Chapter 463: The Big Meeting Becomes a Small Meeting

The murderer is Xu Jie!

As soon as Hai Rui said this, the whole hall was in an uproar.

Almost most people are unaware of the fire that destroyed Gujie Posthouse four years ago. It also happened that that was the time when Hai Rui submitted 32 memorials to the two prefectures of Suzhou and Songjiang.

There's no conspiracy about this.

Now it seems that it is also full of dark forces.

Almost instantly, everyone's eyes were fixed on Xu Jie, who had been feeling uneasy since Hai Rui brought up the incident from four years ago.

Xu Jie killed someone!
Or he instigated others to set fire and kill people, and destroy the 32 memorials that Hai Rui had urgently submitted four years ago!

Such speculations and arguments have already arisen in people's minds.

And behind the beaded curtain.

Jiajing's eyes also shrank.

He knew clearly that Gujieyi was burned down by fire four years ago. Those thirty-two memorials...

He couldn't help but glance sideways towards the inner hall.

But soon, the emperor retracted his gaze.

With regard to that incident, I merely reprimanded the Ministry of War afterwards and did not take any further action.

just now.

This matter was finally brought up again by Hai Rui.

Three major sins.

Xu Jie had already committed acts of disloyalty, injustice and lawlessness.

According to common sense, as long as the evidence is conclusive, the person can be convicted.

"presumptuous!"

"Be bold!"

at last.

After a long period of noise and silence, the Minister of Rites Yan Ne, Xu Jie's number one henchman in the court, stood up and angrily denounced Hai Rui.

Yan Ne said angrily, "Hai Rui! The court has always been concerned with the facts, and solid evidence is required. Do you have any solid evidence to impeach Lord Xu for occupying farmland in Songjiang Prefecture? Do you have any solid evidence to prove that Lord Xu was fickle and did not care about the country but only benefited himself? Now you are talking about something that happened four years ago. Even if you did submit 32 memorials, could it be that the fire at Gujie Posthouse was really man-made? If that was the case, why didn't the court investigate it four years ago? Also four years ago, you didn't hear any response from the court, so why didn't you submit a memorial to discuss this matter again and wait until today, four years later!"

After a round of questioning, Yan Ne completely refuted the three major crimes of Xu Jie listed by Hai Rui.

But Yan Ne was obviously not ready to stop.

For an experienced official like him, today's events are nothing compared to the struggles in the court in the past.

Not only do we have to refute all of Hai Rui's arguments, but we also have to launch a counterattack.

Yan Ne coughed heavily and then said, "Today, the emperor summoned all the ministers to discuss matters in the Wanshou Palace. Hai Rui, you are the right deputy censor of the Censorate and the provincial governor of Northern Zhili. You don't know how to handle your duties, but you make random impeachments. The three crimes you mentioned about Lord Xu are all groundless. Are you trying to disrupt the court with your wild words? Or do you think that as long as you have the title of a so-called upright minister, you can make random comments about the court without any evidence from now on? Do you want to turn the Ming Dynasty court into a court for you, Hai Rui?"

He waved his robe heavily.

Yan Ne immediately turned around, holding the tablet high in his hand, and faced the emperor behind the pearl curtain: "Your Majesty, I think people like Hai Rui who have no regard for the law, ignore the government, and only know how to make random accusations should be severely punished and expelled from the court! You should also order the officials to investigate the purpose of what he said today, and whether there is anyone behind it, to get to the bottom of it!"

Following Yan Ne.

Young Li Chunfang also stood up.

Compared with Yan Ne's sharp words, Li Chunfang seemed more peaceful.

He spoke slowly and carefully, "Your Majesty, the court is a place for ministers to discuss matters, and the court has never prohibited censors from impeaching people. This is the system of the country and also a way for the court to correct mistakes. Although Hai Rui's memorial to the emperor involves the cabinet ministers, it can be seen that he has the country in his heart and is loyal to the king. However, in the court, it is not the case that whoever has the loudest voice is right, and whoever lists the most crimes will not be convicted.

"Lord Xu has been in the court for many years, and his deeds are well known to the court and the public. The reason why Lord Xu was able to work in the cabinet is that His Majesty trusts him and his colleagues in the court recognize him. Today, Hai Rui mentioned that Lord Xu and his family committed many illegal acts in Songjiang, but we have never heard of it. However, since Hai Rui is the censor of the Metropolitan Censorate and he has submitted a memorial today, the court can send officials to Songjiang Prefecture to find out whether the Xu family really occupied the people's land.

As for the fire that destroyed Gujie Post Station four years ago, killing all the postmen, and the thirty-two memorials written by Hai Rui four years ago were also destroyed in the fire, we can also send people to re-investigate the matter. If someone really set the fire intentionally, there must be clues. However, since it happened four years ago, Hai Rui's thirty-two memorials were not submitted to the capital for review, and I am somewhat suspicious as to why Hai Rui did not report it to the court that year. "

Compared with Yan Ne, Li Chunfang's attitude is more clear.

He first guaranteed the impeachment power of the court censors, and then immediately turned around and stated that since Hai Rui said there was a problem, the court would send someone to investigate it thoroughly.

At last.

Li Chunfang was also wondering why Hai Rui did not question the destruction of his 32 memorials four years ago, but brought it up again today, four years later.

Once such doubt is given.

Then people will inevitably begin to doubt whether Hai Rui's purpose for this action today is pure or not.

When Li Chunfang finished speaking, Yan Shifan's expression became even more tense.

It's no big deal that Yan Ne, the old troll, keeps cursing.

What is really fatal is that Li Chunfang's words, seemingly neutral and peaceful, are actually filled with murderous intent.

The first thing the court had to do was to send people to investigate whether the Xu family had occupied any land in Songjiang Prefecture. During this process, the court had to select suitable officials to go south, and then leave Beijing and arrive in Songjiang Prefecture.

During this process, the Xu family will inevitably have more time to arrange and deal with the occupied land.

By the time the imperial envoy arrives, I'm afraid they won't be able to find any problems at all.

Let’s talk about the matter of Gujie Posthouse. It happened four years ago and the posthouse has been rebuilt. What can be found out now?

Since nothing can be found.

In addition, Hai Rui did bring up the matter of Gujie Posthouse again four years later, so his impeachment this time would inevitably become the purpose of a party struggle.

For a moment, Yan Shifan couldn't help but take a deep breath.

fortunately!

Fortunately, I listened to the old man and did not rush to organize people to attack Xu Jie.

Otherwise, the fact that the Yan family was planning to start a factional struggle would be confirmed today.

Inside the palace.

Hai Rui's expression remained unchanged. In fact, he had anticipated everything that was happening before his eyes.

Xu Jie was the second-in-command of the cabinet at that time.

If they could be brought down just because of an impeachment memorial from me, with so many people in the court impeaching the Yan family back then, there would be no place for the Yan family here now.

In fact, Hai Rui was also conflicted at the beginning.

No matter what the Yan family is like now, they were indeed a scourge to the country in the past.

If he had been like before, he would have impeached the Yan family as well.

But after serving as an official in the local area for the past two years, especially after having closer contact with Yan Shaoting, he realized that the court wanted to do something.

Only by truly doing something can the people have a way to survive.

Changping is a clear example.

It's not that he has forgotten the evil deeds of the Yan family in the past, but after seeing the clear evidence in Changping and the transformation of the Yan family today, he will temporarily let this matter go for the sake of the stability of the court.

But that doesn't mean Hai Rui forgot to keep a close eye on the Yan family.

If the Yan family continues to do evil things in the future, he will definitely continue to impeach them.

but.

just now.

Obviously, Xu Jie, the Xu family, and the people behind them have clearly hindered the court from doing its work and the people from living.

There are priorities.

Hai Rui knew clearly what he should and should not do now.

As for whether some people would think that they are leaning towards the Yan family?
Let those people talk.

After thinking it over.

Hai Rui spoke slowly, "Your Majesty, I have here the book of the joint investigation of the land in Songjiang Prefecture by the Yingtian Governor, the Maritime Governor's Office, and the Taxation Office. I also know that impeaching the cabinet ministers is a big deal, but the court does not need to send officials to the south. It can order the inner court to send envoys to the south to question the premiers of the six provinces, the officials of the three judicial departments who were ordered to go south, the Maritime Governor's Office, the Taxation Office, the Governor-General of Zhejiang, and the Zhejiang Governor's Office. Are the things I said here today about the Xu family in Huating County, Songjiang Prefecture true?"

Then, Hai Rui took out another notebook from his sleeve.

This time, the memorial seemed thicker than the previous one impeaching Xu Jie.

He held it up with both hands and said, "Your Majesty, here is the detailed number of farmlands occupied by Huating County in Songjiang Prefecture. When I first heard it, I was shocked and broke out in a cold sweat. Hundreds of thousands of acres of farmland and tens of thousands of people have become slaves and tenants because of a high-ranking official. Is this the way of our great Ming Dynasty? I ask Your Majesty to read it and understand the sufferings of the people."

This time Lu Fang did not move.

Instead, after receiving the emperor's instruction, he walked up to Hai Rui, took the thick petition book which seemed to weigh a thousand pounds, and then placed it on the imperial desk in front of the emperor with a heavy heart.

Hai Rui continued, "As for what Li Ge Lao and Yan Shang Shu said, why did I not report to the court when I knew that the 32 memorials were destroyed four years ago? I know that the reason for this is that the land of the people in Jiangnan was occupied by high-ranking officials and wealthy families. If there is no more detailed evidence, it would be useless to report to the court. Just like when I impeached the cabinet ministers today, countless people spoke out to refute me..."

As he spoke, Hai Rui's sharp eyes swept over Li Chunfang and Yan Ne.

The two of them couldn't help but feel nervous, as if they were being targeted by Hai Rui.

"Because of the emperor's trust and grace, I was appointed as the governor of Yingtian. When I first took office, I investigated the land in Songjiang Prefecture. Now I have achieved my wish and everything has been investigated. That is why I am submitting an impeachment petition today."

As Hai Rui finished his words, the Wanshou Palace became quiet again.

Everyone's eyes were fixed on the emperor who was standing high above them behind the pearl curtain.

And on the throne.

Jiajing looked calmly at the question book that Lu Fang had placed on the imperial desk.

He knew it very well.

Since Hai Rui was able to produce this thing, then this notebook must have detailed what the Xu family did in Songjiang Prefecture.

only……

Jiajing looked at Hai Rui, who was alone. It seemed that Yan Shifan was the only one who echoed Hai Rui's words today.

Jiajing's brows couldn't help but frown.

The sight took in everyone in the hall.

Only Hai Rui and half of Yan Shifan spoke up...

Even today, because of Hai Rui's words, he somewhat understood that if there had not been people like Xu Jie, then when Zhang Juzheng called for reform, he might have really agreed and let Zhang Juzheng and Yan Shaoting and others carry out the reform.

But there are no ifs in this world.

If that really happened, then I would not have been able to walk into this Beijing city forty-four years ago and sit on the tallest chair in the Ming Dynasty!

then.

Jiajing's eyes turned to Yan Song, the Prime Minister of the Ming Cabinet, whom he still trusted the most!

"Lord Yan, today's matter..."

Yan Song seemed to have been prepared. When the emperor called out to him, he immediately spoke: "Your Majesty, I think since the matter involves the cabinet ministers and the second-in-command of the current dynasty, the court should also investigate it. Why not... why not clear out all the non-cabinet people here except Hai Rui first?"

Yan Song was very hesitant when he said this.

His eyes also swept several times to the memorial placed on the table in front of the emperor, but never opened by the emperor to read.

Today is a good opportunity to bring down Xu Jie, and even to bring down all the officials on Xu Jie's side.

But for now.

The situation is not optimistic.

Because even though the emperor knew what was in the petition that Hai Rui took out, he had no intention of checking it until now.

This is very wrong.

Still weighing the pros and cons?

Or if Xu Jie falls, no one in the court will be able to control themselves?
Many thoughts arose in Yan Song's mind.

But after getting Yan Song's answer, Jiajing couldn't help but feel relieved but also a little dissatisfied.

Although most people were going to be driven away, the cabinet and Hai Rui were still there, so this matter had to continue to be discussed.

Jiajing couldn't help feeling a little more tired. He knew his own body best. It had been getting worse every year. This year it was visibly getting worse, and his body was getting heavier.

It would be bad for the country if the court were to be in turmoil again at this time.

But if it is not dealt with, Hai Rui will probably not be satisfied, and the Prime Minister and his gang will probably have other ideas.

Jiajing sighed and said, "You all should follow the Prime Minister's advice and leave for now."

This means we're going to have a small meeting.

All the ministers accepted the order and withdrew, walking out of the hall away from Hai Rui.

Yan Shifan paused for a moment as he walked up to Hai Rui: "I'm afraid there will be changes, so just settle one or two things."

Hai Rui's eyelids twitched slightly, and he looked sideways, only to find that Yan Shifan had disappeared without a trace.

Followed by a clang.

The door of the Wanshou Palace Hall was also closed by the eunuchs.

My vision suddenly became dim.

Jiajing stood up, placed his hand on the last petition submitted by Hai Rui, and looked at Xu Jie: "Lord Xu."

Xu Jie's shoulders trembled: "I am here."

"Hai Rui said that the Xu family has occupied hundreds of thousands of acres of land, and that many of the family's children and students have committed illegal acts. What's more, the Gujie Posthouse was man-made four years ago. Does Lord Xu have anything to say?"

Yan Song sat on the soft stool and closed his eyes to rest again.

Gao Gong was calm and composed, and hadn't said a word today. It was unclear whether he wanted to say anything about this matter.

As for Lord Yuan Wei, there was some anticipation in his eyes. He wanted to see what else Hai Rui could say. He also felt that today's events would not really harm Xu Jie's foundation.

As for Li Chunfang, he had already lowered his head and was thinking about the political situation in the court.

Where is Hai Rui?
Hai Rui's eyes were still bright as he stared at Xu Jie, who was named by the emperor.

Just after the emperor finished asking the question.

Under the gaze of everyone, Xu Jie actually knelt down.

The second prime minister of the Ming Dynasty cabinet knelt down just because of a question from the emperor.

He knelt so cleanly and decisively.

Even Hai Rui's eyes flickered, somewhat incredulous.

…………

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(End of this chapter)