Dream of the Red Chamber: Start by gaining Zhao Yun's martial prowess, and be ennobled in a sin

"Good! With the mindset of a loyal minister, there's nothing you can't accomplish!"

Emperor Jingsheng showed great admiration, and became even more convinced of Jia Jing's "good intentions".

Chen Tingjing and the others looked at Jia Jing with surprise and uncertainty. They hadn't expected Jia Jing to take the initiative to investigate the factional case!

After all, investigating such a major case would implicate countless people and have far-reaching consequences, not to mention that Jia Jing's reputation would be completely ruined.

What's even more frightening is that they offended so many people at once. Which of those officials who were punished didn't have family, relatives by marriage, fellow villagers, classmates, friends, teachers, or mentors behind them?

They may not immediately retaliate, but as long as Jia Jing is weak or falls out of favor, it will inevitably lead to endless retaliation, which is the real source of endless trouble!

Zhang Tingyu's gray eyebrows trembled slightly, a hint of suspicion in his heart.

Could Jia Zijie truly be a virtuous minister who was wholeheartedly devoted to the country and disregarded personal gains and losses, even the survival of his family?

He was truly a man of great loyalty who appeared treacherous; his vision was so lofty that I presumptuously assumed he was a villain and misjudged him.

If that's true, then it's no wonder His Majesty trusts him so much!

Having been immersed in officialdom for too long, I am indeed not as upright and kind as him in terms of character!

After all, if he were asked to investigate such a major case involving cliques and factions, he would probably be unwilling to take on such a hot potato, out of consideration for his reputation and the long-term interests of his family!

Now that things have come to this, I wonder what Your Majesty thinks?

Thinking of this, Zhang Tingyu couldn't help but secretly glance at Emperor Jingsheng, only to see that Emperor Jingsheng was also looking at him thoughtfully.

The two locked eyes, and Zhang Tingyu quickly lowered his head, a bad premonition rising in his heart!

Sure enough, Emperor Jingsheng pondered for a moment on the dragon throne, then slowly said:

"I appreciate Zijie's sincere sincerity and loving heart!"

"However, the court and military affairs cannot be separated from you for even a moment, and how could I bear to let Zijie bear the blame for me? Wouldn't that be too inhumane!"

"In my opinion, matters concerning civil officials should be left to the Grand Secretaries! Where is Heng Chen...?"

After much deliberation, Emperor Jingsheng decided that he would feel more at ease entrusting the case to Zhang Tingyu.

After all, he was the only cabinet minister who had just advised that his faction should be executed; the others were not as upright and courageous as Zhang Tingyu!

Zhang Tingyu was taken aback: "..."

What does that mean?

You can't bear to see Jia Jing bear the infamy, but you're willing to let me bear it? Such blatant discrimination?

He, Jia Zijie, advised against "initiating a major purge," and now I'm being made the scapegoat?

I was just thinking that Jia Zijie was kind-hearted and seemingly treacherous, but look what happened?

This is clearly a case of advancing as a retreat, diverting disaster eastward, displaying a cunning and treacherous nature, a wolf's eagle-like gaze, and a great villain disguised as a loyal minister...

Zhang Tingyu cursed Jia Jing in his heart, then his body trembled slightly. Suppressing a bitter feeling welling up inside him, he slowly stepped out of the hall, his face solemn as he cupped his hands in greeting:

"Your subject is here!"

"Hengchen has always been reliable and insightful in his work; I have complete faith in him!"

"I recommend that you and the Imperial City Guard jointly handle this case of rectifying official corruption in the capital and investigating factionalism!"

"I hereby entrust you with full authority. Anyone who criticizes the new policies, forms cliques for personal gain, or engages in corruption and bribery shall be imprisoned, subjected to severe interrogation, and punished without exception!"

Emperor Jingsheng stared at Zhang Tingyu and gave the order in a deep voice.

At this moment, Zhang Tingyu felt no joy whatsoever in the face of Emperor Jingsheng's praise.

Moreover, he finally understood why he had been chosen by Emperor Jingsheng. It turned out that his behavior earlier had been too extreme, which led to him being regarded as one of his own!

I originally planned to go to the Imperial Ancestral Temple, but now I seem to be drifting further and further away from it.

Zhang Tingyu's expression hardened slightly, but he bowed without hesitation and said:

"I obey your decree!"

In any case, once Emperor Jingsheng made a decision, there was no room for his subjects to bargain!

Emperor Jingsheng continued:

"Hengchen, be more focused this time! I want you to restore order and justice to the court!"

This means Zhang Tingyu must be bold and take action!

Zhang Tingyu cupped his hands and agreed.

Emperor Jingsheng earnestly instructed:

"This matter should be thoroughly investigated, and no one should be let off the hook. Officials below the third rank can be dealt with expediently to pave the way for the new policies to be implemented throughout the country."

"Work closely with Minister Gong in Jiangnan to uproot them completely, but try to avoid creating any unjust cases."

"Furthermore, I will issue a decree stating that if anyone is guilty, the blame lies with me, so that Hengchen and Zijie will not be resented by others in the future."

There are two key points in this sentence.

Firstly, by having Zhang Tingyu handle the case, it was possible for civil officials to investigate other civil officials, thus minimizing the possibility of wrongful convictions.

Secondly, this matter will be addressed by an imperial edict. In the past, such a major case would not be addressed by an imperial edict, as it would be detrimental to the emperor's reputation.

However, since the imperial edict has been issued, it will be difficult for the old faction to overturn the verdict, and this will also cause less damage to the reputations of Zhang Tingyu and Jia Jing.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Tingyu was somewhat surprised. Should he issue an imperial edict tomorrow?

In this way, he could be considered to be carrying out an imperial decree. Although as the executor he was still bound to be resented, he had at least a "pretext" that he could not disobey the emperor's will.

His Majesty still cares for...himself to some extent!

Just as he was deep in thought, he heard someone say in a loud voice:

"Your Majesty, what are you saying! Wouldn't issuing an imperial edict undermine Your Majesty's wisdom? I am willing to preside over the trial of this case. If the people are guilty, the guilt lies solely with me."

"I am not afraid of leaving a bad name for myself, but Your Majesty's virtue is like that of Yao and your heart like that of Shun, and you must not be tainted by the slightest stain!"

Jia Jing's tone was quite resolute, and his eagerness to take the blame for Emperor Jingsheng made Zhang Tingyu's brow twitch and his face darken.

Isn't this putting him in a very difficult position?

Jia Zijie is utterly shameless in his pursuit of favor; he deserves to die!

What he didn't know was that Jia Jing's words were from the bottom of his heart and came from the heart.

For Jia Jing now, fame is no longer an asset, but a burden.

Furthermore, with the subsequent purge of Wu Xun and his journey to the south of the Yangtze River, he would not be able to gain a good reputation among the civil and military officials of the court.

Or rather, if you want to get things done and gain more military power, you can't afford to lose your reputation.

Otherwise, with a good reputation, great power, and a large military force, even a "wise minister in a dream" might not be able to contain such a "loyal minister"!

Zhang Tingyu hesitated for a moment, then stepped forward and said:

"Your Majesty! The Duke of Jing is right! I have been selected by Your Majesty to serve in the Imperial Secretariat, and I am willing to assist the Imperial City Guard in presiding over the trial of this case."

"Firstly, to share Your Majesty's burdens; secondly, to clear obstacles for the new policies! Your Majesty's virtue is radiant, and your reputation must not be tarnished!"

Upon hearing this, Emperor Jingsheng did not doubt it, but he was also somewhat surprised. Hengchen's behavior and style today were quite different from usual!

In particular, the tone of his voice seems somewhat similar to that of Zijie!

They seem even more understanding than before...

Emperor Jingsheng's gaze softened slightly, and he nodded, saying:

"You two ministers are very kind! However, my mind is made up on this matter, and there is no need for further discussion!"

If a subject has such a sense of responsibility, how can the emperor, as the Son of Heaven, be timid and hesitant?

Furthermore, if we want to achieve a great revival of China, we cannot be hesitant or lack courage!

Emperor Jingsheng pondered for a moment, then gave the order:

"The Cabinet has drafted an edict, bestowing upon Zhang Tingyu the title of Grand Secretary of the Wenhua Hall and Junior Guardian of the Heir Apparent, appointing him Imperial Commissioner in charge of the Factionalism Case, concurrently overseeing the Imperial City Guard and the Five City Garrison, with the sole authority to submit memorials, investigate major cases, clean up official corruption, and act expediently!"

Chen Tingjing immediately took out his jade tablet, stepped forward, and said:

"Your humble servant obeys the decree!"

With this, the matter of the faction forcing the emperor to resign has been basically settled.