Chapter 433 I am willing to be the vanguard of Lord Yan!

Zhang Juzheng and Hai Rui got off the carriage with something hidden in their minds.

After roughly guessing that Yan Shaoting must have deliberately thrown out the bait to lure the two of them into the trap.

The two of them pretended not to know.

But as Yan Shaoting began to admire the Prince of Wu's Mansion where Emperor Taizu once lived.

Then they washed and changed their clothes.

Accompanied by Yan Shaoting, he attended the welcoming banquet.

And in the city.

The news that Zhang Juzheng and Hai Rui had entered the city spread quickly.

Nanjing Governor's Grain Storage Office.

When Yang Zongqi received the report from his servants, he immediately frowned.

"You said Zhang Juzheng and Hai Rui have entered the city and went to the West Garden?"

The officer nodded and said, "Early in the morning, Yan Shaoting led people ten miles outside the city to meet them. After receiving the two people, they went straight to the West Garden. I think they have already started eating and drinking now."

Yang Zongqi became increasingly annoyed: "Why did they choose to come to Nanjing at this time?"

These words seemed to be a question directed to himself.

The officer took a look and then retreated carefully and silently.

Yang Zongqi was still frowning and thinking hard.

After a while.

He suddenly stood up, without saying a word, and walked out of the grain storage office and went straight to the palace's garrison office.

Not long.

Yang Zongqi rushed to the garrison office in the southwest corner of the imperial city.

Announcement upon entry.

Soon, Chen Hong, the eunuch guarding Nanjing, came out from behind the yamen with a smile on his face.

Chen Hong laughed and said, "How come Governor Yang has time to come to our garrison today? Looking at the time, could it be that Governor Yang wants us to treat him to a meal? It just so happens that a lot of game was delivered this morning. Governor Yang, please stay and rest for a while. Let's have a few drinks together today."

Yang Zongqi sighed, waved his hands, and said with difficulty: "Eunuch Chen! It's already this late, why are you still thinking about this!"

Chen Hong tilted his head back slightly: "Oh? Life is all about eating and drinking, what's wrong with Governor Yang?"

Yang Zong sighed deeply, "Eunuch Chen, you don't know that Zhang Juzheng, the Minister of Maritime Affairs, and Hai Rui, the Governor of Yingtian, are already eating and drinking with Yan Shaoting in the West Garden!"

Chen Hong's eyes moved.

Then he walked into the hall casually and signaled the eunuch to serve tea to Yang Zongqi.

Then he said, "So Governor Yang wanted to do this. I already knew about this."

Yang Zongqi glanced at the teacup beside him, but he ignored it and looked at Chen Hong: "Isn't Eunuch Chen worried?"

"What are you worried about?" Chen Hong also held a teacup in his hand, took a sip carefully, and then continued: "Governor Zhang's Maritime Governor's Office is in charge of the navy, and even the Longjiang Shipyard outside the city is under his jurisdiction. He came to Nanjing for these things. As for Hai Gangfeng, he was originally the governor of Yingtian. He had been staying in Suzhou in the past, which was not appropriate. Now it is proper to come to Nanjing. The two of them were familiar with the young Lord Yan in the capital in the past, so it is reasonable to welcome him like this."

Seeing Chen Hong evading responsibility in this way.

Yang Zongqi felt resentful in his heart, but he didn't dare to show it on his face.

In front of Chen Hong, Yang Zongqi could only whisper: "Hai Rui is in charge of the various prefectures in Jiangnan, and governs the people. Zhang Juzheng controls the navy and has the power to dispatch troops. If the two of them only came to Nanjing for inspection, it would be fine, but if they join forces with Yan Shaoting, I'm afraid we will be in big trouble."

Upon hearing this, Chen Hong frowned, put down his teacup, and looked at Yang Zongqi with displeasure.

"What are you talking about, Governor Yang?"

"I was sent to Nanjing by my master. How could I not know what wrong I had done behind my master's back, and how could I be in big trouble one day?"

Yang Zongqi immediately glared at Chen Hong, feeling endless resentment in his heart.

This damn eunuch really washed himself thoroughly.

According to him, what happened in Nanjing had nothing to do with him at all!
Damn it!
Yang Zongqi looked deeply at Chen Hong and the other man, and finally forced a cold smile on his face: "Since Eunuch Chen already knows all these things, I think he will have to watch the storm outside from inside the palace."

Chen Hong just glanced at Yang Zongqi, thinking that these people had worked hard in Nanjing in the past and had never been stingy with him.

Chen Hong finally softened his tone: "Governor Yang, I don't understand what you are talking about. But since I am here in Nanjing under the order of my master, I might as well say a few words to you."

Yang Zongqi was still angry at this time.

Seeing Chen Hong say this, he just cupped his hands, tilted his head to look away, and said in a hard tone: "Please let Master Chen show me!"

Chen Hong didn't blame him either.

He just said casually: "This time, Lord Yan received the order from his master and came with the hopes of the court. In the final analysis, what he is going to do is not what he wants to do, but what his master and the court want him to do."

After finishing speaking.

Chen Hong has stood up: "If Governor Yang has no intention of eating and drinking in our yamen today, you may as well take some game back. Now that spring has begun and the canal is open for shipping, many things need to go north. I am busy counting those things so that I can send them to the master as soon as possible. I am sorry that I can't accompany Governor Yang."

After finishing speaking.

He no longer paid attention to Yang Zongqi, and walked away from Yang Zongqi with his hands behind his back.

Yang Zongqi was the only one left sitting in the hall.

After a while.

Yang Zongqi then snorted coldly.

"You damn eunuch! Do you really think I can't see the situation?"

Yang Zongqi was so angry, he naturally understood what Chen Hong said.

Yan Shaoting came to Nanjing at the request of the emperor and the court in order to increase financial and tax revenue for the court.

Of course, he could also do as Chen Hong hinted and give in in front of Yan Shaoting and do things according to his wishes.

But if I really want to do this, will Yan Shaoting forgive me?

Even if Yan Shaoting could be as calm as Guang Tongchen and let himself go.

But once Yan Shaoting really checks the accounts, those involved will eat him alive.

There is no way out for me!

Thinking of this, Yang Zongqi couldn't help but sigh.

Seeing that he could not get any help from Chen Hong, he could only leave with resentment and resentment.

And on the other end.

The West Garden of Zhongshan Wuning Palace.

The banquet is coming to an end.

The servants arranged by the Xu family cleared away the wine and food on the table.

Yan Shaoting led Zhang Juzheng and Hai Rui to Linfengxuan between the North Pond and the Middle Pond in the West Garden.

From here you can look south to the entire pond and the scenery on both sides.

Tea table utensils are also available here.

Liu Wan led his men to guard both ends to prevent the servants of the Xu family from coming here.

Yan Shaoting invited Zhang Juzheng and Hai Rui to take a seat.

Boil the tea.

After Yan Shaoting poured tea for the two of them, he only talked about the scenic spots and cultural customs of Jiangnan, and did not mention any military or political affairs at all.

Zhang Juzheng and Hai Rui were alert and did not mention anything else. The three of them sat in the Linfeng Pavilion, drinking tea and chatting.

Yan Shaoting looked at the two people in front of him, and it was obvious that he was itching to do so, but he still pretended to be calm on the surface and did not expose it.

Anyway, now I'm just trying to stay awake.

It all depends on who can’t hold on first.

Zhang Juzheng and Hai Rui looked at each other secretly from time to time, and they became more and more anxious.

They also realized that Yan Shaoting did this on purpose today.

The purpose is to let the two of them speak first so that we can take the initiative.

then.

The two of them also began to do things to nourish their qi in public.

And in the Ministry of Revenue government office in the city.

It is another scene.

It’s just past noon.

A young man left his coachman and servants outside the Ministry of Revenue, showed his identity at the door, and walked into the yamen on his own.

Not long after.

The young man then found the official residence of Zhang Shunchen, the Minister of Finance in Nanjing.

"I am Wang Xijue, editor of the Hanlin Academy and deputy minister of the Ministry of Revenue. I have been ordered to go south on official business and have specially reported to the Minister of State."

The person who came was none other than Wang Xijue, who had ranked first in the imperial examination in the spring of the 41st year of Jiajing and was selected as the second place in the palace examination.

Zhang Shunchen was reviewing a document regarding spring farming matters in Nanzhili. Upon hearing this, he immediately looked up and smiled.

"It turns out that Yuan Yu is here!"

"I have waited a long time for the official document from the imperial court. Today, I finally got you, the second-place winner!"

Wang Xijue had a gentle smile on his face. "I don't deserve the praise from the Minister. I am here to go south by order. I am just following the will of the court to check the accounts that Nanjing reported to the capital last year. To be honest, the official trip is fake. The Emperor and the ministers are compassionate and let me go south to celebrate my father's birthday."

Zhang Shunchen immediately raised his eyebrows and said, "I didn't expect it to be the prince's birthday. Now that I know about it, I will definitely send a gift even if I am not available."

Wang Xijue smiled and bowed his head: "Shangshu, you are so kind to me. How can I repay you?"

Zhang Shunchen waved his hand casually, "You and I are both officials in the court, although our ranks are different, but we both serve the emperor and the court. Since I already know that the prince can cultivate such a talent as Yuan Yu, I should do something. Now Yuan Yu is on a business trip to check the accounts submitted by the Nanjing Ministry of Revenue. I have already known about it and have arranged the busy work. We just need to wait for Yuan Yu to bring the court's accounts to check. This matter is not important. Yuan Yu will check it and return home to show his filial piety to the prince."

After hearing Zhang Shunchen's words, Wang Xijue nodded respectfully.

Afterwards, he left Zhang Shunchen's office and went to look for relevant officials from the Ministry of Revenue.

His so-called verification of accounts during his trip south was indeed as Zhang Shunchen said. He just compared the accounts of the Ministry of Revenue in Beijing with the archives of the Ministry of Revenue in Nanjing to see if there were any discrepancies between the two. If not, then this mission would be considered completed.

In fact, how could there be any discrepancies in the accounts submitted by the Nanjing Ministry of Revenue?

But as for checking whether there is anything hidden in these accounts, that is not within the scope of Wang Xijue's authority on this official mission.

therefore.

It took Wang Xijue less than half an hour to check the accounts of the two ministries.

Sure enough, there was no discrepancy, the accounts on both sides were the same.

That's it.

His mission was now completed.

But Wang Xijue stayed in the Ministry of Revenue for a full hour before slowly leaving. He then found a teahouse to the west of Dazhong Bridge that someone pointed out and waited there.

And in the West Garden.

Time passed bit by bit.

Until late in the evening.

even.

Liu Wan had already led his men to catch several large fish from the pond, and was shouting that he could prepare a fish feast tonight. The three people in Linfengxuan were still drinking tea and chatting.

Yan Shaoting looked at Liu Wan who was leading people to fish in the pond, and couldn't help but smile and said, "The three ponds here are all connected to the Qinhuai River outside, with sluices to block dirt. The fish in the ponds are all fed with running water, so the fish meat must be quite tender. You two brothers can go and have a rest later, and we will have a fish feast in the evening. If we have free time, the three of us can also go to the Qinhuai River to take a walk and see the grand scene of Jiangnan."

He was still talking about the fish banquet and the grand occasion of Qinhuai River.

at last.

Hai Rui couldn't help it.

He was an impatient person, and the reason he was able to endure until now was because Zhang Juzheng was by his side.

But now I heard that Yan Shaoting is still arranging food, drinks and entertainment.

How could he still hold back?

Hai Rui immediately pushed aside his teacup and spoke in a deep voice, "Runwu, when we were outside the city today, you said that you wanted to clear out the farmland occupied by the wealthy families in Jiangnan and return the land to the people. You also wanted officials and civilians to pay the land tax together to ensure that the cleared farmland will not be occupied by the wealthy families again. Do you really mean this?"

As soon as he opened his mouth, Zhang Juzheng, who was sitting next to him, frowned and sighed silently in his heart.

It's over.

This time, the two of them are really going to fall into the trap dug by Yan Shaoting.

Yan Shaoting glanced at Zhang Juzheng who remained silent, then looked at Hai Rui with a smile, "Brother Gangfeng, what do you mean by mentioning this? The Emperor and the officials of the court ordered me to go south to manage the storage of money and grain in the six provinces. I have thought about it and if the land occupied by the big families is returned to the people, the land tax in the six provinces should increase by 50% or 60%, if not doubled. But Brother Gangfeng, what do you think is wrong with my idea?"

He is still pretending it.

Hai Rui stared, feeling angry.

Zhang Juzheng could only shake his head helplessly.

Before Hai Rui could speak again, Zhang Juzheng reached out and held Hai Rui down.

Subsequently.

Zhang Juzheng smiled bitterly and said, "Runwu, you and I are three people here, so we don't have to be restrained like outsiders. Since we are all for the country and the people, you should tell us in detail about the matter of clearing the land and having officials and civilians pay the land tax..."

Seeing that Yan Shaoting was still unwilling to speak.

Zhang Juzheng could only sigh and say, "If Runwu needs Brother Gangfeng and me for anything in this matter, just let me know. Brother Gangfeng is the governor of Yingtian, and I am also the governor of maritime affairs. I can help a little."

Yan Shaoting glanced at Hai Rui standing beside him.

Hai Rui nodded heavily and said, "I have also inquired from many sources in the past two years and learned that the Runwu family has not occupied any land in their hometown of Jiangxi or in Beijing. Now that this matter is beneficial to the country and the people, since it has come to this, I, Hai Rui, naturally have no reason to stand idly by!"

I see that both Zhang Juzheng and Hai Rui have said so.

Yan Shaoting finally smiled.

I have been with them both since early morning until now.

Isn't it just to wait for them to say this!
However, just as he was about to agree and discuss in detail with the two of them the issue of clearing the land and requiring officials and gentry to pay taxes together.

I saw it at the pond opposite Linfengxuan.

Wang Xijue was standing by the water with a group of people.

The student Wang Xijue was even more smiling and kept winking at his teacher.

When the group of people around him saw Yan Shaoting looking at them, they immediately bowed and saluted.

"I heard that Lord Xiao Yan intends to perform a heroic act in Jiangnan."

"We are not talented and have limited abilities, but we have received the grace of Lord Xiao Yan to promote us. Today, we are willing to serve Lord Xiao Yan as his vanguard and obey his orders!"

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(End of this chapter)