Ying Tian. This ancient city is like the water of the Yangtze River flowing through its center. It has an important place in the history of mankind. Since the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period. The state of Wu began to build a city here. Its legend began.

Wu, Eastern Jin, Song, Qi, Liang, and Chen are collectively known as the Six Dynasties. And they all use it as the national capital. Therefore, Nanjing is known as the ancient capital of the Six Dynasties. Until Zhu Yuanzhang was proclaimed emperor here. Changed its name to Yingtian. Here again, the brilliance of the imperial capital is glowing. However, it was not for long. After the success of the Jingnan, Zhu Di moved the capital to the hinterland of his hometown not long after. Beijing. And built an even more magnificent Forbidden City there. However, Ying Tianfu, as the capital of the Ming Dynasty, did not dim the light. This is the place where Zhu Yuanzhang raised troops to ascend to the emperor. How can it be wasted? Since then, Ying Tian has continued to shine as a companion.

Today, Yingtianfu still retains a nominal administrative team. The boards of the six parts and the Goshidai are still there. And there are also Shangshu-level officials. However, most of them are idle. Or punish some Shangshu who have made mistakes in Beijing. Let him go to Yingtianfu. It's just a flat tone.

Today's Governor Yingtian is Hai Rui. I heard that he was coming here to take up the post of governor. The people of Yingtian were very happy. And Hai Jui did not live up to the trust. As soon as he came to power, he vigorously inspected the administration of officials, taxation, and other issues. He even relieved a large number of corrupt officials from their posts by thunderous means. The people applauded. It also gave him a few more enemies. But Hai Rui, who has made countless enemies, doesn't care. On the contrary, he still goes his own way.

Now he has received an order from the imperial court to thoroughly investigate the annexation of land by local tyrants. The work has also been carried out impressively. In less than a month, Haoqiang from all over the south of the Yangtze River spit out nearly 100 hectares of fields. And it was sold to the peasants at the official price of the imperial court. The response has been very good.

It's just that Hai Rui doesn't know the mystery in his heart. Gao Gong ordered the imperial court to issue this edict. But it doesn't matter where else. Only to Jiangnan. Although it shows that there are many wealthy merchants in the south of the Yangtze River. Land occupation happens from time to time. But Hai Rui still knew that Gao Gong was to deal with Xu Jie. After all, Xu Jie's family has a vast amount of fertile land. It's no secret for a long time.

Hai Rui also felt that it was a bit too much for Gao Gong to fall into the well like this. However, since this matter is beneficial to the people. Naturally, Hai Jui will spare no effort. Although Xu Jie once admonished Jiajing for him. saved his life. But Hai Rui has always been businesslike. If only Xu Jie's family is left behind this time, they will not investigate and deal with it. The harm to the people is still small. I'm afraid that the decree will not be clear at that time. ruined his reputation.

Half a month ago. Hai Rui sent a messenger to Songjiang Mansion to thoroughly investigate the fields of Xu Jie's family. Just heard the message coming back. The tolerances sent will always be blocked in the open and in the dark. Hai Rui didn't suspect that Xu Jie's actions were outdated. After all, Xu Jie is also a person who has been a court zaifu. I would never do anything like that. Hai Rui originally thought that someone in the court was obstructing him because he was thinking about Xu Jie's favor. That's it. Hai Jui's bull temper is back up. On the contrary, it will strengthen the strength of the thorough investigation of the Xu family.

It's just that. Yesterday someone sent from Songjiang Prefecture overnight came with the news that it was four days ago. Xu Jie's family, including Xu Jie and his three sons, were kidnapped by a group of men in black. Hai Rui was also very surprised when he first received the news. But be still. He also sensed that something was wrong here. Although Xu Jie's family is a big family. There are many fertile fields under the name. However, it is not a rich businessman. If it is said to be for robbery. There is no risk of killing the head of the court to go to the first assistant. What's more, the young children of the Xu family's daughters were unharmed. This clearly does not make sense.

"Could it be that Xu Jie, in order to escape from the people I sent, pretended to be kidnapped." Hai Rui thought to himself. But he immediately dismissed the idea. If Xu Jie really did this kind of thing. There should be a better solution. For example, he gave the land to his hired farmers. It will be withdrawn after this turmoil has passed. Trouble though. But there is no risk. But Xu Jie didn't do that.

"Could it be that I really met a villain who didn't open his eyes." This is the final conclusion in Hai Jui's mind. Now he has no time to worry about it. The emperor's Qincha, the crown prince, the prince Zhongyongbo, and the commander of the Jinyi Guard, Zhang Fan, heard that they were going to come to Yingtian today. Hai Rui didn't want to pay attention to this kind of cham. But Zhang Fan came with the Shang Fang sword given by Long Qingqin. And he is the governor of Yingtian. There is absolutely no reason not to go. And Zhang Fan came to say that he was parading Jiangnan on behalf of the Son of Heaven. But Hai Rui could also hear a little bit of the wind. said that Zhang Fan came to thoroughly investigate the taxes after the Jiangnan switch. Hai Jui naturally strongly supports this kind of good thing for the benefit of the country and the people.

There is also a waterway between Yangzhou and Yingtian. And Zhang Fan did not choose to take the boat. Instead, he took Yingyue and a group of guards. Coming in a horse-drawn carriage. It's like there's something urgent.

Arrived in Nanjing. Out of Hai Rui, the governor of the heavens, came to greet him. Several Shangshu imperial histories accompanying the imperial court were also present. Zhang Fan first gossiped with these unwanted scholars. This is in front of Hai Rui.

Zhang Fan looked at Hai Rui. found that the person in front of him was born with a portrait of a clean official. I don't know if it's because Hai Rui himself is a Muslim. Don't eat pork. It's still really clear, and I can't even afford to eat. Raw, very emaciated. He wears a purple governor's uniform. The color is a little dull. But it's very clean. There are small clusters of embroidery on it. Wearing a flower rhino black veil on his head. Plus three long strands of beard under the chin. This man is both capable and majestic.

"Lord Futai." Zhang Fan greeted Hai Rui very politely.

"Lord Qincha has worked hard all the way." Hai Rui arched his hand to Zhang Fan. replied with an official remark. This means that Hai Rui does not hate Zhang Fan. But I didn't want to say anything more to him.

Zhang Fan has not been in the officialdom for a long time. However, the meaning of Hai Rui's words can still be heard.

"Zhang has just arrived in Yingtian. There are some things I want to talk about with Futai. Zhang Fan said with a smile.

"Please also ask for forgiveness from Lord Chincha. The lower officials are busy with affairs. I'm afraid I won't be able to find time to talk to adults in detail. Hai Jui rejected him very directly.

The officials on the side shook their heads secretly when they saw Hai Rui's appearance. I thought to myself that this sea madman was starting to get sick.

Zhang Fan listened to his words, but he didn't care at all. Always smiling and saying, "It doesn't matter. Futai-sama should go. After all, business is important. Zhang waited. ”

The officials of Ying Tianfu who heard Zhang Fan's words all showed surprised expressions. The other officials really didn't expect Zhang Fan to be such a proud young man. And he is also in charge of the brocade guard. But he spoke to Hai Rui in such a low voice. Hai Rui was surprised. If it's the usual ones. I'm afraid that the words with the tone just now have already made me angry. But Zhang Fan was so polite.

Hai Rui couldn't help but look at Zhang Fan twice. There are also some calculations in my heart: "Look at it this way. This Zhang Fan must have asked for me. But I don't know what it is. If it is illegal and unruly. This official must also participate in his book. He said, "In that case." Hai Jui is hosting a feast at my house tonight to entertain the adults. ”

"Very good, very good." Zhang Fan said immediately. "Zhang is looking forward to it." After speaking. Zhang Fan took Yingyue and his subordinates and walked away under the surprised gaze of Ying Tianyi's officials.

The night shrouded Ying Tianfu. But it doesn't diminish its brilliance in the slightest. The flower buildings by the Qinhuai River are lit up everywhere. The flower shop on the river is also brightly lit. From time to time, the sound of silk and bamboo came. Literati and writers are also eager to do it. People can't help but sigh. This thousand-year-old river can be described as "the area of smoke and moon in the six dynasties." A place where gold dust gathers".

It's just that the place where Zhang Fan went and here are completely different worlds. Hai Rui, as the governor of Yingtian, did not live in the compound given by the imperial court. Instead, they moved into a small courtyard where civilians lived. This is not Hai Jui's hypocrisy. After all, it takes a lot of money and food to maintain a big family. Most of Hai Jui's money was used to help the poor. I just left a little money and food enough for my family.

Zhang Fan saw where Hai Rui lived. I really sighed in my heart. Hai Rui really deserves the word "clear". It's admirably tight. Zhang Fan just brought a few guards tonight. Left Yingyue in the hotel.

"Lord Futai." After entering the house. Zhang Fan greeted Hai Rui. Seeing that Hai Rui's family was poor, there were no useless decorations at all. In the small living room, there is a song "Man Jianghong" by himself. The pen is vigorous. It also reveals a stubbornness.

"Since Lord Chincha is here. Please take a seat quickly. "Hai Jui has also changed from the previous coldness. Said quite enthusiastically.

Zhang Fan asked Liang Chao, who followed in, to put down the wine jar in his hand. Then he turned and went out.

"Your Excellency. What does that mean? Hai Rui looked at the wine jar. looked at Zhang Fan with some vigilance.

"Lord Futai misunderstood." Zhang Fan hurriedly said. "This is the royal wine that Your Majesty gave me. Today, I have also taken it to get drunk with Lord Futai. ”

Hai Rui heard that this was the emperor's royal wine. I was relieved. He also deliberately asked his wife to kill a chicken. prepared a wine and dinner that could be regarded as a big banquet at his house to entertain Zhang Fan.

Two people were seated. Zhang Fan personally poured wine for Hai Rui. Suddenly. The aroma of wine. It's so uncomfortable.

Hai Rui and Zhang Fan had a drink. Drain the wine from the glass. But he refused to put down the empty cup in his hand for a long time.

"Lord Futai. What's going on. Zhang Fan asked with some curiosity.

Hai Rui listened to his words and came back to his senses. Put down the glass in your hand. He said, "The sake that Lord Kincha brought reminds me of the time when I first tried at the palace. At that time, the emperor also gave all the Jinshi on the spot a glass of imperial wine for each person. After all these years. I drank it again. It's still mellow. The taste has never changed. It's just that. The court has also not changed. ”

Zhang Fan couldn't help but be a little silent when he heard his words. It's not that he thinks Hai Jui can't be reused in his life. Instead, I listened to the words that came after him. Not bad. If you leave the wine there, it will just get better and better. And the rest of the stuff stays put. but it will rot on the spot.

"What Lord Futai said is exact." Zhang Fan said. "The teacher also knows the reason for this. Today, he is the deputy assistant to the cabinet. But it's hell-bent on making a difference. ”

"Oh. Master Zhang also has this kind of thought. Hai Rui heard this. Big is curious.

"Not bad. My teacher has mentioned it to me many times. Zhang Fan said. I strongly agree, too. It's just that the time has not yet come. ”

Hai Rui naturally understood what he meant by the time had not yet come. But he didn't say much.

The two of them only cared about drinking. Nor do they speak again. Three rounds of drinking. Hai Rui felt slightly groggy. But he could no longer hide the doubts in his heart. said to Zhang Fan: "My lord." Just say it. Is there something going on this time? ”

Zhang Fan saw Hai Rui speak. It's not hypocritical. opened his mouth and said: "Zhang does have something to ask for. It is about the Haoqiang that Lord Futai is investigating now. ”

"Oh." Hai Jui listened to him. I couldn't help but think about it. asked: "I heard that the adults recognized their ancestors in Yangzhou." Whether ......"

"Futai-sama misunderstood." Zhang Fan hurriedly said. "Zhang's family is indeed doing business. Business is also good. But they don't take other people's land. There are only a few acres of unsuitable suburban wasteland used as a workshop. ”

"Oh. Case. I don't know if there is anything else that the lower officials can do to help the adults. Hai Rui heard that it was not Zhang Fan's family matter. The favorability of Zhang Fan in my heart has also increased a few points.

"Lord Futai. Why did the imperial court take back the land occupied by Haoqiang? Zhang Fan didn't answer immediately. Instead, he asked.

"Isn't it natural?" Hai Rui said as a matter of course. Haoqiang classified the land under the name of the gentleman. Naturally, there is no need to pay taxes to the imperial court. In addition, they exploited the hired farmers on their lands. Profitable. Naturally, there are a lot of them. The imperial court ordered the confiscation of the land in Haoqiang's name not only to increase taxes. It can also make the lives of those people who have been exploited more comfortable. ”

"Lord Futai's analysis is good." Zhang Fan said. "But what if the hired peasants don't want these powerful landlords to give them the land?"

"How can there be such a ridiculous thing in this world." Hai Rui scoffed at Zhang Fan's words.

"Lord Futai. It's a big deal. Nothing ever happened. Zhang Fan said. There is a reason why the hired peasants do this. Because you don't have to pay taxes. But the landlord would not exploit the hired peasants. Only a small amount of ground rent is charged every year. The hired peasants were better off than the peasants who had their own land. ”

"This ......" Hai Rui really hadn't thought about it before. Now Zhang Fan said so. Hai Rui couldn't help but think about it. He asked, "Is there such a person in this world?" ”

"Why not." Zhang Fan said. "Lord Futai is bent on arresting corrupt officials and corrupt officials. But I don't know that there are still a few bad people in this world. And more of them are good people. ”

"Who's that man?" Hai Rui asked.

"Former Cabinet Chief. Xu Jie, Xu Ge Lao. Zhang Fan said.

"It's him." Hai Rui was very surprised when he heard this. looked at Zhang Fan and said. "You're here for him."

Zhang Fan smiled and nodded.