The Imperial City Si Yamen is naturally within the Imperial City, located in the southeast, close to the palace city, and adjacent to the central government offices of the imperial court. Compared with the restrained and low-key Wude Si, the Imperial City Si is obviously more publicized. The entrance hall is beautifully decorated with bright colors and attracts attention.
As an envoy of the Imperial City, Zhang Dejun was a humble servant in front of the emperor, but in front of his subordinates, he was the master who controlled their future, destiny and even the power of life and death. Moreover, because he is a eunuch, he is even more feared, which is also a status blessing. People who are willing to be driven by eunuchs like cattle and horses are indeed not people with much integrity.
In the back hall, the furnishings are luxurious and even a bit luxurious. The floor is completely covered by exquisite carpets. Smoke is rising from the incense burner. The air is filled with a light and pleasant aroma. The spices used are obviously expensive.
Zhang Dejun was sitting behind the desk, immersed in reading the large number of secret reports submitted by his subordinates, taking the trouble and patience, hoping to find some valuable information, some information that would interest Emperor Liu.
The most feared and criticized thing about the Imperial City Division is that these secret minions are all-pervasive and use all possible means of spying, seriously invading the privacy of the officials and people of the capital, and always leaving a dark cloud hanging over the heads of the ministers of the imperial court. , it is even difficult for them to know how many people they have exposed.
Compared with the Wude Division, the biggest difference between the Imperial City Division and the Imperial City Division may not be that the eunuchs are in power, but that there is no bottom line in the process of spying, surveillance, and gathering intelligence.
In this regard, the Wude Division chaired by Li Chongju has greater energy, resources, and power, but it always abides by the rules and seldom goes beyond the limits.
In comparison, the Imperial City Secretary did not have so many scruples. He was very purposeful in doing things and had few restrictions on his means. Zhang Dejun was Emperor Liu's domestic slave, and he also saw one thing clearly, that is, if he could make Man Chaoxun The nobles and ministers had no hiding place in front of the emperor, and no privacy at all, so Emperor Liu was also happy to see it.
It was precisely because he understood Emperor Liu's mentality that Zhang Dejun appeared so arrogant and even unscrupulous in his actions. With different identities and different positions, Zhang Dejun had no moral pressure and was not afraid of offending others. He always knew in his heart that as long as Emperor Liu's holy family remained, he could guarantee his power and wealth.
What's more, isn't this the purpose of Emperor Liu setting up the Imperial City Department and putting him in charge?
"Haha..." Zhang Dejun seemed to have discovered something interesting. He couldn't help but chuckle twice. The laughter was not loud, but it was slightly sinister.
"Father!" A figure flashed, and a clearly awe-inspiring call sounded, drawing Zhang Dejun's attention back.
The visitor is a middle-aged man, about thirty years old, with a long and narrow face, fair complexion, and a few short beards on his chin. He looks relatively elegant. Wearing a set of official robes with the Imperial City Secretary's mark and six-grade accessories, he is considered a middle-level official in the imperial court. You must know that even Zhang Dejun, the imperial envoy, is only ranked at the fourth rank.
His name was Wang Shouzhong, he was the highest ranking marriage officer in the Imperial City Department, Zhang Dejun's capable subordinate, and of course the most important thing, he was Zhang Dejun's adopted son.
The less he has, the more he longs for something. Probably for this reason, Zhang Dejun finally couldn't hold back in these years. He adopted four adopted sons and changed their names to pass on the family.
The four nicknames are Wang Shouzhong, Wang Shouyi, Zhang Jinren, and Zhang Jinjie. Zhang Dejun also paid great attention to the names. When it comes to the second king and the second Zhang, Zhang Dejun's original surname is Wang, and he only kept his surname because he was adopted by the eunuch named Zhang. Zhang will not change his surname until his adoptive father dies.
And these four names were all arranged under the imperial city's government offices to serve as marriage and investigative officials. They became Zhang Dejun's important helpers and relied on him very much on weekdays.
As for Wang Shouzhong, he was the oldest one, and he was only ten years younger than Zhang Dejun. Many people in Beijing laughed at such a father and son.
These four people were even more ruthlessly criticized for their behavior of betraying their ancestors. Of course, behind the ridicule, there may not be no envious people. Not just anyone can catch Zhang Dejun's eye, but for most people, if they recognize their father, they can gain wealth, power, and official career at their fingertips. Such opportunities are also rare. People who really benefit from it will not care about some rumors.
"What's the matter?" Facing his adopted son, Zhang Dejun did not show much affinity, but showed him with an awe-inspiring and majestic face.
Wang Shouzhong bowed down and reported: "Fourth brother came to report on the occasion. He has returned to Beijing from Hexi. He failed to find the two highnesses and allowed the people of Wude Division to make contributions. He feels guilty and specially apologizes to you." !”
Hearing this, Zhang Dejun smiled and waved his hand: "Answer him, it's okay! It's good that your two highnesses are safe. I guess he did his best. I sent him there. It was just an attempt. I'm happy to gain it, but I'm going to lose it." It doesn’t matter! Compared to Wude Si, it’s really difficult for us to perform outside the capital! Let you return to the capital with peace of mind!”
"Yes!" Wang Shouzhong responded: "In addition, I stayed in Hexi for a long time and discovered some things. Regarding the Wude Si who found the two highnesses this time, Hexi knows Wang Yinwu!"
"Why, you are jealous when you see someone making great achievements?" Zhang Dejun said lightly.
The corner of Wang Shouzhong's mouth curled up slightly, and he said seriously: "Fourth brother said that Wang Yinwu has very close ties with the military and political affairs of Hexi, especially Lu Duoxun, the former capital of Hexi, and he is a close confidant. They have a close relationship and frequent friendships! "
Hearing what he said, Zhang Dejun was obviously interested. He looked at Wang Shouzhong and listened to him continue. Noticing Zhang Dejun's reaction, Wang Shouzhong also followed up: "The fourth brother thinks that having a secret relationship with a minister is taboo. Wang Yinwu has such a close relationship with the military and political affairs of Hexi, and it is inevitable that he will be involved. If we investigate in depth, we may be able to discover something. An unexpected gain..."
Hearing this, Zhang Dejun thought seriously for a while and couldn't help but shake his head: "As soon as someone has made a great contribution, we start looking for trouble. Even if this is reported to the officials, it will be difficult to get support. It will even be associated with the imperial city and the military." In the dispute between the two German divisions, I felt that we were deliberately attacking.
All the reports of this kind are not enough, they are just specious things. As for Lu Duoxun, the officials are very fond of this person. The holy family is in full swing, so it is not convenient to offend him for the time being! "
"Father is wise! Then put this matter aside for now?" Wang Shouzhong asked for instructions.
"Put it down for now!" Zhang Dejun affirmed.
"Has the matter of the dog meat restaurant been dealt with?" Zhang Dejun suddenly asked.
When asked, Wang Shouzhong replied: "We have already investigated the source of the dog meat in this restaurant. It is mainly purchased from a dog dealer. The dog dealer's surname is Zhou, and he is just a rogue in the capital."
"Then where did this man's dog come from?" Zhang Dejun asked immediately.
"It seems to be sold from the countryside!" Wang Shouzhong did not notice Zhang Dejun's increasingly gloomy expression.
"Then how did you deal with it afterwards?"
Wang Shouzhong was stunned and said: "It's just a matter of a dog meat restaurant, there is nothing worthy of attention, so I withdrew the person..."
"This is what you have to do!" Zhang Dejun stood up suddenly and glared at him: "You are allowed to be so perfunctory and slack about the matters assigned by the officials!"
Seeing this, Wang Shouzhong was startled. He knelt down and apologized in a panic: "My son made a mistake, please punish him!"
"I'm telling you, don't think it's just a bit of a dog-eat-dog thing, so it's insignificant and don't take it seriously!" Zhang Dejun stared at him coldly: "If an official asks about it one day, how do you want me to reply, using your excuse? Or are you lying to deceive the officials?"
His forehead was already sweating. Wang Shouzhong kowtowed vigorously and hurriedly promised: "I will send more manpower immediately to investigate the situation clearly!"
After staring at him for a while, Zhang Dejun finally looked away and waved his hand: "Get up!"
"Thank you, father!" Wang Shouzhong stood up and breathed a deep sigh of relief.
"Go and get the ten sticks yourself!" Zhang Dejun said calmly.
"Yes!" Wang Shouzhong didn't hesitate at all.
