After ordering someone to pass the news to the imperial concubine Shen, Lu Fang officially embarked on the road to the cabinet.

It can be seen that Lu Fang is in a good mood, and along the way, he is humming an inexplicable tune in his mouth, and his steps are very brisk.

In this way, after Lu Fang came to the cabinet, he did not wait too long, and was soon greeted by the officials respectfully.

After Lu Fang entered the cabinet, I saw that everyone got up from their seats one after another under the leadership of Yan Song, the first assistant of the cabinet, and saluted him respectfully.

"I've seen Grandpa Lu!"

Seeing this, Lu Fang waved his hand, and said with a smile: "There is no need to be so polite, our family came here this time to inform you of a great good thing in accordance with His Majesty's will!" ”

When Lu Fang's words fell, everyone in the cabinet was attracted to attention, and then, I saw Xu Jie take the lead and ask Lu Fang.

"Dare to ask Grandpa Lu, what is the great thing?"

When Lu Fang heard this, he didn't mean to sell Guanzi, and after looking around, he said unhurriedly: "Your Majesty said that after the child in the belly of the imperial concubine Shen is born, the imperial court will open Enke once next year!" ”

Lu Fang's words were like dropping a bombshell on a calm lake, and they soon caused an uproar in the cabinet.

The imperial examination system is divided into two categories: "Zhengke" and "Enke", according to the regulations, Zhengke is held every three years for the township, the examination, if the emperor personally examines, can not set up a roster to present, the license to attach the examination, generally speaking, as long as you participate, you can get in.

Therefore, the holding of Enke in the imperial court is a great thing for those who read, and it is an opportunity to change their lives against the sky!

"Your Majesty really values the unborn child in the belly of the Imperial Concubine Shen!"

At this moment, this is what everyone in the cabinet is thinking.

After this, I saw Yan Song looking in the direction where Lu Fang was, and said with emotion: "In this way, all the scholars in the world will rely on Your Majesty's kindness, Your Majesty Shengming!" ”

When Xu Jie heard Yan Song's words, a trace of disdain flashed on his face, only to see him glance at Yan Song quietly, and said secretly: "Hmph, whenever it's time to pat on the back, it's you Yan Song who reacts the fastest!" ”

After that, I saw Lu Fang look around and said with a smile: "Since the words have been brought, then our family will not stay here too long!" ”

Seeing this, everyone hurriedly bowed to Lu Fang and said, "Father-in-law Lu go slowly!" ”

……

After Lu Fang left the cabinet, everyone also returned to their respective positions and sat down, although Zhang Juzheng looked very calm, but his heart was already turbulent and could not be calm for a long time.

At present, King Yu and King Jing have lost the possibility of becoming princes, and next, the position of the prince of the Ming Dynasty will most likely fall to the unborn child in the belly of the imperial concubine Shen!

After all, at present, Honglu Temple and the Ministry of Rites have begun to prepare for many matters related to the canonization of the imperial concubine Shen as the queen.

Once the imperial concubine Shen is canonized as the queen by His Majesty, then the child born to her and Your Majesty will become a legitimate concubine!

At present, King Jing has taken up the vassal and completely withdrawn from the competition for the position of prince, and King Yu, who is still in the capital, is only the eldest son at best.

In any case, in terms of the priority of inheriting the throne, the concubine is far stronger than the concubine.

If you can seize the opportunity to become this child's teacher, then in the future, you will definitely be able to soar!

With this relationship, I can also realize the ambition that has always been hidden in my heart, through drastic reforms, to make the Ming Dynasty revitalize, become rich and strong, and at the same time let the people live a good life!

Thinking of this, Zhang Juzheng's breathing suddenly became rapid, and he began to think about the possibility of becoming this child's teacher.

"First of all, you can exclude Yan Song, Xu Jie, and Hu Zongxian, they are old and have no extra energy to teach the child, and secondly, Gao Gong can also be excluded, he is the teacher of His Royal Highness King Yu, so that the only people who have the opportunity to teach that child are me and Yan Shifan!"

"Although Yan Shifan is capable and capable of acting, his reputation is not very good, that is to say, in the future, I, Zhang Juzheng, will have a great possibility to teach this child of His Majesty!"

Just as Zhang Juzheng was in reverie, he only heard Yan Song's voice ringing in his ears: "Without further ado, let's hurry up and announce the news that the imperial court is about to hold Enke next year!" ”

When Yan Song's words fell, everyone nodded, and said in unison: "Yes, Yan Ge Lao!" ”

The efficiency of the cabinet was very fast, and soon after that, the news that the imperial court was going to hold Enko next year was officially announced.

As soon as this news came out, it quickly caused an uproar in the DPRK and China, and many officials began to discuss the matter.

At this time, many officials had already gathered near the bulletin board outside the cabinet, and the neighborhood was surrounded by water.

"Those candidates who will take the exam next year are really lucky, and they actually ran into this opportunity for the imperial court to hold Enke!"

"Alas, yes, it's really a good fate, the old man Haoshou has been poor for many years before he passed the exam, and then became an official, I didn't expect ......"

"Hmph, it's just a good fate, if you really want to compare your strength, they still can't compare to all of us here, but we passed the Zhengke and got in in with dignity, they are just Enke, and Enke is also a jinshi?"

"That's right, it makes sense, we are admitted to the main examination, and Enke is also considered a jinshi?"

……

On the same day, after being on duty, Yan Song, Yan Shifan and his son took a sedan chair and returned straight to Yan's mansion.

At this moment, Yan's study.

In the room, Yan Shifan looked at Yan Song, who was sitting behind the bookcase at the moment, immediately leaned down, and asked cautiously, "Father, do you have anything to do with the child?" ”

When Yan Song heard Yan Shifan's words, he raised his head, and after looking Yan Shifan up and down with cloudy eyes, he asked, "Yan Shifan, is there any movement on King Jing's side at present?" ”

When Yan Shifan heard this, he thought for a moment before he responded: "Father, since the officials who went to visit King Jing's Mansion before were all impeached, there are no officials, and they dare to go rashly!" ”

"And King Jing's side, there is no movement, as if he has acquiesced in this matter!"

After Yan Song learned the news from Yan Shifan's mouth, he couldn't help frowning, and said: "Despite this, we still can't relax our vigilance, we must keep an eye on King Jing, and report to me immediately if there is any trouble!" ”

When Yan Shifan heard Yan Song's words, he immediately arched his hand to Yan Song, and responded respectfully: "Yes, father, the child understands!" ”

Then, as if he suddenly remembered something, Yan Song looked in the direction where Yan Shifan was, and continued to ask: "By the way, how have you done about Yan Maoqing?" ”

Seeing that Yan Song suddenly mentioned this matter, Yan Shifan didn't dare to be the slightest bit lazy, and after organizing the language in his mind, he responded: "Father, everything is going well at the moment, and there are no less black cauldrons that should be carried by Yan Maoqing when the time comes!" ”

When Yan Shifan said this, he paused for a moment, a little worry appeared on his face, and he continued to add.

"Father, the child is still a little worried, you must know that the deficit of 13.7 million taels of silver in the Ministry of Industry last year is not a small amount, in case it ...... then."

When Yan Song heard this, he glanced at Yan Shifan, and said confidently: "Don't worry, as long as those people put their hands and feet clean, Your Majesty won't care about this matter!" ”

Yan Song's words, Yan Shifan's confusion in his heart was all dispelled, and then, I saw him bow his head and respond respectfully: "Yes, father, the child understands!" ”

After this, I saw an expression on Yan Shifan's face that he wanted to say and stopped, and after hesitating for a long time, he said cautiously.

"By the way, father, the child got the news that His Majesty has chosen a name for the child in the womb of the imperial concubine Shen!"

When Yan Song heard this, a look of interest suddenly appeared on his face, he looked in the direction where Yan Shifan was, and asked, "Oh, what name did Your Majesty take?" ”

Yan Shifan heard this, and after thinking for a while, he responded: "Back to his father's words, the child just heard the news by chance, as for what His Majesty named the child in the womb of the imperial concubine, the child is not clear!" ”

When Yan Shifan's words fell, I saw Yan Song take the opportunity to pick up the teacup on the table, take a sip, and then say with emotion: "Your Majesty really values this child, not only will you canonize the imperial concubine Shen as the queen, but also open Enke once next year!" ”

When Yan Shifan on the side heard this, he couldn't help but have a little shock on his face, and said tremblingly: "Father...... Father, you mean that according to how much Your Majesty values this child, it is very likely that this child will become my great master in the future......"

When Yan Song heard this, his face suddenly turned cold, and he looked at Yan Shifan with eyes that hated iron and steel, and reprimanded: "Idiot, how many times have I told you, this matter is not something you and I can discuss!" ”

After reprimanding Yan Shifan, he saw a dark and inexplicable look on Yan Song's face, lowered his head, and said to himself silently: "However, looking at this posture, if the child in the belly of the imperial concubine Shen is a son, most likely he will become the next prince of the Ming Dynasty!" ”

Just when Yan Song was still thinking about how to quietly change his position and get closer to this child.

I only heard Yan Shifan's slightly timid voice, which sounded in his ears: "Father, who do you think Your Majesty will let teach this child when the time comes?" ”

When Yan Song heard this, he couldn't help but feel refreshed, and after pondering for a long time, he responded unhurriedly.

"With the importance Your Majesty attaches to this child, when this child is enlightened, Your Majesty should choose a young and powerful minister with both ability and ability to teach him how to govern the country!"

"And the Cabinet needs to deal with national affairs every day, so it is only fitting that the Cabinet chooses the person who will teach that child!"

Yan Song paused for a moment when he said this, and then continued: "Although your father and I used to be the priest of the country, but now we are in our eighties, and we don't have the energy, Xu Jie, Hu Zongxian are the same, and Gao Gong, as the teacher of King Yu, is even more impossible!" ”

When Yan Shifan heard this, his eyes couldn't help but shine with a glimmer of hope, and he mustered up his courage and confirmed to Yan Song: "Father, do you mean that the only suitable candidates are left with Er'er and Zhang Juzheng?" ”

When Yan Song heard this, he shook his head and ruthlessly punctured Yan Shifan's illusion: "No, it won't be you, in the civil and military affairs of the Manchu Dynasty, the only people who can afford this errand are Zhang Juzheng, Zhao Zhenji, and Li Chunfang!" ”

Yan Song took in the doubts on Yan Shifan's face, and after sighing helplessly, he explained.

"Zhang Juzheng is a person who is talented and intelligent, capable of acting, the city government is quite deep, and is deeply relied on by His Majesty, not everyone can come from a military household, climb all the way to the position of the secretary of the military department and the cabinet elder!"

"Zhao Zhenji is also not to be underestimated, before this, although he served as the supervisor of the imperial history in the Inspectorate, but just in terms of His Majesty's ability to send him to Zhejiang to take over Hu Zongxian's position, this person is also highly valued by His Majesty, you know, this Zhao Zhenji is from a Shujishi, and it is not that there is no chance to enter the cabinet in the future!"

"After this, it is Li Chunfang, Li Chunfang is the champion of Jiajing for twenty-six years, and he is also the secretary of the Ministry of Rites, and it is understandable that the champion will teach this son of His Majesty!"

After Yan Shifan listened to Yan Song's explanation, Yan Shifan's face was full of unwillingness, and immediately, he bit his lip and asked Yan Song: "Father, does the child really not have a chance?" ”

Facing Yan Shifan's inquiry, I saw Yan Song shaking his head imperceptibly, and responded categorically: "Yes, no, Yan Shifan, you better die of this heart as soon as possible!" ”

When Yan Song's words fell, Yan Shifan's face was full of gloomy looks, and he saw that he lowered his head weakly, and replied respectfully: "Thank you father for solving the child's doubts, the child understands!" ”

Yan Song took in the expression on Yan Shifan's face, and after thinking for a moment, he continued to add: "Although it is said that we can't take shortcuts in this way, we still have other ways!" ”

When Yan Shifan heard this, he looked at Yan Song with a look of hope, and asked, "Father, what can you do?" ”

When Yan Song heard this, he withdrew his gaze from Yan Shifan's body, and said slowly: "The solution is very simple, we just need to work hard and let Your Majesty can't do without us!" ”

……

It has been a while since Yan Maoqing, Wang Ting and others set off from the capital.

At this moment, on the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, a fleet of four or five large ships and several small boats is moving towards the destination in an orderly manner.

Because Yan Maoqing, Wang Ting and others were assigned by the imperial court to rush to Zhejiang to investigate Ma Ningyuan's case, they were barely half of the ministers, and because of this, the soldiers responsible for guarding their safety were also extraordinary.

Perhaps tired of it, I saw Yan Maoqing walk out of the cabin, come to the deck, and breathe fresh air.

At this time, Yan Maoqing, with his hands behind his back, looked at the scenery on both sides of the strait, looking confident.

In his opinion, he not only successfully deceived Yan Song, but also was able to take this opportunity to make a fortune!

You must know that since the imperial court officially lifted the sea ban, silk, tea, and porcelain and other goods produced by the Ming Dynasty have become more popular than before, so that in the West and the countries of Fanbang, a boom has been set off.

Because the annual output of silk, tea and porcelain in the Ming Dynasty is relatively fixed, it has gradually become in short supply, and its price has also risen.

Take silk as an example, last year, a good silk horse could be sold for more than ten taels of silver in Western countries, and this year, a good silk horse can be sold for at least eighteen taels of silver!

Correspondingly, as a necessary raw material for the production of silk, the price of raw silk has also risen to a certain extent.

In previous years, a pound of raw silk was worth a tael of silver at most, but this year, the price of raw silk has risen to three taels of silver!

As long as there is enough raw silk, it can produce a large amount of silk, even if it is purchased at the price of three taels of silver, after the cost is removed, there will be several times the profit!

Not to mention, Xu Jie and the others plan to buy raw silk from the people at a low price, and the profit is at least ten or twenty times!

Then, I saw Yan Maoqing retract his gaze from the distant scenery, turned around, looked at his subordinates on the side, and then asked: "At the current speed, how long will it take to reach Zhejiang?" ”

When the subordinate saw Yan Maoqing's question, he didn't dare to slack off in the slightest, and hurriedly lowered his head and respectfully reported: "Lord Yu, according to the sailors on the ship, we will be able to reach Zhejiang in three days!" ”

Yan Maoqing was also very excited after learning the news from his subordinates, only to see him bow his head and mutter: "There are still three days to be able to get to Zhejiang, everyone, I'm sorry!" ”

……

On the other side, Zhejiang, the Governor's Mansion of Zhejiang.

It has been a while since the imperial court issued an official document to arrest Ma Ningyuan, the prefect of Hangzhou.

During this time, Zhao Zhenji did not relax for a moment, and he even let the people from the Governor's Mansion join in the surveillance of the Weaving Bureau.

Today, he received news that the officials sent by the imperial court to investigate the case will arrive in Zhejiang in two days.

Therefore, he specially summoned Zheng Michang and He Maocai to the Governor's Mansion to discuss the next countermeasures.

In the meeting hall of the Governor's Palace, I saw Zhao Zhenji sitting at the top, and glanced over Zheng Michang and He Maocai on the side.

Afterwards, I saw Zhao Zhenji cough lightly twice, and said unhurriedly: "Not long ago, this official got the news that the official sent by the imperial court to investigate the case will arrive in Zhejiang in two days, do you have any opinions?" ”

After Zhao Zhenji finished speaking, he stopped speaking and quietly waited for Zheng and He's response.

After that, I saw Zheng Michang get up from his seat, look in the direction where Zhao Zhenji was, and said comfortingly: "Lord Governor, please forgive your superiors, you don't have to worry too much, we just need to assist them and find out the truth of the case at that time!" ””

As soon as Zheng Michang's words fell, He Maocai on the side also followed closely and said: "Yes, Lord Governor, you don't have to worry too much, there will definitely be no big incident!" ”

When Zhao Zhenji heard this, a look of surprise appeared on his face at the right time, he naturally knew that Yan Maoqing, who was sent by the imperial court to Zhejiang to investigate the case, was the person of Yan Song, the first assistant of the cabinet, and was in the same group as Zheng Michang and He Mao in front of him.

With Yan Maoqing's help, many of the crimes committed by Ma Ningyuan will be reduced to small things and small things to nothing in accordance with the practice of officialdom, and they will pass so lightly.

But despite this, Zhao Zhenji couldn't help but feel a little worried in his heart, he always felt that things were not so simple.

"Maybe the official is thinking too much!"

Then, I saw Zhao Zhenji suppress all the chaotic thoughts in his heart, looked in the direction where He Maocai was, changed the conversation, and continued to ask.

"By the way, what's going on in the Weaving Bureau recently?"

When He Maocai heard Zhao Zhenji's words, he immediately got up from the seat, arched his hand to him, and replied without thinking: "Lord Governor, in recent times, everything has been normal on the side of the Weaving Bureau, and there are no suspicious people!" ”

When Zhao Zhenji heard this, he couldn't help frowning, a trace of worry flashed on his face, he lowered his head, and said to himself: "No, now is the time to produce silk, why don't those businessmen move at all?" ”

Zhao Zhenji didn't hide what he was thinking, only to see him come back to his senses, look at Zheng Michang and He Maocai respectively, in the direction where they were, and said in a deep voice: "This official always feels that things are different, you know, right now, it is the time to give birth to silk!" ”

The meaning of Zheng Michang and Zhao Zhenji's words on the side saw him leaning down and said respectfully: "What does the governor mean is that the Weaving Bureau and those businessmen are likely to be planning something in secret?" ”

Hearing this, Zhao Zhenji nodded, and said in response: "Well, that's right, this official is worried about this!" ”

After this, I saw Zhao Zhenji retract his gaze and ordered in a deep voice: "From now on, increase your efforts, give this official a moment to keep an eye on the side of the Weaving Bureau, and report any movement immediately!" ”

"In addition, the government should also pay more attention to see if there are any suspicious people recently!"

As soon as Zhao Zhenji's words fell, Zheng Michang and He Maocai on the side responded in unison: "Obey, Lord Governor!" ”

Seeing that the matter was over for the time being, I saw Zhao Zhenji wave his hand and commanded: "Okay, let's do this for the time being, you can leave!" ”

"Yes, Lord Governor, the lower official will retire!"

After that, Zheng Michang and He Maocai did not stop at all, and after bowing to Zhao Zhenji, they turned around and left the meeting hall of the Governor's Palace.

After walking out of the Governor's Palace, I saw He Mao stop, turned around, and complained: "Lao Zheng, I think the Governor is making a bit of a fuss, we have been monitoring the Weaving Bureau for so long, and there is still no gain, and the brothers are all complaining!" ”

When Zheng Michang heard this, he shook his head, and then said: "The governor is right, now is the time to give birth to silk, and those merchants have not made any moves, so they must be planning something!" ”

When Zheng Michang said this, he paused, and continued: "To be safe, let's do what the governor instructs!" (End of chapter)