Daming talker

Chapter 635: Continue Southward
Tonight's public banquet ended in a strange atmosphere. Lin Tailai, who came from afar, was more like the host and was more active than any other officials in the province.

The next day, Lin Tailai had private conversations with officials from the province, which were not made public.

The first person to talk was of course Governor Zhou Shixuan, after all, he was the top figure.

The tone of this kind of conversation is usually very plain, but there are rich elements contained in the plainness.

Lin Tailai put down his teacup and asked as if he was talking about daily life: "In which year did Zhou Zhongcheng become the governor of Henan?"

Zhou Shixuan answered truthfully: "The sixteenth year of Wanli."

Lin Tailai recalled: "At that time, Yang Wei was still the official in charge of the Ministry of Personnel, and Wang Situ was still the official in charge of the Ministry of Revenue, right?"

Then he said as if jokingly: "I never thought that Zhou Zhongcheng still owes my wife's family a favor."

The governor of the inland areas would be recommended by the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of Revenue. Zhou Shixuan was able to be appointed as the governor of Henan Province with the approval of the then Minister of Revenue, Wang Situ, so Lin Tailai made such a joke.

Zhou Shixuan had to admit this and said helplessly: "Grand Tutor Wang has the demeanor of an ancient gentleman, which I still remember."

Lin Tailai added: "When I was in the capital, I often heard Prime Minister Shen praise Henan's Zhou Zhongcheng, saying that Zhou Zhongcheng was generous and modest, indifferent to fame and gain, and both honest and capable."

Zhou Shixuan felt that there was no point in beating around the bush, so he asked directly: "What can I do for you, Lord Jiuyuan?"

Lin Tailai said, "I do want to do something to warn some dishonest people in Beijing. I hope Zhou Zhongcheng can help me."

Zhou Shixuan asked: "Who is dishonest?"

Lin Tailai replied: "Anyone who doesn't come to talk to me today is not honest."

Then Zhou Shixuan mentioned another incident, "Now a clan member has come to me to sue you."

Lin Tailai asked in return: "If a member of the royal family breaks the law, can the local officials execute him?"

Zhou Shixuan replied: "According to the ancestral teachings of Emperor Taizu Gao, we naturally have no right to punish. Imperial family members who break the law must be sent to the capital, especially princes and dukes, who must be reprimanded and judged by the emperor."

Lin Tailai said disdainfully: "That's it, you don't have the power to enforce the law, why bother with them?
Since you can't do anything when they beat others, you also don't need to do anything when they are beaten.

If they really feel dissatisfied, they can file a complaint with the emperor in the capital!"

Zhou Shixuan: “.”

It has to be said that Lin Jiuyuan's talents in both civil and military affairs are a natural nemesis for these clan members.

After talking with Governor Zhou Shixuan, Lin Tailai continued to talk with other provincial governors and provincial governors.

When he saw the Right Governor Dai Guangqi, Lin Tailai ordered his attendants to serve tea and boil water again, obviously preparing for a long talk.

As a time traveler, Lin Tailai always felt that the name "Guangqi" was too unlucky. One is Guangxu, the other is Tianqi, it's like the two are combined into one.

"Mr. Dai, I just came to Henan and heard that you were suspected of cheating in the provincial examination last month." Lin Tailai's tone was still like casual chat.

Dai Guangqi responded, "Jiu Yuanjun only heard it from hearsay."

What this means is that there is no real evidence, and we can't punish senior officials just because of some rumors, right?

Lin Tailai sighed, "But this is too ugly. Several successful candidates got drunk and talked nonsense in public. The impact is really bad.

But on the other hand, they are all successful candidates, so there is no reason for them to make up stories for no reason, right? "

Dai Guangqi remained silent. Although you, Lin Jiuyuan, are famous, you are not an imperial envoy who came to inspect. You are just passing through.

Lin Tailai suddenly said, "Although there is no evidence for this matter, if you can take the initiative to confess at an appropriate time, wouldn't it be considered evidence?"

Dai Guangqi: “.”

Is it you, Lin Tailai, who is crazy, or is it him, Lao Dai, who is stupid? Who will take the initiative to confess?
Lin Tailai sighed and advised: "Dai Fangbo, you are the governor at your age. Your career has come to an end. What you are waiting for is retirement, right?"

Dai Guangqi remained silent because what Lin Tai said was right.

In the current system of the Ming Dynasty, the governor is of the second rank, and the censor is of the third rank, with the governor being above the censor.

But if you ask any official, they would definitely prefer to be a censor rather than a governor.

Because being an provincial judge means there are endless possibilities in the future, and one can be promoted to a third-rank governor, and it is not impossible to become a vice minister.

But if you become a second-rank provincial governor, there is basically no room for advancement and you can only enjoy your retirement.

In theory, the only rank above the governor is the minister, but that is only in theory.

If an ordinary provincial governor wants to be promoted to the position of Shangshu, he has to suppress more than 20 governors and more than 20 vice ministers in the northern and southern capitals at the same time. This difficulty is extremely difficult.

Therefore, the provincial governor is indeed the one with the least ambition, and most of them are just waiting to retire.

But Dai Guangqi still didn't understand why Lin Tai said all this? Could it be that he wanted to threaten a provincial governor with "retirement"? Isn't that ridiculous?
Lin Tailai guided him earnestly, saying, "Since Fang Bo will retire sooner or later, why not use retirement to exchange for something, such as wealth and honor for his descendants?"

Dai Guangqi raised his head, a look of doubt slowly showing on his face. What was the connection between his retirement and his descendants' wealth and honor?
Lin Tailai emphasized: "I repeat, as long as you take the initiative to plead guilty and admit to cheating in the exam at the right time, it will be fine.

The punishment imposed by the court at that time is nothing more than ordering you to retire. What loss will you have? For you, it is just a matter of retiring a few years earlier.

But it can win the friendship of Lin Tailai and bring wealth to my descendants!"

Dai Guangqi was shocked and asked in a lost voice, "Are you serious?"

Lin Tailai patted his chest and said: "I, Lin Tailai, live by integrity and honesty. People call me Jin Bu, and Bu is Ji Bu who keeps his word!

Minister Wang of the Ministry of Personnel, Minister Yu of the Ministry of Revenue, Minister Ye of the Ministry of War, and Minister Chen of the Ministry of Works can all testify to this!"

Having said that, the political credibility accumulated over the years finally came into play.

Dai Guangqi thought about it and said through gritted teeth: "Although I don't know what Jiu Yuanjun's ultimate goal is, I can plead guilty!"

Lin Tailai comforted him, saying, "It was not for you, but for the dereliction of duty of the Prime Minister."

This is just a slight revelation of my thoughts, to prevent Dai Guangqi from having any more wild thoughts - the real target is the Censor Zou Xuezhu. He will not punish you severely, and will at most order you to retire. You can rest assured!
After seeing Dai Guangqi off, Lin Tailai asked his attendants, "Has Zou Nietai been here?"

The people around him replied, "We have not seen him come to visit us."

Lin Tailai asked again: "Have you sent Cheng Yi off?"

The people around him replied, "We haven't seen it delivered yet."

Lin Tailai snorted coldly: "If he doesn't even know the rules, then don't blame others for punishing him!"

Party disputes are party disputes, but if you don’t even offer local specialties to others when they pass by, you deserve to be punished!

Then Lin Tailai continued to talk with the officials guarding the patrol road, including the Right Councillor Yu Dazhen, the Deputy Censor Li Tingmo and others, but he did not have much of a deep impression.

Finally, Lin Tailai called the Left Councillor Li Weizhen over and told him, "I will leave Kaifeng the day after tomorrow and continue my journey back home."

Li Weizhen was surprised. It seemed that he had just made a beginning and hadn't accomplished anything. Why was he leaving?
So he begged, "May I ask Jiuyuanjun to help me get on the horse and give me a ride?"

Lin Tailai said, "I have pointed out the direction for you, paved the way for you, and greeted everyone I should have. The specific operations are now left to you.

Once you overthrow Zou Nietai, you will naturally be promoted!

But if you still can't overthrow Zou Nietai even with the cooperation of others, then it means that you are indeed not qualified for promotion!"

After that, Lin Tailai didn't say much and waved his hand, letting Li Weizhen make his own preparations.

If he had to do it himself to deal with a provincial inspector, then the ministers who fell into his hands would be worthless. When the news that Lin Tailai was about to leave spread, all the officials in Henan Province were surprised.

Everyone could probably guess the purpose of Lin Tailai's detour to the south.

Everyone originally thought that Lin Tailai would take advantage of the good situation and stay in Kaifeng for a few more days, but no one expected him to leave as soon as he said he would.

So just one day after the welcoming banquet, Governor Zhou Shixuan hastily organized a farewell banquet.

This is what official socializing is like. It is tiring but you have to do it, and there are many unexpected situations.

After three rounds of drinking, Zhou Shixuan asked, "Where are you going next, Lord Jiuyuan?"

Kaifeng is a well-connected place with roads in all directions, both by land and water.

That's why Governor Zhou asked, Lin Tailai, which direction are you going tomorrow?
Lin Tailai said hesitantly, "I heard that the former Grand Master Shen lived in seclusion in Guide, Henan. I am considering visiting him."

The Mr. Shen mentioned here refers to the former Minister of Rites Shen Li, the spiritual leader and founder of the Qingliu forces. He could not stand the dispute over the national foundation two years ago, so he used Lin Tailai as an excuse and ran away.

Shen Li was from Guide Prefecture, which was to the east of Kaifeng. After arriving in Guide Prefecture, there was a road leading to Xuzhou, and then he could go south along the canal.

Even Zhou Shixuan was shocked when he heard that Lin Tai was going to visit Shen Li, the leader of the Qingliu forces.

Don’t you know what kind of relationship you, Lin Tailai, have with the Qingliu forces?

The organizational structure of the Qingliu faction that was created by big boss Shen Li eight years ago was torn to pieces by you, Lin Tailai!

Why are you planning to visit Mr. Shen? Aren't you afraid of causing trouble?

Even if you, Lin Tailai, are not afraid of anything happening, but the governor is afraid!

So Zhou Shixuan advised: "I heard that Mr. Shen is in poor health, so he usually does not see guests. Mr. Jiuyuan does not need to worry about this."

Lin Tailai agreed, "Since Zhou Zhongcheng wants me to go south via Huguang, then I won't go to Guide Prefecture and will continue south!"

Zhou Shixuan: “.”

I am so tired. Fortunately, this person will leave tomorrow! I just hope that this person will keep his word and leave tomorrow!

At the end of the banquet, Zhou Shixuan sent Lin Tailai back to the posthouse.

Before leaving, Lin Tailai suddenly whispered: "Mr. Shen's retreat to the wild is a loss to the court.

Zhong Cheng, don't forget to recommend Mr. Shen to the court, especially when the position of Minister of Rites is vacant."

After another dawn, Lin Tailai continued his journey.

After all, if you stay in one place for a long time under the pretext of returning home to visit relatives and fulfill your filial piety, it will seem politically incorrect and easy to be criticized.

Continue south along the post road and the terrain, and after passing Nanyang you will arrive at Xiangyang, which means leaving Henan and entering Huguang.

From Xiangyang, go down along the Han River and you will reach Wuchang, the capital of Huguang.

Staying overnight in Xiangyang City, Lin Tailai accepted the hospitality of local officials and prepared to rest.

At this time, an uninvited guest came to visit the inn.

There were many such uninvited guests visiting along the way, and most of them were screened and sent away by the retainer Gu Bingqian.

But this time Gu Bingqian did not send the visitor away. Instead, he entered the inner courtyard of the posthouse and called Lin Tailai out of bed.

"Huguang Governor Qin Yao sent his staff to visit?" Lin Tailai was puzzled. "Why does it sound like a fake?"

When they arrive at your Huguang territory, your governor, as the top figure, can send someone to visit you in a public manner.

I came to visit secretly in the middle of the night, but something seemed wrong.

Gu Bingqian replied: "I questioned him a few times and it doesn't seem like he was lying."

Lin Tailai said, "Then let's meet!"

Then a middle-aged scholar who looked exhausted from traveling came over personally brought by the left and right guardians.

The middle-aged scholar greeted him again and said, "My name is Shi Lun, and I am currently working as a secretary at the Huguang Procuratorate."

Lin Tailai said "hmm" indifferently, indicating that he understood.

Then Shi Lun said, "Shi Ce, the Minister of the Honglu Temple, is my cousin. I am grateful to Jiu Yuan Gong for his help!"

Shi Ce was originally a Shaoqing, but because he sold half of the land of the Honglu Temple, he was recommended by Lin Tailai to be a Zhengqing.

Lin Tailai said casually: "So you are Shi Honglu's cousin, just tell me if you have something to say!"

Shi Lun did not dare to say more and said directly: "My host, Qin Zhongcheng, has been impeached. The situation is critical and I am in danger. I hope Jiuyuan Jun can lend a helping hand."

Lin Tailai didn't even ask about the actual situation, and said impatiently: "Qin Zhongcheng has no relatives or friends with me, why would he think of me?"

Shi Lun explained: "My brother Shi Ce gave me some advice. He said that if my boss wants to escape from this predicament, he can only seek help from Jiu Yuan Gong."

Lin Tailai responded: "People are impeached every day. If they all come to me for help, can I handle it?"

And there are some things that are hard to say. In official circles, it is often more difficult to protect someone than to deal with him.

Instead of spending time and effort to protect a stranger whom you don't even know and whose background you don't know, it would be easier and more cost-effective to wait for him to step down and then directly take over his remaining position.

Shi Lun quickly continued, "Mr. Qin is from Wuxi, just like me!"

Now Lin Tailai finally became interested, "Who impeached him?"

Shi Lun replied, "Inspector General Guo Shi! Zhao Nanxing's fellow countryman!"

Lin Tailai laughed in silence and said to Gu Bingqian who was accompanying him, "I didn't expect that there would be internal strife in the circle of Qingliu's connections. Zhao Nanxing impeached Gu Xiancheng, a fellow villager. How interesting!"

Shi Lun said anxiously, "Please don't misunderstand, Lord Jiuyuan. My boss and the Qingliu Party have never been on the same side!"

It was only at this time that Lin Tailai asked, "What crime did Censor Guo impeach Qin Zhongcheng on?"

Shi Lun answered truthfully: "One is to take bribes, and the other is to curry favor with the powerful."

Lin Tailai was very puzzled. "I have been in the court for two years and know a little about the court system.

How come I have never heard of which powerful person Qin Zhongcheng attached himself to? To the point of being impeached?"

Shi Lun replied helplessly, "It was Zhang Jiangling. Qin Zhongcheng was impeached for being too close to Zhang Jiangling."

Lin Tailai: "."

I am too exhausted to complain. It's already the 19th year of the Wanli reign. How can we still bring up Zhang Juzheng?

Shi Lun angrily explained: "This is the case of finding a pretext to accuse someone! Zhang Jiangling is the teacher of my master Qin Zhongcheng. He is the teacher of heaven, earth, the emperor, parents and parents. Is it wrong for a student to respect his teacher?
Could it be that the students only care about their own selfishness or personal reputation, and force the teacher to lose face and resign, which is the moral obligation?"

As he was talking, Shi Lun suddenly realized that Jiu Yuan Gong's face was not looking good.
Gu Bingqian beside him couldn't help but cough a few times. Shi Lun suddenly realized and hurriedly made amends:

"I was talking about Zhao Yongxian, Wu Zhongxing and their gang! I didn't say anyone else!"

(End of this chapter)