In the evening, Hu Zongxian's mansion in the capital.

Although the government and the opposition have been a little turbulent recently because of the case of Songjiang Mansion guarding the Thousand Households, and even giving people a feeling that the mountains and rains are about to come and the wind is full of buildings, Hu Zongxian is still the same as usual, and after leaving duty, he will return to the mansion in a sedan chair.

As soon as he returned to the mansion, Hu Zongxian called the housekeeper and instructed: "Tell me to go down, just say that my lord and I have been sick recently, and no one will see me!" ”

Regarding Hu Zongxian's words, the housekeeper naturally didn't dare to disobey in the slightest, immediately lowered his head, and responded without thinking: "Yes, master!" ”

After telling the housekeeper, Hu Zongxian went straight to the study.

Hu Zongxian knew very well in his heart that these recent movements in the government and the opposition must be related to his teacher Yan Song.

And before that, Yan Song expressed his willingness to Zhishi to himself.

Now it seems that Yan Song's purpose is very clear, that is, to bring down Xu Jie before Zhishi, so as not to be liquidated in the future.

After Hu Zongxian entered the study, a maid soon stepped forward and brought Hu Zongxian a bowl of steaming tea and some pastries.

After picking up the teacup and taking a sip, I saw Hu Zongxian shake his head and secretly sighed.

"Teacher, teacher, you are really calculating, even I was deceived by you, no one expected that you still have such a hand!"

Then, Hu Zongxian put aside the teacup in his hand, picked up the latest volume of "Journey to the West" on the table, and flipped through it casually.

Since learning that Wu Chengen, the author of "Journey to the West", was studying in Guozijian, Hu Zongxian would send people to urge him to change his mind every once in a while.

Because of this, Hu Zongxian is always the first to see the latest volume of "Journey to the West".

And in this process, Hu Zongxian also had an in-depth understanding of Wu Chengen, who was full of wealth and talent, but there was no one in the court, so he was depressed.

Therefore, Hu Zongxian decided that after Wu Chengen stepped into the official career, he would be appropriately promoted, and the right should be a reward for urging him for so long.

Soon, Hu Zongxian was immersed in the bizarre episodes of the book, unable to extricate himself, and when he came back to his senses, the sky had already darkened.

At some point, the candles in the study had been lit.

"Alas, it's a pity, every time I see the most brilliant it's gone!"

After closing the latest volume of "Journey to the West" in his hand, Hu Zongxian's face showed an unfinished expression.

At this time, Hu Zongxian couldn't wait to immediately send someone to Guozijian to invite Wu Chengen to the mansion and ask him to write a few more volumes in front of him.

After pondering for a while, Hu Zongxian finally dismissed this idea and did not put it into practice.

At this moment, I heard a slight knock on the door.

Seeing this, Hu Zongxian waved his hand, and then ordered: "Come in!" ”

The voice fell, only to hear a 'squeak', the door of the room was pushed open, and then, with a worried face, the butler stepped in.

At this time, the housekeeper had a worried expression, and after entering the study, he immediately looked in the direction where Hu Zongxian was, lowered his head, and said stiffly: "Old ...... Master, Gao Ge Lao and Zhang Ge Lao are waiting in the hall for a meeting! ”

After learning the news from the housekeeper's mouth, he saw Hu Zongxian frowning, and a trace of surprise flashed on his face.

Usually except for the intersection of official affairs, in private, he actually has no friendship with Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng, and rarely interacts with each other.

At this time, thoughts flew in Hu Zongxian's mind, and countless conjectures flashed through his mind.

"Anyway, what are Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng doing at this time, is it difficult that they are here to intercede with Xu Jie?"

Coldly, in Hu Zongxian's mind, such a slightly ridiculous idea suddenly flashed.

Soon, this idea was ruled out by Hu Zongxian, but Hu Zongxian had a vague intuition in his heart, that is, Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng came to visit at this time, and they must have a lot of plans.

After this, I saw Hu Zongxian come back to his senses, looked in the direction where the housekeeper was, and commanded: "Well, I know, take the master and me over!" ”

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

After Hu Zongxian roughly sorted out his appearance, he went to the hall where he was used to entertain guests under the guidance of the housekeeper.

……

At this time, in the hall, Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng were chatting and gossiping.

At this moment, I only heard Hu Zongxian's slightly smiling voice sound: "The presence of the elder Gao Ge and the elder Zhang Ge really makes the humble house shine!" ”

Seeing Hu Zongxian's arrival, Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng hurriedly stopped talking, and then got up from their seats one after another and saluted Hu Zongxian: "Take the liberty of bothering, and I hope that Hu Ge Lao will not blame him!" ”

After Hu Zongxian finished speaking, he made a gesture of invitation to Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng, and then said: "Don't be so polite, sit down!" ”

"Well, thank you Hu Ge Lao."

When Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng heard Hu Zongxian's words, they had no intention of refusing, and immediately sat down in their respective positions.

Not long after the two of them sat down, a maid stepped forward and brought Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng a cup of steaming tea, as well as a fruit bowl containing persimmons, lychees, round eyes, chestnuts, and ripe dates.

"Taste it, this is a while ago, the new arrival of Shifeng Longjing!"

"Hmm."

When Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng heard Hu Zongxian's words, they immediately picked up their teacups and took a sip.

"Well, it's sweet in the mouth and has a long aftertaste, it's really a rare and good tea!"

After putting down the teacup in his hand, he saw Gao Gong looking in the direction of Hu Zongxian and praised him.

In addition to the high arch, Zhang Juzheng on the side also added: "Well, it's indeed good tea!" ”

After the two sides chatted on this topic for a while, Hu Zongxian's face showed curiosity at the right time, and after coughing lightly, he chose to get to the point.

"Anyway, Gao Ge Lao and Zhang Ge suddenly came to visit, is there something wrong?"

When Hu Zongxian's words fell, Gao Gong stood up after exchanging glances with Zhang Juzheng on the side, and then said: "Presumably Hu Ge Lao already knows about the incident that has been spreading in the government and the opposition recently, right?" ”

When Hu Zongxian heard Gao Gong's words, the whole person immediately raised his vigilance, squinted his eyes, and said unhurriedly: "Could it be that the elder Gao Ge is referring to the case of Songjiang Mansion guarding the Thousand Households?" ”

Facing Hu Zongxian's gaze, he saw Gao Gong nodding imperceptibly, and said in response: "Well, exactly." ”

When Hu Zongxian heard this, the whole person reacted instantly, the purpose of Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng's trip was very simple, that is, he wanted him to come forward and persuade Hai Rui, who was the minister of the Qin Mission, to raise his noble hand and let Xu Jie.

Just when Hu Zongxian wanted to say something, Zhang Juzheng on the side seemed to see what Hu Zongxian was thinking, shook his head, and chose to give everything and everything.

"Elder Hu Ge, you misunderstood, we didn't come here this time to let you come forward to persuade Hai Rui and let him raise his noble hand."

When Zhang Juzheng said this, he paused for a moment and continued: "On the contrary, we hope that Hai Rui can investigate to the end and never tolerate it!" ”

The words that came out of Zhang Juzheng's mouth greatly surprised Hu Zongxian's expectations, and at this time, Hu Zongxian's pupils suddenly contracted, and his face was full of disbelief.

Just when Hu Zongxian was extremely shocked by Zhang Juzheng's words, Gao Gong on the side shook his head, looked in the direction where Hu Zongxian was, and said bluntly: "Hu Ge Lao, in your opinion, how is the current Ming Dynasty?" ”

Hu Zongxian heard Gao Gong's words, and responded without thinking: "Now, the sea banquet is peaceful, the Quartet is stable, and the problem of the southern and northern Tatars that has plagued me for many years has been solved, and even the treasury has become increasingly full. ”

"It can be said that the current Ming Dynasty is recovering its national strength and has been on the road of Zhongxing, all of which is the credit of His Majesty's hard work!"

Because he still didn't understand the intention of Gao Gong, Hu Zongxian chose to answer Gao Gong's question with the most conservative answer.

……

After listening to Hu Zongxian's answer, the expression on Gao Gong's face did not change much, he just nodded, and said in a gentle manner: "Hu Ge Lao is right. ”

When Gao Gong said this, he paused for a moment, changed his words, and continued: "But I believe that Hu Ge Lao should have seen more than this, right?" ”

After Gao Gong finished speaking, without waiting for Hu Zongxian to respond, he continued to add: "The current officialdom is full of miasma, forming parties for personal gain, greedy for ink, and a large number of officials who are vegetarian occupy high positions, while really talented people are depressed and cannot be promoted. ”

"The phenomenon of the big families wantonly annexing land, the rich are not in a hurry, and the poor have no place to stand."

"In addition to the land of the common people, even the military land of the guard was encroached upon in various ways by officers, families, and nobles of the imperial court, and the sergeants were arbitrarily served."

"This time it happened in the case of the Songjiang Prefecture guarding the Thousand Households, because the military field of the guard was occupied by the officers, and then the soldiers were unbearable, so they rebelled and killed the officers who oppressed them."

"In addition, the heavy labor also overwhelmed the people, and the people often rose up to do things."

After Gao Gong finished speaking, he looked in the direction where Hu Zongxian was, and said loudly: "I don't believe that Hu Ge Lao didn't see these drawbacks!" ”

By the time Gao Gong's resounding words fell, Hu Zongxian had already understood what Gao Gong was trying to express.

Then, I saw Hu Zongxian raise his eyebrows, looked at Gao Gong with a solemn face, and asked: "So, Gao Ge always wants to implement reforms and get rid of these malpractices?" ”

Facing Hu Zongxian's gaze, he saw Gao Gong nodding and replied in a deep voice: "Hu Ge Lao guessed right, these malpractices have reached the point where they must be changed!" ”

Although he already had a rough guess in his heart, when Gao Gong really nodded and admitted, Hu Zongxian couldn't help but be shocked.

On weekdays, the high arch is not obvious, and no one thought that the high arch actually has such lofty ambitions, and intends to implement reforms and eliminate maladministration.

At the same time, Hu Zongxian also figured out what Gao Gong's intention was when he said this to himself.

Subsequently, I saw Hu Zongxian suppress all the chaotic thoughts in his heart, and asked Gao Gong tentatively.

"Gao Ge Lao said this, do you want to get involved in the next step?"

"Well, that's right, if Elder Hu Ge also joins, then there will be four people in the cabinet who support the change."

When Gao Gong heard this, he didn't mean to shy away, but nodded and admitted cleanly.

When Gao Gong's words fell, Hu Zongxian's face couldn't help but flash a trace of surprise, and then recalled what had happened recently.

In the cabinet, the identity of another person who supports the change of the law is about to come out, that is, Li Chunfang, the secretary of the Ministry of Rites, who has just entered the cabinet!

Hu Zongxian knew very well in his heart that after he overthrew Xu Jie, Yan Song would choose Zhishi, and by that time, there would only be five people left in the cabinet.

That is, himself, Gao Gong, Zhang Juzheng, Yan Shifan, and Li Chunfang, who has just entered the cabinet.

At that time, the position of the first assistant of the cabinet will be sat by Gao Gong, and the position of the second assistant of the cabinet will be Zhang Juzheng's turn.

As Gao Gong said, if he agreed to Gao Gong's invitation and participated in the change, then the number of people who supported the change would reach four.

If Xu Jie is allowed to sit in the position of the first assistant of the cabinet, Gao Gong can only continue to work in the cabinet if he wants to realize his ambitions and implement changes.

In Hu Zongxian's view, the timing of the high arch was very clever.

On the bright side, Yan Song, the first assistant of the cabinet, suffers from "stupidity" and cannot sort out political affairs, and Xu Jie, who is the second assistant of the cabinet, is in prison and has no time to take care of himself, and right now, it is a great opportunity.

At this moment, I saw Zhang Juzheng staring at Hu Zongxian's eyes, and asked, "So, what does Hu Ge always think?" ”

When Zhang Juzheng's words fell, Gao Gong's gaze also fell on Hu Zongxian.

Facing the eyes of the two, Hu Zongxian nodded after pondering for a moment, and expressed his attitude clearly: "Since the two of you value Hu so much, then let Hu help the two of you!" ”

Seeing that Hu Zongxian agreed to participate in the law change, Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng's faces couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.

Hu Zongxian's identity is not only a scholar, but also a student of Yan Song.

In Gao Gong's view, Hu Zongxian is deeply respected by Yan Song, and he will definitely be able to get a part of his political legacy in the future, and there are many people in the Yan Party who are also willing to obey Hu Zongxian's orders.

In addition, Hu Zongxian himself is quite capable, and when it comes to implementing policies, he will face much less resistance.

With the experience of the strict party and the clear stream, Gao Gong secretly decided that when he hired people in the future, he should not be limited to the camp, but should be eclectic.

Whether it is a strict party member or a clear stream, as long as he has the ability and can get things done, then he can use it.

As long as you hold on to them, you can make them obedient and use them for their own use, after all, policies always need people to carry them out.

After the joy, I saw Gao Gong looking solemnly in the direction where Hu Zongxian was, and then said: "Hu Ge Lao, I can't hide it, I have something to ask you for next!" ”

"What does Elder Gao Ge need to do, although the words are yes, there is no need to be so polite."

Perhaps because the previous conversation had eliminated the estrangement between them, Hu Zongxian was quite easy-going when he said this.

When Hu Zongxian's words fell, Gao Gong pondered for a while, and then said: "Elder Hu Ge, I hope that you will come forward in person and tell Hai Rui, so that he can just let go and investigate." ”

"Well, it's a trifle."

When Hu Zongxian heard Gao Gong's words, he nodded, and responded without thinking.

After this, a look of hesitation appeared on Hu Zongxian's face, and he glanced over Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng respectively, and asked: "I don't understand, why do I need to come forward in person in this matter?" ”

When Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng heard Hu Zongxian's words, they had no intention of concealing it, and immediately told the story of the matter.

After listening to Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng's narration, Hu Zongxian's face showed a look of sudden realization, lowered his head, and muttered to himself: "Oh, I see, I understand." ”

Then, I saw Hu Zongxian retract his gaze, and after bowing slightly to Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng, he followed up and said: "Since this is the case, then I will go to Hai Rui's side now!" ”

Seeing this, Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng immediately got up from their seats and said goodbye to Hu Zongxian: "Well, then I'll be annoyed by Hu Ge's old age!" ”

……

On the other side, Hai Rui's mansion in the capital.

At this time, in the study, Hai Rui was sitting behind the bookcase, handling the affairs of the Inspectorate in an orderly manner.

Soon he will rush to Songjiang Mansion as a minister to investigate the rebellion of the soldiers guarding the Thousand Households in Songjiang Prefecture.

In recent days, from time to time, officials have taken great risks to visit the door, hoping to hear some news about the case from Hai Jui's mouth.

However, these people were all rejected by Hai Rui.

After Hai Rui finished handling the affairs at hand, he supported his chin with one hand and began to think about the people involved in this case.

"The previous confession mainly involved Li Qishang, the two deputy Qianhu, and even Zhenfu, as well as Wang Jian, the prefect of Songjiang, ......"

"These damn moths, look at how this official cleans you up!"

Thinking of this, the expression on Hai Rui's face suddenly became extremely cold, and he unconsciously clenched his fists.

At this moment, I heard a quick knock on the door, and then, only listening to the butler, the panicked voice sounded outside the door: "Old ...... Master, the little one has something important to report! ”

When Hai Rui heard this, he shook his head, suppressed all the chaotic thoughts in his heart, and commanded: "Come in!" ”

As the words fell, the door of the study was slammed open, and then, I saw the butler with a pale face and a panicked face walking in quickly.

Hai Rui took in the expression on the butler's face, frowned imperceptibly, and asked.

"What's wrong, so flustered?"

"Old ...... Master, it's a big deal, there is a brocade guard outside the door, saying that he wants to see you, and he is currently waiting in the hall! ”

When the housekeeper heard Hai Rui's words, he forcibly suppressed the tension in his heart, lowered his head, and said hesitantly.

After learning the news from the butler's mouth, Hai Rui's face was full of surprise, and then, he looked in the direction of the butler, and said confirmation: "Jinyiwei, are you sure?" ”

"Master, it's true, the brocade guard in the lead calls himself Zhu Qi, and he also showed the little one his waist card."

At this time, the butler was already so frightened that his face was bloodless, and he didn't dare to hide it in the slightest, and he immediately told everything he knew.

When Hai Rui heard this, he withdrew his gaze from the butler's mouth and commanded.

"Well, I know, let's wait for Master Ben to pass!"

"Yes, sir!"

Then, under the guidance of the butler, Hai Jui came to the hall where the guests were entertained.

At this time, Zhu Qi, who was waiting in the hall, saw Hai Rui coming, and hurriedly got up from his seat and arched his hand to Hai Rui.

"In Xia Jinyi Wei Zhu Qi, I have seen Lord Hai!"

"You don't have to be so polite, sit down!"

When Hai Rui heard this, he glanced over Zhu Qi's body, waved his hand, and commanded.

Seeing this situation, Zhu Qi couldn't help but flash a trace of surprise on his face, those officials on weekdays, when they saw Jinyiwei, they all looked submissive and couldn't even speak clearly, where would they be as calm as Hai Rui.

After that, a servant stepped forward and brought a bowl of steaming tea for Hai Rui and Zhu Qi.

After taking a sip of the teacup, I saw Hai Rui put down the teacup in his hand, looked in the direction where Zhu Qi was, and asked, "My lord came here this time, is there something wrong?" ”

When Zhu Qi heard Hai Rui's words, he waved his hand, and said quite casually: "This time, I came here mainly to talk to you, the minister, to talk to you in advance. ”

"After you arrive in Songjiang Mansion, you just have to investigate the case with peace of mind, and the people and others related to this case are currently under the supervision of Jinyiwei, and there will be no risk of being killed."

When the words fell, I saw a look of gratitude on Hai Rui's face at the right time, and then, I saw him get up from the chair, bow to Zhu Qi solemnly, and say, "Thank you, sir!" ”

"Hmm."

When Zhu Qi heard Hai Rui's words, he responded imperceptibly, and then got up to say goodbye.

Before he could take a few steps, he saw Zhu Qi turn back again, and after looking Hai Rui up and down, he said meaningfully: "By the way, don't forget what Your Majesty said before." ”

After dropping this sentence, Zhu Qi didn't wait for Hai Rui to respond, and led several brocade guards out of the hall.

Soon after Zhu Qi left, the housekeeper came in again to report: "Old ...... Master, Hu Ge is here! ”

When he learned the news that Hu Zongxian had personally visited his door, Hai Rui's face was full of surprise that he couldn't hide.

Because he had just sent off Jinyiwei on the front foot, Hu Zongxian on the back foot came again.

At this time, in Hai Rui's heart, such a thought flashed coldly: "Could it be that Hu Ge Lao is also here for this case?" ”

Immediately, I saw Hai Rui come back to his senses and commanded.

"Well, I know, let's invite Elder Hu Ge in!"

"Yes, sir!"

When the housekeeper heard Hai Rui's words, he didn't dare to slack off in the slightest, and immediately left quickly.

Soon, under the guidance of the butler, Hu Zongxian stepped into the hall.

"Xia Guan has seen Hu Ge Lao!"

"Hmm."

After the two exchanged pleasantries for a while, Hu Zongxian said something similar to Zhu Qi's: "Next, you just have to investigate the case with peace of mind, and someone will take care of the rest for you behind your back." (End of chapter)