Like Niu Yuan, Liu Zhennian at this time also deeply understood that Su Zongshan's name could not be spoken. First, because the public is so angry now, if the responsibility is suddenly attributed to an official who is elsewhere, it will be suspected of passing the blame; if you want to produce evidence to quell the court discussion, it will take time, but judging from the situation, the ministers will not I will give Niu Yuan a little more time.
Secondly, all officials believed that Wan Heshun's appearance was not an accident, but that they were angered by Niu Yuan's recent actions and decided to take risks. Coupled with the fanning of the flames by Gao Jizhi and his group, most people's views became more firm: if Niu Yuan was not eliminated as soon as possible, then Wan Heshun would march north and start a war, leaving them without a place to die.
No matter which aspect you consider, Niu Yuan's unfavorable situation can no longer be reversed. Liu Zhennian can rely on his power to suppress the discussion, but losing the support of the bureaucracy can only bring himself one step closer to destruction. He looked at the fallen minister with sadness, the right-hand man who had been by his side for half his life, and he was about to leave before him.
"The meeting can't be broken up like this, Prime Minister!" Gao Jizhi looked back at everyone, hugging his fist with dignity.
Liu Zhennian reluctantly turned around and held his hands behind his back: "I know. Since you said Niu Yuan is this crony, let's express our opinions. I... will consider it."
After Niu Yuan listened, he lost his usual temper and still sat upright, his face as flat as a lake, quietly waiting for everyone's judgment.
Seeing his appearance, Lu Zhixian felt his teeth itching with hatred, so he took advantage of Gao Jizhi's support and took the opportunity to speak: "Mr. Liu, I have to say that this time the strategy of 'treating the cronies first' is indeed brilliant. A big fish was caught in the sky, and the true face of Niu Yuan was exposed! We had already had a lot of resentment against him, but because of his great power, we kept it in our hearts. Thanks to Liu Gong for giving us the opportunity today, we can speak openly and honestly. speak out.”
"With all this said, aren't we still going to settle old scores?" Niu Yuan's confidant was still unconvinced and asked coldly.
"Hey, who said old scores can't be settled?" Gao Jizhi shook his two fingers and smiled softly, "You are not afraid of the shadow of your body if you are upright. If you do something wrong, you should receive the punishment you deserve."
"That's right," Zeng Liang also joined in, "I will turn it over for you one by one. Speaking of this person's party, it was planned at the beginning of his 'seizure of power'. At that time, he opposed Yan Wen There were many people there. In order to seize the position of deputy prime minister, he took the opportunity to recruit a group of party members to help him wave the banner and make the government a mess. Although Yan Wen deserved his punishment and should be dismissed, Niu Yuan only focused on forming a party for personal gain. , never thought that the Imperial Constitution and the National Law would actually kill him in prison! Afterwards, he was not satisfied, and implicated many innocent ministers. Even provincial ministers like Li Wenshou said they would be spared, which shows the power of the Niu Party How arrogant! As for self-appointment and dismissal, causing harm to Fu Guang and other treacherous and unethical things, it is really difficult to describe them all."
"Don't forget, he also burned Xiangzhi's memorials!" Someone else shouted angrily. This sentence directly brought back everyone's memories. These officials who were dissatisfied with Niu Suri finally had a place to vent, and they all agreed, saying in unison: "Yes! Yes! I remember this incident. It’s deep!”
Seeing that everyone was shouting, Liu Zhennian coughed a few times and maintained the order of the meeting: "What you said makes some sense. However, this matter needs to be investigated carefully and should not be taken lightly. It is not convenient here. , how about we deal with it after we return to the capital?"
"Prime Minister, no!" Gao Jizhi immediately remonstrated, "Now Wan Heshun's troops are pressing down on the border, it is precisely because of Niu Yuan. If it is not dealt with in time, it will remain unresolved. I am afraid that the misunderstanding between the two sides will deepen and it will lead to a confrontation between the north and the south. !”
Liu Zhennian was unhappy, patted Xingmu lightly, and said resolutely: "How many times have I told you that I will send people to discuss it? It's not like I can't communicate, so how can you say there is a misunderstanding? If you continue to exaggerate the facts, you should be honest with me. All cronies are equally guilty! Let’s break up.”
"this……"
"I said let's break up!" Liu Zhennian's eyes widened angrily.
"Prime Minister!"
Without saying a word, Gao Jizhi immediately knelt down in front of the desk, with tears in his eyes, and kept kowtowing in admonishment. But Liu Zhennian didn't pay him any attention, stood up, walked straight down the steps, and walked past him.
"What Gao Shang Shu said is reasonable, please accept your advice!"
Immediately afterwards, Zeng Liang knelt down at his feet again, gritting his teeth so hard that they almost burst. But Liu Zhennian still had an indifferent face, "Get up." After saying that, he lifted Zeng Liang's shoulder. When he couldn't lift it, he sighed, sneered, and walked around.
"Prime Minister!"
When his soap boots reached the door of the middle hall, he saw a group of ministers in front of him kneeling down in unison. The crowd blocked the passage and stopped Liu Zhennian's footsteps with a tsunami-like roar.
"Prime Minister, you can never keep Niu Yuan..." Several low-status clerks crawled over and hugged Liu Zhennian's legs while crying bitterly.
He wanted to break free but couldn't. Although there was still a sword with cold light hanging on his waist, he no longer had the confidence to let the cold light burst out from the scabbard. At this time, Liu Zhennian was like a beast with its teeth pulled out and its claws broken off. Even such gentle pleas became a threat to him. He could no longer make them feel fearful and majestic.
His eyes widened in astonishment, not daring to face the scene in front of him. He suddenly felt his body became lighter and took a few steps back, almost fainting to the ground. Fortunately, he still had his energy gathered, and he hurriedly stood firm and straightened his body.
"Prime Minister?" Gao Jizhi saw a glimmer of hope and asked gently. Liu Zhennian's seemingly strong body was still standing.
"I follow your opinion..." He slowly raised one arm, "Come here! Take Niu Yuan down and throw him into the prison to await interrogation."
Gao Jizhi's eyes suddenly glowed with golden light. He turned around in surprise, exchanged glances with Chen Tongpao and others, suppressed his ecstasy, and unhurriedly called the imperial guards down the hall: "Did you hear that? Prime Minister Liu has orders to escort the guilty minister Niu Yuan down to the hall and tie him up quickly!"
Only then did the Imperial Guards dare to stride forward and quickly asked someone to get the ropes. Several strong men stood in front of Niu Yuan.
"Take your rope," Niu Yuan dusted off his clothes, stood up and said without even looking at them, "I know the way myself."
The Imperial Guards really didn't dare to move. They watched him in a daze as he straightened his clothes and walked down the hall. Before leaving, Niu Yuan only bowed to Liu Zhennian and disappeared from everyone's sight.
