The First Gongsheng of Ming Dynasty

The direction of the wind blowing in the court was already a little biased. Even the civil servants did not expect that Zhang Zhou would blame the local officials and gentry of Yongping Prefecture for stealing ordnance secrets.

And with Zhang Mao as the leader, almost representing the entire force of Wu Xun, supporting Zhang Zhou's proposition, this formed a "civil and military confrontation", which also deviated from the strategy formulated by civil servants to only target Mu Bin. , even if he wanted to confront Zhang Zhou, Wen Chen did not want to put Wu Xun completely against him.

"The concerns of the British public are indeed worth pondering." Zhu Youtang seemed to be very emotional, commenting on what Zhang Mao said.

But he still cast a glance, as if to say, even if you, Old Man Zhang, are wise, the grass on the wall will fall in the wind. If you don't know which wind is stronger, then your decades in court will have been in vain.

Wu Xun also agreed with Zhang Mao's point of view.

Many people also looked at us with "admiration", as if to say, Mr. Zhang, you still know how to maneuver according to the wind... It is to assess the situation so that we can know clearly which way to lean.

Xie Qian said with a dark face: "Cai Guogong, are you sure this is not malicious slander? Even if there is a so-called cannon-making workshop in Yongping Mansion, how much do the local officials and gentry know about it? Besides, they have to risk ransacking their homes. The risk of genocide, leaking this to outsiders? If the Ming Pass is lost, what good will it do to them? "

"Xie Ge's old saying makes sense!"

Wenchen also immediately found the "wind direction".

The two winds are now blowing against each other, and the civil servants are also very clear about their position. As for the facts, it is not important. At this time, they must maintain the same opinion as the leader of the civil servants no matter what.

Zhang Zhou smiled and said, "Really? Let me think about it."

Xie Qian breathed a sigh of relief for a moment. Does this mean that Zhang Zhou didn't think about it to this point and actually had to improvise a speech?
  Then I will kill you while you are sick.

"you……"

Before Xie Qian could continue to attack, Zhu Youtang suddenly couldn't bear it anymore and said: "Mr. Xie Ge, are you really ignorant, or are you pretending to be confused?"

Xie Qian was taken aback.

Zhang Zhou suddenly lost his temper, and the emperor actually wanted to take over?
  "I don't understand what your Majesty means." Xie Qian quickly saluted Zhu Youtang respectfully.

Zhu Youtang said: "I don't understand. Is Bingkuan not clear enough, or do you insist on claiming the truth with a needle-pointed mind? Didn't Bingkuan say it? The cannon-casting workshop is in Yongping Mansion, and the craftsmanship is not leaked. It’s not unusual. As for taking the risk of confiscating the family and annihilating the entire clan... they can not only make a profit, but also be able to attribute the responsibility to Bingkuan who created the craft afterwards, achieving their goal of taking back the local mine!"

"As for what you said, if the pass is lost, what good will it do to them... On this point, you should ask those who have been through it since ancient times what they think. If there is no benefit, why do they insist on doing this? If there is no evidence, I I don’t believe Bingkuan would say that.”

Xie Qian hesitated for a while.

He seemed to understand why Zhang Zhou was silent just now.

Because there are some truths that Zhang Zhou has not thought about, but that Zhang Zhou does not need to say them himself, someone will say them for him.

After the emperor used the pressure of imperial power to refute Xie Qian's remarks, Xie Qian would be put in a very disadvantageous position. This would make Xie Qian appear to be unreasonable and trying to bite Zhang Zhou over a trivial matter. put.

If it affects the emperor's sensual attitude toward Xie Qian, it's a small matter, but if it affects the interests of the civil servants as a whole, it's a big deal.

"Bingkuan, don't worry. If you have any questions, just say it. I believe some people can still understand the truth." Zhu Youtang is no longer simply supporting Zhang Zhou, he is simply wearing the same pants as Zhang Zhou.

The ministers also heard that the emperor's disappointment in Xie Qian was obvious.

Zhang Zhou's forbearance just now made the emperor think that Zhang Zhou did not want to break up with the civil servants. It made the emperor feel that Zhang Zhou was both capable and broad-minded... and was tricked by this kid again.

Zhang Zhou said: "I obey the order. As I know before, the Jin Yiwei also found out some clues before ordering the arrest. However, it may be a small matter that is magnified. Many families may have been framed for no reason, or someone was beaten into a move. This requires Check it out afterward.”

At this point, Zhang Zhou can be regarded as "taking a step back."

Xie Qian wanted to say something else, but was stopped by Li Dongyang's eyes.

Obviously Li Dongyang was very clear-headed, and he saw that Zhang Zhou was "giving in".

With Zhang Zhou currently taking the initiative, even if Zhang Zhou wanted to continue to expand the circle of families involved in the "treasonous" case, the emperor would allow it, and he would still have the advantage of public opinion.

However, Zhang Zhou took the initiative to say that the matter may have been expanded because of the implication. Some families may not have been involved in the case, but were framed and beaten. This meant that only the bandit leaders could be punished and more families could be spared.

Zhu Youtang nodded and said: "Actually, I don't believe it either. Yongping Mansion is full of traitors. If it's like this in one place, it will be the same everywhere. How can I trust my subjects? Mou Bin, in this matter , do you know your sin?"

Mou Bin still knelt on the ground and kowtowed: "I know that my sin is serious, so please forgive me."

Don't defend yourself.

Zhu Youtang said: "It's fine if you punish the crime, but I also think that you are trying to find out the truth of the case. Even if the matter seems to be spread and involved at first, there is still a chance to clarify it, but I am afraid that the real culprit behind the scenes will be let go in the end. I That’s understandable.”

None of the civil servants said a word at this moment.

Obviously, they were debating with the emperor from a preset position, and the emperor was also waiting for them from a preset position.

Zhang Zhoudao: "I also believe that the vast majority of people in Yongping Mansion are loyal to the court, and only a handful of people have evil intentions. Under the intervention of Liu Yu, the governor of Jizhen, the local gentry in Yongping Mansion, etc., They were willing to come out to clarify the cause of the matter, and took the initiative to provide money and food to the court to build shipyards, strengthen cannon casting, and maintain local stability. Some even contributed money and efforts to build fortresses. This shows that Yongping Mansion still has simple folk customs. The land was just disturbed by a handful of rat droppings!”

"Really?" Zhu Youtang said with a smile, "Then they are loyal."

When the ministers present heard this, they basically understood Zhang Zhou's tactics.

He did not directly talk about the reconciliation with the local families, but first explained that among this group of people, some people had indeed committed crimes. In the end, it seemed to show the "imperial grace" and forgave most of the families who had no evidence, or who had only witnesses. A family without physical evidence is tantamount to a collective forgiveness.

Of course, this kind of forgiveness is also based on the families losing money and avoiding disasters. If they don't pay a penny and just want to use the power of the court to redress their grievances, then they will wait to have their homes confiscated and exterminated.

Although Xie Qian held back, he still couldn't help but said in a gloomy voice: "Mr. Cai Guogong, your move is really...premeditated."

Zhang Zhou said: "I have remembered Mr. Xie Ge's criticism. It's just that some things are difficult to explain clearly here, and many things I want to wait for time to prove. I also ask Mr. Xie Ge to give me some advice for those who work for the imperial court. Tolerance and open-mindedness, after all, will encounter resistance not only from the court, but also from all aspects of the government at all levels."

Xie Qian did not continue this time.

Zhu Youtang said: "Now that this matter has been found out, it is because the Yongping Mansion has colluded with foreign barbarians and betrayed the court secrets, which led to the serious situation. It is also because someone in the local area intends to attack Jinyiwei and other officials, although they are made a fuss about it. Yes, but overall there is no big deviation. Mou Bin is guilty of lax supervision of his subordinates, so he should be punished for half a year."

"Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty." Mou Bin continued to kowtow.

Mou Bin understood it anyway. Today he was responsible for being a decoration, or treating himself as a piece of goods, and let the big guys bargain over his affairs. As for principles, positions, right and wrong, etc., that was all Not something he should be thinking about.

In fact, he could see early on that the civil servants were targeting him only because they wanted to target Zhang Zhou, who was behind him. He had never been the sharpest thorn in the civil servants' side.

Because any commander of the Imperial Guard might not be able to do better than him.

And he had always had a good reputation among civil servants before. After all, the Hongzhi Dynasty was also the period when factory guards were at their lowest.

Zhu Youtang said: "Then, gentlemen, do you have anything else to say?"

Now, Zhu Youtang is going to target the group of officials who participated in the impeachment of Mou Bin.

Zhang Zhou said: "I believe that this matter needs to be strictly investigated. Dongchang and Jinyiwei should not be solely responsible, but the judicial department and others should also be involved, so as to show that there is no intention to operate in secret, and because Jinyiwei and Jinyiwei are involved, In this matter, it should also be treated as more avoidance.”

"That makes sense." Zhu Youtang said, "Then let Dali Temple take the lead and take people to the local area to investigate clearly. But everything is up to you, Bingkuan, to consider. It's not that I have to believe it. It's just about matters such as firearm casting. Only Bingkuan knows it best, what do you think?"

Liu Jian came out and said, "Old minister, I second the proposal."

This second opinion is equivalent to saying that Liu Jian took the initiative to withdraw from the dispute on behalf of the civil servants, and it was also a decision made by Liu Jian after assessing the situation.

Compared with Liu Jian's "open-mindedness", the group of officials with a reputation for admonition were even more unconvinced.

He obviously hadn't had a serious discussion with Zhang Zhou yet, but the secret of what kind of firearms Zhang Zhou used to forge was leaked, so he was put off... Who knows whether it is true or not? Are you just giving up on our civil servant principles?
  A commander of the Jin Yiwei who caused chaos in the local area, just risked his life and got through it? Why?
  Where is the law of heaven?

"Li Zhang." Zhu Youtang suddenly looked to the side.

Li Zhang was also startled, and then he came out and said, "My servant is here."

Obviously, Li Zhang changed from a person involved to a "bystander" in this matter, and he was still a very confused one.

He was also wondering, hadn't he made a good deal with Cai Guogong before, offering [-] taels in exchange for Jin Yiwei's concession, and then showed the ministers a "everyone is happy" gesture to let the ministers see the reconciliation between Zhang Zhou and Jin Yiwei and the local forces? And then make it impossible for civil servants to find fault?
  Why...                                                                                    The matter is not over yet, and we even need to continue to investigate?

Zhu Youtang said: "If you work together to investigate and handle this case, if you don't understand anything, just ask Cai Guogong directly. For everything involved in the case, you only need to relay Bingkuan's opinions, and then listen to his orders to investigate... As for the other things ...I won’t say anything, you can weigh it yourself.”

"According to the order."

Li Zhang showed his usual cautious attitude and was respectful, which would make Wu Xun, a civil servant who was unfamiliar with him and had little contact with him, think that he was the kind of hidden conspirator.

No minister can regard a person who can quickly take over the position of a highly respected old eunuch after Li Rong's death as someone who is easy to get along with.

Li Zhang didn't naturally look in Zhang Zhou's direction.

He seemed to understand why Li Rong died of exhaustion. It was not only because of physical fatigue, but also because of psychological exhaustion. He was obviously working for the emperor, but it involved a court fight and had to do it for Zhang Zhou. The responsibility for dealing with the aftermath cannot be placed on Zhang Zhou...

Li Zhang was also thinking in his mind that this was not a job for humans at all.

……

……

The meeting ended.

Although Zhang Zhou was not a complete victory in this court meeting, he was basically invincible.

After the court meeting, Zhang Zhou left the palace with the ministers, and Zhang Mao brought a group of military officers from the governor's office to "congratulate" Zhang Zhou.

"Bingkuan, congratulations. You have won His Majesty's trust and can accomplish great things. It seems that the Ming Dynasty will be without you in the future. We will all rely on you." Zhang Mao had a flattering look on his face, as if He was asking for credit from Zhang Zhou.

There was a look in his eyes that said "If I hadn't helped you in the court, you wouldn't have been able to step down", as if he wanted to share the joy of success with Zhang Zhou.

Zhang Zhou said: "We try our best to do things. No one is indispensable, but no one is missing. I don't dare to be proud, especially because I haven't done some things well myself, which has caused some misunderstandings among the ministers."

While talking, Lin Han was walking towards Zhang Zhou.

Suddenly hearing Zhang Zhou's words, Lin Han thought they were directed at him, but when he noticed Zhang Zhou looking sideways, Lin Han didn't hesitate and walked straight in front of Zhang Zhou.

Behind Lin Han, he was also followed by the General Secretary Shen Lu.

These are all people who are more inclined to Zhang Zhouzhou's faction among the civil servants in the court.

"Lin Shangshu, what's wrong?" Zhang Zhou asked with a smile.

Lin Han was hesitant to speak, as if he had some words that he couldn't say in front of outsiders, but he couldn't visit Zhang Zhou casually at ordinary times, so he could only exchange a few words before Zhang Zhou went to court one day.

Zhang Zhou has been away from the capital for nearly two months. Even if he comes back, he may not see Zhang Zhou entering the palace to attend the court meeting someday.

Zhang Mao said with a smile: "It seems that you have important matters to discuss. I am an eyesore because of my old age, so I will take my leave now."

"Where?" Zhang Zhou said, "I still want to talk to Mr. Ying in detail when I have time."

"How about I go back and invite you to visit me? I've recently brought back a few jars of good wine. I know you're a good drink, so I'd like to come if you have time." Zhang Mao was not polite.

If you say you want to come, then I will take it seriously and make an appointment.

Zhang Zhou smiled and said nothing, his expression seemed to say, are you relying on your support to negotiate terms with me?
  In the end, Zhang Mao Ran left with a group of martial artists.

……

……

"Mr. Lin, just tell me what you have to say." Zhang Zhou and Lin Han walked towards the carriage together.

Zhang Zhou would go back in a carriage, while Lin Han would go back in a sedan.

Maybe at Lin Han's age, he couldn't withstand the bumps of the carriage, but in Zhang Zhou's opinion, the carriage was still much more convenient than the sedan in the capital. It was very convenient whether he was rushing or traveling long or short distances. For example, Lin Han's life in Beijing is divided into two points and one line.

Lin Han said: "I want to talk to you about Yongping Mansion."

Zhang Zhou smiled and said: "What, why does Mr. Lin still have any contact with the people in Yongping Mansion?"

Lin Han didn't expect Zhang Zhou's question to be so direct.

But in fact, he is connected with the wealthy families in Yongping Mansion... Zhang Zhou knows very well that the reason why Lin Han can "get stronger with age", and even "a pear tree can overpower the begonias", is that even when he is old, he still has children. The government salary is actually not enough.

He didn’t mean to be greedy for money, but with his reputation in the academic world, there would always be people who would give him a lot in an elegant and respectful way, or by polishing his pen, or by asking for advice and advice, or by providing him with epitaphs, essays, etc. With the opportunity to get money, Lin Han will be able to live in the capital like a fish in water, and there will always be red sleeves around him to add fragrance.

"I'll think about it later." Zhang Zhou saw that Lin Han was unwilling to speak directly. As a son-in-law, Zhang Zhou always wanted to give him some face.

We can't let Lin Hantai stand down. This can also be regarded as giving Lin Yi face.

In Zhang Zhou's conclusion, these father-in-laws probably all have the same character. They are straight-faced and show off, but they also have emotions and desires, but they always don't want the younger generations to see them.

But as a minister in the same palace, your son-in-law has a higher status than you, and he knows your background so well, what else does he need to hide?

"Yeah." Lin Han nodded.

Maybe he was entrusted by someone. He wanted to explain it to Zhang Zhou in detail, but he couldn't.

"Cai Guogong, please stay!"

Before Zhang Zhou could exchange a few words with Lin Han, he heard Li Zhang's voice coming from behind.

But Li Zhang came running all the way.

Lin Han looked back and saw that he was unwilling to show that he was too close to Zhang Zhou in the presence of internal officials. He walked towards his sedan chair without even saying hello.

"Eunuch Li."

Zhang Zhou stopped and waited for Li Zhang to come over.

When Li Zhang came closer, he looked at Lin Han who was already on the sedan chair, and said in fear: "Did it disturb Mr. Cai Guo's business?"

"No, it's nothing important to chat with me, Old Taishan." Zhang Zhou said with a smile.

Li Zhang said: "It's fine if it's nothing important. In fact, our family has heard about Lao Lin's affairs. It is said that he recently moved in a new room... come in."

Zhang Zhou smiled.

You clearly know that I am his son-in-law, and even though I am not marrying Lin Han’s direct daughter, who makes Lin Han’s main wife have nothing to offer?
  It seems inappropriate for you to talk to me about Lin Han having a concubine, right?

"That woman is still from Yongping Mansion." Li Zhang reminded.

Zhang Zhou asked curiously: "Really? That's a coincidence. It seems that many things recently have something to do with Yongping Mansion."

Li Zhang and Zhang Zhou continued to walk in the direction of Zhang Zhou's carriage. Li Zhang said: "Your Majesty has said that, perhaps in the near future, he will transfer Liu Yu, the governor of Jizhen, back to the capital to serve him as the minister of the Sixth Ministry. He said that he He knows how to do things and seems to be very comfortable in handling things.”

"No need to mention this to me." Zhang Zhou said.

Li Zhang said: "As for Lao Lin, our family will also be accommodating."

Zhang Zhou asked curiously: "What's the matter?"

"It's okay." Li Zhang looked like we all knew everything, and said with a serious official expression, "Don't worry, Mr. Cai Guo, even if you don't give me any instructions, our family can still handle some difficult things, and we will never let you It’s difficult. If you don’t do something well, you have to hammer it on at any time, otherwise... the people below won’t know how to do things.” (End of Chapter)