Chapter 130: Duty, Han Lu Block by Block
Feng Shiyu whispered something and walked towards the seat of the three officials.

Only Wugang King Zhu Xianhuai was left frowning.

Feng Shiyu is really too narrow-minded.

Zhang Chucheng has been dead for nearly half a year, why is he still brooding over it, giving him a cold shoulder and saying harsh words?

Why didn't you tell the whole story to the imperial envoy when he came, and capture Prince Dong'an as soon as possible to comfort him?
Showing a disapproving look now is simply a mean act!
Besides, when doing things one has always been particular about getting what one needs.

Feng Shiyu wanted to expose the scandal of Zhu family, and he just eliminated the black sheep Prince Dong'an by the way.

This is something that everyone is happy about, so what is there to be dissatisfied about?

It's a joke that you are bringing trouble upon yourself!
What crime did he commit? Zhang Chucheng came to Huguang for an official tour, so why shouldn't he be mentioned?
What does it have to do with him if the Prince of Dong'an commits a heinous crime?

Not only did he not commit a crime, he even made a great contribution!
During these days, he secretly helped the imperial envoy to stabilize the situation. Not only did he persuade the Jing vassal to surrender in advance at the critical moment when the lord of Jing vassal committed suicide by burning himself, but he also repeatedly provided evidence of the illegal crimes of King Min and King Dong'an.

If not, how could the imperial envoy handle the case so smoothly?
Not to mention the officials in Huguang who were hoping for an early conclusion to the case, even the imperial envoys who were thinking of returning to Beijing to report had to accept this favor!
This is called staying out of it, this is called taking what you need!

Be clean and don't worry about being punished later.

Moreover, once the imperial edict arrives, these matters will be settled, and the imperial envoy will have to return the token and seal the letter.

If there was no so-called imperial angel in the Huguang area, what could a mere hostility from Feng Shiyu do to him?

With this in mind, the officials present went to greet the angel, bowed and greeted him.

"May I ask how your Majesty is doing?"

"May I ask how your Majesty is doing?"

It is noon now, when the sunlight is at its hottest.

There was only one shaded area just below the gate of the governor's office, so the officials who were saluting on the steps naturally had no chance to enjoy it.

They were so blinded by the light that they bowed and saluted in sweat, appearing extremely respectful.

Zhu Xianhuai quickly collected his thoughts and said a little later, "How is your Majesty?"

Wei Chao, the eunuch in charge of the Imperial Household Department, took in the expressions of everyone present and said calmly, "May the emperor be well."

After saying that, he immediately smiled.

"Your Majesty also asked me to tell you that it is easy to catch a cold during the transition between summer and autumn, so please take good care of yourself."

The clan members and officials once again bowed to thank the emperor for his grace.

After a round of greetings, Liang Menglong stepped forward and said, "Angel, the incense table has been prepared in the yamen. Please come in and announce the decree."

After saying this, he extended his hand and invited the angels in.

The threshold of the yamen's main gate had been removed this morning, and the gate was wide open to respectfully welcome the distinguished guests.

Wei Chao nodded and walked in front as a matter of course.

Liang Menglong and King Wugang followed on their left and right, and a group of officials and relatives followed cautiously behind.

Wei Chao looked around and inadvertently glanced at Liang Menglong: "Governor Liang is really talented. When he governed Shandong, he was able to open up sea transportation. When he governed Henan, he quelled civil unrest. Now he is governing Huguang. In just over a month, he has solved a major case. I really admire him."

When they are out on duty, the eunuchs will naturally not miss the opportunity to get close to the ministers.

After all, this Governor Liang was named on the emperor's screen, was a disciple of the first minister, and was recommended by the second minister. He was a promising person.

Liang Menglong just forced a smile after hearing this, and bowed in return, saying, "Angel, thank you for your praise."

He looked very businesslike and obviously didn't want to pay too much attention to the eunuch.

Wei Chao didn't mind. He immediately looked at King Wugang and said with some regret: "Your Highness, I didn't expect so many royal family members to be involved in evil deeds when the imperial envoy inspected Huguang this time. Your Majesty is very worried."

Zhu Xianhuai understood what was meant and realized that this was a test of his position.

He immediately sighed and said without leaving any trace: "In the 43rd year of Jiajing, I submitted a petition to establish a clan school because I saw that there were too many lawless people in the clan!"

"It's never too late to mend the fence after the sheep have been lost. This time, the imperial envoy's inspection has eliminated these bad apples, which is actually a long-term plan for the vassal state."

"For example, if the imperial envoy brings the Prince of Dong'an to justice and sends him to the capital, everyone in our Chu clan will be overjoyed. Eunuch Wei must advise Your Majesty to relax and not worry."

Since Your Majesty has said that the royal family members involved in the case committed evil, those princes naturally deserved to die.

Not only that, it is my duty as the Chu vassal to calm people's hearts afterwards - who made Your Majesty so wise and let me be in charge of the Chu vassal?
Wei Chao nodded with satisfaction.

If the King of Wugang does not cooperate, it will be a waste of effort to wait for Wu Jinghe to pick another obedient one.

Zhu Xianhuai observed Wei Chao's expression and saw that his reaction was quite good.

He paused, then tried to test the waters: "The matter of the King of Chu's posthumous child has caused quite a stir. If we don't investigate it quickly, the succession will be difficult to determine. I wonder if Your Majesty will make a wise decision this time?"

Until this matter is settled, I will always be worried.

Only when several posthumous sons are involved will the Chu clan be forced to transfer the heir!

After hearing this, Wei Chao looked at Zhu Xianhuai and smiled without saying anything.

Zhu Xianhuai was slightly dissatisfied, but there was nothing he could do.

The group soon arrived at the lobby of the governor's office.

There was only an incense table quietly placed in the lobby.

Li Zaiting faced the incense table, inserted three incense sticks into the incense burner, and placed it in the middle of the incense table.

Light up the faint incense.

On the left side of the incense burner is the imperial envoy's token, and on the right side is the imperial envoy's seal.

When the mission is completed, the token must be returned.

So it doesn’t matter if Hai Rui and Wu Jinghe can’t come, just hand over the tasks and cancel the registration.

Wei Chao stopped and stretched out his hand to signal everyone to stop.

He walked slowly to Li Zaiting and said, "Li Jieshizhong."

Li Zaiting turned around and nodded, saying, "Eunuch Wei, according to the rules, officials are ordered by the emperor to deal with matters, and when the matter is completed, the seal and token are returned."

All departments that are ordered to handle matters are required to cancel their records every five days, but if the imperial envoy is conducting an audit, the records will be cancelled more slowly and all records will be cancelled once the matter is completed.

In the latter case, either the imperial envoy returns to Beijing in person to return the seal and the court slowly figures out how to deal with the matter; or, as is the case now, the court's decree on how to deal with all matters has arrived, so the envoy must first return the seal and return to Beijing to report on his work.

These are customs formed to prevent angels from doing whatever they want outside of this range after completing their mission.

Wei Chao said in a gentle voice: "Li Jieshizhong is tired."

After saying this, he waved his hand and asked the four officials who were accompanying him to come forward with a wooden box and seal the talismans and seals on the incense table.

The deputy envoy took out the emperor's imperial edict and waited on the side, ready to announce the decree.

Just as Wei Chao reached out to take the talisman on the incense table, Li Zaiting suddenly held Wei Chao's hand again.

Wei Chao looked back in confusion.

Li Zaiting said expressionlessly: "Eunuch Wei, I haven't finished yet."

"Officials are ordered by the emperor to deal with matters, and the matter is cancelled after it is completed, but..."

"There is still one thing that is unresolved."

He ignored the suspicious looks of the crowd and looked up at the King of Wugang: "King of Wugang Zhu Xianhuai, restrained the clan leader, exploited the concubines of the imperial family, put them in a desperate situation, bullied the concubine, and his crimes are exposed."

"When the King of Chu died, he stole the precious treasures stored by his ancestors."

"He also colluded with the Prince of Dong'an to cover up the scandal of the Chu vassal and plotted to assassinate Zhang Chucheng. He secretly sent his father-in-law, Wu Jian, the deputy commander of the Wuchang Guard Office, to steal the governor's seal and forge a false order, committing treason."

"He should be put in jail and tried for his crimes."

The voice just fell.

Everyone was subconsciously stunned.

What do you mean? Isn't it over? Why are you still here!?
The officials in Huguang had cooperated with these imperial envoys for a time because Liang Menglong had promised personally that he would not hold the officials accountable and would let the imperial envoys leave as soon as possible.

Now that the imperial edict has arrived and the case is about to be closed, you, Li Zaiting, told me that you still want to stir up trouble? Does what you said before no longer count?

When they thought of this, everyone looked at each other with a change of color.

If we find a reason today to investigate King Wugang and not close the case, will officials also have to continue investigating in the future?

Okay, so we have to defeat them one by one, right?

Liang Menglong's expression was even uglier.

This matter has not been discussed with him. Isn't this making a joke of his reputation in the officialdom?
Zhu Xianhuai was even more shocked.

Oh no, why am I suddenly being targeted?

He didn't have time to think, and flew into a rage on the spot: "You are slandering me! Li Zaiting, what benefits did you receive from the King of Dong'an in private that you are accusing me like this!"

It had only been a short time since he took charge of the Chu vassal state when he was sidelined by the Prince of Dong'an. How could he control the royal family's rituals and exploit the palace ladies?
As for stealing rare treasures, he concluded that no one would know!
Not to mention that he colluded with Prince Dong'an, murdered Zhang Chucheng, and instructed his father-in-law to steal the seal. These were all completely false!
This Li Zaiting is simply crazy!

“That’s why we need to investigate this matter.”

Li Zaiting did not argue with him. He met the gaze of Wei Chao, the eunuch in charge of writing in the Imperial Household Department, and said seriously, "Eunuch Wei, can you wait for two days first?"

Now that the imperial seal has been taken back, he no longer has the power to act arbitrarily.

The imperial edict conferred the title of King of Wugang, but it could not be changed overnight.

No matter from which perspective, Li Zaiting could only ask Wei Chaoxian to wait.

However, although he thought so, people in Huguang had been looking forward to their departure.

The officials could not stand it any longer.

Before Wei Chao could speak, Ma Guze, the deputy envoy of Huguang, frowned and said, "Your Majesty has made a wise decision. How can you allow us to act recklessly?"

It is naturally necessary to bring out the emperor.

Li Zaiting acted on his own and completely disregarded the emperor and the central government.

Wang Shugao could not help but say, "Li Jieshizhong, we all know that the imperial envoy is in a high position and has great power, and it is difficult to give him up, but we cannot use this as an excuse to linger around."

This statement directly points to the obsession with power.

You and I said one after another, and it was obvious that we could no longer accept the imperial envoy staying here any longer.

Everyone looked at Liang Menglong: "Mr. Liang, do you agree?"

Liang Menglong suddenly felt a headache.

He really didn't know what Li Zaiting was up to.

Almost done.

We had agreed before to stop here, but now it seems like we want to get to the bottom of this.

After going back on your word like this, you just walk away and go back to Beijing. How will Liang Menglong work with his colleagues in Huguang in the future?
The more King Wugang thought about this matter, the more uneasy he felt.

Without waiting for Li Zaiting to continue speaking, he quickly walked to Wei Chao and said in a deep voice: "Eunuch Wei, announce the decree. Everyone is still waiting to listen to your majesty's words and sacred intentions."

Wei Chao was also in a dilemma. He and Liang Menglong looked at each other, and both showed helpless expressions.

The former thought about it, approached Li Zaiting, and whispered: "Li Jieshizhong... The court awarded Wugang King this time, saying that it would also use it to stabilize the Huguang royal family."

The words were almost pleading in tone, but the meaning was firm.

It was impossible for him to fulfill Li Zaiting's wish and imprison the person who was to be rewarded by the central government.

Making a fool of oneself is the least of the worries. His messengers did this, which was a deliberate slap in the emperor's face!

So he had no choice but to reveal the truth quietly.

Although the voice was small, it could not stop everyone's attention from being focused here.

Especially the King of Wugang, who breathed a sigh of relief.

Although this is a sure thing.

After this incident, many members of the royal family in Huguang were in panic. No matter what the central government planned to do, it would inevitably require some appeasement to ensure a smooth transition.

Now, there is only one person in the royal family who has the power to pacify the situation except Zhu Xianhuai.

As long as there are normal people in the center, it is impossible not to win him over, or even use him.

Of course, having said that, anyone who encounters such twists and turns would be nervous.

What if these people rely on the emperor’s high authority and do whatever they want?

Fortunately, this eunuch was clear-headed and did not follow Li Zaiting to do evil.

Wei Chaochao apologized to Li in the court: "Li Jieshizhong, if you have any plans, you can discuss them after returning to the capital. Please return the seal first."

There is no way around it. The emperor's favorites are his favorites, but one cannot ruin his job just to curry favor with him.

How could an imperial decree not be announced? And how could Li Zaiting be allowed to imprison the person who was to be rewarded by the imperial decree?

Does he still want to continue working as the eunuch in charge of the Imperial Household Department?

After saying this, he stood leisurely in front of the incense table, waved his hand, and asked the deputy envoy for the imperial edict.

Zhu Xianhuai and the Huguang officials tacitly ignored Li Zaiting, stood next to the incense table, bowed and waited.

Wei Chao was about to unfold the imperial edict, and the officials lowered their heads and prepared to bow.

at this time.

Without warning.

Li Zaiting suddenly stretched out his hand and extended it in front of Wei Chao, blocking most of Wei Chao's vision.

The latter only felt his eyes blurred, and the imperial edict was taken into Li Zaiting's hands so easily!

Wei Chao was panic-stricken and speechless.

Everyone was stunned.

"Li Zaiting!"

"Li Jieshizhong, you are blaspheming the imperial edict. What do you want to do?"

Liang Menglong was also shocked by Li Zaiting's actions.

He looked at Li Zaiting who was reading the imperial edict by himself and consoled him: "Li Jieshizhong..."

King Wugang opened his mouth slightly and looked at Li Zaiting in panic.

Why is this so!

How could he have offended this guy to be so angry! He acted so arrogantly and without any concealment!

And what is the method of snatching the imperial edict?
Li Zaiting was prepared. He interrupted Liang Menglong and looked around at everyone.

Finally, he looked at Wei Chao and said sincerely: "Six departments, all the imperial edicts shall be promulgated, major matters shall be reported back, minor matters shall be issued and issued, and if there is any mistake, it shall be sealed and reported back."

"I am the Chief Secretary of the Ministry of Personnel. It is my duty to correct all errors in the memorials submitted by the government and the imperial edicts issued by the government."

"Eunuch Wei, this decree..."

"Someone, blocked it."

Everyone was speechless.

Li Zaiting looked at Liang Menglong again and said seriously, "Put the King of Wugang in jail. When the evidence of his guilt is solid, I will send him to the capital."

He was afraid that Liang Menglong might not understand what he said.

After thinking for a while, he added meaningfully: "As soon as possible."

After saying this, Li Zaiting took the imperial edict, put the talisman and seal on the incense table into his sleeves, and left.

(End of this chapter)