There is no impermeable wall in the world, and soon, Zhao Zhenji sent people to raid the Yuan family in Jiaxing, and it spread in the capital.

Those officials in the DPRK and China who had received favors from the Yuan family were shocked when they learned the news, and they used their connections to find out the ins and outs of the matter.

After they figured out the reason for the incident, they couldn't help but fall into silence, because Zhao Zhenji accused the Yuan family in Jiaxing of secretly possessing weapons and intending to rebel.

Anyone can see that this is a sin that is added to desire, and there is no excuse for it.

You must know that in the Ming Dynasty, there are many gentry and landlords who have the habit of keeping slaves, and if conditions permit, they will hire martial arts leaders to train these slaves.

And these slaves are called guardians before they take up arms, and once they take up arms, they are private soldiers!

Not to mention the private collection of weapons, in the homes of some wealthy gentry and landlords, they even secretly hid armor and raised private soldiers.

The families behind many officials in the DPRK and China were wealthy gentry who dominated one side, so Zhao Zhenji's behavior made them deeply uneasy.

After all, no one can figure it out, this is Zhao Zhenji's own meaning, or he was instructed by the emperor.

If Zhao Zhenji really got the emperor's instructions, then things would be in trouble, which also means that the imperial court will make big moves next.

Because of this, the atmosphere in the capital has become more and more treacherous.

……

Beijing, Yanfu.

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

"Father, as far as the child knows, when Zhao Zhenji was serving as the superintendent of the imperial history in the capital, he was cautious in everything, especially cherishing feathers, why is he acting so radically now? This is not Zhao Zhenji's style at all! ”

After helping Yan Song down from the sedan chair, he saw Yan Shifan looking at Yan Song with a curious face and asked.

When Yan Song heard this, he just glanced at Yan Shifan, and said angrily: "Zhao Zhenji is now the governor of Zhejiang and the governor of Zhejiang, a veritable feudal official, and the military and political power is in his hands, does he still need to look at the faces of others now?" ”

When Yan Song said this, he paused, and continued: "Put you in his position, you are even more radical than him!" ”

Hearing Yan Song's words, I saw an expression of understanding appear on Yan Shifan's face.

Then, as if he had suddenly thought of something, he continued: "By the way, father, there have been rumors in the court recently that Zhao Zhenji has taken a fancy to the property of the Yuan family in Jiaxing, which is why he ......."

Hearing this, I saw Yan Song snort coldly, his face was full of hatred for iron and steel, and he said in a deep voice: "Hmph, these rumors in the court are absolutely unbelievable!" ”

"Use your brain and think about it, Zhao Zhenji is from Shujishi, and now he is a feudal official appointed by His Majesty, it is nothing more than a little scattered silver taels, do you need him to make a big move?"

"Now the government and the opposition, the people who want to send him silver are about to line up from the capital to Zhejiang!"

After saying this, I saw Yan Song withdraw his gaze from Yan Shifan's body, and said to himself: "In my opinion, this Zhao Zhenji is most likely instructed by His Majesty!" ”

After listening to Yan Song's analysis, the curiosity on Yan Shifan's face was even worse.

After considering the language in his mind, he continued: "Father, what do you mean by what you just said, and why can't the child understand it? ”

And Yan Song seemed unwilling to continue this topic, only to see him shake his head, refuse Yan Shifan's support, and walk alone in the direction of the study, leaving only a confused Yan Shifan.

Yan Song knew very well in his heart that this was the emperor taking advantage of the Yuan family in Jiaxing to test the direction of the wind in the court.

And the next thing that can be predicted is that sooner or later the emperor will have to move the knife to the annexation of the land!

"Xu Jie, Xu Jie, sooner or later you will be implicated by those people in your family!"

After Yan Song finished speaking, he stepped on the stairs and stepped into the study.

……

On the other side, Xu Jie's mansion in the capital.

When night fell, the orange candle flame in the room faintly reflected the figure of Xu Jie, who was pacing back and forth in the room with his hands behind his back and a sad face.

Perhaps feeling tired, I saw Xu Jie sit back in his chair with a look of worry on his face that could not be concealed.

Since Zhao Zhenji sent people to raid the Yuan family in Jiaxing, and it spread in the capital, Xu Jie was deeply disturbed and immediately sent people to investigate the matter.

You must know that in recent years, the Yuan family in Jiaxing has accumulated a large number of contacts in the DPRK by bribing high-ranking officials.

Not only that, the eldest son of the Yuan family also passed the examination, and he only needs to wait for the imperial court to hold Enke next year, and he can naturally enter the official career.

But at this juncture, Jiaxing's Yuan family was raided by Zhao Zhenji and Zheng Michang and He Maocai, and they also used the excuse of hiding weapons privately and intending to rebel.

Zhao Zhenji's identity is not ordinary, he is the governor of Zhejiang and the governor of Zhejiang appointed by the emperor, and because of this, Zhao Zhenji is absolutely impossible to lose for no reason and act rashly.

In Xu Jie's view, Zhao Zhenji was most likely secretly instructed by the emperor, so he sent Zheng Michang and He Maocai to raid the Yuan family in Jiaxing.

Xu Jie keenly sensed that the whole thing was likely to involve land annexation.

After all, the annexation of nearly 200,000 mu of land by the Yuan family in Jiaxing has long been an indisputable fact.

In Daming, there are more wealthy families than the Yuan family in Jiaxing, whether it is the Jin merchants in Shanxi or those families involved in maritime trade, it is not comparable to the Yuan family in Jiaxing.

But on the contrary, the unlucky one was the Yuan family in Jiaxing, who was detained by the government for privately hiding weapons and intending to rebel, and then raided the house.

"Could it be that Your Majesty intends to take this opportunity to curb land annexation, if this is the case, things will be in trouble......"

Thinking of this, the expression on Xu Jie's face suddenly became extremely ugly, you must know that Xu Jie's family occupies almost half of the fertile land in Songjiang Mansion, which is converted to nearly 280,000 mu of land.

If Jiajing really made up his mind to check the acres of land and curb land annexation, then Xu Jie's family would definitely be the first to be unlucky.

And Xu Jie, as the second assistant of the cabinet, will inevitably be implicated.

Just as Xu Jie was still thinking about how to deal with this matter next, he heard a slight knock on the door.

Seeing that the thoughts in his mind were interrupted, Xu Jie frowned slightly, his face showed displeasure, and said in a deep voice: "Come in!" ”

As the words fell, there was only a 'squeak', the door to the room was pushed open, and the butler stepped in.

After the housekeeper entered the room, he subconsciously looked in the direction where Xu Jie was, leaned down, and said respectfully: "Master, your clan brother Xu Ren came to visit, and he is currently waiting in the waiting room!" ”

After Xu Jie's face was full of impatience after learning the news from the butler's mouth.

I saw him slam the table, looked in the direction where the butler was, and reprimanded: "Didn't I tell you to tell them not to run to me if there is nothing to do?" ”

"What, take the words of Master Ben as a deaf ear?"

After Xu Jie finished speaking, he squinted and looked in the direction where the butler was, quietly waiting for his reply.

When the housekeeper heard Xu Jie's words, his face was full of panic.

Then, I saw him raise his head, look in the direction where Xu Jie was, and explain hesitantly: "Old ...... Sir, the younger one has already relayed your words to those in your clan as they are, but ......"

When Xu Jie heard the housekeeper's words, most of the resentment in his heart dissipated, and he knew that the housekeeper was not to blame for this matter.

After this, I saw Xu Jie's gaze retracted, sighed helplessly, waved his hand, and commanded: "That's it, take me over!" ”

"Yes, sir, please come with the little one!"

When the housekeeper heard this, the whole person was like being amnestied, and hurriedly led the way in front.

In fact, Xu Jie had already guessed the purpose of his brother Xu Ren and came to meet him.

In the final analysis, it is nothing more than because he is deeply worried about the recent incident of the Yuan family in Jiaxing, and wants to hear the latest trends of the government and the opposition from his own mouth.

You must know that Xu Jie's family, like the Yuan family in Jiaxing, has annexed a large amount of land.

After all, no one wants to be the second Jiaxing Yuan family!

As soon as Xu Jie came to the hall, he saw Xu Ren, who had been waiting for a long time, put down the teacup in his hand, greeted him, and asked eagerly: "What is the recent movement in the court, the clan specially sent me to ......"

Before Xu Ren's words were finished, he was interrupted by Xu Jie's words: "The specific situation, it is not clear for the time being, it is now a critical moment, let those people in the clan settle down, don't make trouble for me again!" ”

When Xu Jie said this, he paused, and continued to add: "If there is any news, I will send someone to inform you, don't have anything to do in the future, just run to me!" ”

"Alright, if it's okay, you can go!"

Seeing Xu Jie treating him like this, Xu Ren couldn't help but have a trace of resentment on his face.

In his opinion, Xu Jie not only did not think about the interests of the clan, but also hated himself so much.

"For so many years, if it weren't for the help of the clan, would you be able to get to this position now?"

Of course, Xu Ren can only think about this kind of thing in his heart, and he will never dare to say it.

Then, I saw Xu Ren suppress all the chaotic thoughts in his mind, and after saluting Xu Jie, he left with a few children of the Xu family.

After Xu Ren left, he saw that Xu Jie's face was full of disdain, he withdrew his gaze, and said to himself silently: "Hmph, a group of guys who are insatiable and will only cause trouble for me!" ”

After speaking, I saw Xu Jie's sleeves swing violently and go straight back to the study.

……

The night passed in the blink of an eye, and when the sky was just dawning, Lu Fang set off from his residence according to the usual practice and went to the Qianqing Palace to meet Jiajing.

Although it was still early, many eunuchs and palace maids were already busy, some pruning the branches and leaves, and others cleaning.

Maybe it's because not long ago, Jiajing took advantage of Queen Shen's birth and asked Lu Fang to give rewards to everyone in the palace.

In short, these eunuchs and palace maids worked much harder than before.

Those eunuchs and palace maids who were unusually busy, when they saw Lu Fang's arrival, stopped what they were doing and greeted Lu Fang: "Father-in-law Lu! ”

For these greetings, Lu Fang still had a warm smile on his face as before, and bowed his head.

Looking at the Qianqing Palace not far away, I saw Lu Fang retract his gaze, and said with emotion: "Alas, it seems that things are the same as expected earlier, Zhao Zhenji sent someone to raid the Yuan family in Jiaxing, which has caused an uproar in the capital!" ”

After sighing, Lu Fang unconsciously quickened the pace of his feet and marched in the direction where the Qianqing Palace was located.

In the Qianqing Palace, Jiajing had just put on his robe under the service of the personal eunuch.

At this moment, I saw Lu Fang walking quietly and entering the Qianqing Palace.

For Lu Fang's arrival, Jiajing was already surprised, and then saw Lu Fang come to Jiajing's face, lean down, and said respectfully: "Your Majesty! ”

When Jiajing heard this, he responded imperceptibly.

Then, I saw Jiajing glance at Lu Fang, and asked: "By the way, Lu Fang, what has been the recent movement of the DPRK and China?" ”

When Lu Fang heard Jiajing's words, he didn't dare to hide it in the slightest, and even told everything he knew.

"Your Majesty, as far as the slave maid knows, many people went to visit the Yan Mansion last night, and many of them were officials from Jiangxi."

"In addition, on Xu Ge Lao's side, after his brother Xu Ren left, many people also came to visit......

After listening to Lu Fang's narration, I saw a mocking look on Jiajing's face, and said to himself: "Hmph, these guys, as soon as I made a move here, they noticed the clues, and they are really sharp enough!" ”

After that, I saw Jiajing turn around and look at Lu Fang, and instructed: "Lu Fang, you will go to the cabinet in person later, and call Yan Song and Xu Jie to me, and say that I have something important to discuss with them!" ”

When Lu Fang heard Jiajing's words, his expression immediately turned grim, and he responded in a deep voice: "Obey, Your Majesty!" ”

Then, as if he had suddenly thought of something, Jiajing added: "By the way, be more solemn when the time comes!" ”

"Yes, Your Majesty, the slave understands!"

……

Forbidden City, Cabinet.

At this moment, everyone in the cabinet is busy dealing with the notes sent by the officials.

In the cabinet, it was unusually quiet, no one spoke, only the rustle of paper as it turned.

After putting aside the processed envelope in his hand, I saw Yan Song pick up the teacup soaked in wolfberry water on the table and take a sip.

What happened last night is still fresh in my mind.

There was an endless stream of people who came to visit Yanfu last night, and many of them were friends of the township party who had not seen each other for a long time.

The purpose of these people coming to visit is very simple, that is, they want to hear some news from Yan Song, the head of the cabinet.

If the emperor really planned to take stock of the acres of land and curb land annexation, it would be better to prepare in advance, right?

Although Yan Songming knew that Jiajing would take a knife on the land annexation next, he did not choose to tell those people the truth, but claimed that he did not know anything about it.

In Yan Song's opinion, if this news is accidentally leaked, it will likely have an impact on the emperor's next plans, so Yan Song chose to hide the truth.

After all, Yan Song doesn't eat anyone's rice, he only eats this bowl of rice from the emperor!

Having said that, there is still work to be done on the surface, and besides, his Yan family also has a lot of land in his hometown.

"Alas, what an eventful time!"

After secretly sighing to himself, I saw Yan Song refocus his attention on the music in front of him.

At this moment, I heard a rush of footsteps outside, and after a while, I saw a servant walking in quickly.

After the official entered the cabinet, he subconsciously looked in the direction where Yan Song and Xu Jie, lowered his head, and respectfully reported: "Old Pavilion, Gonggong Lu is asking to see you outside!" ”

After Yan Song learned the news, a little surprise couldn't help but appear on his face.

"If it were usual, it would be fine, but at this time, would it be His Majesty's side......"

Immediately, I saw Yan Song come back to his senses, looked in the direction where the official was, nodded, and commanded: "Well, let him in!" ”

"Yes, Yan Ge Lao!"

The official replied and quickly walked away.

……

Soon after that, under the guidance of a Xu official, I saw Lu Fang enter the cabinet with silent steps.

When everyone saw Lu Fang coming, they got up from their seats one after another, saluted him respectfully, and said, "I've seen Grandpa Lu!" ”

When Lu Fang heard this, he replied imperceptibly.

Then, I saw that he glanced at Yan Song and Xu Jie's bodies respectively, and then said: "Yan Ge Lao, Xu Ge Lao, please go to the Qianqing Palace with our family, Your Majesty has something important to discuss!" ”

When Lu Fang's words fell, I saw Yan Song and Xu Jie glancing at each other, then they looked in the direction where Lu Fang was, and said in response: "Yes, Father-in-law Lu!" ”

Lu Fang took in the expressions on the faces of the two, and then, he nodded and commanded: "Without further ado, let's go!" ”

After dropping this sentence, Lu Fang took care of himself and led the way in front, Yan Song and Xu Jie saw this situation and hurriedly followed.

Along the way, Lu Fang didn't speak much, just led the way in front of herself.

And Yan Song and Xu Jie, who were following behind them, saw this situation, and the whole person became more and more uneasy.

"Could it be that Your Majesty asked me to wait over to discuss the suppression of land annexation?"

Combined with everything that had happened in the recent past, such a thought suddenly flashed in Xu Jie's heart.

The more Xu Jie thought about it, the more he felt that it was possible, and then, he saw him withdraw his gaze from Lu Fang's body and muttered to himself silently.

"Yes, that's right, it must be like this, at this time in the past, Gonggong Lu would remind us a few words, but now he doesn't say a word, so there must be something big!"

"In case Your Majesty throws up the topic of checking acres of land and suppressing land annexation later, what should I do, it will be impossible to prevaricate in the past......

Just as Xu Jie's thoughts were cranky and he became more and more uneasy, he only heard Lu Fang's voice ringing in his ears, pulling him back to reality.

"Please wait a while, let's go in first and report it!"

"I'm tired of Grandpa Lu!"

When Lu Fang heard this, he nodded, and just as he was about to step away, he saw Xu Jie muster up his courage and stop Lu Fang.

"Father-in-law Lu, dare to ask Your Majesty this time, why did you summon me and the other two to go?"

When Xu Jie's words fell, Yan Song on the side also raised his head, looked at Lu Fang with curiosity, and waited for his response.

Facing the suspicious eyes of the two, I saw Lu Fang shaking his head imperceptibly, and responded: "Our family is not very clear, Your Majesty did not say it clearly!" ”

After learning the news from Lu Fang's mouth, Xu Jie's face not only did not show a look of chagrin, but instead strengthened his previous judgment: "Sure enough, Your Majesty came to us this time to discuss the suppression of land annexation!" ”

"Thank you Grandpa Lu for helping me solve my doubts!"

After this, I saw Yan Song and Xu Jie retract their gaze from Lu Fang's body and bow to him.

"You don't have to be so polite, it's just a trivial matter!"

After Lu Fang finished speaking, he climbed the stairs and stepped on the stairs of the Qianqing Palace step by step.

……

Taking advantage of the gap between Lu Fang entering to report, Xu Jie repeatedly considered the language in his mind before he turned around, looked at Yan Song on the side, and asked tentatively: "Elder Yan Ge, what do you think Your Majesty is looking for the two of us to go this time?" ”

Yan Song heard Xu Jie's words, and after thinking for a moment, he responded with a solemn face: "Judging from Gonggong Lu's previous performances, what Your Majesty wants to discuss with us next should not be a trivial matter!" ”

Hearing this, Xu Jie glanced at Yan Song, and then put forward his own conjecture: "Elder Yan Ge, in my opinion, Your Majesty called the two of us this time, it should be to discuss the topic of suppressing land annexation!" ”

When Yan Song heard Xu Jie's words, a look of surprise appeared on his face at the right time, he raised his eyebrows, and confirmed to Xu Jie: "Oh, how can you see it? ”

Xu Jie didn't mean to hide it, and after organizing the language, he told Yan Song his conjecture.

"Recently, Zhao Zhenji sent someone to raid the Yuan family in Jiaxing, and it has spread in the capital, presumably Yan Ge should know about it, right?"

"Hmm."

When Yan Song heard this, he nodded, indicating that he knew.

When Xu Jie said this, he paused, and continued: "You know, Zhao Zhenji is smart and intelligent, and he cherishes feathers very much, I sent someone to check, and there is no festival between Zhao Zhenji and the Yuan family in Jiaxing!" ”

"The annexation of 200,000 acres of land by the Yuan family in Jiaxing has long been an indisputable fact, as long as you want to check, you can find it!"

"And in Daming, there are more wealthy families than the Yuan family in Jiaxing, but why, the unlucky one is the Yuan family in Jiaxing, who was detained by the government with the hat of secretly hiding weapons with the intention of rebellion, and then raided the house!"

Although Xu Jie didn't say it explicitly, Yan Song already understood what Xu Jie was trying to express.

On the one hand, there was no holiday between Zhao Zhenji and the Yuan family in Jiaxing, so it was definitely impossible to retaliate.

On the other hand, with Zhao Zhenji's current status, there are people in Daming who want to give him silver, and there is no need to make such a big move.

Besides, there are more wealthy families in Daming than the Yuan family in Jiaxing, if Zhao Zhenji really wants to rip off the bamboo, he can completely stare at those richer families, and there is no need to knock the Yuan family in Jiaxing.

And using the crime of hiding weapons privately and intending to rebel to clean up the Yuan family in Jiaxing, this is obviously an example of killing chickens and monkeys, and the emperor's instructions must be indispensable behind it. (End of chapter)