Why did the emperor rebel?

Chapter 935 Song Wenyi

"Song Wenyi?"

In the Nangong, hearing this name, Zhu Qizhen couldn't help but sat up from the couch, straightened up, and frowned.

"Are you sure it's really Song Wenyi?"

In the Chonghua Hall, Zhu Yi, who was dressed in a unicorn robe, stood respectfully. Hearing the Supreme Emperor's question, he nodded slightly and said.

"Return to Your Majesty, it is indeed him!"

"I just got the news that the one from the Qianqing Palace sent the eunuch Cheng Jing to Shanxi to be the guard eunuch. He also specially issued an edict to ask Cheng Jing to assist Du Ning in rectifying the Shanxi military settlement."

"Right now people are discussing that Song Wenyi is going back to Beijing to replace Cheng Jing and take charge of the Supervisor of Rites..."

Up and down the imperial court, all kinds of news have always been the fastest.

Now, Zhu Yi is already regarded as the emperor's hard-core confidant, at least in the eyes of the people in the court.

Therefore, this Cheng Guogong would go to Nangong to pay his respects almost every two days. Most of the court knew what he was doing.

Regarding this situation, it is not that there are no ministers discussing in private.

However, one Zhu Yi's status is noble, he is a duke of the country, and the other is that the emperor did not have a clear order not to allow ministers to visit the Supreme Emperor.

Therefore, this kind of discussion was not brought up in court.

Therefore, Zhu Yi ignored these voices of discussion even more. From the time when she came to Nangong secretly, now she swaggered in and out of Nangong, as if she had become a minister close to the Supreme Emperor.

Zhu Qizhen frowned tightly, as if he was thinking about something, after a while, he shook his head and said.

"It's not that simple!"

"Cheng Jing came out of Beijing, if nothing else, to avenge the enmity he was implicated in the past."

"However, it is absolutely impossible for Song Wenyi to return to Beijing to replace Cheng Jing."

Looking at Zhu Yi's slightly puzzled eyes below, Zhu Qizhen continued.

"You should have heard about this matter. Cheng Jing was a Jinshi in the 22nd year of Yongle. Because of his outstanding talent and learning, he was selected as a good scholar. After the museum was dismissed, he was sent to the Jin Palace to become a ancestral temple."

"In the first year of Xuande, Zhu Gaoxu, a commoner of the Han Dynasty, rebelled. Although Jing did not participate, he was also implicated because of it."

"Originally, the first emperor wanted to sentence Cheng Jing to be exiled into the army. However, Cheng Jing's sentence of exile would affect his descendants. He was willing to die. The first emperor took pity on his talent and character, so he changed his sentence to corruption and ordered him to listen to the sentence in the study room in the palace. use."

"Later...Later, when the king opened the mansion, he needed someone who has read poetry and books to teach him. Therefore, after discussing with my mother, I sent Cheng Jing to the mansion of the king of Yi to make a book and serve as a lecturer."

This matter is not a secret.

However, the royal family was involved after all, so although Zhu Yi knew about it before, many of the details were not clear.

Hearing Zhu Qizhen mention it now, some mysteries in his heart were gradually unraveled, he paused for a moment, and asked.

"Your Majesty, what does it mean that Cheng Jing came out of Beijing this time at his own invitation?"

"Just to avenge the past?"

Although it is said that Cheng Jing's reputation in the court has always been good, but Zhu Yi put himself in his place and thought that if it was him, if he was selected as a good scholar with high spirits, he would have a bright future, but he was inexplicable, because he had nothing to do with himself. He was sentenced to corruption for something irrelevant, and he could only bid farewell to his official career for the rest of his life, becoming an eunuch most despised by scholar-bureaucrats.

Presumably no matter who it is, no matter how broad-minded it is, it will be difficult to let go of this matter.

"Probably so."

Zhu Qizhen nodded and said.

"Prince Jin's mansion should be involved in the matter of rectifying the army, but even so, there is no need for a deep palace eunuch to step in, not to mention Jin Lian, even Du Ning himself. Under the current general situation, as long as he is willing to spend his time Difficult to solve."

"However, the emperor sent Cheng Jing over there, and asked him to assist Du Ning. Apart from wanting to avenge Cheng Jing's grudges, I'm afraid there is no other explanation."

When he said this, Zhu Qizhen didn't know what he thought of, and there was a hint of sarcasm in his tone...

Zhu Yi was naturally keenly aware of this, and as soon as a thought moved in his mind, he said.

"Your Majesty is wise!"

"It's no wonder that the outer court is now discussing that the person in the Qianqing Palace has lost his head. I heard that as soon as the news spread, many officials from the science and Taoism wanted to go to the Shu to give advice."

"But who would have thought that that person seemed to have expected it a long time ago, and then issued an edict, saying that officials of science and Taoism should abide by their duties, and should not make rash comments on government affairs that have not been discussed by the court, let alone intervene in the palace without authorization. things in the middle."

"Thinking about it now, isn't it just preparing for this kind of situation... It seems that that person really favors Cheng Jing!"

This sounds like an exclamation.

However, there is also a sense of yin and yang strangeness in it.

Hearing this, Zhu Qizhen's eyes flashed a glimmer of darkness, he hummed lightly, and said.

"My younger brother is very scheming and resourceful. However, I have said a long time ago that a saint is not so easy to be. flaw."

"Cheng Jing...huh..."

Seeing the disdainful look of the Supreme Emperor, Zhu Yi sighed inwardly, but didn't show it at all.

He can naturally guess what this person is thinking now.

In fact, after returning from the Supreme Emperor, Zhu Yi had this feeling, that is, although the Supreme Emperor didn't say anything, he kept comparing himself with the emperor intentionally or unintentionally.

For the excellence of the emperor, this person always pretends to be dismissive, but in fact he cares very much.

On the contrary, whenever something proves that the emperor is not as good as him, or has committed the same problems as him, he will be extremely proud.

Zhu Yi had already noticed this point.

What happened to Cheng Jing this time probably made this man feel that the long-standing wisdom of the emperor is just a disguise.

Nowadays, the Son of Heaven pretends to be a public servant and asks Cheng Jing to avenge his personal revenge. In fact, it is no different from when he reused Wang Zhen back then.

Of course, in Zhu Yi's view, this difference is huge, and he believes that the Supreme Emperor is also aware of this.

However, in the current situation, it is obvious that the Supreme Emperor ignored the difference intentionally or unintentionally.

However, as a qualified 'subject', Zhu Yi would not just tell the truth foolishly.

Since the Supreme Emperor thinks that treating the Son of Heaven as a king who favors eunuchs can make him happy, then he should think so.

The pride in his eyes flashed away, and Zhu Qizhen quickly came back to his senses, and said.

"However, I didn't expect his reform of science and roads. There should be a lot of noise in the outside world now, right?"

"Return to Your Majesty, it is true!"

Zhu Yi lowered her head and replied.

"After the news came out, many Ke Dao officials were filled with righteous indignation. They felt that the emperor was blocking the way of speech and refused to listen to the advice. They had already handed in the memorial to oppose the reform of Ke Dao."

"but……"

At this point, Zhu Yi hesitated again.

Seeing this situation, Zhu Qizhen sneered and said.

"However, it didn't cause too much trouble, did it?"

Zhu Yi bit her head and nodded, saying.

"Indeed, although there are many censors who have made excuses, almost none of the important ministers in the court have spoken up."

"Besides, this time the imperial edict was issued directly, and it was not discussed at the early court. Therefore, although there are some people in Shangshu, there are not many."

"He chose a good time!"

Zhu Qizhen snorted lightly, his face seemed a little displeased, and said.

"Nowadays, most of the Kedao censors are out on tour or inspecting the military camps. There are not many Fengxian officials who stay in Beijing, and he has promoted both Shizhong and the head of the censor."

"If there is no accident, the ministers of the Seven Ministers in the court should have got the news long ago, and they have been beaten secretly."

"The top is unwilling to talk, the people in the middle have taken advantage of it, and most of the people below are absent, so naturally there can't be any disturbances."

It was obvious that the Supreme Emperor's tone was not very happy, so Zhu Yi thought about it and said.

"Your Majesty, if Yichen wants to come, I'm afraid this matter won't be so easy to solve."

"It is true that there are not many censors in the capital, but when the news spreads to various places, I am afraid that the gang of censors who are patrolling outside will not be peaceful."

Da Ming's science and road officials have never been easy to mess with.

Relying on one's own hands, having the power to gossip and admonish the emperor can be called unscrupulous.

This time, the Son of Heaven obviously wanted to limit their right to remonstrate. Under such circumstances, it's no wonder these people didn't resist.

Of course, whether it will or not, since it is in front of the Supreme Emperor, it is natural to listen to what the old man likes.

For the Supreme Emperor, the favorite thing to listen to is naturally when the emperor is in trouble.

However, this time, after Zhu Yi finished speaking, the Supreme Emperor did not respond, but frowned, as if thinking about something.

Seeing this situation, although Zhu Yi was puzzled, she shut her mouth wisely.

For a while, the Chonghua Palace was quiet.

After a while, Zhu Qizhen seemed to have finally thought of something, and said to himself.

"So that's it, I understand..."

Hearing this, Zhu Yi cautiously raised her head, but seeing the inexplicable expression of the Supreme Emperor, he hesitated for a moment, but still asked.

"Your Majesty, what do you understand?"

"Song Wenyi!"

Zhu Qizhen tapped his hand on the table and said softly.

"I understand why the emperor called him back!"

"The guarding eunuch in Liaodong, Wang Ao in the cabinet, was in Liaodong before. If I remember correctly, when Wang Ao defended the city with his sword, he was impeached by the officials. It was Song Wenyi who spoke good words for him. In the end, he was exempted from punishment. "

"The two of them have always had a good friendship!"

"This time, the emperor transferred Song Wenyi back to Beijing, not because he really trusted him, nor because he wanted him to succeed Cheng Jing, but because he wanted to help Wang Ao continue to gain a firm foothold, and at the same time, check and balance the growing power in the cabinet. Yu Shiyue!"

So, after being the emperor for so many years, Zhu Qizhen still has some background.

At least, he is clear about the government affairs of the imperial court.

"Check and balance Yu Shiyue?"

Zhu Yi was a little puzzled.

So Zhu Qizhen continued.

"Yes, although Wang Ao has stumbled this time, the cabinet still needs to be used. In this case, Wang Ao, the chief assistant, has to be wooed."

"However, the emperor forbids him to get his hands dirty, and does not allow him to cultivate power in the court. Then, if Wang Ao wants to stabilize his position, he can only rely on the overall strength of the cabinet."

"That's the problem..."

"How can a chief assistant who doesn't have a lot of connections in the court and has just been impeached, lost the cabinet council, and temporarily lost the power to share votes, how can he persuade other cabinet ministers?"

"Especially, there is such a strong second assistant!"

These words seemed to be explaining to Zhu Yi, but in fact, it was Zhu Qizhen who was sorting out his own thoughts.

"Yu Shiyue has been in the court for many years. After joining the cabinet, he has always had a good relationship with Zhang Min. He is also quite prestigious in the foreign court. More importantly, he has always had a good relationship with Yu Qian. I remember what you said to me before However, since this period of time, Yu Shiyue has also coincided with Yu Qian in many political views, which shows that the two of them are no longer purely personal friends, but have begun to transform into political allies."

"Under such circumstances, Yu Shiyue has influence in the cabinet, has allies in the foreign court, and also holds the post of Zhan Shi in the Prince's Mansion, even if he himself does not want to steal Wang Ao's limelight, but under his foil, Wang Ao will only become less and less present."

"So, at this time, the only thing Wang Ao can rely on is..."

"Holy grace?"

At this time, Zhu Yi also 'reacted', a little surprised, said.

"Yes, Grace!"

Zhu Qizhen nodded proudly and said.

"In the final analysis, the cabinet relies on the power of the emperor. Since Wang Ao, the chief assistant, can't rely on anything else, as long as he gets the favor, he can still overwhelm the entire cabinet."

"Especially at this time, when Wang Ao has no strong support from outside and strong enemies inside, the emperor transferred Song Wenyi to the capital. In fact, he wanted to use Song Wenyi to completely take Wang Ao into his pocket."

"I see……"

Zhu Yi let out a long breath, sighed, and said.

"Your Majesty is really wise, all the clues in the court cannot escape your eyes!"

Faced with these compliments, Zhu Qizhen just waved his hand and said.

"If this is the case, I'm afraid I will have to change my original thinking."

Seeing Zhu Yi's puzzled expression, Zhu Qizhen explained.

"Although the government and the public are discussing that Song Wenyi came back to replace Cheng Jing, I didn't think so at first, because Song Wenyi had an old relationship with Jin Ying back then, and because of Jin Ying's relationship, I regarded him quite highly. , so he was sent out of the town of Liaodong."

"It's just that he left Beijing early, so not many people know about this relationship, but even so, the emperor will not be uneasy about him. Even if he is transferred back, he will not be allowed to contact the government."

"However, after figuring out the section just now, I changed my opinion. Since the emperor valued the relationship between Song Wenyi and Wang Ao, and now he wants to restrict the science and technology, and needs the cabinet to reconcile the internal and external, then , Song Wenyi must be appointed to an important position."

"Otherwise, it would be meaningless for Song Wenyi to return to Beijing."

"Of course, it's impossible to be an eunuch with palm prints. Besides palm prints, one Wynn and one Shu Liang are eunuchs who are holding pens. Therefore, Song Wenyi is probably a young eunuch who is in charge of ceremonies when he comes back this time..."

Frowning his eyebrows and thinking for a moment, Zhu Qizhen suddenly waved his hand and gave a few instructions to the servant.

Then, under Zhu Yi's bewildered gaze, several servants quickly spread out a layer of rice paper on the table.

Zhu Qizhen picked up the imperial brush, pondered for a moment, swiped the pen and splashed ink, and wrote two characters on it with a big stroke of the brush, and then ordered someone to take out a private seal and stamp it on.

After the ink was slightly dry, Zhu Qizhen ordered someone to bring the rice paper to Zhu Yi, saying.

"After you go back this time, think of a way to give this thing to Song Wenyi face to face, and say that it was given by me. Needless to say, let's see his reaction, and then play it back and forth!"

Zhu Yi looked at the word "loyalty" on the rice paper in front of her, didn't say much, just cupped her hands and said.

"The minister obeys the order!"

So Zhu Qizhen nodded and said.

"What you said to me last time, I have considered the matter of the military government. The current British government is indeed insufficient. Therefore, if you feel confident, just do it. But the matter of the honor and guard, and Put it aside, I know that all the nobles are concerned about this matter."

"But on this matter, Zhu Jian is right. After all, it involves guards, so don't be too hasty. Didn't the imperial court send people to the border for selection? When they come back, they will start to organize the young army, and then bring up the matter That's right!"

"Yes……"

Hearing this, Zhu Yi's eyes froze, but she still just surrendered and said nothing.

(End of this chapter)