Shen Mansion at dusk.

On the winding streets and alleys near the government office, vermilion-colored wooden fences are set up, and the officers and soldiers of the Five Cities Soldiers and Horses Division patrol back and forth, checking passers-by.

Shousuke's residence is second only to the palace in terms of strict security.

As the sun set, Lin Yanchao came to the door of the Shen Mansion in a carriage, and the curtain of the car was raised, and there were many officials' carriages parked in front of the Shen Mansion, many of whom came to try their luck to see if they could see Shen Shixing, and more officials also knew that they could not see Shen Shixing, but in their words, they recognized the road, even if they couldn't see Xiangguo, as long as they handed over a name post, it was their own respect.

Zhan Ming went to park the carriage, and Chen Jichuan followed behind Lin Yanchao, bypassed a column of waiting officials, and walked directly to the bottom of the steps in front of the stone lion in Shenfu, and several disciples immediately greeted him.

In the past, Lin Yanchao entered the house directly without notification, but today when the disciple saw Lin Yanchao, he came forward to stop him, although his attitude was respectful, but he did not have the courteous smile on his face in the past: "Master Lin, I don't know what happened?" ”

"Of course, I'm here to pay a visit to Yuan Weng."

"Master Lin, please forgive me, Xiangye is a little unwell today, and he has already said that he is not a guest."

The officials queuing up outside the room had already seen them, they were all from other places in Beijing on business, and the Beijing officials had not seen a few. Of course, they were dissatisfied when they saw someone 'cutting in line', but when they saw Lin Yanchao's scarlet robe, they didn't dare to speak, and now they saw Lin Yanchao being stopped in front of the door, and they all gloated.

Chen Jichuan's face changed, he went in and out of the Shen Mansion with Lin Yanchao many times, when did he have this treatment, he said: "Since you know the identity of our master, don't you even allow the master to visit the master's illness in the mansion?" ”

The man said: "The master said that there is no need to visit, and I ask the bachelor to forgive me." ”

Chen Jichuan wanted to say more, Lin Yanchao stretched out his hand to stop, and then said to Menzi: "There is something important in the next place today, I must see Xiangye, please report again." ”

Menzi hung his head and stood in front of the door, and said without moving: "The report is also a superfluous move, Master Lin should come back tomorrow!" ”

Chen Jichuan said suddenly: "Do you want to let me or not?" ”

"Please forgive me, Mr. Lin, even if it's urgent, you can't see me!" This disciple gave Lin Yanchao a deep look, his tone was very resolute, and his expression was even colder.

"Open your ......" Chen Jichuan was about to scold, but Lin Yanchao smiled and said: "Don't be rude in front of the Prime Minister's Mansion, since Xiangguo can't see guests, then please inform Steward Shen for me, so it should be okay!" ”

Menzi immediately said: "Bachelor Qiyu, it's unfortunate that Steward Shen has just gone out. ”

Even Shen Jiu is not there?

Chen Jichuan knew that if Lin Yanchao couldn't see Shen Shixing today, he would give up all his efforts and all his efforts would be in vain.

But no one knows why at this stall, Shen Shixing suddenly didn't want to see Lin Yanchao, and even Shen Jiu, who had always been a brother and brother to Lin Yanchao, was nowhere to be seen.

Many officers and soldiers in front of the Shen Mansion came over, and it would be a shame to have a dispute here, but it was also faceless to be rejected by Shen Shixing.

Lin Yanchao thought about it, and immediately said to Chen Jichuan: "Let's go!" ”

Menzi immediately breathed a sigh of relief when he saw this, and immediately said, "Please also ask the bachelor to forgive the sin." ”

Lin Yanchao ignored it and strode away.

Zhan Ming was about to park the carriage, but when he saw Lin Yanchao and Chen Jichuan coming out of front of the Shen Mansion, he couldn't help but ask in surprise: "Master, why did you come back?" ”

Of course, Chen Jichuan knew that Shen Shixing and Shen Jiu were not absent or inconvenient, but they were gone. He said directly: "Master, if we go around to the back door again, that door has received my favor." ”

Lin Yanchao said: "No. ”

Chen Jichuan said: "But master, if you can't see Shen Xiang today, tomorrow's meeting will be suspended, so all your achievements will be wasted." ”

Lin Yanchao said: "I have another way, at this time, the military department should not be dispersed, we will immediately prepare a car to go to the military department." ”

"Bingbu?"

Zhanming and Chen Jichuan didn't understand what Lin Yanchao meant by going to the military department at this time, but Lin Yanchao ordered, and they immediately complied.

Soon the carriage arrived at the military department, and Lin Yanchao immediately sent Zhanming to the concierge of the military department to inquire.

And he and Chen Jichuan were waiting in the teahouse at the door of the Yamen of the Ministry of War.

Seeing the officials coming and going at the entrance of the Ministry of War, Lin Yanchao simply closed his eyes.

Soon Zhan Ming came to the teahouse and said: "Back to the master, the concierge told me that the eldest prince Shen has not yet dispersed and should still be working in the office." ”

Lin Yanchao nodded and said, "Follow me downstairs." ”

As soon as the three of them got out of the teahouse, they saw Shen Yongmao and a colleague just walking out of the yamen of the military department.

What a coincidence, Lin Yanchao was shocked and immediately greeted him.

At this moment, there was an official standing next to Shen Yongmao, who was wearing a third-grade official robe.

Lin Yanchao didn't rush to greet Shen Yongmao first, but saluted the other party first: "Lin Yanchao has seen Lord Ministry. ”

This person is Shi Xing, the left attendant of the military department, this person is dignified, magnificent, very famous, and is regarded as a talent for emergency response by the officials in today's court.

However, Lin Yanchao knew that this person was responsible for the battle of Wanli to aid the dynasty in history, and his reputation was lost.

But who knows what will happen in front of him, this Shi Xing is now a well-known figure in the world, and he is now the left servant of the military department, and he is an important minister of the court.

And why is Shen Yongmao in the Ministry of War? That's because he was just promoted to the Ministry of War last year and is a full-time official.

This position is a prominent position, and Shen Shixing's appointment of his eldest son has naturally attracted the discussion of officials in the court, saying that Shen Shixing is playing a set of 'being virtuous and not avoiding relatives'. However, Shen Yongmao is very talented, and after being in this position for a while, he was appreciated by Shi Xing.

Shen Yongmao was stunned when he saw Lin Yanchao, but Shi Xing asked in a deep voice: "Master Lin, what is the business of coming to the military department?" ”

Lin Yanchao said: "Back to the Ministry Hall, Xia Guan just found a few pairs of calligraphy and paintings, please respect the middle brother to taste together, I wonder if the Ministry Hall also has this Yaxing?" ”

Shi Xing has always been indifferent to calligraphy and painting, and said immediately: "No need, the old man still has business, the two of you can do it yourself!" ”

After saying that, Shi Xing strode away, Lin Yanchao, and Shen Yongmao saluted him.

After Shi Xing left, Shen Yong said suspiciously: "Brother Zonghai, are you really here to see me to appreciate the painting?" ”

Lin Yanchao lowered his voice and said, "Of course not, I have something to ask for, and please respect the middle brother to help me with this." ”

Shen Yongmao was surprised: "You are an important minister, what can I do to help you?" ”

Lin Yanchao sighed, and immediately pulled Shen Yongmao into his carriage and explained the matter roughly.

Shen Yongmao was relieved to hear that Lin Yanchao wanted to see Shen Shixing, but he knew that there must be a reason why his father didn't see Lin Yanchao.

But Shen Yongmao owed Lin Yanchao a lot of favors because of some things, and the relationship between the two has always been very good, so he couldn't bear to refuse Lin Yanchao.

So Lin Yanchao said: "I just need to respect my brother and bring a message to my teacher." If the teacher still doesn't want to see me, then that's the case, and I have nothing to say. ”

Shen Yongmao listened and said, "Okay, then I'll give it a try for Brother Lin." ”

So Lin Yanchao ordered the carriage to drive to the Shen Mansion, and at this time, several capable men wearing ordinary clothes immediately spread the news.

Then several people followed Lin Yanchao's carriage from afar.

Lin Yanchao went and returned, and came to the Shen Mansion again.

At this time, the Shen Mansion was already in charge, and several disciples were taken aback when they saw Shen Yongmao and Lin Yanchao coming together, and greeted them together: "Young Master." ”

Shen Yongmao immediately reprimanded: "How do you do things? What is the relationship between Mr. Lin and my Shen family, no matter what, it should not be turned away. ”

"But, the eldest young master......" several disciples spoke.

Lin Yanchao hurriedly said: "Brother Jing doesn't do their business, they have always been polite to me." ”

Several disciples looked at Lin Yanchao when they heard this, and their eyes were full of gratitude.

Shen Yongmao said: "This matter is rude to us, even so, Brother Lin, you are waiting in the living room now, I will give you a reply no matter what." ”

Lin Yanchao nodded when he heard this, he is still the son of Shen, he is likely to anger his father in this matter, but he is still willing to stand up for himself, this friendship is really rare.

At that moment, Lin Yanchao was waiting in the living room, and the people of the Shen Mansion served him tea.

Lin Yanchao was restless in his heart, took a sip of tea and put it down again.

Lin Yanchao clearly knows that sometimes the key to life is just a few steps, but at this time, you are unaware.

Many things seem to be the same whether you fight for it or not, or it is useless to fight for it, but you grit your teeth and fight for it, and after you fight for it, you will suddenly find that the willows and flowers in front of you are bright, and the peaks and loops are turning.

Lin Yanchao was pacing in the living room when he heard footsteps outside the door.

Lin Yanchao looked like it was Shen Yongmao. He came to the living room and immediately said, "My father will see you in the study, Brother Zonghai...... You must be careful what you say. ”

"Thank you, Brother Jing."

Lin Yanchao calmed down and walked to the study immediately.

After passing through a courtyard, Lin Yanchao came to Shen Shixing's study. The door of the study was not closed, and I saw Shen Shixing and an old man sitting on the kang side by side.

This old man sitting next to Shen Shixing is none other than Yang Wei, the secretary of the current ministry.

Lin Yanchao suddenly thought that Shen Shixing was not a guest, and it turned out that he was talking secretly with Yang Wei here.

The first assistant of the cabinet, the secretary of the ministry, these are the two most powerful people in the civil service, and they are waiting for him in the study at the moment.

Lin Yanchao's heart couldn't help but beat a drum, and then he stood outside the door and said three steps: "Xiaguan has seen Yuanfu and Dazai." ”

Shen Shixing, Yang Wei didn't speak, Lin Yanchao just stood outside the door of the study without saying a word.

After half a ring, Shen Shixing said to Yang Wei: "Boqian, you should ask my uncompetitive protégé!" ”

Yang Wei smiled and said: "Brother Ru Mo, you don't know anything in the next life, just teach it slowly, it's not worth being angry." ”

Speaking of this, Yang Wei said to Lin Yanchao: "Master Lin, just tell me about your brother!" First Door! ”

"Yes." After Lin Yanchao entered the door, he was going to do everything at the moment.

Shen Shixing, after Yang Wei listened, he understood the ins and outs.

"I see," Shen Shixing was obviously discouraged, and pinched his beard, "Do you know that the old man has already planned to let Brother Boqian cancel your qualification to be an official tomorrow." ”

If it is said that it will be pushed, two officials will be elected, and finally handed over to the circle of heaven.

Then before the meeting, the Ministry of Officials will determine a few qualified officials for Jiuqing to discuss, and finally determine the two officials to report to the Son of Heaven.

There is only one vacant official position, and it must be promoted at various levels.

The officials have the right to nominate the winners, and the rest of the courtiers who are with the pushes can only vote and cannot nominate without authorization.

This official who was nominated by the Ministry of Officials for promotion was called a qualified official.

And after Lin Yanshou's incident, Shen Shixing really planned to disqualify Lin Yanchao from being an official.

As for the reason, it couldn't be simpler, if the official who was to be convicted was promoted, Yang Wei, the secretary of the ministry, would be the first to be held accountable, and Shen Shixing would also be jointly and severally responsible.

Therefore, it is extremely necessary for Lin Yanchao to come to see Shen Shixing, and if he sees him again tomorrow, it will be useless.

Yang Wei nodded and said, "It seems that Yuan Weng expected this matter to be good, there are really people secretly playing ghosts." ”

Shen Shixing nodded.

At this time, Lin Yanchao said: "Kaiyu Yuanfu, Dazai, this matter must not be counted like this. ”

Shen Shixing asked, "Will Ji be released?" ”

At this moment, Shen Yongmao wandered outside the door, and when the servant of the study walked by, Shen Shixing hurriedly asked, "My father, how is Dazai and Bachelor Lin discussing?" ”

The subordinate said: "The result has not been discussed yet, but the master has pushed down the meal." ”

Shen nodded with a smile.

After a while, Lin Yanchao walked out of Shen Shixing's study.

Shen Yongmao couldn't see the joy and sorrow on Lin Yanchao's face, so he asked, "Brother Zonghai, how is it?" ”

Lin Yanchao was still thinking in his heart, and after seeing Shen Yongmao, he held his hand and said with a smile: "Thanks to Brother Jing, I let me see my teacher today, this matter is ...... I'll tell you about it another day, for I have important business to do, and I can't linger. ”

After speaking, Lin Yanchao hurriedly said goodbye to Shen Yongmao.

Lin Yanchao walked out of the Shen Mansion, Zhanming, and Chen Jichuan stepped forward together. Lin Yanchao nodded at the two, they were both overjoyed.

"Before the business is done, is another carriage ready?"

Zhan Ming said: "It's ready." ”

So Lin Yanchao got into the carriage.

Zhan Ming took a shortcut to return home, and in a remote and uninhabited alley on the way, Lin Yanchao changed to a carriage and was driven by Chen Jichuan. The carriage had already stopped here, and Zhan Ming was still driving the empty carriage back to the Lin Mansion to hide from people's eyes.

After Lin Yanchao left, someone immediately swept out of the night and followed behind Zhanming's carriage to explore Lin Yanchao's whereabouts.

And Lin Yanchao took the carriage to the house of Sun Piyang, the secretary of Dali Temple.

After coming to Sun's mansion, Lin Yanchao did not get off the carriage, but asked Chen Jichuan to hand over the post.

Soon after, Chen Jichuan returned to the carriage and said to Lin Yanchao: "As the master expected, the housekeeper of the Sun Mansion replied, Sun Piyang did not want to see the master at this moment, he said that he would come to the court to tell him something, and he would never meet guests in the private house." ”

Lin Yanchao nodded and said, "It's okay, you go again, let the steward of the Sun Mansion tell Sun Piyang that the silver is fake, so it's okay." ”

Chen Jichuan nodded and went now.

Not long after, Lin Yanchao saw the small door of Sun's mansion open in the car, but in the night, he saw Sun Piyang coming towards his carriage with a lamp.

Seeing this, Lin Yanchao nodded.

The next day, Que left door.

This left gate is the side door of the noon gate, the door is east-west, because it is not the main gate, the status in the palace gates is not worth mentioning.

But for civil servants, it means a different thing.

Because the large and small court meetings of the Ming Dynasty were all carried out outside the left gate of Que.

Of course, the same is true for Jiuqing Huitui.

The meeting was initiated by the Ministry of Officials, and it was also presided over by Yang Wei, the secretary of the Ministry of Officials.

Now there are three cabinet scholars, six scholars, plus Zuodu Yushi, Dali Temple, and political envoys, a total of twelve ministers are under the door.

Unlike the court meeting, the participating officials are all standing, and when they will push, they are also famous for sitting or standing.

Will you push standing or sitting? It is recorded in the notes of the officials of the Ming Dynasty that when the ministers of the cabinet, the secretary of the ministry, the secretary of the military department, and the governor are elected, they are established.

When the squire is elected, and when the governor is elected, he sits down.

Today's Jiuqing will push, is to elect the right waiter of the Ministry of Rites, the day before the push, the subordinates have been informed of the courtiers.

There are now twelve chairs under the door.

Several bigwigs sat opposite each other, and Yang Wei, the secretary of the ministry, presided over the matter of pushing, sitting on the first chair on the left, and Shen Shixing was on the first chair on the right.

And Yang Wei was holding a few posts in his hand, which were worthy posts with the name, hometown, origin, resume, and merits of the qualified officials.

But seeing Yang Wei clear his throat and say, "Before reading the Kanren sticker, I will tell you a few things!" ”

Then Yang Wei said to Zhang Mengnan, the envoy of the general government: "Let the political envoy talk about today's chapter!" ”

Zhang Mengnan got up and said yes, and then said to the officials: "Today, the General Administration Department received two letters of impeachment. ”

"A letter of impeachment is the impeachment of Xu Xianqing, the head of the Hanlin Academy, for five major crimes, these five major crimes are squeezing out officials, entrusting wealthy businessmen, flattering things, arrogating fornication, and accepting bribes!"

"Another impeachment letter is the impeachment of Jiang Zunzhen, the former Taichang Siqing, who was careless in his tenure, and had a total of six major crimes such as entering and leaving the government after his dismissal!"

The members of the public have been through the storm for a long time, and they are all silent when they hear this, and it is not uncommon for officials to be impeached before being pushed.

Zhang Mengnan sat down after finishing the performance, and Yang Wei said again: "Dali Temple, you can also tell me about the case received by Dali Temple yesterday!" ”

Sun Piyang stood up and said yes, and then said: "Yesterday, Dali Temple received a case involving Lin Yanshou, the brother of Lin Yanchao, the young Zhan Shi of Zhan Mansion and a bachelor of Hanlin Academy, who offered bribes to Da Jue in the palace...... 12,000 taels of real silver were seized. ”

At that moment, Sun Piyang also sat down after telling the matter again.

Speaking of this, Yang Wei said to the officials: "After the old man received the holy decree of the Holy Lord's Meeting, he drafted a qualified official to serve as the waiter of the Ministry of Rites this time, and discussed with you when the meeting was postponed today. This gentleman is in the court, and the public opinion, this has always been the system of this dynasty, we have a public heart, I want to elect Sufu people's expectations, both ability and political integrity, for the saint to choose, but there are people who specialize in tricks, and it is difficult to fill the desire, so they take advantage of this to make a living! ”

At this time, the second assistant Wang Xijue, who was sitting under Shen Shixing, got up and asked, "I am stupid, I don't know what Dazai is referring to, can you make it clear?" ”

Yang Wei nodded and said: "Since the old man of the Wang Pavilion is inquired about, then the old man will also say it directly, among the four qualified officials selected by my ministry yesterday, three of them have been impeached and convicted within these two days!" ”

"Is it that the old man has no eyes, and the people who are elected to the court are all people who have brought disaster to the country and the people?"

When Yang Wei said this, his eyes were full of fierceness, and he swept over all the adults present.