Great Qing Xiangguo

Chapter 91

Chen Tingjing returned home, thinking about today's events, the more he thought about it, the more afraid he became.When serving as an official in the court, there is no one who does not want the emperor to favor him.But the more favored by the emperor, the more dangerous the situation will be.If he really replaces Mingzhu because of his dismissal, I don't know how much controversy it will cause.

A few days later, Zhang Penghe went to the household department to call on Chen Tingjing, and revealed that the emperor wanted him to participate in the Pearl.Chen Tingjing blamed Zhang Penghe for being so reckless, and said: "Master Zhang, the emperor asked you to participate in the pearl, and specially ordered you to keep it secret, how could you come to me and tell me?"

Zhang Penghe said: "The emperor meant to participate in the book in my name, but he asked Xu Qianxue and Gao Shiqi to draft bullets. Xu and Gao are not good people!"

Chen Tingjing said seriously: "Master Zhang, please stop talking!"

But Zhang Penghe said again: "Could it be that you can't draft the bullets?"

Chen Tingjing shook his head and said, "My lord Zhang, what should I say about you? You are upright and upright. You are a speech officer who is afraid of corrupt officials, and a minister trusted by the emperor. But, you have to use your head in everything!"

Zhang Penghe said: "Gao Shiqi's greedy reputation has long been known to the world. Isn't it a joke to ask him to draft a report on the impeachment of corrupt officials? Xu Qianxue is not only greedy, but also ambitious. He wants to replace Mingzhu!"

Just as he was talking, the yamen servant came to report: "Master Chen, the father-in-law of Qianqing Palace is waiting outside, where is the emperor calling you?"

Chen Tingjing said: "I'll come right away." The yamen servant went out, and Chen Tingjing told Zhang Penghe to take refuge temporarily, "Master Zhang, I will go with Eunuch Zhang to see the emperor first, and you will leave later. For the next few days, you will stay at the Criminal Department if you have nothing to do." , don't move around."

Chen Tingjing rushed to Qianqing Palace and kowtowed first.The emperor held a brochure in his hand, and said: "This is Shen Mingzhu's bullet, drafted by Xu Qianxue and Gao Shiqi, I have read it, you can read it again."

Chen Tingjing took the notebook and looked at it carefully.The emperor said: "I plan to let Zhang Penghe come forward to visit the Pearl."

Chen Tingjing acted as if he didn't know about it, and said while reading, "This book is also like Zhang Penghe's tone."

Chen Tingjing read it twice and said, "Your Majesty, I have finished reading it."

The emperor said: "Tell me."

Chen Tingjing said: "Returning to the emperor, Shenren's excerpts should be based on the facts, pointing to real people and things. However, Shen Mingzhu's excerpts should not be too factual, otherwise too many people will be involved, and there may be disasters."

The emperor asked: "The bullets are empty, can they convince people?"

Chen Tingjing replied: "Mingzhu's bad deeds are obvious to all. It's just because of his high position and power that everyone is afraid and dare not speak up. Now if you want to join him, you don't need to say that you are ugly and Yinmao. You can conquer the world and you will never be wronged." Pearl."

The emperor pondered for a while, nodded and said: "What Ting Jing said makes sense!"

Chen Tingjing said again: "In my opinion, if you refer to Mingzhu's booklet, you only need to hold back words such as seizing power, greed, hypocrisy, insidiousness, treachery, and arrogance, and just do a good job of the article. You don't have to list all the facts. Come out. For example, Mingzhu sells an official, just click on it."

The emperor sighed: "Yes, let the world know that the officials of the country are all sold with real gold and silver, what is the court like!"

Chen Tingjing hesitated for a while, and said: "In this notebook, there are more than 30 names of officials, which is too many. In my opinion, the emperor should tick off some names, no more than ten."

The emperor said: "Ten are too many. Ting Jing, you can tick."

Chen Tingjing was shocked, he couldn't do this.If one day the secret leaked out, his life would be in danger.Besides, it is difficult for him to be sure who the emperor wants to protect and who to repel.While thinking about it, the emperor had already handed over the pen.He had no choice but to carefully figure out what the emperor thought, and ticked off more than 20 people.According to Chen Tingjing's intention, the names of Xu Qianxue and Gao Shiqi should really be added.Chen Tingjing and Xu Qianxue got along very well for some days, but Chen Tingjing gradually realized that Xu Qianxue was also a person with two ends.Everyone knows that Xu Qianxue was originally Mingzhu's most important person, but because he was flourishing and seeing Mingzhu losing his sanctity, he secretly turned against him.Gao Shiqi was originally a villain. Although he was deeply favored by the emperor, he did many bad things behind his back.Chen Tingjing thought to himself again, the emperor may see all the ministers around him very clearly, and it is only because of the time and situation that favors and disgraces are left behind.I don't know what the emperor thinks of Chen Tingjing.Thinking of this level, Chen Tingjing's back was drenched in cold sweat.

When Chen Tingjing came out of Qianqing Palace, he saw the eunuch leading Mingzhu coming towards him.Before Chen Tingjing wanted to say hello, Mingzhu handed him over earlier: "Oh, Mr. Chen, where is the emperor calling me?"

Chen Tingjing returned the gift, exchanged some pleasantries, and said goodbye.On the way back to the Yamen of the Ministry of Household Affairs, Chen Tingjing was puzzled.Recently the emperor has never summoned Mingzhu alone, but why today?

Mingzhu entered Qianqing Palace, saw the emperor was reviewing the memorial, kowtowed hurriedly: "My minister Mingzhu kowtows to the emperor!"

The emperor got up and said with a pleasant face: "The Pearl is here? Get up and talk."

Mingzhu was still kneeling, and said: "I don't know what orders the emperor has summoned his ministers!"

The emperor said: "It's nothing. I haven't been to the South Study Room for a long time. Although I listen to the government every day, I haven't been able to have a few words with you alone."

Mingzhu said: "I also miss the emperor."

The emperor asked some random questions, and suddenly said: "I just remembered that your birthday is coming soon."

Mingzhu hurriedly kowtowed her head, and said: "The emperor is always on the lookout, and manages all kinds of opportunities every day. He actually cares about the birthday of a mere old minister! You are really guilty!"

The emperor smiled and said: "You are both a minister and a teacher in front of me. I respect my ministers and teachers, why not? I want to tell you that your birthday must be handled carefully. It is inconvenient for me to go to your house to drink, but I will give you a birthday gift. Still have to send it!"

Mingzhu said: "How dare I accept the emperor's birthday gift!"

The emperor said: "What's so bad about the harmony between the monarch and the ministers? The monarch and the ministers are united, and the country is very fortunate. I just want to give you a birthday gift, and I want to be a model of harmony between the monarch and the ministers with you, so that future generations can follow suit!"

Mingzhu burst into tears of gratitude, prostrated herself on the ground, kowtowed and said, "I thank the lord for your grace! I should put my heart and soul into my heart and die!"

The emperor said: "Mingzhu, please get up quickly! On your birthday, you should not come to Yingmao, and rest at home. You have worked hard enough on weekdays, so you should be at ease for a day anyway."

Mingzhu kowtowed again and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your kindness!"

Mingzhu came home at night, sitting alone under the garden tree, worried.Ever since Chen Tingjing entered the lecture, Mingzhu vaguely felt that she had fallen out of favor.For several days, the emperor did not summon him alone. Later, he wanted to meet the emperor with some specific matters, but was stopped by the eunuchs of Qianqing palace.However, the eyes and ears of the palace said that it was Chen Tingjing who was summoned by the emperor many times.The emperor suddenly summoned him today, is it really just to ask about his birthday?
Mingzhu shouted, "Antu, come and drink tea with me."

Antu, who was standing far away, hurriedly greeted his family to serve tea, and sat down sideways himself.Mingzhu's Fujin also stood beside Antu secretly, and she heard the master say that she wanted to drink tea, so she also came over.

Fujin comforted: "My lord, don't worry too much. You are an old minister by the emperor's side. You have been loyal for so many years. His old man remembers your birthday. This is the emperor's benevolence!"

An Tu also said: "I also think this is the reason. Master, we have to celebrate your birthday lively!"

Mingzhu said: "I originally thought there would be many things to do this year, and my birthday would be over. Now the emperor has a decree, and it must be done well, so I have to obey the decree."

Fujin said: "Naturally, it has to be more lively. You are the chief assistant minister today, so you can't be looked down upon by others!"

Mingzhu suddenly panicked when she heard Fujin talking about the chief minister.I'm afraid that the position of chief assistant minister will fall into Chen Tingjing's hands.He thought that there had never been a Han Chinese as the chief minister in the country, and Chen Tingjing might not be able to sit firmly!He also thought that Suo'etu had been fighting against him for many years, would he take advantage of the situation this time and come out?
Ming Zhu was in a state of confusion, but she heard An Tu say: "Master, many people are eagerly waiting for this day to come to your house, and Master must fulfill their filial piety!"

Mingzhu said, "Okay, let's take care of my birthday."

On the day of Mingzhu's birthday, Chen Tingjing went with Suo'etu, Xu Qianxue, Gao Shiqi, etc. When he entered the door, he heard someone inside chanting "Shouxu" loudly: "Mingzhu is responsible for Zhou Gong's virtue, and he takes care of his talents and wisdom. Compared with Marquis Wu, righteousness is like Guan Sheng, an example for kings and ministers, and a model for all officials..."

Mingzhu nodded and smiled. Hearing that Chen Tingjing had arrived, she hurriedly got up to greet her: "Oh, my lords are so busy, I really shouldn't disturb you!"

Chen Tingjing said: "We have to go to court before we can leave, we are late!"

Suo'etu laughed and said: "The emperor said that he would send a birthday gift, so who would dare not come?"

Mingzhu said: "Let the emperor think about my birthday, I really feel uneasy!"

At this moment, Antu declared loudly that Eunuch Zhang, the eunuch of Qianqing Palace, had arrived.Mingzhu hurriedly turned around to meet the door again, and saw Zhang Shande leading two guards and four little eunuchs bringing congratulatory gifts.

Mingzhu cupped her hands and said, "Eunuch Zhang, how dare you trouble yourself!"

Zhang Shande smiled and said: "Mingzhu accepts the order! The emperor ordered Mingzhu to work day and night as his prime minister for more than ten years. Today is his auspicious birthday, and he will be rewarded with 1000 taels of silver, [-] pieces of outer and inner satin, [-] pairs of deer antler, Twenty boxes of Changbai ginseng and fifty altars of wine! Here it is!"

Mingzhu kowtowed to thank her, and stood up to greet Eunuch Zhang to sit down and drink.Zhang Shande said: "Don't drink wine, maybe the emperor will call out slaves again!"

Mingzhu knew she couldn't keep it, so she sent Zhang Shande and others to the door.Antu had already prepared gift packages and delivered them one by one.Zhang Shande was very respectful in front of Mingzhu, calling himself a slave over and over again, and thanked him a thousand times.

Xu Qianxue and Gao Shiqi sat together.Xu Qianxue had been holding back some words for a long time, now while everyone was chatting, he quietly asked: "Shi Qi, did Zhang Bang's family look for you?"

Gao Shiqi looked very surprised, and asked: "Zhang Bang's house? No. I live in the Forbidden City, how can they find me?"

Xu Qianxue was full of doubts, but didn't ask any more questions.

Mingzhu's house was very lively today, banquets were set up in the house, patio and flower hall.Mingzhu sent Zhang Shande away, and came back to greet Suo'etu and others, saying sorry repeatedly.All the guests were seated, and Mingzhu raised his glass and said: "Mingzhu is in the position of honor, and I am grateful to all the adults for your help. The heavens are merciful, and the old man will only increase his life. In a trance, he is already fifty-three. Life How many days have passed! Today, the old man is a little prepared, thank you all!"

Everyone raised their glasses and wished the country's birthday to be as bright as the East China Sea.Everyone was about to drink to their heart's content, when they suddenly heard a shout from the door: "Master Zhang Penghe, head of the criminal department, congratulates on his birthday!"

Antu approached Mingzhu and whispered, "Master, we didn't invite this person!"

Mingzhu said with a smile: "Everyone who comes is a guest, Antu hurry to meet him! It's rare for Zhang Penghe to come to the old man's house, please come and take a seat here."

Antu went over to invite Zhang Penghe, and just heard the voice at the door was not very polite: "Master Zhang, you just bring this to drink birthday wine? You can't even read the "Preface to Longevity" given by our master!"

It turned out that Zhang Penghe was holding a scroll wrapped in red silk in his hand, which looked like "Preface to Longevity".Antu scolded the doorman for being rude, and respectfully asked Zhang Penghe to follow him in.Someone came up to pick up the things in Zhang Penghe's hands, Zhang Penghe said: "No trouble, no trouble, I will hand it to Master Mingzhu myself!"

Zhang Penghe saw Mingzhu from a distance, smiled and said: "Humble Zhang Penghe wishes Master Mingzhu good fortune and longevity!"

Mingzhu laughed loudly: "Master Zhang, I am very happy that you can come to my house for a drink. It is fine for you to come. If you want to write "The Preface to Longevity", it is all vain etiquette, so there is no need for it!"

Zhang Penghe said: "The humble job is poor, and the money can't be given away. I still have to give the "Preface to Longevity". I don't want to read the humble job. Please read it yourself, Lord Mingzhu."

Mingzhu was secretly unhappy, but she didn't show it. She took the scroll and handed it to Antu: "Antu, read it."

Gao Shiqi said beside him: "Master Zhang's writings are splendid, and every word in the Preface to Longevity written by you must be perfect."

Antu carefully uncovered the red silk, opened the scroll, and turned pale with shock: "Master, look, this..."

Mingzhu took the scroll and was dumbfounded.

Zhang Penghe laughed loudly, and said: "This is the bullet I used for Master Mingzhu, and it has already entered the hands of the emperor!"

Mingzhu threw the bullet on the ground, pointed at Zhang Penghe and was speechless.Zhang Penghe picked up a glass of wine on the table, drank it all in one gulp, shouted "Happy", and walked away.

Mingzhu immediately calmed down, looked around everyone with a smile, and then looked at Xu Qianxue and said, "Master Xu, Zhang Penghe, the head of the Ministry of Criminal Affairs, is joining me. Don't you, Minister of the Ministry of Criminal Justice, know?"

Xu Qianxue spoke incoherently: "This... this... Zhang Penghe has never behaved in the world... I..."

Mingzhu turned to look at Chen Tingjing again, and said: "Master Chen, how did Zhang Penghe's bullets get to the emperor? You have been in the South Study Room these few days, so you should know?"

Chen Tingjing smiled and said: "Master Mingzhu, Ting Jing thinks that you don't need to worry about anything else, you just need to know whether Zhang Penghe's participation is true, you might as well take a look first."

Mingzhu smiled and said: "Of course I will read it. However, it depends on the emperor's intentions. When San Francisco rebelled, some people said that it was Mingzhu who proposed to withdraw. This is the truth! To quell the chaos of San Francisco. But the emperor doesn't believe it!"

Speaking of this, Mingzhu looked at Suo'etu with a smile, and said: "It was you, Mr. Suo, who asked the emperor to kill me back then." After Mingzhu said that, she laughed.

Suo'etu smiled awkwardly: "Master Mingzhu has a really good memory!"

Mingzhu raised her glass and said with a smile: "It's the past, it's just a joke, come on, cheers!"

Gao Shiqi smiled and said: "My lord Mingzhu, you are the chief minister, the emperor is the most favored, and the emperor even sent a birthday gift just now! A Zhang Penghe can do nothing to you!"

Just because Zhang Penghe messed up the situation, everyone felt a little embarrassed, so they pretended to laugh, and the birthday banquet was very lively.

(End of this chapter)