King Xiang of the Red Chamber

Chapter 468 Trading
  As the seat of Gansu Province, Wuwei Mansion can be considered a prosperous place even though it is located in the northwest.

The so-called Lan Yue Tower is actually not within Fucheng, but by the lake in the northwest of Fucheng. The trees here are as lush as those in the south of the Yangtze River, which is rare in this barren land in the northwest.

Ever since he set foot in the northwest, Zhu Jinghong has been extremely low-key, and it can even be said that he has no sense of existence. However, Wang Pei'an's behavior broke this status quo.

This guy's "destructive power" was greater than he imagined. The current situation made Zhu Jinghong feel a little out of control, so that he felt in a dilemma.

He would undoubtedly offend a lot of people by doing this investigation, but since he was also the chief historian of Prince Xiang's Palace, it would be easy for him to bring hatred to the Palace.

So the question now is, should we let Wang Peian continue to investigate? Is it worth it just to get rid of him?
  Zhu Jinghong knew that people in Gansu officialdom also wanted to know his opinion, so he invited him to dinner several times.

And he himself knew that it was time to make a decision, otherwise not taking a stand would be an attitude in itself.

Sitting in the carriage, Zhu Jinghong is still thinking about what he should choose.

In the end, he could only sigh. If there was nothing he could do, he would rather be annoyed by Wang Peian than directly offend all officials.

If these people think that he is also a hateful person, then he will be in big trouble.

I don’t know how long I swayed in the carriage. The carriage finally stopped. Sun Shaozu’s voice came from outside: “Your Highness, we have arrived!”

"Ok!"

After hearing Zhu Jinghong's response, Sun Shaozu lifted the curtain from the outside so that he could step out of the carriage.

At this moment, outside Lan Yue Tower, all civil and military officials, including Ning Huanxiang, arrived and were waiting outside the gate of Lan Yue Tower.

Lan Yue Tower is actually not just a building, but a group of buildings built near the lake. The main building is called Lan Yue Tower.

There were many officials attending the meeting in Wuwei today. Most of them appeared outside the gate at this moment, numbering at least hundreds.

Ning Huanxiang took the initiative to greet Zhu Jinghong from a distance and said, "Your Majesty is here, but they have been worried that Your Majesty will not come tonight!"

Zhu Jinghong smiled and said, "I'm not coming... It doesn't matter if Governor Ning comes, I'm just an idler. I just come to the northwest to see the scenery!"

"The person they want to pay a visit to is the prince. I cannot take your place. Please invite the prince!" Having said this, Ning Huanxiang stepped aside.

Behind him, Liang Qian and others also stepped aside, and local officials in Gansu also made way.

When Zhu Jinghong passed by, everyone saluted and said hello, and Zhu Jinghong nodded in return.

What's weird is that as the chief historian of Prince Xiang's Mansion, Wang Pei'an was also invited today, and he was following Sun Shaozu inside.

Speaking of Sun Shaozu, it can be said that he is in a bright spring at this time, and his life is as good as a second spring.

When he was at the peak of his career, he had never been so prosperous as he is today, and he had never been able to participate in a banquet of this level.

Everyone entered the garden together, and the chief envoy Guo Qiyun acted as a tour guide and led Zhu Jinghong around the garden.

This Lanyue Garden is indeed very special. The ancestor Zhu Shenzhuo and the current emperor both held celebration banquets here, which added a lot of history to the place.

After listening to Guo Qiyun's speech, Zhu Jinghong was able to enter Lanyue Tower.

A banquet has been set up in the main building. After Zhu Jinghong took his seat, the rest of the people took their seats according to their rank.

Originally, Ning Huanxiang and Liang Qian were sitting next to each other, but at Zhu Jinghong's strong request, they were able to sit with him.

As for Huang Qing, the eunuch who oversees the army, although his position is crucial, he is still a servant of the royal family, so he can only stand beside Yu Hai.

As the music played, the dancer Lotus Steps entered the hall and danced in the center.

"Everyone, it is a great honor for us that His Highness is here today and we can admire His grace and grace!" Guo Qiyun raised his glass and said to everyone.

At this time, the Inspector Fu Andong also stood up and saluted Zhu Jinghong: "I have heard about His Highness's reputation for a long time in the past, but today I can see His Highness's true appearance, and his style is even more magnificent than the rumors!"

These two people are considered to be the top local officials in Gansu. Their singing and harmonizing not only gave Zhu Jinghong a high hat, but also livened up the atmosphere.

So at this time, everyone praised Zhu Jinghong one after another, and the whole scene was full of flattery.

These words made Wang Pei'an feel deeply harsh, and he thought about the next thing with a cold face.

He also saw that these people must have some agenda tonight and would probably attack him, so he had to think of countermeasures in advance.

He had experienced this situation many times when he was an official in Hunan, and every time he dealt with it carefully and finally achieved his goal.

This is also due to the fact that he not only investigates cases in accordance with the law, but also takes advantage of the situation and responds flexibly.

Everyone praised Zhu Jinghong and then toasted to him, and the atmosphere became more and more harmonious for a while.

After drinking for three rounds, while Zhu Jinghong and Ning Huanxiang were chatting, someone came into the house from outside and reported something in Guo Qiyun's ear.

Seeing this situation, more than a dozen officials who knew the inside story were ready to act.

"Your Highness, just now a subordinate came to report that there is a family member of His Highness outside the garden who wants to see him, claiming to be the father of His Highness's concubine!"

At this time, Du Zheng stood up and explained to Guo Qiyun: "Master Qi, this person is Qin Ye, the official secretary of Wuwei Mansion. He is here to attend the banquet today in a humble position!"

"What's it like to have such a distinguished guest wait outside?" Guo Qiyun lectured with a cold face.

"I have neglected my humble duty. I hope you will forgive me!" Duan Zheng quickly apologized.

"Hurry up and invite people in. Since I'm here with you for the banquet today, there's no point in letting people guard you outside!"

Looking at the performance of these people, Zhu Jinghong did not intervene. He wanted to know what these people were planning.

One advantage of his position is that he can ignore the rules when necessary (referred to as "flipping the table"), so he is effectively invincible.

After a while, Qin Ye was invited into the hall. Looking at the hundreds of officials present, he felt more and more that he had been set up.

But he also thought about it carefully and found that he was indeed aboveboard and there was nothing wrong in coming to redress his grievances.

But he is not a fool and will not talk about these things in public. Instead, he plans to tell Zhu Jinghong privately.

However, Duan Zheng would not give him this opportunity. Things were no longer under Qin Ye's control from the moment he entered the hall.

"Brother Qin, you told me about your grievances this afternoon. Now the three masters are here, as well as His Highness and the Lord Governor's Office. You can tell me your grievances!"

"Now that the Holy Lord is here, the world is clear and peaceful... I will not let you suffer injustice!"

After hearing this, Zhu Jinghong had roughly guessed what these people were planning.

He didn't expect that these people would make a fuss about Qin Ye, so he had to continue listening.

At this time, Qin Ye had confirmed that he had been betrayed by Duan Zheng and was at the center of some kind of struggle.

If you are not careful, you will be shattered to pieces!

"Brother Qin, what's going on... I'd better tell you in person!" After saying this, Duan Zheng stepped aside.

In person, how should I say it in person? How to grasp the appropriateness?

At this time, Wang Peian in the corner was also staring at Qin Ye.

As the chief historian of Prince Xiang's palace, he certainly knew who Qin Ye was, but he didn't understand how he could be related to this person.

Of course Wang Pei'an would not understand, because Qin Ye's so-called "sin" was entirely caused by people working overtime.

At this moment, the hall was extremely quiet, and most people looked at Qin Ye.

Qin Ye was sitting on pins and needles at this time, beads of sweat appeared on his forehead. Such a public execution scene made his head almost freeze. "Injustice... tell me what happened!" Zhu Jinghong took the initiative to speak.

Again, there should be an explanation for the investigation. He had to see these people show their swords before taking action.

Ning Huanxiang and Liang Qian didn't know anything about tonight's incident, but they were both looking forward to the next development.

Considering the overall situation, Wang Pei'an should not be allowed to continue causing trouble. The "self-rescue" of Guo Qiyun and others is understandable.

At this moment, Zhu Jinghong asked a question. After Qin Ye thought about it repeatedly, he said: "Reporting to Your Highness, yesterday's inventory of the treasury showed that there was a shortage of thousands of stones of military rations in the treasury. However, the villain has carefully checked every account, and there is absolutely no..."

Qin Yecai was transferred to the Wuwei government office, so the possibility of corruption was almost zero. Zhu Jinghong believed that he had been framed.

So these people framed Qin Ye in order to tie Qin Ye into a chariot, and then force me to use any means to save Qin Ye, and also take care of Wang Peian by the way?

How could they think that a little Qin Ye could force me to use any means?

He didn't know the true face of Mount Lu because he was in this mountain... It was normal for Zhu Jinghong to be confused for a while.

After all, his external image is that of a reckless man, and there is no need to devise too sophisticated strategies.

What would it mean if I didn't help... Zhu Jinghong thought this.

This means that if I kill my relatives out of righteousness to support Wang Pei'an in handling the case, I will offend others...

Zhu Jinghong was thinking about how to respond, but Wang Pei'an, who was listening carefully to the situation, was also thinking rapidly at this moment.

After Qin Ye finished speaking, everyone looked at Zhu Jinghong, waiting for his statement.

In fact, even before Zhu Jinghong had a seizure after hearing this, everyone had already had a bad impression of him, because it was no longer in line with his personality.

Just when Zhu Jinghong was finally struggling, Wang Pei'an stood up first and said, "Your Highness, I have something to say!"

Looking at everyone, Zhu Jinghong said calmly: "Say it!"

"The grievances mentioned by this Qin clerk, I think are particularly strange...it requires careful investigation and must not be easily convicted!"

Wang Pei'an was also worried that Zhu Jinghong was deceived and intervened, so he decided to retreat instead of advancing.

At this moment, someone immediately said: "Wang Changshi, I heard recently that you are upright in handling cases. Now it seems that His Highness's face is the most important, and you have finally gained some humanity!"

To say that these officials were shrewd, although they were surprised that Wang Pei'an showed signs of "subduing", someone immediately blocked his retreat.

"That's right... it's good to have a human touch. Mr. Wang's recent investigations have made people panic, so it's time to consider the overall situation and stop it!"

"Your Highness, this Qin scribe has been wronged, and the officials who have been imprisoned recently may also be wronged!"

"Please, Your Highness, be wise and seek justice for them!"

From the beginning to the end, it was only the officials from the prefectures and counties who spoke, but none of the senior officials from the Chief Secretary and the Inspectorate Division spoke.

"Everyone... I'm not showing favoritism, but what this Qin scribe said has not been formally verified, so I don't know whether he is guilty or not!"

"And whether he is guilty or not, it is not the people below who have the final say, but the evidence!"

Even in the face of so many people's provocations, Wang Peian's reply was still full of confidence and showed no fear of retreating.

In fact, Qin Ye's honor and disgrace are not important, nor is the safety of the arrested officials. At this moment, Guo Qiyun and others want to know Zhu Jinghong's attitude towards this matter.

As for Ning Huanxiang and Liang Qian, if the situation is still under control, they are still watching the show, at least it is not time for them to interfere yet.

Of course, if Wang Pei'an were to jail another group of officials, they would have to take action.

Just when Zhu Jinghong was about to speak, Fu Andong couldn't help but said: "Your Highness, I think the case should be investigated, but there are priorities. Wang Changshi is too eager for quick success!"

Zhu Jinghong knew that he had to take a stand. If he didn't say anything, others would really be worried.

"Everyone, I have loved dancing with guns and sticks since I was a child. If you ask me about bowing, horse riding and shooting, I will explain it to you in detail!"

"But I really don't know what the overall situation of the investigation you are talking about is... You should ask Governor Ning and Yushi Liang about these matters!"

Picking up the wine glass, Zhu Jinghong said with a smile: "I came here tonight to drink and have fun, but being treated like a prostitute by you guys really opened my eyes!"

"Before I came, the Holy Father had a strict decree not to allow me to interfere in local affairs. Don't ask me about these official matters!"

Zhu Jinghong's words showed that he did not care about this matter, which made the local officials in Gansu heave a sigh of relief.

At the same time, Zhu Jinghong mentioned the imperial edict and indirectly told Wang Pei'an that he was restricted by the imperial edict and was unable to support the legitimacy of his investigation. This did not affect his being a person with a sense of justice.

This kind of behavior, to put it nicely, is called the best of both worlds, but to put it worse, it is called "to be a bitch and to build a memorial at the same time."

Obviously, Zhu Jinghong had made plans to return to his side to restrain himself after Wang Peian ceased his activities.

Thinking of this, Zhu Jinghong felt somewhat uncomfortable, but he also knew that this was the lesser of two evils.

As for Wang Pei'an, although he knew that Zhu Jinghong was restricted by the imperial decree, he was still a little disappointed. He thought that Zhu Jinghong would support his just cause based on his temper.

At this time, Guo Qiyun and Fu Andong looked at each other, and they both saw joy in each other's eyes.

As long as Zhu Jinghong doesn't interfere in this matter, they have plenty of ways to deal with Wang Pei'an, and they can rest easy in the future.

Wang Pei'an knew very well what the local officials could do by colluding with each other, so he knew he should change his methods.

Obviously Zhu Jinghong's worries were unfounded. Wang Pei'an had no intention of giving up. Both of them had misjudged each other.

"What His Highness said is true, but we were rude and deserved to be punished..." Guo Qiyun raised his wine glass and each had a glass of wine as punishment.

Seeing the two of them acting like this, the local officials who just interrupted also punished themselves with a glass of wine.

The banquet continued, and Qin Ye, as a party involved, seemed to notice some changes, but after thinking about it carefully, he felt that he had no clue.

This is not because he is not smart, but because his position is too low and the information he receives is too narrow, so he is not sure of the whole situation.

The banquet ended about an hour later. Zhu Jinghong left drunkenly, and all the officials also left separately.

Although they left separately, some people gathered in another place to discuss matters half an hour later.

Compared with the previous clouds, the atmosphere was much more lively at this time, and Wang Pei'an and the others were very capable of dealing with them.

"Everyone, military affairs are the top priority for everything going on. Everything must give way to this matter. We will leave all the investigation and handling of the case to later!"

"The man surnamed Wang said he was ordered to investigate the case. We are also ordered to allocate military supplies and prepare everything for the front line. Even the most important things are not worth the importance of the war!"

Fu Andong looked solemn. If someone who didn't know the inside story saw him, they would really think that he was an upright official of the country.

"Governor Ning and Mr. Liang will also stand by us regarding these matters, so you can rest easy!"

While everyone was beaming with joy, Guo Qiyun, who had been silent until now, stood up and said in a low tone: "Everyone... I don't care what happened in the past. From now on, you should restrain yourself!"

"If we really force those young men to rebel and cause a shortage of military supplies, we will still be dead!"

He had just taken office not long ago, so he could shirk responsibility for the previous bad debts, but if this group of people messed around again, he would be guilty of lax control of his subordinates.

So he had to say this last sentence. As for how effective it would be, Guo Qiyun wasn't very sure.

(End of this chapter)