Chapter 40: The strange and confusing situation

"What? Chen Mingyan sent someone to the Qianqing Palace!?"

Zhu Yijun said in astonishment.

Chen Mingyan is also the elder brother of Empress Dowager Chen. He and Chen Shanyan are the fourth and third oldest in the family respectively. Both are captains of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

At first, a eunuch came forward and accused Feng Bao of murdering Meng Chong, and later the case fell into the hands of Zhu Xixiao.

With the intention of testing Empress Dowager Chen, he handed the person over to Empress Dowager Chen's brother, Chen Shanyan.

As a result, Jiang Keqian just came over and said that it was Chen Mingyan who brought the eunuch to the Qianqing Palace.

What are these two brothers doing?

This made Zhu Yijun confused.

Jiang Keqian bowed and replied, "It is said that Chen Mingyan and Chen Shanyan confronted each other for a while in the Zhenfu Division and seemed to have a dispute."

"Then Chen Mingyan went to Chen Hong's residence and scolded him, and then he brought the eunuch directly to the Qianqing Palace."

Zhu Yijun frowned: "What did the two brothers argue about?"

Jiang Keqian recalled: "There was no one around at the time, and my colleagues didn't hear it clearly."

"I only vaguely heard a few words. Chen Mingyan said that their father was just a student of the Imperial Academy, but he was promoted to a seventh-rank official. Now he has been conferred a title and is enjoying the emperor's grace. They should keep their father in their hearts."

"He also warned me not to get too involved with people like Chen Hong."

He learned two sentences vividly.

Zhu Yijun had a strange look on his face. Would such polite words really be said during an argument?
He asked, "Where are the others?"

Jiang Keqian told him everything: "He handed the man over to Zhang Hong, and he left."

"Before you leave, I'll tell you that as a servant of the Heavenly Family, the Imperial Guards have no right to interfere. Everything will be decided by the Holy Heart."

This made Zhu Yijun even more unsure of what to do.

This behavior seemed like Chen Hong acted on his own initiative, causing a disagreement between the two brothers.

But... shouldn't we ask Queen Mother Chen for advice? Why are we still arguing?

Jiang Keqian asked carefully, "Your Majesty, what should we do with the people sent here?"

Zhu Yijun was still thinking about something, and waved his hand casually: "Let Zhang Hong be handed over to my mother, and tell her that I want to send him to guard the mausoleum of my father."

The struggle has entered the next stage, and this person is no longer important.

It’s a pity that I didn’t get to test Empress Dowager Chen’s attitude.

Jiang Keqian slowly retreated.

Not long after, Zhu Xixiao hurriedly walked in from outside.

As soon as I got in front of him, I couldn't wait to speak.

Zhu Yijun raised his hand to stop Zhu Xixiao from speaking, allowing himself to think quietly for a moment.

Zhu Xixiao had no choice but to wait quietly.

After a while, the emperor's voice was heard: "Mr. Zhu, you look so flustered, what happened?"

Zhu Xixiao finally got the chance to speak, and he quickly said, "Your Majesty, just in the evening, Feng Bao secretly left the palace!"

Zhu Yijun didn't say anything, just nodded, indicating that he should continue.

Zhu Xixiao continued, "Feng Bao went to Lu Diaoyang's house in person, and two eunuchs rode out of the city towards Tianshou Mountain!"

Tianshou Mountain?
Zhu Yijun immediately realized that he was going to call Zhang Juzheng.

He said to himself, "It seems that Gao Gong has forced me into a corner!"

This action was definitely not without purpose, most likely he had sensed that Gao Gong had some plan.

If this is true, Gao Gong must have done something big to scare him like this.

After saying that, he looked up at Zhu Xixiao.

He asked, "Didn't Yuanfu show any trace at all?"

Gao Gong's calm appearance today would make any discerning person wonder whether he is disheartened or has a backup plan.

What’s more, Zhu Yijun was a foresighted person.

This prime minister had never retired docilely in history. Now, with his help, Feng Bao's East Factory was taken down. It was impossible for them to be defeated faster than in history.

So, what was Gao Gong planning?
Zhu Xixiao immediately bowed and said: "I am incompetent."

"After the prime minister left the court, he stayed at home and did not make any moves except when Ge Shouli came to visit."

"Both my student Han Ji and my relative Cao Jin were turned away."

Zhu Yijun drummed the table with his knuckles and fell into deep thought.

Previously, Cao Daye impeached Gao Gong. Although Gao Gong submitted a petition to remove him according to the rules, they openly colluded in the court. The nine ministers, six departments, and censors all submitted petitions to keep Gao Gong.

The noise was so loud that it caused fear inside and outside the people.

Although now there are Yang Bo and Lu Diaoyang competing against him.

But he is not really powerless to fight back.

The Ministry of Personnel, the Ministry of Punishments, the Ministry of Revenue, the Chief Justice, the Six Ministries, and most of the Censorate were all his people.

If, like last time, they all petitioned to keep Gao Gong, both he and the two palaces would have to be extremely cautious.

But now he is turning away these students and old friends?
Zhu Yijun asked Zhu Xixiao to keep a closer eye on things, and he was mentally prepared for this.

But Gao Gong now shows no signs of collusion at all, which makes people even more creepy.

Zhu Yijun looked solemn. He had a premonition that Gao Gong's memorial to retire would not be approved smoothly.

He instructed Zhu Xixiao, "Mr. Zhu, Li Jin is in control of the East Factory. Please help."

The subordinate officials of the East Factory include the Thousand Households in Charge of Criminal Justice and the Hundred Households in Charge of Criminal Justice, both of whom are Thousand Households and Hundred Households of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and are called the Associated Criminal Officers.

If this type of backbone cooperates with the airborne chief officer, the chief officer can take power several times faster.

The situation is complicated, he must take control of the inner court as soon as possible!
……

June sixteenth.

After Zhu Yijun sat at the imperial desk, court officials also came in one after another.

Everything seems to be business as usual.

But someone soon discovered the inconsistency.

The position at the head of the train was unexpectedly vacant—Gao Gong had left the court!

Gao Gong, who was at the center of the storm, did not use his position as the chief minister to stir up trouble in the court as everyone expected.

Instead, no one showed up.

For a moment, everyone was whispering and talking.

Many people speculated whether Gao Gong was really waiting to retire.

Lu Diaoyang and Wang Guoguang looked at each other.

Liu Ziqiang and Han Ji looked even more anxious, and cast inquiring glances at Ge Shouli from time to time.

Zhang Siwei also came today. He came close to Yang Bo and whispered a few words to him. Both of them had surprised and doubtful expressions.

After a while, Zhang Siwei said thoughtfully, "The Prime Minister said that he has to deal with other matters. I will be in charge of the Ministry of Personnel today."

Gao Gong was the Minister of Personnel, so it was reasonable for him to give up the job and let Zhang Siwei, the Vice Minister, take over.

It’s just... Yang Bo just turned against Gao Gong and impeached him yesterday. How brave he must be to let Zhang Siwei come to the court to discuss the matter on behalf of the Ministry of Personnel!

Not to mention others, even Zhang Siwei himself couldn't figure it out.

Minister of Works Zhu Heng did not participate in these disputes, but only said with concern: "Court discussion, court discussion, there is no cabinet minister today, how can we draft a bill?"

He was anxious to decide on the summer flood season for the Yellow River, and hoped that despite the hassle these people might make, they would not delay his business.

Luo Zun, the official in charge of the Ministry of Personnel who came with Zhang Siwei, also received instructions and replied, "The Prime Minister said that as long as the colleagues come to a conclusion on any matter, he will draft a bill."

This means that he doesn't even care about the opportunity to control the right to draft votes and to win over the ministers.

It makes people even more puzzled.

At this time, a voice suddenly came from above the imperial steps: "Lord Luo, what important matter does the Prime Minister have that is more important than the court meeting?"

Zhu Yijun didn't believe that Gao Gong was waiting to retire.

Then what he is doing is more worthy of attention.

The emperor asked the question suddenly. All the officials had different thoughts, but they all tacitly did not stop him.

Not only the emperor, but also the court officials had this question, and they were all waiting for Luo Zun's answer.

When the emperor asked him, Luo Zun answered respectfully: "Your Majesty, I don't know either."

After hearing this, the ministers had different expressions.

Zhu Yijun winked at Zhang Jing, signaling him to pass on the message and ask Jiang Keqian to send some men to investigate.

Feng Bao on the side was even more straightforward. He called the eunuch to whisper something to him, and it was obvious that he was also concerned about what Gao Gong was doing.

"Everyone, it's almost time, let's discuss the matter first."

Ge Shouli suddenly spoke, calling everyone's attention.

Minister of Works Zhu Heng was anxious about the Yellow River issue and agreed, "Yes, let's discuss the matter first."

Everyone followed suit and returned to their trains.

When passing by Ge Shouli, he could not help but take a second look. Feng Bao was unsure of Gao Gong's approach, but he could not do nothing - Empress Dowager Li was still waiting for Gao Gong's retirement memorial!

He took the initiative and asked Han Ji, the Minister of Public Administration, "Han Tongzheng, has the memorial of the Prime Minister's retirement been delivered? Don't lose it again."

This kind of political affairs that does not involve the cooperation of various ministries and departments, and is simply a memorial to retire, naturally does not need to be discussed in the court.

Therefore, they were all handed over directly to the Ministry of Public Security, or bypassed the Ministry of Public Security and directly handed over to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and then presented to the emperor.

Han Ji was prepared and answered naturally, "The memorial from the Prime Minister has been sent to the Ministry of Public Administration. After it is sorted and filed, it will be sent to the palace."

All memorials sent to the palace must be copied and filed so that they can be checked by various departments. This is a legitimate reason.

But Feng Bao couldn't wait any longer: "It's already in the Ministry of Public Administration? I'll send someone to get it right away!"

Without waiting for Han Ji's reply, he ordered the eunuch to go to the Ministry of Public Security to submit a memorial.

He must be sent to the palace immediately and go through the approval process!
This guy Gao Gong must retire as soon as possible!
Just as the eunuch was about to leave, Ge Shouli suddenly stopped him and said, "Wait a moment."

Everyone looked at him.

Ge Shouli took out a memorial from his sleeve and said, "Feng Dayong, the Prime Minister asked me to submit a memorial on his behalf. Why not send it to the palace after the court discussion?"

Most of the people around him had a thoughtful look on their faces, but Feng Bao immediately thought of something.

He rejected Ge Shouli's words without leaving a trace: "We don't need this little manpower."

The young eunuch got the hint and immediately ran straight to the Tongzhengsi.

After Feng Bao finished speaking, he winked at Lu Diaoyang.

Lü Diaoyang took over the conversation and said, "Ge Du Yushi, what is this memorial discussing?"

He knew the contents of the memorial very well, but some of the words were said for others to hear.

Unfortunately, Ge Shouli naturally didn't bother to pay attention to him.

Ge Shouli said expressionlessly: "I am just submitting it on your behalf. I have never seen it."

"Since this is a court discussion, it will definitely be reviewed by you all. Minister Lu, please don't be anxious."

As he said this, he was about to hand the memorial to the officials beside him.

"Wait!"

Feng Bao suddenly spoke up to stop him, and Ge Shouli's movements also paused.

When all the officials turned to look at him, Feng Bao said, "We didn't know about the memorial from the Prime Minister in advance."

The court meeting has an agenda, otherwise how would the various departments know who to send to the court meeting?

What suddenly comes up now is that this memorial is outside the agenda and is not in accordance with the rules.

Ge Shouli responded sharply: "This is a memorial from the cabinet."

What this means is that the cabinet's memorials, which they submit and draft themselves, are just a formality in the court discussion and are inserted temporarily, and there is nothing wrong with that.

Feng Bao nodded: "That's true, but..."

"We didn't know about it beforehand, so naturally we couldn't tell Your Majesty in advance."

"Since Your Majesty is here to listen to the government, how can you be ignorant of everything?"

There was a sudden silence in the Wenhua Hall.

Even Zhu Yijun couldn't help but look up at Feng Bao.

What do you mean you didn't know, so you didn't tell me?
It's as if you told me everything else in advance.

However, Feng Bao's words are meant to pull himself into the game, right?

What exactly did this memorial say that made Feng Bao so fearful that he was willing to let himself step forward to take the blame?
How could he be sure that I would stand on his side?
Lu Diaoyang also suddenly echoed, "That's right, Ge Du Yushi should present the memorial to Your Majesty for your review first."

All the officials looked back and forth between Ge Shouli and the imperial steps.

They are all smart people and realize that things are not simple.

Now Gao Gong is caught up in controversy, which is contrary to his usual behavior.

Not only did he fail to contact the nine ministers and censors to submit a petition to retain him, but he even turned away all the visitors, whether they were his students or old friends, yesterday.

This Chief Censor, the only one who had entered Gao Gong's house, suddenly wanted to submit a memorial on his behalf.

That would have been fine, but the person in charge of the Imperial Household Department seemed to know something and insisted on getting the emperor involved.

All the officials wished they could see flowers on these people's faces.

Ge Shouli has not yet made a statement.

Feng Bao eagerly pushed the eunuch beside him: "Go! Bring it up!"

Zhu Yijun also realized something and leaned forward, trying to see clearly through the screen.

Ge Shouli said nothing and let the eunuch take the memorial from him.

The young eunuch held the memorial in his hand, lowered his head and dared not take another look.

Those who were on duty understood that the situation was dangerous. If they saw something they shouldn't have, they might lose their lives.

Feng Bao impatiently snatched the memorial from the young eunuch.

Of course, he couldn't just flip through the contents of the memorial, but with just a quick glance, the words "Memorial on Five Urgent Matters for the New Policy" caught his eye.

Feng Bao took a deep breath and suppressed his beating heart.

Gao Gong really presented this memorial openly!
Although Feng Bao didn't know what Gao Gong relied on.

But... this memorial must be suppressed in this court discussion.

He wants to send this memorial back!

Feng Bao naturally had no right to stop this memorial, but... he looked to the side, where the emperor was sitting behind the desk in deep thought.

As long as the emperor takes a look at the memorial, he doesn't need to say a word!

Unless the emperor was too stupid to understand what "an imperial edict must be approved by the cabinet before it can leave the Forbidden City" meant.

Feng Bao respectfully presented Gao Gong's memorial to the emperor: "Your Majesty, this is the memorial of the Prime Minister."

The emperor stretched out his hand and took it.

The court officials outside looked at each other with puzzled expressions.

Whatever their considerations, they all tacitly kept silent and watched this scene unfold.

Time passed slowly, leaving only the sound of the emperor turning pages.

a long time.

The screen on the imperial steps was slowly removed.

This is the second time this has happened, and the officials have become more or less accustomed to it.

In addition, Gao Gong was not there, and no one spoke up to stop the emperor.

Feng Bao also watched quietly. In order to kill Gao Gong, only the emperor could step in.

Zhu Yijun's vision widened.

He closed the memorial, expressionless, and asked Ge Shouli, "Mr. Ge, have you read this memorial?"

His expressionless face at this moment only showed that he no longer cared about managing his facial expression.

Ge Shouli was silent for a moment, then bowed and replied, "Your Majesty, I am only presenting this on behalf of you, and I dare not overstep my authority."

Zhu Yijun nodded.

He said in a gentle voice, "Big Companion, let Ge Qing take a look."

Feng Bao lowered his head and took the memorial cooperatively, then walked down the imperial steps.

Hand the memorial to Ge Shouli.

At this point, even the dumbest person can realize the seriousness of the matter.

Some people have already started looking around, wondering if they might have suddenly fallen ill.

Ge Shouli was silent for a moment, but still took the memorial from Feng Bao.

He just flipped through the pages quietly.

Finally: "Your Majesty, I have finished reading it."

Zhu Yijun nodded and said, "My dear companion, let all the ministers have a look."

……

The memorial was passed from one minister to another.

Chief Censor, Six Ministers, Dali Temple Minister, Tongzhengsi, Vice Minister, Chief Censor, Jijiu, Jieshizhong...

As everyone looked over, the Wenhua Hall became increasingly quiet.

From time to time, the sound of someone breathing heavily could be heard.

Drops of sweat soaked the inner garment.

An older priest couldn't help but tremble in his legs.

Finally, someone couldn't stand the pressure anymore.

Imperial Censor Tang Lian suddenly fell to his knees with a thud, howling, "Your Majesty, Gao Gong is a lunatic! He has nothing to do with us!"
-
I will read the two chapters on Monday within 24 hours, so today's update will be posted earlier.

　Note 1: In February of the sixth year of the Longqing reign, the Nine Ministers Yang Bo and others, the Six Departments’ Secretaries Luo Zun and others, the Thirteen Circuits’ Censors Tang Lian and others, each petitioned to retain Grand Secretary Gong, and the emperor agreed with all of their requests. —The Veritable Records of Emperor Muzong of the Ming Dynasty

　　
　
(End of this chapter)