Seeing the emperor's figure go away, Ye Yongjia finally came back to his senses. At this time, the sun has penetrated the clouds, and the golden light shines all over the palaces. The glazed tiles on every roof are shining with dazzling glaze. The sky is wide and the clouds are opening, as if all the gray things are about to be swept away. But his heart was filled with dark clouds and extremely gloomy. He felt that he was isolated from the light of the outside world, and his whole body was only invaded by the cold air, which added to the loneliness.
He lowered his head and looked at the letter with signs of being opened in his hand. He was stunned for a moment, then reached out his hand, pressed on the corner of it, and used all his strength to tear it open. Then he tore it a second time, a third time... Slowly, he tore the letter into pieces and threw it behind him without even looking at it.
Such a failure was completely different from what he had imagined. He could imagine that the emperor would be furious after listening to the advice, and whether he would be arrested or beheaded, how could he know that the emperor could prepare for a rainy day, have such a tacit understanding with Chen Tongpao, and decisively bury him? Clarify the hopes of the ruling and opposition parties. But there is nothing difficult to understand. Since the emperor's empire is maintained by this group of bureaucrats, he must cooperate with them. The savior in his eyes is just a member of this world enjoying its success.
Ye Yongjia walked out of the ban in a daze and returned to the Yamen of the Ministry of War. He saw Cai Xianqing coming, but he had no intention of greeting him. He just bowed casually and chose a seat to sit down.
Cai Xianqing saw that he had a bad look on his face and knew that something was on his mind, so he turned around and smiled and said, "I didn't come here all day yesterday. Did... something happen?"
"Such a big change happened yesterday, you are not aware of it." Ye Yongjia leaned forward and rubbed his brow bones.
"Oh, I asked why I didn't see the Prime Minister. I'm afraid Liu Zhennian collapsed. It seems there was a big fight? Fortunately, I didn't come, otherwise I would have suffered a big disaster for no reason!"
"You know everything." Ye Yongjia said weakly.
Cai Xianqing laughed again: "No, I really can't guess what you are thinking."
"Then let me talk to you." Ye Yongjia then told all the major events such as raiding the prime minister's house and meeting with the emperor, and Cai Xianqing realized it.
"Oh!" He hit his thigh with a bamboo fan, "It's a pity that this move failed, but Tinglong can't be blamed! They have so many people that they can't move them for a while. It's not too late to bear the pain and wait for the time. "
"Is this not just a 'temporary' problem?" Ye Yongjia said flatly with a self-deprecating sneer, "How can they have any talent in Qingliu? They have to rely on the court of this stagnant water! If you want to make this water come alive, you must It will be criticized by thousands of people.”
"But there is Your Majesty..."
"Are you still counting on His Majesty? To be honest, I would say that the emperor is the one who has caused the most harm to the people in this world! It is expected that these officials and gentlemen only own one hundred thousand acres or one million acres of land, and they are doing it for their own selfishness; but the emperor sits on it The land of the world is privately owned by the wealth of the nine states, but it is just a lot more. How come it is called "public wealth"? For the sake of this person's public wealth and public expenses, I don't know how much blood of the people has been sucked? He absolutely wants to Protecting the gentry is like protecting the slaves you raise, so that you can protect your own family's interests."
Cai Xianqing turned pale in panic. He looked around and saw no one around. He leaned over and said, "You are frustrated and angry. Since the late emperor ascended the throne, there have been many mergers and acquisitions."
Ye Yongjia just shook his head: "The annexation by the bureaucrats and gentlemen has blocked his way of making money, just like a servant who has been greedy for money, who can't help it? In the end, it is just a superficial effort, and he stopped in order to make everyone happy. Isn't it still exploitative, or are there still refugees everywhere? "
Cai Xianqing smacked his lips and said: "Tinglong, you are thinking too much. The emperor may not be blindly pursuing personal interests. He should be concerned about Chen Tongpao's current power and dare not cause trouble."
"This is the same as what I said."
"No! As long as you and I win over everyone from Chen Tongpao's side, won't we be able to influence the political situation?" Cai Xianqing didn't care about the difficulties he stated and waved her fan leisurely.
Ye Yongjia hesitated slightly: "What method should be used?"
"Party!"
His face was expressionless, and he tapped a finger on the table: "Mr. Cai, I'm going to do something like this, God..."
Cai Xianqing stood up immediately, folded the bamboo fan with both hands, and folded it in with a 'click' sound. "The more times like this, the less we can stick to morality, we need to be a hundred times more vicious than the other party! We should let go of our noble attitude, rely on interests to win over a group of officials and gentry, and gather strength. Only in this way can we control people to death. !”
Ye Yongjia clenched his chin and thought hard. His eyes were sometimes hesitant and sometimes decisive. A large bead of sweat passed between the roots of his black or white hair and slowly fell on his cheek.
"Okay..." Ye Yongjia's voice was long and low. He seemed to be very calm, but his body couldn't stop trembling, and the sweat fell directly into his clenched fists and became wet. Five thin yellow fingers.
"When do you think it will start?" He bit his lips and raised his head to ask.
"There will be a meeting to discuss merit this afternoon, right?"
"Yes." Ye Yongjia wiped his forehead, "When I came back, I heard someone from the official department saying that the prince would read out the imperial edict in the hall and reward him in turn."
"When the time comes, you and I have to listen carefully," Cai Xianqing made a squeaking sound with his hands. "Everyone must keep in mind the official position they have been transferred to and the fate they have received, and not be distracted. As for Mr. Ye, you have For such a great achievement as the Prime Minister's Mansion, the reward will definitely be good. Wait until the court meeting is over before taking action accordingly."
"Since we want to form a party, we don't need to care about benevolence, justice and ethics! Just go down the same path!" Ye Yongjia replied firmly.
The significance of this court meeting is self-evident. Almost no ministers were absent. Even the time was inexplicably accurate. No one was late. They entered the hall in groups, lined up on both sides, and waited deeply.
As usual, the prince sat under the vacant dragon chair and saw that all the ministers were neatly dressed in official uniforms. The long queue stretched straight out of the palace gate with no end in sight.
He had rarely seen such a grand scene in his life, so he couldn't help but feel a little nervous. He winked at the eunuch who followed him, took the imperial edict and read: "I have been on the throne for a long time, and I have often been controlled by the willow thieves. I have been extremely treasonous and unruly, and it is difficult to write down books, which has caused the emperor's power to decline." If the ministers hang their heads, it will be difficult for the country to be overthrown. Fortunately, the ministers have the ambition to work hard and have hidden loyal plans. The willow thieves will eventually be wiped out and power will be restored. The purge has not been completed today, so I will first remember your contributions. To comfort the hearts of the world!"
After reading it, everyone shouted long live.
"The first achievement is Ye Yongjia, Secretary of the Ministry of War!" The prince raised his eyebrows and said with a smile, "Master Ye, please come."
