I, Jiajing, successfully cultivated immortality

There is no airtight wall in the world. Soon, the news that Zhao Zhenji sent people to search the Yuan family in Jiaxing spread a lot in the capital.

Those officials in the court who had been favored by the Yuan family were shocked when they learned the news, and they all used their connections to try to figure out the whole story.

After they figured out the cause of the matter, they couldn't help but fell into silence, because the charge Zhao Zhenji had placed on the head of the Yuan family in Jiaxing was for hiding weapons secretly with the intention of treason.

Anyone can see that this is an intentional crime, so there is no reason to worry.

You must know that in the Ming Dynasty, many gentry and landowners had the habit of keeping slaves. If conditions allowed, they would hire martial arts instructors to train these slaves.

And these slaves are called guards before they pick up weapons. Once they pick up weapons, they become private soldiers!

Not to mention hiding weapons privately, in the homes of some wealthy gentry and landlords, they even hid armor and raised private soldiers.

The families behind many officials in the court were wealthy gentry who dominated the country. Therefore, Zhao Zhenji's behavior made them deeply uneasy.

After all, no one could figure out whether this was Zhao Zhenji's own intention or the emperor's instruction.

If Zhao Zhenji really gets the emperor's order, then things will be in trouble, which also means that the court will make big moves next.

Because of this, the atmosphere in the capital became increasingly weird.

……

Capital City, Yan Mansion.

On the same day, after going off duty, Yan Song, Yan Shifan and his son took a sedan chair and went straight back to Yan's Mansion.

"Father, as far as the child knows, when Zhao Zhenji was the supervisory censor in the capital, he was cautious in everything, especially caring about feathers. Why is he acting so radically now? This is not Zhao Zhenji's style at all!"

After helping Yan Song down from the sedan, Yan Shifan looked at Yan Song curiously and asked.

When Yan Song heard this, he just glanced at Yan Shifan and said angrily: "Zhao Zhenji is now the governor-general of Zhejiang Province and the governor of Zhejiang Province. He is a veritable official of the frontier, with military and political power in his hands. Does he still need to look at other people's faces now?"

When Yan Song said this, he paused and continued: "Put you in his position, and you will be more radical than him!"

After hearing Yan Song's words, Yan Shifan's face showed an expression that seemed to have enlightenment.

Then, as if he suddenly thought of something, he continued: "By the way, father, there are rumors in the court recently that Zhao Zhenji is interested in the property of the Yuan family in Jiaxing, so..."

After hearing this, Yan Song snorted coldly, with a look of hatred on his face, and said in a deep voice: "Huh, these rumors in the court are absolutely unbelievable!"

"Use your brain and think about it carefully. Zhao Zhenji was born as a commoner, and now he is a high official in the border areas appointed by His Majesty. He only has a few pieces of silver. Does he need to go to war?"

"Now, people from both the government and the public who want to send him money are almost queuing from the capital to Zhejiang!"

After saying this, Yan Song looked away from Yan Shifan and said to himself: "In my opinion, this Zhao Zhenji has probably been authorized by His Majesty!"

After listening to Yan Song's analysis, Yan Shifan's face became even more curious.

After considering the words in his mind, he continued: "Father, what do you mean by what you just said? Why can't the child understand it?"

Yan Song seemed unwilling to continue this topic. He shook his head, refused Yan Shifan's support, and walked in the direction of the study alone, leaving only a confused Yan Shifan.

Yan Song knew very well that the emperor was using the Yuan family in Jiaxing to test the direction of the court.

What is foreseeable is that sooner or later the emperor will annex the land!

"Xu Jie, Xu Jie, sooner or later you will be implicated by those in your family!"

After Yan Song finished speaking, he stepped up the stairs and entered the study.

……

On the other side, Xu Jie's mansion in the capital.

As night fell, the orange candlelight in the room vaguely reflected Xu Jie's figure. At this moment, Xu Jie was pacing back and forth in the room with his hands behind his back and a sad face.

Perhaps because he felt tired, Xu Jie sat back on the chair again, with a look of unconcealable worry on his face.

Ever since the news that Zhao Zhenji sent people to search the Yuan family in Jiaxing spread in the capital, Xu Jie felt deeply uneasy and sent people to investigate the matter non-stop.

You know, in recent years, the Jiaxing Yuan family has accumulated a large number of contacts in the court by bribing senior officials.

Not only that, the eldest son of the Yuan family also passed the imperial examination. He only needs to wait until the court holds an encore next year, and he can naturally enter the official career.

But at this juncture, the Yuan family in Jiaxing was ransacked by Zheng Michang and He Maocai sent by Zhao Zhenji, and they also used the excuse of hiding weapons secretly and intending to rebel.

Zhao Zhenji's identity is not ordinary. He is the governor-general of Zhejiang and the governor of Zhejiang appointed by the emperor. Because of this, it is absolutely impossible for Zhao Zhenji to let go and act rashly without reason.

In Xu Jie's view, Zhao Zhenji probably received the emperor's secret instructions before sending Zheng Michang and He Maocai to inspect the Yuan family in Jiaxing.

Xu Jie keenly sensed that the whole matter probably involved land annexation.

After all, it has long been an indisputable fact that the Yuan family in Jiaxing has annexed nearly 200,000 acres of land.

In the Ming Dynasty, there were many more wealthy families than the Yuan family in Jiaxing. Whether it was the Shanxi merchants in Shanxi or those families involved in maritime trade, none of them could be compared to the Yuan family in Jiaxing.

But unfortunately, the Yuan family in Jiaxing was unlucky. The government accused them of hiding weapons and intending to rebel, and then ransacked their home.

"Is it possible that His Majesty is planning to use this opportunity to restrain land annexation? If this is the case, things will be in trouble..."

When Xu Jie thought of this, the expression on his face suddenly became extremely ugly. You must know that Xu Jie's family occupies almost half of the fertile land in Songjiang Mansion, which translates to nearly 280,000 acres of land.

If Jiajing really made up his mind to inventory the acres of land and curb land annexation, then Xu Jie's family would definitely be the first to be unlucky.

As the second assistant to the cabinet, Xu Jie will inevitably be implicated.

While Xu Jie was still thinking about how to deal with the matter next, he heard a slight knock on the door.

Seeing that the thoughts in his mind were interrupted, Xu Jie frowned slightly, with a displeased look on his face, and said in a deep voice: "Come in!"

After the words fell, there was only a "squeak" sound, the door of the room was pushed open, and the housekeeper stepped in.

After entering the room, the housekeeper subconsciously looked in the direction of Xu Jie, leaned down, and respectfully responded: "Master, your clan brother Xu Ren is here to visit and is currently waiting in the waiting room!"

After Xu Jie learned the news from the housekeeper, his face was full of impatience.

He slammed the table, looked in the direction of the butler, and reprimanded: "Didn't I ask you to tell them not to run to me if you have nothing to do?"

"Why, did you turn a deaf ear to what I said?"

After Xu Jie finished speaking, he squinted in the direction of the housekeeper and waited quietly for his answer.

When the housekeeper heard what Xu Jie said, his face was full of panic.

Then, he raised his head, looked in the direction of Xu Jie, and explained hesitantly: "Old... Master, I have conveyed your words to those in your clan intact. ,But……"

When Xu Jie heard what the steward said, most of his resentment dissipated. He knew that the steward could not be blamed for this incident.

After that, Xu Jie looked back, sighed helplessly, waved his hand, and said: "That's it, take me there!"

"Yes, sir, please come with me!"

When the steward heard this, he felt as if he had been granted amnesty and quickly led the way.

In fact, Xu Jie had already guessed the purpose of his clan brother Xu Ren coming to meet him.

In the final analysis, it was just because I was deeply worried about the recent incident involving the Yuan family in Jiaxing, and wanted to find out the latest trends in the government and the opposition from my own mouth.

You know, Xu Jie's family, like the Yuan family in Jiaxing, has annexed a large amount of land.

After all, no one wants to become the second Jiaxing Yuan family!

Xu Jie just came to the hall and saw Xu Ren, who had been waiting for a long time. He put down the teacup in his hand and came over to greet him. He asked eagerly: "Is there anything going on in the court recently? The clan sent me here specially..."

Before Xu Ren finished speaking, he was interrupted by Xu Jie: "The specific situation is not clear yet. This is a critical moment. Let those in the clan calm down and stop causing trouble for me. Got it!"

When Xu Jie said this, he paused and continued to add: "If there is any news, I will send someone to inform you. If nothing happens in the future, just run to me!"

"Okay, if nothing happens, you can leave!"

When Xu Ren saw Xu Jie treating him like this, a trace of resentment flashed across his face.

In his opinion, not only did Xu Jie not consider the interests of the clan, but he also disliked himself so much.

"Over the years, without the support of the clan, would you, Xu Jie, be able to reach your current position?"

Of course, Xu Ren could only think about words like this in his heart and would never dare to say them out loud.

Afterwards, Xu Ren suppressed all the chaotic thoughts in his mind, bowed respectfully to Xu Jie, and left with several children of the Xu family.

After Xu Ren left, Xu Jie's face was full of disdain. He looked back and said silently to himself: "Humph, a bunch of greedy guys who will only cause trouble for me!"

After saying that, Xu Jie suddenly waved his sleeves and returned to the study.

……

The night passed in the blink of an eye, and when it was dawn, Lu Fang set out from his residence as usual and went to Qianqing Palace to meet Jiajing.

Although it was still early, many eunuchs and maids were already busy. Some were responsible for pruning branches and leaves, while others were responsible for cleaning.

Perhaps it was because not long ago, Jiajing asked Lu Fang to distribute rewards to everyone in the palace through the birth of Queen Shen.

In short, these eunuchs and maids work much harder than before.

When the extremely busy eunuchs and maids saw Lu Fang's arrival, they all stopped what they were doing and said hello to Lu Fang: "Eunuch Lu!"

Regarding these greetings, Lu Fang still had a warm smile on his face and nodded as before. Looking at the Qianqing Palace not far away, Lu Fang looked away and said with emotion: "Well, it seems that things are as expected. Zhao Zhenji sent people to check the Yuan family in Jiaxing, which has caused an uproar in the capital! "

After finishing his emotion, Lu Fang unconsciously quickened his pace and headed in the direction of Qianqing Palace.

In the Qianqing Palace, Jiajing had just put on his robes under the service of his personal eunuchs.

At this moment, Lu Fang was seen entering Qianqing Palace with silent steps.

Jiajing was already not surprised by Lu Fang's arrival. Then Lu Fang came to Jiajing, leaned down and said respectfully: "Your Majesty!"

Jiajing heard the words and responded in a subtle way.

Then, Jiajing glanced at Lu Fang and asked, "By the way, Lu Fang, are there any developments in the DPRK recently?"

When Lu Fang heard Jiajing's words, she didn't dare to hide anything. She immediately told everything she knew about the situation.

"Your Majesty, as far as I know, many people went to visit the Yan Mansion last night, and many of them are officials from Jiangxi."

"In addition, Mr. Xu Ge, after his clan brother Xu Ren left, many people came to visit..."

After listening to Lu Fang's narration, Jiajing saw a look of ridicule on his face, and said to himself: "Huh, these guys, as soon as I made a move, they noticed the clues. They are really keen. of!"

After that, Jiajing turned around to look at Lu Fang, and said: "Lü Fang, go to the cabinet in person later, call Yan Song and Xu Jie over, and tell me that I have important You need to discuss it with them!"

When Lu Fang heard Jiajing's words, she immediately looked stern and responded in a deep voice: "As you command, Your Majesty!"

Then, Jiajing seemed to have suddenly thought of something, and added: "By the way, be more solemn when the time comes!"

"Yes, Your Majesty, I understand!"

……

Forbidden City, Cabinet.

At this moment, everyone in the cabinet was busy processing the memorial sent by the subordinate officials.

The cabinet was extremely quiet, no one spoke, there was only the rustle of paper being turned.

After putting the completed memorial in his hand aside, Yan Song picked up the tea cup soaked in wolfberry water on the table and took a sip.

What happened last night is still vivid in my mind.

There was an endless stream of people visiting Yan's Mansion last night, and many of them were friends from the township party who hadn't seen each other for a long time.

The purpose of these people's visit was very simple. They wanted to get some news from Yan Song, the chief minister of the cabinet.

If the emperor really intends to inventory the acres of land and curb land annexation, it would be better to make preparations in advance, right?

Although Yan Song knew that Jiajing would annex land next, he did not choose to tell those people the truth, but claimed that he had no knowledge of it.

In Yan Song's view, if this news was accidentally leaked, it would most likely have an impact on the emperor's subsequent plans, so Yan Song chose to conceal the truth.

After all, Yan Song doesn't eat from anyone, he only eats the emperor's bowl of rice!

Having said that, superficial work still needs to be done. Besides, his Yan family also has a lot of land in his hometown.

"Oh, what a troubled time it has been!"

After sighing secretly, Yan Song returned his attention to the memorial in front of him.

At this moment, a rush of footsteps was heard outside, and not long after, a subordinate was seen walking in quickly.

After the subordinate official entered the cabinet, he subconsciously looked in the direction of Yan Song and Xu Jie, lowered his head, and reported respectfully: "Master Ge, Eunuch Lu is outside asking for an audience!"

After Yan Song learned the news, he couldn't help but have a look of surprise on his face.

"If it were normal times, that would be fine, but at this time, could it be His Majesty's side..."

Immediately, Yan Song came back to his senses, looked in the direction of the subordinate official, nodded, and said: "Well, let him come in!"

"Yes, Mr. Yan Ge!"

After the subordinate responded, he quickly left.

……

Shortly after this, under the guidance of a subordinate, Lu Fang entered the cabinet with silent steps.

When everyone saw Lu Fang arriving, they stood up from their seats one after another and saluted him respectfully: "I've met Eunuch Lu!"

Lu Fang heard the words and responded in a subtle way.

Then, he glanced at Yan Song and Xu Jie respectively, and then said: "Mr. Yan Ge, Mr. Xu Ge, please come with our family to Qianqing Palace. Your Majesty will find you." We have something important to discuss!"

After Lu Fang finished speaking, Yan Song and Xu Jie looked at each other, then looked in the direction of Lu Fang and said in response: "Yes, Eunuch Lu!"

Lu Fang took in the expressions on the two people's faces, and then saw them nodding and giving instructions: "Without further delay, let's set off now!"

After saying these words, Lu Fang went to lead the way. Seeing this, Yan Song and Xu Jie quickly followed.

Along the way, Lu Fang didn't say much, and just led the way.

When Yan Song and Xu Jie who were following behind saw this situation, they became increasingly uneasy.

"Is it possible that His Majesty asked me to wait there just to discuss restraining land annexation?"

Combined with everything that had happened recently, such an idea suddenly flashed through Xu Jie's mind.

The more Xu Jie thought about it, the more he felt it was possible. Then, he looked away from Lu Fang and muttered to himself silently.

"Yes, that's right, it must be like this. At this time in the past, Eunuch Lu would remind us a few words, but now he doesn't say a word. Therefore, there must be something big!"

"What if His Majesty brings up the topic of inventorying land acres and suppressing land annexation later? It's impossible to prevaricate it..."

Just as Xu Jie was thinking wildly and becoming increasingly uneasy, he heard Lu Fang's voice ringing in his ears, bringing him back to reality.

"I'd like to ask you two to wait a moment, we'll go in first and let you know!"

"Excuse me, Eunuch Lu!"

Hearing this, Lu Fang nodded. Just as he was about to leave, he saw Xu Jie mustering up the courage to stop Lu Fang.

"Eunuch Lu, may I ask why your Majesty summoned us and two of us to come here?"

When Xu Jie finished speaking, Yan Song on the side also raised his head and looked at Lu Fang curiously, waiting for his response.

Facing the two people's doubtful glances, Lu Fang shook her head slightly and responded: "We don't know very well, His Majesty didn't say it clearly!"

After learning the news from Lu Fang, not only did Xu Jie's face show no trace of annoyance, but he also strengthened his previous judgment: "Sure enough, His Majesty came to us this time to discuss restraining land annexation. One thing!"

"Thank you, Eunuch Lu, for clearing up our doubts!"

After that, Yan Song and Xu Jie looked away from Lu Fang and bowed to her.

"No need to be so polite, it's nothing more than a trivial matter!"

After Lu Fang finished speaking, she climbed up the steps and stepped onto the stairs of Qianqing Palace step by step.

……

Taking advantage of the gap when Lu Fang came in to report, Xu Jie turned around and looked at Yan Song beside him after repeatedly considering the words in his mind, and asked tentatively: "Mr. Yan Ge, do you think His Majesty is looking for us this time?" Why did the two of you go there?"

Yan Song heard what Xu Jie said, and after thinking about it for a moment, he responded solemnly: "Judging from Eunuch Lu's previous performances, what your Majesty wants to discuss with us next should be no small matter!"

Hearing this, Xu Jie glanced at Yan Song, and then put forward his conjecture: "Mr. Yan Ge, in my opinion, Your Majesty called us here this time to discuss the topic of suppressing land annexation!"

When Yan Song heard what Xu Jie said, a look of surprise appeared on his face. He raised his eyebrows and confirmed to Xu Jie: "Oh, how can you see that?"

Xu Jie had no intention of hiding anything. After organizing his words, he told Yan Song his conjecture.

"Recently, the news that Zhao Zhenji sent people to search the Yuan family in Jiaxing has spread a lot in the capital. I think Mr. Yan Ge must know about this, right?"

"Ah."

Yan Song heard this and nodded to show that he knew.

When Xu Jie said this, he paused and continued: "You know, Zhao Zhenji is smart and intelligent, and he cherishes feathers very much. I sent someone to check, and there is no dispute between Zhao Zhenji and the Yuan family in Jiaxing!"

"The annexation of 200,000 acres of land by the Yuan family in Jiaxing has long been an indisputable fact. Anyone who wants to check it can find it!"

"In the Ming Dynasty, there were many more wealthy families than the Yuan family in Jiaxing, but why, the Yuan family in Jiaxing was the unlucky one. The government labeled them as hiding weapons and intending to rebel, and then ransacked their homes!"

Although Xu Jie didn't say it clearly, Yan Song already understood what Xu Jie wanted to express.

On the one hand, there is no dispute between Zhao Zhenji and the Yuan family in Jiaxing, so it is definitely not possible to retaliate.

On the other hand, with Zhao Zhenji's current status, there are many people in Ming Dynasty who want to give him money, so there is no need to go to war in such a big way.

Moreover, there are many more wealthy families in Ming Dynasty than the Yuan family in Jiaxing. If Zhao Zhenji really wants to blackmail him, he can just focus on those richer families. There is no need to fight against the Yuan family in Jiaxing.

To punish the Yuan family in Jiaxing with the charges of concealing weapons and intending to commit rebellion is obviously to scare the monkeys, and the emperor's instructions must be behind it. (End of chapter)