Until April, Emperor Liu Chengyou, who had stayed in Qionglin Garden for 20 days, finally returned to the palace city. The scenery of Qionglin Garden is beautiful, with beauties in the company, children around the knees, flying eagles and dogs, and although the days of riding horses are carefree, for Liu Chengyou, it becomes boring after a long time.
"Young man, please welcome the officials back to the palace!" In front of the Long Live Palace, Zhang Dejun, the envoy of the imperial city, paid homage to him.
Looking at the eunuch and spy chief who was welcoming him attentively and respectfully, Liu Chengyou raised his hand and gestured: "Get up! You arrived in time. I'm just returning from Qionglin Garden, so why bother?"
"The young one is a servant of the official family. When the master returns to the palace, he should be welcomed no matter how far or near he is!" Zhang Dejun said humbly.
Since taking office as the Imperial City Secretary, he can no longer be as inseparable from the emperor as in the past. However, Zhang Dejun is obviously very enlightened and knows where his current power and fame come from, and he remains respectful to the emperor. No matter what happens, you have to go to the emperor to ask for greetings. For something as "important" as returning to the palace, of course you have to serve it even more diligently.
"Okay, I know your feelings for me! Let's talk about it after we enter the palace!" Liu Chengyou threw away his hands and chuckled.
On the side, Sun Yanxi, who was the leader of the chamberlain, looked at Zhang Dejun, who always maintained a humble posture and expression, and couldn't help but feel a strong feeling of envy in his heart. People like Zhang Dejun were the most envied by the eunuchs of the Han Dynasty. They were deeply trusted by the officials, held great power, and had unlimited glory.
Although he took over Zhang Dejun's previous position, he was the eunuch closest to the emperor. He was well-versed in both inside and outside, and outsiders did not dare to underestimate him. But this position has tremendous pressure. It would be fine if the emperor was dim-witted and soft-spoken, but he was a shrewd and suspicious person. Like Sun Yanxi, he usually had to think twice before even flattering someone.
Compared with being frightened around the emperor, Zhang Dejun's life is obviously more comfortable now. But we have to consider that Zhang Dejun stayed with the emperor for ten years before he reached his current status...
"Tell me!" After entering the palace and making tea himself, Liu Chengyou looked at Zhang Dejun, who was standing beside the case: "You came to me, what did you find out?"
"Going back to the official house, is there news from Nanyue?" Zhang Dejun replied.
"Oh? Are you from Chen Yanshou?" Liu Chengyou became slightly more interested.
Zhang Dejun: "This is the man who is a wise official!"
After going on a mission that year, Zhang Dejun got in touch with Chen Yanshou, and the two became sworn brothers. Chen Yanshou was a traitor, and he might not be able to see that far, but he was happy to associate with an important eunuch of the Northern Han Dynasty like Zhang Dejun.
After returning to Panyu, the contact with the north was not severed, and letters were often exchanged. Of course, the military and political situation in southern Guangdong was completely shaken off.
"Then Chen Yanshou has become very popular in southern Guangdong in recent years, right?" Liu Chengyou said.
"Exactly!" Zhang Dejun said: "Since the death of Lin Yanyu, the great eunuch of Southern Guangdong two years ago, Liu Sheng, the leader of Guangdong, has entrusted the palace affairs committee to the eunuchs Gong Chengshu and Chen Yanshou. They have great power! However, although Chen Yanshou gained power, he was Gong Chengshu was suppressed and was quite depressed, but he did not dare to cut off contact with me. Nanyue responded to the incident and reported everything!"
"What news is coming?" Liu Chengyou nodded slightly and asked curiously.
Zhang Dejun said: "According to Chen Yanshou, Liu Sheng, the leader of the Southern Guangdong Kingdom, is increasingly unhappy. According to his estimation, he is not far from death!"
"Really?" Liu Chengyou became interested.
Zhang Dejun nodded and said: "The ruler of Nanyue has enjoyed himself all the year round, drank too much, indulged in sex, and is in poor health. He fell ill as early as three years ago. Ever since the Han Dynasty captured Huainan and Jinghu, he has been anxious and restless, often waking up from his sleep. .
When the Han Dynasty conquered Shu last year, he was even more worried. He ordered the warships to be repaired, military equipment to be repaired, elite soldiers to be trained, and the defenses to be strengthened. However, there is a beginning but no end. In the spring of this year, he drank to his heart's content and said, "I'm lucky to have been spared. I don't have time to worry about future generations!" '
Liu Sheng's mausoleum has been built at a huge cost. Nowadays, the palace affairs are all entrusted to the eunuchs and witches, but Liu Sheng is autistic and enjoys the palace. He thinks that he has not long left to live, and he knows that he will die soon..."
"So, this Liu Sheng is free and easy and very open-minded!" Listening to his report, Liu Chengyou's tone was obviously sarcastic.
"I thought that Liu Sheng also knew that the unification of the Han Dynasty was unstoppable, so he gave up on himself and just enjoyed the rest of his life!" Zhang Dejun said.
"You also talk to me about reunification!" Liu Chengyou murmured, suddenly laughed, and glanced at Zhang Dejun: "Now, it seems that everyone, both inside and outside the court, can express their opinions on this matter!"
Zhang Dejun was a little startled when he heard the words, and then responded tactfully: "I am just a slave, I have little knowledge, and I have heard a lot on weekdays, so I just said it occasionally. I think this also proves that your Majesty has flattened all the countries and unified them." The world is what people's hearts want, obeying the destiny of heaven, and what billions of people eagerly hope for!"
"You are good at talking!" Liu Chengyou seemed to be in a good mood. After thinking about it for a moment, he ordered: "I can't take care of the Nanyue matter for the time being. If you continue to strengthen your contact with Chen Yanshou, it should be useful in the future!"
"yes!"
After reporting on the problems in Nanyue, Zhang Dejun lowered his body again and said with a slight hesitation: "Guan family, there is one more thing..."
"Say!" Noticing the strange look on his face, Liu Chengyou frowned slightly and said: "You also know my temper, so just tell me truthfully. I am also very curious about who and what makes you so hesitant. !”
"Go back to the official's house!" Zhang Dejun accompanied him carefully and said, "It's a matter of Zhao Li who is in charge of the Metropolitan Procuratorate!"
Zhao Li, the censor of Zuodu, was a talent discovered by Liu Chengyou himself. In his early years, he was appreciated by him for his shrewdness, ability and fearlessness of powerful people. From the early years of Qianyou's reign, step by step, he grew from a small censor in Taiwan in Xijing to a big boss in the judicial system of the Han Dynasty.
It has been several years since he succeeded Bian Guichen as Yushi Zhongcheng and became the top leader of the Yushitai. Later, the supervision system was restructured and the Metropolitan Inspectorate was established. He has also stayed in the position of Zuodu Yushi.
Over the years, under his leadership, the Dahan supervisory system has been operating well and has had a very good supervisory effect on internal and external officials in managing people's livelihood. Liu Chengyou has always been satisfied with Zhao Li's political achievements.
Therefore, when Zhang Dejun suddenly mentioned Zhao Li hesitantly, his heart suddenly thumped and he asked in a solemn voice: "Is there something wrong with Zhao Li?"
Paying attention to the emperor's expression, Zhang Dejun did not dare to neglect and responded quickly: "Back to the official house, after investigation by the Imperial City Department, it was found that during his tenure, Zhao Li deceived superiors and concealed subordinates, accepted bribes, neglected his duties and violated the law, and protected criminal officials... .”
"Do you know what a crime it is to spread rumors, frame up, and slander ministers!" After he finished speaking, Liu Chengyou immediately asked, with an extremely harsh tone.
Upon hearing this, Zhang Dejun immediately knelt down and said solemnly: "The officials know their lesson well. No matter how courageous a young man is, he will not dare to deceive the officials!"
Paying attention to Zhang Dejun's reaction, it should be true. Liu Chengyou remained silent for a while and said coldly: "Do you have evidence? If you can't prove it, I will immediately charge you with framing the minister!"
Although the emperor's words were cold and stern, Zhang Dejun breathed a sigh of relief after listening to his words. He immediately took out a memorial from his pocket, presented it respectfully, and said: "This is the total amount of Zhao Li's illegal legal services in the past three years that was obtained from the Imperial City Division's investigation." Please have your Majesty take a look at the six cases. All the people involved in the case have been closely investigated, and the circumstances are confirmed. As long as the competent authorities interrogate them accordingly, the crime will be clear!"
He took Zhang Dejun's memorial and opened it to look at it. Liu Chengyou's expression changed from cloudy to sunny, and then from sunny to cloudy again. He glanced at Zhang Dejun and said, "It seems like you have put a lot of thought into it!"
Zhang Dejun cupped his hands and said: "This matter involves a minister. Dry cleaning is a serious matter. I don't dare to be careless. Only when the details are confirmed can I dare to report it to the official!"
"Ha!" Liu Chengyou sneered.
His expression soon returned to calm, he picked up the boiled tea, poured two cups, and handed one to Zhang Dejun: "Have a taste and see if my tea-making skills have improved!"
Zhang Dejun was a little surprised by the emperor's reaction, and he was inevitably uneasy, but he still took it with a respectful expression of thanks, took a sip, and said: "Good tea!"
Liu Chengyou also took a sip, suddenly exploded, slammed the tea cup to the ground, and shouted angrily: "What a fart!"
"Excuse me!" Zhang Dejun's legs softened and he knelt on the ground.
At this time, Liu Chengyou's face was filled with anger, his chest heaved, and he was obviously very angry. He stood up and walked a few steps, vigorously shook off his sleeves, and said: "Zhao Li, what a Zhao Li, you gave me a big surprise!"
"Somebody come!"
Sun Yanxi paid attention to the movement here and hurriedly stepped forward to obey the order: "Please give me the official's orders!"
"Pass an edict to put Zhao Li, the censor of Zuodu, in jail, and bring Cui Zhoudu, the minister of Dali Temple, to interrogate him!" Liu Chengyou ordered coldly, then looked at Zhang Dejun: "Take all the evidence and witnesses collected by the Imperial City Division. Hand it over to Dali Temple and fully cooperate with the review!"
"yes!"
