King Xiang of the Red Chamber

Chapter 772 Jia Yucun’s Difficulties
On the way back, Zhu Jinghong did not walk fast and dealt with a lot of things along the way.

Of course, he did not forget to relax. When he came across famous mountains and rivers, he would take Baochai to visit.

For him, work and life are equally important. Even if he becomes an emperor, he must know how to enjoy himself instead of becoming a slave to the throne.

He was relaxed and happy, but Wang Pei'an was not idle at all. Taking advantage of Zhu Jinghong's support, he went through the backlog of cases on his way back and brought down many people in the process.

In order to investigate more cases, Wang Pei'an even deliberately delayed Zhu Jinghong's trip by recommending scenic spots and even acting as a guide himself.

On the cruise ship, Zhu Jinghong sat on a recliner and said to Baochai beside him with emotion: "If he continues to do this, I'm afraid the imperial examination will have to be changed to one exam every two years, or one exam every year!"

Baochai sighed, "To be honest... he is so desperate to investigate the case and expose all those dirty things. Such a person is really rare in a century!"

"By doing this, he is not only offending the people being investigated. If he does not abide by the rules of Shilin, his descendants will probably... have trouble taking a single step forward!"

At this time, Baochai was talking about "descendants of the Wang family", which was a consideration for the long-term future of the Wang family.

Zhu Jinghong replied: "It's rare to find someone like him, but it's even rarer to find someone like him!"

Glancing at Zhu Jinghong, Baochai said, "That's true!"

Zhu Jinghong corrected: "I'm talking about the old man!"

"Wang Pei'an has been able to survive these years and has the opportunity to realize his ambitions, all thanks to the old man's support!"

"As for me... I only mean what I say in the past two years!"

Baochai was about to respond when Yu Hai received a report and carefully handed it to Zhu Jinghong.

The report came from the Jinyiwei, or more precisely, from its bodyguards. The leader was Ni Er, who was promoted to the rank of centurion. Now he has changed his name to Ni Jinzhong.

Zhu Jinghong casually opened the report and read the contents. The indifferent expression on his face disappeared instantly, but he quickly regained his composure.

"What's wrong?" Baochai asked puzzledly.

"Look for yourself!" Zhu Jinghong handed it over.

The content of the report was very simple. Zhu Jinghong had been on tour for nearly a year and had encountered four assassination attempts. These cases were all investigated in depth by Ni Er.

Later, the case was traced back to the White Lotus Sect, but these people were very secretive so no important clues were uncovered until half a month ago, when there was some progress, which opened a breakthrough in the case.

This investigation was of great importance, as it actually involved the Palace of Prince Gongshun (Rui). Ni Er did not dare to act rashly so he came to report immediately.

After reading it, Baochai put away the report and asked, "How do you plan to deal with it?"

Zhu Jinghong did not answer, but sighed: "He has fallen to this point, but he still has not changed his bad habits... Tell me, why is he so stupid!"

Zhu Jinghong then sighed: "Forget it, it's a royal scandal after all, I have no choice but to take the blame!"

To convict Zhu Jingyuan openly and honestly? That is absolutely impossible. The royal family still has to maintain its reputation.

Let him become depressed, sad, or drown? This is certainly a feasible method, but the people serving Zhu Jingyuan were arranged by the emperor, so it is difficult to kill him secretly.

Therefore, we can only spare him for the time being and wait for the day to turn. Then it will be easy to deal with him.

"How about reporting this to His Majesty?"

In Baochai's opinion, Zhu Jinghong is difficult to deal with, so it is okay to let the emperor know.

Unexpectedly, Zhu Jinghong replied: "Forget it, so as not to make the old man sad!"

"Can……"

"By the way, you said yesterday that you had made a few new outer robes. Why don't you bring them out to show me today when you have time?"

Looking at Zhu Jinghong's reaction, Baochai always felt that he was hiding something, but she didn't want to ask any more questions at this time.

The spring breeze is blowing and the sky is clear and fresh, it is a good time for travel.

Although Yingtian is far from Shuntian and Zhu Jinghong travels slowly, he still returns to Beijing three months later.

On June 13, the 20th year of Zhengtong, Zhu Jinghong entered the palace.

Zhu Jinghong discovered a problem: every time he came back from a long period of absence, he would find that the old man looked much older.

Even though he was prepared, Zhu Jinghong was still surprised when he saw the skinny emperor.

To use an unpleasant word to describe it, the emperor at this time seemed to be "running out of energy and burning out", and even his breathing was heavy when he didn't speak.

Suppressing the shock in his heart, Zhu Jinghong reported the situation of the past year.

Although he reported the situation almost every day during this year, he could still talk more in person.

Looking at his son who was talking eloquently and handling problems skillfully, Zhu Xianming smiled with satisfaction.

"Dad, I have three things to report!"

"Is it about the Eastern Capital?" Zhu Xianming asked doubtfully.

In normal historical contexts, the Eastern Capital generally refers to Luoyang, which is the current capital.

Now Luoyang is already the capital, and Yingtian Prefecture is located to the east of Luoyang. If the dual capital system is restored, Yingtian will become the Eastern Capital.

Of course, if the capital is really moved there in the future, the old capital of Luoyang will also become the "Western Capital".

"no!"

As Zhu Xianming was watching, Zhu Jinghong said slowly: "It can be said to be three things, but in fact it can also be said to be one thing!"

"My son thinks that we can set up the Annan Xingdusi and Nanyang Xingdusi. The former will strengthen the control over the southwestern countries, and the latter will strengthen the control over overseas areas!"

"The southwest has been in turmoil for the past few years. The Western Barbarians are behind it. We have been dealing with it passively. My son thinks it is better to take the initiative!"

"Setting up the Annan Xingdusi, is what you call taking the initiative?" Zhu Xianming asked.

"Exactly!"

"I'm afraid... it will cost a lot!"

Stationing troops meant spending money. Before the court was able to completely subdue the southwestern countries and establish a stable financial support model, the cost of stationing troops was very high.

Even if only 10,000 people are sent each, the annual cost will be millions, and it will take many years to recoup the cost.

"Dad, we have to look at the long term!" Zhu Jinghong said calmly.

Zhu Xianming did not respond, but asked, "Establishing the Annan Xingdusi and the Nanyang Xingdusi, these are just two things, what else is there?"

"Also, in the future, when we get rid of the most heinous people, my son thinks we can sentence them to exile and send them to Luzon and other South Pacific islands, so that they can spread the king's teachings to atone for their sins!"

After occupying the South Pacific islands, they had to be developed in order to make a profit. It was obviously unrealistic to rely on the local indigenous people, so people had to be sent from the Ming Dynasty.

It was difficult for ordinary people to give up their homeland, so sending people there was mostly exile.

While Zhu Xianming was thinking, Zhu Jinghong continued, "This investigation involves many officials. I think we can exile these people so that their lives will not be harmed... It's hard for others to say anything!"

Zhu Jinghong thought he was a living Bodhisattva, but exiling people to the wild and desolate land of Southeast Asia was tantamount to being a living King of Hell.

"Well...it's not impossible!" Zhu Xianming nodded.

Next, Zhu Jinghong elaborated on the specific plan. After listening, Zhu Xianming realized that this was something that matched the overseas grand strategy.

According to the future described by Zhu Jinghong, there will be great development in the sea in the future. In fact, in addition to these, there are a series of things such as continuing to reform the natives, building official roads, and developing productivity, but those are what Zhu Jinghong wants to do, and he did not say it at this moment.

After listening to Zhu Jinghong's story, Zhu Xianming smiled and said, "You go and do these things!"

"Yes!" Zhu Jinghong agreed to it frankly without any hesitation.

After chatting for a while, seeing that the emperor looked a little uncomfortable, Zhu Jinghong expressed his concern.

The emperor knew his situation clearly, so he stopped Zhu Jinghong from calling him and instead advised him not to worry.

People tend to become stubborn when they get old, and will not listen no matter how much persuasion you give them. Especially since Zhu Xianming was an emperor, too much persuasion might even have a counterproductive effect.

"Dad, there are endless chapters to read, you have to take care of yourself!"

"Don't I know what I am doing, kid? I know my limits. I will take a good rest after I'm done with this busy period!"

Seeing that the old man still said this, Zhu Jinghong really had no choice but to take his leave.

The prince's return to the capital was a major event, and the series of major events that occurred during his eastern tour became the talk of the town's people.

About half a month later, the heat of the related incident died down, and only in some restaurants and inns were people still talking about it.

"Brother Ziheng, I never thought that I would be able to meet you in the capital!"

Outside a common tavern, Feng Yuan bowed to Li Ziheng in front of him, and the latter immediately returned the greeting.

Li Ziheng was Feng Yuan's classmate in the Imperial College. The two had a very close relationship. However, Li Ziheng passed the imperial examination early and was sent out to be a censor, while Feng Yuan had wasted ten years without success.

In the spring imperial examination of the 20th year of Zhengtong, Feng Yuan failed for the third time, which was a heavy blow to him.

It had been nearly two months since the results were announced, and Feng Yuan should have returned home by now. However, he caught a cold from drinking too much every day, which affected his return trip.

The next scientific expedition would have to wait almost another three years. Feng Yuan felt depressed when he thought about this.

As a student of the same class at the Imperial College, Li Ziheng was a true genius. In the 14th year of Zhengtong, he took the exam for the first time and ranked 25th in the second class.

Li Ziheng was a straightforward person, without so many hypocritical and polite words. He just said: "I came to Beijing on official business and met an old friend. I am really happy!"

"Please!" Feng Yuan led Li Ziheng into the tavern.

Soon the food and wine were served. The two first asked each other about their recent situation, and finally talked about the heavy topic of the imperial examination.

Feng Yuan didn't want to talk about these worries, so he changed the subject.

"When Brother Ziheng returns to Jinling, we can go together so that we can take care of each other!"

Putting down the wine glass, Li Ziheng pondered for a moment before answering, "To be honest with you, Brother Feng, I'm afraid that this time... I won't be going back to Nanjing!"

"Why is this?" Feng Yuan looked surprised.

"During the Crown Prince's tour to the east, many major cases occurred along the way. I think Brother Feng has heard about them!"

As a juren, Feng Yuan's family owned nearly a thousand acres of fertile land and he was a member of the scholar-official class, so of course he knew this news.

"I know something. Could it be that the case in Jinling has something to do with you, so..."

Seeing that Feng Yuan was distracted, Li Ziheng replied, "I personally presided over five cases in Nanjing, involving thirteen officials!"

Feng Yuan nodded, thinking that this was in line with Li Ziheng's character. He was a righteous man who hated evil, so he would naturally take this opportunity to crack down on lawlessness.

When Feng Yuan thought that Li Ziheng was going to hand over the case and therefore could not get away for the time being, the latter said something even more unexpected.

"Seeing that I'm good at investigating cases, the Deputy Chief Censor Wang Pei'an intends to recommend me to return to the Inspectorate to serve as a Censor!"

The Deputy Chief Censor was a third-rank official, and it was a very simple matter for him to transfer a local inspector to the capital.

The Inspectorate is under the Chief Censor, and the two Deputy Chief Censors are the most respected. If you get the favor of such people, you will have a backer in the future.

But Feng Yuan saw more than that, because he also knew Wang Pei'an's other identity, that is, the teacher of the current prince, and this identity was more valuable.

To be honest, Feng Yuan used to think that with Li Ziheng's character, he would not be able to go far in officialdom, but now it seems that he was short-sighted.

At this moment, Feng Yuan suddenly remembered that he had a similar experience ten years ago, which enabled him to be selected into the Imperial College from Jinling, thousands of miles away.

The promotion that time was done by the then Prime Minister and Grand Secretary Zhao Yushan, who was also one of the three ministers in the cabinet at that time.

It’s a pity that I was ignorant back then and failed to seize the opportunity in my twenty years of life... The more Feng Yuan thought about it, the more heartbroken he felt.

Thinking of the fact that he had failed in the exams over the years, Feng Yuan's eyes became moist. To avoid embarrassment, he turned his head to the side and wiped his forehead with his sleeve.

It's June now and the summer is hot, so wiping the sweat off is understandable.

Turning around, Feng Yuan filled the two people's glasses, then raised his cup and said, "Congratulations, Brother Ziheng, you are on the rise!"

Li Ziheng is worldly-wise but not worldly-wise, so he understands Feng Yuan's complicated feelings at the moment. He wants to say something to comfort him but feels that it is useless to say more.

Then he picked up the wine glass and drank with Feng Yuan with concern in his eyes.

The encounters in life are so unexpected. The gap between Feng Yuan and Li Ziheng is even greater.

Some people are sad because they cannot become officials, some are worried because there are too many corrupt officials, and some are worried because their official positions are too high.

The series of cases during the Crown Prince's eastern tour were gradually investigated in various places, and the files were submitted to the Ministry of Justice and piled on the desk of Jia Yucun, the vice minister of the Ministry of Justice.

Before these files arrived, countless letter messengers had come to him, hoping to seek a glimmer of hope from him.

Among them are many of his old friends and disciples.

As an official of the third rank, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice, Jia Yucun naturally had his own people. After all, someone as upright as Wang Pei'an would also support people like Li Ziheng.

The local government had no power to sentence officials, so all decisions had to be made by the Ministry of Justice and then submitted to the Dali Temple for review.

So now, Jia Yucun has become a hot commodity in the eyes of the officials involved in the case. Some people sent gifts to him several months in advance, but Jia Yucun confiscated them all.

The case lasted for a year during Zhu Jinghong's eastern tour. It was not until Zhu Jinghong returned to Beijing that he could no longer delay and those people finally finalized the case files and submitted them. During this process, those who had committed minor crimes and could get away with it had already been dealt with, so those who remained on the case files had serious problems.

These people asked Jia Yucun for help, which made him very embarrassed.

Of course he could choose not to help, but if he were to sentence the person, he would offend countless people, and he didn't want to be a lone minister like Wang Pei'an.

After reading the case files over and over again for a whole day, Jia Yucun dragged his tired body back home.

He then realized that there were a few more boxes in the house, neatly placed in the side room of the living room, which instantly made him alert.

"Who sent it?"

"Master, these are the books sent by your colleagues in Nanjing. They said some of them are newly printed rare and unique copies. Madam couldn't refuse, so she accepted them!"

Hearing this, Jia Yucun's face instantly darkened. He snorted coldly and said, "Tell Madam to wait for me in the inner study!"

"Yes!"

Afterwards, Jia Yucun walked towards the wooden box and opened it, revealing neatly arranged books.

Jia Yucun was stunned for a moment, then he took out books one by one, and there were indeed many books underneath.

Then Jia Yucun opened the books one by one, trying to see if there was any mystery in them.

(End of this chapter)