In the seventh year of Chongzhen, on the day of the eleventh month of the lunar calendar, in the capital, above the main hall, as usual, the civil and military generals stood on both sides, and Zhu Youzhen sat on the top, and everyone discussed the gains and losses of Houjin's entry into the customs, and held some civil and military generals accountable.

After some court discussion, Chongzhen looked straight at Zhang Fengyi, who was standing on the side, and asked in a deep voice: "Zhang Shangshu, the Tartars invaded the Guannei and asked your military department to discuss the faults and responsibilities of the Shanxi generals, how did things go?" Is there a clear conclusion? ”

"After the emperor, Weichen and the lords of the military department discussed, after some verification and confirmation, the emperor Taiji caused chaos in Shanxi Datong Mansion and Xuanfu, so that the imperial court lost the opportunity, the governor Dai Junen, Hu Zhanen, Jiao Yuanqing neglected to supervise, and had an unshirkable responsibility, failed to find the emperor Taiji in time, and the governor Zhang Zongheng also had the crime of 'not daring to fight', and the three towns of the general Cao Wenzhao, Mu Ziqiang, and Zhang Quanchang also had the fault of 'fear of war', and the surveillance lieutenant officials Liu Yunzhong, Liu Wenzhong, and Wang Kun fled without a fight when the Tartars attacked the city, Failure to fulfill the responsibility of supervising the army. ”

Zhang Fengyi's words echoed in the hall, and every sentence was like a hammer, beating the hearts of the officials, shocking them very much, and the words were not only full of criticism, but also distorted the facts.

However, no one dared to reveal the truth, and everyone knew very well in their hearts that the emperor was extremely sensitive to the Tartars, and would rather kill them than let them go. Not to mention, Zhang Fengyi is not only highly valued by the emperor, but also has the support of Cao Huachun, a celebrity in the inner chamberlain.

Especially the matter of Yuan Chonghuan is even more vivid, although several years have passed, it still reminds and warns everyone at all times.

Chongzhen sat upright, looked down at everyone, and saw the ministers with a cautious attitude, that extremely "respectful" look, almost everyone bowed their heads slightly, and did not dare to look directly, Chongzhen enjoyed this kind of supreme majesty belonging to the emperor.

Perhaps it is that Houjin has withdrawn from the Guannei, the danger of the Beijing division has receded, Chongzhen's mood is not so nervous, much better, as soon as Zhang Fengyi finished speaking, there is no doubt that there is a fake, and immediately holds the shelf, and said in a majestic voice: "In this case, the will of the Governor Zhang Zongheng and the Governor Dai Junen are three tall camphor trees, and the commanders of the three towns, Cao Wenzhao, Mu Ziqiang and Zhang Quanchang, are all dispatched to monitor the lieutenants Liu Yunzhong, Liu Wenzhong, and Wang Kun are also full of pure troops. ”

At this moment, hearing such a verdict, the civil officials and military generals who had long been accustomed to it were even more cold, and their hearts were gradually getting cold, and they were upset for Cao Wenzhao and others, but they didn't dare to say anything, for fear that the gun would shoot the first bird.

At this moment, Gu Baoguo stood up in the middle of the matter, bowed down and saluted: "Your Majesty, Weichen has a plan to play." ”

Everyone was shocked, could it be that a small person dared to stand up for those people? Some thoughtful officials lowered their eyebrows and secretly glanced at Zhou Yanru, the head of the cabinet standing at the front.

The gods fight, and the best choice for these little ghosts is to watch, don't stand in line easily, and take a stand.

"Oh... Gu Aiqing, do you have anything else? Or are you dissatisfied with my handling? Chongzhen's brows furrowed slightly, and he also had the same thought, feeling that Gu Baoguo was trying to plead or defend those people.

"Your Majesty, Weichen has no objection to the doubt just now." Gu Baoguo still maintained a posture that was neither humble nor arrogant, his voice was raised a few points, and he said further: "Rather, the emperor, Weichen wants to participate in Chen Qiyu, the governor of the five provinces, this person fabricated facts, shirked responsibility, and framed others, please see, the emperor Please see, this is a piece sent by officials from all over Shaanxi, telling the actual situation at that time." ”

While speaking, a eunuch had already come down, took the music fold in Gu Baoguo's hand, quickly folded it back, and handed it over to the emperor.

At this time, Zhou Yanru, the head of the cabinet, stood up, with a calm and unhurried temperament lingering, and when Chongzhen browsed the twists and turns, he immediately said: "Your Majesty the Emperor, according to the report of Fu Yongchun and others in Shaanxi, when Chen Qiyu, the governor of the five provinces, besieged the rebellious army in Chezhou Gorge, he advocated appeasement, and the rebellious army was not only more than 35,000 people, but the three leaders of the bandits, Zhang Xianzhong, Scorpion Block, and Zhang Miaoshou, had more than 21,300 people, more than 1,500 people, and more than 9,100 people respectively. ”

Speaking of this, Zhou Yanru spoke, his body tensed, and an extremely angry aura burst out, permeating the hall and affecting everyone.

"Your Majesty, a glimpse of the whole picture shows that the chaotic army besieging Chezhou Gorge is no less than sixty or seventy thousand people. There were so many chaotic troops, but Chen Qiyu said that there were only more than 35,000 people, and only sent more than 50 people to escort them, Weichen really didn't understand, how could this not be an accident? ”

"Also, the emperor, officials from all over Shaanxi have come to report that when the rebel army arrived in Baoji County, Fengxiang Prefecture, most of the more than 50 pacification officials had been killed, or their noses and ears were cut off, or they were tied up and placed on the side of the road, and then they went to Baoji County."

Therefore, there is no such thing as the magistrate of Baoji County killing and surrendering, it should be that Li Jiayan, the magistrate of the county, found some clues and saw that the rebel army rebelled again and prevented it from entering the city. Moreover, the defenders of Baoji County did not clash with the rebel army, which is completely different from what Chen Qi said. ”

In an instant, even if some people already knew about these things, there was still an uproar in the hall, and at the same time, they knew very well in their hearts that the two factions had completely torn their faces and finally opened.

Although Chongzhen's expression was still the same, but there were earth-shattering waves in his heart, he didn't expect Chen Qiyu to be so bold and dare to deceive himself like this, and he had a choice in an instant, but he didn't say it immediately, but wanted to continue to see what the ministers in the hall would say.

As Chen Qiyu's sons and daughters, Zhang Fengyi has always kept silent and has not argued anything. With fox-like cunning and cunning, Zhang Fengyi deeply knows that if he goes to speak for his in-laws now, not only will he not be able to extinguish the fire, but he will burn himself.

As soon as Zhou Yanru said this, an imperial historian immediately jumped out and followed him closely, adding fuel to the fire and making the matter even bigger.

"Your Majesty, regarding this matter, Zhang Fengyi, the secretary of the Ministry of War, is responsible for the improper use of people. Moreover, it has become very obvious that the rebellious army is simply a fraudulent surrender. When Chen Qiyu lied about the military situation and fabricated the facts, Zhang Fengyi, the secretary of the Ministry of War, did not verify it clearly, this is a crime of negligence, and there is a suspicion of complicity. ”

Zhu Youzhen's expression had changed a few times, and he glanced at Zhang Fengyi with a gloomy expression, and then said in a deep voice: "Spread my will, immediately cut Chen Qiyu to the capital for investigation and interrogation." As for Zhang Fengyi, the secretary of the Ministry of War, he remembered the merits of restoring Dengzhou, and the merits and demerits were offset, and he would not be punished for the time being, and if he committed it again, he would be severely punished. ”

Suddenly, when everyone showed such a and unexpected look, they couldn't help but think of those people who had just been punished, which one of them was not a great achievement? However, the result of Zhang Fengyi's disposal is diametrically opposed.

What's more, the restoration of Dengzhou is the work of all the generals, and the civil and military generals of Shandong cooperate properly, how did it become the work of Zhang Fengyi alone?

As soon as they thought of this, some officials only felt panicked in their hearts, and their negative emotions increased sharply, and they became more and more dissatisfied with Chongzhen Emperor Zhu Youzhen. Those generals are becoming more and more cold, working hard for the court, born and dying, but they are not as good as some people who are good at flattery.

"Thank you, Lord Longen, Weichen will do his best in the future and seriously handle the affairs of the military department."

With Zhang Fengyi's kneeling and shouting, Zhou Yanru stopped a few officials who were about to move with his eyes, and did not let them continue to entangle, but turned to bow and salute, and said again: "Your Majesty, the banditry in Shaanxi is getting more and more intense, and the chaotic armies that have just been suppressed in other regions have a tendency to rise again, and the post of governor of the five provinces is not easy to vacant for too long, and I hope that the emperor will choose his good talents as soon as possible and preside over the military affairs of the five provinces." ”

"Lord Zhou, what you said is right, the governors of the five provinces really can't be vacant. In the past six months or so, it is necessary to have a person in the center to coordinate and coordinate the military affairs of the five provinces, so as to curb the arrogance of the chaotic army and effectively suppress it. ”

When responding, Chongzhen showed a thoughtful expression, nodded slightly, looked at Zhou Yanru directly, and asked instead: "Lord Zhou, do you have a suitable candidate to recommend." ”

After this action, Zhou Yanru waited for this sentence, and according to the excitement in his heart, he replied slowly and unhurriedly: "Your Majesty, Weichen has a suitable candidate in his heart, Hong Chengchou, the governor of the three sides, can concurrently serve as the governor of the five provinces. ”

Zhou Yanru slowed down his tone slightly, observed Zhu Youzhen's reaction, and saw that the other party did not show any displeasure, without any objection, and immediately continued: "Governor Hong Chengchou has been in the trilateral military for many years, and he is qualified for the post of governor of the five provinces in terms of personal experience and qualifications, as well as in terms of rank. ”

"The most important thing is. Hong Chengchou has always advocated thunderous suppression of the rebellious army, and it has been fruitful. If it weren't for the chaotic army in the name of surrendering the army and fleeing on a large scale in various places, Shaanxi would not have such a situation. ”

"Yes, I have also heard of it, and I have heard reports from officials from all over Shaanxi that the bandits in Shaanxi have been greatly curbed and gradually quelled, and even the number of victims wandering around has decreased a lot, which shows that Hong Chengchou has a great ability in suppressing bandits."

Zhu Youzhen nodded frequently when he heard this, couldn't help but praise a few words, and even more recklessly, and immediately issued his will.

"From today onwards, Hong Chengchou will be appointed as the governor of the five provinces, and he will also serve as the governor of the three sides, and he will be awarded the title of secretary of the military department, and he will be given the sword of Shang Fang, so that he can act cheaply and preside over the suppression of bandits in the five provinces."

Everyone in the hall was shaken, they didn't expect this to be the result, Zhou Yanru not only wanted to bring down Chen Qiyu, but also intended to support Hong Chengchou to go up, so as to weaken the strength of Wei Zhongxian's party in the imperial court.

Of course, what shocked everyone the most was that the emperor, who had always been reluctant for officials to hold too much power, actually let it go this time, not only letting Hong Chengchou concurrently serve as the governor of the five provinces, but also giving Shang Fang the sword and the title of Shangshu of the Ministry of War.

In this way, Hong Chengchou's power was greatly strengthened, and he was no longer constrained by the military department.

At the same time, Zhang Fengyi also knew very well in his heart that this was not only the emperor's expression of his favor and reliance on Hong Chengchou, but also beating himself, thinking of this, Zhang Fengyi was even more cautious and did not dare to have any objections.

On the same day, the content of the discussion in the hall quickly spread to Datong Mansion in Shanxi, and was known to Cao Wenzhao and others.

In Cao Wenzhao's residence, in the study, there were not only Cao Wenzhao's uncle and nephew, but also Shanxi Governor Wu Fu sitting aside, and Cao Bianjiao's indignant voice echoed in the study.

"Uncle, the emperor is too unfair, what is the 'crime of fear of war'? During this period of time, you fought bloodily, fought with the Tartars, were wounded again and again, and blocked the pace of Huang Taiji's southward movement, but now you have fallen into such a charge, and your nephew is not convinced! ”

"What do you say? Shut up for me, how can you talk about kings in vain? Cao Wenzhao hurriedly scolded, stopped Cao Bianjiao's words, and even looked at Wu Fu who was sitting on the side, and said apologetically: "My lord, I still look at Haihan, I don't understand when I am young, and I don't mean to commit a crime." ”

"Hey... Mr. Cao, I'm outside. Wu Fu waved his hand again and again, looking at the angry Cao Bianjiao, a trace of dissatisfaction flashed between his eyebrows, smiled slightly, and said disappreciatively: "Chief Cao Bing, don't say that the nephew of Bianjiao has opinions, even the official is also very dissatisfied, except for those eunuchs who serve as the supervisor of the army, which official and military general does not stick to the city and fight with the Tartars?" Now that he has finally blocked Huang Taiji's offensive and has to return to Liaodong, the people in the court have erased all this credit and effort, which is really chilling. ”

"Hey..."Cao Wenzhao sighed, his face was sad, and he said in a deep voice: "My lord, to be honest, the last general doesn't care about being belittled. At this time, the situation is unstable, and there are Houjin tigers eyeing the outside, often invading the Guannei, killing my people, and burning my city; There was a surging civil unrest, which became more and more powerful, and the repression rose wave after wave. However, those important ministers in the court were still indulging in the vicious fighting and infighting between each other, and put the country and society aside. ”

"General Cao, what you are talking about is exactly what this official is worried about, if you can't purge the Qing Dynasty program again, if the monarchs and ministers don't do their best, if the situation continues to develop like this, the situation will become more and more bad, and the consequences are unimaginable."

Wu Fu sighed with emotion, his spirit was lifted, he looked straight into Cao Wenzhao's eyes, showed sincerity, and said seriously: "General Cao, you can rest assured, stay in Shanxi for two days first, and this official will repair a letter, unite some colleagues in the court, and play the emperor, asking the emperor to stay in Shanxi and help the official completely suppress the rebellious army in Shanxi." ”

"Thank you for your kindness, then I will stay for two more days and wait for the news."

When the two were talking, as soon as they finished speaking, Cao Bianjiao said in an astonishing voice: "Uncle, Lord Wu, in my opinion, if you want to suppress the rebellious army in Shanxi and stabilize the situation in Shanxi, how can it be so simple? If we want to solve the problem at the root, we must start from the people and stabilize the people's hearts, which is the best policy. ”

Hearing this, Wu Fu and Cao Wenzhao showed a look of surprise at the same time, glanced at each other, smiled bitterly, and shook their heads helplessly, and the latter said helplessly: "Change Jiao, you are not the only one who thinks so, and you are not the first to propose this. ”