cabinet first lady

Chapter 100 One move away from chess

"My minister agrees."

It wasn't until Zhang Anyi and Shen Wei both spoke up to support Yin Ji that many people realized that this was a good show sung by the three of them.

A thorough investigation of official corruption and clearing up the administration of officials is for the purpose of rectifying the court. Although it will cause turmoil in the court, it will bring more benefits. You Qingliu had no choice but to side with Zhang Anyi this time.

Ruan Muyang sat on the side, as an outsider in the court, he saw everyone's reactions clearly.

She naturally saw the reluctance on the faces of those censors who seconded the proposal.It is valuable to be upright in this court full of calculations and interests, but in this dangerous officialdom, you have to step by step, carefully calculate, reach the pinnacle of power, and still not forget to step into the officialdom even when you are covering the sky with one hand. The original intention is even more commendable.

The former is upright and upright, will not make false claims, and plan for himself. Most of them are not loved by the emperor, and most of them are suppressed by their colleagues. At most, they become a censor and enjoy a reputation of integrity. History, but those close ministers of the emperor who were impeached by officials and reviled by the people.

Most of the people who can really do things are notorious.

Zhang Anyi is such a person.

This was the first time Ruan Muyang saw him in court.He was the head of the hundred officials, and he still had the gentle and refined aura on his body, and his broad shoulders seemed to be carrying the glory of thousands of miles and rivers and mountains.

Under the second opinion of many ministers, Emperor Yuan did not agree in a hurry, but looked at the Queen Mother Qiu who was behind the bead curtain, and said: "After all, I have not yet personally governed, what does the Queen Mother think?"

Knowing that this is a trap, as long as the corruption is thoroughly investigated, the influence she has cultivated in the court over the years will disappear, but Queen Mother Qiu has no reason to refuse.

If you miss a move in chess, you will lose the whole game.

The Empress Dowager Qiu looked at the civil and military officials through the bead curtain, and then at the Emperor Yuan, with a trace of unwillingness and mockery on her face: "The emperor already has such an idea, do you still need to ask the Ai family? It is natural to rectify the atmosphere in the court." It couldn't be better."

Everyone could see that the Queen Mother Qiu was doomed.

Excitement flashed across Emperor Yuan's youthful face, and then he looked at Qiu Lin who was kneeling below and said, "Your name is also on the roster presented by the household department, and what Elder Zhang Ge said was that you bribed him." Do you have anything to explain about your concubine's younger brother?"

Unexpectedly, things would turn out like this, Qiu Lin was flustered, and hurriedly said: "Your Majesty, I have been wronged."

Just bribed Zhang Anchao to assist in the assassination of Zhang Anyi is enough to make him messed up, but now he has to add a piece of corruption, he is already messed up.

Zhang Anyi looked at him and asked: "Master Qiu Lin, this was recruited by my younger brother himself. Could it be that my younger brother can still frame you for no reason?"

"I—the Empress Dowager!" Qiu Lin didn't expect Zhang Anchao to be so useless, and confessed him so quickly, and regretted not killing him early.If it wasn't for him to frame Yin Ji, he would have been silenced long ago.

Qiu Lin had no choice but to ask Queen Mother Qiu for help.

The facts are in front of us.

"Come here, take Qiu Lin to the prison of the Ministry of Criminal Justice." Emperor Yuan's voice was unprecedentedly powerful, this was the first time he gave the order without looking at the Queen Mother Qiu's face.

"Your Majesty." The Empress Dowager Qiu finally stopped her, "Zhang Anchao, Zhang Ge's concubine, was dissatisfied with Zhang Ge, and Mr. Qiu was just deceived by his modesty and friendship with him. It's really unfortunate for Zhang Ge to have such a concubine younger brother."

Qiu Lin reacted quickly, and immediately said: "This matter has nothing to do with me, I just met Zhang Anchao a few times."

Emperor Yuan said: "Okay, the Ministry of Punishment will find out the truth, and it will definitely give Mr. Zhang Ge justice."

Zhang Anyi said: "Thank you, Your Majesty."

Hearing Queen Mother Qiu's words, Ruan Muyang knew that she was going to push everything to Zhang Anchao.After all, Qiu Lin was the Holy Majesty's uncle, and there was Queen Mother Qiu, so nothing would happen, and Zhang Anchao could only take the blame for them in the end.

But Zhang Anchao deserved what he deserved, and he deserved it.

It seems that she doesn't need to do it.

Thinking of Zhang Anchao, Ruan Muyang's eyes flashed coldness.

When Qiu Lin was taken down in front of Queen Mother Qiu, the officials knew that Emperor Yuan, who had ascended the throne at the age of nine and had been a decoration for six years, was finally going to be in charge, and the days when Queen Mother Qiu controlled the government would also come to an end.

Emperor Yuan sat on the dragon chair, looking at the courtiers, with emotions secretly surging in his eyes.His still young face had a serious expression, showing a bit of maturity, so majestic that people dare not look directly at him. "Since the Ministry of Accounting has checked the accounts clearly, the investigation of corruption will be handled by Yin Ji, Minister of the Ministry of Accounting. If I come here in person, the cabinet will assist me. All officials must cooperate. If there is any disobedience, the lighter will be dismissed from office. If it is serious, it will be decided!" He spoke, his voice was clear, and no one dared to violate it.

The civil and military officials of the Manchu Dynasty knelt down in front of the 15-year-old boy and said in unison: "I obey the order, long live my emperor, long live, long live, long live."

The sound resounded throughout the hall.

Feeling it personally for the first time, Ruan Muyang felt a sense of solemnity in his heart.

"Retreat."

Finally retreated.

Ruan Muyang heaved a sigh of relief.

"Madam, do you feel any discomfort?" Zhang Anyi helped her up, and asked in a gentle voice.

Ruan Muyang shook his head: "I'm just a little tired. What about Twenty-one?" From Zhang Qingshi's birth to now, she has never been away for so long, and she misses him very much.

Zhang Anyi's deep eyes were filled with tenderness, and he said, "I have been sent back to the mansion under protection."

Ruan Muyang nodded.She couldn't wait to go back and see him.

"Sister-in-law."

Hearing the voice, Ruan Muyang turned his head and saw Shen Wei and Yin Ji walking over.The two of them wore the same court clothes and came side by side, very eye-catching, Ruan Muyang suddenly had a feeling that the two of them walked together very well.

"Sister-in-law's performance just now is amazing." Shen Weidao.

Ruan Muyang had the illusion that Shen Wei seemed to be a little more cheerful than before, or that he treated her a little differently than usual.

This kind of difference is difficult to describe, and only women can experience it.

She smiled and said: "Sir Shen, you are too proud." She admired Shen Wei sincerely.She had to live a whole life to have the current city, but Shen Wei did not have such an opportunity.Not to mention women, even most men can't do what she does, so how can she not admire her?
Shen Wei looked at Zhang Anyi again, and said in a familiar tone: "I didn't expect you to agree to let Mrs. Sister-in-law go to court."

"Take Madam back quickly." She said again, "I will visit the mansion again in a few days to see my good nephew." Women are soft-hearted, and most of them like children, especially Zhang Qingshi A child who can make everyone happy like that.Shen Wei, the "uncle", has always loved him very much.

Having just experienced such a major event, the current situation of chatting about family affairs makes people feel extraordinarily cordial and precious.

At this time, Yin Ji suddenly echoed: "I will go with Mr. Shen to see my godson." As he spoke, he seemed to glance at Shen Wei unintentionally, just to tease her in broad daylight. one time.

In fact, what he said didn't reveal anything, but Shen Wei felt nervous.Sure enough, it was as Yin Ji expected.

Are they familiar?Why should we go together?

She wanted to warn Yin Ji not to talk nonsense, but Zhang Anyi's eyelids were lowered and she was afraid of showing her flaws.

Yin Ji's usual frivolous tone made Ruan Muyang feel helpless.He really treats everyone like this, sooner or later someone will accept him.

The three people present each had their own thoughts, but Zhang Anyi's eyes were imperceptibly skipped over Shen Wei and Yin Ji, and the old god curled his lips on the ground, seeing through everything.

"Ma'am, let's go back."

Ruan Muyang nodded.

Zhang Anyi held her hand with one hand and supported her waist with the other, which relieved her burden a lot.

After leaving the main hall, many officials and palace people came and went to salute them.Ruan Muyang nodded towards them with an elegant smile.

Thinking of just now, she looked at Zhang Anyi beside her and asked, "What were you laughing at just now?" She felt that there was something hidden in Zhang Anyi's old god's smile just now.

The front of the main hall is very spacious and spacious, and there is no obstacle at a glance.The rising sun coated the palace with a layer of solemn gold, and also illuminated Zhang Anyi's chiseled face more clearly.Looking at the majesty and solemnity of this place, he said in a deep voice: "The matter is very important, maybe Madam will know soon."

Ruan Muyang's originally good mood froze slightly because of his words.

Sure enough, the country is easy to change, but the nature is hard to change.

When Zhang Anyi and Ruan Muyang left, it was useless for Shen Wei and Yin Ji to stand still.

Shen Wei looked at the way the husband and wife walked out hand in hand, it was probably because they had experienced the tension just now, and when they relaxed, their heart became very soft, and he was a little envious of them.

"Master Shen?"

The frivolous voice and warm breath brought her back to her senses.

As soon as she turned her head, she found that Yin Ji was next to her ear, looking in the same direction as her.

"What are you doing?" Shen Wei stepped back immediately and looked around.

Yin Ji straightened up without any sign of guilt.He looked at Shen Wei who was dressed in court clothes and looked more serious than usual, and suggested with a smile: "Would you have the honor to invite Master Shen to drink to celebrate?" It can be seen that he is in a good mood at this time.

Shen Wei subconsciously wanted to refuse.

But not only Yin Ji, but also herself, and even Zhang Anyi, who just left, should be in a very good mood now.

Ever since they entered Hanlin, they encountered the turmoil in Emperor Wu's later years, and then Emperor Ling. Although Emperor Ling reigned for only four short years, Chao Gang was always in a state of chaos.Xu Hou, Luo Jie, and King Yong'an's current Queen Mother Qiu are all their enemies and obstacles to the prosperity they imagined.

They worked step by step, planned carefully, never slacking off, and finally kicked away every stumbling block, and Queen Mother Qiu was the last one.

I'm afraid this is the most relaxed time since they entered the officialdom, so why are they unhappy?

It is a time like this to celebrate, and it is interesting to celebrate with like-minded people who share the same experience.Yin Ji just barely counted as one.

Seeing his sincerity, Shen Wei hesitated for a moment, then nodded.She is not a hypocritical person, since she decided to have a drink together, she suddenly said: "I have saved the altar Shaoxing sent over for a long time, and I would like to ask Mr. Yin to prepare a table of good dishes." At this time, the smell on Shen Wei The ease and ease that literati possess cannot be imitated by other women.Only those who have studied many books deeply and learned a lot can have them.

Yin Ji looked at her with a hint of imperceptible appreciation and emotion in his smiling eyes. "Okay, when the willows are on the moon, I will prepare a table of good food in the mansion, and wait for Mr. Shen to come to the appointment with wine."

You have good wine from Shaoxing, and I happen to have a table of good food.

Zhang House.

Zhang Qingshi came back early this morning.His safe return surprised many.

Since the young masters of Chuanyun Academy have returned safely, the second master must be fine.

As soon as Zhang Qingshi came back, he was surrounded by many people, and the servants said "little master" in a strange way, his small body was so small that he couldn't see it.His little face was full of pride and joy, and he looked very happy, obviously he liked the feeling of being surrounded by stars.

Mrs. Li was overjoyed to hear that Zhang Qingshi had returned safely, and hurried to Chuanyun Academy, hugged him and said distressedly: "My dear grandson, why have you lost weight, did you suffer a lot outside?"

Zhang Qingshi shook his head.

Naturally, he didn't pay much attention in the mansion when he was outside these few days, Fang Fang and the nanny took a bath for him, changed his clothes again, and Hong Fang prepared food for him.

Zhang Qingshi was obviously favored by everyone in the Cloud Chuanyuan Courtyard.

News of Zhang Qingshi's safety and well-being quickly reached Mrs. Chen, who told Zhang Anchao.She didn't know the inside story, but said happily: "It seems that the second brother is fine, when the time comes to ask the second brother to forgive you, the second brother should agree."

Zhang Anchao didn't speak, his face was pale.

After returning to the mansion, Ruan Muyang went straight back to Chuanyun Courtyard, and saw Zhang Qingshi running towards her on short legs from a distance.

"mother!"

The enamel and red glaze following him were startled, and hurriedly chased him to grab her.

Zhang Anyi stood calmly in front of Ruan Muyang when he saw a small group rushing towards Ruan Muyang.

Fortunately, Zhang Qingshi was sensible, and stopped in front of Ruan Muyang, then hugged her leg, rubbed his small face on her court clothes and said obediently: "Mother, I miss you and my sister!"

Ruan Muyang's heart melted when he rubbed against him.

"Let mother take a look at you, did you cause trouble outside?" Ruan Muyang stroked his little face, feeling extremely distressed.

At first she was worried that the assassin's affairs would frighten him, but seeing that he was still smiling as before, she was relieved.

Zhang Qingshi said flatteringly: "Mom, I can listen to what my father said, but I miss you so much when I'm outside."

With his words, even if he really got into trouble, so what?This child, Ruan Muyang was really reluctant to punish him.

Zhang Anyi at the side saw with his own eyes how Zhang Qingshi flattered Ruan Muyang, so he couldn't help raising his eyebrows.Probably because he was surprised by his son's way of pleasing others.

Ruan Muyang didn't know that Zhang Qingshi subdued many serious guards around Zhang Anyi in a few days.Let these big masters serve as the young master's guards, presumably they are also willing.

After going back to the room and sitting down, Ruan Muyang took a closer look at Zhang Qingshi, and felt that he was getting thinner.

Zhang Anyi sat quietly and looked at their mother and son with warmth in his eyes.

After playing for a while, Zhang Qingshi became tired.

After the nurse took him down, Zhang Anyi said to Mo Wen, "Go and bring my third brother here."

Ruan Muyang's expression turned cold.She knew that Zhang Anyi was really angry, because Zhang Qingshi was their bottom line.

Knowing that although Zhang Anyi looked unpredictable, he actually valued the family relationship very much, so she took the initiative to cover his hand.His family has disappointed him too many times.

Feeling the warmth and softness of her hand, Zhang Anyi held her hand behind his back.Holding hands is like sharing hearts.

They are all emotionally introverted people, many things are unwilling and disdain to say it, but as long as someone understands it, it will be fine.

Zhang Anchao probably never expected Zhang Anyi to return safely.

Zhang Anchao's legs were already weak when he was brought to Chuanyunyuan.When Mo Wen let him go, he fell directly at Zhang Anyi's feet.

"Second brother, I was really wrong. I was infatuated for a while, and I didn't intend to harm you." Zhang Anchao cried.It seems that they have different attitudes from when they were discovered by Ruan Muyang.

Disgust flashed in Ruan Muyang's eyes.

Zhang Anchao is really hopeless.If he had kept his composure all the time, let's say he had some backbone and courage, his current state would be really useless and make people look down on him.

"Third brother, that's not what you told me two days ago." Ruan Muyang said coldly, "You called the person who instructed you to be Yin Ji, and someone sneaked into your yard to meet you in the middle of the night. Qiu Lin How much benefit did it give you?" After cheating once, there will be a second time, which is really unforgivable.

Zhang Anchao looked at Ruan Muyang pleadingly and said, "Second sister-in-law, I really didn't mean it." He had already lost his previous enthusiasm.At this time, I am afraid that Ruan Muyang will not hesitate to ask him to do anything.

"Third brother, I don't think I'm sorry for you. I know all the thoughts in your heart." After looking at him calmly for a long time, Zhang Anyi finally said, "I originally wanted you to never be an official, but this year you Since you went quietly, I didn't intend to stop you. As expected, you still failed."

Zhang Anyi calmly concluded: "Because you don't have this ability at all. Whether it's talent, character or vision, you are not suitable."

Zhang Anchao's face turned pale.

What he wanted most in his life was to become an official in the court, and he never gave up, but now Zhang Anyi ruthlessly exposed him, saying that he was totally incompetent and inferior to others.

"I've given you chances again and again, but you not only don't cherish them, but you also don't know the good from the bad. I've been tolerant enough to you—"

Sensing the coldness in Zhang Anyi's tone, Zhang Anchao immediately begged: "Second Brother! I was wrong! Just forgive me. I will never dare again!"

"You said the same thing a few years ago, and that was the last chance I gave you." Zhang Anyi's tone was devoid of any emotion, as if he was just addressing an irrelevant stranger.

As if realizing that he was really close to dying this time, Zhang Anchao's body shook suddenly, grabbed Zhang Anyi's trouser legs, and cried, "Second brother, we are brothers. If you kill me, big brother and The fourth brother is chilling, and the spirits of the grandparents in heaven will not be at ease."

"Shut up!" Ruan Muyang stopped him, "Grandpa and grandma are you the ones who can tell?"

The Zhang family has such a rigorous family style, and a family with its own strength of character will also give birth to a spineless person like Zhang Anchao.

The way he crawled in front of Zhang Anyi was worse than a dog, it was extremely ugly.

Zhang Anyi was not angry, but raised his lips: "It's not that the third brother doesn't understand, do you think that you can be confident like this? It's just a person like you, why should I do it?"

When Zhang Anchao was in a daze, he continued: "Today in the court hall, the Queen Mother and Qiu Lin put everything on you and murdered the imperial court official. Do you think the Ministry of Punishment will let you go, and the Holy Majesty will let you go? Even if Without them, the queen mother will not let you go. Didn't you think about it before this?"

His words made Zhang Anchao temporarily forget to cry, his face turned pale.

"Second brother, please, save me, I really won't dare again in the future." When he came back to his senses, he quickly kowtowed to Zhang Anyi.

His appearance made Zhang Anyi and Ruan Muyang even more disgusted and didn't want to watch him. How could he look like the third master of the Zhang family?

Zhang Anyi pulled out the trouser legs from his hand, and said with a rare hint of impatience in his tone: "I can't protect you this time, and I don't want to protect you. Karma and effect cycle, everything is your own fault. Don't worry, as long as the third sibling If you don't cause trouble, you will always be the third wife of the Zhang family, Qingxuan and Qingzhi are my nephews, and I will not anger them because of you." Later, his tone became more and more calm, It's getting milder.

This gentleness made Zhang Anchao feel hopeless.In that gentle and calm tone, it seemed that the Zhang family no longer had him.

"I will never forget the matter of Qingxuan Kaimeng. I will find him a respectable gentleman and teach him well so that he learns to be a man first and don't follow your path." Having said this, Zhang Anyi no longer has any anger in his heart. .Angry, angry because he let him down, and now he has completely given up on him.

This kind of tranquility was too terrifying, as if he was going to swallow a person, swallowing him into nothingness, Zhang Anchao collapsed to the ground.

Ruan Muyang looked at him coldly, angrily, with complicated emotions.

If I knew today, why was it in the first place?
"Go back and say goodbye to the third sibling. People from the Criminal Department should come to mention you soon. If you really think about the third sibling, mother and children, and you still have the only clarity, you should know how to tell them. The two children Qingxuan and Qingzhi will live the same life as Qingshi in the mansion, and they will not follow in your footsteps." Zhang Anyi stopped looking at him after finishing speaking.

Hearing this, Zhang Anchao looked at Zhang Anyi complicatedly, moved his lips, and then his eye sockets became moist again.

The tragedy of his life started from his identity as a bastard.

After Zhang Anchao left, Ruan Muyang saw that Zhang Anyi was silent all the time, so he softly called out, "Second Master."

Zhang Anyi looked at her, with a smile on his face, and a trace of fatigue.

Ruan Muyang knew that his heart was always kind and tolerant.

Not long after Zhang Anchao went back, someone from the Ministry of Punishment came, visited Zhang Anyi, and took Zhang Anchao away.Chen brought two children crying and begged Zhang Anyi and Ruan Muyang. They had notified Chen beforehand, so Chen couldn't come in.

Hearing the faint crying outside, Ruan Muyang was filled with emotions.

(End of this chapter)