Uncle from a poor family

Chapter 743 Mutual Exposure
Zhu Ji invited Li Zisheng to the courtyard and, after settling him in, hurried off to see Li Rong.

After hearing Zhu Ji's account, Li Rong was so startled that he could barely stand.

The reaction was so strong that it took Zhu Ji no chance.

Zhu Ji even wondered why Eunuch Li, whose relationship with Grand Secretary Liu didn't seem that close, would react so strongly to the news that Li Zi Province was targeting Liu Ji.

"What is he trying to do? Does he really want to put himself in a dangerous position and wait for Zhang Guozhang to rescue him?"

Li Rong said angrily.

Zhu Ji tentatively asked, "Do you think it's because Li wants to muddy the waters? After all, his so-called plot by former Grand Secretary Liu to depose the emperor was actually first proposed by Grand Secretary Liu, and the so-called evidence is nothing more than his frequent interactions with Liang Fang and others..."

"His Majesty has already stated that he will not pursue the matter further, so we cannot determine who is guilty based on this..."

"Stop it, stop it!"

Li Rong shouted sternly, "Are you speaking up for Li Zisheng?"

"I don't dare to do this in a humble position."

Zhu Ji hurriedly said, "Li Zisheng's accusation that Grand Secretary Liu had plotted to install the Crown Prince and replace the current emperor is also insufficiently supported by evidence. We cannot conclude that Grand Secretary Liu is guilty based on this."

"What do you know?"

Li Rong said angrily, "Li Zisheng is very upright in supporting the Crown Prince. In fact, if it weren't for his and Zhang Guozhang's strong protection, no one knows what would have happened. His Majesty is grateful, which is why Li Zisheng dared to act so arrogantly."

"On the contrary, Liu Ji seems fair and just, but in reality, he never follows any principles in his actions behind the scenes. Otherwise, why do you think His Majesty hasn't imprisoned and punished Li Zisheng even now? Even when he was forced to this extent by the court officials, he still covered it up, openly criticizing but secretly protecting him?"

Zhu Ji nodded and said, "What Eunuch Li said is absolutely right. Grand Secretary Liu seems to be even more confused than Li Zisheng when it comes to important matters."

Li Rong said, "Back then, he couldn't assess the situation and even dared to betray his own people, which is why His Majesty still doesn't give him a good look... As the Grand Secretary, look at him now in the cabinet. In terms of prestige and ability, can he compare with Grand Secretary Xu in any way?"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Ji's expression turned grim.

Because Zhu Ji initially felt that Wan An and Liu Ji were trustworthy ministers entrusted with the care of the young emperor, he took the initiative to surrender.

Only now... do I realize that my judgment was indeed flawed.

Even Li Zisheng, who was widely recognized as a treacherous minister, was superior to Wan An and Liu Ji in terms of principles of conduct and competence, and was more highly regarded by the emperor.

Zhu Ji said, "Eunuch Li, if Li Zisheng really wants to write a confession, how should we deal with it? Should we just pretend we don't know anything?"

"Can you control it?"

Li Rong said, "He wrote something. Can you silence him and prevent him from contacting the outside world? Or do you think you can put him to death and completely quell this matter?"

"Of course not."

Zhu Ji thought to himself, "Just don't make me an assassin, I'll just be a scapegoat."

Whether Li Zisheng lives or dies doesn't seem to matter that much.

But I absolutely cannot let anything happen to him... unless I'm tired of living too.

"Stop it!"

Li Rong waved his hand and said, "If he wants to report it, let him report it! We just need to guide him a little..."

"Eunuch Li, what is the meaning of this?"

Zhu Ji asked, puzzled.

Li Rong said irritably, "What if he exposes a lot of things, even involving you and our family? This Li Zisheng may seem like a sheep, but the filth he hides behind the scenes is enough to make the entire court tremble, and many people may lose their lives and fortunes because of it..."

"what?"

Zhu Ji was taken aback and said tremblingly, "The matter... isn't... not that serious, is it?"

He thought to himself, "Even though I am the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and have been in charge of intelligence work for so many years, uncovering the secrets of many officials, I dare not say that I have such great power."

Lizi Province?
Is he really capable?

Li Rong shook his head and said, "You dare not gamble, much less should you gamble. If he has truly lost power now, you naturally don't need to fear him, because no matter how much he tries to cause trouble, he won't stir up any waves. Whatever he says, His Majesty won't believe him."

"But don't forget, there's Zhang Guozhang standing behind him! If he tells Zhang Guozhang, and Zhang Guozhang reports it to His Majesty... even if it's just a rumor, it will become the truth."

"Eunuch Li is right."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Ji couldn't help but gasp.

The current situation in Lizi Province is no longer about how many secrets and evidence of other people's crimes it possesses.

Rather, it was his mouth that was directly connected to the emperor.

Whatever he said, Zhang Luan would embellish it and tell the emperor, turning falsehoods into truth and good people into criminals of the Ming Dynasty.

So, how many people in the court are completely clean and have no fear of being investigated?

There was no corruption or bribery?

There must be some form of cliques and factions, right?

Or perhaps you've done something... that violates moral standards?
Even if there isn't one... I can still add a few strokes for you...

Want an explanation?

Sorry, see you in prison!
Even if you don't die, you'll be severely injured.

"When you get back, treat that Minister Li well."

Li Rong said, "We must treat him with utmost care. I'm not being sarcastic! Make sure he's comfortable and doesn't involve outsiders in the matter. Just focus on Liu Ji."

Zhu Ji said, "That's true. As long as Grand Secretary Liu is accused, it will be a mutual accusation. If Li Zisheng's charges are not established, it will return to the previous category of selling official positions and returning the ill-gotten gains. He can keep his official position, and there is no need to keep him under guard here anymore."

"Correct!"

Li Rong said, "Let them fight like dogs!"

……

……

Li Zisheng is very efficient.

You, Liu Ji, always like to stir up trouble, deliberately targeting me, and even accusing me of treason and doing things that are unforgivable? Well then, I'll expose all the things you've done in the past, whether they're trivial or not.

It all depends on who the emperor trusts.

A memorial accusing someone was brought to the palace by Li Rong the next morning and presented to Zhu Youcheng.

“Your Majesty, these were all reported and exposed by Li Zisheng,” Li Rong said cautiously. “However, the content is not much different from what was mentioned before. But there is one point he raised: Liu Ji was entrusted by Wan An to contact people in the court to create momentum for the late emperor to replace Prince Xing as the crown prince, which shows that he had treacherous intentions.”

In the past, the emperor would not have taken such accusations seriously at all.

Because Zhu Youcheng had said that the change of heir was the late emperor's decision, and old grievances should not be brought up.

But right now...

Sorry, but who told you, Liu Ji, to walk right into the line of fire?

I was just looking for an excuse to take you down, and now... it's the perfect opportunity.

After reading Li Zisheng's confession accusing Liu Ji, Zhu Youcheng looked at Qin Ji beside him and asked, "My dear wife, what do you think should be done about this?"

Qin Ji was completely bewildered by the question.

Is this a question I can answer? It seems the emperor is taking Li Zi Province's report seriously and may be planning a thorough investigation.

Or perhaps they want to settle things peacefully, and both sides report each other, so... they can live in peace?
Qin Ji lowered her head and said, "This servant does not know."

Li Rong interrupted, "Your Majesty, this servant believes that the cases should be investigated together. Compared to Liu Ji's accusations against Li Zisheng, Li Zisheng's rebuttal is also reasonable and well-founded. If we only investigate one side and not the other..."

"Ah."

Zhu Youcheng nodded approvingly and said, "We must strive for fairness in all things. We can't investigate just because Liu Ji exposed Li Zisheng's misconduct, but not investigate the other way around. What do you think, my dear wife?"

Qin Ji remained silent.

Li Rong watched anxiously from the sidelines.

He was thinking to himself, "With Eunuch Huai gone, can you, Eunuch Qin, maintain the prestige of such a large institution as the Directorate of Ceremonial?"

His Majesty has clearly given you a chance, asking you to take the initiative to undertake the investigation task, so why are you still acting like a coward?
Zhu Youcheng looked at Qin Ji, then at Li Rong, and said, "Li Daban, I'm leaving this matter to you."

The emperor was probably completely disappointed with Qin Ji, so he simply handed over the task of investigating Liu Ji to Li Rong as well.

Li Rong inquired, "Your Majesty, I wonder... what... regulations should be used to investigate Liu Ji? If he is imprisoned, I'm afraid..."

"It's like this here, just like it is in Lizi Province."

Zhu Youcheng emphasized fairness.

The same methods I used to investigate Li Zi Province—including the house arrest and investigative measures—will apply to you, Liu Ji.

Don't you like to cause trouble? Why do you have to do this reporting and exposing during this special period?

I'm sorry, but you two will have to move in together now, reflect on your past crimes, and then see who can get leniency.

Li Rong said, "This servant has a suggestion. Why don't we put the two of them together and let them confront each other? I wonder if that's... feasible?"

"I'm handing this over to you, so you're in full charge."

Zhu Youcheng said.

Li Rong asked again, "Then...should we still consult Zhang Guozhang's opinion? Zhang Guozhang seems to know a lot about their affairs."

"What does my father-in-law know?" Zhu Youcheng frowned. "But if there are things he can't handle, it's not a bad idea to ask him. You decide what to do."

"Yes."

Li Rong quickly accepted the order.

……

……

Li Rong was invigorated after receiving the order to investigate Liu Ji.

In this matter, my performance was significantly better than Qin Ji's. I was responsible and able to share the emperor's burdens. Compared to Qin Ji's dullness and cowardice, I demonstrated the demeanor expected of a Ming Dynasty official.

It seems that this time I will not only be able to successfully take up the position of Chief Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial, but I may also directly replace Huai En and be promoted to the position of Director of Ceremonial.

Solving the cases of Liu Ji and Li Zisheng is the first step to my success, and perhaps the most crucial one.

And this simple step can lead to heaven!
Just as Li Rong was preparing to lead his men directly to the Cabinet Office to capture Liu Ji and take him to the place where Li Zisheng was imprisoned, combining the two cases into one for a thorough interrogation, Qin Ji and Xiao Jing came out of the Qianqing Palace together.

"Eunuch Tan."

Li Rong paused for a moment, then stepped forward and asked in a requesting tone, "What instructions do you have for this case, sir?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Jing quickly made his escape to avoid any potential trouble.

Qin Ji stopped, his eyes wide, and asked in confusion, "Didn't His Majesty instruct Eunuch Li to handle this matter? Why are you asking for my instructions?"

Li Rong got angry when he heard that.

Doesn't this show me that I respect you?

How can you, Qin Ji, not distinguish between good and bad words?
"Eunuch Li, if you have something to do, you can take care of it yourself."

Qin Ji looked very tired. He rubbed his temples and shook his head, saying, "I'm currently preoccupied with some memorials. Perhaps... you'll have to put in more effort to handle matters concerning the Directorate of Ceremonial in the future."

Upon hearing this, Li Rong exclaimed, "Why are you suddenly complimenting me?"
Who is the superior between us?

I asked you for instructions, and you turned around and flattered me, making me go to more trouble?
Hey, I've never seen a boss like you before!
……

……

After bidding farewell to Qin Ji, Li Rong pondered for a moment and decided to leave the palace.

For no other reason than to gather men from the Embroidered Uniform Guard to arrest people in the Cabinet office.

At this time, the Eastern Depot did not have any direct subordinate officials. The heads of the criminal investigation team and the heads of the criminal investigation team were all members of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. In addition, the heads of the shifts, the supervisors, and the clerks were also members of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. The officers and officers in charge of the investigation were composed of the elite members of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

It can be said that the Eastern Depot sounds mysterious and prestigious, but in reality it was just an empty shell. Apart from the supervising eunuch, its main power came entirely from the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

To demonstrate that he obeyed the emperor's orders, he planned to bring Zhu Ji along, putting pressure on Liu Ji while simultaneously dragging Zhu Ji into the mess.

Before he could even leave the palace gate, someone quickly followed him. Looking back, he saw a eunuch leading several attendants.

"Greetings, Eunuch Li."

The visitor was someone Li Rong recognized; he was none other than Li Guang, a eunuch from the Directorate of Palace Attendants.

Li Rong, now holding a position of power and influence within the inner court, naturally looked down on Li Guang. He glanced at Li Guang sideways and asked, "Is there something you need?"

It seems that he was annoyed that the other party was in his way and blocking his path.

Li Guang is not yet the Ming Dynasty's divine strategist, nor is he a renowned alchemist. At least he has not gained Zhu Youcheng's approval. He can only say in a sincere manner, "There are matters concerning the gunpowder bureau that I would like to consult you about."

"Ah."

Li Rong frowned slightly and said unhappily, "What matter has to wait until now to ask for instructions? We can talk about it after we get back... Don't block the way, we have urgent business to attend to."

Li Guang quickly put on a smiling face and said, "We can talk as we walk. I wouldn't dare disturb you, Eunuch Li."

Li Rong was very impatient and asked with a dark face, "Does it have to be said now?"

"Eunuch Li, the situation is like this: His Majesty issued an imperial edict ordering the Imperial Household Department to fully cooperate in the construction of cannons. He originally instructed that they could consult the young imperial brother-in-law from the Zhang family, but the problem is... we can't find him anywhere lately. As for allocating funds and requesting the Ministry of Works' cooperation, there's been no follow-up at all..."

Li Guang was in a difficult position.

The order was to have the Imperial Household Department assist in making cannons and manufacturing cannonballs, but firstly, Zhang Yanling, who was in charge of the matter, was not in the capital and could not be found, and the person who came to deliver the imperial decree only said that there was such a thing, but did not approve the funds, and the Ministry of Works refused to cooperate, as if this matter had been added to the Imperial Household Department out of thin air.

Li Guang thought that he should report this to his superiors as soon as possible, at least to let the people in the Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs know that such a thing had happened, so that they could report it to the emperor.

Or perhaps when someone tries to dump a load of shit on you, someone taller will be there to shield you?
Li Rong frowned slightly and said, "As for the cannon-making, we should ask Zhang Guozhang. Even Zhang Guozhang himself isn't in a hurry, so why are you? His Majesty hasn't set a deadline or required how many cannons to be made by a certain date. You should first get the preparations done, such as preparing the craftsmen and materials, and that should be enough, right?"

"Even if we prepare manpower and stockpile supplies in advance, it still costs money, doesn't it?"

Li Guang was also worried.

They say we need to cooperate, but who we should cooperate with, and how we should cooperate, is not decided by anyone.

Li Rong angrily said, "When I get back, I'll ask around for you! Get out of my way! I'm on a royal mission, are you deliberately obstructing me? Get out of my way!"

Li Guang was disgruntled and could only step aside, letting Li Rong walk away.

After everyone had gone far away, Li Guang complained angrily, "With such arrogance, no wonder he has no success despite his abilities. If the Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs is controlled by this person, how can we have a peaceful day?"

(End of this chapter)