July 22, early morning.
After the ministers arrived at Fengtian Hall, Zhu Youtang did not come for a long time. He did not give any reason for his absence or delay. He just asked the ministers to wait there.
Both civil servants and Wu Xun knew that there would be an unusual "contest" in the court today. After the earthquake, Zhu Youtang had a reason to punish traditional civil servants. As for the extent to which he would take advantage of the situation, they were not clear yet.
It seems that the later the emperor comes, the bigger the matter will be.
But in fact, Zhu Youtang was in charge of his two brothers-in-law at the Qianqing Palace at this time. As the key figures in Zhu Houzhao's disappearance, Zhang Heling and Zhang Yanling were "caught" by the Jinyi guards and were kneeling at the gate of the Qianqing Palace, accepting Zhu Youtang's cross-examination.
"...Your Majesty, it was all forced by the prince. The prince said that if he didn't listen to him, he would beat the two brothers to death with bricks. He also said that he would tell the queen about the construction of the family temple..."
"What about building a family temple, second brother, don't talk nonsense!"
"Yes, they just want to kill us."
Zhu Youtang rolled his eyes after hearing this.
How could this incompetent brother-in-law help his son escape from the heavily guarded palace? Did you get out of the city successfully?
Xiao Jing asked hurriedly: "Two uncles, just tell me where the prince is now. Finding him is more important than anything else."
"I don't know." The Zhang brothers said almost in unison.
Zhu Youtang said angrily: "You took people out of the city, how dare you say you don't know?"
Zhang Heling said: "After leaving the city, the prince first drove the two ministers to the east. When they arrived at a place, the internal officials of the East Palace drove the car. The two ministers did not even have a car, so they walked to the capital on two legs. When they came back, there was a Exhausted... As for the prince... It should be that the carriage of Yichen and the two of them continues to go south. He said he was going to see Duke Lai. Yichen guessed that this matter was probably instigated by Duke Lai. "
Zhu Youtang's face was full of anger and he said: "At this moment, you still want to put the blame on others? If you weren't usually arrogant and domineering, how could the city gate officials not search your carriage? If you hadn't led him If he has the ability to fly out of the city, can he get out?"
Just as he was talking, Yang Peng came up and said, "Your Majesty, we have found the carriage of Shouning Marquis and Jianchang Bo in a farm thirty miles outside the city."
"Where are the people?" Zhu Youtang asked sharply.
Yang Peng hesitated: "No one was seen, but all the money, silk and other belongings were taken away. They probably transferred to something else. Maybe they were going to Tongzhou and took a boat on the canal to go south."
Xiao Jing asked coldly: "Jin Yiwei's fast horse chased eastward for so long, but he didn't catch anyone?"
Yang Peng said: "Around the farm, it is said that someone bought a carriage and went north."
"To the north?" Zhu Youtang's voice trembled when he heard it.
We finally have several younger sons, but now that the eldest son has run away... I have to lose one by one. Calculating this transaction, I still made a "loss" because it is not easy to raise the eldest son to such an old age. After all, children can get sick and cause disasters. It's easy not to grow up.
On the contrary, at Zhu Houzhao's age, it is unlikely that he would be able to survive an accident.
Yang Peng looked anxious and said: "My servant carefully checked and found that there are not many people in the carriage going north. We are already chasing it, and at the same time, we have deployed manpower around Tongzhou."
Zhu Youtang said sharply: "What was the result of the interrogation by those in the East Palace?"
Yang Peng said: "The review has been completed. I told you that before leaving the palace, the prince often asked about Xishan..."
"Okay." Zhu Youtang looked annoyed, "This is an attack from the east to the west, deliberately pretending to be in the opposite direction, and using the carriage to go north... His goal is to go to the Western Mountains. Going east is just a cover, but there is a plan. Are people going to Xishan?"
Yang Peng was stunned for a moment.
He couldn't imagine that Zhu Houzhao, a naughty kid, actually went to Xishan?
etc……
Who said that the prince just went to the west? Why is he going to Xishan? Is that place fun?
Xiao Jing said with a scolding look on his face: "Why are you standing there in a daze? Why don't you send someone else soon?"
"Yes." Yang Peng was also punched until his head was as big as two.
The key is not that Zhu Houzhao's move is difficult to predict, but that the emperor also intervened and said that the prince was going west? Wouldn't it mean that we should allocate manpower to chase west? Even if Dongchang and Jinyiwei have a lot of manpower, if they really want to chase someone and the other party is willing to hide, it's really like looking for a needle in a haystack.
Zhu Youtang said angrily: "A living person can actually let him escape under your eyes? Are you going to make me angry to death? No one can worry..."
These words probably cursed Yu Chaoshang together with the ministers who were waiting for him to go to court.
Yang Peng was obedient and did not dare to refute.
Xiao Jing said: "The purpose of the prince's leaving the city is probably to go to Yingtian Mansion to find Duke Lai. The prince doesn't know anyone outside."
Zhu Youtang glanced at him and said, "Then do you know which path he takes? Or are you just the roundworm in his belly and know where his thoughts are?"
Xiao Jing quickly lowered his head and stopped answering.
"Take these two back. They are not allowed to leave the house within three months. No one can intercede!" Zhu Youtang finally turned his anger on the Zhang brothers, "If the prince encounters something bad outside, Good thing, I will ask you again!"
"I'm wronged." Zhang Heling was still shouting at the back of Zhu Youtang who was walking away, "It's all Zhang Bingkuan's fault. He was the one who instigated the prince to leave the city. The two Chen brothers were also victims..."
…
…
"You two, please."
After Zhu Youtang took Xiao Jing and other eunuchs to Fengtian Palace, Yang Peng cautiously said to the Zhang brothers.
Zhang Heling got angry at Yang Peng: "Well, your surname is Yang, but you haven't found the prince yet. What are your intentions?"
Zhang Yanling said: "Brother, didn't we take the person out? He couldn't find him, which just proves that we took him out well."
"Second brother, you were kicked in the head by a donkey? Now you have to learn how to shift the blame! Only when the blame falls on others can we be safe." Zhang Heling finished teaching his brother loudly, and then got angry at Yang Peng, "It must be going east. That guy also asked about Tongzhou, but you didn’t find it?”
Yang Peng said helplessly: "We have checked all the carriages along the way, but there is no one there."
"Who said he would definitely leave by carriage? And he might not follow the official path. Look at that kid, there are five or six of them, they are very good and evil. They are like ghosts along the way..." Zhang Heling mentioned Zhu Houzhao, I hate it so much that my teeth itch.
It was only Zhang Zhouzhou who was plotting against him before, but now he is also being plotted by Zhu Houzhao? In addition to the more than 6,000 taels of silver that was defrauded before, this is the second time that I have suffered a big loss.
Yang Peng reminded: "The two uncles are talking about the prince's attendants, right? You should be careful what you say."
The one on the left said "that kid", and the other said "five people and six people". You, Hou Ning, are afraid that others will not know that you are disrespectful to the prince, right?
Zhang Heling said angrily: "You know who it is, but I don't believe it. He went out to take a few big people, and he can still run away? Are you, Dongchang and Jinyiwei, just doing it?"
Yang Peng said: "Marquis Shouning, I don't need you to give me advice on Jinyiwei's affairs. You should mind your own business. Don't leave your house in the past three months. There are people in Dongchang who are watching you. Once found, ...You still have to report it truthfully.”
"You dare to threaten me?" Zhang Heling said angrily.
"Don't dare, our family is just doing business. Come, please invite the two uncles back to the house. They will take good care of you on the way, but you must not let anyone hijack the carriage again. The safety of the two uncles is important, even if If people want to use a horse-drawn carriage for convenience, that’s not possible.”
Yang Peng is now riding a tiger with difficulty.
The prince hasn't been found yet. If the Zhang brothers come up with something else, it will be really exciting.
…
…
Inside Fengtian Hall.
Many ministers thought that Zhu Youtang was afraid that there would be aftershocks before the earthquake ended, so he did not dare to hold court meetings in the palace.
Unexpectedly, Zhu Youtang learned from Zhang Zhou that the earthquake only happened once, and it passed away. He didn't panic at all, and still appeared in Fengtian Palace with three eunuchs, the Chief of Ceremonies.
Judging from the shy and annoyed look on Zhu Youtang's face when he arrived, the emperor was still angry...
When the ministers saw the emperor's expression, they probably knew that there was going to be a bloody storm in the court today, but they didn't know that what Zhu Youtang was angry about was that his son was missing. It had been a day and two nights and there was still no news.
"Dear gentlemen, you all experienced yesterday's earthquake, do you still need me to say anything?" Zhu Youtang made the opening remarks after the court's courtesy.
Liu Jian came out and said: "There is a disaster. It is because I did not do my best to support the country. I am begging to return to my fields. I hope your majesty will give you permission."
"It's my fault." Many people came out, as if they wanted to take the responsibility for yesterday's earthquake.
Seeing that many people were about to resign, Zhu Youtang felt that these people were using a special way to put pressure on him, so he immediately raised his hand and said: "I have already said that disasters and disasters are all accidental. Is it because of accidents?" It’s a different matter if God punishes you. If there is any disaster and someone has to bear the responsibility, then that person is me.”
"Your Majesty." Liu Jian wanted to say something, but Zhu Youtang reached out to stop him.
Zhu Youtang said: "Because Bingkuan prophesied in advance that there would be an earthquake, the people around the capital were on guard, and so far no injuries have been reported. Shuntian Mansion!"
"I'm here." Zhang Xian, Yin of Shuntian Prefecture, came out and raised the wat board. "The earthquake affected only forty miles around the capital. No earthquake was felt in Tongzhou, fifty miles away. No humans or animals were harmed. Only the houses outside the city were affected. Some collapsed, but no humans or animals were involved. Shuntian Prefecture and its subordinate county offices have patrolled everywhere to ensure that the people are safe."
"very good."
Zhu Youtang nodded with satisfaction. This probably means that the credit for this disaster prevention should be attributed to Zhang Zhou.
"Bingkuan takes the greatest credit." Zhu Youtang concluded.
The following ministers who jointly participated in the impeachment of Zhang Zhou were very angry, but the problem was... Zhang Zhou was right about even the earthquake. If we still attribute the "cause" of the earthquake to the fact that the emperor favored Zhang Zhou As a result, they also said that the disaster was coming from heaven...The emperor would probably repeat his old trick and directly send people to prison.
For those who talk about disasters, don’t blame me for punishing you directly with disasters!
I have already said that this is a natural phenomenon, and you have to make connections... But do you have any evidence that this is related to Zhang Zhou? Since there is no evidence...then my words are evidence. Whoever comes out to look for trouble will be in trouble himself.
Zhu Youtang said: "I have read the previous memorial to Tu Qing, the Minister of Civil Affairs, asking for his resignation. He is old and sick, and has asked me to resign many times. I have given my permission."
"Thank you for your understanding, Your Majesty." Tu Yu knew that his political career was over.
It had been expected for a long time, but I didn't expect it to end in this way. After I left, the position of Minister of the Ministry of Personnel would be related to his recommendation and the people supported by traditional civil servants, and it would belong to him. The people behind the faction can get the greatest benefit from this fluctuation.
At least several of the six ministers can be counted.
But now it seems...even if those people are still ministers, they will probably be transferred to Nanjing.
Zhu Youtang said: "Previously, the court discussed who should succeed the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel."
Liu Jian looked in the direction of Tu Yu, then walked out and said, "It's Ni Yue, the former Minister of War in Nanjing."
Ni Yue was a "tragic figure" in the Ming Dynasty. He originally served well as the Minister of Rites, but in order to make way for his relative Dang Xu Qiong to ascend to the throne, he was assigned to Nanjing as the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, and later moved to Nanjing as the Minister of the Ministry of War... In Nanjing, the Ministry of War Because the Shangshu had the responsibility of controlling the military power in Nanjing, he belonged to the real power faction like the Shangshu of Nanhubu, and his status was above the Shangshu of the Libu of Nanjing.
This time Xu Qiong retired, and the ministers felt that Ni Yue had been treated unfairly, and they all wanted to use his qualifications to come back and become the Minister of the Ministry of Civil Affairs.
Zhu Youtang said: "Ni Yue does have this ability. For the post of Minister of War in Nanjing left by Ni Yue, I recommend Zhang Zhou, Duke of Lai State. Do you have any objections?"
Appoint candidates directly.
As for Ni Yue, I agree to follow your advice, but I must give up the military power in Nanjing so that my Bingkuan can work for me in Nanjing.
Liu Jiandao: "Your Majesty, the Duke of Lai is still young and has been in office for less than three years. I'm afraid...it is difficult for him to bear such a heavy responsibility."
Zhu Youtang asked: "How many times did Bingkuan use troops in the northwest and Liaodong? I think he was very calm every time he did things. Some people say that he took the risk of invasion when using troops, but when he conquered the Jurchens in Liaodong, he managed to survive without being impatient or impatient. , all the border towns have very good reviews of him, even Datong Governor Ma Zhongxi, who once had a strong opinion of him, recently proposed that Bingkuan should replace him... Can you say that Bingkuan has no qualifications? "
Li Dongyang came out and said, "But he already has a military title."
"Can't he be both civil and military?" Zhu Youtang asked, "I didn't ask him to be a distinguished garrison minister in Nanjing. Besides, Nanjing still has garrison officers, coordinated garrison, etc., or do you think Bingkuan went to Nanjing to use troops?"
The emperor's attitude was very firm.
Liu Jian and Li Dongyang just came out to oppose "as a rule" to show their attitude. It was not that they thought they could really make the emperor take back his life.
Wouldn't it be better to let Zhang Zhou become the Minister of War in Nanjing? In fact, from the perspective of top civil servants such as Liu Jian, this is a good thing.
Since there is no stopping Zhang Zhou from becoming the Minister, it would be better to let him become the Minister of the Six Ministries of Nanjing, at least out of sight.
"I have sent people to investigate Min Gui, the censor of Zuodu in the Metropolitan Procuratorate. There is no corruption or perversion of the law. However, he is old and ignorant. It is really difficult for him to take up a big job and let him return to his hometown... In the past few days, the Ministry of Civil Affairs has elected a new leftist. As for the selection of the Imperial Censor, as for the others... I have been considering it as appropriate in the past few days, I don’t want to replace too many courtiers at once, everything is based on stability.”
…
…
The meeting is over.
The emperor did not get angry in the court, and everything seemed to be under control. However, the matter of impeaching Zhang Zhou... seemed to have been suppressed by a hailstorm and an earthquake.
The ministers were united to kill Zhang Zhou, but when things came to a head, they found that "God's will cannot be violated." When Zhang Zhou's mouth was always able to congratulate Zhang Zhou with "disasters", the ministers also wanted to use "disasters" to criticize Zhang Zhou If this goes on, the emperor will feel that the minister is deliberately targeting him.
After leaving Fengtian Hall, the ministers became much more taciturn.
Tu Jie became an official, which means that the former vanguard of Zhang Zhou ended his political career. It seems that Ni Yue will be transferred to Beijing, but due to the long distance from Nanjing to Beijing, it will take at least more than a month for Ni Yue to take office. .
The errands of the staff are basically handled by Han Wen, who is the right servant and will probably be the left servant.
It seems that the remaining yamen of the six departments have not been transferred for the time being, but the emperor also made it clear that he does not want to change too many at once, but he will not be polite when choosing recent replacements.
"What to do?"
Bai Ang, the Minister of Punishment, looked sideways at Liu Jian, Li Dongyang and others.
He knows it very well.
After Tu Tong retired, he was next. Because there were many unfinished tasks in the Ministry of Household Affairs and the Ministry of Works, Zhou Jing and Xu Guan had to postpone their appointment to official positions, while it was relatively easy to take over the errands of the Ministry of Punishments.
Moreover, Min Gui and Bai Ang are close to each other. They are both heads of the Sanfa Division. Now Wang Shi, the minister of Dali Temple, is not qualified to be the minister. The original candidate to succeed Bai Ang as the minister of the Ministry of Punishment was also Min Gui... As With Min Gui taking office, Bai Ang felt that the succession order of his prison system was completely disrupted.
"Please ask for orders again." Li Dongyang said calmly.
These words seemed ambiguous, which made Bai Ang feel that the cabinet seemed unable to protect the Sanfa Division.
It’s also strange that Min Gui fought so fiercely with Zhang Zhou before. After Zhang Zhou entered the court, Min Gui would come out to object to anything involving Zhang Zhou in the court. This time, he even said everything. Min Gui was just ordered to do so. To become an official seems to be regarded as "exceptionally gracious" by the emperor.
Liu Jian and Li Dongyang walked in front.
All the ministers also dispersed one after another. Only Xie Qian took a few steps back and came to Bai Ang and said, "Go around more with the people in Nanjing and ask about things over there. There might be someone else over at the Hanlin Academy..." Will be transferred back to Beijing."
"Who?" Bai Ang didn't quite understand, why did Xie Qian suddenly come over to tell him about the Hanlin Academy? Does this have anything to do with who will succeed the Minister of Punishment?
Xie Qian sighed: "Who else could it be? The one who was in prison before."
There was no need to say who it was, Bai Ang instantly understood that it was Cheng Minzheng.
When the Six Ministries were considering candidates to succeed the Minister, Cheng Minzheng, who was in charge of the Southern Hanlin Academy in Nanjing, was not included at all, or in other words, this person was ignored.
But after the earthquake in the capital, the emperor clearly wanted to use someone close to Zhang Zhou. As a Hanlin scholar, Cheng Minzheng had the qualifications to join the cabinet or become a minister.
The emperor would probably start with Cheng Minzheng and cooperate with Lin Han after entering the court. The people who are close to Zhang Zhou, or the Zhang faction, are equivalent to two ministers.
(End of chapter)
