Daming talker

Chapter 546 My fate is up to me!
As the cabinet minister came out of the inner palace, news of what happened in the inner palace today gradually spread.

Even if the ministers didn't want to say it, with so many people present, it would be impossible to keep it a secret.

After watching Lin Tailai's flamboyant and outgoing performance, the officials in the outer court finally learned a lot of details about what happened in the inner palace today.

If the source of the news is not reliable, it would feel like listening to a story.
At the beginning of the story, he was hated by the treacherous concubine because of his feud with the emperor's uncle and father-in-law. He was ambushed and besieged by dozens of minions when he entered the palace, and then he was framed by treacherous ministers. If he was also beheaded at the Meridian Gate, he would definitely be the template of the father of the protagonist in the storybook!

The following plot is probably that the real protagonist grows up to be an adult eighteen years later, and takes revenge after many twists and turns - this old routine is familiar to everyone, and a similar one is "The Hu Family Generals".

It's that today, the protagonist's father, who was supposed to be sacrificed to the gods at the beginning of the story, didn't follow the routine and refused to die honestly, causing the plot line to go completely astray and deformed.

Not only did he chase and beat up dozens of the concubine's minions by himself, he also killed all the treacherous officials, which was even more treacherous than the treacherous officials. In the story of the vernacular novel, this is a plot collapse.

The flow of information was two-way, and the university scholars who came out of the inner palace also learned about what was happening outside.

The Grand Secretaries stayed in the inner palace and were unable to extinguish the negative public opinion immediately.

This resulted in Lin Tailai's high-profile and arrogant parade going extremely smoothly, bringing the advantage of public opinion to the extreme and creating enormous pressure like Mount Tai.

Sanfu Wang Xijue returned home and found that his son Wang Heng had returned from the Imperial College, and his disciple Fang Congzhe was also there.

"Did you also hear the news in the Imperial College?" Wang Xijue asked his son in surprise.

The Imperial College is in the north city, physically far away from the core area of ​​the imperial court, and politically it is a remote and unpopular government office. How can news spread so quickly?

Wang Heng smiled bitterly and said, "Son, I just happened to go home today, and then I met Editor Fang, and heard some news."

The editor Fang that Wang Heng mentioned was Fang Congzhe, the editor of the Hanlin Academy. He watched Lin Tailai being carried into the Hanlin Academy today, and then quickly came to Wang Xijue's mansion to wait.

Fang Congzhe couldn't help but be nervous, as his future all depended on Lord Wang Xijue.

Because Lord Wang Xijue was his mentor and the boss who currently appreciated him the most, he was promoted to editor by Lord Wang Xijue.

If Wang Xijue were gone at this time, the future of Fang Congzhe, who had only been in the officialdom for a few years, would be very bleak.

Facing his own son and a close student, Wang Xijue did not hide his feelings. He sighed and said dejectedly, "Am I really not as good as Shen Wumen?"

For example, today in the palace, he chose a very stable position, advancing and retreating together with most of his colleagues and cabinet ministers. It seemed safe no matter how you looked at it.

However, Shen Shixing was a maverick who stayed out of the matter, isolated himself from his colleagues and became a member of the minority.

But the final result was that Shen Shixing continued to live at large, while he himself was about to become a traitor!
Wang Heng replied, "Speaking of this question, son, I have some ideas.

It’s not that my father is not as good as Shen Wumen, but because my father holds a high position and has not returned to his hometown for several years, he may not have a detailed understanding of some of the following situations. "

Wang Xijue asked in confusion, "What do you mean by that?"

Wang Heng continued, “Everyone knows that Lin Tailai is deeply tied to Shen Wumen, but most of these interests are not in the capital, but in Suzhou.

Moreover, the degree of binding is very deep and the range is very wide, so it is difficult to cut it apart.

If Shen Wumen does not sell Lin Tailai today, the worst result will be that he will be dismissed as Prime Minister and return to Suzhou to live out his retirement.

But if Shen Wumen sells out Lin Tailai together with you, I'm afraid he won't even be able to return to Suzhou to live a stable retirement in the future.

So it’s not that my father is not as good as Shen Wumen, but that Shen Wumen and Lin Tailai’s interests are too deeply tied together, and it is really hard to sell, so they made a different choice from my father. "

After listening to his son's explanation and counseling, Wang Xijue, who had been depressed for the entire afternoon, suddenly felt relieved.

It turned out that it was not that Shen Shixing was smarter than himself, but that it was also the result of a choice driven by interests. It was just that Shen Shixing was lucky this time.

But I still don’t accept it. Why is Shen Shixing always luckier than me?
Let's start with the names on the imperial examination list. Shen Shixing was the top scorer, while I was only second.
At this time Fang Congzhe quickly asked: "What are the teacher's plans for the future?"

Compared with Teacher Wang’s mental health, Fang Congzhe is more concerned about whether Teacher Wang can still maintain his position.

Wang Xijue asked back: "What do you think will happen next?"

Fang Congzhe, who had already prepared a plan, replied: "Since such an incident happened in the cabinet, it is certain that some cabinet ministers should resign.

If the three ministers involved resigned at the same time, it would be too shocking, so it is more likely that one or two ministers will resign."

Wang Xijue suddenly interrupted when he heard this: "It will be either one or two ministers, or two. At least Lin Tailai will ask the two to resign."

"Why is this?" Fang Congzhe said subconsciously.

Wang Xijue reminded him: "Haven't you heard Lin Tailai's statement in the Ministry of Personnel? He said to Zhao Zhigao, the left assistant minister, 'You should encourage yourself!

If only one cabinet minister is dismissed, there are still three people in the cabinet, which is enough and may not need to be supplemented. After all, most of the time there are three people in the cabinet.

But if two cabinet ministers are dismissed, there will only be two people left in the cabinet, and logically one more person should be added.

So Lin Tailai must be thinking about trying to remove the two cabinet ministers, and then he can recruit new people! "

Fang Congzhe exclaimed: "Teacher, this is a great idea."

Then he continued to speak of his thoughts: "If the teacher wants to continue to serve the country, he only needs to be better than the two prime ministers of Xin'an and Shanyin, and he will be safe enough."

In this era, people used their hometowns and place names to refer to bigwigs. Wumen was the first assistant Shen Shixing, Xin'an was the second assistant Xu Guo, and Shanyin was the fourth assistant Wang Jiaping.

In front of his own people, Wang Xijue stopped pretending and asked again: "How can we be slightly better?"

Fang Congzhe glanced at Wang Heng and analyzed, "Teacher's greatest advantage is that he has no irreconcilable conflicts with Lin Tailai."

The biggest conflict between Lin Tailai and Wang Sange Lao was that two years ago, Master Wang Heng came to Suzhou Prefecture School to grab resources for the provincial examination, but was driven away by Lin Tailai.

As long as Prince Wang is more generous, the contradiction will be resolved by rounding it up!
Furthermore, Wang Xijue and the literary leader Wang Lao are from the same hometown and have the same surname, and the two families have a good relationship.

But now Lin Tailai is already the first deputy leader of the literary world and the legal successor to the old leader Wang, so the contradiction in this regard can almost be said to no longer exist!
Finally, Fang Congzhe said: "In comparison, the contradiction between Xin'an and Shanyin and Lin Tailai is irreconcilable."

Behind Xu Guo are the Huizhou salt merchants, and behind Wang Jiaping are the Qingliu forces. It cannot be said that the hatred between them and Lin Tailai is as deep as the sea, but it can be said that they are mortal enemies.

Wang Heng could no longer bear it. Congzhe said angrily, "Are you saying that if my father wants to stay in office, he has to look at Lin Tailai's face?"

Fang Congzhe said helplessly: "Of course it's not entirely true. Because it depends on the Prime Minister's mood."

Whether you accept it or not, this is the reality.

Wang Xijue did not blame Fang Congzhe for speaking the truth, but said thoughtfully: "Xin'an and Shanyin actually have their own advantages.

Xin'an is Lin Tailai's master. Although they have severed their relationship in front of the emperor today, if Xin'an becomes shameless and claims to be his master again, Lin Tailai will not be able to refuse.

Sanin's advantage is that he is the only northerner in the current cabinet.

Therefore, we must not be careless and lose Jingzhou, and we must still be cautious.

As for Shen Wumen, I will admit defeat and bow to him in person. But as for Lin Tailai."

Fang Congzhe immediately replied: "I am willing to run errands and lobby for the teacher."

Wang Xijue sighed, "The situation is urgent, there is no time to lose, I will go to visit Shen Wumen now."

I'm afraid tonight will be a sleepless night for all the ministers.

When Prime Minister Shen returned home, he asked his eldest son, "Has Lin Jiuyuan come yet?"

Shen Yongmao replied: "No."

Prime Minister Shen chuckled and said, "Lin Jiuyuan will definitely come to see me tonight." After dinner, Prime Minister Shen waited in the outer study.

But after waiting for two hours, it was almost time to go to bed, but there was still no sign of Lin Tailai.

Not only did he not wait for Lin Tailai, but he waited for Wang Xijue who bowed to him.

Prime Minister Shen felt like he was screwed. Why did every meeting with Lin Tailai become a tug-of-war and a game? Are you tired, Lin Tailai?

How can I talk to Wang Xijue without first discussing the matter with Lin Tai?
So when facing Wang Xijue, Shen Shixing could only talk about other things and did not dare to get to the point.

This made Wang Xijue very confused. He felt unhappy as if he was trying to sell himself but couldn't.

Suddenly Shen Yongmao said at the door of the study: "Lin Jiuyuan is here!"

Prime Minister Shen heaved a sigh of relief and regained his confidence, saying, "Just as I expected, Lin Jiuyuan really came to visit."

Shen Yongmao replied, "In fact, I just went to the Lin residence and invited Lin Tailai to come, so that father wouldn't have to wait in vain all night."

Shen Shoufu: "."

Then Lin Tailai was carried in, yawning constantly and looking listless.

After all, the physical strength and energy consumed today were extremely great, and even Lin Tailai could hardly bear it.

"Just say it if you have something to say." Lin Tailai said to Shen Shixing with a little impatience.

Wang Xijue: “???”

Is this how Lin Tailai treats the Prime Minister in private? It has been rumored that Lin Tailai is a member of Prime Minister Shen's party and a retainer of the Shen government.

Prime Minister Shen felt that he was not respected, especially since there were outsiders present. He said very dissatisfiedly: "You are not even willing to call me senior?"

Lin Tailai nodded slightly and added, "Old senior."

Prime Minister Shen asked again in a dignified tone: "Such a big thing happened today, don't you have anything to say to me?"

Lin Tailai answered with two words: "No."

Maybe because he talked too much today, Lin Tailai has lost interest in talking, so his answers are very concise.

Prime Minister Shen glanced at Wang Xijue, who seemed to be trying to hold back his laughter, and angrily said to Lin Tailai, "Have you never considered how to deal with the aftermath?"

Lin Tailai still said concisely: "Everything has been arranged."

Shen Shoufu: "."

If you can arrange everything, then what's the point of having him as the Prime Minister?

"I'm not joking with you!" Prime Minister Shen said, "Do you think the affairs of the court are a joke?"

Lin Tailai just wanted to go back and rest, and said irritably: "I'm not kidding!

If Xu Er is dismissed from office, Zhao Zhigao, the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, will be replaced by Zhao Huan, the Left Censor-in-Chief, and will be promoted to the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel!
If Xu Er and Wang Si are dismissed from office together, then Tianguan Yang Wei will be added to the cabinet, and Zhao Zhigao will replace Tianguan of the Ministry of Personnel!

If Xu Er, Wang San, and Wang Si are dismissed together, then Yang Wei, the Minister of Heaven, and Zhao Zhigao, the Junior Prime Minister, will be added to the cabinet, and Wang Zhiyuan, the Grand Tutor, will replace the Minister of Personnel! "

Wang Xijue was confused. Who was Wang San? It seemed as if he was referring to himself.

But there is also good news. Judging from the order in Lin Tailai's words, the cabinet minister whom he has the highest priority to dismiss is Xu Er, followed by Wang Si, and Wang San has the last priority!
Everything was arranged so clearly that Prime Minister Shen was stunned and speechless for a moment.

But if this arrangement is followed, Shen Shixing won't get any benefits at all, so wouldn't his time today spent "staying out of it" have been in vain?
After coming back to his senses, Prime Minister Shen said again: "I think"

Lin Tailai interrupted rudely and said, "I don't want your opinion, I only want my opinion!"

Shen Shixing said angrily: "I am the Prime Minister!"

Lin Tailai suddenly perked up and said excitedly, "You also want to resign? Then we need to fine-tune the plan."

Shen Shixing: "."

Crazy! Crazy! The world has gone crazy!
"How arrogant is that!" Shen Shixing wanted to find Wang Xijue next to him for help.

Wang San’s cleverness came into play in time. He smiled politely and said nothing.

As the saying goes, a prime minister has a broad mind. Shen Shixing believed that as a prime minister, he should be broad-minded and there was no need for him to fall out with Lin Tailai.

So he changed the topic and asked, "Have you ever thought that you might not be able to protect yourself?

Do you think it is so easy for the emperor to punish criminals? After being dismissed from office, stripped of their official titles, and beaten in court, they are often exiled or sent to military service!
Do you also want to go to Guizhou to be a postmaster, or be exiled to Shaanxi and Gansu?"

Lin Tailai said in astonishment: "Really? It's not enough to get one or two ministers, you really want to get three or four ministers to mess with me?

But I have already informed the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of War, and they will definitely protest!
Besides, is it possible that my public opinion in the outer court was all in vain? Who dares not to speak up for me? "

Shen Shixing threatened: "The wrath of thunder is so terrible that as long as the emperor is determined, no matter how hard you try, you will not be able to escape punishment!

Which of the ministers who were exiled throughout the ages has not been saved by petitions?"

Lin Tailai added: "But I have been tied to three or four cabinet ministers, and the emperor probably doesn't want to clear out the cabinet all at once."

Prime Minister Shen couldn't stand it anymore and corrected him: "It's three, not three or four!"

Lin Tailai did not get too serious about the number and continued, "So no one can afford to lose. In the end, the emperor and his ministers will definitely compromise on the issue of my crime and punishment. We must believe in the wisdom of the bureaucrats.

For example, exile means being exiled to Xizhimen, Chaoyangmen, or Chongwenmen, and conscription means being sent to serve in the Beijing Camp or the Beijing Guard.

This way, everyone can find a way out and everyone is happy. I don't even have to leave the capital.

Moreover, suffering a punishment of this magnitude as exile can fill a gap in the resume of a famous official. I am quite looking forward to it when I think about it."

Shen Shixing: "."

Is everything really arranged? Then what is the point of him being the Prime Minister?

Prime Minister Shen questioned again, "Exile is exile! Do you think this kind of punishment is a joke?
Even if you don't leave Beijing, you will still be a lowly criminal!"

Prime Minister Shen’s subtext is, without my help, you will always be a criminal at the bottom of society!
This is not a threat, but a reminder to young people! The world is big and the future is long. Don't ruin your life because of a moment of arrogance!
Lin Tailai clenched his fist and said passionately: "I believe that my fate is in my own hands!"

Shen Shixing: “?”

What kind of crazy words are these? Is Lin Jiuyuan really crazy? Is this still the Lin Tailai who came to me for help when something happened?

Lin Tailai yawned again and predicted: "God will not destroy me. I will be reinstated in a month and I won't need to bother the Prime Minister for help."

Prime Minister Shen suddenly felt like he had lost something. Did Lin Tailai really not need him anymore?

Looking back, from beginning to end today, Lin Tailai never made any requests to me?

Wang San, who was watching from the sidelines, felt that tonight was truly an eye-opener and the trip was worthwhile.

Even more difficult was the fact that I got to watch the live broadcast of my interactions with Lin Tailai up close and gained valuable experience.

It can also be seen that Lin Tailai was no longer satisfied with the power of the six ministries and began to infringe on the power of the cabinet and even the power of the prime minister.

(End of this chapter)