"Do you know who Mr. Hong is?" Chang Jun, the censor of the left capital of the Metropolitan Procuratorate, asked Zhang Jie, the deputy censor of the right capital, in a low voice. Since he is responsible for supervising officials in the southern provinces, how much should officials above the fifth rank be punished? Have some understanding.
"As far as the official knows, that person is from Anlu, Jinghu North Road, and was born as a scientific officer. He once observed government affairs in Zongren Mansion and Honglu Temple, and was later hired by Da Zongzheng to serve as an official for three years.
After that, he was recommended to be in charge of the Ministry of Rites, and then went out to serve as the magistrate of Qi County. Later, he was transferred to the Metropolitan Procuratorate to do the capital affairs and experience. It was sent to Jiangxi early last year. "Zhang Jie was already prepared and immediately spoke up after hearing Shangguan's question.
"Oh? Da Zongzheng?" Chang Jun frowned.
Zhang Jie saw that there was no one nearby and said softly: "I heard that this Hong Danian has a good appearance and married Zheng Shou's adopted daughter while he was the head of the Ministry of Rites."
"Huh? Adopted daughter?" Chang Jun looked over in surprise.
"Some people say that this lady is also Da Zongzheng's goddaughter. She gives gifts during New Years and birthdays, and..."
"And what?"
"And her facial features are quite similar to Da Zongzheng's, but Da Zongzheng's wife never saw her when she came to visit her..."
"Cough, cough, cough..." Chang Jun interrupted the other party with a series of dry coughs. He waved his hand to refuse Zhang Jie's pat on his back, and whispered: "Don't mention this kind of thing again!" He glanced around: "So, how about being an official in Hong Danian? Is there anything wrong with it?"
"There is nothing wrong that has been observed so far." Zhang Jie shook his head: "Oh, last time he initiated the impeachment of Yang Tao first, and then hundreds of officials followed up, so everyone has the impression that this person is a master who is not afraid of power."
"I got it." Chang Jun continued walking to the main hall, while whispering: "Today's meeting, no one can bring up this matter. We are all procurators and will not interfere, and we will see who is jumping around.
Tell Mr. Gao this statement and let him pay attention. The three of us will get together again after the next court session and we will elaborate on it then. "
"I understand." After Zhang Jie finished speaking, he went to enjoy himself.
Chang Jun stood under the corridor outside the palace and turned around to see Xie Minhong looking at him with a smile. "Good morning, Mr. Xie. It's not bright yet, but Mr. Xie's face looks red and happy. I don't know why?" Chang Jun said teasingly.
Xie Minhong smiled nonchalantly, walked over and said, "Mr. Chang looks a little worried. I don't know what you are worried about?
Let me guess, maybe it's because someone impeached a sixth-grade official in Jiangxi? And by coincidence, this person was released from outside the Metropolitan Procuratorate, right? "
"Your Excellency is well-informed!"
"No, it's just because I am in Zhongshu and close to the cabinet, so I got the news a few days earlier than you, so I did more homework." Xie Minhong's words were calm, but Chang Jun's face felt a little feverish.
It stands to reason that the Metropolitan Procuratorate should be very keenly aware of this matter, but for some reason, His Majesty handed the memorial to the Cabinet. The Cabinet had been discussing it in a small area in the first few days, and it was not until yesterday that the matter was notified to the Metropolitan Procuratorate. It made him feel very passive.
"It's just a sixth-grade local official." Chang Jun pretended to be understated: "This is not an impeachment at all. It can be reported directly to the Chief Envoy.
I think it was Shi Hao who had just taken office and suddenly ascended to a high position, so he didn't follow the rules. He actually sent a memorial through the Ministry of War. It was a serious matter but it was a mess! The emperor should have sent people to reprimand him! "
"Haha, your Excellency is absolutely right." Xie Minhong held his hands and said: "However, if this matter is solved locally, it will not be heard by heaven, and the officials and people in Shangjing will have less to talk about. Sir Chang, you Say so?"
"Huh?" Chang Jun didn't turn around for a while.
Xie Minhong laughed: "It's just a joke, adults, please don't take it seriously." After saying that, he cupped his hands and walked away.
Chang Jun listened to the meaningless words for a long time and couldn't make sense of it, but he knew that Xie Minhong definitely didn't come to chat with him for nothing.
He glanced around and saw a young eunuch not far away blinking at him twice and wandering over as if nothing was wrong.
The eunuch, wearing the uniform of a low-level official, passed in front of him, stepped aside to give way and saluted, and said in a low voice: "King Xiang."
"Well, what's wrong with Prince Xiang?"
"I don't know. I heard His Majesty say it several times after Mr. Xie came here." After saying that, the two of them passed each other.
"Hiss!" Could this matter have something to do with King Xiang? Chang Jun suddenly remembered what Zhang Jie had just said: Zongren Mansion, Jinghu North Road. What is this scenario? He narrowed his eyes and became more and more determined not to speak today.
The time has come, and officials from the six ministries lined up to enter the palace. Then, after the censor on duty shouted: "Quiet!", Eunuch Liu walked out from behind the screen first. "His Majesty the Emperor has arrived, playing music!"
After he finished shouting, the musicians in the east inner corridor began to play music. Zhao Tuo came out and climbed onto the cloud platform, sitting on the dragon head chair behind the imperial script table made of red rosewood.
The emperor straightened his clothes, raised his hand slightly, and the music stopped. The Taichang Temple official on duty said: "Today at the court meeting, hundreds of officials are going to see the emperor, and they will kneel three times and kowtow nine times. Everyone, come forward and bow! The chief minister will sing congratulations on behalf of all the officials!"
"Your Majesty, Yang Zhen, leads all the officials to meet the Emperor. Long live my Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"
The officials then said: "Long live my emperor, long live my emperor!"
Then the Master of Salvation shouted: "Kowtow once, kowtow again, kowtow three times, Xing! Worship...!" Do this three times until he shouts: "The ceremony is completed! The officials are arranged on both sides according to the civil and military positions!"
At this time, soft music sounded, with the civil servants on the emperor's left hand and the military attaches on the right, standing facing each other according to their rank. After standing up, the censor from the palace checked that there were no mistakes. Everyone stood up after bowing, and the music stopped.
At this time, Eunuch Liu looked at the emperor. If the emperor had nothing to say, he would ask: "Do you have any important matters to report to heaven?" But when he saw Zhao Tuo nodding, he said loudly to the audience: "My ministers and workers, do you have any important matters to report to heaven?" , please listen to His Majesty’s instructions.”
Everyone was stunned for a moment. It was rare for the emperor to speak first during a court meeting. This immediately attracted everyone's attention. They bowed and said, "Please give me your instructions!"
"I haven't seen you for a long time, and I miss you very much. It's winter now, and there are earth dragons in the palace who don't feel the cold yet. I wonder if your family and others are all well? Are the people well?"
The officials were so moved that some even had tears in their eyes. "I would like to thank Your Majesty for your concern, and I also wish Your Majesty well, as well as the Queen Mother and the Queen's health!"
Yang Jin took the lead with a choked voice, and everyone then saluted upwards and repeated their words of thanks to the emperor and blessings to the harem.
"Although I am the emperor, I also know that it is not easy for the common people and it is not easy for hundreds of officials to live in the capital. Ministry of Industry, how is the reserve of your coal department this year?" Zhao Tuo asked.
Generally, if the emperor did not directly name him, the chief ministers of the ministries did not have to stand up and reply. Therefore, Yangzhong, the left minister, immediately left his duties, saluted upward, and replied:
"My left minister, Yang Zhong, reported back to Your Majesty that due to heavy rains this year, the Fire Charcoal Department currently only has 70% of what it has accumulated in previous years. It has urgently mobilized supplies from Henan, Shandong, and Jianghuai. If it can be mobilized in full, there will be no big problem."
The emperor frowned after hearing this answer, obviously dissatisfied. "The Secretary of Firewood is responsible for the supply of firewood to the palace, hundreds of officials, and the garrison in the capital. How can they use only 70% of the firewood supply? What's more, if the officials only have 70% of the supply, is the situation among the people even less so?"
Seeing that Yang Zhong couldn't answer, he simply waved his hand, then looked at the back of the queue: "Is Guide Mansion coming?"
"I'm here!" ordered Xuan, the magistrate of Guide Prefecture, to come out quickly.
"Can you answer my question?"
"Your Majesty, it is true that the firewood market is not going well this year. The price of firewood has risen from four cents per load to six cents per load, and the price of charcoal has also generally increased by 20 to 30%." Ling Xuan replied hurriedly:
“The reason is that the surrounding area has been heavily logged, and the demand for fuelwood has increased with the increase in population. Nowadays, the number of forests nearby has decreased, and a lot of fuelwood already comes from Suizhou, so the price continues to rise.
I am worried that even if we can get through this year, the situation will become more serious tomorrow and the year after! "
"Then...do you have a solution?"
"This..., Your Majesty, there are only a few things that can be solved within the scope of this government. Originally, even if the Emperor did not ask, I would still have to report to the court and ask the court for coordination. Otherwise, if a problem arises due to a shortage of fuel after winter, I will be punished. Sorry!"
As he spoke, he took out a memorial from his sleeve and presented it with both hands. Liang Wu went over to take it and put it on the emperor's desk.
"This matter is indeed no small matter!" The emperor patted the cover of the memorial and said, "Chief Assistant, I know you are very busy, but this matter is urgent and I hope it will be dealt with first."
"I obey the decree."
The Guide Mansion was eagerly waiting for the emperor to say a few more words. Who would have thought that Zhao Tuo reached out and handed the memorial to Liang Wu, and Liang Wu gave it to Yang Jin to collect. Ling Xuan had to sigh secretly and return to the class.
Of course, according to the rules, he should report to the cabinet first instead of running to the main hall and handing it directly to the emperor. Wouldn't that make everyone in the cabinet look bad?
So now that the emperor is aware of this matter and the memorial has been handed over to the cabinet, then let's just follow the destiny of the people and affairs. Fortunately, the responsibility has now been transferred to the shoulders of the chief minister.
Then everyone heard the emperor ask: "By the way, Chief Assistant, has the cabinet discussed the impeachment memorial submitted by the Chief Envoy of Jiangxi through the Ministry of War? What are your opinions?"
Yang Zhen was stunned. He looked around. He was a little confused as to why the emperor would mention this matter here in front of the ministers. "Your Majesty, after all, that is the impeachment of a sixth-grade official. It seems... there is no need to discuss it at this meeting, right?"
"My dear, since the chief envoy came all the way to submit this impeachment, Shi Hao is saying that he feels that he has no control over the matter and wants to ask the court for an opinion, right?" A sneer appeared at the corner of Zhao Tuo's mouth.
"This..." Yang Zhen didn't know what the emperor was going to do.
He was still hesitating, but someone in the queue behind him had already raised a fluorenic tablet. Seeing the emperor nodding, the censor in front of the palace asked him to come out of the queue. After saluting, he said loudly: "Your Majesty, the censor of the capital procuratorate, You Qian, has worked hard to impeach Shi Hao. ...!"
"Hey, take your time, take your time." Zhao Tuo smiled and pressed his hand down: "I know what you are going to say. But why does Shi Hao do this? Can you explain it to me?"
"Uh." Fei Jin suddenly got stuck.
Gao Xingsheng and Zhang Jie in the queue were gloating over their misfortune. Gao Xin thought, this is my job, why are you robbing me?
Zhang Ze knew that Fei Jin was getting close to Xie Minhong and thought that he had jumped out at Xie's instigation, so he was happy to see him blushing.
However, when he glanced at Chang Jun secretly, he found that his Shangguan was expressionless. He suddenly remembered what Chang Jun asked him to pass on to Gao Sheng before entering the palace, and immediately restrained himself and continued to see how this would play out.
"I, I thought..." Fei Jin was already standing in front of the emperor. He said that he would definitely offend others, not to mention the emperor. He gritted his teeth and said:
"Shi Butu did not dare to specialize because Li Dan was promoted by His Majesty not long ago from a small provincial inspector to the Xuanfu Department. This matter was mentioned in a memorial briefing the Ministry of War on the situation.
I think that this person, as a commander-in-chief, does not want to suppress thieves, but concentrates on working hard to please and flatter His Majesty. I would like to order him to be severely reprimanded so that he will be wary and dare not speculate again. "
"Well, your advice is very good, I should take it into consideration." After saying this, Zhao Tuo waved his hand and quickly returned to the queue to wipe his sweat quietly.
"Everyone has heard what Fei Qing said just now, and it's just because of this trivial matter. I didn't expect that this matter has become a talking point among the people in Shangjing, and some people may even set up bets and bookmakers for this purpose. How funny!”
"Although the matter is minor, there is a lot of public opinion at the moment, and the court should give an explanation as soon as possible."
"What the chief minister said is absolutely true. He is indeed a mature man who seeks to conquer the country!" Zhao Tuofu said, "Then, have you made a decision? Let's talk about it."
Yang Zhen had no choice but to take a look at Cifu, and Han Wei went out to announce: "Your Majesty, this matter has been discussed by the ministers.
If Li Dan really hid the deserted troops and protected the rebel leader, the circumstances would be very serious. He should be stripped of his title and handed over to the Jiangxi Procuratorate for trial. But..." He looked up at the emperor and then at his colleagues around him:
"However, it is still unclear whether the impeachment mentioned above is true. At the same time, I am also concerned that the suppression of bandits in Jiangxi is still in full swing. Is it appropriate to arrest on the spot? I think it is best to investigate secretly first and not to make a big move. Avoid affecting military morale."
The cabinet's opinion was very cunning. It said that if it was really necessary to punish severely, it also said that the time was not right to reveal this now. It would be better to conduct a secret visit first and wait until the war is over.
This is an opinion that neither party can offend. Undercover visits will come and go. If the emperor is not happy, maybe the matter will be dropped. But if His Majesty plans to play "good bow hiding", then this is a good excuse for the cabinet to make arrangements for His Majesty in advance!
Zhao Tuo naturally heard this meaning and smiled slightly: "You have a far-reaching plan for the country and have thought carefully about it."
"Your Majesty is so complimentary." The cabinet members, including Han Wei, quickly bowed down humbly.
"It's really not easy to kill someone at this time." Everyone in the palace was stunned when they heard the word used by the emperor. Zhao Tuo took out Li Dan's booklet from his sleeve and said:
"Li Dan has just presented me with the Spring and Autumn Ceremony of the Empress Dowager. She has not seen Fengning County Prince for a long time, so she sent people to the Jiangxi front line to ask them to send people to respond.
Li Dan led more than a thousand people, all riding horses and chariots, and traveled hundreds of miles a day to attack Guixi, Geyang, and Xing'an counties, and mobilized Guangxin's Yintuo tribe to return reinforcements.
Instead, he went straight to Guangxin City and opened the gates of Guangxin City, killed its guards and seized its food and grass. Then he took the various ministries scattered outside Shangrao City, the defeated army, thousands of rescued prisoners, and the thousands of prisoners from the counties. It took a whole day and night to transport the thirty to forty thousand stones of grain and grass collected into Shangrao.
Because the king of Fengning County vowed to share the joys and sorrows with the soldiers and the people, Li Dan returned with his son, breaking through many obstacles along the way, setting up an ambush and defeating the elite cavalry of the Lou bandits, and using tricks to cross the sea and pass through Xing'an, Geyang, and Guixi, which were recaptured by the bandits. County, has returned to Anren to rest a few days ago. Half of the thousand people he carried were injured. "
The emperor looked at the silent officials below and asked, "Please, wait a minute, how is this person doing?"
"Your Majesty, is this true? If so, Shangrao will definitely not be able to get off easily. When the officers and soldiers are encircled, the Lou thieves will have nowhere to escape!" Yang Shi'an, the left minister of the Ministry of War, said excitedly.
Standing at the front of the line of military attachés, the Left Governor of the Fifth Army Governor's Mansion, Shan Hou Cao Dayuan, and the Right Governor Hou Xie looked at each other and left the squad:
"Since Taizong's general Yang Ge led a thousand troops into Shaanxi and Gansu and conquered four cities in succession, there has been no news of similar achievements. If Li Dan really did this, I conclude that he must be a general gifted by God." Congratulations to your majesty, congratulations to your majesty!"
A group of military attaches immediately followed: "Congratulations and congratulations to Your Majesty!"
"Wait a minute!" Everyone looked at the sound, but Zheng Shou, the right servant of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, came out and said: "Your Majesty, no matter how brave Li Dan is, even if he really kills a hundred thousand rebels and takes out the prince, If he was at fault, he should still be punished!"
"Hey, Mr. Zheng, this is a bit too harsh. You can't hide your faults!" Xie Minzhong advised.
"Yes, being able to send reinforcements and food to the defenders among thousands of troops, and also pick up the prince's prince and defeat the enemy's elite pursuers, this is not something ordinary people can do." Hou Xie suddenly realized, Pat your forehead with one hand:
"Oh, I understand. He must have recruited traitors during this process. Otherwise, how could he break through the encirclement?"
Cao Dayuan also nodded and stroked his beard and said: "It is a helpless act to make a decision at the last moment, and it is excusable. I hope your Majesty will not deal with it in a hurry, investigate the truth secretly, find out the truth, and make a decision before it is too late!"
The emperor had already greeted the two old military leaders and asked them to see the opportunity to cooperate with him in court today. Seeing them talking, the military attachés were already nodding their heads, and most of the civilian officials also agreed. The emperor then looked towards the Imperial Procuratorate: "What do you think, Lord Yushitai?"
At this time, Chang Jun could no longer pretend to be a fairy, and hurriedly left the class to salute and said: "I thought that all my colleagues had good opinions. The war has just turned for the better, and a wise man would not do anything like this to undermine morale and chill the heroes.
But if it is indeed wrong, it should be corrected as Master Zheng said. This is the atmosphere of the Holy Dynasty and the choice of a wise king. I agree to the secret visit! "
"Okay!" Zhao Tuo stood up: "Gong is merit, fault is fault, merit is rewarded, and fault is punished!"
"Your Majesty!" Yang Min called softly.
Zhao Tuo looked over, smiled and asked, "What does the chief minister have to say?"
"Your Majesty, you cannot reward me!"
"The words of the Chief Assistant are strange. Not rewarding meritorious service will chill the hearts of the soldiers?" Cao Dayuan frowned.
"Marquis Cao doesn't know, Li Dan, he, he was just knighted and awarded an officer not long ago. For a sixteen-year-old boy, he is a knight-errant, which is very good!"
"What, only sixteen years old?" There was an uproar in the court. The censor on duty quickly shouted to stop: "Quiet, don't be disrespectful in front of your Majesty!"
When the palace became quiet again, Hou Xie said disapprovingly: "I think there is nothing wrong with it. The former champions were also young generals, such as Luo Cheng in the Sui Dynasty, Xue Na in the Tang Dynasty, and Yue Yun in the Southern Song Dynasty..."
"What Old General Hou said is true, but which of these young generals will end well?" Yang Zhen asked, and Hou Xie was speechless. "If Your Majesty is interested in this person, it is only right to train and test him slowly. If you increase the reward too quickly, it will harm him!"
"What the chief minister said is reasonable, but it is unreasonable to refuse to reward him for such great achievements." Zhao Tuo nodded: "Let's do this. I won't give him a promotion. I will give him a higher rank. This is also Is it reasonable and legal?
In addition, the officials appointed by the imperial court in the recovered areas are temporarily unable to take up their posts. He is allowed to select five or six subordinates who have great merit, are literate, and can work hard. They can serve as regiment training, inspection, chief bookkeeper, and county captain, and they can be assigned to various places. . How about appreciating his achievements but not his people? "
"Your Majesty, Holy Might!"
"In addition, when writing about the Jiangxi Chief Envoy and the Prosecution and Prosecution Department, Hong accused his colleagues without any basis or evidence. It is not a small crime to disturb the morale of the army during the war. Write a stern reprimand to see the consequences!"
Yang Zhen was stunned for a moment. He originally wanted to object, but immediately realized that this might be the best, so he had to lower his head: "I obey the order!"
Some people died, but not completely...
