The First Gongsheng of Ming Dynasty

Xie Qian's crime passed the preliminary review and soon came to court.

However, because Zhu Youtang claimed to be ill and could not go to court, the court ceremony could not be held, and Xie Qian's prosecution could not be postponed. Therefore, the emperor directly asked each yamen to discuss Xie Qian's crimes on their own, and then summarized them, and finally the emperor made the decision.

This broke the previous plan of civil servants who hoped that the Sanfa Division would take over and reduce Xie Qian's crime to a minor issue through connections.

However, Liu Jian and Li Dongyang didn't think much about this. After all, no matter whether they were their people or not, the yamen still had to give them face. In addition, Xie Qian's crime was not serious at all. At most, he was "unable to participate in the impeachment". "Realistically", as for almost delaying the war opportunity, etc., these are just one-sided remarks. The emperor did not go into the crime of forming a party for personal gain... After all, there would be many people who would be held accountable if he went deeper.

In this way, as long as the people in each yamen maintain a kind of harmony, and at worst, let Xie Qian redeem himself and return home, the matter will be over.

Everything was going well.

But that day, it was Li Zhang, the eunuch who was the Supervisor of Ceremonies, who came to greet and make contact with the cabinet. Probably the emperor was also afraid that the three cabinet ministers would misunderstand the Xie Qian case, not only to reassure the cabinet, but also to show that this time "the court" "Ju" model, let Li Zhang serve as the instruction manual.

"Three pavilion elders, there are some things that you shouldn't say, but since you are here, you still have to say a few words."

Li Zhang looked serious and said, "Lao Xie Ge's case has been delayed for a long time, and a decision should have been made before the year. Your Majesty still attaches great importance to the opinions of his ministers this time, but it also shows that the cabinet and the Hanlin Academy do not agree with this. You have to avoid suspicion.”

Li Dongyang said: "That's clear, we just don't participate."

If the various yamen come to discuss Xie Qian's charges, and the cabinet is involved, it will definitely involve favoritism, and it will have an impact on the opinions of other people in the yamen.

Li Zhang smiled and said: "It's good if the three of you can understand."

Cheng Minzheng suddenly asked: "If the ministers have different opinions, whose opinion should come first? I just want to ask, there should be a sequence, right?"

Liu Jian glanced sideways at Cheng Minzheng and said coldly: "Didn't Eunuch Li make it clear that Your Majesty will fully listen to everyone's opinions?"

"Three people." Li Zhang said with a smile, "That being said, there should indeed be priorities. Let's put it this way, since the cabinet wants to avoid suspicion on this matter and the Ministry of Punishment cannot directly finalize the case, in fact... Haha, It’s up to the people at the listening office to give their pertinent opinions.”

"Huh?" Liu Jian frowned upon hearing this.

It seems that Cheng Minzheng's attack was not without purpose.

It turns out that the emperor really has a choice of priorities in listening to opinions, and the listening room is not controlled by the cabinet at all.

Cheng Minzheng added: "Eunuch Li, from what I know, Xie Gebu was found guilty this time. It seems that the people in the listening department were behind it. If their opinions really mattered, I'm afraid Xie Gebu was guilty... Not too small, right?”

The cabinet now knows that Xie Qian was impeached, largely due to Lu Wan and others' participation in the impeachment of Xie Qian.

Previously, Zhang Mao led his troops to the west, and the ministers of the DPRK and the Central Government nominally supported him, but secretly he refused to assist in mobilizing troops and food. He also went to impeach Wang Shouren with Xie Qian as the leader, but Lu Wan found out and used direct remonstrance. , attacked Xie Qian in front of the emperor, resulting in Xie Qian being sentenced to prison.

Now that the emperor wants to judge the case, he will give priority to the opinions of the above listeners, which is equivalent to pushing Xie Qian into the pit of fire.

Li Zhang acted as if the matter had nothing to do with him and said with a smile: "Your Majesty's opinion must come first in such matters. As for the Shangting Department... Haha, even if the Shangting Department intends to embarrass Mr. Xie Ge, as long as the court leaves The yamen and officials can intercede for Mr. Xie Ge, and your Majesty may consider their opinions. "

As soon as these words came out, even Li Dongyang, who had always been resourceful, didn't know how to get into the case.

Cheng Minzheng continued to ask: "In other words, if the Supreme Court is going to embarrass the Xie Cabinet, and there are people to support it, then Your Majesty will have to rely on the opinions of these people?"

"hehe."

Li Zhang smiled and said nothing, but in fact it was equivalent to acquiescence.

In fact, it seemed like he was mocking the three cabinet ministers.

We can understand that you can't solve the Shangting Department, but if you can't even balance the various yamen below, don't blame His Majesty for being ruthless to those Xiege elders.

Cheng Minzheng said with emotion: "Should the case be tried based on evidence and law, or based on human feelings? Is it possible that the dignified cabinet should decide its future reputation based on human feelings and sophistication? It's really... alas!"

These words also sounded like he was lamenting his own experiences.

Li Dongyang naturally knew that Li Zhang was just conveying his meaning and could not decide anything. He said: "Thank you, Eunuch Li. We also hope that this matter can be settled as soon as possible. As for this matter, we will avoid suspicion and not get involved. Thank you." "

Li Zhang also seemed very polite and said: "Mr. Li Ge, you are out of town. We still have things to do at home, so we are going back. By the way, Mr. Xie Ge is fine recently. Don't worry, he is gone." "

……

……

After Li Zhang left, the cabinet room fell into a strange silence.

Originally, Liu Jian and Li Dongyang should discuss countermeasures immediately, but because there was Cheng Minzheng next to him who had an unclear position, they were unable to discuss it.

Cheng Minzheng could naturally feel the two people in front of him being wary of him.

Cheng Minzheng took the initiative and said: "In my opinion, among these six films, Yu Qiao must be given some credit. Yu Qiao has been through so many court affairs, so he has worked hard and made great achievements. There was no major event in the court that was prominent before that he did not participate in." ? But beyond the six, I can’t say for sure.”

Liu Jian didn't want to answer.

Li Dongyang asked: "Na Keqin, which yamen do you think is most likely to cause trouble?"

"Ugh!"

Cheng Minzheng sighed heavily and said, "It's more appropriate to use trouble, it depends on who insists on going against Yu Qiao. It doesn't matter whether Yu Qiao has offended others, but I am afraid that some people will misunderstand the superior's intention and try to cater to the superior. meaning."

Li Dongyang said: "Do you think the Ministry of War will also speak for Yu Qiao?"

"Probably," Cheng Minzheng said, "or maybe he's avoiding talking about it. You may also know that Bingkuan usually stands aside when it comes to disputes. In recent years, the relationship between the DPRK and the Central Government has There are very few times when he gets red-faced and unable to stand up, and it's usually Yu Qiao..."

The words were not finished.

It can be regarded as a reminder to the two people in front of them.

In the past, Xie Qian used a joke to question Zhang Zhou's decisions and suggestions in the court. In fact, Zhang Zhou himself did not openly break up with the civil servants.

Cheng Minzheng asked again: "Do you want to go out for a walk?"

Li Dongyang said: "Your Majesty didn't say anything, so you want us to avoid suspicion?"

"It's one thing to avoid suspicion, but it's feasible to find out the truth. If we continue, in the end... sigh!" Cheng Minzheng almost said, I am different from you two.

You two need to avoid suspicion, but I don't.

Although I am nominally a colleague of Xie Qian's, the problem is that others think that I am against you. I am not here to give them advice. I am just going to ask them what they think about this. Anyway, if something goes wrong, It's not your responsibility. I'm here to be the villain, and you still don't want to?

Just when Li Dongyang wanted to refuse clearly, Liu Jian said: "There is nothing wrong with exploring the opinions of people in the court, but be careful not to ask directly. If they are willing to comment in daily contact, then just listen. If we give guidance, I’m afraid the law won’t allow it.”

Cheng Minzheng nodded and said: "Of course I understand. Then I will try to visit later."

But it was after Cheng Minzheng walked out of the door on the pretext of going back to the Hanlin Academy for business.

However, Liu Jian seemed to be disgusted and couldn't help but blurt out: "They are all the same."

Li Dongyang was startled.

He probably understood that Liu Jian looked down upon Cheng Minzheng. This was probably the reason why Cheng Minzheng was the first candidate to join the cabinet but could not be recommended. It was precisely because many of Cheng Minzheng's handling styles were not appreciated by Xu Pu and Liu Jian. Now Liu Jian Jian only inherited Xu Pu's political opinions and did not regard Cheng Minzheng as one of his own.

……

……

After Cheng Minzheng received the instruction, he actually knew who he should go to first to find out.

Of course it was Lu Wan, who was now prospering in Shangting.

No matter what the yamen might do to set things off for Xie Qian, as long as Lu Wan can help Xie Qian, Xie Qian's case can actually be reduced from a big one to a small one.

Cheng Minzheng did not shy away from suspicion. He waited for Lu Wan in an official sedan that afternoon, blocked Lu Wan on his way home, and then sent someone up to pass the news and invited Lu Wan to the nearest teahouse, because both of them were wearing clothes. Officials wore official uniforms, and there was an official sedan parked at the door of the teahouse, so that no one inside the teahouse dared to approach.

"Mr. Cheng Ge should not meet with me." Lu Wan advised him bluntly.

At this time when the news is tight, you just want to meet each other, but you are still so public and high-profile. You are really not afraid of being thought that we are conspiring in private.

Cheng Minzheng smiled and said: "You also know what I want to know, so you can tell me clearly, so I know what I know. After so many years in power, what troubles have I not seen? If there is anything wrong, I will be the first to beg my old age and return home. Speaking of which, I don’t want to pay attention to the dispute between North Korea and China.”

When Lu Wan saw Cheng Minzheng's expression, he had the attitude of going with the flow and retreating once the wave gets too big.

Moreover, Cheng Minzheng had the experience of voluntarily retiring, and people in the court did not doubt that Cheng Minzheng would cling to power. In addition, Cheng Minzheng and Zhang Zhou had a deep relationship, and Lu Wan could not be disrespectful to Cheng Minzheng.

Lu Wandao: "On death!"

The words were straightforward.

Cheng Minzheng looked very surprised after hearing this and asked, "Does it have to be like this?"

Xie Qian was about to be killed when he came up. Even Cheng Minzheng felt that Lu Wan's reputation was a bit ruthless.

Lu Wan asked: "Regardless of whether this is a matter of disorder, let me ask Mr. Cheng Ge, if Mr. Xie Ge had not experienced this personally, how would you make a decision in your mind if it were someone else?"

Cheng Minzheng shook his head and said: "It is difficult for one person to determine such a matter. Even if His Majesty asks me to cooperate with the Ministry of Punishment to investigate, the truth should prevail. Making a hasty decision may be a bit hasty."

Lu Wandao: "Let me put it bluntly, Mr. Xie Ge caused trouble for no reason. When the Ming Dynasty sent troops, he made arbitrary decisions about the advancement and retreat of military affairs. When the battle situation on the front line was not clear, he disturbed the morale of the army and undermined the order of the court. These are all justified. . Based on this alone, it’s not an exaggeration to say that you will die, right?”

The muscles on Cheng Minzheng's face twitched slightly. It was obvious that Lu Wan grasped the key point of the problem very accurately.

The civil servants only wanted to refer to Xie Qian's "untruthful participation in the impeachment", so he felt that Xie Qian should be given a lighter punishment.

But in the eyes of a northwest general like Lu Wan, Xie Qian's previous actions were simply disturbing the morale of the military. No one would blame you if Xie Qian made irresponsible remarks during the post-war debate. He had to do this when there was a war on the front line... and he was caught with the crime of "forming a clique" by influencing the opinions of officials.

If this doesn’t push you into the water, will it also let you take a breath?

Lu Wan said again: "The court has always been tolerant when it comes to official matters, and often has the intention of protecting the court, but I dare to ask Cheng Ge, if it were you, would you do this in that situation? "

"No." Cheng Minzheng shook his head seriously.

Lu Wandao: "It probably won't matter whoever it is, because the outcome of the war is still unclear, and any opinions from the court will affect the development of the war situation. Although ministers have the responsibility to advise, they must also be based on stabilizing the morale of the military. In order to adjust It is not an exaggeration to say that Xie Ge always relies on his elders to act on his merits and demerits, and his intention is to change the commander in front of the battle. ?”

Cheng Minzheng even felt a little ashamed when he heard this.

Because Cheng Minzheng is not from Liu Jian's faction, nor is he entirely from Zhang Zhou's faction. From a relatively neutral perspective, just looking at Xie Qian's actions, he is simply treating the court as his own back garden.

Feeling that he was a civil servant, he used the banner of "for the imperial court" to attack the generals who were close to Zhang Zhou, even regardless of the fact that it was still wartime. No matter how you looked at it, there was no distinction between public and private affairs.

"That's all." Lu Wan stood up and seemed to be leaving.

Cheng Minzheng hurriedly said: "Wait a minute, let me ask you, do you know people who have similar opinions to you..."

At this moment, Cheng Minzheng seemed to know that it seemed impossible to influence Ting Chu's opinions. Now he wanted to know if anyone had similar opinions to Ting Chu's. If so... then Xie Qian was in danger.

Lu Wandao: "I don't know."

Cheng Minzheng asked curiously: "Have you never discussed this matter with others?"

Lu Wan also said bluntly: "Mr. Cheng Ge is the number one person."

"hehe."

Cheng Minzheng was also smiling bitterly.

He didn't know whether he should be honored or sad.

But it’s right to think about it. Yesterday, no one would think that the Shangting Department was qualified to have a major say in Xie Qian’s case. No one in the court knew that Xie Qian was taken down because of the Shangting Department’s involvement in the impeachment. , others will only think that the people I listen to are "white-eyed wolves" and are close to Zhang Zhou...

Now suddenly Shangting Chu has become a yamen in the court that can influence the fate of an elder.

"Tomorrow... I mean tomorrow." Cheng Minzheng said, "If Yu Qiao goes to the Ministry of Justice, can you..."

Cheng Minzheng actually wanted to beg Lu Wan.

Lu Wandao: "Do you want to go down and meet him? Make people think that I feel relieved?"

When Cheng Minzheng heard this, he felt awkward in his heart, because Lu Wan was indeed arrogant, and he actually "let go" of Xie Qian? It feels as if you have forgiven Xie Qian.

"No." Cheng Minzheng said, "I hope that you will make your position clear tomorrow and report your opinions as soon as possible." (End of Chapter)