peng Chun smiled and said: "Uncle Dingwu doesn't know. The imperial envoy team has a difficult journey. When Uncle Dingwu is about to return, the officials of the three local departments will summon the gentry to present a ceremony to the imperial envoy team as usual."
"No wonder..." Chen Cao murmured: "Everyone is vying to go to Jiangnan to be an imperial envoy or governor. I didn't expect to make so much money. Zhang Yangming must have made a lot of money in the past few years..."
The words blurted out, making everyone present blush. Who would become an official if it wasn't for money?
Liu Weisi raised his wine glass, and in order to relieve the embarrassment, he deliberately interrupted Chen Cao's soliloquy: "Uncle Dingwu, I have come a long way today. As the chief envoy, I should pay a toast to Uncle Dingwu first."
Everyone also habitually picked up their wine glasses and waited for Chen Cao to raise their glasses. Who knew that after Chen Cao came back to his senses, he stared at Liu Weisi for a long time before saying, "How much did Zhang Yangming receive in terms of killing Jin Yiwei?" money?"
Liu Weisi's movements froze. He didn't expect that Chen Cao would not open any pot after seeing the money. Some people even thought that this guy wanted to take the money and not do anything.
"Why did Uncle Dingwu say this?" Liu Weisi opened his mouth and said with an embarrassed smile: "The evidence is conclusive that the people of Jinyiwei killed the people in Hangzhou City. The governor also acted in accordance with the law. We and the officials of the Third Division can't do anything. Intervene."
"Oh..." Chen Cao nodded as if he suddenly understood: "I see..."
However, just when everyone breathed a sigh of relief, Chen Cao said again: "Since we are acting according to the law," Chen Cao tilted his head and looked at Liao Kaiwen next to Liu Weisi: "Master Liao, as an inspector, you can Do you know what the crime is for killing Jin Yiwei in my Ming Dynasty?"
Liao Kaiwen was at a loss for words when he was asked: "Ah, this...this...this...Oh Uncle Dingwu, I drank too much and was dizzy for a while and forgot about sex..."
Chen Cao felt that Liao Kaiwen was teasing him as a three-year-old child and did not have the same experience as him. Then he turned to look at Wu Chuntian and said: "Eunuch Wu, what is the status of Jin Yiwei in our Ming Dynasty?"
Wu Chun straightened his neck and said sharply: "Those are the emperor's own soldiers..."
"Uncle Dingwu," Peng Chun couldn't sit still: "Do you think..."
Peng Chun looked at the box, and Chen Cao pretended: "Oh, that's right, Eunuch Wu, I heard that His Majesty spent all his money on repairing the three main halls, and I looked at the rewards sent by the common people. It’s worth one hundred thousand taels, do you think you should take Eunuch Wei to accept it and hand it over to His Majesty after returning to the capital for the Supervision Department to use it for the renovation of the three main halls?”
Wu Chun's eyes lit up, this was a great opportunity to take credit, but then he thought about it and realized that Chen Cao still had to make the final decision, so he asked back: "Uncle Dingwu has worked hard, but this..."
Chen Cao waved his hands and said loudly: "It doesn't matter, it doesn't matter. I also made a lot of money writing books, which is about the same."
The two of them were talking to each other as if they were playing a double act, and then Wu Chuncai said: "In that case, we will take care of these things for the Governor."
When they heard that the money had been collected, everyone showed happy smiles, and then they drank one cup at a time with smiles on their faces.
The key point is that Chen Cao hasn't expressed his position yet, Liu Weisi has been paying attention to Chen Cao, and sure enough.
"Xin Zhao, I ask you, what is the crime in my Ming Dynasty for killing Jin Yiwei?"
Zhao Xin raised his hand towards Chen Cao and said, "Uncle, according to the law, killing the Jin Yi guards is tantamount to rebellion. In serious cases, the whole family will be executed."
There were no more voices urging people to drink in the private room, and it suddenly became quiet. Chen Cao asked again: "What should we do if the Jin Yiwei kills civilians and the evidence is conclusive?"
Zhao Xin added: "Back to my uncle, the Jinyi Guards are the emperor's personal soldiers. The local government offices and the third division have no authority to deal with it. They must be handed over to Nanzhen Fusi for interrogation and then reported to His Majesty the Emperor in accordance with military law and await His Majesty's decision."
"Oh..." Chen Cao glanced at Liu Weisi again with sudden realization, and then looked at Liao Kaiwen: "Master Liao, did you hear clearly?"
Liao Kaiwen was suddenly dripping with cold sweat. He couldn't help but reach out and wipe the cold sweat on his forehead with his sleeves: "Xiaguan...Xiaguan..."
"I was ordered to inspect the various prefectures in Zhejiang Province in southern Zhili. The inspector-general Mr. Liao actually couldn't even memorize the Ming Dynasty Laws. I don't know if he can still be qualified for the post of inspector-general. I thought this matter should be carefully informed to the court so that he could It would be better for the officials to carefully identify them."
Liao Kaiwen immediately became anxious: "Uncle Dingwu, I have remembered..."
Chen Cao sat up straight: "Really? Then I ask you, according to the law, does your local third division or the governor's Yamen have the right to detain Jin Yiwei?"
Liao Kaiwen glanced at Liu Weisi and stopped talking. When Liu Weisi saw this, he felt that Chen Cao was obviously trying to take advantage of others, so he became confident: "Uncle Dingwu probably didn't understand the matter clearly. Jin Yiwei is in Hangzhou City according to his identity." He bullied the market, killed the small traders who resisted, and was surrounded by the people in the city demanding an explanation. The beating of Jin Yiwei happened because of the excitement of the people. This incident involved thousands of people. Who is it? The murderer cannot be verified now, but it is true that they beat someone to death, and the people all testified that the Jin Yiwei beat someone to death. Even if it is the law of the Ming Dynasty, the lower officials will not dare to show favoritism."
"It makes sense..." Chen Cao stood up and walked around in the private room: "What Mr. Liu said is justified. Oh, by the way, I remember that during the reign of Emperor Sejong, the Jin Yiwei went to Zhejiang to help clear away the land, but they were beaten to death by the local gentry and common people. Two people, do you know if this happened?"
Zhao Xin didn't wait for their answer and said: "Back to my uncle, there was this incident. At that time, there were almost 6,000 people who surrounded the Jinyiwei. They were all organized by the local gentry. The governor's office was powerless. Afterwards, because too many people were involved, , the law does not punish the public, so we can’t let it go. After this incident, the investigation of land acres in Zhejiang also came to nothing.”
Everyone present knew this, and some even showed proud expressions.
What can you do to me?
Chen Cao nodded: "It seems that Zhejiang people are really hospitable..."
"Uncle Dingwu, nothing is absolute, you have to leave a thin line in everything..." Liu Weisi said softly.
Chen Cao turned to look at him and said: "Mr. Liu, are you confused? I told you that I am rich, just like you. The person who took your money is Eunuch Wu. He has nothing to do with me. Why, you Even Eunuch Wei dares to lie?"
"Uncle Dingwu, you..." Liu Weisi was choked by Chen Cao and could not answer.
Chen Cao simply said: "You guys banded together to arrest my Jinyiwei people, killed several people without any reason, seriously injured several people, and also arrested Qianhu Qian, the secretary of our Nanzhen Fusi. You are really bold and reckless. However, since you invited me to drink and gave Eunuch Wu a reward, I will be polite to you. Before noon tomorrow, I will send the captured Jin Yiwei people to the imperial envoy's camp, and I will go with you. Let's just go through the process politely, otherwise...hehehe...Li Weihan, as the censor of Youdu and a relative of the emperor, was ultimately defeated by me. You guys...hehehe... "
After Chen Cao finished speaking, he stood up and left. When Wu Chun saw this, he held his hands to everyone with a smile on his face: "We will accept your wishes. When we return to Beijing, we will definitely mention your kindness in front of His Majesty and say goodbye. "
