On this day, the sun was rising and the mist was dim.
The palace door had not yet been opened, but Shu Liang, who was dressed in a python and blue robe, had already entered the palace through the small side door with the token given by the emperor.
Not long after, Shu Liang arrived outside Qianqing Palace. Huaien was already waiting. When he saw him coming, he came up to greet him.
"I have met Eunuch Shu. Your Majesty got up early today and has just finished changing his clothes. There are less than two sticks of incense left for today's court meeting. Eunuch, please be careful and don't delay."
Eunuch Bingbi, who was also the Supervisor of Ceremonies, did not show any self-respect in front of Shu Liang, but was very polite.
When doing things in this palace, the most important thing is to know how much you weigh.
Huai'en is indeed a popular official now. He serves the emperor by his side and preaches orders on a daily basis. He can be said to be the emperor's most trusted eunuch.
However, Wynn himself knew that he was not enough.
The longer Huaien stayed with the emperor, the more he understood that whether in the outer court or the inner palace, the emperor always used his talents according to his talents.
He was able to serve the emperor, just because he was considerate, it did not mean that he was more trusted.
Or to be more precise, the eunuchs who can be entrusted with important tasks by the emperor are all deeply trusted by the emperor. However, if we want to rank the depth of this trust.
So, based on Wynn's own feelings, the one at the top of the list is not the now famous Yigan Dajue, but Xing'an, who has been serving in Kunning Palace in the harem.
It's just that this little eunuch is trusted, but he is indeed quite lacking in ability.
After excluding Xing'an, the order of succession is probably Shu Liang, Cheng Jing, himself, then Wang Cheng, the eunuch in charge of the imperial store, and finally Zhang Yong, the eunuch in charge of the imperial horse eunuch.
Among these people, Shu Liang should have spent the least time in the palace, but in terms of status in the emperor's heart, Wynn felt that no one could surpass him.
This was not only something that Eunuch Shu had done based on his past actions, but it was also something that everyone in the court could see clearly.
One of the few willful actions of the emperor since he ascended the throne was to use various means to protect Shu Liang, who was causing trouble in the Xuan Mansion and threatening the Supreme Emperor, despite the pressure from the whole court.
Among the internal officials, only Shu Liang has this honor. As for the outer court...
"Don't worry, Eunuch Huai'en, our family understands and will not delay the Emperor's coming to court!"
In front of Shu Liang, Hua En was polite and reciprocated, and Shu Liang didn't have the slightest bit of arrogance towards Hua En.
Although Huaien's qualifications were not as good as his, he was, after all, a person serving the emperor. Shu Liang was not afraid of him, but he also knew the benefits of having a good relationship with him.
What's more, Wynn's reminder was well-intentioned. Although the time of the morning court is fixed, it is different from the strict etiquette of the big court. Due to some circumstances, it is common to have morning and evening meetings.
That's it for other situations. If one of his eunuchs delayed the morning court, the emperor would naturally not blame him. However, when the news spread to the outer court and the censors started to "buzz", it was always a troublesome matter.
As a qualified loyal dog, it is also one of Shu Liang's principles to avoid trouble for the emperor as much as possible.
"My slave, please pay your respects to your Majesty!"
The sky was not clear yet, and there were still lamps in the Qianqing Palace. Shu Liang went in and took a look, and sure enough he saw that the emperor was fully dressed and sitting on the throne. He raised his empty hand and asked directly without saying anything else.
"What's the matter?"
"Back to my lord, we have some clues about what you ordered your slave to investigate a few days ago!"
Shu Liang lowered his eyebrows and stood up, took two steps forward, and spoke in a low voice.
As a result, Zhu Qiyu's expression immediately became serious. However, he did not rush to continue asking questions. Instead, he thought about it, called Huaien forward, and asked him to rummage among the collected memorials, and finally took out a thick There are more than a dozen thick memorials.
The top two, one came from Wang Ao, the chief minister of the cabinet, recommending the scholar Jiang Yuan, and the other came from Chen Xun, the minister of the Ministry of Industry, recommending Du Ning, the minister of Dali Temple.
However, the contents of the two copies are consistent, and it is hoped that the candidate for the director of the Hanlin Academy can be determined as soon as possible and preside over the selection of the academy.
As for the rest, they all come from Ke Dao Censor.
Again, although Chun Wei is over, the turmoil surrounding Chun Wei is not.
Although the yellow list was announced as scheduled, the palace examination did not have much impact on the people, but it undoubtedly caused a great shock in the court.
Ten record readers were collectively punished, and the leader, Hanlin scholar Xiao Fan, was dismissed from his post pending investigation. These signs indicate that behind this matter, there is not as simple as it seems on the surface.
Of course, as representatives of the imperial court's opinions, the censors quickly became aware of the news and handed over impeachment memorials one after another.
However, as Zhu Qiyu expected, these memorials are basically divided into two parts.
One is to point the finger directly at Xiao Tan, speculating on the relationship between Xiao Tan and Cheng Zong, impeaching him for manipulating the talent promotion ceremony for his own selfish interests, accusing him of having no talent and morality, being unable to recruit talents for the country, and being a scum.
That said, it seems that if Xiao Tan does not commit suicide and apologize, it will not be enough for the people to be angry!
The second issue was about the selection of the Imperial Academy. Many officials from the Imperial Academy came forward to advise, feeling that Xiao Tan should not continue to serve in the Hanlin Academy. They suggested appointing a new Hanlin bachelor as soon as possible to ensure the normal conduct of the selection.
With so many memorials handed over, it seems that a "turbulent" court discussion has formed above the court situation, that is...
Whether it's true or not, Xiao Tan is finished!
The stigma on him could not be washed away. Even if he was safe in the end, his reputation in the scholarly community was ruined. What would be left of his official career?
At the moment, it seems that Xiao Tan's best way out is to resign from Shangshu, and maybe he can still retain the last bit of dignity.
Of course, this is no longer important.
The purpose of impeaching Xiao Tan was just to oust him from his position as a Hanlin scholar. The ultimate goal was to take away this position.
Therefore, there are the two top memorials...
"What did you find?"
Shu Liang bowed and spoke.
"Going back to your Majesty, according to your previous instructions, the slaves did not enter the houses everywhere, but they only have news channels in the outside world."
"After receiving the order that day, I went back to check the whereabouts of the cabinet ministers and several ministers, Chen Shangshu, Du Siqing and others in the past month."
"There was nothing unusual among the ministers, Du Siqing, Chen Shangshu, etc. However, after the palace examination, Mr. Jiang Ge went to Du Siqing's office first. After talking secretly for a while, the two of them went together. In Chen Shangshu’s mansion, on the next day, Chen Shangshu handed over a memorial recommending Du Si Qing to also be in charge of the affairs of the court.”
"However, although Mr. Jiangge and Du Siqing went together, they did not come out together. The servants arranged for people to see him outside the mansion. When Mr. Jiangge left, his expression was very ugly, as if he was leaving in anger."
"Later, the slave asked the servants in Chen Shangshu's mansion to find out. On that day, someone in Chen's mansion vaguely heard that Du Siqing had angrily criticized Mr. Jiangge. However, the specific situation was difficult to obtain. Know……"
Zhu Qiyu glanced at Shu Liang but didn't say much.
Everyone has selfish motives, and Shu Liang is no exception. Among all the eunuchs, Shu Liang's loyalty is the most unquestionable and he is also the most capable. However, he also has his own ambitions.
Let me ask, which leader of the secret service does not want to restore the majesty of the Hongwu and Yongle dynasties?
However, times have changed.
If the net is too tight, things will turn upside down. If the road ends in the past, how can we repeat the same mistakes?
Although the emperor is supreme, he is not a single man. What he needs is a group of ministers who can assist the country, not just yes-men who say where to hit.
Therefore, some methods are acceptable, but some methods need to be restrained.
Focusing on what Shu Liang said, Zhu Qiyu frowned and asked.
"So, what you are saying is that in this imperial examination, the cabinet and Chen Xun joined forces to take back control of the Hanlin Academy, but when it came to 'dividing the spoils' in the end, Du Ning and Jiang Yuan had a conflict, so, The cabinet and Chen Xuncai will recommend them separately, do you want to compete for the top spot?"
What happened during the palace examination was undoubtedly caused by Jiang Yuan, but Jiang Yuan alone was definitely not enough. There must be a deeper reason behind this matter.
At the court, Zhu Qiyu asked Chen Yi to use the power of Ke Dao to investigate. However, Ke Dao has many people and mixed eyes, and using the methods in the court, lag is normal.
Therefore, Zhu Qiyu also asked Dongchang to investigate, but he would not put it on the table.
When it came to drawing conclusions, Shu Liang was very cautious, bowed and said.
"Your Majesty, judging from the current situation, this should be the case. In recent times, the Chief Assistant has not done anything provocative in the cabinet. However, his relationship with many ministers in the capital is getting better and better, and they often communicate with each other. The banquets and fellowship are very broad.”
"Although I don't dare to speculate on the court ministers, I can still see that the Chief Assistant is trying to find a way to integrate into the circle of the capital in order to communicate more easily with the inside and outside."
"So, it is not impossible that Mr. Jiangge's action against Academician Xiao was inspired by the Chief Assistant."
"As for Chen Shangshu, they have always been at odds with Academician Xiao. Mr. Jiangge is even a student of Chen Shangshu. Now that Academician Xiao has been dismissed, the people who can take over as Hanlin academicians are all people from the Qingliu lineage. If you think about it, , but it’s also good for Chen Shangshu.”
Zhu Qiyu's eyes flashed and he said.
"So, the best way now is for Jiang Yuan to take over?"
"Like Du Ning, he is a student of Chen Xun, and he and Wang Ao are close. Although he cannot be satisfied with both parties, it can be accepted by both parties by having him take charge of the Imperial Academy affairs."
"Now Xiao Tan is being scolded by the scholars and the Taoist priests, causing a huge uproar. If the powerful Minister Qingliu steps in to stop him at this time, things can be calmed down quickly."
"For the imperial court to settle down as soon as possible, Mr. Jiangge is the best candidate!"
Although these words were spoken calmly, Shu Liang did not dare to answer them. He was keenly aware that at this moment, the emperor's heart was not as calm as on the surface.
The Qianqing Palace was quiet for a moment, and Shu Liangfang said cautiously.
"Why should the emperor be angry? These ministers are just scheming to see that the emperor is willing to take into account the overall situation of the court. But in the final analysis, who will take over depends on the emperor's wishes. What about Qingliu? The imperial court is so full There are so many ministers, can it be said that there is still no one who can take over as a Hanlin bachelor?"
These words were said cheerfully and made people feel comfortable. However, after calming down, Zhu Qiyu understood that according to the current situation, it was really impossible to get out.
Some time ago, he really suppressed Qingliu a bit severely. Pei Lun, Shang Ren and other useful people were sent out of the capital early because they were not clear about what they were doing.
In addition, a group of people were implicated in the Gaogu incident, a group of people were released during the rectification of the army, and a group of people were taken away by Zhan Shifu. Now the only ones left in the Hanlin Academy are those who concentrate on studying ancient books and classics. of pedantry.
Above the imperial court, the only people with clear qualifications and ability to preside over the Hanlin Academy were Jiang Yuan and Du Ning.
However, if Du Ning were to be in charge, let alone the Dali Temple and the Hanlin Academy, whether Du Ning could take care of both sides, just talking about the cabinet side, I'm afraid there would still be trouble.
This time the cabinet defeated Xiao Bo, but next time it may not defeat another Du Ning.
In this case, to maintain the balance of all parties, Jiang Yuan is really the most suitable person to take the position, but...
"Your Majesty, it's almost time, it's time to go to court!"
Wynn walked forward lightly, lowered his head and spoke.
Zhu Qiyu raised his head and glanced at the sky, his eyes flickered for a moment, then nodded, stood up, and gave instructions to Shu Liang.
"This matter is not that simple. If you investigate again, especially after today's morning meeting, you must be more careful!"
Shu Liang was stunned for a moment, not quite understanding what the emperor meant.
Obviously this matter ends here, the fact is almost clear, it is an open and secret struggle between the old and new Qingliu.
It's just that Xiao Tan's political skills are not enough and he was plotted against him. What else is there to investigate?
With doubts in his heart, Shu Liang looked at the emperor, but still didn't ask.
After serving the emperor for so long, Eunuch Shu has a good habit, that is, regardless of whether he understands it or not, as long as it is something ordered by the emperor, he will do his best to do it.
Therefore, although he was puzzled, Shu Liang didn't ask any more questions, leaned down to salute, and spoke respectfully.
"Your Majesty, don't worry, I will accept the order."
After waving Shu Liang to retreat, Zhu Qiyu looked at the two memorials in front of him. After a moment, a smile appeared on his face, and he had obviously made a decision.
Immediately, he threw the two memorials to Wynn and said.
"Show off in the Wenhua Palace!"
Just as Zhu Qiyu hurried to the Wenhua Palace to attend court, the first ray of sunshine in the morning had already shone on the square outside the Meridian Gate. The palace doors on the left and right sides were slowly pushed open, and a group of ministers began to move towards the Wenhua Palace. Go.
In the long queue, Mr. Jiang Ge slowly raised his head and looked at the rising sun on the horizon. For some reason, he always felt a little uneasy in his heart. However, he still couldn't figure out where this uneasiness came from. He could only Blame it on being too stressed out during this time.
It should be said that most people already have an idea of what will be discussed in the morning meeting.
However, no one present, including Jiang Yuan, could predict what will happen this morning...
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