Above the court, no matter how tense the moment is, there are always a group of people watching.
Following Shen Jing's decisive words, all the civil and military officials present immediately focused their attention on Lin Cong.
I have to say that this move was extremely clever, and it was indeed Wang Tianguan who brought him out.
It should be said that Gang Shen Jing's evaluation of Lin Cong and Ye Sheng was indeed a bit excessive, and even reached the level of personal attacks.
It would be fine if Wang Wen did this, but Shen Jing obviously does not have this weight, so in this case, Shen Jing is actually facing an unfavorable situation.
If Lin Cong really resigns, then Shen Jing's future career will inevitably become extremely bumpy.
However, the so-called soft ones are afraid of hard ones, hard ones are afraid of horizontal ones, horizontal ones are afraid of being stunned, and stunned ones are afraid of death.
There are very few weak people in this court, and not many are stunned.
People like Lin Cong and Ye Sheng are so tough. The behavior they just used to scold each other in Shen Jing was like a stunned Qing.
But now, Master Shen's methods have been upgraded, and he has become a life-threatening person, which is difficult to deal with.
Lin Cong threatened to resign, and Shen Jing shouted to kowtow to apologize, although everyone knew that such a situation would never really happen in the end.
However, if Lin Cong dared to recognize him openly, Shen Jing would be completely unable to hold his head up in the court.
Such courage is not something ordinary people have.
Of course, the effect was also obvious, and Lin Cong was immediately cornered.
It should be said that Shen Jing's words seemed ordinary, but in fact he asked an extremely tricky question.
The former sentence, which says they have a clear conscience, is aimed at the reputation and morality of Lin Cong and Ye Sheng. The latter sentence, which says there is no connection, is based on evidence that is difficult to deny.
Lin Cong could say the former without conscience, but the latter was far beyond his control.
To put it bluntly, in order to "admonish" the emperor for this court meeting, these officials had indeed made preparations in advance.
Of course, it will definitely not reach the point of forming a party. At most, they will just discuss with each other how to cooperate in the court.
But to say there is no connection would be to deceive oneself and others.
This was not an unspeakable matter at first, but when it got to this point, Lin Cong was in a dilemma.
If he admits it, he will lose all face, and it is very likely that Shen Jing will further slander him as a clique for personal gain.
Don't doubt that Shen Jing can definitely do such a thing.
He has spoken out words that are as false as they are true and as traitors as they are loyal, and then he throws dirty water about forming cliques for personal gain and swaying court discussions, and there is absolutely no pressure at all.
However, if you don't admit it, it will not be easy to hide the news in this capital, no matter how big or small.
Even if we don't talk about Dongchang, which is now growing in power, there are quite a few officials who are angry with him.
A secret is no longer a secret if more people know it.
After all, Lin Cong had been in the officialdom for so many years, and he still knew the importance of being on guard against others.
If he dared to say this in court today, there is no guarantee that someone would spread the news to the emperor's ears tomorrow.
More importantly, regardless of whether they want it or not, in accordance with the imperial edict, the seal from the Ministry of Rites will be sent to them in a few days.
At that time, some people handed the secret notes up, but Lin Cong couldn't even find anyone.
Therefore, this is definitely not something that can be said.
However, now that everyone in the court is staring at him, the atmosphere has reached this point, and he has already taken off his official hat. Is it possible that he has to turn his back on him?
Suddenly, Lin Cong was in trouble.
Seeing this situation, Shen Jing sneered at the side and was about to continue to quarrel with him when he heard Ye Sheng speaking from the side.
"Your Majesty clearly knows that the political affairs of the imperial court are discussed by all ministers. Whether it is the border defense military affairs involved or the conviction of Zhang Ying and Li Xi, they are not confidential. In the past few days, the government and the public have been discussing it, each expressing his or her own opinion. This is a normal matter. "
"Listen to both and you will be enlightened, and if you listen to one side, you will be dark. The same principle applies to monarchs and ministers. The censor of science and technology has the responsibility of admonishing and criticizing. He should be careful and cautious, and think twice before he dares to speak before the emperor."
"Therefore, I don't know what Mr. Shen's intentions are. What's the point of forcing Mr. Lin to ask Mr. Lin whether he has had any discussions with other officials in front of His Majesty and the civil and military officials?"
"Could it be that Mr. Shen thinks that all the ministers in the court should close their eyes and listen to others and make false statements about the affairs of the court based on their own opinions?"
These words sounded justified, but they were actually a disguised relief.
In court, after all, one still has to be reasonable.
Shen Jing's words were harsh, but they were indeed a bit unrealistic. Just like Ye Sheng said, these things were not confidential. Therefore, the government and the public had been talking about it. Lin Cong and others were not the only ones exchanging opinions in private.
Of course, Lin Cong couldn't say this himself, because for him, it seemed a bit quibbling. Only when Ye Sheng spoke, his persuasiveness would be stronger.
One is because the person Shen Jing is targeting is not Ye Sheng, and the other is because Ye Sheng's reputation among the court scholars is better. What he said was also more convincing.
However, no matter how righteous these words are, they are actually a bit submissive.
Shen Jing sneered and said immediately.
"So, what Master Ye means is that Master Lin dare not make this guarantee?"
"If that's the case, Mr. Lin, with red lips and white teeth, kept saying that Shen had slandered him. Now, who is slandering whom?"
"Master Shen, you are using strong words to make excuses!"
Ye Sheng was also obviously a little angry, frowning and said.
"It is common for courtiers to discuss court affairs and discuss political affairs. It is neither collusion nor clique. You have just accused Mr. Lin of collusion and cliques without any evidence. It is naturally slander."
"What's more, this is still in front of your Majesty. You just behaved wildly and should be impeached."
"Strong words?"
It has to be said that Shen Jing inherited Wang Tianguan's consistent style, that is, the more he fights, the braver he gets. The more Ye Sheng spoke up, the more he refused to give in. He snorted coldly and said.
"I think Mr. Ye is just messing around, right?"
"Your Majesty's imperial edict is clear and unquestionable, but you and Mr. Lin deliberately entangled a group of scientific officials to make conclusive statements in the court, interceding for sinners, and even trying to slander His Majesty's sage, Shen. I don’t know what your intentions are?”
"Besides, whether it is a discussion or a party gathering, how can it be determined by your words? Your Majesty, please take Ye and Lin to prison and thoroughly investigate whether they have formed a party or gathered a crowd for personal reasons. To depose the Duke and lead the crowd to force him to remonstrate!"
This is quite serious.
If it was still within the scope of scolding in front of the palace just now, then as Shen Jing's words came out, the nature changed.
Once the imperial edict was used, it would really cause a big fuss. Suddenly, many ministers present changed their expressions.
Especially the few important ministers at the front, who were still watching the quarrel below with great interest, now all looked at Wang Wen invariably.
That means, it's over, Lao Wang, don't make too much trouble...
Looking at Shen Jing below, Wang Wen also frowned. He knew Shen Jing's character, and he always took the soft side rather than the hard side.
He is so aggressive now, it seems that he was really angry just now.
However, when things have developed to this point, it is indeed no longer easy to stand by and watch. He glanced at Chen Yi next to him inquiringly. Seeing that there was no special reaction from the other party, Wang Wen had a general idea and stepped forward.
"Your Majesty, I believe that Zhang Ying and Li Xi have disobeyed the Holy Orders and overstepped their authority. It is clear that there is no need to discuss it any further. In accordance with your Majesty's decree, the Ministry of Officials has planned to demote Zhang Ying to the rank of ninth-rank chief registrar and Li Xi to the rank of chief registrar. The eighth-grade county magistrate is here to police the government and the public, please give your Majesty's permission."
As he spoke, Wang Wen took out an official document from his sleeve and presented it.
I have to say that this Lord Tianguan still protects his shortcomings.
When he came up, he didn't mention the dispute between Shen Jing, Lin Cong and others, but directly talked about the handling of Zhang Ying and Li Xi, which actually showed his attitude.
However, just because Wang Wen did not mention it did not mean that the emperor could ignore it.
The official document was delivered to the imperial cabinet. Zhu Qiyu glanced at it, but did not immediately mention the ink pen for approval. Instead, he looked at the ministers below and said.
"What you have said just now all has its own truth. Naturally, it is also biased."
"The imperial court has always refrained from using words to offend people. This is a rule. However, Zhang Ying and Li Xi are indeed not guilty of what they said."
"I am changing the grade system of the officials of the Ministry of Education, not to block the way of speech, but to smooth the way of speech. Taizu established the country, appointed scholars, farmers, industry and commerce, and everyone in the court was in their own right, so that the country could live in peace and the people could live in peace."
"Official officials pass down the word and give advice and sarcastic remarks, which can be called the pillars of the country. However, in recent years, Wang Zhen has been monopolizing power, and the officialdom has been declining. Scholars have shied away from their duties, and warriors are afraid of war. This has happened repeatedly, and major events in the court have been frequent. It is difficult for the ministers to maintain their positions, and the atmosphere is impetuous."
"At this time, it is the opportunity for Ke Dao to play its role. I have given seals and imperial censors to each Ke Dao. I hope that all the ministers can take charge of the affairs of the court and serve the public wholeheartedly. In addition, if the remonstrances are delivered to the emperor, they will not be left alone. visible."
"Besides me, the cabinet ministers and the ministers of the six ministries are all informed of the matter if necessary. If they think that the matter is of great importance and have to be reported to the court, there are also procedures and laws. You should abide by them and be kind to me. , don’t make any assumptions.”
These words were gentle, and both inside and outside the words expressed his reliance on science and technology.
Although there was a slight knock at the end, I have to say that it still made all the speakers present feel their hearts in their stomachs.
As long as the emperor doesn't really want to sideline science, then there won't be a big problem.
And, again, the strength of this reform is relatively mild. It takes away part of the power of remonstrance, but it also gives Ke Dao new powers.
There are two systems, the secret play and the clear play. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. In the final analysis, it still depends on how to use it.
More importantly, as the emperor, he was willing to make such an explanation to the ministers, and his stature was already low enough.
Seeing this situation, Lin Cong and Ye Sheng looked at each other, with a trace of helplessness flashing on their faces.
They knew very well that most of the emperors were telling them these words.
If you don’t know how to praise, then you really don’t know how to praise!
Sighing in his heart, Ye Sheng took the lead.
"Your Majesty is wise, I will do my best to serve the imperial court!"
So, Zhu Qiyu nodded, then turned to Lin Cong aside and said.
"Lin Qing, please get up too. It is common for people to have different political opinions in the court. You should not resign and go back at will. Next time, I will punish you for threatening the emperor no matter what."
The words were spoken in a relaxed tone, with a hint of joking.
Although no one would take it as a joke at this time, it still gave Lin Cong a step down.
So, Lin Cong lowered his head in shame and kowtowed.
"Thank you, Your Majesty. Your Majesty, please rest assured. I will be careful in my words and deeds from now on, fulfill my responsibilities, and clarify official ethics in order to repay Your Majesty's kindness."
After saying that, he stood up, then with the help of the chamberlain, he put on his official hat again and stepped aside.
Both sides have been dealt with, and the natural next step is Shen Jing.
In the confrontation just now, Shen Jing had the upper hand, but sometimes, when the court had the upper hand, it had to make up for it from other places.
Compared with the warm attitude just now, Zhu Qiyu's tone was not so good when facing Shen Jing, and he said directly.
"Mr. Shen, in the imperial court, it is normal for people with different political opinions to have conflicts occasionally. But you are swearing like this, which is really out of line with the etiquette of a minister. Do you know that you are wrong?"
It sounds harsh, but in reality, that's all.
You know, just now, the emperor asked about 'acknowledge of sin', but in the blink of an eye, it became 'acknowledge of wrong'.
It can be seen that in the end, big things turned into small things.
Shen Jing is naturally not an ignorant person, so he just goes down the slope and has a good attitude, saying.
"I know I made a mistake, please punish me!"
"You will be fined for one month. After the court, you will come to the door in person and apologize to Lin and Ye. From now on, you will not be so outrageous in the court. Otherwise, I will definitely punish you severely."
This punishment can be severe or light, especially going to the door to apologize is a chore.
Therefore, even Shen Jing's face couldn't help but become a little bitter, and he glanced at his patron, Mr. Lao Wang.
It turned out that the Lord Tianguan was not looking sideways at him, so Shen Jing had no choice but to give him a hand.
"I obey your order and thank Your Majesty for your grace."
Now that the dispute in the court has been settled, the next step is naturally the last and first dispute, about the treatment of Zhang Ying and Li Xi.
Looking at the official document in front of him, Zhu Qiyu hesitated for a moment, but in the end, he sighed and said.
"Zhang Ying and Li Xi are both good at power and should have been demoted. However, considering that it is their first offense and they are really dedicated to serving the public, I will punish them with minor punishments and not with severe punishments."
"The Ministry of Personnel will draft a new transfer order and transfer people out of Beijing!"
This result is somewhat unexpected.
However, it is reasonable. After all, today's matter has caused such a fuss, and the emperor has just expressed his reliance on Kedao. At this time, it would be a bit unreasonable to maintain the original treatment.
The current result should be regarded as a relatively good result. The so-called flat transfer out of Beijing means that the grade remains unchanged and another official position is selected.
Although it is definitely not possible to choose a good official position, at least the grade has not been reduced, which can be considered a good result.
It's just a bit regretful that they couldn't keep their original positions.
However, this actually proves that the emperor's attitude towards Ke Dao is not bottomless indulgence.
Suddenly, many thoughts flashed through the minds of many ministers present, quietly thinking about their future behavior in the court...
(End of chapter)
