I, Jiajing, successfully cultivated immortality

Seeing Yan Song's expression of no interest in this matter, Yan Shifan couldn't help but have a look of surprise on his face.

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

Then, Yan Shifan mustered up his courage, looked in the direction of Yan Song, and asked cautiously: "Father...Father, what are you..."

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

"Yes, father!"

Seeing Yan Song's resolute attitude, Yan Shifan couldn't say anything more. After asking Yan Song to pay more attention to rest, he left the study.

After Yan Shifan left the study, Yan Song went back to his desk and sat down.

What was different from before was that Yan Song's face was full of confusion at this time, and even he couldn't figure out why he was like this.

Logically speaking, he should feel ecstatic that he had defeated Xu Jie. On the contrary, instead of feeling the slightest excitement, Yan Song felt an indescribable sense of emptiness.

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

The emperor sent Lu Fang to visit, the purpose was to preserve the last dignity for Xu Jie, even if it was him.

After being stunned for a long time, Yan Song came back to his senses. Then he picked up the tea cup on the table, took a sip, and said silently to himself: "Xu Jie, Xu Jie, we have been fighting for most of our lives. Well, have a good trip!”

After Yan Song finished speaking, he sprinkled the remaining tea in the cup on the ground, with a look of melancholy on his face.

"Now that the matter has been settled, it is time for me, Yan Song, to step down from my position as chief minister of the cabinet."

When Yan Song thought of this, he immediately ground the ink, spread out the paper and pen, and wrote his resignation with a brush dipped in ink.

"Your Majesty, Yan Song, would like to kowtow a hundred times and express my gratitude to His Majesty the Ming Rensheng Emperor."

"I am a humble scholar with limited knowledge. Fortunately, I am loved by His Majesty and have been honored and favored. I have endless feelings for you. I have tried my best since I took up my duties and have never dared to be negligent."

"However, I am getting older and have reached the twilight years, and my energy is not as good as before. Although I am cautious and conscientious, I am exhausted physically and mentally. I am afraid of delaying the court affairs, so I boldly go to the sparse and beg for the bones from your majesty... "

When the last word fell, Yan Song seemed to have been relieved of some heavy burden, and his whole body relaxed.

Afterwards, Yan Song carefully checked the contents from beginning to end. After confirming that they were correct, he put down the brush in his hand.

"This way, everything will be foolproof!"

Yan Song looked at the resignation letter written in front of him with an inexplicable look on his face. He planned to submit this resignation letter to Jiajing when he went to the cabinet for duty tomorrow.

……

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

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

"The gentleman...a gentleman wants to be slow in his words, but quick in his deeds. He should first act on his words and then follow them..."

Seeing Zhang Jingxiu stumbling on his back, Zhang Juzheng shook his head imperceptibly, with a trace of disappointment flashing in his eyes.

When Zhang Juzheng was a child, he could memorize an article of this level just once, without having to work so hard.

At this moment, there was a slight knock on the door, and then Zhang Juzheng's wife Wang walked in.

After Wang entered the room, she motioned Zhang Juzheng to come forward with her eyes.

Seeing this, Zhang Juzheng did not doubt that he was there. After asking Zhang Jingxiu to continue studying hard, he came to Wang.

"what's up?"

"Husband, Mr. Gaoge came to visit me. He is waiting in the hall right now. He said he has something important to discuss!"

When Wang heard what Zhang Juzheng said, she lowered her voice after confirming that no one was around.

"Well, I understand. You take care of Ping'er's homework here. I'll go over right away!"

After that, Zhang Juzheng quickly left the room without any hesitation.

Zhang Juzheng knew that something big must have happened if Gao Gong visited at this time.

At this time, in the hall, Gao Gong seemed a little restless.

Not long ago, Gao Gong received news that Lu Fang had personally visited Xu Jie's residence in accordance with the emperor's order.

Afterwards, the two went to the Forbidden City together. Until now, Xu Jie has not come back from the palace.

Gao Gong was keenly aware that something had changed.

After all, nearly a month has passed since Hai Rui, as the imperial envoy, rushed to Songjiang Mansion to investigate the case. Counting the days, there should be a result.

In Gao Gong's opinion, Hai Rui should have found out the whole story. In order to preserve the last trace of Xu Jie's dignity, the emperor sent Lu Fang to visit personally.

Just as Gao Gong's thoughts were racing, he heard a burst of rapid footsteps.

Then, Zhang Juzheng's voice was heard: "Brother Suqing, you are here!"

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

Before Gao Gong finished speaking, he was interrupted by Zhang Juzheng: "Brother Suqing, this is not the place to talk. Come with me!"

"Ah."

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

After entering the study, he saw Zhang Juzheng sitting at the top, pointing to the empty seat beside him, and then said: "Brother Suqing, sit down!"

"Ah."

Hearing this, Gao Gong didn't refuse and sat down on the empty seat beside him.

Not long after Gao Gong sat down, a maid came forward and brought a bowl of steaming tea to Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng respectively.

When the maid left, she also closed the door to the study room.

Immediately, Zhang Juzheng picked up the teacup, took a sip, looked in the direction of Gao Gong, and asked, "Brother Suqing, what happened?"

After hearing Zhang Juzheng's words, Gao Gong organized the words in his mind and immediately said everything he knew about the situation: "The thing is like this. Not long ago, Eunuch Lu followed His Majesty's order and personally I went to Mr. Xu Ge’s house!”

"Subsequently, under the leadership of Eunuch 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 of Zhang Juzheng, and lowered his voice and said, "I'm wondering if Hai Rui has found out something and then implicated Mr. Xu Ge, Your Majesty In order to save his face, did he let Eunuch Lu come to the door in person? "

After Zhang Juzheng listened to Gao Gong's narration, the expression on his face became solemn. After thinking about it for a moment, he nodded and said in agreement: "Well, I can't rule out this possibility. After all, along the way, We gave Hai Rui a lot of help!"

"With Hai Rui's talent, the case at Songjiang Mansion won't be a problem for him!"

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

Seeing that Zhang Juzheng's thoughts were very different from his own, Gao Gong felt confident in his heart. He looked back and said, "If that's the case, can't we start preparations..."

Zhang Juzheng seemed to have guessed what Gao Gong was thinking. He shook his head and said slowly: "Having said that, we still can't take it lightly. Let's wait for the news!"

"Well, that's natural."

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 was clear.

……

One 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 Liuxinju pickles.

At this moment, Yan Shifan stepped into the hall and greeted Yan Song.

"Father!"

"Ah."

When Yan Song heard this, he just glanced at Yan Shifan, then withdrew his gaze, pointed to the empty seat beside him, and said: "Sit down!"

"Yes, father!"

After Yan Shifan responded, he sat down on the empty seat next to him. When the maid next to him saw this, he immediately stepped forward and handed Yan Shifan a bowl of thick porridge.

After taking the thick porridge from the maid's hand, Yan Shifan saw a look of hesitation on his face, looked in the direction of Yan Song, and asked.

"Father...Father, do you really plan to step down from your position as the chief minister of the cabinet? Now that Xu Jie has been overthrown by you, no one in the government or the public can compete with you. My child feels..."

"Okay, no need to say any more, this was decided long ago and cannot be changed at all!"

Before Yan Shifan finished speaking, he was impatiently interrupted by Yan Song.

After saying this, Yan Song picked up the eggs on the table and peeled them while explaining to Yan Shifan: "Although your father and I have been fighting with Xu Jie for most of our lives, neither of us can live without the other. "

"Now that Xu Jie has fallen, I, as the chief minister of the cabinet, have come to an end."

"It's better to be wise and step down from the position of chief minister of the cabinet as soon as possible to make way for those who come after you. We can also have a good relationship with each other."

After that, Yan Song looked solemnly in the direction of Yan Shifan and said, "Yan Shifan, please remember that since ancient times, people who are only greedy for power are destined to have a bad end!"

When Yan Song said this, he paused for a moment and continued: "If my guess is correct, Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng are going to make big moves next. You must stand on the same stand as them, and you must not disobey them." ,do you understand?"

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

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

Then, I saw him stroking his beard and saying: "Okay, eat quickly, we have to go to the restaurant later!"

"Yes, father!"

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

Next, neither father nor son spoke, they just focused on the food on the table. After breakfast, Yan Song, Yan Shifan and his son got on the sedan that had been prepared and headed towards the Forbidden City.

……

Forbidden City, outside the cabinet.

After the sedan stopped, Yan Shifan got off the sedan first and carefully helped Yan Song down from the sedan.

"Father, please slow down!"

"Ah."

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

Later, with Yan Shifan's support, Yan Song walked slowly towards the direction of the cabinet.

Yan Song's pace was extremely slow, and he had to stop and rest every few steps, looking like an old man.

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

In the process, some officials who got up early saw Yan Song being supported by Yan Shifan when passing by the cabinet.

After learning the news, these officials did not dare to say anything, let alone come forward to disturb them, but unconsciously accelerated their pace.

After all, it has been a month since Yan Song was diagnosed with dementia and reported to be ill at home. Why did Yan Song choose to come to the cabinet at this time?

Could it be that something big happened?
With these thoughts in mind, the news of Yan Song's return soon spread throughout the government and the public.

Yan Song, as a party involved, naturally had no way of knowing these circumstances.

At this time, he stopped and looked at the surrounding palaces with cloudy eyes, as if he wanted to remember all this in his mind.

When Yan Shifan carefully supported Yan Song and walked to the cabinet, Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng's sedans also arrived in time.

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

He did not expect that Yan Song would choose to come to the cabinet at this time.

Later, after Gao Gong exchanged glances with Zhang Juzheng on the side, he immediately followed Yan Song and his son in three steps and two steps at a time. He planned to explore Yan Song's background.

Seeing this, Zhang Juzheng quickly followed suit.

While Yan Song was still looking around at the surrounding palaces, he heard Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng's voice coming from behind: "I've seen Mr. Yan Ge!"

After Yan Song heard the words, he followed the sound and saw Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng standing not far away, their faces full of respect.

When Yan Song saw that the visitors were Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng, with a warm smile on his face, he nodded and said in agreement: "Oh, it's you two!"

Then, Yan Song waved, signaling Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng to come forward, while Yan Shifan stepped aside very wisely.

After the two parties exchanged a few words, Gao Gong looked in the direction of Yan Song with concern and asked: "Speaking of Mr. Yan Ge, you should take good care of your health. Why did you come here suddenly?"

When Yan Song heard this, he had no intention of hiding it. He immediately responded with a smile: "It doesn't matter, there will be plenty of time in the future."

After Yan Song finished speaking, he tremblingly took out the resignation letter he had already written from his sleeve, then handed it to Gao Gong, and then said: "I came here today just for this matter. I would like to trouble Su Qing to do it for you." I will submit it to Your Majesty!"

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

When Yan Song heard this, he had no intention of hiding it. After pondering for a moment, he spoke immediately.

"I am getting old, and my energy is not as good as before. I am no longer as good at dealing with court affairs. Therefore, I want to retire and return to my hometown while my bones can still move, and enjoy a few years of peace and happiness."

"what!"

When Yan Song finished speaking, both Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng's faces were filled with unconcealable shock.

Although Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng both knew that Yan Song was about to retire, they did not expect that this day would come so quickly.

Moreover, Yan Song asked Gao Gong to hand over his resignation letter by name.

According to the established procedures, all memorials from the cabinet had to go through the hands of the Supervisor of Ceremonies before they could be sent to the emperor.

But in Gao Gong's view at this time, what Yan Song wanted to express couldn't be more obvious, that is, I will take the initiative to withdraw and give you the position of chief minister of the cabinet. I hope you can accept this sentiment.

Looking at the memorial in his hand, Gao Gong's breathing became rapid, because he only needed to complete the established process, and he would be able to sit in the position of chief minister of the cabinet.

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 takes the position of the first assistant of the cabinet, he will also become the second assistant of the cabinet according to the order of entry into the cabinet.

At present, all the conditions for implementing reforms have been met. Once the situation in the DPRK is stabilized, we will be able to free our hands and do something big.

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

Yan Song had a panoramic view of the expressions on Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng's faces. After pondering for a moment, he reminded: "You two, it's getting late, let's go in!"

"Well, let's go."

……

Forbidden City, Qianqing Palace.

"Your Majesty, here is the memorial submitted by Mr. Yan Ge!"

"Oh, I see."

After Jiajing responded, he took the memorandum from Lu Fang's hand and browsed the contents with extra concentration, only to see what was written above.

"Your Majesty, Yan Song, would like to kowtow a hundred times and express my gratitude to His Majesty the Ming Rensheng Emperor."

"I am a humble scholar with limited knowledge. Fortunately, I am loved by His Majesty and have been honored and favored. I have endless feelings for you. I have tried my best since I took up my duties and have never dared to be negligent."

"However, I am getting older and have reached the twilight years, and my energy is not as good as before. Although I am cautious and conscientious, I am really exhausted physically and mentally. I am afraid of delaying the court affairs, so I boldly go to the sparse to beg for the bones... "

After Jiajing browsed through all the contents above, he gently stroked the carved dragon head on the dragon chair with his hand and said: "Lu Fang, go to the cabinet in person and call Yan Song over!"

"As you command, Your Majesty!"

When Lu Fang heard Jiajing's words, she didn't dare to show any slightness. She immediately lowered her head and responded respectfully.

Lu Fang knew that the emperor had actually agreed to Yan Song's request to beg for his remains, and he only needed to follow the step-by-step process.

In addition to this resignation letter, Yan Song will have to submit two more resignations.

If he agrees after submitting his resignation once, it will appear that the emperor is mean and ungrateful. The emperor will only let Yan Song leave after at least three concessions.

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

With this thought in mind, Lu Fang quickened his pace and headed in the direction of the cabinet.

Forbidden City, Cabinet.

At this time, Yan Song was sitting in the position of the chief minister of the cabinet, methodically processing the memorials sent by his subordinates, while the position originally belonging to Xu Jie was empty.

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

Just as Li Chunfang's thoughts were racing, there was a rush of footsteps from outside the cabinet. Not long after, a subordinate staff member was seen walking in quickly.

After the subordinate official entered the cabinet, he subconsciously looked in the direction of Yan Song, lowered his head, and reported respectfully.

"Excuse me, Mr. Yan Ge, Eunuch Lu is out here asking for an audience!"

"Well, I understand, let him in!"

Upon hearing this, Yan Song put down the brush in his hand, looked in the direction of the subordinate staff, nodded, and gave instructions.

"Yes, Mr. Yan Ge!"

After the subordinate responded, he quickly left.

Regarding Lu Fang's visit to the cabinet, no one showed any surprise on their faces.

Because Lu Fang's visit this time was based on the emperor's order to invite Yan Song, the chief minister of the cabinet who was about to take office, to talk to Qianqing Palace.

Then, under the guidance of the former subordinate, Lu Fang stepped into the cabinet.

Seeing Lu Fang's arrival, under the leadership of Yan Song, the chief minister of the cabinet, the remaining people stood up from their seats and bowed to him.

"I've met Eunuch Lu!"

"Ah."

When Lu Fang heard this, she responded, looked in the direction of Yan Song, and then spoke.

"Mr. Yan Ge, our family came here this time in compliance with His Majesty's order. Please come with us!"

"Well, let's go!"

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

After walking out of the cabinet, Lu Fang looked away from the distance, turned around, looked in the direction of Yan Song, and said with emotion: "Alas, Mr. Yan Ge is gone too. Who can speak in the future?" , one less!”

When Yan Song heard Lu Fang's words, a look of relief appeared on his face. After pondering for a moment, he said, "This will happen one day!"

When Lu Fang heard this, she shook her head imperceptibly, with a trace of envy flashing across her face, and said to herself: "It's better for you to be officials. No matter what, there is a way out."

When Yan Song heard this, an inexplicable look appeared on his face, and he spoke slowly: "Eunuch Lu is joking. There are intrigues and intrigues in the officialdom. If you don't pay attention, you will lose everything. You really can't eat people without spitting them out." Bones, it’s hard!”

After Yan Song finished speaking, Lu Fang smiled and then expressed his agreement: "Yes, it is difficult, it is difficult for everyone!"

"Let's go, Eunuch Lu, let's go meet His Majesty!"

"Yeah." (End of chapter)