Chapter 518: Loyalty is not absolute, it is absolutely disloyal
Chapter 518: Loyalty is not absolute, it is absolutely disloyal
The news of the rebels' appearance was like a huge rock.
The capital city seems calm, but it is actually a turbulent lake!
In an instant, the entire capital city was shrouded in a layer of depression.
The officials and clerks in various government offices were like frightened birds, keeping silent.
They walked with their heads down and in a hurry, fearing that if they were not careful they would be arrested and executed as traitors.
In Puzikou City, on the other side of the Yingtianfu River, the atmosphere was extremely tense.
The Imperial Guards took over the defense of the area, and people from the Imperial Guards, the Governor's Office, and the Ministry of Justice poured in like a tide.
Launch a thorough investigation of the rebels and make every effort to find the possible sources of weapons and armor.
Zhan Hui, the Left Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate, also visited Puzikou City in person.
At this moment, he stood on the high platform of Puzikou City with his hands behind his back, quietly overlooking the people coming and going below.
Next to him was Ling Han, the Right Vice Minister who had just been demoted from the Censorate to the Ministry of Justice.
Ling Han was about fifty years old, with a broad figure typical of people from the Central Plains.
In comparison, Zhan Hui seemed smaller when standing next to him.
However, in terms of momentum, Zhan Hui firmly surpassed Ling Han.
"Sir Zhan, what results can we get from such a high-profile search?" Ling Han asked calmly.
"What we can find out does not depend on what we have, but on what we want to find out."
Zhan Hui's eyes did not move, he still quietly watched the busy officials below, with a meaningful smile on the corner of his mouth.
"Master Zhan is still unscrupulous as always."
There was sarcasm in Ling Han's words.
Zhan Hui didn't care about this ridicule and responded calmly:
"I am always like this. I just stay consistent."
Ling Han's expression finally changed a little, and the corners of his mouth twitched slightly:
"The Censorate is a place that supervises all officials. Lord Zhan is so arrogant and breaks the law. He will eventually be punished."
"What do you mean?" Zhan Hui asked back.
"The armor and swords used by the rebels were all from the three guards of the city defense army.
Why did we leave Yingtian City alone and instead come to Puzikou City?
Look at these soldiers, they are all so frightened that they are silent. They are obviously very afraid of you, Master Zhan."
"Master Ling, you are always so confused.
What they fear is not me, nor your officials in the Ministry of Justice.
But it was His Majesty who was sitting in the Wuying Palace.
As subjects, we work for Your Majesty, so it is natural for them to be afraid of us.
Otherwise, what do you think of us civil servants?
How dare you act recklessly in this camp where there are more than 100,000 soldiers stationed?
I don’t have the courage to do that.”
Zhan Hui looked normal, but the tone of his voice was up and down, as if he was intentionally being sarcastic.
"Mr. Zhan, the Censorate should follow the rules.
"How can a gentleman arbitrarily accuse someone of a crime?" Ling Han continued.
Zhan Hui showed some impatience and waved his hand:
"Alright, alright, Lord Ling, you have already left the Censorate, why are you still pointing fingers here?
The Censorate has its own rules. We will do whatever Your Majesty tells us to investigate.
If it is really as Lord Ling said, everything should be done according to the rules.
Is there any official in this court who can escape?
Are you going to put them all in the prison of the Censorate?"
"The law of nature is clear and there is law for all!" Ling Han said fiercely.
Zhan Hui suddenly turned sideways and shouted:
"That's enough! If everything is done according to the law, how can Lord Ling serve as an official in the court as a scholar?
You know, nowadays in this vast court and country, there are many candidates who cannot even get an official position.
Lord Ling, please don't be so ungrateful after taking advantage of me.
The palace already knows about today's rebellious activities and the mastermind behind them. They are not being investigated for the time being in order to settle accounts with them all in the future.
If Lord Ling insists on investigating, I am afraid that this official position in the capital will be untenable."
Ling Han's face turned pale and blue, his eyebrows throbbed, and his dry fists were clenched tightly.
"Sir Zhan is also a scholar. If we follow the rules, you can't be an official in the court either."
A trace of helplessness flashed across Zhan Hui's face: "Lord Ling, this is wrong. My scholar is different from yours.
My father was once the Minister of Personnel. Later, he was ordered by Your Majesty to compile the "Huang Ming Baoxun".
At that time, my father was already in poor health and coughed up blood all day long, but he still dragged his sick body and managed to complete the compilation of "Huang Ming Baoxun".
After that, he retired to recuperate. As soon as his health improved a little, he was called back to work. Eventually, he died of exhaustion while in office.
His loyalty is witnessed by both heaven and earth.
My family, the Zhan family, is loyal to Your Majesty and the Crown Prince, so naturally we do not need to go through layers of consideration and polishing like those juren and jinshi.
Whether or not he is a Jinshi, what does it matter to me and the palace?"
"This is clearly nepotism!" Ling Han was furious, his face flushed red.
“If we don’t appoint people based on personal connections, should we appoint people based on personal connections?
Lord Ling would not want to see his subordinates being filled with disobedient officials."
Zhan Hui turned sideways and pointed his finger at Ling Han's chest, then at himself.
"You and I are like this, let alone Your Majesty?
If Your Majesty spends all day arguing about right and wrong with a self-proclaimed upright official like you, how can the great affairs of the world be carried out?"
Zhan Hui took a step forward, patted Ling Han's chest gently with the back of his hand, and smiled and comforted him:
“You were transferred from the Censorate because you were too stubborn.
Your Majesty is the founding monarch. This world was conquered by your own hands. He is far smarter than you and me.
The Censorate will do whatever Your Majesty says.
Why do we have to argue with Your Majesty about right and wrong?
I have served in the court for many years and I know one thing very well: Your Majesty knows more than we do and thinks more long-term.
Take the current arrest of the commander of Dachuan Guard and the former commander of Heyang Guard as an example.
They seem to be honest and clean, but who knows what kind of filth they are hiding inside?
Do you really have to argue with His Majesty and let His Majesty put evidence in front of you before you take any action?
Lord Ling, everything in the court is not simply a matter of right or wrong. You should think about it carefully.
If you don’t figure it out, I’m afraid you won’t be able to keep your position as the Minister of Justice.”
After he finished speaking, the place below the stage was still bustling with activity and the noise was endless.
Zhan Hui looked around and saw more than a hundred soldiers in silver armor escorting a man in his forties out of the camp.
The big man kept his head down, his face ashen, only his feet moved unconsciously.
"Look, if he was really innocent, why would he react like this?" Zhan Hui said.
Ling Han walked forward and watched quietly as the commander of the Dachuan Guard was dragged away, his lips tightly closed and his brows furrowed.
At this time, another person was brought out.
This person is Lin Shian from Heyang Guard. He is different from the previous one.
He was making a lot of noise, struggling violently.
He kept saying that he was innocent and insisted that he had nothing to do with the matter.
"Then how does he explain it?" Ling Han had a blank expression on his face, his eyes full of sarcasm.
"He is just a stupid man who did stupid things." said Zhan Hui.
"Just because you didn't follow Duke Cao to kill officials?" The sarcasm in Ling Han's eyes became more and more intense.
Zhan Hui was a little surprised. He turned his head to look at Ling Han. Seeing him like this, he smiled helplessly:
"Master Ling, you still don't understand the truth.
It seems that your tenure as the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice is coming to an end.
Lin Shian had made great military achievements and was a relatively honest person, but he was not loyal enough. Isn't that serious?
Duke Cao was away, holding the title of commander-in-chief of the capital's army, and represented the imperial court.
Duke Cao gave an order, but he dared to disobey. What can we expect such a person to do for the court?
When the critical moment really comes, it will become a disaster and hidden danger for the court.
If we don't get rid of him now, will he be allowed to cause trouble for the court in the future?
To your majesty, hesitation is disloyalty. Lord Ling, please think about it carefully. "
Ling Han's expression became extremely serious, and veins on his arms bulged:
"What about the Minister of the Ministry of Rites Zeng Jingyuan? Most of his family members died in battle, leaving him as the only one left. Isn't he also loyal?"
Zhan Hui thought for a moment and said with a smile: "He is simply too stupid. It would be fine if he had a son who opposed the court.
In consideration of his family's meritorious services, His Majesty had no intention of pursuing the matter.
But he actually spread rumors and slandered the officials of the court and was caught on the spot.
If I were Zeng Jingyuan, I would have kicked that son out of the house long ago.
But he was foolish enough to be instigated and submit an impeachment petition. Wasn't this asking for trouble?
Lu Yunyi was a brave general promoted by the general. He had fought in many battles and never been defeated. He had become a role model for young soldiers in the world, but he insisted on provoking him.
If the general does not suppress this trend, how can he convince the people?"
After hearing this, Ling Han was speechless and fell silent.
Zhan Hui smiled, stepped forward and patted him on the shoulder:
"Lord Ling, as I said before, court affairs are not simply a matter of right and wrong.
Aren't you still arguing with me about right and wrong? But what's the point of this?"
After saying this, Zhan Hui waved his sleeves, stepped down from the platform, his scarlet robe fluttering in the wind.
Lu Yunyi, who had just met His Majesty and the Crown Prince and walked out of the Imperial City,
He then saw Feng Yunfang, who was wearing armor and walking towards him in a hurry.
Lu Yunyi's eyes lit up, and he looked past Feng Yunfang and behind him.
I saw more than twenty personal guards, all wearing armor and looking very majestic.
"It looks much better this way. Are you hot wearing armor?" Lu Yunyi looked him up and down and asked with concern.
"It's not hot, sir," Feng Yunfang replied.
"Bullshit, how can it not be hot in such a bright sun?"
Lu Yunyi glanced at him and continued,
"Add another five taels to each person's monthly salary as a high temperature subsidy.
You have worked hard these days. The rebels are rampant and we have no choice but to do so.”
Feng Yunfang and his guards were delighted when they heard this:
"Sir, this is all my responsibility."
Then, Feng Yunfang stepped forward and said in a low voice:
"Sir, there is news from the army that the commanders of Dachuan Guard and Heyang Guard have been taken away from the army."
"Now?" Lu Yunyi looked surprised.
Feng Yunfang nodded: "Just two quarters of an hour ago, when the commander of Dachuanwei was taken away, he didn't put up much resistance, as if he had accepted his fate.
However, Lin Shian from Heyangwei struggled hard, and kept shouting that he was wronged. "
"Wasn't he dismissed long ago? Why is he still in the army?" Lu Yunyi became more and more surprised.
Feng Yunfang had a strange look on his face:
"Sir, although he was dismissed, the battle of Luchuan has added a lot of prestige to him.
He has been staying in the barracks these days, but he rarely shows up."
Lu Yunyi nodded: "Got it, are there any changes in the city defense army?"
"Many of the guards at Jubao Gate were arrested, and many people were also arrested in the capital and other government offices.
As for whether these people can be released again, it is hard to say."
"How many people were arrested?"
A trace of fear flashed across Feng Yunfang's eyes, and he whispered:
"The city defense troops captured a resident of a thousand households, and the capital and other government offices captured no less than 500 people.
My Lord, the atmosphere in the city is very tense right now, and everyone is keeping quiet."
"Humph" Lu Yunyi snorted coldly, with a hint of sarcasm on his face.
"It's your own fault."
However, Lu Yunyi was not angry about this matter, but felt fortunate instead.
The more intense the enemy's reaction, the more it shows that the court's methods have hit their weak spots.
The enemy is acting this way because he can no longer sit still.
Otherwise, if the problem can be solved by legitimate means, why resort to force?
Lu Yunyi put away his thoughts, looked at Feng Yunfang, and ordered:
“Send someone to tell Zhang Yu to be extra careful during this period.
Let him wear armor and move around, as his safety is related to the success or failure of the business to a certain extent.
As for the soldiers sent out, they must act with caution and keep all their actions in record, so that even if something goes wrong, there will be a trace to follow and it will be easier to investigate.”
Feng Yunfang responded and immediately gave the order.
"Sir, will it be dangerous to go to the countryside?" The group rode on their war horses and headed towards the Lu Mansion.
Feng Yunfang was beside Lu Yunyi, and asked while paying attention to his surroundings.
"Casualties are unavoidable. Not all the people in Yingtian are kindhearted."
Lu Yunyi's voice was calm, but it made the guards around him feel heavy-hearted.
Those wounded soldiers were all colleagues who had fought side by side with him.
They did not sacrifice their lives on the battlefield. It would have been too shameful if they had died in the countryside.
"There's no need to be so pessimistic. Every time the imperial court carries out a major event, there are always casualties.
Now it is our turn, and it is our duty.
Besides, it’s easier than going to war.”
At this point, Lu Yunyi suddenly remembered something and turned to look at everyone present:
"By the way, if you want to go to war, just tell me and I can arrange for you to join the Northern Expedition Army."
A guard laughed and said:
“Sir, without you by our side, we always feel uneasy.
I heard from other brothers in the army that they suffered heavy casualties every time they fought.
If we lose our lives in the north, it would be a great loss! It is better for us to follow you, my Lord."
"I think you can't bear to leave the girl from Yingtian." Another guard teased bluntly.
Everyone burst into laughter when they heard this.
Lu Yunyi also laughed. He looked at the majestic and ancient buildings beside the imperial city.
Yingtian is indeed a prosperous place. Once you step in, you will be reluctant to leave.
Not to mention the Qinhuai River outside the city, the streets and alleys in the central city alone are bustling every day. Compared with the yellow sand of the grasslands in the north, the scenery here is much more beautiful.
"By the way, why don't I see Wang Chen? Where did he go?" Lu Yunyi suddenly asked as they approached Zhongzheng Street.
Feng Yunfang replied, his face looking a little strange:
"Sir, Lord Wang has left the city to go to the workshop."
"He went to the workshop? Wasn't he frightened?"
In Lu Yunyi's memory, as soon as the war ended, Wang Chen vomited violently and almost vomited bile.
"Lord Wang said he would go to the workshop to keep an eye on it. He also said that someone has died because of this matter. If something goes wrong, it will be a big loss."
Lu Yunyi nodded in understanding: "You are really dedicated."
"Sir, you're right. Since we came to the capital, I feel that the clerks and officials in the Ministry of Works have a harder time than those in the military camp."
At this point, Feng Yunfang shuddered, as if he was still frightened.
"Most of the officials in the six ministries are like this. If the officials in Beijing take all the benefits and do not work hard, the officials from other places will probably be dissatisfied."
As Lu Yunyi spoke, he looked towards the ruins of No. 1 Zhongzheng Street.
A few days have passed, and the ruins of Liu's Fruit and Vegetable Shop have been basically cleared.
The ruins and the garbage burned by the fire have been removed.
The entire No. 1 Zhongzheng Street became bare, and many laborers were leveling the ground.
Now that he was here, Lu Yunyi was not in a hurry to go home, and instead ordered:
"Let's go see Miss Deng. Yunfang, go buy some gifts."
"Yes!"
"By the way, have you delivered the things I asked you to pass on to them last time?"
Feng Yunfang stopped and scratched his head:
"Sir, it was sent the day before yesterday.
When the mansion delivered something yesterday, Miss Deng and Miss Song were already playing."
Lu Yunyi laughed: "How is Miss Deng's mental state?"
“Excellent!”
"That's good, go buy it, let's go take a look."
"Yes!"
(End of this chapter)