Chapter 464 Xu Jie's Theory of Children
Outside the Wanshou Palace.

As the palace doors closed, the people were separated.

Most of the officials walked in front and went out of the Wanshou Palace.

Yan Shifan and the officials of the six ministries, five temples, and the Ministry of Public Security were at the end of the list.

Walking down the steps outside the hall, Yan Shifan turned around and took a deep look at the tightly closed door.

The emperor's desire for balance is obvious.

A great opportunity to take down Xu Jie and his cronies in one fell swoop today was wasted.

The Minister of Works Lei Li, who was standing nearby, also sighed.

However, Minister Lei's sigh was directed at Yan Shifan, who had already left his position as the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Works and taken up the position of the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice.

Without Yan Shifan, Lei Shangshu realized how difficult it was to work in the Ministry of Works. Although the court gave him the position of Left Vice Minister, it was still not as good as when Yan Shifan was in the Ministry of Works, when he could freely devote his energy to various construction projects inside and outside the court.

If necessary, Lei Li felt that he could give up the position of Minister of Works and let Yan Shifan come back to continue doing the job.

At this moment, Yan Shifan stopped and looked back at the palace gate.

Lei Li then stepped forward quietly and whispered, "The Left Assistant Minister is in his prime. If he seeks a position as a minister in the next few years, he will have a chance to join the cabinet."

Lei Li's eyes were darting, thinking that since the Ministry of War can now have two ministers sitting in the Ministry of War together, why can't the Ministry of Works have the same one?

Just don't let yourself be involved in the messy affairs of the Ministry of Industry all day long.

Yan Shifan was alert. He looked around at the officials from various ministries who had also stopped walking. He smiled and shook his head and said, "Minister Lei, you are too serious. You know my temper. I am hot-tempered and direct. The position of Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice is more suitable for me. I am in charge of criminal cases and do not need to pay attention to personal relationships. If someone commits a crime, I will approve the document."

While speaking, he did not forget to glance at the Minister of Rites Yan Ne who was not far away.

Minister of Personnel Guo Pu, who was listening at the side with his ears perked up, also spoke up: "The batch of criminals from Nanjing will soon be sent to the capital. I'm afraid the Ministry of Justice, the Dali Temple, and the Metropolitan Procuratorate will be busy."

The Dali Temple Minister said nothing.

However, Ouyang Bijin, the Left Censor-in-Chief of the Metropolitan Censorate, said sternly: "The Nanjing officialdom has been shaken this time, and it has turned into a den of thieves. They must be severely punished!"

Yan Ne finally saw that the situation was not good and immediately spoke up: "It's just that they haven't been verified yet. This time they are brought back to the capital, just to check it out. There are so many officials in Nanjing, can they really be dismissed? In my opinion, the saints have also said that human nature is good, how can there be so many lawless things in Nanjing. This time it's such a big fuss, in the end it's still the country that is in trouble."

Yan Shifan, Guo Pu, Lei Li, Ouyang Bijin and others looked at each other and did not comment on Yan Ne's words.

It became quiet outside the palace for a while.

Yang Bo, who was watching the fun, glanced at Hu Zongxian, knowing that his partner, who was also the Minister of War, would definitely not say anything more on this matter.

So Yang Bo smiled and said, "But in the end, it still has to be decided according to the laws of the Ming Dynasty. The south is of great importance. If we indulge the wrongdoings in Jiangnan, delaying the grain transport, land tax and various taxes, then the nine borders will have no food and no military pay. Will those wolves from outside the Great Wall really come in and destroy the country?"

The few people who had been silent couldn't help but smile slightly.

Yan Ne said that the current political situation was causing trouble for the country, and Yang Bo retorted that someone was trying to ruin the country.

It's a confrontation.

But this is also logical.

After all, Yang Bo is a member of the Jin Party and stands on the same side as Gao Gong. This time, when the south of the Yangtze River is under attack, officials like them who are from the north will naturally rise in the court.

By then, no matter how much people in Jiangnan discuss it, I'm afraid the situation in the court will be beyond redemption.

obviously.

Because of Hai Rui's impeachment of Xu Jie, the situation in the court has quietly changed.

Although there has not been a large-scale petition supporting impeachment, people's thoughts have begun to take a turn.

after all.

Who wouldn't want to do something that would benefit someone in the end?
Now it is just a test. Once the emperor's true intentions are discovered, it will be clear what the current situation in the south has reached.

As for those who remain silent now, what will happen to them at that time is another matter.

After all, if the time really comes, even if the emperor is unwilling to take the last step, the civil and military officials in the court can help the emperor make the most correct choice, right?

Anyway, everyone has done this kind of thing before, and more than once.

Just as everyone outside the hall was scheming against each other.

Inside the Wanshou Palace hall with its doors tightly closed.

Xu Jie knelt down in public.

Although there were only a few cabinet ministers, the emperor, Lu Fang and a few others.

But what he did caught everyone off guard.

The great cabinet minister of the Ming Dynasty actually knelt down like this.

Is he really guilty?
Or do you want to ask for forgiveness?
Even Jiajing's eyes turned a little gloomy.

His current physical condition has made him unwilling to bear the various hidden dangers brought about by the unstable political situation.

At this time, the most important thing is to stabilize the political situation and pass the throne of the Ming Dynasty to his descendants.

All the rest of the things will be left to the new king.

This is also why he suddenly named the Yan family's grandson Wuyou a few days ago. Perhaps at that moment, the word Wuyou was also his wish for the new emperor of the Ming Dynasty.

Xu Jie, who was kneeling down, was also very straightforward.

"Your Majesty, I was born on September 20th, the 16th year of the Hongzhi reign, in Xuanping County, Zhejiang Province. My father was the county magistrate of Xuanping County. Since I was young, my father has taught me to study hard and serve the country."

"I was born in the Hongzhi Dynasty and grew up in the Zhengde Dynasty. In the first year of your majesty's reign, I passed the Yingtian County Examination as the seventh candidate. In March of the second year, when I was only 20 years old, I passed the joint examination and ranked third in the palace examination. Your majesty appointed me as an editor of the Hanlin Academy. The next year, my father died, and I was in mourning. I edited books such as "Da Ming Hui Dian" and "Si Yi Cheng Dian". "

"Today, I am already over sixty-three years old, and have been in the court for forty-two years."

"My honor is all due to your majesty's grace and appreciation. The Xu family's glory is also due to your majesty's kindness."

In the Wanshou Palace where all the ministers had left, the voice of Xu Jie recalling his life seemed particularly clear.

Hai Rui, however, felt uneasy.

Because he had already seen that as Xu Jie recalled the past, the emperor's expression was visibly easing.

The emperor is old!

Once again, Hai Rui recalled the issue that Zhang Juzheng mentioned when he was discussing various matters with Zhang Juzheng and Yan Shaoting in Nanjing City before he returned to Beijing.

The emperor is really old.

He even started to feel nostalgic.

Xu Jie continued without interruption: "I have been in the cabinet for more than ten years. I know that high office and generous salary are already a privilege, and I dare not slack off. My eldest son harmed the people in the past, and he must be severely punished and executed. I have no plea for mercy."

When these words were spoken, even Yan Song's eyelids twitched slightly.

Jiajing's expression completely relaxed.

Xu Jie sighed softly and looked back at Hai Rui, whose face was uncertain.

He smiled helplessly, shook his head and said, "Your Majesty, I am already over sixty years old, really old. Today, the Imperial Censor Hai impeached me for three serious crimes, and I think that maybe there should be some."

When these words, which were equivalent to a confession, came out of Xu Jie's mouth, Yan Song closed his eyes.

Although it seemed like an admission of guilt, Yan Song's many years of experience as an official clearly told him that Xu Jie was retreating in order to advance.

This step has been taken.

There is really no possibility of bringing down Xu Jie today.

At least, he couldn't disappear from the court.

Just as Yan Song expected.

Xu Jie then said, "It's just that I have been shouldering the heavy responsibility of the cabinet for many years and have not returned home for many years. The behavior of my nephews and servants is probably like that of ordinary people, reporting good news but not bad news. Censor Hai said that my family has occupied more than 200,000 acres of farmland from villagers. I was also very shocked when I first heard it, but after thinking about it carefully, they must have illegally occupied it, but perhaps not as much as Censor Hai said. But no matter what, since this matter should exist, I agree with the court to send people to Songjiang to investigate the matter. All the occupied land should be returned to the people immediately. I am also willing to use my old body to plead guilty on behalf of my stubborn nephews and evil servants."

What does it mean to be the person who truly controls the political arena?
This is Xu Jie at the moment.

His words of admitting his guilt and accepting punishment can almost be regarded as a textbook answer in official circles.

The first thing he did was to clear himself from the blame, turning it from Xu Jie's own illegality into something his nephews and servants did behind his back. This mitigated his guilt at the beginning, and then he admitted his guilt but did not fully admit it, and still insisted that the court send someone, which gave him room to continue his operations.

Finally, of course, you still have to plead guilty with a firm attitude.

in this way.

This is the fact that an elderly minister who was concerned about the country was deceived by his family and had to bear the crime.

Followed by.

Xu Jie added: "I have been in the court for many years and have been praised by the younger generation. Whether in the officialdom or the literati, inheritance has been emphasized since ancient times. Some young scholars have entered the old minister's house, and when they leave, they are called the old minister's students. Some officials have also entered the old minister's house, and when they leave, they are called people that the old minister relies on. But I agree with what Yan Binke said back then, that everyone in the court is your Majesty's minister, and there is no distinction between loyalty and treachery. At that time, I could not tell how these people behaved later, and whether they were loyal or treacherous. Now that Gao Ge Lao is in charge of the rectification of the administration of officials in our dynasty, I have always agreed with it. If there are any illegal officials in the court, I think they should be dealt with severely and severely."

Another textbook answer.

These two sentences had already refuted the first two charges against Hai Rui.

At last.

Xu Jie sighed and said, "In the 40th year of Jiajing, Censor Hai was working in the two prefectures of Suzhou and Songjiang. He submitted 32 memorials. At that time, Gujie Posthouse was burned down by a fire, and no one or anything was left. I knew about this at that time and was shocked. At that time, the emperor held the Ministry of War accountable, and the Ministry of War investigated and punished many people. Now that Censor Hai feels that there is doubt in this, I think that even if I am innocent, for the sake of those who died in the fire, the court should re-investigate this matter."

In fact, this is the place where Xu Jie is most honest.

Because in his opinion, the Gujie Posthouse happened four years ago, and even the posthouse that was burned down by the fire has been rebuilt. At this time, it is impossible to find out anything even if you dig three feet into the ground.

the end.

Xu Jie prostrated himself again.

Then stand up again.

His eyes were filled with tears. "I am old and I don't care about my family. I allowed officials to act in my name. This is my fault. I am deeply favored by the emperor and I am in a high position in the cabinet. All these incidents have happened. I will ask for the punishment myself and imprison myself at home. If the emperor is ruthless, I will be punished without regrets. For the sake of the country's innocence and the fairness of the laws of the Ming Dynasty, I beg for it."

Finished.

Xu Jie bowed all the way and did not stand up again.

Inside the hall, everyone had different expressions.

But these people were clear-headed and thought that no matter what, Xu Jie had managed to get through this day.

Hai Rui's face was as dark as ink.

Although I know in my heart that today's result will not be what I want, I cannot accept it if nothing changes.

But he didn't wait for Hai Rui to speak.

Jiajing glanced at him quickly, and then looked at Xu Jie who was lying on the ground, and said, "The Deputy Prime Minister is a minister of state. We haven't investigated what Hai Rui said today. Why are you begging for punishment?"

The emperor spoke.

Xu Jie then slowly stood up again, his face solemn, and said, "Your Majesty, the two capitals and thirteen provinces of the Ming Dynasty, with hundreds of millions of people, are like the children of this family, and Your Majesty is the father and ancestor of this family. As for me, I am the daughter-in-law in the middle, and I have to do everything according to my duties as a daughter-in-law, and I have to endure when I can, and give in when I should, and try my best to take care of both ends. If I really can't take care of it anymore, I have to let my descendants suffer, but I can't let my parents-in-law suffer."

"Of the three things Hai Yushi mentioned this time, especially the one about my nephews and servants occupying the people's land, I understand that this is probably true. This is because I did not manage my family well, and it is also my fault. I should bear the responsibility for what my family members did. I am in a position to serve in the cabinet, and even as a daughter-in-law, I cannot let this matter bring shame to the emperor. I also have my own selfish desires, and hope that I can take the blame and beg the emperor to be lenient with my nephews and servants who caused trouble."

That’s it for now.

The hall fell completely silent.

Hai Rui also completely lost the desire to speak.

Because the emperor has already made his attitude clear without making it clear.

Jiajing looked at Yan Song and said, "Lord Yan."

Yan Song raised his head slowly, thinking countless things in his mind, and said, "Your Majesty, I think Lord Xu has already said it, so the court should send someone to Songjiang Prefecture to investigate."

After saying this, Yan Song pretended not to notice the emperor's somewhat disappointed look and quickly lowered his head.

Not adding insult to injury today is already a concession in order to avoid causing a bigger wave.

As for taking the initiative to pardon Xu Jie, that would be too much.

Even if you are the emperor, you cannot ask this of me, Xu Jie's old rival.

Seeing that Yan Song was unwilling to say what he wanted to say.

Jiajing could only look at Gao Gong in disappointment.

Without waiting for the emperor to speak.

Gao Gong immediately said with a dark face: "I think it is necessary for the three judicial officials to send someone to Songjiang Prefecture."

After saying this, Gao Gong also nodded and lowered his head.

I finally have the chance to let the Northern Faction suppress the Southern Faction in the court. How could I miss it?
Jiajing's face tensed and he almost couldn't hold it together. Then he immediately looked at Yuan Wei and Li Chunfang.

Yuan Wei only took a glance and spoke first: "I second the proposal. Let's do as Lord Xu said and send someone to investigate."

then.

This guy actually looked up and observed the color scheme of the roof of the hall.

Damn it!

Jiajing cursed inwardly.

At the end.

Li Chunfang, who had been thinking about the current situation in the court, slowly lowered his head under the emperor's expectant gaze.

Li Chunfang whispered, "I think that everything is as Lord Xu said. It must be the family members who did something illegal. We can just send someone to investigate."

After saying this, Li Chunfang began to ponder in his mind how the Yan family had quietly won over so many people, even people from the Northern faction like Gao Gong and Yang Bo.

With this calculation, there is still Yuan Wei in the cabinet. Add to that the six ministries, five temples and three judicial offices, and the court situation is already very clear.

It would be better for me not to get too involved in Xu Jie's turmoil like Yan Ne did.

When everyone has finished speaking.

Jiajing's face also darkened.

He looked at Xu Jie who was kneeling on the ground, and knew in his heart that the ministers in front of him were dissatisfied with his hesitation, or they were hesitant about the current court situation.

No one was willing to speak up to defend Xu Jie and exonerate him.

At last.

Jiajing looked at Hai Rui with a dark face and some annoyance.

Hai Rui, however, had no scruples at all.

He stood straight with his head held high.

Facing the emperor's gaze, Hai Rui spoke in a clear voice: "Now that things have come to this, I ask Your Majesty to punish Xu Jie in accordance with the laws of the Ming Dynasty!"

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(End of this chapter)