I, Jiajing, successfully cultivated immortality

In the evening, Hu Zongxian's residence in the capital.

Although there has been some turmoil in the government and the public recently due to the case at the Songjiang Prefecture's Qianhu Office, and it even gives people a feeling that a storm is coming, Hu Zongxian is still as usual, taking advantage of the situation after he is on duty. The sedan returns to the mansion.

As soon as he returned to the mansion, Hu Zongxian called the housekeeper and said: "If you tell me to go down, tell me that I have been ill recently and I don't see anyone!"

Regarding Hu Zongxian's words, the housekeeper naturally did not dare to violate it at all. He immediately lowered his head and responded without thinking: "Yes, sir!"

After giving instructions to the housekeeper, Hu Zongxian went straight to the study.

Hu Zongxian knew very well that the recent movements in the government and the public must be related to his teacher Yan Song.

Before that, Yan Song had expressed his intention to become an official.

Now it seems that Yan Song's purpose is very clear, which is to overthrow Xu Jie before he takes office to avoid being liquidated in the future.

After Hu Zongxian entered the study, a maid soon came forward and brought Hu Zongxian a bowl of steaming tea and some pastries.

After picking up the tea cup and taking a sip, Hu Zongxian shook his head and sighed secretly.

"Teacher, teacher, you are so scheming. Even I was deceived by you. No one expected that you still have such a trick!"

Afterwards, Hu Zongxian put the teacup in his hand aside, picked up the latest volume of "Journey to the West Du E" on the table, and started reading at will.

Ever since he learned that Wu Chengen, a layman from Sheyang, the author of "Journey to the West", was studying in the Imperial College, Hu Zongxian would send someone to remind him every once in a while.

It is precisely because of this that Hu Zongxian is always the first to see the latest volume of "Journey to the West".

In this process, Hu Zongxian also got to know Wu Chengen deeply. This man was full of knowledge and talents, but he had no one in the court, so he was depressed and frustrated.

Therefore, Hu Zongxian decided to give Wu Chengen a proper promotion after he entered his official career. This should be the reward for urging him to update for so long.

Soon, Hu Zongxian was immersed in the bizarre plots in the book and couldn't extricate himself. When he came back to his senses, the sky had already dimmed.

At some point, the candles in the study room were lit.

"Oh, it's such a pity that every time I see the most exciting moments, they are gone!"

After closing the latest volume of "Journey to the West", Hu Zongxian had an unfinished expression on his face.

At this time, Hu Zongxian wanted to send someone to the Imperial Academy immediately, invite Wu Chengen to his house, and ask him to write more volumes in front of him.

After thinking about it for a moment, Hu Zongxian finally gave up the idea and did not put it into practice.

At this moment, there was a slight knock on the door.

Seeing this situation, Hu Zongxian waved his hand and then ordered: "Come in!"

After the words fell, there was only a "squeak" sound, the door of the room was pushed open, and then the housekeeper with a worried look stepped in.

At this time, the housekeeper had a worried expression. After entering the study, he immediately looked in the direction of Hu Zongxian, lowered his head, and said bravely: "Old... Master, Mr. Gao Ge and Mr. Zhang Ge are asking to see you. At present, Waiting in the lobby!"

After learning the news from the housekeeper, Hu Zongxian frowned, with a look of surprise flashing across his face.

Apart from official interactions, he actually had no friendship with Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng in private, and they rarely interacted with each other.

At this time, Hu Zongxian's thoughts were racing, and countless conjectures flashed through his mind.

"By the way, why are Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng here at this time? Is it possible that they are here to intercede with Xu Jie?"

Suddenly, such a slightly absurd idea suddenly flashed through Hu Zongxian's mind.

Soon, this idea was eliminated by Hu Zongxian, but Hu Zongxian had a vague intuition in his heart, that is, Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng came to visit at this time, and they must have big intentions.

After that, Hu Zongxian came back to his senses, looked in the direction of the housekeeper, and said: "Well, I understand, take me there with you!"

"Yes, sir, please come with me!"

After Hu Zongxian roughly tidied up his appearance, he went to the hall for entertaining guests under the guidance of the butler.

……

At this time, in the hall, Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng were chatting away.

At this moment, Hu Zongxian's slightly smiling voice sounded: "The presence of Mr. Gao Ge and Mr. Zhang Ge really makes this humble house shine!"

Seeing Hu Zongxian coming, Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng hurriedly stopped talking, then stood up from their chairs one after another and saluted Hu Zongxian: "Sorry for bothering you, Lord Hu, please don't blame me!"

After Hu Zongxian finished speaking, he made a gesture of invitation to Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng, and then said: "No need to be so polite, sit down!"

"Well, thank you Mr. Hu Ge."

After hearing Hu Zongxian's words, Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng had no intention of declining and immediately sat down in their respective seats.

Not long after the two sat down, a maid came forward and brought Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng a cup of steaming tea, as well as a fruit plate containing persimmons, lychees, round eyes, chestnuts, and ripe dates.

"Try it, this is the newly arrived Shifeng Longjing a while ago!"

"Ah."

After hearing Hu Zongxian's words, Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng immediately picked up their teacups and took a sip.

"Well, it's sweet in the mouth and has a long aftertaste. It's a rare and good tea!"

After putting down the tea cup in his hand, Gao Gong looked in the direction of Hu Zongxian and praised him.

In addition to Gao Gong, Zhang Juzheng on the side also added: "Well, it is indeed good tea!"

After the two sides chatted for a while on this topic, a look of curiosity appeared on Hu Zongxian's face. After coughing twice, he chose to get down to business.

"Speaking of which, Mr. Gao Ge and Mr. Zhang Ge suddenly came to visit. Is there something going on?"

When Hu Zongxian's words fell, Gao Gong stood up after exchanging glances with Zhang Juzheng beside him, and then said: "Presumably Mr. Hu Ge already knows about the incident that has been making a lot of noise in the government and the public recently, right? ?”

When Hu Zongxian heard Gao Gong's words, he immediately heightened his vigilance, squinted his eyes, and responded calmly: "Is it possible that Gao Ge Lao is referring to the case at the Songjiang Prefecture's Qianhu Office? "

Facing Hu Zongxian's gaze, Gao Gong nodded imperceptibly and said in agreement: "Yes, exactly."

When Hu Zongxian heard this, he immediately realized that the purpose of Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng's trip was very simple, which was to ask him to come forward and persuade Hai Rui, who was the imperial envoy, to show his noble hand and let Xu Jie go.

Just when Hu Zongxian was about to say something, Zhang Juzheng on the side seemed to see what Hu Zongxian was thinking, shook his head, and chose to tell everything.

"Mr. Hu Ge, you misunderstood. We didn't come here this time to ask you to persuade Hai Rui and ask him to show his favor."

When Zhang Juzheng said this, he paused for a moment and continued: "On the contrary, we hope that Hai Rui can get to the bottom of it and never tolerate it!"

The words spoken by Zhang Juzheng greatly exceeded Hu Zongxian's expectations. At this time, Hu Zongxian's pupils suddenly shrank, and his face was full of disbelief.

Just when Hu Zongxian was extremely shocked by Zhang Juzheng's words, Gao Gong on the side shook his head, looked in the direction of Hu Zongxian, and said bluntly: "Mr. Hu Ge, in your opinion, how is the Ming Dynasty now?"

Hu Zongxian heard Gao Gong's words and responded without hesitation: "Nowadays, the sea is peaceful and the four directions are stable. Not only has the Southern Japanese and Northern Tatar issues that have troubled me for many years in the Ming Dynasty been resolved, but even the national treasury has become increasingly full. "

"It can be said that the Ming Dynasty is now restoring its national strength and is on the road to ZTE. All of this is the result of His Majesty's hard work!"

Since he still didn't understand Gao Gong's intention, Hu Zongxian chose the most conservative answer to answer Gao Gong's question.

……

After listening to Hu Zongxian's answer, the expression on Gao Gong's face did not change much. He just nodded and said in agreement: "Mr. Hu Ge is absolutely right."

When Gao Gong said this, he paused for a moment, changed the topic, and continued: "But I believe that Mr. Hu Ge must have seen more than this, right?"

After Gao Gong finished speaking, without waiting for Hu Zongxian's response, he continued to add: "The current officialdom is full of chaos, cliques are formed for personal gain, and corruption is rampant. A large number of officials who have nothing to do with their jobs occupy high positions, while the truly talented people are depressed and unable to achieve their goals. promoted."

"The phenomenon of big families annexing land wantonly, leaving the rich with nowhere to live and the poor with no place to stand is becoming more and more serious."

"In addition to the common people's fields, even the military fields of the guards were occupied by officers, aristocratic families, and court nobles in various ways, and the sergeants were used at will."

"The case that occurred in Songjiang Prefecture's Qianhu Post was because the military fields of the guard post were occupied by officers, and the soldiers were unable to work, so they rebelled and killed the officers who oppressed them."

"In addition, the heavy labor also made the people overwhelmed, and people often rose up to stir up trouble."

After Gao Gong finished speaking, he looked in the direction of Hu Zongxian and said loudly: "I don't believe Mr. Hu Ge didn't see these shortcomings!"

After Gao Gong's powerful words fell, Hu Zongxian already understood what Gao Gong wanted to express.

Then, Hu Zongxian raised his eyebrows, looked at Gao Gong solemnly, and asked: "So, Gao Gong always wants to implement reforms and get rid of these bad policies?"

Facing Hu Zongxian's gaze, Gao Gong nodded and replied in a deep voice: "Mr. Hu Ge's guess is absolutely correct. These bad policies have reached the point where they must be changed!"

Although he already had a rough guess in his mind, Hu Zongxian couldn't help but be shocked when Gao Gong actually nodded and admitted.

Gao Gong, who is usually very impeccable, never thought that Gao Gong had such lofty ambitions and planned to carry out reforms and get rid of bad government.

At the same time, Hu Zongxian also wanted to understand Gao Gong's purpose in saying this to him.

Afterwards, Hu Zongxian suppressed all the chaotic thoughts in his heart and asked Gao Gong tentatively.

"Mr. Gao Ge told me this, does he want me to get involved?"

"Well, that's right. If Mr. Hu Ge also joins, then there will be four people in the cabinet who support the reform."

When Gao Gong heard this, he didn't mean to avoid it. Instead, he nodded and admitted cleanly. When Gao Gong's words fell, Hu Zongxian couldn't help but have a look of surprise on his face, recalling everything that had happened recently.

In the cabinet, the identity of another person who supports the reform has been revealed, and that is Li Chunfang, the Minister of Rites who just joined the cabinet!
Hu Zongxian knew very well that after Xu Jie was overthrown, Yan Song would choose to become an official. By then, there would be only five people left in the cabinet.

That is, himself, Gao Gong, Zhang Juzheng, Yan Shifan, and Li Chunfang who had just joined the cabinet.

At that time, Gao Gong will take the position of first assistant in the cabinet, and Zhang Juzheng will take the position of second assistant in the cabinet.

As Gao Gong said, if he agrees to Gao Gong's invitation and participates in the reform, then the number of people supporting the reform will reach four.

If Xu Jie is allowed to take the position of chief minister of the cabinet, Gao Gong will have to continue to serve in the cabinet if he wants to realize his ambition and implement reforms.

In Hu Zongxian's view, Gao Gong's timing was very clever.

On the surface, Yan Song, the chief minister of the cabinet, is suffering from "dementia" and unable to sort out political affairs, while Xu Jie, the second minister of the cabinet, is in jail and has no time to take care of himself. Now is the perfect opportunity.

At this moment, Zhang Juzheng stared into Hu Zongxian's eyes and asked, "So, what does Hu Ge always think?"

After Zhang Juzheng finished speaking, Gao Gong's eyes fell on Hu Zongxian.

Facing their gazes, Hu Zongxian pondered for a moment, nodded, and clearly expressed his attitude: "Since you two value Hu so much, let Hu help you!"

Seeing that Hu Zongxian agreed to participate in the reform, Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.

Hu Zongxian's identity was not only the official minister, but also a student of Yan Song.

In Gao Gong's view, Hu Zongxian was highly regarded by Yan Song, and he would definitely get part of his political legacy in the future. There were many people in the Yan Party who were willing to obey Hu Zongxian's orders.

In addition, Hu Zongxian himself is also quite capable. When implementing policies, he will encounter much less resistance.

With the lessons learned from the struggle between Yan Dang and Qingliu, Gao Gong secretly made up his mind that when he employs people in the future, he should not be limited to the camp, but should be eclectic.

Whether you are a strict Party person or a Qingliu person, as long as you have the ability and can get things done, then you can use it.

As long as you firmly grasp their handle, you can make them obedient and use it for your own use. After all, policies always need people to implement them.

After being overjoyed, Gao Gong looked solemnly in the direction of Hu Zongxian, and then said: "Mr. Hu Ge, to be honest, I have something to ask you!"

"Whatever Mr. Gao Ge needs me to do, just say it, don't be so polite."

Perhaps because the previous conversation had eliminated the barriers between them, Hu Zongxian was quite easy-going when talking about this.

After Hu Zongxian finished speaking, Gao Gong pondered for a moment and then said, "Mr. Hu Ge, I hope that you will personally come forward and tell Hai Rui to just let him go and investigate."

"Well, it's a small matter."

When Hu Zongxian heard Gao Gong's words, he nodded and agreed without hesitation.

After that, a look of hesitation appeared on Hu Zongxian's face. He glanced at Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng respectively, and asked: "I don't understand. Why do I need to come forward in person for this matter?"

When Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng heard Hu Zongxian's words, they had no intention of hiding anything and immediately told the whole story.

After listening to Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng's narration, Hu Zongxian had a look of sudden realization on his face. He lowered his head and murmured to himself: "Oh, that's it, I understand."

Then, Hu Zongxian looked back, nodded slightly to Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng, and then said: "In that case, I will go to Hai Rui now!"

Seeing this, Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng immediately stood up from their seats and said goodbye to Hu Zongxian: "Well, then I'll bother you, Mr. Hu Ge!"

……

On the other side, Hai Rui's mansion in the capital.

At this time, in the study, Hai Rui was sitting behind the desk, handling the affairs of the Inspectorate in an orderly manner.

Soon he will rush to Songjiang Prefecture as an imperial envoy to investigate the rebellion of soldiers at Songjiang Prefecture's Qianhu Station.

In recent days, from time to time, officials took great risks to pay a visit, hoping to get some news about the case from Hai Rui's mouth.

However, these people were all turned away by Hai Rui.

After Hai Rui finished handling the matters at hand, he supported his chin with one hand and began to think about the people involved in this case.

"The previous confessions mainly involved Li Qishang, the Qianhu who guarded the Thousand Households, two deputy Qianhu, and even the Zhenfu, as well as Songjiang Magistrate Wang Jian..."

"These damn worms, let's see how I deal with you!"

When Hai Rui thought of this, the expression on his face suddenly became extremely cold, and he clenched his fists unconsciously.

At this moment, there was a rapid knock on the door, and then the housekeeper's panicked voice sounded outside the door: "Master... Master, I have something important to report!"

Upon hearing this, Hai Rui shook his head, suppressed all the chaotic thoughts in his heart, and commanded: "Come in!"

As soon as the words fell, the door to the study room was pushed open violently, and then the housekeeper, who looked pale and panicked, walked in quickly.

Hai Rui saw the expression on the butler's face, frowned slightly, and asked.

"What happened? Are you in such a panic?"

"Old... Master, something serious has happened. There are guards in uniform outside the door. They say they want to see you. They are waiting in the lobby right now!"

When the housekeeper heard what Hai Rui said, he suppressed his inner nervousness, lowered his head and hesitated.

After learning the news from the butler, Hai Rui's face was full of surprise. Then, he looked in the direction of the butler and confirmed: "Jin Yiwei, are you sure?"

"Master, it's absolutely true. The leading Jin Yiwei calls himself Zhu Qi, and he even showed me his badge."

At this time, the housekeeper was so frightened that his face turned pale and he did not dare to hide anything. He was about to tell everything he knew.

Hearing this, Hai Rui looked away from the butler's mouth and gave instructions.

"Well, I understand, let me go there!"

"Yes, sir!"

Later, under the guidance of the butler, Hai Rui arrived at the hall used to entertain guests.

At this time, Zhu Qi, who was waiting in the hall, saw Hai Rui arriving. He quickly stood up from his seat and bowed his hand to Hai Rui.

"I, Jin Yiwei Zhu Qi, have met Lord Hai!"

"No need to be so polite, sit down!"

Upon hearing this, Hai Rui glanced at Zhu Qi, waved his hand, and gave instructions.

When Zhu Qi saw this situation, he couldn't help but have a look of surprise on his face. Normally, those officials would act submissive and unable to speak clearly when seeing Jin Yiwei. How could they be as calm as Hai Rui.

After that, a servant came forward and brought a bowl of steaming tea to Hai Rui and Zhu Qi.

After picking up the teacup and taking a sip, Hai Rui put down the teacup in his hand, looked in the direction of Zhu Qi, and asked, "Sir, what are you doing here this time?"

Zhu Qi heard Hai Rui's words, waved his hand, and said casually: "The main reason I came here this time is to talk to you, the Imperial Envoy, to let me know in advance. During this investigation, you, the Imperial Envoy, will be here." Ming, Jinyiwei is in the dark."

"After arriving at Songjiang Mansion, you can just investigate the case with peace of mind. All the people related to this case are currently under the surveillance of Jin Yiwei, and there is no risk of being silenced."

When the words fell, a look of gratitude appeared on Hai Rui's face. Immediately afterwards, he stood up from his seat, bowed to Zhu Qi solemnly and said, "Thank you, sir!"

"Ah."

When Zhu Qi heard Hai Rui's words, he responded in a subtle way, then stood up and left.

Before he had taken a few steps out, Zhu Qi turned back again. After looking at Hai Rui up and down, he said pointedly, "By the way, don't forget what your Majesty said before."

After saying these words, Zhu Qi led several royal guards and left the hall without waiting for Hai Rui's response.

Shortly after Zhu Qi left, the housekeeper came in again and announced: "Old... Master, Mr. Hu Ge is here!"

When he learned that Hu Zongxian came to visit him in person, Hai Rui's face was filled with surprise that could not be concealed.

Because he had just sent away Jin Yiwei with his front foot, and Hu Zongxian came again with his back foot.

At this moment, a thought suddenly flashed through Hai Rui's mind: "Could it be that Mr. Hu Ge is also here for this case?"

Immediately, Hai Rui came back to his senses and gave instructions.

"Well, I understand, please invite Mr. Hu Ge in!"

"Yes, sir!"

When the housekeeper heard what Hai Rui said, he didn't dare to show any slightness and left quickly.

Soon, under the guidance of the butler, Hu Zongxian stepped into the hall.

"I have met Mr. Hu Ge!"

"Ah."

After the two chatted for a while, Hu Zongxian said something similar to Zhu Qi's: "Then you just have to investigate the case with peace of mind. Someone will take care of the rest for you." (End of Chapter)