Red Mansion: I am Jia Lian

Chapter 173 The game between king and minister
The development of the matter was beyond Jia Lian's expectation. The feeling of the arrow piercing into the body hurt, it really hurt, it hurt like hell, but what happened to the subsequent paralysis? Jia Lian felt a little dizzy. He tried to open his eyes but couldn't resist. His head tilted and he fainted.

Zhang San, who was checking the wound, kept scolding his mother: "On weekdays, everything goes wrong, but something goes wrong at the critical moment, causing me to suffer. No! This wound is wrong. Second Master, Second Master, don't sleep." Zhang San shouted while sucking on the wound. spit out the blood.

When Xia Shouzhong arrived, he happened to hear Zhang San's shouting, and he immediately shuddered all over, "It's over, something big is going to happen."

Now he didn't care about the candidates. Xia Shouzhong immediately took over the scene, found a soft sedan, carried Jia Lian and ran to the palace.

When we arrived at Long Jinwei's base camp, there was an imperial doctor waiting here. The imperial doctor who took Jia Lian's hand changed his expression after just one look: "No, the arrow is poisonous." Xia Shouzhong said: "Nonsense, the Jia family will use their mouths. Suction the wound, otherwise the person would be dead. "

One and a half (three hours) after Jia Lian was assassinated, Xia Shouzhong came to Qianqing Palace to report the situation in person.

Emperor Chenghui, who had been in a state of anxiety, did not even call for lunch. If Qiu Shi'an hadn't stopped him, Emperor Chenghui would have gone to Long Jinwei's station to see how Jia Lian was doing. There is a rule that came into being at some time. When a minister is sick or injured, the emperor cannot visit him. To go and see it is to force the minister to die. The key point is that this statement has been recognized and implemented.

When he saw Xia Shouzhong, Emperor Chenghui looked happy and stepped forward and asked, "How is Jia Lian?"

Xia Shouzhong knew how to report, so he went straight to the point: "It missed the point, and the injury has been stabilized."

"That's good, that's good." After Emperor Chenghui muttered to himself, he turned around and asked, "How's the investigation going?"

"Is Jia Lian wearing soft armor?" Emperor Chenghui asked suddenly. Xia Shouzhong trembled slightly. He had been informed of the news. He had strong doubts at first, but the reality made it impossible to doubt. After Xia Shouzhong stood up tremblingly, he took a step forward and lowered his voice: "Sage, the arrow is poisonous. I think Master Jia is just prepared."

Qiu Shi'an gave several pavilion elders excellent treatment. The waiting process was also in a quiet room next door. Tea was served and a group of pavilion elders sat and waited. However, the cabinet ministers tacitly understood each other and chose to remain silent.

Emperor Chenghui listened silently, and Xia Shouzhong continued: "The imperial doctor looked at the wound and said it was done by a skilled soldier in the army. That is, the distance was a hundred steps away, otherwise the wound would have been deeper. No matter how the Jia family generals used the poisonous blood, Even if he is sucked out, Mr. Jia cannot be saved. On the other hand, Mr. Jia has good health and recovers quickly. Although he is not awake at the moment, his breathing is normal. "

However, for more than an hour after the incident happened, Emperor Chenghui failed to see his cabinet ministers, which made people very anxious.

"How's it going with Concubine Yuan?" Emperor Chenghui changed the subject, and Qiu Shi'an accepted it helplessly: "I'm back, but I just beg my servant to report any news as soon as possible."

Qiu Shi'an came in at this time. Emperor Chenghui took one look at him and then stepped forward to speak: "Sage, the elders have been waiting for more than an hour. It's better to meet him. I can't bear the crime of isolating the inside and outside."

"Master Saint, Concubine Yuan is innocent." Qiu Shi'an's words were particularly kind. When the emperor's words spread out, Yuan Chun had to find a cold palace to stay by himself, waiting for the next step. Hang yourself.

reason? Do you still need a reason? How could a woman in the harem bewitch the emperor to make him say such things? Are you worthy of being compared with the senior ministers of the cabinet? (Suddenly I thought of the 87 version of Yuan Chun. He looked particularly dignified and elegant. He changed his outfit and could play the role of a female Bodhisattva. The casting was excellent.)
Emperor Chenghui, who knew he had made a mistake, looked around guiltily and saw that there was no one else there. Then he whispered: "Xuan, please come in, some of the pavilion elders."

What's even more uncomfortable is that everyone can't communicate normally at this moment, because at this juncture, if you say the wrong word, you may be doomed. Fortunately, Qiu Shi'an took good care of the emotions of several pavilion elders, and whenever there was news, he would ask the young eunuch to pass it on.

"We have no clue at the moment. This slave deserves to die." Xia Shouzhong knelt on the ground and kowtowed. Emperor Chenghui waved his hands impatiently: "Get up and speak. Don't take responsibility for yourself."

At this time, everyone had the same goal, to prevent the emperor from going on a killing spree in anger.

"What do you think?" Emperor Chenghui returned to normal and his tone became normal.

"Let him go..." Emperor Chenghui stopped in time and almost cursed.

"It's a coincidence that the failed candidates for the Imperial College are easy to contact, and the candidates from various hometown guilds are scattered in the capital, and each has his own way of making a living. It is not easy to bring these people together, and it happens that there are assassins, so it is even more This is strange." What Xia Shouzhong said was of course not his own analysis, but the conclusions drawn by his professional subordinates.

After learning the news, several elders came together to see Emperor Chenghui immediately. Except for Zhang Ting'en who really cared about Jia Lian, the others were afraid. What are you afraid of? He was afraid that Emperor Chenghui would be thrown into prison in a moment of anger.

Emperor Chenghui's expression was stagnant for several seconds, indicating that he had lost control of his expression. Fortunately, he didn't notice it himself, but it frightened Xia Shouzhong so much that his voice even trembled a little.

The emperor is also a human being, and he also needs to vent his emotions. After the private complaints ended, Emperor Chenghui was emotionally stable.

If killing people can achieve profit goals, Emperor Chenghui will never show mercy. The four cabinet ministers were all civil servants. Of course they could not accept the result of the emperor's killing spree. Are you kidding me? More than a hundred people were present at the scene. How about killing them all? On this point, even Zhang Ting'en, a lonely minister, is highly consistent with others.

"A group of senior ministers are not as sensible as a harem woman." Emperor Chenghui's words were very unreasonable. Can this be compared?
Qiu Shian burst into tears and hurriedly knelt down, but Emperor Chenghui reached out his hand in time to stop him.

Speaking of which, this worry is not unnecessary. After all, a creature like the emperor is really difficult to figure out. On the surface, Emperor Chenghui seems to be quite kind, but when it is time to be ruthless, he will never be merciful. Just look at Fang Baiyi and you will know this. As for his grandson, is it necessary for the chief minister to step down? It's nothing more than profit-driven.

Xia Shouzhong's words cleared up the possibility of Jia Lian directing and acting on his own.

Emperor Chenghui requested that reports be given every half an hour so that the elders could be informed of the latest developments in a timely manner.

"Your Majesty, please come in." The young eunuch came in to deliver the message. Kong Zhao stood up first. While arranging his clothes, he exchanged glances with his three colleagues and only moved after confirming once again that they had the same goal at this moment.

When the monarch and his ministers met, Emperor Chenghui returned the courtesy and spoke first: "My dear friends, are you worried that I can't hold my breath?"

Kong Zhao stepped forward and said: "No, your majesty's reputation for kindness has been deeply rooted in the hearts of the people since he ascended the throne. I am just worried that your majesty will be so angry that he will be in bad health." After what he said, Emperor Chenghui couldn't even utter the sarcasm he had prepared. , could only smile and shake his head.

Zhang Ting'en, however, had no intention of showing off Kong Zhao's face, so he stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, I am here to plead guilty."

Emperor Chenghui waved his hand: "Zhang Qing doesn't need to take the blame. The mess in the Ministry of Revenue is enough for you."

Okay, now the other three cabinet ministers are being stood up. Zhang Ting'en, how can you stab your colleagues in the back?
The fact is that seeing that Emperor Chenghui had no intention of using the topic in a big way, Zhang Tingen immediately rebelled.

Don't you want to take responsibility? Haha, have you asked Zhang Tingen?

Li Qing stood up and said: "Your Majesty, I have asked you to investigate this case thoroughly. As the leader, I must be severely punished to serve as a warning to others. As the Minister of Rites, I have an unshirkable responsibility. Please punish me."

This sounds like a big-picture perspective. No matter what, if someone makes trouble, the Minister of Rites must shoulder the responsibility. Liang Daoyuan was not willing to lag behind and took a step forward: "Your Majesty, I failed to detect the conspiracy in time. I am guilty."

This sentence is very disingenuous. Why are you, a cabinet minister, staring at a group of ministers when you have nothing to do?
As for the cabinet minister who is good at pondering Emperor Chenghui's thoughts, it has to be Kong Zhao. The chief minister stepped forward and said: "Your Majesty, the people are recommended to the country's reserve talents. If there are any deficiencies, they will be filled. At present, the country is surrounded by unrest. I can't understand how hard your Majesty has gone to gather people to cause trouble and seek personal gain in the name of grievances. I believe that the leader should be deprived of his reputation and the followers will not be able to make up for it in ten years."

After saying this, Emperor Chenghui looked at Kong Zhao expressionlessly. It seemed that this treatment was harsh enough, but in fact it was blocking the emperor's mouth. Kong Zhao knew very well that Emperor Chenghui actually had murderous intentions. As the chief assistant, Kong Zhao must stand up and stop Emperor Chenghui from killing Juren. That's why I said that the above words cannot be appreciated by His Majesty, and blocked Emperor Chenghui from saying "the same thing as treason".

Well, thanks to Guo Shangshu’s previous reminder. Only then did Kong Zhao make preparations and put forward the results first.

With a reference anchor, in most cases, the emperor will naturally be affected.

Emperor Chenghui is a kind king and can tolerate it very well, but you are responsible for the matter, right?
"My dear friends, I am already angry. I think you all don't know about the latest news. Xia Shouzhong, please tell me."

Emperor Chenghui waved, and after Xia Shouzhong came forward to greet him, he slowly told him the information he had so far.

After learning that Jia Lian's arrow was poisonous, all the ministers' faces turned green. Fortunately, the arrow was shot in the shoulder. If it had hit the heart, would this man have been saved? Funeral preparations can be made on the spot. Do you still want to let it pass without any bloodshed? Have you ever asked the emperor how he feels? Have you asked the Jia family? Not to mention, so many dignitaries in the capital are watching right now.

"To avoid suspicion, all the distinguished families in Beijing are staying behind closed doors."

When Xia Shouzhong mentioned Xungui, Li Qing immediately asked: "Where is the Jia family? How do you react?"

Xia Shouzhong glanced at Li Qing and said, "Xiang Li will know about the Jia family's affairs when he goes to the Jia family."

You're very polite, but you almost didn't attack him. The Jia family is the victim, and you still want to restrain them?
In fact, the Jia family is like other nobles. The door is closed and no one is outside. The news came from Xia Shouzhong's people that Jia Min, the great aunt of the Jia family, asked Jia Mu's order to hold down the young and old in the family. Regardless of the Rongxi Hall, the Dongkua Courtyard, and the Dongfu next door, Jia Min ordered the generals to arrest them. After guarding, no one is allowed to go out, and we can wait for the results with peace of mind.

Emperor Chenghui said nothing, but in his heart he approved of the Jia family's reaction. Yuanchun in the palace only came to ask questions, and then went back to burn incense and pray to Buddha for blessings. The Jia family did not cause any trouble. I believe the emperor will give an explanation.

Looking at the reactions of these ministers, Emperor Chenghui said it was impossible not to be disappointed.

Disappointment is a disappointment, the relationship between the emperor and the cabinet will not change, even if all the cabinet ministers are replaced, some things are engraved in the bones, and everyone will make similar actions.

This is the belief that was engraved in the hearts of every civil servant when Taizu of this dynasty determined the cabinet system.

The cabinet assists the emperor in governing the country and is also the representative of all civil servants cooperating with the emperor.

As a lonely minister, Zhang Ting'en had to stand up at this moment and said: "Your Majesty, the matter is still under investigation. Do not start the killing lightly."

If someone else said this, Emperor Chenghui could give him a slap in the face like Jia Zhen asked the servant to spit on Jia Rong. But when Zhang Ting'en said this, Zhang Ting'en could only listen, and he would not refute if he didn't listen.

How to say it? This is the basic element of a civil servant.

Well, no civil servant wants to see that the current emperors are Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Di. In order to prevent it, when the emperor is about to show his sword, the civil servants must work together to hold the emperor's hand. They must comfort him if they can, and deceive him if they can.

Once the murderous knife is revealed, it is often difficult to take it back. History has proven countless times that Zhu Yuanzhang's simple and crude methods are too effective in dealing with civil servants. But I don't dare to let the emperor taste the sweetness. What if I can't take it back?
In any case, before the matter could be found out, there was a game between the king and his ministers.

This is called setting the tone.

The cabinet ministers want to avoid killing people if they can.

According to the emperor's wishes, I gave the official rank of craftsman with my front foot, and the number one scholar with my own hands. Jia Lian, who was responsible for the specific work, was assassinated.

I can understand and accept that cabinet ministers want to protect the interests of scholars, but I would like to ask you, where is my majesty?
Zhang Ting'en's words seemed to be stopping the emperor from killing people, but in fact they were saying that he could kill a few within a certain limit.

The ultimate goal is to control the strike range. The goal of not killing people can no longer be achieved, so we have to settle for the next best thing.

He took the initiative to speak out in order to silence the emperor. It can be seen that the cabinet ministers are very skilled at blocking the emperor's mouth.

Kong Zhao followed: "Your Majesty, what Prime Minister Zhang said is absolutely true."

Liang Daoyuan followed up: "Your Majesty, as Prime Minister Zhang said, a man who is mature enough to plan for the country is a good person."

Li Qing finally said simply: "I also think it is good."

Emperor Chenghui's mood reached the peak of displeasure at this moment. I didn't intend to go on a killing spree, so why did they act like they were guarding against thieves one by one? Don't you worry about me? Emperor Chenghui couldn't help but think of a sentence in the "Notes of Taizu" which was secretly kept secret.

[The king takes one step back, and the ministers take three steps forward; the king takes one step forward, and the ministers take one step back. 】

Although I could understand it before, I just didn’t experience it as profoundly as I do today.

Yes, in terms of numbers, the emperor is at a natural disadvantage in the competition between monarch and ministers.

[Although I am a benevolent person, I still have to divide things! 】

Emperor Chenghui made up his mind and decided to use the supreme power given to him by the system.

"My dear friends, do you want to force me into the palace?"

(End of this chapter)