I, Jiajing, successfully cultivated immortality

That day, after getting off duty, Yan Shifan took a sedan and went straight back to Yan's Mansion.

The scene at the entrance of Yan's Mansion is even more depressing than before. If it was just a lonely place in the past, now it is impossible to avoid it.

In the eyes of the officials in the DPRK, Li Chunfang's entry into the cabinet was a signal from the emperor to the civil and military officials in the DPRK.

That means that from now on, the cabinet will no longer have the position of Yan Song, the chief minister of the cabinet.

Right now, anyone who still clings to Yan Fu's body without hesitation is asking for death.

After getting off the sedan, Yan Shifan refused the support of the sedan bearer, and then knocked on the study door with a worried look on his face.

'Dong dong dong' I heard a knock on the door, and then Yan Song's slightly alert voice came from the study: "Who?"

When Yan Shifan heard this, he immediately took a deep breath. After calming down, he lowered his head and said respectfully: "Father, my child has something important to discuss with you!"

After learning that the visitor was Yan Shifan, Yan Song was obviously relieved and his tone softened a lot: "Well, come in!"

After getting Yan Song's permission, Yan Shifan immediately opened the study door without any hesitation.

After Yan Shifan entered the study, Yan Song glanced at him, pointed to the empty seat beside him, and said: "Sit down!"

"Yes, father!"

After responding, Yan Shifan immediately sat on the empty seat beside him without making any excuses.

Not long after Yan Shifan sat down, he heard Yan Song's voice without any emotion: "What's wrong? What happened?"

After Yan Song's words fell, Yan Shifan had no intention of hiding anything. He immediately expressed Li Chunfang's official entry into the cabinet and his suspicions about the matter without reservation.

Yan Shifan originally thought that Yan Song would feel extremely frustrated after learning about this.

Unexpectedly, Yan Song acted as if the matter had nothing to do with him, and even the expression on his face was the same as usual.

Seeing this situation, Yan Shifan couldn't help but have a look of hesitation on his face, and said cautiously: "Father...Father, don't you think..."

Before Yan Shifan could finish his words, he was interrupted by Yan Song who said excitedly: "This is obviously a good thing!"

Then, facing Yan Shifan's extremely puzzled gaze, Yan Song followed up and explained: "You might as well think about it, wouldn't no one pay attention to us in this way?"

After listening to Yan Song's explanation, an expression of vague understanding appeared on Yan Shifan's face.

Yan Song took in the expression on Yan Shifan's face. After pondering for a moment, he said in a deep voice: "Okay, no need to say any more, let the housekeeper prepare a generous gift immediately, and then send it to Li Chunfang in the name of congratulations!"

When Yan Song said this, he looked away from Yan Shifan as if he suddenly remembered something, and then added: "No, go there yourself!"

When Yan Shifan heard Yan Song's words, a trace of conflict flashed across his face.

The cabinet is a place where seniority is extremely important. In Yan Shifan's view, Li Chunfang has just joined the cabinet. She is far inferior to him in terms of seniority and can only be regarded as a junior.

But now, as a senior, I have to put down my face and personally congratulate Li Chunfang, a junior?
After that, Yan Shifan calmed down, looked in the direction of Yan Song, and asked cautiously: "Father, you...are you..."

Yan Song could see what Yan Shifan was thinking at a glance, shook his head, and said slowly: "Those who have achieved great things since ancient times have not adhered to trivial matters. Yan Shifan, please remember that face is the most worthless thing in the world. "

"Only in this way can Xu Jie relax his vigilance and catch him off guard."

When Yan Song said this, he clenched his fists subconsciously, with an inexplicable look on his face.

Seeing that Yan Song had already spoken up to this point, Yan Shifan couldn't refuse any more, so he could only nod his head and said, "Thank you father for your teaching, I know what to do!"

"Well, without further ado, let's go now!"

"Yes, father, please leave now!"

After Yan Shifan finished speaking, he stood up from his seat, said goodbye to Yan Song and left.

After Yan Shifan left the study, Yan Song stood up from his seat tremblingly and walked to the bookshelf nearby.

From an inconspicuous place at the bottom, he carefully took out the dossier that recorded the family behind Xu Jie, who violated the law and annexed land wantonly to bring harm to the village.

After that, Yan Song returned to the desk and sat down, and took out the confessions of the "rebel" Huang Qing and the soldiers who had made the rebellion together.

Looking at the evidence placed on the desk, a trace of hesitation flashed across Yan Song's face, he lowered his head and muttered silently to himself.

"Hai Rui, Hai Rui, everyone in the government and the public says that you, the censor of the right capital of the Inspectorate, are incorruptible, jealous of evil, and can't tolerate sand in your eyes. I don't know how you dare to face Xu Jie, the second minister of the cabinet. I don’t dare to check it out!”

"If you are concerned about Xu Jie's power and choose to compromise, I, Yan Song, can understand. After all, it is human nature to seek advantages and avoid disadvantages, and in the officialdom, you must be on the same page."

"In short, my fortune and life, Yan Song, are entrusted to you alone. I really hope that there are honest officials in this world."

When Yan Song thought of this, a slight look of ridicule appeared on his face.

……

On the other side, Li Chunfang's mansion in the capital.

Since the news of Li Chunfang's formal appointment to the cabinet spread, there has been an endless stream of officials coming to visit.

However, these people knew how to be sensible. After putting down their gifts and exchanging pleasantries, they said goodbye and left.

After all, there is a long way to go, and there will be many days of dealing with Li Chunfang, the Minister of Rites and the Grand Bachelor of Huagaidian. There is no need to be too obvious, lest it be self-defeating.

Although Li Chunfang had been immersed in officialdom for many years and was able to cope with such situations with ease, she still felt a little exhausted as time went by.

After seeing off a group of visiting officials, the housekeeper quickly came to Li Chunfang, leaned down, and said respectfully: "Sir, Mr. Xu Ge, Mr. Gao Ge, Mr. Zhang Ge, and Mr. Hu Ge have all sent people to see them off." Here comes the gift."

When Li Chunfang heard what the housekeeper said, she nodded slightly, indicating that she already knew.

At this moment, I heard a rush of footsteps outside the door. Not long after, I saw the boy in charge of the door entering the room with a panic look on his face.

After the young man entered the room, he immediately looked in the direction of Li Chunfang, leaned down, and reported respectfully: "Old... Master, Xiao... Mr. Xiaoge personally brought gifts and came to congratulate!"

"what!"

After hearing the news from the boy's mouth, Li Chunfang suddenly stood up from his seat, with a look of shock that could not be concealed on his face.

He never expected that Yan Shifan would come to congratulate him in person.

"It seems that the Yan family is really in decline!"

After that, Li Chunfang suppressed all the chaotic thoughts in her heart, came to her senses, and said in a deep voice: "Why are you still standing there in a daze? Why don't you invite Mr. Xiaoge in!"

"Yes, sir!"

Naturally, the waiter did not dare to go against Li Chunfang's words at all. After responding, he quickly left the room.

Then, under the guidance of the previous boy, Yan Shifan stepped into the room.

Seeing Yan Shifan's arrival, Li Chunfang quickly stood up from her seat, put on a flattered look, and stepped forward to greet him: "The boss of the small pavilion is here, it really makes the humble house shine!"

"I've taken the liberty to come to your door to make trouble. I hope Mr. Li won't blame me!"

At this time, Yan Shifan's face was filled with a warm smile, he cupped his hands to Li Chunfang and said respectfully.

"Mr. Xiao Ge, please!"

"Ah."

……

There is no airtight wall in the world. Soon, word spread that Yan Shifan personally visited the house to congratulate him.

This news caused quite a stir. In the eyes of many officials, this was a symbol of the decline of the Yan family.

After all, this was something that would have been unthinkable in the past.

Because he had a father who was the chief minister of the cabinet, Yan Shifan had always been unruly and arrogant, and looked down upon by everyone.

But now, not long after Li Chunfang entered the cabinet, Yan Shifan rushed to build relationships.

And this just exposes the current Yan family's nature of being strong on the outside but weak on the inside.

Next, it only takes a little "wind and wave" for the once towering tree of the Yan family to collapse.

Some people feel a little sad when they think of this, but more people are thinking about how to get a piece of the pie.

When Xu Jie comes to power and the strict party is liquidated, there will definitely be a large number of official positions vacant, and by then, they will be able to take a step further.

At the same time, Gao Gong's mansion was located in the capital.

After learning that Yan Shifan personally came to congratulate him, Gao Gong called Zhang Juzheng to discuss the next strategy together for the sake of safety.

In the room, Gao Gongzai picked up the teacup, took a sip, and couldn't help but sigh with emotion: "I never thought that such a proud and arrogant Mr. Xiaoge would have such a day!"

Zhang Juzheng on the side also felt a lot of emotion when he heard Gao Gong's words, and said to himself: "The situation is stronger than the people!"

When Zhang Juzheng said this, he seemed to suddenly remember something, looked in the direction of Gao Gong, and then said: "Brother Suqing, do you still remember Liuxinju?"

Hearing Zhang Juzheng's words, Gao Gong had a look of doubt on his face, raised his eyebrows, and responded: "Well, that's natural. A while ago, due to newspaper publicity, Liuxinju's pickles were sold in the capital. It’s selling like hot cakes.”

When Gao Gong's words fell, Zhang Juzheng shook his head and said slowly: "I heard that a few days ago, Boss Zhao from Liuxinju came to the door in person and sent twenty altars to Elder Xu Ge. Excellent Liuxinju pickles.”

"It's just that Boss Zhao was invited out without even meeting Mr. Xu Ge."

After listening to Zhang Juzheng's words, Gao Gong's face flashed with a look of contempt, and he subconsciously commented: "Humph, it has only been a few days since the Yan family lost power, and they are already rushing to find a new backer for themselves. "Gao Gongqin has been immersed in official circles for many years, and he can naturally see through the tricks at a glance. In the final analysis, sending pickles is fake, and it is true to express his position.

Then, Zhang Juzheng looked around and said in a low voice: "Brother Suqing, you must have heard about the case that happened in Songjiang Mansion not long ago, right?"

When Gao Gong heard Zhang Juzheng's words, his expression suddenly became extremely serious. Then, Gao Gong nodded and asked tentatively: "You mean the case at the Qianhu Office?"

Hearing this, Zhang Juzheng nodded and said in agreement: "Well, that's right, this is the case. Brother Su Qing, what do you think?"

As early as when he saw this case, Zhang Juzheng noticed something was wrong.

The details of this case were so vague that the soldiers who killed the officers were even labeled as being treasonous to Japanese invaders.

The Japanese pirates who had been entrenched in the southeastern coast of the Ming Dynasty had long been wiped out by Hu Zongxian. Where were the Japanese pirates left?
Moreover, the place where this case occurred happened to be in Xu Jie's hometown, Songjiang Prefecture.

Zhang Juzheng was actually aware of the activities of the family behind Xu Jie.

At the moment, Zhang Juzheng mentioned this matter not only to ask Gao Gong's opinion on this matter, but also to test Gao Gong's attitude towards this matter.

If Gao Gong pretended not to know, then Zhang Juzheng would not mention anything about this case again.

Facing Zhang Juzheng's probing gaze, Gao Gong pondered for a moment before responding: "In my opinion, this case is probably related to the family behind Mr. Xu Ge!"

Zhang Juzheng obviously did not expect that Gao Gong would be so outspoken. After being stunned for a long time, he finally reacted and looked in the direction of Gao Gong with a look of shock.

Then, Gao Gong's voice without a trace of emotion was heard again: "Old Xu Ge has always been self-denial, honest and self-responsible, but the family behind him used his banner, ignored the law, and wantonly annexed land. , causing public dissatisfaction.”

When Gao Gong said this, he paused for a moment, and then continued to add: "The family behind Mr. Xu Ge has annexed a large amount of land, including the land of the guards. Therefore, there is also "Xu Ban City" in Songjiang Mansion. "

"I think Mr. Xu Ge should have known about this, but he chose to let it go. After all, they are his own people. No one else would be able to do it!"

After Gao Gong finished speaking, his face was filled with an inexplicable look, and he sighed helplessly.

Zhang Juzheng on the side also felt the same after hearing what Gao Gong said, and immediately said: "Oh, yes, after all, this is the family that raised me!"

"Currently, Mr. Xu Ge is in the spotlight. Naturally, no one in the court dares to mention this case. As time passes, it will become a major issue and become a trivial matter."

As soon as Zhang Juzheng finished speaking, Gao Gong shook his head, clenched his fists, and said firmly: "Since Mr. Xu Ge can't do it, let me, Gao Gong, do it then!"

"In this way, we can also eliminate a big disaster for the local people!"

Hearing Gao Gong's words, Zhang Juzheng's pupils suddenly shrank, and his face was full of disbelief.

Just when he was about to say something, Gao Gong seemed to understand what he was thinking, waved his hand, and said unhurriedly: "Anyway, this day will come sooner or later."

"In the cabinet, only when the person in front falls or leaves, will the person behind have a chance to take office, right?"

……

The night passed in the blink of an eye, and early the next morning, Xu Jie got on the sedan and headed in the direction of the Forbidden City.

Xu Jie naturally knew about Yan Shifan's personal visit to congratulate him last night.

Xu Jie felt extremely happy about this, because Yan Shifan's move showed that the Yan family had completely declined.

This matter would never have happened in the past, and Li Chunfang even had to personally visit Yan Song, the chief minister of the cabinet.

"After meeting the envoy sent by the Chahar Ministry, we can formally appeal to His Majesty and request that Yan Song be removed from the position of chief minister of the cabinet!"

Xu Jie's breathing became rapid when he thought that in a few days, he would be able to sit on the throne of the chief minister of the cabinet.

Forbidden City, outside the cabinet.

After the sedan stopped, Xu Jie was seen getting down from the sedan with the help of the bearers.

As soon as Xu Jie got off the sedan, a slightly unfamiliar voice came from behind: "I've met Mr. Xu Ge!"

When Xu Jie heard this, he immediately stopped and followed the sound. When he saw that the person coming was Li Chunfang, a look of surprise flashed across his face.

Later, Xu Jie came back to his senses, nodded slightly, and responded: "Oh, it's Mr. Li Ge. Are you here so early?"

When Li Chunfang heard Xu Jie's words, a look of humility appeared on her face. She leaned down and said respectfully: "I am not as good as Mr. Xu Ge. Mr. Xu Ge has to work hard on the affairs of the imperial court. I admire you!"

Xu Jie seemed to be very impressed by Li Chunfang's words. Since Yan Song was ill at home, Xu Jie seized the opportunity and came to the cabinet before dawn every day to deal with the backlog of government affairs.

As time passed, the government and the public were full of praise for Xu Jie, the second minister of the cabinet.

After that, Xu Jie and Li Chunfang walked side by side and chatted from time to time.

Today's cabinet has undergone some changes compared to the past, and there is one more chair in the cabinet.

Perhaps seeing the uneasiness in Li Chunfang's heart, Xu Jie pointed to a seat not far away with a warm smile on his face, and then said: "This will be your place from now on." !”

"Thank you Mr. Xu Ge for your advice!"

When Li Chunfang heard Xu Jie's words, she quickly lowered her head and bowed her hands to Xu Jie to express her gratitude.

After Li Chunfang sat down in his seat, Xu Jie placed a pile of memorials that had been processed in front of Li Chunfang and said: "Look at these first. If there is anything you don't understand, just ask." !”

"Thank you Mr. Xu Ge!"

Hearing Xu Jie's words, Li Chunfang's face was filled with tears of gratitude, she leaned down and said respectfully.

Xu Jie didn't seem to care about this. He just waved his hand and said: "Everyone has come here like this. It will be good to get familiar with it for a while."

After Li Chunfang responded, she read the finished memorials with special concentration.

Seeing Li Chunfang being so focused, Xu Jie stroked his beard and a hint of approval flashed across his face.

With the addition of Li Chunfang, the burden on me will finally be lighter in the next period of time.

Just when Xu Jie was about to return to his seat, his eyes inadvertently glanced past the chair that symbolized the chief minister of the cabinet.

When he saw the chair, Xu Jie's eyes flashed with passion, and the scene after he sat on the chair even appeared in his mind.

"Just wait a little longer, this day is coming soon!"

After that, Xu Jie returned to his seat and dealt with the backlog of memorials in an orderly manner.

……

In the evening, the Forbidden City, Qianqing Palace.

At this time, only a few eunuchs were seen, each holding a stack of memorials sent from the Supervisor of Ceremonies, and entered the Qianqing Palace.

The leading eunuch, after entering the Qianqing Palace, looked in the direction of Jiajing and said respectfully: "Your Majesty, here is the memorial sent by the Superintendent of Ceremonies!"

"Well, I know, let's put it there first!"

When Jiajing heard this, he glanced over the eunuch, pointed at the bookcase not far in front of him, and gave the order.

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

Hearing Jiajing's words, the eunuch did not dare to be negligent at all, and immediately ordered the eunuchs to put down the memorial.

After the eunuchs said their goodbyes and left, Jiajing picked up a memorial and read it.

Then, Jiajing turned around, looked at Lu Fang and asked, "By the way, Lu Fang, is there no problem with Li Chunfang today?"

When Lu Fang, who was waiting on the side, heard this, he immediately lowered his head and responded respectfully: "Your Majesty, according to the information I received, there was nothing wrong with Mr. Li."

"On the contrary, Mr. Li quickly took up the affairs of the cabinet and handled the memorial very efficiently."

After hearing the news from Lu Fang, Jiajing felt relieved and began to browse the memorials that were sent to him one by one.

When Jiajing browsed through most of the memorials piled on the desk in front of him, he saw the eunuch guiding him into the Qianqing Palace with silent steps.

After entering the Qianqing Palace, he guided the eunuch to subconsciously look in the direction of Jiajing, leaned down, and said respectfully: "Your Majesty, the British prince is outside asking for an audience!"

"Oh, British Duke?"

When Jiajing heard this, a look of surprise flashed across his face.

Then, as if he thought of something, Jiajing put the memorial aside, waved his hand, and gave instructions.

"Well, I understand, let him come in!"

"As you command, Your Majesty!"

After receiving Jiajing's specific instructions, the guiding eunuch did not hesitate at all. After bowing to Jiajing, he stepped out of Qianqing Palace.

Jiajing also had a rough guess about the purpose of Zhang Rong's trip.

Not long ago, when I met Qi Jiguang, Yu Dayou, and Zhu Xizhong who had returned in triumph.

Jiajing personally mentioned to them that at that time, the imperial court would join forces with the Chahar tribe to attack the Tumut tribe that occupied the grassland.

Chengguo Gong Zhu Xizhong successfully entered the court through the previous battle and became the Minister of Military and Aircraft.

After the British Duke Zhang Rong was one of the few nobles in the Ming Dynasty who still retained military power, he was naturally not far behind.

(End of this chapter)