Red Mansion: Bastards rule the roost

In the past two days, the Jinyi Guards were at full power and handled the case very quickly. They copied what should be copied, killed what should be killed, leathered what should be leathered, and sold what should be sold. Soon the imperial prison and the guard prison were all cleared out, with only a few left. Heavyweights such as Prince Bingshi and Su Xiangye.

Jia Cong ordered Wen Zhen and others to suppress it secretly, and wait until the situation in the court was almost divided before mentioning the matter again.

Jiang Feng, Guan Pu, Feng Yuan and others lived up to expectations and acted very quickly. Yan Ning, the former Minister of the Ministry of Finance, was transferred to the position of Minister of the Ministry of Punishments. Feng Yuan successfully took over the position of Minister of the Ministry of Finance. In addition, the Neutral Party also took several other positions as ministers.

Guan Pu was promoted to Minister of Rites due to his seniority. Wu Zizhen also filled the vacancy of the right minister of the Ministry of Personnel. Together with Dai Zhixing, the left minister of the Ministry of Punishments, the three big bosses of the academy gradually became powerful.

The New Party was so angry that it swallowed thousands of miles like a tiger. Lin Ruhai moved to the Ministry of Civil Affairs, Meng Huacai moved to the Ministry of War, and Dou Xiu moved to the Ministry of Industry.

In addition, local officials of the New Party, including Hunan Governor Heng Zhou, Fujian Chief Envoy Wen Wei, Shanxi Inspector Wang Si and others were all transferred to Beijing and promoted to Minister.

Officials were promoted, vacancies were filled, and the already empty court suddenly became full again, forming a situation in which the new party was the leader and the neutral and academic parties jointly controlled it.

When Jia Cong saw that the dust in the court had basically settled, he took the memorial and entered the palace to meet the saint.

In the Yangxin Hall, Emperor Xifeng was discussing matters with all the important ministers.

When Jia Cong came to see him, he said: "Your Majesty, Jia Cong, I have learned that the remaining crimes of Tu Fei and others' rebellion have been investigated and the evidence is conclusive. I ask your Majesty to make a judgment." After saying this, he handed over the book.

"Now there are loyal people in the palace, but it doesn't matter." Emperor Xifeng said.

"Your Majesty, I am young and ill-informed, with a dull intellect, and have done nothing for the country. However, I have been favored by Your Majesty many times. I have been given the title of Duke of the State before I am even weak, and I have also been entrusted with several positions.

"Yes. After investigation, princes Zhongshun, Zhongzhen, and Zhongcheng conspired with Tu Fei, Cao Jin, Shi Zhize and others several times to plot rebellion. Some people were punished, but they were punished as they were. When, where, who, and what the conspiracy was. All said clearly.

Dong Yi said: "I second my opinion, if Zhongshun and others are sentenced to death, I will only fear that the border gate king will be unstable, the clan will be frightened, and there will be another big trouble. It is better to pardon his death penalty and bring peace to the world."

"My emperor's sage is benevolent and righteous, which has never been seen in ancient times." Everyone hurriedly bowed and said.

It is better to avoid the death penalty, to show your majesty's kindness, and to stop the mouth of Youyou in the world. "

Huo Peng said: "Your Majesty, according to the law, these rebellious ministers and traitors deserve to die, and their death is not a pity. However, they have different identities after all. They are either princes or ministers. Killing them suddenly will not only cause criticism from the world, but also harm your majesty's holy name." .

All the ministers said: "I second my opinion."

I questioned others about this confession, but they all had no answer. The details have been written in the brochure. "Jia Cong cupped his hands and said.

The minds of the ministers were moved. Is Jia Cong sincere or fake? Jin Yiwei has such great authority, just don’t want it?

Jiang Feng also said: "I believe that things will turn against each other when things are extreme. In the past few days, blood has flowed into rivers in the capital, mountains of corpses and seas of blood. The people are frightened and uneasy. It is not appropriate to kill anymore. We should implement benevolent and righteous policies to appease hundreds of officials and people."

I am in fear day and night. I deeply feel that my talents and virtues are insufficient, I am not qualified for the job, and I have lost my holy hope. Therefore, I resign from the post of commander of the Imperial Guards. I beg Your Majesty to choose someone wiser. I am very grateful and shed tears. "Jia Cong said.

Emperor Xifeng signaled Dai Quan to take it, raised his hand and said: "Ping Sheng. Have they confessed their guilt?"

Emperor Xifeng pondered for a moment and said: "Since all the ministers have begged for mercy, I will do my best to seize Zhongshun and others' titles, confiscate their family property, and imprison them for life. I will not pardon them.

Only Jiang Feng, Feng Yuan and other smart people nodded secretly. It was just right to use this move to retreat in order to advance at this moment.

"Accurate."

Now that they have achieved their goal, these civil servants don't want to kill anymore. They are afraid that the Jin Yiwei will kill people easily and their power will be too expanded to lose their tail. Isn't this asking for trouble?

Jia Cong hesitated for a moment and looked around.

Emperor Xifeng sneered and said: "These are the clansmen, nobles and ministers whom I rely on to be the pillars of the country! They really deserve to die!"

After everyone had flattered him, Jia Cong said: "I still have the original memorial."

Shi Zhize and Su Haochu betrayed the traitors and conspired to rebel. I remember that they were old and frail, and they had made little achievements over the years. "

Emperor Xifeng's face was as dark as water. He stared at Jia Cong without saying a word. After a long while, he said: "No."

Jia Cong said hurriedly: "I am indeed incapable of taking care of all my duties. In order to avoid delaying important matters, I beg your majesty's permission. I am willing to abdicate in favor of someone worthy of my honour."

Emperor Xifeng's eyes flashed, and he breathed a sigh of relief. If Jia Cong stopped speaking after hearing the word "no", it would show that he was deeply scheming and was not a sincere minister.

"You bastard! How dare you talk sweet words in front of me? Why are you so incompetent? Why don't you spend more time on women? What errands can't be completed?

Now that I have achieved some achievements, do I want to give up my career? Don't think that I don't know about the troubling things in your family. If you dare to say anything more, I will give you a slap in the face. Emperor Xifeng said angrily.

All the ministers are human beings. Seeing this, they only have angry faces but no anger. They all smile silently as if scolding their own sons and nephews. The holy family of Duke Dingguo is prosperous.

Jia Cong hesitated to speak, and said with a smile: "Where did your majesty get the news? I haven't been around women for a few days. I have always been pure and stoic, so I don't like that."

But in his heart, he secretly praised Pang Chao for his delicate mind and his ability to observe people at their subtleties. What is needed today is a minister who is capable and easy to control, not an ambitious and powerful minister.

Everyone laughed. A man who took advantage of his power and robbed the top courtesan in Shenjing City, Jinwu Zangjiao, and had many darling wives and concubines at home. If you say something bad about him, do you think His Majesty is a fool?
"Bah!" Emperor Xifeng scolded angrily: "You are a dirty thing, you are so licentious, why don't you get out of here! Stand carefully and dirty my land."

"Your Majesty, calm down." The ministers hurriedly tried to persuade him.

"Your Majesty, please take care of the dragon body. I will leave." Jia Cong hurriedly ran away with his head in his arms.

Outside the palace, Dai Quan said with a smile: "The Duke has always been obedient, why did he offend the Holy One today?"

Jia Cong explained the matter and called out to Qu: "Manager, what do you mean by this? I'm not allowed to resign. Is there no one in the court? You still accuse me unjustly. Am I a lustful person?"

Dai Quan laughed in a low voice and said: "How did it feel last night when the father-in-law, mother-in-law and daughter-in-law of the country took it all? Your majesty scolds you for nothing. Ordinary people can't even ask your majesty to scold him."

"Why did the manager say this? Cong is innocent..." Jia Cong argued forcefully, his mind suddenly turning. Was Dai Quan spying on him intentional or a routine matter?

"Hey, you and I, brothers, why bother hiding it?" Dai Quan said with a smile.

Jia Cong pretended to be embarrassed and said: "How can the manager expose someone's background?"

Dai Quan cupped his hands and said: "Brother, don't blame me, it's my duty and there is no other intention. If every household has some bad things to report, it will not be a good thing for you and me if only my family is prosperous."

Jia Cong said hurriedly: "The manager has good intentions, but Cong has nothing to repay."

Dai Quan said with a smile: "Why should one family talk about two different things? Qian'er used your prestige to regain the East Factory. Not to mention that these gangsters have some tricks. It's easy to find out some information." Jia Cong said with a smile: " It was just like that in the past, and only after the general manager took charge could there be immediate results. "

Dai Quan said: "Thank you for the award. I haven't congratulated my brother on his promotion to the rank of nobility. When will the wine be served, our family will come and have a drink."

Jia Cong said: "My younger brother has not yet congratulated the general manager on the joy of taking charge of the East Factory. From now on, you and I, the factory and the guard, need to get closer to each other more often.

As for serving wine, it is inconvenient now that the country is under filial piety, and official duties are piled up at the moment, so we will talk about it later. "

Dai Quan nodded and said: "That makes sense. From now on, you and I will take care of each other. No one can do anything to us brothers."

Jia Cong cupped his hands and said, "What the manager said is that the imperial court relies entirely on elder brother's mediation."

Dai Quan smiled and said: "You're welcome, brother, but don't worry, our family has stopped every single thing that's bad for you. What we've been told is nothing more than the love between our children, and it won't harm you at all.

If it is really unstoppable, I will inform you in advance. "

Jia Cong held his hand and said with "touch": "The general manager Yi Bo Yuntian's kindness is as deep as the sea. It is difficult to repay Cong's liver and brain."

"You and I, brothers, treat each other with sincerity, no need to say more."

The two were talking about their "brotherly" relationship when a young eunuch came to deliver a message.

"General Manager Dai, the Queen has summoned Duke Dingguo."

"General Manager, I'll go first," Jia Cong said.

"Brother, do it yourself."

Jia Cong followed the young eunuch all the way to Changchun Palace.

"Cong meets the Queen Mother. She has been busy hunting down traitors these past few days and has not come to the palace to pay her respects. Please forgive me, Queen Mother."

Empress Chen was as graceful and dignified as ever. She didn't seem to be affected by the rebellion. She raised her hand and said with a smile: "Get up and speak. I know you have a heavy responsibility, so why don't you ask me to do it? Are you injured?"

Jia Cong smiled and said: "I thank my mother for my love. Cong is not injured. Is my mother frightened?"

Empress Chen smiled and shook her head and said, "It doesn't matter. Mother knows that you will arrive in time. How can a few thieves withstand the bravery of Zilong?"

"Don't let Brother Chi hear what the Empress said, otherwise he will be jealous." Jia Cong said with a smile.

Empress Chen smiled and said: "Don't worry, Brother Chi has defeated you this time. He is full of praise for you, saying that you have the courage of a tiger and a tiger, and you are the best in the country.

That's all. Now that you have been granted the title of Duke at such a young age, although it is a blessing from His Majesty, you have also received a lot of criticism. Do you know? "

Jia Cong smiled bitterly and said: "Cong understands, it's just that it's so cold at high places."

"Isn't it cold at high places?" Queen Chen chewed it carefully twice and said with a smile: "He is worthy of being the most talented person in the world. His words are well-written and thought-provoking.

Since you understand this, there is no need for me to say more. Now that the rebel party has been eliminated, what are your plans for the future? "

Jia Cong's heart moved slightly. What did the queen mean by this? He said: "Of course I will do my best to serve the emperor and the queen."

"Little devil." Empress Chen covered her mouth with a smile and said, "Now that you have all the power and high status, you no longer have to think twice before doing things as a child."

"Children, please obey your mother's teachings." Jia Cong hurriedly bowed down to receive the teachings.

"I would like to remind you that General Zhun Gong has returned to the court. He is of a serious and upright character and is meticulous. His Majesty regards him as a national scholar and treats him as a teacher. He will certainly not be able to tolerate your lawless behavior. Don't let him fall into his hands. It’s not easy for me to intercede for you,” Queen Chen said.

"Yes. Is the queen mother talking about Duan Zhun, the current governor of Guangdong and Guangxi?" Jia Cong said.

"Exactly."

"Cong once heard his name from Gu Tao, the governor of Liangjiang. What kind of ability does he have? He is so transcendent." Jia Cong wondered.

Empress Chen smiled and said: "When he was eighteen years old, he won three prizes in a row. He entered the Hanlin Academy to observe politics for several years. He wrote letters and spoke about affairs. He was very knowledgeable and insightful. He was highly valued by the Supreme Emperor and was promoted repeatedly.

Later, he moved to the commission to serve as a minister from other provinces. After serving two terms, he returned to Beijing and took charge of the Ministry of War, the Ministry of Household Affairs, and the Ministry of Personnel. When he was more than 40 years old, he became the prime minister of the cabinet. At that time, Guan Pu was just a minister. In terms of seniority, no one in the government is better than him. "

"Huh? Since Duan Zhun was already a minister back then, why is he just the governor of Liangjiang now?" Jia Cong asked curiously.

"He was demoted because he offended the Supreme Emperor by being straightforward. Pang Chao and other talented people were also demoted with him." Empress Chen glanced at Jia Cong, obviously already knowing that Pang Chao was now Jia Cong's military advisor.

Jia Cong didn't hide anything and said curiously: "In my mother's opinion, who is better, Mr. Pang or Mr. Zhun?"

Empress Chen smiled and said: "The Crouching Dragon and Phoenix chicks each have their own merits, but it's hard to compare them."

Jia Cong refused to give up and asked the question: "My mother is knowledgeable and wise, has insight into the world, and must have made a clear decision. Please give me advice."

Queen Chen glared at him and said: "Both of them are the best among men, the elites of the country, how dare you make rash judgments?"

Seeing that Jia Cong was determined to tell the difference, he had no choice but to change the subject and said: "In terms of talent and learning, both Mr. Pang and Zhun Gong were born in the top 100, and they know everything about classics and history.

However, in terms of his ability to govern and assist the Prime Minister, Zhun Gong has a rich resume, with many years of experience in the local government and the court, but Mr. Pang has been a Hanlin poet for a long time and does not have much experience in governing. "

"What do you mean by the queen mother, the quasi-gong is slightly better?" Jia Cong asked.

Queen Chen pondered for a moment and said: "This is not necessarily the case. Mr. Pang has been hiding among the people for many years, watching with a cold eye. He has a deeper insight into the affairs of the government. What he sees, hears and thinks is beyond the reach of a carnivore.

As the saying goes, "The human heart is only dangerous, but the Taoist heart is weak; only the essence is the only one, and the right to hold it is in the middle." However, due to the heavy workload of government affairs, it may not be possible to achieve "the essence is the only one".

On the contrary, Mr. Pang spent his leisurely time traveling, reading and lecturing, just like Kong Ming cultivated Nanyang, and it was easier to get his way. The two have power over each other, and each has its own strengths and weaknesses. It is difficult to distinguish between superior and inferior.

However, Mr. Guan Pang is making suggestions with you, and his depth of planning, clear vision, and accuracy of decision-making are evident. With the help of such a great talent, you can rest easy. "

Jia Cong was secretly stunned. The queen made Pang Chao so clear. Could it be that she was trying to beat herself up and not be smart? Nothing could be hidden from her? (End of chapter)