He didn't seem to notice the hesitation in Guo Rong's tone, and Chang Si's aging face showed anticipation as he said, "I hope Guo Lang can make some suggestions to the emperor and speak for me to avoid this disaster!"
"Mr. Chang!" Guo Rong frowned and said in a deep voice: "Although Rong is a Privy Councilor, I'm afraid he is powerless in this matter! The imperial court has its own system, and the emperor's will is unpredictable. He will not act against any act of over-control and tyranny. , I deeply hate it. If I say anything rashly, I'm afraid it will be unsightly!"
Of course, Guo Rong's words did not convince Chang Si. He only saw his old face sinking and said: "Guo Lang is now in a high position in the court. He made outstanding achievements in the Huainan battle and was deeply trusted by the emperor. If you can do it for me, Talk, I think the emperor will give you some face!"
After saying that, seeing Guo Rong being silent, Chang Si said again: "If Wen Zhongruo is here, I will look for him myself, but he is currently working in Xiangzhou, so he can only find you!"
After saying that, he stood up and bowed and said: "The safety, honor and disgrace of dozens of members of my family, young and old, all depend on you. Considering our past friendship, I hope you will speak up!"
Seeing Chang Si's gesture, Guo Rong couldn't help but sigh heavily. Although he didn't want to get into trouble, Chang Si put Guo Wei out, which was embarrassing and had to be considered.
Chang Si thinks that this old man has a close friendship with Guo Wei and is very kind to him. Guo Wei was lonely and helpless when he was young, and lived in Changsi's house for food and clothing. Later, when he reached a high position, he still called him uncle and treated him like a father.
Therefore, now that Guo Wei is away, Guo Rong is the representative of the Guo family in Tokyo. Changsi is decayed and old. He humbles himself and begs in front of him. No matter what, he must have an explanation.
Of course, after Chang Si stepped into Guo Mansion, Guo Rongshi had to take a dip in this muddy water. Moreover, Guo Rong was worried, feeling that there was another mystery and danger hidden under the turbidity.
In Guo Rong's impression, the emperor had always been sensible and wise, so how could he allow Wang Jingchong to act arbitrarily and abuse the law, but he should not have used Wude Si to rectify it in such a grand way. Starting from Liu Zhu, including Chang Si who sneaked back, it was already the Jiedu of three towns, not to mention the generals in other places.
If Wang Jingchong continues to struggle, there will really be chaos, and the Tokyo court is even more emotional and worried...
Various thoughts flashed through his mind. Guo Rong stood up and helped Chang Si up. He said sadly: "Mr. Chang, get up. How can I deserve this gift? If it gets to my father's ears, I'm afraid I won't be blamed!"
"Guo Lang, this is agreed!" Noting Guo Rong's expression, Chang Si's eyes became more hopeful.
After thinking carefully for a while, Guo Rong said seriously to Chang Si: "Mr. Chang, please forgive me for speaking bluntly. Although Wang Jingchong is arrogant, after Liu Zhu, he did not dare to act too hastily. Even in Luzhou, safety is very dangerous. Guaranteed. But now that you have left your post without authorization and secretly come to Beijing to pay a private visit to the Guo Mansion, this move is extremely inappropriate and inappropriate. It shows a guilty conscience and is true to the facts..."
Hearing what Guo Rong said, Chang Si's old face changed, he beat his thigh, and said angrily: "I was so frightened that I couldn't choose a way. How about I rush back to Luzhou immediately?"
Guo Rong shook his head directly and said: "Now that I have come to Beijing and entered the city, can I still hide it from my ears and eyes?"
There was a strange light in his eyes, and he said to Chang Si: "In this way, Mr. Chang will stay in the mansion for the time being. Tomorrow morning, I will go to the palace with you to see your majesty. You can confess your sins to your majesty. I will be by your side then. In order to advise you, your majesty may give me a little favor!"
"Thank you Guo Lang!" After receiving Guo Rong's assurance, Chang Si finally felt relieved.
Seeing this, Guo Rong added quietly: "I heard that Mr. Chang's family has a fortune of one hundred thousand yuan and a lot of property. I can donate it to the national treasury to relieve the family's difficulties..."
Chang Si was frugal by nature and focused on amassing money in Luzhou. After a few years, he became rich in wealth. As the saying goes, flies don't bite perfect eggs. The Jiedu generals targeted by Wang Jingchong were all guilty of being jailed.
As for Chang Si's reputation as an official, Guo Rong also heard about it, but in fact, he was a little disgusted.
Hearing what Guo Rong said, Chang Si showed a look of pain on his face. He hesitated for a while, then faced Guo Rong's eyes, gritted his teeth and said, "Okay!"
After the discussion, he ordered his servant to lead Chang Si to leave, while Guo Rong was pacing in the room with a very unhappy expression. Standing in front of the window, looking at the courtyard through the window lattice, the grass and trees were sparse, the cool breeze was blowing, and the shadows stood there for a long time. I couldn't help but sigh: "Trouble!"
"Husband, after a hard day's work, it's already late, so you should go back to your room and rest!" Mrs. Liu entered and said to Guo Rong.
Listening to the gentle voice of his good wife, Guo Rong couldn't help but calm down. Turning around, there was no trace of dignity on his face, and he said softly: "Where are Da Lang and Er Lang?"
"They've all gone to bed!"
...
In the Chongzheng Hall, Guo Rong and Chang Si stood respectfully below. After listening to Chang Si's apology plea, Liu Chengyou considered Chang Si playfully. Under the emperor's gaze, Chang Si looked very embarrassed. He couldn't help but tilt his eyes towards Guo Rong and wink at him, but Guo Rong seemed not to notice.
He was a little panicked, but when he met the emperor's eyes, Chang Si said respectfully: "Your Majesty, I live in Luzhou. The people of Lu are responsible for the 60,000 yuan of silk breath. I am willing to use coupons to advance!"
With that said, he took out a stack of bonds from his sleeve and handed it to Zhang Dejun to present to Liu Chengyou. After he said this, both Liu Chengyou and Guo Rong frowned. After taking it and browsing it for a while, Liu Chengyou secretly thought to himself that this Chang Si lived up to the name of "accumulation" and had quite a lot of means.
"I accept Chang Qing's kindness!" With a faint smile, Liu Chengyou stood up and walked towards the furnace in the palace. He placed the stack of coupons on the ground and put them into the charcoal, and the flames quickly engulfed them.
Turning around, Liu Chengyou stared at Chang Si, only to see that his old face was a little pale, and said in a deep voice: "Chang Qing is old and has to travel back and forth. This time he went to Beijing to report on his work, he should work in Tokyo. It can relieve him from the hard work. Suffering. In this way, I regard you as the Minister of Industry. Tokyo is undergoing major renovations, so you can help take care of this matter!"
After dismissing Chang Si directly, Liu Chengyou looked at Guo Rong and saw that his face was calm as usual. Although Guo Rong didn't say a word for Chang Si from beginning to end, it was his attitude as others stood here. Liu Chengyou felt it, so he gave him face.
"Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty!" Guo Rong paid his respects after Chang Si retreated.
Liu Chengyou looked at Guo Rong and understood what he meant, and just said calmly: "I can understand that you miss the old friendship! However, I can honestly say that Lu Min is poor, and Chang Si has a big fault! Although he is a veteran, he has some practices , It’s really intolerable!”
Guo Rong responded: "I understand!"
"Guo Qing, does he know why I asked Chang Si to stay in Beijing and participate in city construction?" Liu Chengyou asked, staring at Guo Rong.
"I understand!" Guo Rong said again.
"He is old after all, and I'm afraid that he will be dim-witted and unable to discern the meaning!" Liu Chengyou said.
Guo Rong still said the same thing: "I understand!"
Seeing this, Liu Chengyou finally showed a reserved smile: "Then leave it to Guo Qing to enlighten Yu Changsi!"
"yes!"
After Guo Rong withdrew, Liu Chengyou's expression gradually became dull. He summoned Li Fang and asked, "How many memorials have been issued to impeach Wang Jingchong during this period?"
"Your Majesty, there are a total of one hundred and seventy-six reports!" Li Fang said: "Officials from all levels of the imperial court and various ministries and departments have submitted reports!"
"They are all connected together to put pressure on me!" Liu Chengyou said coldly.
After hearing these heartbreaking words, Li Fang lowered his head and did not dare to answer the question.
After thinking for a while, Liu Chengyou asked Li Fang: "Mingyuan, do you think I should summon Wang Jingchong back to deal with it at the invitation of the officials?"
After hearing the question, Li Fang thought for a while and responded with some caution: "Your Majesty, it is not unusual for hundreds of officials to be invited at the same time. This is the first time since the founding of the Han Dynasty. No matter what, your Majesty should pay attention to it. Courtiers The request made with one heart and one mind is reasonable, but I hope your majesty will think twice!"
Glancing at Li Fang, Liu Chengyou's indifferent expression became more dignified. Even his close ministers had this attitude. Although Li Fang did not say it outright, he implicitly criticized it.
This was the first time that Liu Chengyou really felt the backlash from civil servants, just because of Wang Jingchong? not only......
"Perhaps it's time to settle this matter..." Liu Chengyou murmured in a voice that only he could hear clearly.