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

Chapter 676 Rebellion against Tiangang
Zhu Houzhao was in a bad mood and frowned as he asked, "What do you mean?"

Lu Yin replied gently, "Your Majesty, did you not consider that when Your Majesty was reviewing this case, the Empress Dowager was also reviewing it, as were the two Marquises of Zhang's family?"

"His Majesty is reading the rumors about you, the Empress Dowager, and the two Marquises of Zhang, while the Empress Dowager and the two Marquises of Zhang..."

"We're watching you."

Zhu Houzhao's face was frighteningly pale.

Lu Yin, fearing he might go too far, quickly lowered his voice and said, "This old servant was unaware of the gravity of the situation and spoke somewhat presumptuously."

Lu Yin was hunched over, completely oblivious to Zhu Houzhao's expression as he rode a tall horse.

After a long while, Zhu Houzhao finally said, "No, you did very well."

In his words, he had regained his previous aloof and indifferent demeanor.

Lu Yin breathed a sigh of relief, then heard Zhu Houzhao continue, "You."

Zhu Houzhao paused and then added, "Only those like Pei Yuan of the Embroidered Uniform Guard can be called 'lackeys.' As for you, the Director of the Directorate of Ceremonial, I certainly didn't make the wrong choice."

Lu Yin bowed further with gratitude, saying, "This servant thanks Your Majesty for your kindness."

My mood, however, was very calm.

His path to becoming the Director of Ceremonial Affairs had already been planned in a remote, desolate area of ​​Southern Zhili.

Someone drew a line on the ground with a knife, planning for his future.

Then he successfully retrieved Bai Yu, who was awaiting punishment, and calmly waited at the river mouth where the Bazhou army was retreating in panic. With just a light strike, the once-powerful Bazhou army was thrown into chaos, allowing him to suddenly gain a huge victory.

Then he replaced Gu Dayong as the military commander eunuch, and won a series of victories, trapping the Bazhou rebels in Huguang. Just when it seemed that the Bazhou army was about to seize ships in Tuanfeng Town and head south, and someone else would reap the fruits of victory.

It was another letter from someone that caused the elite troops of Bazhou to abandon their posts and flee.

It was only then that Lu Yin was able to conspire with the other generals to announce the end of the rebellion of the Bazhou army ahead of schedule, thus gaining full credit.

After entering the capital with this victory, Lu Yin faced strong competition from Xiao Jing for the position of Director of Ceremonial.

At that time, Lu Yin had lost his military power and was in a period of decline, like a bird that had been shot down and a bow that had been put away. Facing Xiao Jingshi, who had been cultivated by several emperors and whose power base was in the inner palace, he had almost no chance of winning.

Fortunately, Eunuch Lu assessed the situation and immediately lay down on the spot.

When he stood up, all obstacles in his path had vanished. The once powerful Xiao Jing had willingly gone to Zunhua to refine iron, and even Xiao Jing's faction had become nourishment for him, becoming part of his own forces.

As for the current emperor's overtures...

Ever since Liu Jin was executed by dismemberment, no one has been willing to risk their loyalty.

Upon hearing Zhu Houzhao mention Pei Yuan, Lu Yin reported Pei Yuan's whereabouts, "Your Majesty, Commander Pei is currently in Shandong as well."

"Oh?" Zhu Houzhao was somewhat surprised. "Why did he go to Shandong?"

Lu Yin explained in detail, "The memorial may not have made it clear that it was Commander Pei who first discovered the collusion between the powerful clans of Yanggu and the rebels of Bazhou, and he has been investigating it ever since. Later, the matter was repeatedly obstructed by the Shandong Provincial Surveillance Commission and the Provincial Administration Commission, which is why it could not proceed."

"At that time, the Censorate sent a supervising censor named Chen Bing to investigate Pei Yuan. After Pei Yuan told Chen Bing about his suspicions that the Shandong officials were protecting the princes, he was forced to leave Shandong. All of the above can be found in the archives of the Censorate."

Zhu Houzhao frowned upon hearing this and said with some displeasure, "Since he has such suspicions, how can he give up so easily? Last time, he told me that the Embroidered Uniform Guard is my eyes and ears, and that what I want is to disregard the rules."

Lu Yin said calmly, “Your Majesty, although Commander Pei has left Shandong, he remains vigilant about this matter. He has specifically left some people at Liansheng Temple in Yanggu to oversee it. Moreover, does Your Majesty remember that Commander Pei temporarily established five Hundred-Household Offices in Shandong to deal with the Luo Sect?”

Zhu Houzhao remembered.

In the past, in order to suppress the Luo sect and prevent its followers from uniting in different regions, Pei Yuan requested the establishment of five Xingbaihu Offices in the five prefectures of Shandong.

Lu Yin said, "Commander Pei left people in Yanggu to investigate the matter, while he monitored the movements in the five prefectures of Shandong, both to support the Luo sect and to suppress any rebellions at any time."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Houzhao was deeply moved and first remarked, "Truly a lackey."

Then, somewhat amused, he said, "The six prefectures of Shandong have a population of over six million. Excluding Jinan Prefecture, each of the other prefectures also has a population of nearly one million. What use is a 'centurion' office in each prefecture?"

With only a hundred households, they strive to keep an eye on a million people.

Zhu Houzhao found his henchmen both dutiful and pitiful.

Lu Yin thought about it and felt that as the situation in Shandong escalated, Pei Qianhu's robbery in Yanggu might be used as a pretext.

So he took the opportunity to say, "I heard that Commander Pei is using the assets confiscated by the rebels in Yanggu to support these extra Imperial Guards, so he can't support many people."

"I see." Zhu Houzhao nodded, and said with some emotion, "Raising an army costs money."

Then, Zhu Houzhao asked curiously, "Why is Pei Yuan in Shandong again? Didn't he just get married? Why is he so restless?"

Lu Yin figured that the fact that Commander Han was heading south the next day probably couldn't be kept secret from those who were interested, so he simply stopped trying to protect Pei Yuan's image.

He said, "Your Majesty should know that Commander Han is very unwilling to agree to this marriage."

Zhu Houzhao grunted in acknowledgment, glancing around somewhat awkwardly.

He had hesitated about the matter at first, but Qian Ning's slander was very persuasive, and Zhu Houzhao eventually bestowed Han Qianhu's marriage upon Pei Yuan in a manner that was almost a reward.

This is quite unethical.

Lu Yin said, "After the wedding, Commander Han returned to Nanjing. Commander Pei is probably so dedicated to his duties to relieve his worries."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Houzhao clicked his tongue, feeling that he was in a situation where he was disliked by both sides.

He gave an awkward laugh. "Well, women are all the same. Let's go back to Nanjing then."

Lu Yin actually agreed with Zhu Houzhao's words to some extent. Commander Pei was good in every other way, but he was a bit confused about the matter of Commander Han.

What's so great about women?

Neither of them approved of Pei Yuan's actions.

Fortunately, Lu Yin remembered the emperor's question and continued, "The reason why Commander Pei went to Shandong was because many powerful families in Yanggu who had assisted the bandits in Bazhou heard that Bian Xian had returned. Perhaps they felt that they had found a pillar of support, so they reported Commander Pei's arrests and confiscations in Yanggu to the officials who went south to investigate the case."

Zhu Houzhao chuckled coldly upon hearing this.

After hearing Lu Yin's explanation, he had already figured it out.

Pei Yuan arrested people because those powerful figures assisted "Full Sky Stars" and "Big Tiger" in besieging Gu Dayong and Xiao Ying's team.

This is evidenced by the tens of thousands of corpses outside Yanggu City, as well as the heads of "Full Sky of Stars" and "Big Tiger".

Pei Yuan's confiscation was also to supply the expenses of the stronghold at Liansheng Temple in Yanggu, as well as the expenses of the five Hundred Household Offices.

If we don't use the money from these thieves, are we going to have to allocate funds from the internal transport warehouse?
Seeing that Zhu Houzhao had no reaction, Lu Yin knew that his efforts had not been in vain, so he continued, "The magistrate over there received reports from those powerful families in Yanggu, and immediately ordered Commander Pei to go to Shandong to be questioned."

"This time, the court has given Bian Xian a lot of authority, so Pei Yuan can only go to Shandong to be tried."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Houzhao was so angry that he didn't know what to say. He couldn't help but sneer, "This is truly going against the natural order!"

"That official is supporting traitors and rebels, daring to interrogate my loyal ministers!" "What audacity! What audacity!"

Then Zhu Houzhao asked, "Has Pei Yuan explained things clearly now? When will he return?"

Lu Yin quickly replied, "The clues provided by Commander Pei directly involve officials in various parts of Shandong, as well as Governor Bian Xian, who was in charge when the Bazhou bandits attacked Shandong."

"Bian Xian is currently under suspicion and has requested a suspension of the investigation, awaiting further instructions from the imperial court. Although Commander Pei's clues have been helpful to the investigation, the matters reported by the powerful families of Yanggu remain unresolved."

"Now that Bian Xian has been suspended from his post, no one has taken over the handling of Pei Qianhu's case, and he is still under house arrest in Shandong."

Zhu Houzhao said with dissatisfaction, "What's the point of investigating this? First, arrest those troublemakers who reported this, and ask them about their relationship with the Bazhou bandits and the border official."

"Should we let the Eastern Depot handle this?"

Upon hearing this, Lu Yin cautiously asked, "What about Commander Pei?"

Zhu Houzhao said, "Release him, release him, and let him return to the capital as soon as possible."

Lu Yin said, “Your Majesty, this old servant believes that since Commander Pei has been wary of this matter and has made many arrangements, it would be better to let him stay in Shandong and keep an eye on things for you, rather than letting him come back.”

Upon hearing this, Zhu Houzhao hesitated for a moment before saying, "I can take a look."

The hawks and hounds were real hawks and hounds, just the version from the Hongwu era.

Zhu Houzhao instinctively felt somewhat uneasy.

Seeing Zhu Houzhao hesitate, Lu Yin went on to say, "Then let Commander Pei stay in Shandong and do what he can within his authority."

Zhu Houzhao was already in a state of uncertainty and had no concrete ideas, but after hearing Lu Yin's words, he felt that they were very appropriate.

Pei Yuan was in charge of religious affairs, which involved hunting down heretics and evil people. His manpower in Shandong consisted of only a temporary post and five lihu offices.

I'm not afraid of him causing any trouble.

Zhu Houzhao immediately agreed, "Okay, let's do it that way."

Lu Yin then slowly handed over the memorial drafted by the ministers. "Your Majesty, that was a summary of the memorials from Shandong. This is the draft issued by the court. The main points are what this old servant mentioned earlier."

Zhu Houzhao said "Oh," and then said, "In that case, you shall wear red."

Lu Yin was about to retract the memorial he was about to submit.

Zhu Houzhao glanced at it and suddenly felt that something was wrong.

The matter in Shandong is so important that we should listen to the court's opinion first. If it is decided by Lu Yin and myself in a few words, what kind of decision is that?

So Zhu Houzhao reached out his hand again and said, "Let me see it again."

Lu Yin quickly handed over the memorial in his hand.

Zhu Houzhao took a look and saw that Lu Yin had not caused any trouble in this matter.

The imperial court also believed that De Fan should be investigated, and that officials implicated with him should also be thoroughly investigated. The court reappointed Wang Chang, the governor of Shandong, and ordered Bian Xian to return to the capital immediately for trial. At the same time, two military commissioners from Southern Zhili were transferred to assist him.

After reading it, Zhu Houzhao tossed it back to Lu Yin, saying, "Act according to the advice of the ministers. Wang Chang will be in charge of matters in Shandong."

Lu Yin replied respectfully, "This old servant obeys."

After watching Lu Yin walk away, Xu Tai and Jiang Bin rode over together and asked, "Your Majesty, shall we practice again today?"

Zhu Houzhao squeezed a memorial in his arms tightly and ordered, "That's enough practice, I'm going back to the palace now."

Upon hearing this, Xu Tai and Jiang Bin quickly replied, "Then we will escort His Majesty."

Zhu Houzhao ignored the soldiers who were drilling and rode his horse directly towards the imperial city.

Xu Tai and Jiang Bin quickly spurred their horses to catch up.

The guards responsible for escorting the flag bearers and imperial guards also rushed over in droves.

After Zhu Houzhao entered the palace, he did not go to the main hall where the meeting was being held, but went directly to Renshou Palace in the inner palace.

Xu Tai and Jiang Bin, among others, were not allowed to enter the inner palace and dispersed outside the Qianqing Gate.

When the eunuchs and maids in Renshou Palace saw Zhu Houzhao striding in, they all hurriedly knelt down to pay their respects.

Zhu Houzhao asked, "Where is the Empress Dowager?"

The palace maids all said, "She is in the hall. The Empress Dowager has been feeling slightly unwell these past few days, and the Marquis of Shouning and the Marquis of Jianchang are inside paying their respects."

Zhu Houzhao felt a slight anger upon hearing this.

Back when the Hongzhi Emperor was alive, these two could freely enter and leave the inner palace.

At that time, Emperor Hongzhi did not take it seriously at all. Even when a minister impeached him, the Empress Dowager ordered him to be arrested and imprisoned.

But this is his harem.

Zhu Houzhao should have had someone announce his arrival, but instead he strode directly into the hall.

This announcement was originally meaningless.

The conversation outside the hall had already been overheard by the palace servants waiting inside. Before Zhu Houzhao even entered Renshou Hall, Marquis Shouning Zhang Heling and Marquis Jianchang Zhang Yanling came out to greet him with smiles on their faces.

Seeing that the two were about to perform a grand ceremony of worship, Zhu Houzhao, mindful of the Empress Dowager inside, said calmly, "Enough. I also came to see the Empress Dowager. The arrival of the two imperial brothers-in-law is perfectly timed."

Zhu Houzhao ignored the two and strode into Renshou Palace.

Empress Dowager Zhang showed no signs of illness, but rather a face full of anger. Upon hearing Zhu Houzhao's greeting, she pressed him relentlessly, "Has Zhao'er heard about what happened in Shandong?"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Houzhao said, "My son has come precisely for this matter."

As he spoke, he took out the memorial from his sleeve and handed it over.

Empress Dowager Zhang snatched it and immediately began to read it.

Zhu Houzhao heard the commotion behind him, turned around, and saw that Zhang Heling and Zhang Yanling had also come in. He then said, "You two imperial brothers-in-law should take a look at the matter in Shandong later."

When Zhang Heling and Zhang Yanling heard that it was about Shandong, their expressions became somewhat solemn.

Just then, Empress Dowager Zhang finished reading the memorial, threw it down, raised her long, sharp eyebrows, gritted her teeth, and said, "These people are simply lawless!"

Zhu Houzhao gestured for the two men to pick up the memorial, and said calmly, "You two imperial brothers-in-law, please take a look as well."

After the two men nervously took the memorial, Zhu Houzhao glanced at Empress Dowager Zhang, then at the two marquises of the Zhang family. His calm expression could not conceal the turmoil in his heart.

Now it's my turn to see how you view this rumor.

(End of this chapter)