Without money, what is the point of being a traitor?

Chapter 609 The beginning and end
Pei Yuan originally intended to use Wang Chang, one of his own people, and Mao Ji, who was neutral to friendly, to make this opportunity.

Wang Chang goes without saying; he always obeys Pei Yuan's every word, and wouldn't even flinch if Pei Yuan made him a Grand Scholar.

As for Mao Ji, when that window of opportunity opened, he had just finished observing mourning.

Pei Yuan had enough confidence and certainty to win Mao Ji over to his side in the next two years.

After all, the scholar-officials represent the interests of their local communities, and in the next two or three years, Pei Yuan will be able to take over Shandong entirely.

Pei Yuan's only hesitation now is whether Jiao Fang's entry into the game can provide a safety net, making it easier for Wang Chang and Mao Ji to enter the cabinet, or whether it will become an uncertain factor, leading to uncontrollable changes.

After leaving the backyard, Pei Yuan met Yun Weilin, who looked uneasy, in the front hall.

Yun Weilin apologized somewhat fearfully, "Commander, I may have made a mistake."

Without waiting for Pei Yuan to ask, he hurriedly gave his instructions.

"This morning, I saw Commander Han arrive at the Commander's Office. I must admit I was too hasty, wanting to be the first to report the good news and bring good fortune, so I mentioned His Majesty's bestowal of marriage to Commander Han..."

Pei Yuan's expression remained unchanged upon hearing this.

It was Pei Yuan's own idea to have people like Yun Weilin, who could speak with Commander Han, expose this matter in advance. Even if things didn't go well, there was absolutely no reason for him to take his anger out on them.

This was exactly what he expected.

What Pei Yuan cared more about was Han Qianhu's reaction.

He couldn't help but ask, "So, how did Commander Han answer you?"

Yun Weilin's face was covered in oil and sweat as he stole a glance at Pei Yuan.

Pei Yuan said, "Tell the truth."

Yun Weilin then replied, "Commander Han was furious at the time. He ordered his men to drag me out and beat me several times with sticks. He also summoned some of the officers on duty in the commander's office."

Pei Yuan didn't get angry or embarrassed, but continued to ask earnestly, "And then?"

Yun Weilin said, "Then, after a while, I was dragged back to the town hall."

"Han Qianhu didn't mention anything about what happened before, but instead asked me a lot about the Maitreya Sect and asked for a lot of related files."

Pei Yuan muttered to himself, "The Maitreya Sect was already severely damaged a few months ago because it gathered troops to attack Tongguan. Why is she asking about the Maitreya Sect?"

Yun Weilin thought for a moment and then added the latest information.

"By the way, after I left Commander Han's place, I asked the Imperial Guards guarding Zhihua Temple. They said that Commander Han brought quite a few men into the temple this time, and a good portion of them were injured."

"Oh?" Pei Yuan rushed to see Commander Han as soon as he woke up, so he didn't have time to ask about these things.

He had a general idea of ​​the number of men Han Qianhu had brought. "It should be Cui Bohou's elite cavalry. Perhaps the commander encountered some trouble when he went north, which explains why it took so long."

"So, Commander Han was fighting against the Maitreya Cult back then?"

Yun Weilin shook his head, then hesitated before saying, "I don't know. I had the monks who served the food and water keep a close eye on things, and they seemed to hear the wounded mentioning 'Datong guerrillas' in their whispers."

"What?!" Pei Yuan immediately sat up straight.

-

Yun Weilin said somewhat guiltily, "Yes, yes, we were soldiers from Datong."

His son, Yun Buxian, went to Shanxi to engage in thievery, which angered the local forces. The troops they sent to hunt down Yun Buxian were the Datong guerrillas led by guerrilla general Pan Hao.

But how did Han Qianhu's troops end up facing off against the Datong guerrillas?
Could it be that Commander Han already knows about the mess they've made?
impossible!
Yun Buxian's double-crossing was kept a secret; otherwise, the Shanxi Military Command would have already demanded Pei Yuan's return.

Pei Yuan, thinking about how Commander Han immediately went through the Maitreya Sect's files upon arrival, came up with a bold guess.

The only Maitreya sect figure he could think of who could be connected to Shanxi was undoubtedly Li Fuda, the leader of the Maitreya sect.

Originally, Pei Yuan always thought that it was Li Fuda, the leader of the Maitreya Sect, who had gotten through to Marquis Guo Xun of Wuding and spent money to obtain the position of Commander of Taiyuan Guard.

Pei Yuan is no longer a novice in officialdom; he now understands that a vacant post is more valuable than an official position.

It wouldn't be difficult for Li Fuda to buy a commander's position, but buying a real commander's position would be a different story, requiring more than just money.

Given the sworn brotherhood between Pei Yuan and Jiang Bin, they could only obtain the position of commander of a garrison, let alone the actual position of commander.
The influence of Marquis Guo Xun of Wuding was limited to the capital garrison, and they had virtually no influence in Shanxi.

Li Fuda was able to obtain the position of Commander of Taiyuan Guard only because someone in the Shanxi Military Command had given his approval.

However, in his earlier years, Li Fuda, along with Wang Liang and Li Yue, these wicked monks, attempted to incite Maitreya followers to act as inside agents to open the border and allow the Dalu prince to invade.

How could the two sides become as close as family in such a short time?

Pei Yuan couldn't understand the relationship between Li Fuda and the Shanxi Military Commander, but he wasn't surprised that Commander Han would order people to investigate Li Fuda.

This has nothing to do with whether Li Fuda is the leader of the Maitreya Cult. The main issue is that Li Fuda was too arrogant a few days ago and actually said something like, "I have a large share of the sect, so I should rule the world."

In this Ming Dynasty, the only ones qualified to claim the title of "ruler of the world's religions" are Pei and Han, the couple who hold sway over the world's religions.

When Li Fuda tried to show off to people who specialized in tracking cults, it became a fight to the death.

Otherwise, even if Li Fuda shouted "The Blue Heaven is dead, the Yellow Heaven shall rise," Commander Han might not have taken it so seriously.

Pei Yuan pondered the connection between them and secretly wondered if Commander Han had found Li Fuda, who had not yet taken office, and then Li Fuda, in a moment of crisis, chose to seek help from the Datong guerrillas.

After that, Cui Bohou's elite cavalry fought a real battle with the Datong guerrillas.
Pei Yuan was somewhat concerned about this, but not too concerned.

With Yunyang Prefecture and the entire Huguang Regional Military Commission behind Han Qianhu, as long as she doesn't lose her temper and lead troops to attack Datong, when has the Ming Dynasty ever taken such small-scale military disturbances seriously?

In the present Ming Dynasty, civil officials supervise the army. If you're so serious, why don't you go and do it yourself!

Pei Yuan asked a few more questions, but Yun Weilin couldn't provide any useful information.

He said somewhat nervously, "Commander Han, I really didn't mean to offend Commander Han."

Pei Yuan interrupted, "This is between her and me. Just do your job."

Yun Weilin finally breathed a sigh of relief.

The Yun family father and son had finally gained Pei Yuan's trust, and their careers were slowly starting to improve. He didn't want any setbacks at this time.

After seeing Yun Weilin off, Pei Yuan returned to Jiao Yan'er's place.

Jiao Yan'er was urging the maids to organize the things they had brought. After watching for a while, Pei Yuan decided to help as well.

Jiao Yan'er blushed, snatched a piece of clothing from Pei Yuan's hand, and stuffed it into the box herself.

Once everything was packed up, the Imperial Guards had prepared the carriage.

Jiao Yan'er rode in a sedan chair, escorted by Pei Yuan on horseback, and returned to the old house in Dengshikou together.

When Cheng Zhihu saw that his commander and his wife had returned, he quickly led a group of Imperial Guards on duty to come out and greet them.

Pei Yuan casually asked him, "Has the house been peaceful these past few days?" Cheng Zhihu boasted, "A thousand-household residence, what scoundrel would dare to spy on it? If I, Old Cheng, see one, I'll beat the shit out of him."

Pei Yuan is now making more and more enemies, and he is not too optimistic about the situation of the struggle in the capital.

After the last incident, the four outer armies dared to cause trouble in front of the emperor. If Pei Yuan's stronghold were to be discovered, the consequences would be unimaginable.

Pei Yuan thought that, on the scales of his mind, the matter of urging Jiao Fang to return to the court had gained more weight.

If any trouble arises in the future, at least Jiao Yan'er has her family to rely on.

Those people from the four outer armies dared to open Pei Yuan's box, but they certainly wouldn't dare to provoke Jiao Fang.

The problem now is that Jiao Fang's influence as a remnant of Liu Jin is too strong, so it's impossible for him to directly enter the cabinet after returning to court. The most likely scenario is that he will start from a position with some power, but not in the center of power.

For example, the two lower-ranking officials among the Nine Officials are the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review and the Commissioner of the Court of Transmission.

The Tongzhengshi faction was a territory that Zhu Houzhao had long established, and Pei Yuan could not interfere recklessly.

However, the other position, the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, who is below the two existing officials, is worth trying.

Only by finding a way to vacate the position of Minister of the Court of Judicial Review can we create the most basic conditions for Jiao Fang's return to the capital.

Otherwise, even if Jiao Fang wanted to come back, who would give up their place?
Given Jiao Fang's qualifications, even if he didn't enter the cabinet, it would be his due to get a vote among the nine members of the Standing Committee.

The Seven Ministers, also known as the Seven Grand Ministers, are all formidable opponents.
If you really have this unrealistic and twisted idea, then Jiao Fang will never come back.

Jiao Yan'er returned to her backyard and, like a mistress of the house, contentedly ordered her maids to sweep and clean the house.

When the two songstresses, Qingge and Wanyue, heard that their master had returned, they both came to pay their respects.

Pei Yuan has been busy with several important matters these days, and the pressure has been considerable, so he has been staying at Zhihua Temple.

Thinking about the excitement he felt that morning, he was overcome with lust and began to look at the three women with an aggressive gaze.

Pei Yuan was about to send away the maids so he could have some fun, when an oblivious servant reported, "Commander, news has come from Zhihua Temple."

Pei Yuan frowned, somewhat displeased, and asked, "What is it?"

The servant replied, "It seems to be related to Commander Han."

Pei Yuan paused, glanced at Jiao Yan'er, and asked calmly, "Where is she?"

The servant replied, "Wait in the front hall; Commander Xiao is currently questioning us."

Pei Yuan turned to Jiao Yan'er, reached out and touched her face, then said, "It might be official business. I'll go check on her first."

After saying that, he got up and went to the front yard.

As soon as Pei Yuangang arrived at the front yard, Xiao Tong rushed up to him and said directly, "Commander, I've found out."

Pei Yuan hummed in agreement and walked towards the main hall in the front courtyard while listening to Xiao Tong speak.

"The newly appointed scholars had just finished attending the imperial banquet and then gathered at Zhihua Temple to pay their respects to Commander Han. Commander Han was not there at the time, and half of the guards at the temple gate were replaced by his men."

"Hearing that they had come to request an audience with Commander Han, those people took them to see Commander Han."

Pei Yuan paused, stopped, and asked, "And then?"

Xiao Tong replied, "When Commander Han heard that some newly appointed scholars were requesting an audience, he went to the main hall to see them. As soon as they met, they realized there was some misunderstanding and quickly cleared it up."

Pei Yuan then continued walking forward.

Xiao Tong continued, "Commander Han dealt with them properly, without neglecting them. However, at the end, Commander Han casually asked them how Tang Gao, Huang Chu, and Cai Ang had done on the exam."

Pei Yuan stopped in his tracks once again.

He suddenly remembered that although Commander Han was not familiar with the scholars under his command, he still remembered Tang Gao and the other two.

After they met at Chongwu Water Station, Pei Yuan boasted to Commander Han that this was the best of the best in the undergraduate program.

Moreover, in order to give Tang Gao and the other two a little shock, Pei Yuan even used a bamboo stick he had taken from his bamboo umbrella to predict their rankings.

In order to accurately deliver the corresponding bamboo sticks to them, Pei Yuan even asked Commander Han to help him cheat.

To be honest, Commander Han was an accomplice in this matter.

Pei Yuan asked Xiao Tong with a somewhat strange expression, "And then what happened?"

Xiao Tong replied, "Those newly appointed scholars truthfully stated that Tang Gao was the top scholar in this special imperial examination, Huang Chu was the second-best, and Cai Ang was the third-best."

"When Han Qianhu heard this, he looked quite incredulous."

"Afterwards, Commander Han asked why the other three hadn't come?"

"The Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations) did not dare to say much at first. It was Tian Fu who told Commander Han that the three men were involved in the Qingqian case, and there were rumors that Commander Pei had personally helped them get into the top rank. The three men were afraid of attracting more criticism, so they dared not come to Zhihua Temple."

Pei Yuan's expression became even stranger. "And then?"

"Then, Commander Han asked Tian Fu about the details of the Qingqian case, and then dismissed the others."

Pei Yuan stopped in his tracks, his gaze shifting for a moment, before asking Xiao Tong, "By the way, how's it going with the memorials I had Tang Gao and the other two write to defend themselves?"

Xiao Tong said, "I have never inquired about this."

Pei Yuan immediately made up his mind, "Huo Tao and the others came to see me right after the banquet, so they must have something important to discuss. Go and have someone call them here."

"Perfect timing, I also need to ask about the Honglu Banquet in detail."

After saying that, he added, "Summon Wei Ne, the Left Vice Minister of the Court of State Affairs, as well. I also have something to ask him."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Tong immediately ordered someone to carry it out.

Once inside the hall, Pei Yuan carefully questioned the Imperial Guard who had come to deliver the message.

After listening to the whole story, he waved for the others to leave.

Pei Yuan wasn't particularly interested in the political struggle surrounding the "Qingqian Case," after all, the pack of wolves that came smelling blood were actually trying to annihilate Yang Tinghe, the tiger they were after.

Pei Yuan's main goal right now is to steadily conquer Shandong; he has little interest in engaging in a decisive battle with Yang Tinghe too early.

Moreover, in a little over two years, Yang Tinghe will be returning home to observe the mourning period.

After Pei Yuan waited for him to leave, he calmly made arrangements to block the tiger's return route, which was much easier than confronting it head-on.

Given Xie Qian's prestige, didn't he also fail to return when the court recommended him for the position of Minister of Rites last time?

But at this moment, a thought suddenly arose in Pei Yuan's mind.

Even if I am not King You of Zhou, if I could move Commander Han to tears by making Yang Tinghe fall to the ground, wouldn't that be a pleasant thing?

(End of this chapter)