Chen Tingjing returned home, pondering today's events, and the more he thought about it, the more frightened he became. As an official in the court, there is no one who does not want the emperor to favor him. But the more he wins the emperor's favor, the more dangerous the situation becomes. If he is really replaced by Mingzhu's dismissal, I don't know how much discussion it will incur.

A few days later, Zhang Pengxi went to the household department to visit Chen Tingjing and revealed that the emperor wanted him to participate in the pearl. Chen Tingjing blamed Zhang Pengxi for not being so reckless, and said: "Lord Zhang, the emperor asked you to participate in the pearl, and specially ordered you to act in secret, how can you come to me to say it?" ”

Zhang Pengxi said: "The emperor meant to refer to the book in my name, but asked Xu Qianxue and Gao Shiqi to draft the bullet seal. Xu and Gao are not good people! ”

Chen Tingjing said with a straight face: "Lord Zhang, don't say any more!" ”

Zhang Pengxi said again: "Can't you draft the bullet seal?" ”

Chen Tingjing shook his head and said, "Lord Zhang, what should I say about you?" You are an upright person, a corrupt official who is afraid of words, and a trusted minister of the emperor. But you've got a brain over everything! ”

Zhang Pengxi said: "Gao Shiqi's greedy reputation has long been known to the world, isn't it a joke for him to draft the excerpt for the impeachment of corrupt officials?" Xu Qianxue is not only greedy, but also ambitious, bent on replacing Mingzhu! ”

As he was talking, the official came to report: "Lord Chen, the father-in-law of the Qianqing Palace is waiting outside, where is the emperor calling you." ”

Chen Tingjing said: "I will come immediately. The official went out, and Chen Tingjing instructed Zhang Pengxi to take refuge for the time being, "Lord Zhang, I will go with Gonggong Zhang to see the emperor first, and you will leave later." Recently, you have been staying in the criminal department if you are fine, don't move around. ”

Chen Tingjing hurried to the Qianqing Palace and kowtowed first. The emperor held a fold in his hand and said: "This is the bullet seal of Shen Mingzhu, drafted by Xu Qianxue and Gao Shiqi, I have seen it, you can take a look at it again." ”

Chen Tingjing took the fold and looked at it carefully. The emperor said: "I plan to let Zhang Pengxi come forward to participate in Mingzhu. ”

Chen Tingjing only didn't know about it yet, and said while watching: "This fold is also like Zhang Pengxi's tone." ”

Chen Tingjing read it twice and said, "Your Majesty, the minister has finished reading it." ”

The emperor said: "Let's talk about it." ”

Chen Tingjing played: "Back to the emperor, the excerpts of the people should be based on the truth word by word, and point to the real people and things. However, the excerpt of the ginseng pearl should not be too real, otherwise too many people will be involved, and I am afraid of chaos. ”

The emperor asked: "The bullet is empty, can it convince people?" ”

Chen Tingjing replied: "Mingzhu's bad deeds are obvious to all, just because he is high and powerful, everyone is afraid and dare not say it." Now if you want to join him, you don't need to say that you are ugly, you can also serve the world, and you will never wronged Mingzhu. ”

The emperor pondered for a long time and nodded yes: "Tingjing has a point!" ”

Chen Tingjing also said: "In the opinion of the ministers, the excerpt of the Mingzhu only detains the words of power-grabbing, greedy, hypocrisy, malice, treachery, and rebellion, and does a good job in the article, and there is no need to list all the facts. For example, if the pearl sells officials, you only need to click to the end. ”

The emperor sighed: "Yes, let the world know that the officials of the dynasty are all sold for real money, what is the face of the imperial court!" ”

Chen Tingjing hesitated slightly, and then said: "On this fold, there are more than 30 official names on the list, which is too many. In the opinion of the ministers, the emperor should tick off some names, no more than ten. ”

The emperor said: "There are more than ten." Tingjing, you can hook it. ”

Chen Tingjing was shocked, he couldn't do this. If one day the secret is leaked, his life will be in danger. Besides, it is difficult for him to determine which people the emperor wants to protect and which people to reject. Just as he was thinking about it, the emperor had already handed over the pen. He had to carefully figure out the emperor's thoughts and ticked off more than 20 people. According to Chen Tingjing's meaning, the names of Xu Qianxue and Gao Shiqi should really be added. Chen Tingjing and Xu Qianxue got along very well for some days, but Chen Tingjing slowly saw that Xu Qianxue was also a person at both ends of the world. Everyone knows that Xu Qianxue was originally a person who reused Mingzhu, but it was only because he was fledgling and saw that Mingzhu was gradually losing his holy will that he secretly defected. Gao Shiqi was originally a villain, although he was deeply favored by the emperor, he did many bad things behind his back. Chen Tingjing secretly thought in his heart, the emperor may see the ministers around him very clearly, and the favor and humiliation are left behind, just because of the time and situation. I don't know what the emperor thinks of him Chen Tingjing. Thinking of this, Chen Tingjing wet his back with cold sweat.

Chen Tingjing came out of the Qianqing Palace, but saw the eunuch leading the pearl to meet him. Chen Tingjing was about to greet him, but Mingzhu gave up his hand earlier: "Oh, Lord Chen, where did the emperor call me." ”

Chen Tingjing returned the salute, said a few words of greeting, and said goodbye. On the way back to the Yamen of the Ministry of Households, Chen Tingjing was puzzled. Recently, the emperor has never summoned Mingzhu alone, but why now?

Mingzhu entered the Qianqing Palace, and saw that the emperor was reviewing the folds, so he hurriedly kowtowed and said: "The minister Mingzhu knocks to see the emperor!" ”

The emperor got up and said with a pleasant face: "Mingzhu is here?" Get up and speak. ”

Mingzhu was still kneeling and said, "I don't know what the emperor has to call his ministers!" ”

The emperor said: "It's nothing. I haven't been to the south study for a few days, and although I listen to the government every day, I haven't been able to say a few words to you alone. ”

Mingzhu said: "The minister also thinks about the emperor." ”

The emperor asked some questions casually, and suddenly said, "I remember today, your birthday is coming." ”

Mingzhu hurriedly knocked his head and said: "The emperor is working day and night, and he has every opportunity, and he is actually worried about the birthday of the old minister!" What a sin! ”

The emperor smiled and said: "You are in front of me, and you are also a minister and a teacher." I respect my relatives and teachers, why shouldn't I? I want to tell you that your birthday should be handled well. It's inconvenient for me to go to your house for a drink, but I still have to give it away! ”

Mingzhu said: "How dare the minister accept the emperor's birthday gift!" ”

The emperor said: "What's wrong with the harmony between the monarch and the minister? The monarch and the minister are united, and the country is fortunate. I want to give you a birthday gift, and I want to be a model of harmony with you, so that all generations can follow suit! ”

Mingzhu was grateful, prostrate on the ground, and kowtowed: "Thank you, Lord Longen!" Ministers should be covered with liver and gall, and then die! ”

The emperor said: "Mingzhu, please get up quickly!" On your birthday, don't come to Yingmao, just rest at home. You've worked hard enough on weekdays, so you have to be comfortable for a day. ”

Mingzhu kowtowed again and said, "Thank you to the emperor for your grace!" ”

Mingzhu went home at night and sat alone under the garden tree, worried. Since Chen Tingjing spoke that day, Mingzhu vaguely felt that he had fallen out of favor. The emperor did not summon him alone for several days, and later he specially looked for something to meet the emperor, but he was blocked back by the eunuchs of the Qianqing Palace. But I heard the ears and eyes in the palace say that it was Chen Tingjing who the emperor had repeatedly summoned. Today, the emperor suddenly summoned him, is it really just to ask about his birthday?

Mingzhu shouted, "Antu, come and drink tea with me." ”

Antu, who was standing far away, hurriedly beckoned his family to tea, and sat down sideways. Mingzhu's Fujin also secretly stood next to Antu, and she heard the old man say that he wanted to drink tea, so she also came over.

Fu Jin was relieved: "Master, don't worry about it. You are an old minister by the emperor's side, loyal for so many years, his old man remembers your birthday, this is the emperor's benevolence! ”

Antu also said: "The little one also feels that this is the reason." Master, your birthday, we have to do it lively! ”

Mingzhu said: "I thought there would be a lot of things this year, and my birthday would be over." Now that the emperor has an order, he said that he would do it well, so he had to obey it. ”

Fu Jin said: "Naturally, you have to be lively, you are the first auxiliary minister today, you can't let people look at the cold!" ”

Mingzhu heard Fu Jin talk about the first minister, and his heart suddenly panicked. I am afraid that the position of the first auxiliary minister will fall into the hands of Chen Tingjing. He thought that there had never been a precedent for a Han person to be the first and auxiliary ministers in the dynasty, and Chen Tingjing might not be able to sit firmly! I want to fight with him for many years, will I take advantage of the situation to kill him this time?

Mingzhu was in a state of confusion, but he heard Antu say: "Master, many people are waiting for this day to come, and the master has to fulfill the filial piety of others!" ”

Mingzhu said: "Okay, I'll do the birthday Antu to do." ”

On the day of Mingzhu's birthday, Chen Tingjing went with Suo Etu, Xu Qianxue, Gao Shiqi, etc., and when he entered the door, he heard someone inside reading aloud "Shou Xu": "Mingzhu bears the virtue of Zhou Gong, the talent of Qi Guanxiang, the wisdom of Wuhou, the righteousness of Guan Sheng, the example of the monarch, and the model of a hundred officials......"

Mingzhu nodded and smiled, hearing that Chen Tingjing was waiting, he hurriedly got up to greet him: "Oh, you adults are so busy, I really shouldn't alarm you!" ”

Chen Tingjing said: "We have to go to the morning court before we can leave, it's too late!" ”

Suo Etu laughed and said: "The emperor said that he wanted to give birthday gifts, which of us would dare not come?" ”

Mingzhu said: "Let the emperor miss my birthday, I am really uneasy!" ”

At this moment, Antu preached loudly that the eunuch Zhang Gonggong of the Qianqing Palace had arrived. Mingzhu hurriedly turned around and greeted the door, and saw Zhang Shande leading two guards and four little eunuchs to send congratulatory gifts.

Mingzhu arched his hand and said: "Grandpa Zhang, how dare you work for your big driver!" ”

Zhang Shande smiled and said: "Mingzhu receives the order!" The emperor said that the pearl has been the prime minister for more than ten years, working day and night, and being diligent and prepared. Today is the auspicious day of his birthday, and he will be rewarded with 1,000 taels of silver, 50 satin horses on the inside and outside, 30 pairs of deer antler velvets, 20 boxes of white ginseng, and 50 jars of wine! Chin this! ”

Mingzhu kowtowed and thanked him, and got up to beckon Father-in-law Zhang to sit down and drink. Zhang Shande said: "I won't drink the wine, and the emperor may be able to call the slaves again!" ”

Mingzhu knew that he couldn't keep it, so he sent Zhang Shande and others to the door. Antu had already prepared the gift package silver and sent it one by one. Zhang Shande was very respectful in front of Mingzhu, and kept calling himself a slave, and he was very grateful.

Xu Qianxue and Gao Shiqi sat together. Xu Qianxue had a sentence that he had endured for several days, and at this time, while everyone was talking, he quietly asked, "Shiqi, has Zhang Wang's family looked for you?" ”

Gao Shiqi looked surprised and asked, "Zhang Wang's family?" No, I don't. I live in the Forbidden City, how can they find me? ”

Xu Qianxue was full of suspicion, but he didn't ask any more.

Today, Mingzhu's house is very lively, and there are banquets in the house, patio, and flower hall. Mingzhu sent Zhang Shande away, came back to greet Suo Etu and others, and said that he couldn't help it. The guests were seated, and Mingzhu raised his glass and said: "Mingzhu is in the phase, and I am grateful for the help of all the adults." The heavens have mercy, so that the old man can live longer, and in a trance, he is already three out of fifty. Life is geometric, and the past day is hard! Today, the old man is a little prepared to thank you! ”

Everyone raised their glasses and wished the Ming Prime Minister a long life than Nanshan and a blessing like the East China Sea. Everyone was about to drink heartily, and suddenly heard a shout from the door: "Congratulations to Lord Zhang Pengxi, the director of the Criminal Department!" ”

Antu approached Mingzhu and whispered, "Master, we didn't invite this person!" ”

Mingzhu smiled: "All the guests are here, Antu go and greet you!" It is rare for Zhang Pengxi to come to the old man's house and invite him to sit here. ”

Antu went over to invite Zhang Pengxi, and was listening to the door speaking very politely: "Lord Zhang, you brought this to drink birthday wine?" Our master can't read the "Life Order" that he received! ”

It turned out that Zhang Pengxi was holding a scroll wrapped in red silk in his hand, like "Shou Xu". Antu scolded the door for being rude, and respectfully asked Zhang Pengxi to follow him in. Someone came up to pick up the things in Zhang Pengxi's hand, and Zhang Pengxi said: "Don't work hard, I'll hand it over to Lord Mingzhu myself!" ”

Zhang Pengxi saw Mingzhu from afar, and said with a smile: "Humble Zhang Pengxi wishes Lord Mingzhu happiness and longevity, and glory and eternal years!" ”

Mingzhu laughed loudly: "Master Zhang, you can come to my house for a glass of wine, the old man is very happy." You just need to come, what else do you write "Life Order", it is all a false number of etiquette, you don't have to! ”

Zhang Pengxi said: "The lowly job is cold, and the silver can't be sent, so "Shou Xu" still has to be sent." I won't read it anymore, and I ask Lord Mingzhu to see it for himself. ”

Mingzhu was faintly unhappy in her heart, but she didn't show it, and took the scroll and handed it to Antu: "Antu, you can miss it." ”

Gao Shiqi said on the side: "Mr. Zhang's article is splendid, and the "Life Order" you wrote must be every word. ”

Antu carefully uncovered the red silk, opened the scroll, and was shocked: "Master, look, this ......"

Mingzhu took the scroll, dumbfounded.

Zhang Pengxi laughed and said, "This is my bullet medal for Lord Sam Mingzhu, and it has reached the emperor's hands!" ”

Mingzhu threw the bullet on the ground and pointed at Zhang Pengxi speechless. Zhang Pengxi picked up a glass of wine on the table, drank it all, shouted quickly, and walked away.

Mingzhu immediately calmed down, looked around at everyone with a smile, and then looked at Xu Qianxue and said, "Lord Xu, your head of the Criminal Department, Zhang Pengxi, is a member of me, and you don't know that the Secretary of the Criminal Department?" ”

Xu Qian was incoherent: "This ...... This one...... Zhang Pengxi has always been unruly in the world...... I ......"

Mingzhu turned to look at Chen Tingjing again, and said, "Lord Chen, how did Zhang Pengxi's bullet seal get to the emperor, you have been in the south study for the past few days, you should know, right?" ”

Chen Tingjing smiled and said: "Lord Mingzhu, Tingjing thinks that you don't have to worry about anything else, you just need to know whether Zhang Pengxi's participation is true, you might as well take a look first." ”

Mingzhu smiled: "I'll naturally watch it." However, the reason is real and false, it depends on the emperor's intentions. When the three feudatories rebelled, some people said that Mingzhu proposed to withdraw the feudatories. It's a fact! Some people also said that killing Mingzhu would put an end to the rebellion of the three feudatories. But the emperor doesn't believe it! ”

Speaking of this, Mingzhu looked at Suo Etu with a smile and said, "The emperor wanted to kill me back then, but it was you, Lord Suo." Mingzhu laughed.

Suo Etu smiled awkwardly: "Lord Mingzhu has such a good memory!" ”

Mingzhu raised his glass and said with a smile: "It's the past, it's just a joke, come, cheers!" ”

Gao Shiqi smiled and said: "Lord Mingzhu, you are the first minister, the emperor is the most favored, and the emperor also gave a birthday gift just now!" A Zhang Pengxi, what can I do to you! ”

Just because Zhang Pengxi disrupted the situation, everyone was a little embarrassed, so they even pretended to laugh, and the birthday banquet was very lively.