Seeing that Yan Song looked uninterested in this matter, Yan Shifan's face couldn't help but show a little surprise.

He vaguely felt that Yan Song was not in a very good mood at this time.

Then, I saw Yan Shifan pluck up his courage, looked in the direction where Yan Song was, and asked cautiously, "Father...... Father, you are ......"

When Yan Song heard this, he just waved his hand quite casually, and explained: "It's okay, your father and I are just a little unwell, you go down first, let me stay alone for a while!" ”

"Yes, Father!"

Seeing Yan Song's resolute attitude, Yan Shifan didn't want to say anything more, and after telling Yan Song to pay more attention to rest, he left the study.

After Yan Shifan left the study, Yan Song returned to the bookcase and sat down.

Unlike before, Yan Song's face at this time was full of confusion, and even he couldn't understand why he was like this.

It stands to reason that he should feel ecstatic when he knocked down Xu Jie, but instead of feeling the slightest excitement, Yan Song had an indescribable sense of emptiness.

Yan Song knew very well in his heart that the conjecture put forward by Yan Shifan was true nine times out of ten.

The emperor sent Lu Fang to the door, and his purpose was to preserve the last dignity for Xu Jie, even if it was his own.

After being stunned for a long time, Yan Song came back to his senses, and then, I saw him pick up the teacup on the table, take a sip, and say to himself silently: "Xu Jie, Xu Jie, we have been fighting for most of our lives, go all the way!" ”

After Yan Song finished speaking, he spilled the remaining tea in the cup on the ground, his face full of melancholy.

"Now that the matter has been settled, it's time for me, Yan Song, to step down from the position of the first assistant to the cabinet."

Yan Song thought of this, and immediately studied the ink, spread out the paper and pen, and wrote his resignation with a brush full of ink.

"Minister Yan Song, I would like to bow my head and thank you, Your Majesty the Holy Emperor of the Great Ming Ren."

"The minister is a cold man, only a shallow understanding of the ugly, fortunately His Majesty is wrongly loved, honored and favored, and the micro-minister has endless feelings, since the minister has served his life, he has done his best, and he has not dared to have a heart of neglect."

"Ranchen is old, has reached the twilight of his life, and his energy is not as good as before, although he is cautious and conscientious, he is really physically and mentally exhausted, and Weichen is afraid of delaying the court, so he has the courage to go up and beg His Majesty to ...... bones."

When the last word fell, Yan Song seemed to have unloaded some burden, and the whole person relaxed.

Subsequently, Yan Song carefully checked the content from beginning to end, and only after confirming that it was correct, did he put down the brush in his hand.

"That way, it's foolproof!"

Yan Song looked at the resignation letter written in front of him, his face was full of inexplicable looks, he planned to wait until tomorrow when he went to the cabinet to be on duty, and handed over this resignation letter to Jiajing.

……

On the other side, Zhang Juzheng's mansion in the capital.

Zhang Juzheng rarely had free time today, so he simply supervised the homework of his eldest son Zhang Jingxiu.

"Jun ...... A gentleman wants to be ne-in-the-word, but sensitive to action, preceded by his words and then followed ......"

Seeing that Zhang Jingxiu's back was stumbling, Zhang Juzheng shook his head imperceptibly, and a trace of disappointment flashed in his eyes.

When Zhang Juzheng was a child, he only needed to read an article of this level once, and he could memorize it backwards, and he didn't have to work so hard at all.

At this moment, I heard a slight knock on the door, and then, I saw Zhang Juzheng's wife Wang walking in.

After Wang entered the room, he motioned to Zhang Juzheng to step forward with his eyes.

Seeing this situation, Zhang Juzheng did not doubt him, and after instructing Zhang Jingxiu to continue to study hard, he came to Wang's face.

"What's the matter?"

"Husband, the old man of the high pavilion came to visit, and the person is currently waiting in the hall, saying that there is something important to discuss!"

When Wang heard Zhang Juzheng's words, he lowered his voice after confirming that there was no one around.

"Well, I know, you take care of Ping'er's homework here, I'll go over right away!"

After that, Zhang Juzheng did not hesitate at all, and immediately left the room quickly.

Zhang Juzheng knew that Gao Gong's visit at this time must have happened to something big.

At this time, in the hall, the high arch seemed a little restless.

Not long ago, Gao Gong got the news that Lu Fang had gone to Xu Jie's mansion in person on the emperor's behest.

Subsequently, the two went to the Forbidden City together, and until now, Xu Jie has not returned from the palace.

Gao Gong was keenly aware that something had changed.

After all, nearly a month has passed since Hai Rui, as the minister of the Imperial Mission, rushed to Songjiang Mansion to investigate the case, and there should be a result if he counts the days.

In Gao Gong's opinion, Hai Rui should have found out the whole picture of the matter, and in order to preserve the last trace of Xu Jie's dignity, the emperor sent Lu Fang to come to the door in person.

Just as Gao Gong's thoughts were flying, he heard a rush of footsteps.

Then, I only heard Zhang Juzheng's voice sound: "Brother Su Qing, you are here!" ”

Gao Gong heard Zhang Juzheng's words, nodded, and then planned to tell everything he had heard: "Brother Taiyue, I came here this time because of ......"

Before Gao Gong's words were finished, he was interrupted by Zhang Juzheng's words: "Brother Su Qing, this is not the place to talk, come with me!" ”

"Hmm."

After Gao Gong responded, he came to the study under the guidance of Zhang Juzheng.

After entering the study, I saw Zhang Juzheng sitting on the top, pointing to the vacant seat on the side, and then said, "Brother Su Qing, sit down!" ”

"Hmm."

When Gao Gong heard this, he did not excuse himself, and sat down on the vacant seat on the side.

Soon after Gao Gong sat down, a maid soon stepped forward and brought a bowl of steaming tea for Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng.

When the maid left, she also closed the door of the study.

Immediately, I saw Zhang Juzheng picking up the teacup, taking a sip, then looking in the direction where Gao Gong was, and asked, "Brother Su Qing, what's wrong?" ”

Gao Gong heard Zhang Juzheng's words, and after organizing the language in his mind, he even said everything he had learned: "Here's the thing, not long ago, Duke Lu went to Xu Ge Lao's house in person at the behest of His Majesty!" ”

"Subsequently, under the guidance of Gonggong Lu, Xu Ge went to the Forbidden City and has not returned until now."

When Gao Gong said this, he paused for a moment, looked in the direction where Zhang Juzheng was, and said in a low voice: "I'm wondering, could it be that Hai Rui has found out something, and then it involved Xu Ge Lao, Your Majesty in order to save his face, so that Gonggong Lu came to the door in person?" ”

After Zhang Juzheng listened to Gao Gong's narration, the expression on his face also became solemn, and after thinking for a while, he nodded, and said kindly: "Well, I can't rule out this possibility, after all, we have given Hai Rui a lot of help along the way!" ”

"With Hai Rui's talent, the case over there in Songjiang Mansion can't stop him!"

When Zhang Juzheng said this, his face was full of determination.

Gao Gong saw that Zhang Juzheng's thoughts were very similar to his own, and he suddenly had confidence in his heart, only to see him retract his gaze, and then said: "If you say so, then can't we start preparing ......"

Zhang Juzheng seemed to guess what Gao Gong was thinking, shook his head, and said unhurriedly: "Having said that, we still can't take it lightly, let's wait for the news!" ”

"Well, it's nature."

Gao Gong did not raise any objection to Zhang Juzheng's words, because he knew that this was a critical moment, and he must not act rashly before the situation is clear.

……

The time of the night passed in the blink of an eye, early in the morning, Yan Mansion.

In the hall, Yan Song was holding a bowl of thick porridge and drinking it slowly.

As usual, the table was filled with all kinds of dishes, and in front of Yan Song, there was a bowl of thick porridge, an egg, and a plate of pickles from Liuxinju.

At this moment, I saw Yan Shifan stepping into the hall and asking Yan Song for peace.

"Father!"

"Hmm."

When Yan Song heard this, he just glanced at Yan Shifan, then withdrew his gaze, pointed to the vacant seat on the side, and commanded, "Sit down!" ”

"Yes, Father!"

After Yan Shifan responded, he sat down on the vacant seat on the side, and then the maid on the side saw this, and immediately stepped forward and handed Yan Shifan a bowl of thick porridge.

After taking the thick porridge from the maid's hand, I saw a hesitant look on Yan Shifan's face, looked in the direction where Yan Song was, and asked.

"Father...... Father, do you really plan to step down from the position of the first assistant of the cabinet, now that Xu Jie's has been knocked down by you, there is no one in the government and the opposition who can compete with you, the child feels ......"

"Okay, no need to say any more, this is something that has been decided early in the morning, and it cannot be changed in the slightest!"

Before Yan Shifan's words were finished, he was interrupted impatiently by Yan Song.

After saying this, I saw Yan Song pick up the egg on the table, peel the shell, and explain to Yan Shifan: "Although your father and I have been fighting with Xu Jie for most of our lives, none of us can do without anyone. ”

"Now that Xu Jie's steps have fallen, I, the head of the cabinet, will also be at the end."

"It's better to get acquainted, step down from the position of the first assistant to the cabinet as soon as possible, make way for the people who come after you, and you can also form a good relationship with each other."

After that, I saw Yan Song looking solemnly in the direction where Yan Shifan was, and said: "Yan Shifan, you remember for me that since ancient times, people who only know how to be greedy for power are doomed to no good end!" ”

When Yan Song said this, he paused for a moment, and then continued: "If I guess correctly, Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng are going to make big moves next, you must stand on the same position with them, and you can't disobey them, understand?" ”

When Yan Shifan heard this, he immediately lowered his head and replied without thinking: "Yes, father, the child understands!" ”

Seeing that Yan Shifan listened to his words, Yan Song's face showed a little relief.

Then, I saw him stroke his beard and commanded: "Okay, hurry up and eat, you have to go to the top of the line later!" ”

"Yes, Father!"

After Yan Shifan responded, he picked up the bowl of thick porridge and drank it with a snort.

Next, neither father nor son spoke, just concentrating on the food on the table.

After breakfast, Yan Song, Yan Shifan, father and son, took the sedan chair that had been prepared and marched in the direction where the Forbidden City was located.

……

Forbidden City, outside the Cabinet.

After the sedan chair stopped, I saw Yan Shifan get off the sedan chair first, and carefully helped Yan Song down from the sedan chair.

"Father, slow down!"

"Hmm."

Looking at the cabinet in the distance, Yan Song at this time suddenly felt a lot of emotion in his heart, maybe this was the last time he came to the cabinet.

Then, with the support of Yan Shifan, Yan Song paced and walked slowly in the direction of the cabinet.

Yan Song's pace was extremely slow, and he had to stop and rest for a while every few steps, looking like an old dragon clock.

If it weren't for Yan Shifan's support, Yan Song alone would never have been able to leave the cabinet.

And in this process, there were also early officials, and when they passed by the cabinet, they saw Yan Song who was supported by Yan Shifan.

After learning of this news, these officials did not dare to speak out at all, let alone come forward to disturb them, but unconsciously quickened their pace.

After all, it has been a month since Yan Song suffered from "dementia" and complained at home, why did Yan Song choose to come to the cabinet at this time.

Could it be that something big is happening?

With such and such thoughts, the news of Yan Song's return soon spread throughout the government and the opposition.

Yan Song, as a party concerned, naturally has no way of knowing these situations.

At this moment, he was stopping, looking at the temple around him with cloudy eyes, as if he wanted to remember all this in his mind.

When Yan Shifan carefully supported Yan Song and walked towards the cabinet, the sedan chair of Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng also arrived in time.

When Gao Gong saw Yan Song not far away, his pupils suddenly contracted, and his face was full of disbelief.

He didn't expect that Yan Song would choose to come to the cabinet at this time.

Subsequently, after Gao Gong exchanged glances with Zhang Juzheng on the side, he immediately took three steps and two steps to keep up with the pace of Yan Song's father and son, and he planned to explore Yan Song's bottom.

Seeing this, Zhang Juzheng hurriedly followed.

Just as Yan Song was still looking around at the surrounding palaces, he only heard Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng's voice behind him: "I've seen Yan Ge Lao!" ”

When Yan Song heard this, he followed the prestige, and saw Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng standing not far away, their faces full of respect.

Yan Song saw that the person who came was Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng, with a warm smile on his face, nodded, and said in response: "Oh, it's the two of you!" ”

Then, I saw Yan Song beckoning, signaling Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng to step forward, while Yan Shifan stepped aside very wisely.

After a few words of greeting, the two sides saw Gao Gong looking in the direction of Yan Song with a concerned face, and asked: "Speaking of Yan Ge, you should take care of your body a lot, why did you suddenly come here?" ”

When Yan Song heard this, he had no intention of concealing it, and immediately smiled and said, "It's okay, there will be time in the future." ”

After Yan Song finished speaking, he trembled and took out the resignation letter that had already been written from his sleeve, and then handed it to Gao Gong, and then said: "The old man came here today just for this matter, and I bothered Su Qing to hand it to Your Majesty for me!" ”

Gao Gong vaguely sensed something from Yan Song's words, and after he took the resignation letter from Yan Song's hand, a look of hesitation appeared on his face at the right time, and he confirmed to Yan Song: "Yan Ge Lao, this is ......"

When Yan Song heard this, he didn't mean to hide it, and after a moment of silence, he followed up and spoke.

"I'm old, and my energy is not as good as before, and I am not so handy when I deal with court affairs, so I want to take advantage of the time when this body can still move, say goodbye to the old and return to my hometown, and enjoy a few years of happiness."

"What!"

When Yan Song's words fell, both Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng's faces on the side were full of shocked colors that could not be concealed.

Although Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng both knew that Yan Song was about to become a priest, they didn't expect this day to come so quickly.

Moreover, Yan Song also named his surname and asked Gao Gong to hand over his resignation on his behalf.

According to the established process, the recitals on the cabinet's side must go through the hands of the celebrant before they can be sent to the emperor.

But in Gao Gong's opinion at this time, the meaning that Yan Song wants to express could not be more obvious, that is, I will take the initiative to withdraw and give you the position of the first assistant of the cabinet, I hope you can accept this love.

Looking at the letter in his hand, Gao Gong's breathing became rapid, because he only needed to complete the established process next, and he would be able to sit in the position of the first assistant of the cabinet naturally.

In addition to the high arch, Zhang Juzheng's face not far away was also full of excitement that could not be concealed.

After Gao Gong sat in the position of the first assistant of the cabinet, according to the order of entering the cabinet, he will also become the second assistant of the cabinet.

At present, all the conditions for carrying out reform have been met, and once the situation in the DPRK is stabilized, it will be able to unleash its hands and feet and do a big job.

Thinking of this, Zhang Juzheng looked at Yan Song with a little more gratitude.

Yan Song took in the expressions on Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng's faces, and after a moment of silence, he reminded him: "Two of you, it's not early, let's go in!" ”

"Well, let's go."

……

Forbidden City, Qianqing Palace.

"Your Majesty, here is the note handed over by Elder Yan Ge!"

"yes, got it."

After Jiajing responded, he took the song from Lu Fang's hand, and browsed the content on it with great concentration, only to see that it was written.

"Minister Yan Song, I would like to bow my head and thank you, Your Majesty the Holy Emperor of the Great Ming Ren."

"The minister is a cold man, only a shallow understanding of the ugly, fortunately His Majesty is wrongly loved, honored and favored, and the micro-minister has endless feelings, since the minister has served his life, he has done his best, and he has not dared to have a heart of neglect."

"Ranchen is old, has reached the twilight of his life, and his energy is not as good as before, although he is cautious and conscientious, he is really physically and mentally exhausted, and Weichen is afraid of delaying the court, so he has the courage to go up and beg for the bones ......of His Majesty."

After Jiajing finished browsing all the contents above, he gently rubbed the dragon head carved on the dragon chair with his hand, and commanded: "Lu Fang, you go to the cabinet in person and call Yan Song over!" ”

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

When Lu Fang heard Jiajing's words, he didn't dare to slack off in the slightest, and immediately lowered his head and responded respectfully.

Lu Fang knew that the emperor had actually agreed to Yan Song's request to beg for bones, and then he only needed to go through the process step by step.

In addition to this resignation, Yan Song had to submit two more resignations.

If you agree to it once you hand in your resignation, it will appear that the emperor is mean and unkind, and at least after three resignations, the emperor will let Yan Song leave.

To put it bluntly, this is a show, this is for the world to see, after all, no matter what Yan Song says, he has been the head of the cabinet for more than 20 years, and he deserves this treatment.

With this in mind, Lu Fang quickened his pace and marched in the direction where the cabinet was located.

Forbidden City, Cabinet.

At this time, Yan Song was sitting in the position of the first assistant of the cabinet, methodically handling the notes sent by the officials, while the position that originally belonged to Xu Jie, was empty.

Li Chunfang knew very well in his heart that Xu Jie must have been implicated, but His Majesty had not officially announced the case.

Just as Li Chunfang's thoughts were flying, there was a rush of footsteps from outside the cabinet, and after a while, I saw a Xu official walking in quickly.

After entering the cabinet, the official subconsciously looked in the direction where Yan Song was, lowered his head, and reported respectfully.

"Elder Yuyan Ge, Grandpa Lu is asking to see you outside!"

"Well, got it, let him in!"

Hearing this, Yan Song put down the brush in his hand, looked in the direction where the official was, nodded, and commanded.

"Yes, Yan Ge Lao!"

After answering the call, the official quickly walked away.

Regarding Lu Fang's visit to the cabinet, there was not the slightest surprise on everyone's faces.

Because Lu Fang came here this time, he was ordered by the emperor to invite Yan Song, the first assistant of the cabinet who was about to become a minister, to the Qianqing Palace to talk.

Then, under the guidance of the previous official, I saw Lu Fang step into the cabinet.

Seeing Lu Fang's arrival, under the leadership of Yan Song, the head of the cabinet, the remaining few people got up from their seats one after another and bowed to him.

"I've seen Grandpa Lu!"

"Hmm."

Hearing this, Lu Fang looked in the direction where Yan Song was and followed the opening.

"Elder Yan Ge, our family came here this time to follow His Majesty's will, let's go with our family!"

"Well, let's go!"

After Yan Song responded, he got up from his seat tremblingly, followed Lu Fang's steps, and walked out of the cabinet.

After walking out of the cabinet, I saw Lu Fang withdraw his gaze from a distance, turned around, looked in the direction where Yan Song was, and said with emotion: "Alas, Yan Ge, you are also gone, and there is one less person who can speak in the future!" ”

When Yan Song heard Lu Fang's words, a look of relief appeared on his face, and after a moment of silence, he followed up and said, "There will be such a day!" ”

When Lu Fang heard this, he shook his head imperceptibly, a trace of envy flashed on his face, and he said to himself: "It's better for you to be officials, no matter how you are, there is a way out." ”

When Yan Song heard this, an inexplicable look appeared on his face, and he said unhurriedly: "Gonggong Lu said that he laughed, the officialdom is deceitful and intriguing, and if you don't pay attention to it, it will be the end of losing all the plates, it is really eating people and not spitting out bones, it's difficult!" ”

When Yan Song's words fell, Lu Fang smiled and then expressed her agreement: "Yes, it's difficult, it's difficult for everyone!" ”

"Let's go, Gonggong Lu, let's go meet Your Majesty!"

"Hmm." (End of chapter)