Chapter 276: Kill one's relatives for the sake of justice or sell out one's father for fame?

At the entrance of Xu Mansion.

The Xu family's doorman was in a dilemma.

But finally the steward of the mansion arrived.

When the steward saw Zhang Juzheng standing at the door, he was also overwhelmed for a moment.

"open……"

Zhang Juzheng waved his hand and said, "I came here today to see Lord Xu."

The steward looked embarrassed and said, "The Lord has been busy with state affairs during the day. After returning home, he had a quick meal and went to bed. Why don't you leave a note and come back tomorrow, Mr. Zhang?"

If it were in the past.

As for the Xu Mansion, Zhang Juzheng could naturally come whenever he wanted.

As Xu Jie's most respected student, Zhang Juzheng could do anything in Xu's house.

but now.

Ever since that day in front of the Wanshou Palace gate, Xu Jie publicly severed his teacher-student relationship with Zhang Juzheng.

When Zhang Juzheng came to Xu's house again, he would naturally send a visiting card like ordinary people and arrange a date. Then he would see if the Xu family had time and gave a reply before he could visit on that date.

The meaning of what the manager said was actually very clear.

Zhang Juzheng snorted coldly: "The Xu Mansion is under the jurisdiction of Shuntian Prefecture? I am the prefect of Shuntian Prefecture?"

The steward immediately understood what Zhang Juzheng was going to say.

but.

This is the residence of the Second Prime Minister of the Ming Dynasty Cabinet!
The steward stood behind the side door, his face tense, "Master Zhang! This is the Xu Residence!"

Zhang Juzheng said sullenly, "There is a case in Shuntian Prefecture that needs to be investigated by the owner of the Xu family in Xufu Lane. If you dare to stop us, we have the right to jail you for obstructing the investigation!"

Just when the manager didn't know what to do.

Xu Kun was already trotting out of the mansion.

He pulled the steward aside and shouted coldly, "What a tactless person! If you dare to stop Brother Taiyue from coming here, you will be sent back to Songjiang tomorrow!"

After saying that.

Xu Kun didn't care about the manager who was already kneeling on the ground.

Instead, he looked at Zhang Juzheng, who had a sullen face, with a smile on his face: "Brother Taiyue, please forgive me. This man is just an idiot. Brother Taiyue, please come into the mansion quickly. Father is already dressed and waiting for you in the tea room."

As a student of Xu Jie in the past, Zhang Juzheng was familiar with the Xu family.

See Xu Kun smiling.

Zhang Juzheng couldn't get angry either, so he could only nod his head and said calmly, "Thank you very much."

Subsequently.

Xu Kun was in front and Zhang Juzheng was behind.

Both were walking on familiar paths.

Soon they arrived at a study in a courtyard.

Xu Kun walked forward and knocked on the door gently.

"Father, Brother Taiyue is here."

A few moments.

A light cough was heard in the room.

"Taiyue is here?"

"Come in quickly."

Zhang Juzheng looked at Xu Kun in front of the door.

Xu Kun smiled and pushed the door open, then stood aside: "Brother Taiyue, please come in first."

Zhang Juzheng nodded without refusing and walked straight into the study room which he had visited countless times before.

At this moment.

Xu Kun followed him into the house and closed the door.

inside the house.

Under the window where one could overlook the scenery outside, Xu Jie was sitting in the main seat with his clothes on, making tea.

Seeing Zhang Juzheng coming, he also looked up and smiled.

"Taiyue is here."

"I just made some tea. Try it and see if my cooking skills have improved recently."

As he spoke, he had already poured tea for himself and Zhang Juzheng.

As for Xu Kun.

He stood in a corner, silently watching the former teacher and student.

Zhang Juzheng also sat down slowly.

He bowed slightly and nodded.

"Thank you, Lord, for the tea."

After saying this, he reached out and moved the steaming teacup.

Xu Jie's brows twitched slightly.

He put the teapot aside, turned the teacup in front of him, then slowly picked it up, brought it to his mouth, and took a sip.

Put down the tea cup.

Xu Jie looked at Zhang Juzheng and sighed silently.

"Taiyue has been away from Beijing for more than a year. Now that he has returned to Beijing, he is different from before."

I don't know whether he was saying that his student was different from the past, or that Zhang Juzheng was a cabinet minister last year but became the prefect of Shuntian this year.

Zhang Juzheng also smiled: "Sir, you are still in high spirits. I think you are in good health."

Xu Jie shook his head: "I am old, old... It snowed heavily before the New Year, and I caught a cold. It took me a year to recover my old bones. If it weren't for the advice of Lord Yan and the order of His Majesty, I would have to stay at home for a while to recover."

"In that case, why don't you spend more time recuperating? The north is not as good as the south in terms of health. The weather in Songjiang Prefecture is pleasant and is the best for recuperating the body and mind."

Zhang Juzheng suddenly changed the subject and stared at Xu Jie in front of him.

Xu Kun, who was standing in the corner, suddenly changed his expression. He glared at Zhang Juzheng who said this, then frowned and looked at his father.

Xu Jie also felt a sinking feeling in his heart.

Zhang Juzheng's visit today had bad intentions.

And now.

Has the true intention of this former good student of mine finally been revealed?

Is he trying to dissuade himself?
Or did he still want to push for reforms and felt that he would be blocked by others in the court, so he came to challenge me, a former teacher?
Xu Jie couldn't help but feel heavy in his heart.

I just couldn't understand why my student became like this in just one year.

What's up with this?

After a long time.

Xu Jie then shook his head and said, "It would be great if I could return home to live out my days. But Your Majesty won't let me go. There are so many things going on in the court. This year, there is the silk business in the southeast, the war against the Japanese in the five provinces, the rectification of the court's administration, and the revision of the imperial examinations in the two capitals and thirteen provinces. If I leave, wouldn't I be considered a deserter?"

Xu Jie looked at the student in front of him with sparkling eyes.

Zhang Juzheng pondered in his heart.

What I just said was just a test.

It is clear.

In fact, there is no need to test it. It is impossible for this gentleman of ours to be willing to retire and return to his hometown to live out his days.

Are you fleeing?
It seems that he is determined not to allow any change in the court.

Zhang Juzheng smiled and said, "Sir, you should take care of your health. If you collapse because you are worried about state affairs and government affairs, what will you do?"

After saying that.

Zhang Juzheng turned around and smiled at Xu Kun.

Xu Kun, who was originally angry, quickly forced a smile.

He said, "Brother Taiyue, you care about my father's health, which makes me feel ashamed."

Zhang Juzheng smiled, completely ignoring the insult, and turned around to look at Xu Jie again.

Xu Jie smiled and said softly, "For a minister, if he devotes himself to the country, it will be a good story. Taiyue is now in charge of Shuntian Prefecture, and the people of the prefecture are all under Taiyue's control. I hope you will be cautious and think twice before doing anything." Zhang Juzheng smiled at this time.

Then he slowly stood up under Xu Jie's gaze.

Zhang Juzheng raised his arms and saluted: "Teacher, I will remember your teachings in my heart, just like the past, I will never forget them. Everything I think and do is for the country and the people of the Ming Dynasty."

After saying that.

Zhang Juzheng took another step back.

He spoke again: "I came here today just to see you, sir. Since you are still in good health, I can rest assured."

Finish this sentence.

Zhang Juzheng took another step back.

He still raised his arms in a bow.

"Since you are fine, I dare not disturb you and will take my leave now."

Looking at this good student in front of me.

Xu Jie's face was calm.

He hummed, then lowered his head to refill his cup of tea.

Zhang Juzheng said no more, and slowly backed away until he reached the door of the house, then he turned around, opened the door and left.

After a long time.

Xu Kun looked at his father who had finished a cup of tea but never drank it. Then he turned around hesitantly and closed the door.

Just as he closed the door and turned around.

But then I heard a bang from inside.

Xu Jie's face was filled with anger, and the cup of tea that had just been refilled on the table was thrown heavily to the ground by him.

And opposite him.

The teacup was originally given to Zhang Juzheng, but the tea in it had already gone cold.

No more hot steam coming out.

Xu Kun hurried forward.

"Father."

Xu Jie's face was gloomy. He looked at the cup of tea that Zhang Juzheng had never touched and snorted coldly.

"Shuzi!"

"Not well planned!"

Outside Xu's house.

Zhang Juzheng walked out and, under the worried gazes of his staff and advisors, turned back and took a deep look at the door that had closed tightly again.

He turned to his advisor and ordered, "Send someone to Huizhou Prefecture to find Hai Rui and give him a few words for me."

Although the aide didn't know what his master was going to do, seeing that his master didn't look well, he immediately nodded.

Subsequently.

The two of them then got on the carriage and headed back to the Shuntian government office.

Some time later.

The capital city has become relatively quiet.

In the court, the debate between the reformists and the conservatives was still going on, and many people were still discussing the issue of how the silk tax in Huizhou Prefecture should be borne.

Ever since.

The Ministry of Personnel, in strict accordance with the provisions of the performance evaluation system, requested the dismissal of eight officials in one day.

The discussion about Huizhou Prefecture came to an abrupt end in the court.

But the debate between reform and preservation continues.

The imperial court also began to check the population and household registration of all regions in the country, and the task was also sent down to the two capitals and thirteen provinces along with the rectification of official administration.

Both of these things require long-term mastery and execution, and the results cannot be achieved in a short time.

During the process of advancement, no one can say for sure whether any unexpected changes will occur.

As for the Liaoyang deputy general Heichun, he died in battle.

The imperial court also gave corresponding posthumous titles and honors.

However, Liaodong was too far away, and as long as there was no news of the enemy's invasion, the imperial court would only sigh and say that another brave general had sacrificed his life for justice.

But somewhere no one knows.

Hei Yunlong, the son of Hei Chun, who was promoted to the commander-in-chief because of his father's death in battle, was transferred to the Beijing camp under the order of the Five Military Governor's Office. He had to go to Beijing to take up the post immediately on the day he received the order.

And just when everyone was entering into a tacit, intense yet relatively peaceful time in the court.

suddenly.

It was revealed from the Ministry of Personnel that there was fraud and corruption in the administration of the Ministry of Works.

As the investigation deepens.

More and more loopholes in the Ministry of Industry’s accounts were also discovered.

The spearhead was immediately directed at Yan Shifan, the Minister of Works.

According to the investigation of the Ministry of Personnel and the impeachment of the Ministry of Works.

Yan Shifan seemed to be involved in a case of embezzlement of money worth about 100,000 taels.

As for where the 100,000 taels of silver went.

It was not clearly stated in the Ministry of Works’ account; it was only marked that it was withdrawn with the signature of Yan Shifan, the Vice Minister of Works.

There are also a number of approval documents involving hundreds of craftsmen, and it is unknown where they were used. They were also signed and sealed by Yan Shifan.

Just when everyone was in doubt.

Is this the time when someone is using Yan Shifan as a breakthrough point to launch a new round of attacks on the Yan family?

Gao Hanwen submitted a memorial.

correct.

Gao Hanwen has now been transferred to the Censorate and serves as the Left Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate.

The third rank.

It just happens to be within the authority of the Ministry of Personnel to recommend and appoint.

And Gao Hanwen is from the Yan family.

People are still wondering whether it is time for Gao Hanwen to submit a memorial to defend Yan Shifan.

The contents of the memorial also circulated.

Gao Hanwen requested a thorough investigation into the case of corruption and fraud by the Vice Minister of Works, and impeached Vice Minister Yan Shifan for official fraud. Now that the court is in the process of rectifying the administration of officials, he should be severely punished.

moment.

No one understood it.

What is Gao Hanwen trying to do?
People soon realized that Gao Hanwen seemed to be very close to Yan Shaoting?

Could it be that Yan Shaoting wants to kill his own relatives for the sake of justice?
Just at this time.

Yan Shifan also submitted a memorial in self-defense.

However, although it was called a self-defense memorial, its content was to call on the emperor to allow the court to hold court discussions, pool resources, and offer suggestions in order to promote reforms.

Just at this time.

The whole city of Beijing was in an uproar.

Yan Shifan began to call for reform?
What is going on here?
Then everyone seemed to have discovered a big secret.

Could it be that the Yan family had already discovered that Yan Shifan was about to join the reform faction, and that the Yan family was opposed to this, so they took advantage of the Ministry of Works corruption case to impeach Yan Shifan in advance in order to avoid being dragged into the struggle between the reformists and the conservatives?
Well known.

The emperor was very cautious about reforms and preferred to keep things unchanged.

The Yan family, or Yan Shaoting, asked Gao Hanwen to submit a memorial to impeach this matter.

Was it that Yan Shaoting was selling out his father for the sake of justice and fame for the emperor?
For a while.

All the officials in Beijing, big and small, couldn’t understand it.

…………

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(End of this chapter)