After getting Jiajing's permission, Zhang Rongfang slowly got up from the ground.

Then, I saw Jiajing wave his hand and instructed the eunuch waiting on the side: "Come here, give a seat for the British!" ”

The words fell, and soon a eunuch stepped forward, prepared a seat for Zhang Rong, and intimately covered the seat with a soft cushion.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Seeing this, Zhang Rong did not excuse himself, and sat down directly on the seat.

Jiajing looked at Zhang Rong sitting upright, nodded, and then spoke: "British duke, presumably before coming, Lu Fang had already told you the general situation, right?" ”

"Yes, yes, Your Majesty!"

After getting Zhang Rong's affirmative answer, I saw Jiajing retract his gaze and choose to go straight to the topic: "Well, since that's the case, then I'll make a long story short!" ”

"Didn't I say before that after the child in the womb of the imperial concubine Shen was born, I would let those clans and noble children who were included in the list officially set off and went to Banzhou in the southwest to take up their posts?"

"Right now, I think it's time!"

Although Zhang Rong had been fully mentally prepared before coming, when he really heard these words from Jiajing's mouth, he still couldn't hide the excitement in his heart.

After all, the Ming clan and nobles have been lonely for too long, and now they finally have an opportunity to rise, and they must find ways to seize it.

If you miss this time, you won't know when the next one will be!

Then, I saw Zhang Rong come back to his senses, get up from the seat suddenly, look in the direction where Jiajing was, and said in a deep voice: "I am waiting for Shiqing Shilu and resting with the country, so naturally we should also worry about the king, Your Majesty, even if you command!" ”

When Jiajing heard this, he couldn't help but feel a trace of emotion on his face.

Then, I saw him nodding and said loudly: "Well, okay, you are not only setting an example for my Ming Dynasty's clans and nobles, but also setting an example for the people of the world, and your name will be left in the history books in the future!" ”

When Zhang Rong heard this, his face was full of excitement, and he knelt on the ground with a 'plop', and said in a deep voice: "Your Majesty Shengming!" ”

"Well, get up!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

After Zhang Rong sat down again, I saw Jiajing look in the direction where Zhang Rong was again, and continued: "The British public thinks, when is the right time to leave?" ”

When Zhang Rong heard this, after pondering for a while, he responded: "Your Majesty, Weichen feels that the initial decision of Banzhou is now the time when people's hearts are fluctuating, so you might as well send someone to go as soon as possible, what do you think?" ”

Regarding Zhang Rong's suggestion, Jiajing only thought about it for a while and agreed, because Jiajing knew that the clan and nobles had been waiting for this opportunity for too long.

After that, the two sides discussed the details for a long time, and then Zhang Rong said goodbye and left.

After walking out of the Qianqing Palace, I saw Zhang Rong taking a greedy breath of air, clenching his fists, and his face was full of anticipation.

……

After leaving the Forbidden City, Zhang Rong immediately summoned the Duke of Chengguo, the Duke of Dingguo, and all the nobles of the Ming Dynasty to the British Mansion.

After a while, those clans and nobles who received the news rushed to the British Mansion as quickly as possible.

Because they knew that Zhang Rong chose to convene everyone at this time, there must be something unusually important to announce.

At this moment, the hall used by the British government to entertain guests was already full of people.

Everyone is guessing Zhang Rong's purpose for gathering everyone, and their eyes are full of anticipation when they look at Zhang Rong.

Zhang Rong saw that the people had almost arrived, and after coughing lightly twice, he faced everyone and said in a deep voice: "Ahem, everyone, I can't hide it, I went to the Qianqing Palace not long ago!" ”

Zhu Xizhong, the Duke of Chengguo on the side, heard Zhang Rong's words, a trace of eagerness flashed on his face, and he urged: "British Duke, don't sell Guanzi, is Your Majesty looking for you for that matter?" ”

When Chengguo Gong Zhu Xizhong's words fell, everyone's eyes fell on Zhang Rong's body, waiting for his response.

Facing everyone's expectant eyes, I saw Zhang Rong nodding and said loudly: "Well, that's right, Your Majesty's side has already decided, three days later, those clans and noble children who were previously selected to be sent to the list will officially set off and go to Banzhou in the southwest to take up their posts!" ”

Because this news is too impactful for these clans and nobles present.

Therefore, they were stunned for a long time before they reacted, and their faces were full of disbelief.

But it was followed by a deafening cheer.

Then, I saw Zhu Xizhong, the Duke of Chengguo, stand up with a serious face, face everyone, and repeat his attitude again: "We are all the nobles of the Ming Dynasty, and we are the same spirit, one is prosperous, and one is lost, and we should help each other......"

……

After the discussion, a large number of clan nobles such as Chengguo Gong, Dingguo Gong, Wuqing Hou, Xincheng Hou, etc., left the British Mansion one after another.

After this, Zhang Rong ordered someone to call his son Zhang Yuangong to the study.

"Father, do you have anything to do with the child?"

In the study, Zhang Yuangong looked at Zhang Rong, who was facing away from him and didn't say a word, and asked nervously.

Hearing this, Zhang Rong turned around, and after looking Zhang Yuangong up and down, he pointed to the vacant seat on the side, and commanded in a cold voice: "Sit!" ”

When Zhang Yuangong heard this, he did not hesitate at all, and even if he sat down on the empty chair that Zhang Rong was referring to, the whole person sat upright, not daring to make any moves.

After this, I saw Zhang Rong retract his gaze and said slowly: "Do you know that Dad came to you this time for something?" ”

Facing Zhang Rong's inquiry, Zhang Yuangong's face couldn't help but show doubt.

Immediately afterwards, Zhang Yuangong searched carefully in his mind, and after confirming that he had not made any mistakes recently, he shook his head and responded: "Back to my father, the child doesn't know!" ”

Zhang Rong took in the expression on Zhang Yuangong's face, only to see him shake his head imperceptibly, and said slowly: "Your father and I went to the Qianqing Palace today to meet Your Majesty!" ”

When Zhang Yuangong heard this, a trace of hesitation flashed on his face, and he mustered up his courage and confirmed to Zhang Rong: "Father, do you mean that the child will soon go to Banzhou to take up a post?" ”

Hearing this, Zhang Rong glanced at Zhang Yuangong and nodded: "Well, that's right, you clans and noble sons who have been included in the list by His Majesty will set off in three days!" ”

When Zhang Rong said this, he didn't wait for Zhang Yuangong to respond, and continued: "Dad called you over today, because he has something to say to you!" ”

"This place in Banshu not only has many ethnic groups, but also has high mountains and dense forests, steep terrain, and miasma!"

"The environment in that place is bad, and if you don't pay attention to it, you will be easy to get sick, and if you get sick in that place, there is basically no cure, you must pay more attention to your body, don't let your mother worry!"

"In addition, the imperial court this time is to implement the policy of changing the land and returning to the river in Banzhou, which is not as good as the capital, and you must pay more attention to everything, do you understand?"

When Zhang Yuangong heard Zhang Rong's words, he couldn't help but feel a trace of warmth in his heart, since he could remember, he had never seen Zhang Rong speak like this.

Then, I saw Zhang Yuangong's face full of gratitude, leaned down, and responded in a deep voice: "Thank you father for reminding me, the child understands!" ”

……

It has been several days since Zhao Zhenji personally led troops to surround the Weaving Bureau.

At present, although the weaving bureau is temporarily managed by the political envoy department, it is also operating normally, and there is no big difference.

Zhejiang, Zhejiang's Governor's Palace.

Today, Zheng Michang, He Maocai, Qi Jiguang, Yu Dayou and others gathered in the meeting hall of the Governor's Mansion to report to Zhao Zhenji on the achievements of the past few days.

"Your Excellency, since you ordered someone to post a notice, those people have enthusiastically reported it, and the government has caught a lot of businessmen!"

"Right now, there are not many businessmen who dare to take the risk and buy raw silk in the hands of the people at a low price!"

Zheng Michang said this, and a hint of happiness flashed in his eyes.

If there is no decisive action by Zhao Zhenji, then most of the raw silk in the hands of the people will not be able to be saved.

At that time, in order to give an explanation to the imperial court, he Zheng Michang will definitely be thrown out as a scapegoat and end up with the same fate as Ma Ningyuan.

After Zhao Zhenji learned the news from Zheng Michang's mouth, there was not much surprise on his face, he just nodded and ordered: "Well, good job, hurry up and interrogate those businessmen, and try to get some valuable confessions from them!" ”

When Zheng Michang heard this, his expression immediately turned grim, he lowered his head, and responded in a deep voice: "Yes, Lord Governor!" ”

After Zheng Michang, Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou on the side also got up from their seats one after another and told Zhao Zhenji about the gains in recent days.

"It seems that the raw silk in the hands of the people of Zhejiang has finally been saved!"

Just when Zhao Zhenji was so emotional, he Maocai on the side stood up, scratched his head, and said cautiously: "Patrol...... Lord Governor, seeing that the triennial plan of the imperial court is coming soon, you see ......"

Zhao Zhenji took in the expression on He Maocai's face, raised his eyebrows, and commanded: "After the official comes down later, I will write you the examination language!" ”

The great plan of the Ming Dynasty began in the eleventh year of Hongwu, when Zhu Yuanzhang, the Taizu of the Ming Dynasty, ordered the officials to evaluate the officials who met the "palace most", the upper class was the most, and the lower class was the palace.

The officials were appointed to hold banquets in the inner court, and the officials were seated according to the results of the assessment.

Those who are competent and without fault shall be given a seat and eat for the sake of superiority, and those who are at fault and still competent, shall be medium and shall eat while standing, and those who are at fault and incompetent shall be punished by standing in a line outside the door and shall watch others eat, and shall not leave until the feast has been dispersed.

Since then, the triennial plan has become the imperial court's assessment of foreign officials, who mainly include military and political, civil affairs, and judicial officials.

As for the Beijing officials of the Central Committee and the Six Ministries and Nine Secretaries, there is another set of assessment system, the assessment system for Beijing officials, called Jingcha, Jingcha once every six years, Beijing officials above the fourth grade, only need to write their own work report, submitted to the Ministry of Officials for assessment, and their promotion and retention are decided by the emperor.

And every time the triennial plan comes, the governor of a province needs to judge the officials under the jurisdiction of the province according to their talents, political achievements, age, and performance status.

At this time, those officials in charge of military administration, civil affairs, and justice all tremble and pray that their superiors will give them a good evaluation.

And He Maocai is even more so, as a procurator in Zhejiang, he is in charge of the impeachment of a provincial criminal name, in addition, he also shoulders the responsibilities of supervising the promotion of education, military equipment, raising the people, the Qing army, the post transmission, patrolling the sea, supervising the army, water conservancy, and reclamation.

If you don't pay attention to these errands, you will be prone to problems, and once there is a problem at this juncture, then He Maocai, as the envoy of Zhejiang, will be unable to escape the blame.

It is precisely because of this that He Mao mentioned this matter to Zhao Zhenji, who is the governor of Zhejiang, in front of everyone.

He Maocai didn't dare to ask for the best evaluation, he only hoped that Zhao Zhenji could give him a medium evaluation and keep his current position.

When Zhao Zhenji's words fell, I saw a grateful look on He Maocai's face, and I saw him lower his head and respond in a deep voice: "Thank you, Lord Xun!" ”

When Zhao Zhenji heard this, he bowed slightly to He Maocai in response.

Although Zhao Zhenji has not been in office for a long time, he knows He Maocai well, and his talent and political achievements can barely be obtained, an upper-average evaluation.

But even if it is a middle-to-upper evaluation, no more than half of the officials in the Ming Dynasty can really receive this evaluation, and the vast majority of them are mediocre and incompetent.

……

At this moment, He Maocai, who was on the side, seemed to suddenly remember something, looked in the direction where Zhao Zhenji was, and continued.

"By the way, Lord Governor, the Inspectorate of the Lower Officials is mainly responsible for the interrogation of those merchants!"

"Recently, Xia Guan learned from the confessions of some businessmen that before this, the Yuan family in Jiaxing was suspected of cooperating with these businessmen to jointly lower the price in order to buy raw silk in the hands of the people!"

"And before that, Yuan Kui, the young master of the Yuan family in Jiaxing, saw that he had the intention to forcibly occupy a common man's wife and beat her husband to serious injury.

When He Maocai said this, he paused for a moment, and then added: "During this period, the Yuan family sent people to invite the lower officials to the banquet more than once, but they were all rejected by the lower officials, Lord Governor, what do you ......think?"

Before He Maocai's words were finished, Zhao Zhenji couldn't hide the excitement on his face, got up from the seat suddenly, and asked, "Are what you just said true?" ”

The people present obviously didn't expect that Zhao Zhenji, who had always been calm and light-hearted, would have such a big reaction, and couldn't help but be stunned for a moment.

After He Maocai noticed Zhao Zhenji's gaze falling on him, he couldn't help but panic, and after secretly swallowing a mouthful of saliva, he replied respectfully: "Your Excellency, this matter is true, and there is no half-false!" ”

After receiving He Maocai's affirmative answer, Zhao Zhenji's face was full of relief.

After all, he Zhao Zhenji came to Zhejiang to take up his post, on the one hand, to take over Hu Zongxian's class, and on the other hand, to secretly find out the land and population hidden by these wealthy gentry.

And this Jiaxing Yuan family is a well-known family in Jiangsu and Zhejiang, and has annexed more than 100,000 acres of land.

Zhao Zhenji was worried that he couldn't find a reason to make trouble, but at this time, He Maocai sent himself an excellent reason.

He plans to use this case to explore the reality of the Yuan family in Jiaxing.

Then, I saw Zhao Zhenji come back to his senses, his face full of anger.

I saw him slam the table, looked in the direction where He Maocai was, and said in a deep voice: "Hmph, not to mention the wife who occupies other people's homes, she dares to seriously injure people, it's really lawless!" ”

"If this continues, where is the justice under this heaven?"

"Lord He, try this case according to the law of the Ming Dynasty, and give the people justice!"

He Maocai naturally heard Zhao Zhenji's off-string voice, Zhao Zhenji was hinting at himself, using the topic to play, and completely making this case bigger!

Although He Maocai didn't understand the reason why Zhao Zhenji did this, with Zhao Zhenji, the governor of Zhejiang, nodding, he also had the confidence to handle the case.

What's more, right now, the triennial plan of the imperial court is approaching, and he still needs Zhao Zhenji's help in his examination language.

If you can take the opportunity of hearing this case at this time to hype it up, it can barely be regarded as a political achievement.

If nothing else, there must be no problem in keeping the current position.

After thinking about this, I saw He Maocai leaning down unusually respectfully, and responded in a deep voice: "Obey, Lord Governor!" ”

Seeing that the matter had settled, everyone did not stay in the chamber of the Governor's Palace for too long, but took their own leave and left.

After leaving the Governor's Palace, He Mao saw that there was no one around, and after pondering for a long time, he looked at Zheng Michang on the side and raised his doubts.

"Lao Zheng, you say, should the governor have taken a fancy to the Yuan family's property and want to take this opportunity to knock on a bamboo pole?"

When Zheng Michang heard He Maocai's words, his face was immediately full of black lines, and he responded without thinking: "How is this possible, the governor of the family has clearly come down to practice, and don't forget, the governor is from a Jishi background, and his future future is limitless!" ”

"How can you ruin your future by scattering money for this?"

When Zheng Michang said this, he paused, and continued: "In my opinion, Lord Governor, there should be other considerations!" ”

After Zheng Michang finished speaking, without waiting for He Mao to respond, he walked towards the place where the sedan chair was parked.

Seeing this, He Mao hurriedly caught up with Zheng Michang's pace in three steps and two steps, and then said: "Lao Zheng, Lao Zheng, don't go so fast, wait for me!" ”

……

On the other side, in the post station where Wang Ting and Yan Maoqing stayed.

As early as before, Zhao Zhenji personally led troops to surround the Weaving Bureau, and put Pang Qian, the chief eunuch of the Weaving Bureau, and others into prison, Wang Ting and Yan Maoqing knew that the general trend had gone.

After all, before this, no one expected that in the hands of Zhao Zhenji, there would be the right to cut first and then play the right given by the emperor!

After that, things did not surprise the two, under the joint attack of the government and the army, in the whole Zhejiang, there are not many businessmen who dare to maliciously lower the price of raw silk and force the purchase of raw silk from the hands of the people.

And this leaves no doubt and declares the complete failure of the operation!

Wang Ting and Yan Maoqing failed to accomplish their set goal of buying enough raw silk from the people.

Yan Maoqing didn't even dare to imagine what those high-ranking officials whose interests had been damaged would do when he returned to the capital.

After all, there are many things involved in this matter, and the interests behind it are complicated, and there are even rumors that the celebrant is also involved.

Yan Maoqing did not know how many people in the court participated, but he knew that after he and the royal court returned, he would inevitably bear the wrath of those people.

To add insult to injury, Ma Ningyuan, who was a criminal of the imperial court, died in a prison cell for no apparent reason, so Wang Ting and Yan Maoqing would have to pinch their noses to admit the authenticity of Ma Ningyuan's confession.

After all, only by confirming the crime of Ma Ningyuan's suicide can the two of them get out of this case smoothly and do not have to bear the corresponding responsibility.

In the room, Yan Maoqing was alone, sipping the wine in the cup, and there were a few small dishes on the table.

In the past few days, Yan Maoqing has not gone anywhere, just locked himself in his room and borrowed wine to drown his sorrows.

At this moment, I heard a knock on the door, Yan Maoqing saw this situation, couldn't help frowning slightly, and then ordered: "Come in!" ”

The voice fell, only to hear a 'squeak', the door of the room was pushed open, and the person who came revealed his figure, it was the right servant of the household department, Wang Ting.

Yan Maoqing saw that the person who came was Wang Ting, and his expression eased a lot, and then, he pointed to the vacant seat opposite and beckoned Wang Ting to sit down: "It's Lord Wang, come, sit!" ”

When Wang Ting heard this, he didn't excuse himself, and sat down directly opposite Yan Maoqing.

"Let's have a drink first!"

After Yan Maoqing finished speaking, he picked up the wine jug on the table and poured the wine for Wang Ting.

At this moment, Wang Ting's face was full of sorrow, and he saw him raise his head and drink all the wine in the cup.

After this, I saw Wang Ting look at Yan Maoqing on the side, and asked: "Lord Yan, what should we do next, if we go back to the capital like this, we won't be able to pay the difference!" ”

Yan Maoqing took in the expression on Wang Ting's face, shook his head, and said unhurriedly: "Alas, Lord Wang, we are completely cornered now!" ”

When Wang Ting heard Yan Maoqing's words, a trace of gloom appeared on his face, he knew that what Yan Maoqing said was true.

On this trip, not only did they not implicate more people through Ma Ningyuan's case, but they also did not complete the task of purchasing raw silk.

After returning to the capital, there will definitely be no good end, even if he can barely save his life, his career will be cut off.

Just as Wang Ting was still racking his brains to think about possible countermeasures, he saw Yan Maoqing looking in the direction where Wang Ting was and asked, "By the way, Lord Wang, we still have a few days?" ”

When Wang Ting heard this, he suddenly came back to his senses, and after recalling for a while, he responded: "In three days, we will have to end the investigation, officially set off, and return to the capital by boat!" ”

When Yan Maoqing heard this, a look of amazement appeared on his face, he raised his head, drank all the wine in the cup, and said to himself: "There are only three days left!" (End of chapter)