Arriving outside the gate of Tai Chi Hall, the gate was not yet opened and all the ministers could only wait quietly.
Changsun Wuji was fat and wearing a purple court dress, standing closest to the palace gate with his hands behind his back.
Standing next to him was Wang Jifeng, the Minister of Punishment, and the two of them were exchanging soft greetings.
Wang Jifeng is slightly thinner than Changsun Wuji. He has the elegance of a scholar and looks dignified, without the aging look of a fifty-year-old man.
"It is said that the officials of the Jiangnan gentry and the Lord Shangshu collectively impeached Yang Fan today. I wonder if it is true or false?"
Changsun Wuji glanced around with his slender eyes. When he saw his people around him, he asked in a low voice.
Wang Jifeng raised his eyebrows, somewhat displeased: "Mr. Zhao, you can eat whatever you want, but you can't talk nonsense! Impeaching Yang Fan is just sailing to disturb Jiangnan. What does it have to do with Wang?"
The Wang family of Taiyuan once secretly approached Changsun Wuji, but the old fox did not agree at first.
Now that he asked such a question rashly, Wang Jifeng couldn't guess what Changsun Wuji was doing, so he naturally cleared the relationship first.
Changsun Wuji squinted his eyes. This expression made his eyes look smaller, but the light in his eyes suddenly appeared.
Wang Jifeng's denial was already expected by him.
After all, Wang Jifeng is an old fox in the officialdom. Of course, he will not speak out until the matter is unclear.
But does this guy really not plan to cause trouble today?
I can't figure out Wang Jifeng's routine with the Jiangnan nobles. Anyway, it's not his eldest grandson Wuji who is anxious.
So Changsun Wuji fell silent and said no more.
Wang Jifeng had a gentle smile on his face, but he was a little confused in his heart.
What does this old bastard mean when he suddenly talks about this?
But didn’t Changsun Wuji refuse it before?
When things come to a head, he can stay out of it, so why is he so concerned now?
Is it possible that he now wants to get a piece of the pie?
Thinking of this, Wang Jifeng felt more and more possible.
He glanced at Changsun Wuji's fat face uneasily.
Could it be that the other party was blackmailing him into giving up some of Jiangnan's interests?
But if he didn't respond to Changsun Wuji, he was afraid that the old fox and the people in Guanzhong would interfere with it.
After pondering for a moment, Wang Jifeng weighed the pros and cons in his mind and made a quick decision.
"A shipping office has been established in Jiangnan, and the shipbuilding industry is also booming. The demand for iron materials has increased sharply. The Changsun family's iron materials are of high quality and have high output. Once Yang Fan is recalled by His Majesty, I wonder if Zhao Guogong will be interested in joining forces with the shipyards in Jiangnan. Supply Jiangnan pig iron?”
Wang Jifeng directly threw out the benefits.
Half of the iron supply in Jiangnan is in the hands of the Wang family in Jiangnan. Not only does it monopolize the demand for pig iron in Jiangnan, but a small amount is even sold overseas.
The Jiangnan gentry were extremely xenophobic, and even Changsun Wuji could not get involved in such a hugely profitable industry.
Now, if Changsun Wuji really wants to intervene in Jiangnan, as long as he offers this huge benefit, this guy will definitely side with the Jiangnan nobles.
Changsun Wuji's eyelids twitched. Although he was very excited about this condition, he still felt that there was something in Wang Jifeng's words.
Best quality and highest yield?
Haha, that was before!
Ever since Yang Fan defrauded several iron mines from his eldest grandson's family.
Later, Yang Fan improved the iron-making process, and the Changsun family's iron business has plummeted!
Not to mention the quality is completely incomparable, even the output and price have been crushed by Yangfan Iron Factory in all aspects.
But he had to eat the fat that was brought to his lips. After all, Yang Fan's downfall would be good for his eldest grandson's family.
Since he decided to take action against Yang Fan, Changsun Wuji did not hesitate.
Wang Jifeng obviously wanted to use this part of his profits to help the Jiangnan nobles deal with Yang Fan in the court.
After weighing the pros and cons, Changsun Wuji decided to take action, so he said happily: "Then I have to trouble Lord Shangshu to coordinate. If there is really a shortage of iron in Jiangnan, just ask. My Changsun family will definitely supply it at the lowest price. Wait a moment If Lord Shangshu encounters resistance in the court, I will definitely support you."
If you gain something, you have to lose something. If you want something, you have to pay.
Wang Jifeng opened his mouth and gave such a big piece of cake, obviously hoping that his eldest son Wuji could show his appreciation during the court meeting.
Is he such an unethical person?
What's more, as long as he sees that the situation is not right, he can just withdraw and leave.
It can also be said that you can attack when you advance, and you can defend when you retreat.
Wang Jifeng secretly cursed the old fox, smiled slightly and said, "Mr. Zhao is indeed a righteous man."
Although he couldn't figure out why Changsun Wuji suddenly changed his mind, his heart was bleeding.
Niang Xipi’s!
At this time, hundreds of thousands of coins are thrown away every year. Who wouldn't feel sad?
Although these interests belong to the Jiangnan gentry, they have little to do with the Wang family of Taiyuan.
But who made the Jiangnan Wang family a branch of his Taiyuan Wang family?
If the Jiangnan Wang family can become the leader of Jiangnan in this incident, it will definitely be good for the Taiyuan Wang family.
Although he didn't want to agree, Wang Jifeng couldn't help it.
He vaguely guessed that Changsun Wuji must have gained some information.
Wang Jifeng didn't dare to bet, if he didn't give any benefit to this old fox.
Once Changsun Wuji gets involved in the impeachment trend, it would be strange not to push this old yin to Yang Fan's side, regardless of whether he can get Changsun Wuji's support.
Wang Jifeng had a cooperative smile on his face, but he was extremely depressed.
What was the reason for this sinister man to make such a big change?
Of course Wang Jifeng didn't know that when the hatred for a person reaches a certain limit, even a rational person will do irrational things.
The two chatted and laughed softly because of the temporary alliance. The originally quiet scene in front of the palace suddenly became noisy.
The two of them raised their heads in surprise, only to realize that at some point, a group of officials wearing military uniforms had arrived in front of the palace gate. At the front was Duke Wei Li Jing.
At this time, Li Jing was smiling and still dressed in casual clothes. He was not even wearing an official uniform, and he seemed a bit out of place among a kind of military general.
Outside the originally crowded palace gate, many officials unconsciously made way for a passage.
Li Jing walked lightly and walked up to Wang Jifeng and Changsun Wuji with a spring breeze on his face. He greeted Wang Jifeng and Changsun Wuji with a smile and said, "What are you two talking about? You are so happy. Are you discussing how to deal with Yang Fan?"
Wang Jifeng and Changsun Wuji looked at each other with surprise in their eyes.
It stands to reason that Wei Guogong Li Jing has long been ill and rarely attends court meetings.
Now he actually participated in the court meeting again, and he was aggressive as soon as he spoke. He was obviously defending Yang Fan!
If Li Jing really fully supports Yang Fan, then the situation will change dramatically.
As the most influential person in the military, even though Li Jing has already retreated behind the scenes, no one dares to underestimate his energy.
Changsun Wuji and the two could only smile brightly and said, "What did Duke Wei Wen say? Impeachment of officials is the responsibility of the censor, what does it have to do with us?"
Li Jing looked Wang Jifeng up and down, and said with a gentle smile: "I'm confused, hey, I heard that some people actually wanted to regard the heroes of the empire as corrupt and stupid officials, so I was so angry that I lost my mind. You two should not be offended by your rude words."
Although the words were said to be accomplices, these words suddenly caused a chill to rise in Changsun Wuji's heart.
Nimei!
I originally thought that Yang Fan would definitely succumb to the powerful offensive of the Jiangnan nobles, but now it seems that the outcome is unknown!
If there was really the support of these military bosses, who would dare to touch Yang Fan?
Even the emperor should think twice before acting!
Suddenly, Changsun Wuji regretted agreeing to Wang Jifeng's cooperation.
Wang Jifeng on the side also swallowed subconsciously at this time, but he still said bravely: "How can it be said that Duke Wei is speaking rudely when he defends the younger generation? However, Duke Wei has not been out for a long time, so don't let some people You were deceived, and besides, this is a matter between the Jiangnan nobles and Yang Fan, and it seems to have nothing to do with Duke Wei, right?"
The Jiangnan royal family united with the Jiangnan nobles to impeach Yang Fan, but in fact they couldn't hide it from the big bosses at the top of power.
But things have reached the point where they are now, and there is no possibility of retreating. How can Wang Jifeng just give up?
Obviously, Li Jing wanted to protect Yang Fan, just in case this old guy led a group of military generals to cause trouble...
hiss!
Wang Jifeng shivered and complained in his heart.
It was really a miscalculation. I didn't expect that the impeachment of Yang Fan would affect this military boss.
What to do now?
Wang Jifeng was a little hesitant whether he wanted to take action or not.
Li Jing was still smiling, like the old man next door, until he saw Wang Jifeng's body was getting hairy, and then he said with emotion: "I am old, I have already retired from the court, and I can't serve the empire. I am really ashamed!"
"It's difficult for Lord Shangshu to be so involved in state affairs now. He also has to lead a group of officials to collect Yang Fan's mistakes and selflessly correct them to prevent Yang Fan from going further down the wrong path. It's really a deep friendship."
"Yang Fan is also a rising star in the army. It is a great kindness to be able to receive your correction!"
Wang Jifeng's face turned red with anger and his lips trembled involuntarily.
In any case, he is also from the Wang family in Taiyuan, and Li Jing is too disrespectful to him.
Do you really think that the Wang family in Taiyuan is made of clay?
Wang Jifeng became more and more angry as he thought about it, and directly said: "Since Duke Wei knows that he is very old, why not take care of himself at home, and even participate in the intrigues in the court when he is old? Don't ruin his reputation as a wise man." .”
Wang Jifeng is not a fool.
Since he is too soft, he can only face it forcefully, otherwise others will not think that he, the Taiyuan Wang family, is easy to bully!
Throughout the dynasties, civil and military officials originally disliked each other, even in the Tang Dynasty.
An official next to Wang Jifeng also interjected at this time: "Mr. Wei Guo, what the Lord Shangshu said is right. If you are not in your position, you will not seek political power. Why do you use the big to bully the small and threaten the officials of the dynasty with your seniority? Aren't you afraid?" Have you ruined your good reputation and made the world laugh at you?"
As soon as he said this, the surrounding area immediately became quiet.
Everyone looked at the official like a fool.
Wang Jifeng dared to confront Li Jing because he had the Taiyuan Wang family as his backing.
Who is your boy?
How dare you say that!
This is Duke Wei!
He conquered most of the Tang Dynasty, and the emperor had to give him a seat when he saw him.
A fifth-rank official wearing a red robe dares to talk to Li Jing like this. Do you really think that Li Jing is an old Lianpo who can't afford to eat?
Almost everyone observed a moment of silence for the official.
Sure enough, before Li Jing could say anything, one of the generals rushed out and directly picked up the official. He stared at him coldly and said, "I didn't hear you clearly. Please say what you just said again."
The other generals also glared angrily, and a strong and sinister aura surrounded the official.
The official originally wanted to be tougher, but the moment he looked into the eyes of the military general, he immediately gave up the idea.
Because this is Cheng Yaojin? !
The cold light emitted from those bull's eyes made his face pale, his lips trembled, and one arm was thicker than his thigh. How could he resist?
However, when I thought about the support of so many civil servants behind me, my heart gradually calmed down, and I said with a bit of sternness: "I just said it, where are you going? This is Tai Chi Hall, do you dare to hit me? If you don't hurry up, I'll do it." I'll let go, believe it or not, I'll give you a copy of it for a while."
There was no change on Cheng Yaojin's face, and he said disdainfully: "Huh, it's only a courageous useless civil servant like you who stirs up trouble behind people's backs. You're really worse than a woman! Besides complaining, what else will you do?"
"Gong Wei has fought for the empire for half his life, fighting to the death with his head raised every day. How dare you speak to Duke Wei in such a tone? Do you really think I dare not hit you? Then today I will let you see what is The bloody nature of a general!"
Before he finished speaking, Cheng Yaojin's sandbag-sized fist fell on the civil servant's mouth.
After hearing an ouch, the official's mouth was filled with blood, and several blood-stained teeth were lying on the ground.
The official had never experienced such pain. He rolled his eyes and fainted.
The other civil servants on the side turned blood red after what Cheng Yaojin said.
Although every word Cheng Yaojin just cursed was directed at the official just now.
But anyone can tell that this is a reflection on all civil servants!
Have they ever been so humiliated?
But in the face of Cheng Yaojin's terrifying momentum, no one dared to speak at this time.
After all, Cheng Yaojin is a bastard who is not afraid of anything.
If anyone dares to step forward, this old bastard might rush up with his fist and beat him up.
The civilian officials were completely silent, but the military attachés cheered!
"Gong Lu Guo said it well!"
"The general is mighty!"
"If you dare to insult Duke Wei, you'll be done with it!"
Cheng Yaojin's words and actions evoked applause from the audience.
Ever since the world became stable, the status of military generals has been declining day by day, and civil servants have quietly crawled over their heads to shit on them.
These men on the battlefield, while fighting with their lives against the enemy, must always be on guard against being targeted by the imperial censor.
Otherwise, a small mistake will make it impossible to preserve the achievements that cost one's life.
Therefore, the generals naturally did not have a good look on the civilian officials.
They have long been dissatisfied with this group of people who are not doing their job. They spend all day thinking about impeaching this guy and impeaching that guy. It's so annoying!
If Cheng Yaojin's words were the trigger, then the applause from the generals raised the hatred level to its peak.
All the civil servants present turned blue with anger.
If they couldn't beat him, they would really want to rush forward and do it.
Changsun Wuji, who had been standing aside silently, couldn't help it anymore and said: "We are in awe of Duke Wei for his unparalleled bravery and military exploits. This official just made rude remarks to Duke Wei and should be severely punished."
"But the Duke of Lu State described this matter as a civil and military dispute. Is there something wrong? You must know that we are all officials in the same dynasty and work for the empire, but the division of labor is different. You have to give us a reason to slander civil officials like this. Let’s explain.”
As the head of the civil service, Changsun Wuji had to stand up.
If he remains silent at this moment, who will listen to him if he wants to lead the officials in the future?
Cheng Yaojin didn't pay attention at all, his eyes widened, and he said: "Zhao Guogong is really good at inciting hatred. I scolded this little guy, and beat him because he has a mean mouth. What do you want? If you want to I don’t feel comfortable with myself, and I have no problem with any reputation being pinned on myself!”
Changsun Wuji was furious, but he had to shut up quickly.
If you continue to talk about it, wouldn’t you just put a blame on yourself?
Will you only stir up trouble later?
Who dares to wear such a hat?
Besides, he didn't want to get involved with this old bastard who only spoke with his fists, so he had no choice but to keep his mouth shut.
(End of chapter)
