The Reborn Duke of Ming Dynasty

should day.This Tiannian ancient city is like the Yangtze River flowing through its center.It has an important place in human history.Since the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period.The state of Wu began to set up a city here.Its legend began.

Wu, Eastern Jin, Song, Qi, Liang, and Chen are collectively called the Six Dynasties.And this is the capital of the country.Therefore, Nanjing is known as the ancient capital of the Six Dynasties.Until Zhu Yuanzhang proclaimed himself emperor here.It was renamed Yingtian.Here once again glows with the brilliance of the imperial capital.Not for long, however.Not long after Jing Nan succeeded, Zhu Di moved the capital to the hinterland of his hometown. .Beijing.And built a more vast and magnificent Forbidden City there.However, as the capital of the Ming Dynasty, Yingtianfu did not dim its light.This is the place where Zhu Yuanzhang raised his troops and became emperor.How could it go to waste.From then on, Ying Tian continued to shine as a companion.

Today's Yingtian Mansion still retains a nominal administrative team.The boards of Liubu and Yushitai are still there.And there are still officials at the Shangshu level.But mostly idle.Or punish some ministers who have made mistakes in Beijing.Let him go to Yingtian Mansion.It's just a dark drop.

The current governor of Yingtian is Hai Rui.I heard that he will come here to assume the post of governor.The people of Yingtian were very happy.And Hai Rui lived up to his trust.As soon as he came to power, he vigorously inspected issues such as governance and taxation.It even removed a large number of corrupt officials from their posts by means of thunder.The people applauded.It also made him have a few more enemies.But Hai Rui, who had already made countless enemies, didn't care.Instead, they still go their own way.

Now he has received an order from the imperial court to thoroughly investigate the annexation of land by local tyrants.What the job begins also is full of sound and color.In less than a month, the tyrants from all over the south of the Yangtze River spit out nearly a hundred hectares of land.And sell it to farmers at the court's public price.The response was very good.

But how could Hai Rui not know the mystery in it.Gao Gong persuaded the court to issue this decree.But nowhere else.Only in Jiangnan.Although it shows that there are many rich merchants in Jiangnan.Occupation of land happens from time to time.But Hai Rui still knew that Gao Gong was trying to deal with Xu Jie.After all, Xu Jie's family has vast fertile land.This is no secret.

Hai Rui also felt that it was too much for Gao Gong to add insult to injury.However, since this matter is beneficial to the people.Hai Rui will naturally spare no effort.Although Xu Jie once advised Jiajing for him.saved his life.But Hai Rui has always been a businessman.If only Xu Jie's family is left to investigate and deal with this time.The harm of the common people is still small.I'm afraid that the government order will not be clear at that time.ruined his own reputation.

Half a month ago.Hai Rui then sent an official to Songjiang Mansion to thoroughly investigate the field of Xu Jie's family.Just heard the message back.The missions sent will always be blocked by people, both openly and secretly.Hai Rui didn't suspect that Xu Jie had sent someone to do it.After all, Xu Jie was also the prime minister of the dynasty.Absolutely will not do such a lowly act.Hai Rui originally thought that someone in the court was obstructing his family because he cared about Xu Jie's favor.That's all.Hai Rui's temper came back.On the contrary, it will strengthen the efforts to thoroughly investigate the Xu family.

only.Yesterday, news came from people sent overnight from Songjiang Mansion that it was four days ago.Xu Jie's family, including Xu Jie and his three sons, were kidnapped by a group of men in black.Hai Rui was also very surprised when he first received the news.But calm down.He also felt that something was wrong here.Although Xu Jie's family is a big family.There are many fertile fields under his name.However, it is not a wealthy businessman.If it is for robbery.There is absolutely no risk of decapitation to stand up to the chief assistant of the imperial court.What's more, the female relatives and young children of the Xu family were unharmed.This obviously doesn't make sense.

"Could it be that Xu Jie pretended to be kidnapped in order to avoid the people I sent?" Hai Rui thought to himself.But he immediately rejected this idea.If Xu Jie could really do such a thing.There should be a better solution.For example, distribute the fields to his farm laborers.Wait until this turmoil has passed before taking it back.Although troublesome.But there is no risk.But Xu Jie didn't do that either.

"Could it be that he has met some unscrupulous villain?" This was the final conclusion in Hai Rui's mind.Now he has no time to take care of this matter.The emperor's imperial envoy, the crown prince Fu Zhongyong, and the commander of Jin Yiwei, Zhang Fan, heard that they were coming to Yingtian today.Hai Rui didn't want to pay attention to such imperial envoys.But Zhang Fan came with the Shangfang sword bestowed by Longqing.And he is the governor of Yingtian.There is absolutely no reason not to go.Moreover, Zhang Fan said this time that he was traveling south of the Yangtze River on behalf of the emperor.But Hai Rui could also hear a little wind.It is said that Zhang Fan came to thoroughly investigate the taxation after the opening of Jiangnan.Hai Rui naturally strongly supported such a good thing that benefited the country and the people.

There is also a waterway between Yangzhou and Yingtian.But Zhang Fan did not choose to take the boat.Instead, he brought Yingyue and a group of guards.Come by horse-drawn carriage.Like something urgent.

Arrived in Nanjing.Except for Hai Rui, the governor of Yingtian, who came to greet him.Several ministers and censors who accompanied the imperial court in the capital were also present.Zhang Fan first chatted with these unhappy ministers.Then he came to Hai Rui.

Zhang Fan sized Hai Rui up.I found that the person in front of me was born to be an upright official.I don't know if it's because Hai Rui is a Muslim.Do not eat pork.It's still so clear that I almost can't afford to eat.Born very thin.Wearing a purple governor's uniform.The color is a bit dull.But very clean.There are small groups of flower embroidery on it.Wearing flower rhinoceros black yarn.Plus three long beards under the jaw.This man looked capable and dignified.

"Master Futai." Zhang Fan greeted Hai Rui very politely.

"Your Imperial Envoy has worked hard all the way." Hai Rui cupped his hands to Zhang Fan.Back to an official statement.This means that although Hai Rui doesn't hate Zhang Fan.But I don't want to talk to him too much.

Zhang Fan has not been in the officialdom for long.However, the meaning of Hai Rui's words could still be heard.

"Zhang has just arrived in Yingtian. There are some things I want to talk to Futai about." Zhang Fan said with a smile.

"I also ask the imperial envoy to forgive me. I'm busy with my affairs. I'm afraid I won't be able to find time to discuss with you in detail." Hai Rui rejected him very directly.

Seeing Hai Rui's appearance, the officials at the side shook their heads secretly.I thought this sea lunatic had started to fall ill.

Zhang Fan didn't take it seriously after hearing what he said.He always smiled and said: "It doesn't matter. Master Futai just go. After all, business is the most important thing. Zhang can wait."

All the officials of Yingtian Mansion who heard Zhang Fan's words showed surprised expressions.The other officials really didn't expect Zhang Fan to be such a proud young man.And he is also in charge of Jinyiwei.But he spoke to Hai Rui in such a low voice.Hai Rui was surprised.If it is the usual imperial envoys.I'm afraid that the tone of his words just now has already taken away his popularity.But Zhang Fan was so polite.

Hai Rui couldn't help but look at Zhang Fan more.He also had some calculations in his heart: "It seems like this. This Zhang Fan must have something for me. But I don't know what it is. If it is a matter of breaking the law, I must also read his book." He said in his mouth: "Since That's it. Hai Rui will host a banquet at my home tonight in honor of you."

"Very good, very good." Zhang Fan said immediately. "Zhang is looking forward to it very much." After speaking.Zhang Fan led Yingyue and his men away under the surprised gazes of Yingtian's officials.

Night shrouded Yingtian Mansion.But it doesn't diminish its brilliance.The flower buildings by the Qinhuai River are full of lights everywhere.The flower shop on the river is also brightly lit.From time to time, the sound of silk and bamboo came.Literati are also flocking to it.People can't help feeling.This river that has been flowing for thousands of years can be described as "the area of ​​the six dynasties and the place where gold powder gathers".

It's just that the place Zhang Fan went to and this place are completely different worlds.Hai Rui, the governor of Yingtian, did not live in the compound given by the imperial court.Instead, they moved into a small courtyard where civilians lived.It's not that Hai Rui is hypocritical.After all, it takes a lot of money and food to maintain a big family.Most of Hai Rui's salary was used to help the poor.I just left a little money and food enough for my family.

Zhang Fan saw the place where Hai Rui lived.I really sighed in my heart.Hai Rui really deserves the word "clear".It's really admirable.Zhang Fan just brought a few guards here tonight.He left Yingyue in the hotel.

"Master Futai." After entering the house.Zhang Fan sent his greetings to Hai Rui.Seeing that Hai Rui's family was poor, there were no useless decorations at all.In the small living room hangs a song "Man Jianghong" written by himself.In addition to vigorous writing.It also revealed a stubbornness.

"Since the imperial envoy is here, please take your seat quickly." Hai Rui also changed from his previous coldness.Said quite enthusiastically.

Zhang Fan asked Liang Chao, who followed in, to put down the wine jar he was carrying.Then turned around and went out.

"My lord, what is the meaning of this." Hai Rui looked at the wine jar.He looked at Zhang Fan warily.

"Master Futai misunderstood." Zhang Fan said quickly. "This is the royal wine given to me by His Majesty. I have also used it today to get drunk with Master Futai."

Hai Rui heard that it was imperial wine rewarded by the emperor.Only then was my heart relieved.He also deliberately asked his wife to kill a chicken.He prepared a meal and wine for Zhang Fan, which was regarded as a feast in his house.

Two people are seated.Zhang Fan poured wine for Hai Rui himself.immediately.The aroma of wine is tangy.It's so uncomfortable.

Hai Rui and Zhang Fan had a drink together.Drank the wine in the glass.But he refused to put down the empty cup in his hand for a long while.

"Master Futai. What's the matter?" Zhang Fan asked curiously.

Hai Rui came back to his senses after hearing his words.Put down the wine glass in your hand.Said: "The royal wine brought by the imperial envoy reminds me of the time of the palace examination. At that time, the late emperor gave all the Jinshi on the spot a cup of royal wine. After so many years, I drank this wine again. It is still full of mellow fragrance The taste has never changed. It's just that the court has also not changed."

Zhang Fan couldn't help being a little silent after hearing his words.It's not that he thinks that Hai Rui can't be reused in his life.Instead, he listened to the words behind him.good.If the wine is left there and left alone, it will only become more mellow and better.And everything else stays put.But it will rot in place.

"Master Futai said exactly what he said," Zhang Fan said. "The teacher also knows the reason here. Now the teacher is the second assistant of the cabinet. But he wants to make some changes."

"Oh. Master Zhang also has the same thoughts." Hai Rui heard this.Big is curious.

"That's right. My mentor has mentioned it to me many times." Zhang Fan said. "I also strongly agree. It's just that the time has not come."

Hai Rui naturally understood what he meant when he said that the time had not come.But he didn't say much.

The two only cared about drinking.Also no longer speak.Drink three rounds.Hai Rui felt slightly groggy.But he couldn't hide his doubts anymore.Said to Zhang Fan: "My lord, just tell me straight. Is there anything wrong with Yingtian this time?"

Zhang Fan saw Hai Rui speak up.Not hypocritical.He opened his mouth and said: "Zhang really has something to ask for. It's about the Hao Qiang matter that Mr. Futai is currently investigating."

"Oh." Hai Rui listened to him.I couldn't help but think about it.Asked: "I heard that the adults recognized their ancestors in Yangzhou. Do you..."

"Master Futai misunderstood." Zhang Fan said quickly. "Zhang's family is indeed doing business. The business is also good. But they don't occupy other people's fields. Only a few acres of unsuitable suburban wasteland are used as workshops."

"Oh. If that's the case. I don't know what else I can do to help you." Hai Rui heard that it wasn't Zhang Fan's family business.The favor towards Zhang Fan in his heart also increased a bit.

"Master Futai. Why did the court take back the land occupied by Hao Qiang?" Zhang Fan didn't answer right away.Instead ask.

"Isn't this natural?" Hai Rui said naturally. "Haoqiang put the land under the name of officials. Naturally, there is no need to pay taxes to the court. In addition, they exploit the farm laborers on the land under their names. The profits are huge. Naturally, there are many. The imperial court ordered the confiscation of the land under the name of Haoqiang. Taxation. It can also make life easier for those who are exploited.”

"Master Futai's analysis is good." Zhang Fan said. "But what if those farm laborers don't want these powerful landlords to give them the land."

"How can there be such absurd things in this world." Hai Rui scoffed at Zhang Fan's words.

"Master Futai. The world is so big. Nothing has happened." Zhang Fan said. "The farm laborers do this for a reason. Because they don't have to pay taxes. And the landlord doesn't exploit the farm laborers. He only collects a small rent every year. The farm laborers live better than the farmers who have their own land. .”

"This..." Hai Rui had never thought about it before.Now Zhang Fan said so.Hai Rui couldn't help thinking about it.He asked, "Is there such a person in this world?"

"Why not?" Zhang Fan said. "My lord Futai is devoted to arresting corrupt officials. But I don't know that there are still a few bad people in this world. Are there more good people?"

"Who is that person?" Hai Rui asked.

"The former chief assistant of the cabinet. Mr. Xu Jie and Xu Ge." Zhang Fan said.

"It's him." Hai Rui was surprised when he heard that.Looked at Zhang Fan and said. "You came for him."

Zhang Fan smiled and nodded.