As early as the moment he received the report from the guards, Zhao Zhenji understood the intention of Zheng Michang and He Maocai's trip.

The Yan family, who was originally their backer, has now reached the point where the building is about to collapse, and if Zheng Michang and He Maocai don't want to be liquidated, then they have to find a way to find a new backer for themselves.

Because these two people are magistrates, they can't get up to the same level in the capital.

At present, the only one who has the ability to protect them is himself, the governor of Zhejiang and the governor of Zhejiang.

"These two people are doing things well, but they are greedy."

"Since the official took office in Zhejiang, these two people have also been very cooperative with the official, no matter how big or small, they have to come to ask for instructions."

"If the two of them have a clean foundation, this official may be able to manage to protect them, but it's a pity, it's useless to eat, it's a pity to abandon them!"

Thinking of this, Zhao Zhenji shook his head imperceptibly.

In his opinion, if he manages to keep Zheng Michang and He Maocai, then it is very likely to set himself on fire and have an adverse impact on his future career.

Not to mention anything else, just knowing people and shielding subordinates is enough to bury Zhao Zhenji's bright career.

After nearly a year in the position of governor of Zhejiang and governor of Zhejiang, Zhao Zhenji became more and more convinced in his heart that this was the test that the emperor gave himself.

The emperor's next goal is very clear, to clear the land of the whole country, and vigorously suppress land annexation, as long as he does the task assigned by the emperor, sooner or later he will be transferred back to the capital and entrusted with important tasks.

At that time, it will not be difficult to enter the cabinet.

Protecting Zheng Michang and He Maocai, in addition to endangering his career, also risks angering Xu Jie, the future cabinet chief.

Zhao Zhenji knew very well in his heart that if Xu Jie succeeded him as the first assistant of the cabinet, he would definitely liquidate the Yan Party in order to establish his authority.

And Zheng Michang and He Mao are hardcore members of the Yan Party, so naturally they can't escape.

"Alas, you two are just pretending to be smart, and last year, you even sent 500,000 taels of silver to Yan Ge's hometown!"

"This matter was put in the past, and it was just that, but unfortunately, you are unlucky!"

Zhao Zhenji thought of this, his face was full of inexplicable looks, after all, no one thought that Yan Song would actually suffer from "stupidity".

Besides, even he knew that Zheng Michang and He Maocai had sent 500,000 taels of silver to Yan Song's hometown, and Xu Jie, as the second assistant of the cabinet, had no reason not to know.

Although Zhao Zhenji had already made up his mind to give up Zheng Michang and He Maocai, he couldn't show it.

Because Zheng and He have been political envoys and envoys in Zhejiang for so many years, they have long been deeply rooted.

And Zhao Zhenji still has a place to use them next, and he has to squeeze out all the remaining value of them.

After that, I saw Zhao Zhenji gather his mind, slowly get up from the chair, and leave the study with pace.

……

On the other side, in the Chamber of the Governor's Palace.

Seeing that Zhao Zhenji had not arrived for a long time, at this time, Zheng Michang and He Mao seemed a little restless.

I saw He Maocai looking in the direction where Zheng Michang was with a worried face, and said in a low voice: "Old Zheng, why hasn't the governor come here yet, could it be ......?"

Zheng Michang took in the expression on He Maocai's face, shook his head helplessly, and then made a silent gesture to He Maocai.

Regarding Zhao Zhenji's willingness to try to keep them, Zheng Michang actually didn't have much expectations.

Because when Zhao Zhenji was still in the capital as the superintendent of the imperial history, he was known for his caution, and when he encountered trouble, he could hide, and even won the title of "non-stick pan".

How could such a person take a huge risk and come forward to protect them?

Even though he knew that it was very unlikely that Zhao Zhenji would be willing to try to keep them, Zheng Michang was still unwilling to give up.

After all, everything has to be tried to know, if you don't do anything, just wait for death with peace of mind, it's not Zheng Michang's style.

At this moment, only a slight sound of footsteps sounded, Zheng Michang and He Mao followed the prestige, only to see Zhao Zhenji with his hands behind his back, pacing leisurely steps, and entered the meeting hall.

When Zheng Michang and He Mao saw Zhao Zhenji coming, they didn't dare to slack off in the slightest, and immediately got up from their seats, bowed to Zhao Zhenji, and said, "Your Majesty has seen the governor!" ”

When Zhao Zhenji heard this, he glanced over Zheng Michang and He Maocai's bodies respectively, and after bowing his head slightly, he commanded: "Well, you two should sit down!" ”

"Yes, Governor!"

After Zheng Michang and He Maocai responded, they arched their hands to Zhao Zhenji, and then sat back in their positions.

After that, I saw Zhao Zhenji sitting on the main seat, retracting his gaze from Zheng Michang and He Maocai, and after a moment of silence, he asked: "Say, what is the matter with the two of you looking for this official?" ”

When Zhao Zhenji's words fell, I saw Zheng Michang and He Maocai showing hesitation on their faces, and they were hesitant for a long time, and they didn't mean to speak.

Seeing that the atmosphere in the room was about to freeze, Zheng Michang plucked up his courage and said cautiously: "Patrol...... Lord Governor, the lower officials came here this time to inform you about the price of raw silk! ”

Although he knew that what Zheng Michang wanted to say was not about it, Zhao Zhenji's face still showed curiosity at the right time.

After Zhao Zhenji glanced at Zheng Yuchang, he asked in a hurry: "Oh, why, is it possible that the price of raw silk has fallen again?" ”

Facing Zhao Zhenji's gaze, Zheng Michang organized the language in his mind before continuing: "Yes...... Yes, Lord Governor, the price of raw silk on the market has fallen again, and at present, a pound of raw silk can only be sold for a price of one or two or three dollars at most! ”

"It is said that it is caused by a large influx of raw silk from Songjiang Prefecture into Zhejiang."

After Zhao Zhenji learned the news from Zheng Michang's mouth, he was immediately furious, slapped the table, and said in a deep voice: "Isn't Songjiang Mansion under the management of Nanzhili, why did you come to Zhejiang to sell raw silk?" ”

"This year's silk market is not very good, but Songjiang Mansion has to come sideways, if they let them squeeze the price of raw silk down, Zhejiang's Sannong will not live!"

"If there is a Sannong who rises up to make trouble, this official, as the governor of Zhejiang, will be to blame!"

After Zhao Zhenji finished speaking, after pondering for a while, he looked in the direction where Zheng Michang was, and then ordered: "After coming down later, let the government post a notice that foreign raw silk is not allowed to enter Zhejiang for sale." ”

"Even if you want to sell, you must be higher than the market price, and violators will be severely fined!"

When Zheng Michang, who was on the side, heard Zhao Zhenji's words, he immediately got up from his seat, leaned down, and responded respectfully: "Obey, Lord Governor!" ”

Seeing that the dust had settled, Zheng Michang not only did not feel relieved, but became more and more entangled.

He didn't know if he should open this mouth or not.

Time passed slowly, I don't know how long it had passed, Zheng Michang seemed to have made up his mind, looked in the direction where Zhao Zhenji was, and asked cautiously: "Dare to ask the governor, have you noticed the direction of the wind in the middle of the court recently?" ”

When Zheng Michang's words fell, I saw Zhao Zhenji raise his eyebrows, and secretly sighed: "It's finally time to get to the point!" ”

Then, I saw Zhao Zhenji come back to his senses, a look of hesitation appeared on his face at the right time, and then he said: "This official has indeed received some rumors. ”

When Zhao Zhenji's words fell, Zheng Michang and He Maocai's faces couldn't help but flash a hint of expectation.

Facing the eyes of the two, Zhao Zhenji pondered for a moment before continuing: "This official got the news that Yan Ge Lao was suffering from "stupidity" and had not been on duty for more than half a month. ”

"That'...... The Governor thinks ......"

At this time, because he was too afraid, Zheng Michang brought a little trilling when he spoke.

Because Zhao Zhenji's next words will determine the fate of him and He Maocai.

And Zhao Zhenji seemed to have guessed what Zheng Michang was thinking, raised his eyebrows, and said comfortingly: "Don't worry too much, don't forget, the previous incident of the Yuan family in Jiaxing, this official has truthfully reported your contribution to Your Majesty." ”

"In other words, you two are in Your Majesty's heart, and you can be regarded as leaving a name."

"As long as you are willing to work hard, there will be no big problem."

When Zhao Zhenji's words fell, I saw Zheng Michang and He Maocai glancing at each other, their faces full of the rest of their lives.

Then, I saw the two of them get up from their seats, look in the direction of Zhao Zhenji with a grateful face, and say in a deep voice: "Yes, Lord Governor!" ”

When people are drowning, they always want to grasp such a "life-saving straw", and Zheng Michang and He Maocai at this time are the same.

Right now, for them, Zhao Zhenji's words are a "life-saving straw".

In their opinion, Zhao Zhenji is nakedly hinting to them that as long as the matter that the official has given you is done, it will not be your turn to reckoning.

As everyone knows, from beginning to end, Zhao Zhenji did not give any promises, let alone show his attitude.

What Zhao Zhenji said is all facts, and there is not a single lie in it.

Zhao Zhenji took in the expressions on the faces of Zheng Michang and He Maocai, and after thinking for a while, he said unhurriedly: "After coming down later, this official will personally write a letter to Hai Rui and ask him about the specific situation!" ”

When Zheng Michang and He Maocai heard Zhao Zhenji's words, a trace of joy flashed on their faces.

After all, today's Hai Rui is the right capital of the Inspectorate, and he must have first-hand information there.

Seeing that Zhao Zhenji had said this, Zheng Michang and He Maocai couldn't continue to bother, so they immediately got up from their seats and said goodbye to Zhao Zhenji.

"Adults are busy with official business, so the lower officials will no longer bother!"

"Hmm."

When Zhao Zhenji heard this, he just nodded and withdrew his gaze from Zheng Michang and He Maocai.

After Zheng Michang and He Mao left, I saw Zhao Zhenji pick up the teacup, take a sip, and say to himself silently: "Well, it seems that next, we have to find someone to take over the affairs at hand!" ”

……

It has been several days since Yan Song sent Yan Shifan to investigate the riot that occurred in Songjiang Mansion.

Beijing, Yanfu.

At this time, Yan Shifan was taking an extremely eager step and rushed to the study in a hurry.

After some twists and turns, Yan Shifan finally figured out the ins and outs of the matter.

And now in Yan Shifan's hands, he holds the confession of the "traitor" Huang Qing and the soldiers who rebelled together at the beginning, which describes in detail the ins and outs of the whole thing.

The moment he got this confession, Yan Shifan was keenly aware that he could use this confession to make a big fuss and put Xu Jie to death.

There is no other reason, in this confession, Wang Jian, the prefect of Songjiang, is involved.

Not everyone can go to Songjiang Mansion to serve, after all, Songjiang Mansion is the hometown of Xu Jie, the second assistant of the cabinet.

And the person who can serve in Songjiang Mansion must be someone Xu Jie can trust.

In other words, it is the same, the person who can be the county magistrate in Jiangxi is also a person that Yan Song can trust.

At this time, after coming to the door of the study, I saw Yan Shifan knocking on the door impatiently.

A quick knock on the door sounded, and then, Yan Song's slightly tired voice came from the room: "Who?" ”

"Father, it's a child, the child has already found out what you told the child before!"

"Well, come in!"

After receiving permission, Yan Shifan did not hesitate at all, immediately pushed open the door and entered the study.

The moment he entered the study, Yan Shifan keenly felt that Yan Song's gaze fell on him.

Then, I saw Yan Shifan look in the direction where Yan Song was, lean down, and said respectfully: "Father! ”

Hearing this, Yan Song glanced at Yan Shifan's body, waved his hand, and asked, "Well, what have you found?" ”

"Father, here is the confession that the child got from the "thief leader" Huang Qing and the soldiers who rebelled together at the beginning, which recounts the ins and outs of the whole thing in detail. ”

After Yan Shifan finished speaking, he carefully took out the confession from his sleeve and respectfully handed it over to Yan Song's hands.

After taking the confession from Yan Shifan's hands, I saw Yan Song put on reading glasses and browsed the content word by word.

And in the process, the expression on Yan Shifan's face also became a little cramped and uneasy.

Time passed slowly, I don't know how long it has been, Yan Song has already finished reading all the content in the confession.

His breathing inevitably became rapid, and then, I saw him trembling and taking off his reading glasses, looking in the direction where Yan Shifan was, and asking, "Is the confession reliable?" ”

"Back to my father's words, at first these people were reluctant to speak."

"In order to dispel the suspicions of these people, the child had to come forward in person, show that he only wanted to use them, and promised them that he would definitely destroy the officers who oppressed them and those involved in this matter."

"After that, they are willing to speak."

After listening to Yan Shifan's narration, Yan Song's whole person breathed a sigh of relief, and the heart that had been hanging finally fell.

Then, I saw Yan Song nodding and said to himself: "Since this is the case, then this confession is credible." ”

"Yan Shifan, let's go down and prepare, we will face Xu Jie head-on soon."

"Yes, Father!"

(End of chapter)