The First Gongsheng of Ming Dynasty

Qianqing Palace.

Zhu Youtang summoned Lu Wan and asked about Zhang Mao's march. However, after hearing that Zhang Mao had not submitted the marching progress as scheduled in the past two days, Zhu Youtang looked somewhat dissatisfied.

"Does he want to follow in Zhu Hui's footsteps?" Zhu Youtang had a sullen expression on his face.

Xiao Jing, who was on the side, quickly helped to make peace and said: "After the British army marched to Piantou Pass, they had to camp for two days to rest, or there might be something wrong with the memorial in the middle. The legend of the northwest Things at the post office are not always smooth, especially when we are on the border with foreign barbarians."

Lu Wandao: "What Eunuch Xiao said is wrong. Now the Tatars are only active in Ningxia, Yansui and other places. They are not active in Xuanda. The post roads from Pianguan to the capital are all smooth. On the contrary, It was because the British government had previously reported that there was insufficient food and fodder for troops, horses, and horses, or it was in the process of raising funds, so it was delayed."

"Insufficient food and grass for the soldiers and horses?" Zhu Youtang frowned.

Xiao Jing next to him felt that his head was very big.

Xiao Jing hurriedly explained: "Your Majesty, to ensure defense in all parts of the northwest, it does take some time to prepare troops and horses."

Zhu Youtang was so angry that he almost slammed the table and said sternly: "Previously, the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of Household Affairs reported that they would provide enough money and food to the northwest, and also ensure the supply of soldiers everywhere to ensure that the British victory in this battle. How could there be a problem of insufficient money and food for the troops? Will the food in the Xuanfu treasury be kept for the New Year?"

"This……"

Xiao Jing didn't expect Zhu Youtang to be so angry about such a thing.

Because in Xiao Jing's view, it was common sense that a group of troops from the northwest suddenly had to be recruited to accompany Zhang Mao to fight, and there would be temporary difficulties in raising funds. Why was the emperor so angry?

Lu Wandao: "Your Majesty, judging from the memorials I have received from all parties above, although there are people in the court reporting to provide support and rations for various places, there is only an official document without any specific plan for implementation."

Zhu Youtang frowned and said, "Are you fooling me and the court? Do you want to stop being a servant of these people? If it's not enough, why hasn't anyone mentioned this to me in the past few days?"

Xiao Jing suddenly felt a chill running down his spine.

Because Xiao Jing knew very well that regarding the court's provision of men, horses, and food for Zhang Mao, some civil servants wanted to create a conflict between Zhang Zhou and Zhang Mao, so as to cause civil strife in the Dudu Mansion, and then use Zhang Mao's old troops in the Dudu Mansion to deal with Zhang Zhou …

Originally, this matter was initiated by civil servants, and the ceremonial supervisor and the eunuch in charge cooperated. Even Li Zhang did not dare to talk nonsense, and Zhang Zhou turned a blind eye to the matter.

result……

But he was exposed by Lu Wan, and Lu Wan was obviously not afraid of getting into trouble. He would not only expose him, but would even add insult to injury and deliberately make things difficult for the ministers of the DPRK. He deliberately made it serious and aroused the emperor's anger.

Xiao Jing said: "Your Majesty, it seems that tomorrow we should go to court to ask questions from the Ministry of Household Affairs, Ministry of Works and others. In fact, the Ministry of Personnel has done everything they should do before. It not only elected Ma Zhongxi as the governor of the partial pass, but also sent Money, food, etc..."

Zhu Youtang said coldly: "Who in the DPRK is responsible for this matter?"

"This……"

Xiao Jing was speechless again.

Is it said that the Secretary of the Ministry of Revenue, Ji Zhong, is in charge of this matter?

Obviously not.

Of course, Zhang Zhou is responsible. You can tell Zhang Mao or the ministers in the court that way, but tell the emperor...the emperor is not a fool. Zhang Zhou was not very involved in this matter, and he did everything the Ministry of War should do. , the rest can only be... there is no person in charge.

Without a person in charge, the work efficiency will naturally be very low. Zhang Mao will encounter a situation in the northwest where he needs troops but no soldiers, and he needs food but no food.

When Zhang Mao is defeated, it seems that Zhang Zhou will benefit, but in fact, Zhang Mao's position in the court is too stable. It is easy for a newcomer like Zhang Zhou to suffer secret losses in a fight with Zhang Mao. This is because Zhang Mao does not work like a civil servant... Warriors know how to use physical eradication, that is, assassination and assassination.

Because most of the military men in the court were nobles from generations, they were not as gentle as civil servants in the struggle for power.

Lu Wandao: "Your Majesty, I have just heard that the household department and the military department are participating in the impeachment of the new prince Shouren at the same time."

Zhu Youtang frowned and said, "What are you trying to impeach him for?"

Zhu Youtang obviously didn't expect this.

Xiao Jing hurriedly wanted to stop him, but Lu Wan seemed to be unable to understand the situation and the look Xiao Jing was giving him. He said directly: "Uncle Xin Xin has mobilized 6,000 troops from Datong in violation of regulations. The commander-in-chief, Ma Yi, personally took the lead and went to assist the British government, and also mobilized money and food privately."

"What do you mean?"

Zhu Youtang was a little confused after hearing this, and even looked sideways at Xiao Jing, wanting Xiao Jing to explain.

Xiao Jing instantly felt that Lu Wan was "prepared".

First, he brought up the minister's mere words but no action, which made the emperor feel that the issue of sending troops to the British government was being pushed around and made the emperor angry. Then he brought up Wang Shouren to assist Zhang Mao in mobilizing troops, but the minister accused him of overstepping his authority...

Xiao Jing was originally going to speak for the prosecutor who was involved in the impeachment of Wang Shouren, but looking at this situation, Xiao Jing knew very well that he could no longer insist.

Xiao Jing said: "Your Majesty, in my opinion, some people may be too accepting of death. Uncle Xin Xin himself has the responsibility to assist the British Duke in mobilizing and dispatching troops. Even if he mobilized troops and horses without giving a detailed report, in fact, There is no arrogance, after all, he is in charge of the military affairs of Xuanda University and other departments, and has the power to kill first and report later."

"Do I need you to tell me? Not to mention that Uncle Xinxin mobilized 6,000 soldiers and provided food and fodder for the British public. Even if Uncle Xinxin sized up the situation and led the troops to rush out, even if the army was defeated, I would not blame him. Because this is his responsibility as a general! Are those officials deliberately using the so-called rules to harm loyal ministers? "

Zhu Youtang seemed completely annoyed.

Xiao Jing lowered his head after hearing this, but couldn't help but glance at Lu Wan out of the corner of his eye.

It seems to be saying.

Look, as you wish, doesn’t your kid like to stir up trouble?

Now His Majesty is completely angry, let's see how you end this.

Lu Wandao: "Your Majesty, in my opinion, the court's attitude should be reiterated on this matter. Some people only have memorials but no actual assistance, and attack the helpful ministers. This is an attack on the generals of the army." And slander cannot help this trend."

"Yes." Zhu Youtang nodded coldly, "That's how it should be. Tell Li Zhang and ask him to take people to capture these people who participated in the impeachment of Uncle Xin and interrogate them."

Xiao Jing asked: "Your Majesty, would this be...not good?"

Zhu Youtang said coldly: "Do I still need you to teach me how to do things?"

"Yes."

Xiao Jing felt a sense of fear in his heart.

Fortunately, he did not mention the matter of Yan Guan's participation in the impeachment first, otherwise the emperor would definitely think that Xiao Jing and the Yan Guan who participated in the impeachment of Wang Shouren were in the same group.

But now it's also a headache, because Yan Guan obviously didn't want to go to the memorial, but was instigated by others.

In the past, the emperor was kind and would generally not use factory guards to deal with officials, but now the emperor is obviously different from before. If those officials can't stand it and confess the people behind it...

Just when Xiao Jing was still thinking about it.

Zhu Youtang added: "By the way, we also need to find out who is behind the scenes who only talks and does not do anything! In this case, why do you still express your intention to help the British government? Is it true that you only express your stance without even a responsible person? ? I can't let it go." Just when Xiao Jing was about to respond to the cooperation, Lu Wan on the side said respectfully: "I will ask someone to find out."

Xiao Jing almost wanted to curse.

What are you doing here?

You are a minister with a good reputation, which sounds very prestigious, but you are just a temporary yamen errand boy. Now you are stirring up trouble and trying to seize power. Don't you want to be around anymore?

"Ah."

Zhu Youtang was very satisfied with Lu Wan's attitude and nodded, "Give it to me to know who is responsible behind the scenes. I can't let these moths continue to gnaw at the court!"

"Yes." Lu Wan looked very confident, as if he already knew everything.

……

……

The emperor originally sent an ordinary eunuch to escort Lu Wan back to the upper level.

This is Zhu Youtang's habit of letting people "see off guests", which reflects the emperor's respect for his ministers.

Xiao Jing took the initiative to take on this job. In fact, Xiao Jing also wanted to ask Lu Wan, did you take advantage of the courage of a bear's heart or a leopard's courage, or did you screw him alive, so you dared to cause trouble like this?

Of course, Xiao Jing still has to remain modest in his attitude.

"Shilang Lu, there is something we want to teach you." Xiao Jing asked with a smile.

Lu Wan walked beside him and said respectfully: "Eunuch Xiao, please speak."

Xiao Jing said: "Is it because the errands at the Shangting Department have been delayed, so that we can't do anything, that makes you care so much? Or is it because someone feels that... all talk but no action affects the British Lord's ability to lead troops to defeat the captives, so you are ordered to do so?" Did you play it like this?"

This question was asked with a smile, but it was obviously questioning Lu Wan.

Lu Wan said seriously: "Eunuch Xiao, do you want to ask if someone secretly taught me to speak like this?"

"Haha." Xiao Jing continued to smile, "No, no, it is the responsibility of the ministers to criticize the current evils. Our family just feels that this matter was brought up a bit rashly, and it should be discussed first before bringing it up."

Lu Wandao: "I don't think so. The thunder was so loud earlier that the superiors, the Ministry of War, and even the northwest soldiers felt that the imperial court would vigorously assist the British Duke in leading troops to conquer the Tatars, but not a drop of rain fell. He even participated in the impeachment of Xinjian Bohang, who has made great achievements, which is contrary to reason. As a minister, how can you pretend not to know when your Majesty summons you?"

After Xiao Jing heard this, the smile on his face couldn't help but freeze.

You, Lu Wan, are a real tiger.

what are you?

Just mention it to His Majesty, how can you talk to me?

It shows that you are a loyal minister, and everyone else is a traitor, right?

Xiao Jing asked: "Then what does Cai Guogong think of this?"

Lu Wandao: "I haven't seen Cai Guogong recently, so I don't know his views. Such matters should be brought directly to His Majesty. The Ministry of War also has its responsibilities, right?"

"Yes." Xiao Jing said, "But how did you know that His Majesty would summon you and give you the opportunity to say this? If you were not summoned, you couldn't bring it up in court. Do you have to keep it in your heart and wait for the opportunity?"

Xiao Jing almost said, don't think that I don't know that you are plotting secretly and deliberately counterattacking.

If you really feel that this matter is of great importance, then you should not wait until the emperor summons you, but should raise it in court.

Of course, then the ministers will be on guard, and they will come out and argue, so you won't be the only one talking to yourself like now, and even the ministers will know your face...

But now, because you brought it up in front of the emperor, there will be no reaction from the civil servants at all, which means that you have the absolute upper hand.

Lu Wan asked: "Could it be that Eunuch Xiao thinks that Your Majesty intends to summon me and ask me to mention this? No way? Before my arrival today, no one told me anything, and I didn't think about it. Do you want to report it, has Eunuch Xiao misunderstood?"

"you……"

Xiao Jing was somewhat unable to resist.

Lu Wan was questioning him, do you suspect that His Majesty and I are playing a double act?

As a ceremonial eunuch, this is disrespectful.

Lu Wandao: "As for whether Cai Guogong mentioned it to His Majesty in private and asked Your Majesty to summon me, I don't know. However, Cai Guogong has never mentioned anything to me about the northwest march. The errands of the Listening Office are independent. He does not accept the jurisdiction of the Ministry of War, and Eunuch Xiao should know this."

"Humph." Even when Xiao Jing wanted to laugh, he couldn't laugh so naturally.

The two walked forward for a while.

Xiao Jing sorted out his mood and thoughts, and then asked again: "As for what Your Majesty mentioned, to find someone who acted irresponsibly and deliberately delayed and postponed the British Army's march. What do you think, Mr. Lu? Who should be responsible?"

Lu Wandao: "Whoever brought it up is responsible."

"There must be a candidate, right? Or... a certain direction." Xiao Jing actually wants to guide Lu Wan. You'd better put it forward. It's Zhang Zhou's responsibility.

Although Xiao Jing also knew that Lu Wan belonged to Zhang Zhou, Xiao Jing knew that Lu Wan did not mean that he would not point out that the person responsible was Zhang Zhou.

Because Zhang Zhou was the only one responsible for this matter, the emperor would not go into details.

Otherwise, a small matter will become a big deal, and the court will be in turmoil, and you, Lu Wan, will be the culprit.

Now I will show you a way, which is to push Zhang Zhou out and make it appear that you, Lu Wan, are neutral and selfless, so that others will respect you more.

Lu Wandao: "If I don't let you discuss it, I think that the Ministry of Cabinet bears a great responsibility in this matter. In addition, the Minister of Hubu has done nothing recently, so he should also be held responsible!"

"you……"

Xiao Jing quickly reminded him, "Shilang Lu, you are from the Ministry of Revenue, and you are called the superior of the following."

You, the Right Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, can't use chicken feathers as command arrows even if you are promoted to a senior official, right?

If you want to attack cabinet ministers and the Minister of Revenue, aren't you going to attack your immediate superior?

How does this benefit you?

Lu Wan looked upright and said, "I'm just discussing the matter."

Xiao Jing thought to himself, this is a reckless man. After all, he was also a Jinshi. After being an official for so many years, does he have to be so radical?

Or...does he have to be like this?

Because His Majesty gave him instructions, so he can only follow the path designed by His Majesty?

Or is it that the person who designed this road is actually Zhang Bingkuan, but he just doesn't admit it?

Lu Wandao: "If I have to single out one person, I think Mr. Xie Ge from the cabinet department should take the first responsibility." (End of Chapter)