Chapter 456: Start to fall!

Da da.

A carriage with the Yan family's flag flying on it slowly drove out of the palace gate. The coachman driving the carriage had been employed by the Yan family for many years and had very skilled skills.

But not long after the carriage left the palace gate, it suddenly stopped, and the shaking caused Yan Shifan in the carriage couldn't help but frown.

Yan Shifan first glanced at Yan Song, who was resting with his eyes closed, and then looked forward: "What's wrong?"

"Master, it's Hu and Yang."

The coachman replied, and Yan Shifan reached out and lifted a corner of the curtain.

really.

The two Ministers of War, Hu Zongxian and Yang Bo, were standing together beside the carriage.

Seeing Yan Shifan sticking his head out to look, the two of them smiled slightly and bowed to each other.

"Please forgive me, Minister Zuo, we just want to see the Lord."

The first person to speak was Yang Bo.

What’s interesting is that if it were in the past, Yang Bo would definitely call Yan Shifan “Little Minister” at this time, but today he is calling him “Left Vice Minister”.

Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice.

A hint of doubt flashed in Yan Shifan's eyes, and he looked at Hu Zongxian who was standing next to Yang Bo. He nodded and lowered the curtain without saying a word.

"father."

"It's Ruzhen and Yangbo."

"He said he wanted to see you."

As he spoke, Yan Shifan had already distanced the two people outside from the Yan family.

Yan Song opened his eyes: "It's them two."

Yan Shifan nodded: "Would you like to meet him?"

Yan Song nodded.

After the old man nodded in agreement, Yan Shifan lifted the curtain again and looked at the two people waiting outside with a smile on his face: "I'm sorry to have kept you waiting for so long. Tomorrow, the court will be closed, and my father wants to go out of the city to Changping to see his precious great-grandson. If you two have anything to do, you can get in the car and go with me."

Hu Zongxian nodded.

Yang Bo smiled and said, "Let's go together. It is a great honor for us younger generations to be able to travel with you, Elder."

As he spoke, Yang Bo glanced sideways at Hu Zongxian, then got on the carriage before the latter, and then turned around and stretched out his hand.

Only then did Hu Zongxian smile and shake his head, then climbed into the carriage with a nimble figure.

The carriage was huge.

Especially the carriage of the prime minister of the time was quite spacious. Even though Yan Song and his son Yan Shifan were already sitting in the carriage, and Hu Zongxian and Yang Bo came in, the carriage still did not feel cramped.

As the two men got on the carriage, the coachman began to drive.

Yang Bo bent over and bowed to Yan Song. "I've been to Changping many times before, but every time I go back, it's refreshing and new every day. It happens that tomorrow is a day off, and I'm not in a hurry to go to the secular world today. If the elder agrees, I'm really craving for the food street outside the academy."

After saying this, Yang Bo carefully watched the changes in Yan Song's expression.

Yan Shifan, on the other hand, had a curious look on his face and thought that Yang Bo was quite interesting today. He had been referring to himself as a junior ever since he stopped the car.

The attitude is very humble and respectful.

Yan Song looked at Yang Bo and Hu Zongxian with a normal expression: "Changping experienced a disaster, and it was destroyed and then rebuilt. Naturally, it looks different each time. However, the cost of today's expenses will be charged to me. I will have my servants settle accounts with the people at the end of the month."

The first half of the sentence was addressed to Yang Bo, and the second half was an instruction to Yan Shifan.

Yan Shifan nodded immediately, and before Yang Bo could ask, he explained, "Don't refuse, Yang Bu Tang. Everything my family does in Changping costs money. It's just that for the sake of convenience, we save the monthly expenses and settle them all at the last day of the month to pay the people. This is more convenient."

Yang Bo finally understood and laughed, but he glanced sideways at Hu Zongxian beside him, perhaps with an intention of urging him.

Yan Shifan, who was sitting opposite, felt amused and knew that Yang Bo was hiding something when he pulled Hu Zongxian to stop the car.

He glanced at the old man and saw no reaction. He knew in his heart that these things probably didn't matter to the old man.

Hu Zongxian, who was urged by Yang Bo, hesitated for a while and finally spoke in a low voice: "Although the tone of Jiangnan was set in today's cabinet meeting, it is related to various places and it is impossible to always go smoothly. I... and Yang Botang's opinion, this time the three judicial departments sent people to the south, should we also think carefully... Please correct me."

After Hu Zongxian finished speaking, Yang Bo immediately nodded repeatedly.

"That's what the younger generation meant."

"After all, in Wenyuan Pavilion today, the words and deeds of Elder Xu, Elder Li, and the Ministry of Rites all hinted at protecting the South and hoping to make a big thing small. In addition..."

As Yang Bo was talking, he suddenly became hesitant.

If Hu Zongxian had not been a student and former official of Yan Song, he would not have dared to approach him alone to talk about these things.

Yan Song smiled slightly and said, "And Lord Xu was born in Jiangnan, so he is from Huating County, Songjiang Prefecture?"

Yang Bo was stunned and didn't know how to start.

Yan Song laughed.

Hu Zongxian's face looked serious.

Yan Shifan curled his lips and said, "Is Yang Butang worried that Xu Jie will do something shady behind his back? Not to mention whether he dares to do it or not, if he really dares to do it, then he will have a share in the affairs of Nanjing, and he will be the second assistant minister of the cabinet!"

In the carriage, Yan Shifan's tone was as arrogant as he could be.

The young cabinet minister is still the young cabinet minister.

Hu Zongxian even frowned slightly and looked at Yan Shifan with a hint of doubt in his eyes.

Logically speaking, if it was just him, it would be fine for Yan Shifan to say this, but now, Yang Bo was also there.

Of course, this does not mean that Yan Shifan is doing something stupid again.

All I can say is...

Hu Zongxian couldn't help but subconsciously look at the teacher who was leaning on the soft backrest.

Yang Bo's expression became even more hesitant.

"I'm afraid Lord Xu wouldn't do that. After all, he... always cares more about his reputation..."

Yang Bo hesitated and asked Xu Jie in front of the Yan family. Then he immediately said seriously: "But the people in Jiangnan have long been unsettled. I am worried about these people."

"Since you are so worried, why not arrange for more people from the north to serve in various departments in Nanjing and various places in Jiangnan this time?"

That was right after Yang Bo finished speaking.

Yan Song immediately replied.

Subsequently.

The Prime Minister of the Ming Dynasty, who was already over eighty years old, looked at Yang Bo with clear and shining eyes.

At this moment, Yan Song's face no longer showed the drowsy look he had in the cabinet all day long. Instead, he looked shrewd and smart, as if his eyes could see through people's hearts.

Facing such a look, Yang Bo couldn't help but tremble in his heart.

This is an important official who has been in charge of the Ming Dynasty's government for nearly twenty years and is still standing strong today. He is even more prominent and trusted by the emperor and the royal family!

Yang Bo suddenly reacted.

I also figured out a lot of things at this moment.

He immediately clasped his hands together and said in a deep voice: "Lord, today I pulled Brother Ruzhen to stop the carriage outside the palace gate. At first, I did have selfish motives, and I did hope to have more people from the north serve in the south."

After figuring out some things, Yang Bo revealed his truest thoughts without any concealment.

Yang Bo then said, "Besides this selfish desire, I also know that although the Ming Dynasty seems to be thriving, it also has some difficulties. That is, the South has turned away from the court due to the heavy burden of finance and taxation, and is suspected of being self-respecting."

Here, Yang Bo's words were quite subtle.

In fact, it is not an exaggeration to say that the South values ​​finance, taxes, gold and silver so much that it does not respect the laws of the imperial court.

Yan Shifan was also surprised that Yang Bo dared to say this.

Putting aside the fact that Yang Bo came from the Jin Party in the north, his words alone were enough to be interpreted as an attempt to stir up confrontation between the north and the south of the court, or even a north-south party struggle.

however.

next second.

Yang Bo said in a deep voice: "Among them, the southeastern prefectures are the most prosperous! At present, Songjiang Prefecture Huating Xu is the most prosperous! It is Xu Jie, the second assistant of the cabinet, who is the representative of the southern gentry!"

After finishing his words, Yang Bo took a deep breath and exhaled a long breath of turbid air. Finally, he looked at Yan Song who was in deep thought with a serious look.

Yan Shifan was completely dumbfounded.

I have seen arrogant people, like myself.

I have also seen domineering people, and I was the one who did it.

But this is the first time I have seen someone like Yang Bo.

He is brave and strong.

Yan Shifan opened his mouth and said, "Brother Weiyue, this is not something you can say."

As soon as he finished speaking, Yan Song coughed lightly.

Before Yan Shifan could continue speaking, Yan Song turned to look at Yang Bo and asked, "What do you want me to do?"

"Xu!"

at last.

After a moment of silence, Yang Bo answered with a serious expression and a firm and resounding tone.

Yang Bo's face was solemn. "The court is now just like before it broke out of the ground, just like what the old minister said before, when Changping was destroyed and then established. The court has many new policies at present, and there is also a policy of opening up the sea to attract overseas wealth. I think that at this time, the first thing to do is to clean up those who have different intentions in the court, so that the government can work together from top to bottom in the future. Among them, the officials and local wealthy families in Jiangnan headed by the old minister Xu are the biggest hidden dangers and obstacles to the new policies of the court!"

Now that the conversation has been opened.

Now that Xu's words came out of his own mouth, Yang Bo no longer had any reservations.

He continued, "Overthrow Lord Xu, suppress officials from Jiangnan in the court, and send officials from the north, southwest, and northwest to Jiangnan to suppress the wealthy families in Jiangnan. In this way, the court can implement the new policy without hindrance!"

Yan Song smiled and said, "Is this Wei Yue's idea for me?"

Yang Bo immediately shook his head: "I dare not, but this is the best way."

Yan Shifan opened his mouth, but saw that the old man was already looking at him.

"Don't talk."

After suppressing his son, Yan Song looked at Yang Bo and Hu Zongxian beside him.

"Does Ruzhen think so too?"

Hu Zongxian paused for a moment and nodded: "I have been an official in Jiangnan for many years, and I know the number of wealthy families and officials in the court. If the court wants to have new policies and laws, these people must be taken into consideration."

Yan Song smiled and nodded: "That means I agree with what Wei Yue said..."

Hu Zongxian hesitated: "Students..."

Yan Song still shook his head with a smile on his face. After stopping Hu Zongxian's hesitation, he began to ponder silently.

The car fell silent for a moment, as everyone was thinking about something in their minds.

Yang Bo was a little nervous.

After all, the words to overthrow Xu came from his own mouth, and the words to suppress Jiangnan were also said by him.

In addition to these obvious reasons, it can make oneself appear to be fair to the country.

In fact, I still have selfish motives in private.

If the Jin Party does not suppress Jiangnan, how can it compete with these people in overseas affairs in the future?
It would be better to suppress the opponent right from the beginning.

This was also the ultimate reason why Yang Bo spoke out against Xu.

Without him.

Weilier.

I don't know how much time had passed, but the carriage started to shake and bump a bit, and we must have left Beijing.

Yan Song finally spoke again: "Zisheng and I have been colleagues in the court for many years, and we have often fought with each other. You are thinking about the country and want to drive him away. I can understand your loyalty to the country. However... in the court, there are rules for advancing and retreating. You are all ministers of the six ministries, so you naturally understand this principle."

From beginning to end, the whole speech seemed hesitant.

But Yang Bo was delighted, and immediately clasped his fists and said, "Don't worry, elder! We, the younger generation, will naturally be the ones to lead the charge, but you will definitely have to make the final decision."

Yang Bo spoke very restrainedly, but his meaning was conveyed.

Then he waited cautiously.

The carriage became increasingly quiet.

"Ah."

at last.

There was a sound again in the silent carriage.

But that's about it.

……

"Old man Xu!"

"They actually resorted to such a sinister method!"

Nanjing, West Garden.

Hai Rui burst out with words of resentment in front of Zhang Juzheng.

Zhang Juzheng also had a gloomy expression on his face, and didn't care that Hai Rui was scolding his former teacher.

Yan Shaoting also frowned as he looked at the imperial edict that had just been delivered, which was to transfer Hai Rui back to the capital.

The decree was written very clearly, requiring Hai Rui to return as soon as he saw it.

This means that he must leave Jiangnan without stopping.

You don't need to think too much to know who is behind this decree.

Yan Shaoting smiled as he suppressed his irritation. "It's okay to go back to Beijing now. After all, things in Nanjing are almost done, and all the people who should be arrested have been arrested. Although Brother Gangfeng's return to Beijing at this time will reduce the help of the Yingtian Governor, the matter is done. Brother Gangfeng cannot disobey the order, and the Yingtian Governor's subordinates cannot disobey the orders of me, the Premier of Six Provinces. Brother Gangfeng should have this farewell drink, pack up your bags and return to Beijing to wait for our triumphant return."

After some explanation and consolation, Yan Shaoting began to plan his layout in Jiangnan after Hai Rui left.

No doubt, as he said himself.

If Hai Rui leaves, the strong support of the Yingtian Governor's Office will be immediately weakened, but it will not affect the overall situation.

After all, ever since the Nanjing officials came to apologize and were eventually arrested, the situation in Nanjing has been stabilized.

After all, with the Loyal and Brave Battalion at their side and Xu Pengju and his gang of meritorious officials defecting, Nanjing could basically not cause any waves.

The difficulty now is how to force the wealthy families in Jiangnan to clear out their land one by one.

Hai Rui was filled with resentment and anger. He slammed his fist on the table and looked at Zhang Juzheng with a fierce look in his eyes. "Uncle knows exactly what is going on in Xu Jie's family. In my opinion, since they are trying to stop us, we should start with the Xu family first! Once we bring down the Fu family this time, we will see how the other families in Jiangnan will shirk their responsibilities!"

There is almost a tacit understanding.

Hai Rui finally said the words "down with Xu".

Yan Shaoting was delighted that Xu Jie was being targeted by Hai Rui, especially since the latter was about to be brought back to the capital by Hai Rui himself. He was afraid that Xu Jie would sigh that he had been caught in his own trap.

Zhang Juzheng, who was being stared at by Hai Rui, had his face turning blue and purple.

"What do you mean!"

Zhang Juzheng asked back with an unhappy look on his face.

Hai Rui snorted coldly: "Xu! Get your former teacher down, so that they won't interfere with government affairs. Will you do it?"

Zhang Juzheng's face was tense: "What can I do or not do..."

Hai Rui's face suddenly looked dazed, and just when he was about to start scolding.

Zhang Juzheng suddenly smiled: "I am an official in the court, I respect my teachers, but I cannot go against my heart!"

"The official Zhang Juzheng wanted to be was not a student official of some cabinet minister or some deputy minister."

"What Zhang Juzheng wants to do..."

"He is an official for all the people in the world!"

…………

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(End of this chapter)