Chapter 574: A Big Fish Takes the Bait
Jing Rong left Qiao Zheng alone in the hall to reminisce.
Although the two of them had conversed a few times in the capital, their friendship was not deep. Not to mention the fact that Qiao Zheng was secretly close to Prince Yi's household, just based on the status of the two of them, it was not appropriate for them to sit down and chat for long periods of time, lest others start gossiping about the prince's association with one of the Six Ministries and charge him with conspiracy.
At that time, even if Qi Zhen Emperor did not behead him, he would probably alienate him and suppress him in all aspects.
At this moment, no one spoke.
Qiao Zheng glanced at Jing Rong, then quickly shifted his gaze elsewhere. It was not that he was guilty, but when he saw Jing Rong's cold and indifferent face, he felt an inexplicable sense of fear in his chest.
Jing Rong used his fingers to hold the lid of the teacup and gently closed it.
The lid made a crisp sound when it touched the rim of the teacup. It was neither light nor heavy.
However, it made Qiao Zheng's entire body numb.
He finally looked straight at Jing Rong and asked, "Is there anything else, Your Highness?"
Hearing this, Jing Rong's thin and cold lips curled up, revealing a look of reminiscence. "This Prince still remembers that a few years ago, Imperial Father once compared the Great Lin to a sharp sword in front of everyone, and Lord Qiao was compared to the jade pendant on the sharp sword. This made the sword's edge shine like a torch, especially vivid. It is clear that Imperial Father highly values you, and for many years, Lord Qiao has also worked tirelessly and faithfully for the imperial court."
"That is what this lowly official should do."
"Lord Qiao is a first-rank Minister of the Ministry of Personnel. Not everyone can sit in that position. Now that the court is in need of manpower, why do you have to resign and return to your hometown at this time?"
So this was what he wanted to discuss with him!
Qiao Zheng seemed to organize his words in his mind before saying, "To tell you the truth, this lowly official is a little old and has begun to miss the green mountains and clear waters of the countryside. Moreover, the capital is full of crouching tigers and hidden dragons, and there are many talented people who are qualified to hold the position of Minister of Personnel. This lowly official might as well resign and return to my hometown to give the younger generation some opportunities. I can come to Yufu and become a small Zhizhou, closer to my family and continue to be loyal to the court."
Jing Rong could not find fault with this reason.
But that was not his intention.
He then asked, "I heard that the newly appointed Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, Peng Yuanhai, is your student, Lord Qiao?"
He went straight to the point.
Qiao Zheng was an astute person and could guess Jing Rong's meaning. He replied, "Actually, he can't be considered a disciple. I just casually taught him some things when I was free. He was eager to learn and memorized everything. After this lowly official resigned, it was expected that he would become the new Minister of Personnel."
"Who exactly is this Peng Yuanhai? This king is a little curious. After all, I have never heard of him before. "
"This person is a student of Teacher Yu. He was ranked second in the examination a few years ago and was originally working in Hanlin Academy. Later, I saw that he was meticulous in handling matters, so I brought him to the Ministry of Personnel and made him an assistant minister."
"Mingshan Academy?"
"That's right."
That was interesting.
Jing Rong smiled and took a sip of tea.
"So he is a student of Teacher Yu. No wonder he dares to challenge me."
"Your Highness, are you talking about the Ministry of Personnel's report?"
"Oh? I thought that after Lord Qiao resigned, you would not pay attention to outside affairs. Who would have thought that your ears are not idle. "
"This lowly official only heard a few words."
"Does this mean that this matter has spread throughout the capital?"
"Your Highness is worrying. Although Your Highness has removed many officials from their positions on your way to Yufu, you have also removed a few scourges for the imperial court. You deserve to be rewarded. Moreover, His Majesty knows that you will not be held accountable." It was hard to tell if Qiao Zheng was speaking the truth or just flattering him.
Jing Rong felt that this fish was about to take the bait and asked, "Then, in Lord Qiao's opinion, where did Peng Yuanhai get the courage to challenge me? He knows that Imperial Father will not hold him accountable. Why did he do this? What's even stranger is that the Office of Transmission, who usually screens the memorials, sent all of them to Imperial Father. Could there be a connection between this? "
Qiao Zheng suddenly realized that this prince was trying to get information from him.
But now, he was already on the hook and there was no way out.
He could only say, "Peng Yuanhai challenging Your Highness should be … just a ploy by a newly appointed official."
"Then how do you explain the Office of Transmission?"
"This …" He was at a loss for words, "This lowly official does not know."
"This prince has learned that Lord Qu of the Office of Transmission was recommended by Prince Yi, and that Lord Qiao has always been close to Prince Yi's household. As soon as Lord Qiao resigned, Peng Yuanhai began to submit memorials to this prince. Could it be that … the one who should be accusing this prince is you, Lord Qiao? However, you were worried that you would be implicated, so you hurriedly resigned and handed that hot potato to your disciple, Peng Yuanhai. Is this prince correct?"
Ah!
In other words, this matter was related to both Prince Yi and himself.
Qiao Zheng trembled and immediately stood up, saying hurriedly, "Your Highness, please understand. This lowly official definitely did not mean that. Although this lowly official is close to Prince Yi's Estate, I would never do such a thing. This lowly official has no deep relationship with Peng Yuanhai."
He looked very nervous!
It was a clean sweep of the matter.
Jing Rong furrowed his brows and stared at him intently.
Meanwhile, outside.
Qiao Zihua did not dare to go anywhere. He stood outside in a daze, waiting for his Second Uncle to come out.
Seeing that it was almost time, he should have finished talking about what needed to be discussed, right?
It was about time for him to come out.
But at this moment …
Tang Si held a cuju in her hand and smashed it hard at his head.
It was very powerful!
His body tilted and he almost fell to the ground.
He staggered a few steps before regaining his footing. Looking at the woman walking over, he frowned and asked, "Why did you hit me?"
Tang Si walked over and looked him up and down, asking, "You are Qiao Zihua?"
Her tone was not pleasant.
"That's me."
"Then the person I hit is you."
Yes, I didn't get the wrong person!
Qiao Zihua was puzzled, "When did I offend you?"
"Of course you offended me. I went to knock on your Qiao family's door today, why didn't you open it? This was the first time I was given the cold shoulder. I will definitely get back at you for that great humiliation. "
"This …"
What did it have to do with him?
Tang Si stretched out her leg and picked up the cuju from the ground. It fell right into her hands. She smiled evilly and threw the cuju high into the air again.
Without saying a word, she kicked it with all her might.
The ball was like a ball of fire, rolling and spinning as it quickly kicked towards Qiao Zihua's face.
There was a loud "Peng" sound!
A rather tall figure fell to the ground with his back on the ground. His spine made a cracking sound as if it was broken.
"Ah!"
Qiao Zihua screamed in pain.
His face hurt!
His butt hurt!
His back hurt!
His heart hurt too!
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