Mr. Wang lied consciously: "Ah, my subordinate has done some small business recently and made some money. I just want to change to a bigger house."
Chang Feng sat opposite Wang Zongqi and asked: "What kind of small business? Gold business? Take it! Search!"
Chang Feng's men practiced searching homes for three or four months. Naturally, you have to perform well in front of your boss and show off your skills.
Not long after, they placed one hundred taels of gold and five hundred taels of silver in front of Chang Feng.
Chang Feng took a gold ingot and looked at it: "This is real red gold, with almost no impurities. It must be from Laizhou Gold Mine, right?"
"Wang Yuanwei, you are from Jin Yiwei. You should know how powerful the memory restoration technique is."
As soon as Chang Feng finished speaking, Fatty Xu had already taken action. First, he punched General Wang Qi ten times.
A fist as big as a sandbag hit Wang Zongqi's lower abdomen. Wang Zongqi immediately started vomiting.
Fatty Xu finished the fight. Chang Feng only said two words: "Quick move."
Wang Zongqi knew that he could not withstand all kinds of torture.
He begged for mercy: "Master Chang, I have been following you for three or four years. When you were the commander-in-chief, I was your strongman. I am willing to confess truthfully, and I just ask you to let my family go."
Chang Feng nodded: "Okay. After all, I won't embarrass your family. Go ahead."
Wang Zongqi summoned him truthfully.
Laizhou is the largest gold-producing area in Ming Dynasty. Sun Chengde, the prefect of Laizhou, colluded with the eunuch who supervised the gold mine, treating the gold mine as his own vegetable garden and greedily exploiting gold.
After the incident, the eunuch who supervised the gold mine was executed.
The strange thing is that the chief assistant Liu Ji spoke for Sun Chengde in Beijing. Sun Chengde was not sentenced to beheading. He was only sentenced to a sixty-year rod and three thousand miles of exile, and his family property was not confiscated.
General Wang Qi led eight lieutenants who inspected Qianhu Station and two hundred regiment soldiers to Laizhou to inspect Sun Chengde's property.
A total of 700 taels of gold were found, and the remaining silver and other property were found in total, totaling 2,000 taels.
Mr. Wang is a very brave thief. I actually bought three hundred taels of gold. He put one hundred and fifty taels of them into his purse. The other one hundred and fifty taels were divided among eight school captains.
After returning to Beijing, he went to the bank to exchange fifty taels of gold into five hundred taels of silver. I am preparing to buy a house and land. Never thought that Chang Feng would come to the door. .
After listening to Wang Zongqi's confession, Chang Feng slammed the table: "No! You are hiding something!"
"I read Sun Chengde's confession during his trial. He claimed that he only had 400 taels of gold in his family, not 700 taels. The missing 300 taels happened to be yours."
"Is it possible that Sun Chengde, an exiled criminal official, is helping you cover up and embezzling his stolen money?"
Wang Zongqi replied: "Thank you, Mr. Chang. Sun Chengde is indeed helping me embezzle his stolen money."
Chang Feng was surprised: "What's going on?" explain! "
Wang Zongqi continued to confess: "Liu Ji, the chief assistant of the cabinet, was also involved in the gold mine embezzlement case."
"Two years ago, Liu Ji instructed his family to open a Lixing store in Laizhou. Sun Chengde outsourced the disposal of mine waste ore to the Liu family's Lixing store."
"It's said to be waste ore. In fact, it's high-grade ore with a high gold content. The Liu family can extract three to four hundred taels of gold from the ore every year."
"I went to search the house and found letters between Liu Ji and Sun Chengde. I learned about the intrigue between them."
"Sun Chengde's brother found me. He asked me not to report Liu Shoufu's involvement in the gold mine embezzlement case."
"In return, when his brother confesses in Beijing, he will state the amount of gold in his family as four hundred taels."
"The missing three hundred taels should be used as sealing silver for me."
Chang Feng sneered: "Ah, what a trick! The three hundred taels of gold were said to belong to the Sun family, but in fact they belong to the imperial court."
"It's like the Sun family used the gold from the imperial court to pay you as hush money to protect Liu Shoufu."
"As long as Liu Shoufu is not involved in the case, you can say hello to the Sanfa Division and save Sun Chengde's life."
Fatty Xu said from the side: "I've heard for a long time that the gold and silver mines in the Ming Dynasty are very tricky. It's true."
"Take the best ore as waste ore and give it away privately. Ha,
Anyway ore is not gold. Is it waste ore or good ore? It's not just a matter of local officials bumping into each other's lips. "
"Liu Shoufu and Sun Chengde have figured out how to make money."
Chang Feng's next words surprised Fatty Xu.
Chang Feng said: "Wang Yuande, I will take you back to Jinyiwei to record your confession later. If the word 'Liu Ji' appears on your confession, your whole family will die!"
"The gold is your own secret. It has nothing to do with anyone. It's as simple as that."
Chang Feng said this, obviously to cover up Liu Ji's guilt!
Fatty Xu looked at Chang Feng with surprised eyes.
Chang Feng helped Liu Ji cover up because Wynn had a deep conversation with him when he was alive.
Wynn told him that Liu Ji was the substitute who took the blame for the emperor's scolding. This person cannot fail for the time being.
Chang Feng took Wang Zongqi back to Jinyiwei Prison and recorded a confession.
Then he ordered Shi Wenyi to implement family law and execute Wang Zongqi and eight school captains.
After finishing the matter, Chang Feng went into the palace and reported the whole story to Emperor Hongzhi.
Emperor Hongzhi was very satisfied with Chang Feng: "Your decision is right. I will use Liu Ji for another year or two."
Chang Feng said: "Yes, Your Majesty."
Emperor Hongzhi said again: "I have heard some rumors recently. It is said that the censors and imperial officials are secretly colluding to impeach Liu Ji. You should pay attention to this matter."
"I know whether Liu Ji is good or bad. But as an emperor, sometimes in order to do good things, you have to use a bad person."
Chang Feng understood: "I understand."
Emperor Hongzhi said: "You are so effective in doing things. I have decided to give you a privilege. You are allowed to participate in the Imperial Gate Morning Court as a member of the Imperial Guard Qianhu from now on!"
Chang Feng is elated!
Being qualified to participate in the imperial court means entering the core circle of power of this huge empire.
Among the Jin Yiwei, only Zhu Ji and two young uncles were qualified to participate in the imperial court. Even the governors of the southern and northern towns did not have such an honor.
Chang Feng kowtowed quickly: "I thank the Emperor for your kindness."
Emperor Hongzhi said: "Okay. You go down first."
The next day, Fengtianmen went to court early.
The officials crossed the Jinshui Bridge, entered Fengtian Gate, and came to the front courtyard.
Chang Feng walked at the end of the military attaché class, holding the wat board he had just received from the Ministry of Rites.
A group of officials whispered: "Look, isn't that Chang Qianhu from Jinyiwei? Why did he also come to attend the morning court? He also brought a wat board."
"It must have been an extraordinary reward from the Emperor. He is really a popular person next to the Emperor now."
All the ministers gathered together. Not long after, Emperor Hongzhi arrived at the front courtyard, accompanied by Xiao Jing, the new chief ceremonial officer.
Xiao Jing said loudly: "Discuss!"
Chief Assistant Liu Ji was the first to go out: "This is for Your Majesty. I have my own notes."
Emperor Hongzhi said: "Oh? Come on."
Liu Ji cleared his throat: "Your Majesty. Yan Guan is the emperor's eyes, ears and mouthpiece. He has the responsibility of supervising officials. He is the sharp sword used by the Ming Dynasty to punish women and eliminate evil."
"However, when Taizu founded the country, he decided that the official grades were too low. For example, there were thirteen supervisory censors, who supervised the officials of an entire province. But they were only of the seventh grade."
"Another example is that six subjects are given to Shizhong. Each subject is given to officials who supervise a department. But there are only seven grades."
"The level is completely unworthy of their responsibilities."
"Therefore, I suggest that the official rank should be moved beyond the official level. The thirteen supervisory censors should be promoted to the sixth rank of Zheng. The six subjects should be assigned to Shizhong, and the rank should be promoted to the fifth rank of Cong."
Chang Feng thought to himself: Liu Ji is really good at it! He must have heard that officials were working together to impeach him. Simply give all the officials benefits and let them move up the ranks.
This is to use the official title of the imperial court to silence the officials.
At this moment, Wang Shu, the Minister of Civil Affairs, was the first to stand up and object: "Your Majesty. Supervising the censor and giving the official seventh grade is the ancestral system established by Taizu."
"I am an official
The Minister of the Ministry of Finance is responsible for the grade of officials, and believes that the official grade involves the ancestral system. It should not be tampered with. "
As soon as Liu Ji stuck his butt out, Wang Shu knew what he was going to do.
Wang Shu would not allow Liu Ji to give gifts with official items from the imperial court! He directly moved out of the "ancestral system" mountain to stop Liu Ji's intention.
Ma Wensheng came out and echoed: "To say it is important, which official in the Ming Dynasty is not important? Yan officials have the responsibility of monitoring and admonishing; local officials have the responsibility of guarding the land and herdsmen; military generals have the responsibility of protecting the family and the country."
"Suppose they all say that their responsibilities are important and ask the imperial court to transfer their grades. Should the imperial court not transfer?"
"When the time comes, won't fifth and sixth grades be flying all over the place, and third and fourth grades be everywhere?"
Ma Wensheng is Wang Shu's best friend and confidant. Naturally, he wanted to agree with Wang Shu and prevent Liu Ji from using the official status of the imperial court for personal gain.
Two other members of the cabinet, Liu Jian and Xu Pu, also opposed Liu Ji's suggestion.
Emperor Hongzhi made the final decision: "What Wang Qing said makes sense. Official grades are ancestral. I respect the Heavenly Patriarch, how dare I change it without authorization? Let's give up on the matter of super-transferring officials!"
All the ministers shouted: "Your Majesty, Your Majesty!"
Liu Ji was so embarrassed that he wished he could dig his feet into the house.
Down to court. The ministers left Fengtianmen in twos and threes. Liu Ji was like a big eggplant that had been beaten by frost and picked away by the widow, listless.
Ma Wensheng walked up to Chang Feng and said, "Young friend Chang, thousands of households of the fifth rank are holding wat boards to attend the imperial court. This is probably the first time since the founding of the Ming Dynasty."
"The emperor treats you differently than he treats his ministers."
Chang Feng said respectfully: "I will wear a grass ring to repay the emperor's kindness."
After the end of the dynasty, Chang Feng returned to Jinyiwei.
Since he had to attend the morning court in the morning, he no longer had to ask Sun Luan, the envoy of Beizhen, for advice.
Fatty Xu was already sitting in his check-in room.
Fatty Xu was vomiting and talking to the two young uncles about the majesty of his ancestor Xu Da on the grassland.
The two young uncles were frightened by Fatty Xu. Occasionally I would say "oh, oh".
When Fatty Xu saw Chang Feng coming back, he said to the two young uncles: "Shi Wenyi is leading the warriors over at the school field to practice using dogs to find silver. Don't you want to watch the fun?"
Zhang Heling clapped his hands: "Okay! I'll go right away!"
The two young uncles left the room.
Fatty Xu asked Chang Feng: "Master Chang, there is something I can't understand. Why are you in such a hurry to have Wang Yuanwei killed? You are obviously helping Liu Ji!"
Chang Feng poured himself a cup of tea: "Yes. I'm helping Liu Ji."
Fatty Xu was puzzled: "Are you hoping that Liu Ji will be your chief assistant and want him to be your backer?"
Chang Feng burst into laughter: "I have two backers now. One is in Qianqing Palace, and the other is in Kunning Palace. Isn't he older than Liu Ji? Do I need to find Liu Ji as my backer?"
Fatty Xu asked: "Then why are you covering up a mediocre prime minister?"
Chang Feng said: "Fat man, why did you and I become brothers in the first place? Because we both hate evil and have bad tempers."
"However, I am no longer the same general as I was two years ago. Whatever I do, I must look at the overall situation."
"What is the overall situation? What is good for the emperor and the court is the overall situation."
Fatty Xu was confused by Chang Feng's comment: "You mean, covering up the mediocre prime minister is beneficial to the emperor and the court?"
Chang Feng sighed: "Alas, things in the court are not that simple. In short, I have no selfish motives in protecting Liu Ji."
Fatty Xu rubbed his big head: "That's all. You are different now. What you say is so confusing. I can't understand, Fatty. I won't mention this matter again."
Metropolitan Procuratorate.
There were more than 80 colleagues standing in the duty room of Tang Nai, the supervisory censor.
Tang Nai is drafting a memorial to impeach Liu Ji.
When the Supervising Censor curses people on the book, he always manages to do so without using a single curse word, but still scolds the other person bloody and makes him look like a worthless person.
After Tang Nai finished writing, he raised his hands to his colleagues: "
Overthrow mediocrity, only today! Please join us! "
The censors signed their names on the long folds one after another.
The big boss of the Metropolitan Procuratorate, Zuodu Censor Tu Fu, passed by Tang Nai's room. He just pretended not to see the more than eighty subordinate censors and walked away.
The Metropolitan Procuratorate of the Ming Dynasty was a bit like the Japanese Locust Army in later generations. It had the tradition of subordinates overcoming superiors, and the commander could not command the staff.
These censorship officials who make a living by scolding people are so cruel that they even dare to scold their boss Zuodu Censor.
Tu Yu didn't want to get involved in this matter, so he just pretended that he didn't know about it.
Tang Nai said: "I will take the fold to the Hanlin Academy and ask the Hanlin officials to sign it. Tomorrow I will go to Liubu Street and ask the new scholars who are staying in Liubu to watch politics to sign it."
Everyone said, "Please, Brother Tang."
At night, Tang Nai returned to the courtyard he rented in the south of the city. He held a box in his hand. Inside the box were impeachment papers signed by 150 officials.
Tang Nai was a poor official. There is not even a servant in the house. There is only one wife and one concubine.
His wife and concubine had already prepared dinner for him. Two home-cooked side dishes and a basket of wheat cakes were served.
Tang Nai was about to use his chopsticks. An unexpected guest came to him.
This uninvited guest is Chang Feng.
Chang Feng cupped his hands and said, "I'm the Jin Yi Guard Qian Hu Chang Feng. Yu Shi Tang, you're polite."
Tang Nai cupped his hands and said, "Oh. It's Chang Qianhu. I'm disrespectful."
Chang Feng sat down on the chair next to the dining table unceremoniously: "Tang Yushi, when ordinary officials see thousands of households in Jinyiwei, they are all terrified. Why are you so calm?"
Tang Nai took a bite of wheat cake and said: "People who are frightened have ghosts in their hearts. People who are calm and composed have a clear conscience."
Chang Feng praised him: "Yes. Yushi Tang is indeed a man with a clear conscience. I looked at your private files in Jinyiwei this afternoon. You have been an official for six years and you have never done anything illegal."
Tang Nai said: "As an official, abiding by the laws of the court should be the minimum bottom line. However, not one out of ten officials in the Ming Dynasty can keep the bottom line."
"Hmph, the upper beam is not straight, how can the lower beam not be crooked?"
Chang Feng asked: "The Shang Liang mentioned by Yushi Tang refers to Liu Shoufu, right?"
Tang Nai snorted coldly: "Yes. I'm talking about Liu Mianhua. Even in front of the emperor, I dare to say that the atmosphere of officialdom was ruined by mediocrity like Liu Mianhua."
Chang Feng said: "This is the reason why I came to see Tang Yushi tonight. Please give me the joint book."
Tang Nai asked, "Is it up to you to forward it to the Emperor?"
Chang Feng shook his head slightly: "Leave it to me to burn."
Tang Nai stared at Chang Feng with his big bell-like eyes: "Are you a member of Liu Mianhua's party? You shouldn't be. I don't believe that the righteous grandson of the old cabinet minister is willing to be a mediocre prime minister."
Chang Feng said: "Liu Mianhua is not worthy of letting me be his party member. I stopped you from signing the joint album for the sake of the imperial court."
"puff". Tang Nai laughed out loud: "For the imperial court? I impeached the Prime Minister for the imperial court."
Chang Feng said: "More than one hundred and fifty officials have signed a petition asking the emperor to punish the chief minister of the dynasty. Do you know what this is called?"
"This is called using the crowd to deceive the emperor! Since it involves deceiving the emperor, we, the Jinyi Guards, cannot ignore it."
Tang Nai took a sip of the soup and said calmly: "Jinyiwei is really good at putting hats on him. A big hat that deceives the emperor is enough to crush a seventh-rank official."
"It's a pity that thousands of people will go there! I'm not afraid of being crushed to death by a big hat."
"Chang Qianhu, please go back. I will not give you the jointly signed book. I will hand it to the General Affairs Department tomorrow and forward it to the Emperor."
Chang Feng felt a little pity for Tang Nai, a stubborn gossip: "If you do this, you will get burned."
Tang Nai said seriously: "For the people of the world, I would rather burn myself in fire!"
Chang Feng walked out of Tang Nai's courtyard.
Wynn once told Chang Feng before his death. In the Ming Dynasty, there was such a kind of official speech. They are incorruptible, but they have little ability to do things.
They have the word "morality" on their foreheads all day long, scolding this and that.
Such clean gossip officials are not as good as corrupt officials who know how to do things.
But sometimes, their loyalty is admirable.
Tang Nai is obviously the kind of person Wynn mentioned.
Shi Wenyi was waiting for Chang Feng outside the courtyard.
Seeing Chang Feng come out, Shi Wenyi asked: "Mr. Chang, have you got the things?"
Chang Feng spread his hands.
Shi Wenyi said angrily: "That guy doesn't know what's good and what's good. I just went in with a knife and robbed him directly."
Chang Feng gave a bitter smile: "Snatch the Rumor Officer's joint book? Are you afraid of being drowned by their Tumo Xingzi?"
Shi Wenyi said indignantly: "It's a pity that he didn't have anything to do with it, and it fell into the hands of our Jin Yiwei."
Chang Feng said: "There is nothing we can do. Let's just wait and see what happens. You stay here tonight and keep an eye on him."
In fact, be it Emperor Hongzhi or Zhu Ji. He didn't even ask Chang Feng to ask for the impeachment papers.
In the words of later generations, an excellent employee should give full play to his subjective initiative.
As long as I can share the emperor's worries, no matter whether there are imperial edicts and orders?
Chang Feng returned home. Liu Xiaoyan and Tangtang were already waiting for him to eat in the dining room.
Chang Feng asked: "Is Zhuang Zhuang sleeping?"
Liu Xiaoyan replied: "He's asleep. This boy deserves to be my son. He was so cruel that he even hit himself. The rest of the night he waved his little fists and made noises. He punched himself in the eye socket with his fist. He beat himself to tears."
Tangtang said at the side: "I was planning for him. I cried for a whole hour and a half."
Chang Feng laughed out loud: "Oh, Zhuang Zhuang will definitely be a fierce general when he grows up."
As long as he returns home and sees his wife, sister, and son, all Chang Feng's worries will disappear temporarily.
It's the hour of Hai.
Chang Feng was about to hug Liu Xiaoyan and do something. The servant sent a message: "Sir, Mr. Shi wants to see you."
Chang Feng just let Liu Xiaoyan go and said, "Okay, maybe something will happen again."
Chang Feng came to Shi Wenyi in the living room.
Shi Wenyi said: "Master Chang, this is terrible. Tang Nai's courtyard is on fire! It was completely burned!"
