Listening to Jiao Fang's words, Yang Ling silently raised his cup and took a sip of wine, not saying a word for a long time.
Jiao Fang placed the jade chopsticks horizontally on the plate, quietly watching him, unmoving as he waited for Yang Ling's choice. The room was silent. After a long time, Yang Ling suddenly raised his cup and filled it with wine. He said with a light laugh: "Minister's words are like pearls. Listening to Minister's words, Yang Ling has really benefited a lot. Am I not a talented commander-in-chief of the four towns, assisting His Majesty? Ha ha, it is still difficult for me to do so."
When Jiao Fang heard this, a large stone in his heart fell to the ground. He hurriedly smiled modestly and accepted the cup, saying cheerfully: "Daren has the talent to save the world and is His Majesty's trusted aide. For Daren to think this way, it is the fortune of the country and the school. Jiao Fang is willing to follow Daren, Daren, to build a great achievement, to advance and retreat together, never to say we will part!"
With a clear 'dang', the jade cups lightly clinked. Yang Ling and Jiao Fang raised their cups and drained it in one gulp. Then, they looked at each other and smiled. The wrinkles on Jiao Fang's face smoothed out in a carefree manner. He rolled up his sleeves, picked up his chopsticks, and began to arrange the dishes for Yang Ling. With a cheerful smile, he asked: "Is Daren going to return the tax authority to Liu Gonggong?"
Yang Ling pretended to be angry and said: "Minister Jiao was just confiding in Yang a moment ago, and now you are still not willing to treat me with sincerity?"
Jiao Fang chuckled and immediately said with a solemn expression: "Then this school will speak frankly. Daren's sudden promotion of nobility and official rank must have been fueled by the Supervisor of Rites, Liu Gonggong. His Majesty has good intentions, but Liu Gonggong has placed Daren on the cauldron, using nobility and official rank as firewood, and the hundreds of officials in court are the ones who have started the fire. Is what this school says correct?"
Yang Ling's eyes flashed as he praised, "Minister has a discerning eye and hits the nail on the head. Liu Jin was the Minister of the Interior. The memorials of the hundred officials, the documents of the frontier, the appointment and dismissal of officials, the issuing of imperial edicts, all had to go through his hands. He was practically half the Emperor's house. If the taxes of the world were handed over to his hands, then his position would not only be of great importance, he would practically be able to call the wind and summon the rain.
But the Revenue Bureau was originally under the control of the Department of Rites. If this official wants to relinquish the tax authority, returning it to the Department of Rites is a proper and proper thing to do. Besides, His Majesty's favor and trust in him is no less than mine. If I kick the Department of Rites away, I won't have a good reason to put it on the table. Even His Majesty wouldn't be able to pass this hurdle. "
"This official had once agreed to have the Ministry of Revenue and the Department of Rites jointly control the Revenue Bureau. At the time, it was to convince Grand Scholar Li Dongyang to support the lifting of the ban on the sea. Now it looks like there is another benefit. That is, the external court and internal court will both have their eyes on this fat piece of meat. With this official watching from the side and not letting Liu Jin monopolize the power, he won't have time to deal with me."
Jiao Fang cheerfully said, "This is very good, but there are two difficulties. The senior officials in the court who have entrusted me with many complaints against His Majesty. His Majesty has given all of his power to Daren in order to get rid of the senior officials' restraints. Daren is not willing to monopolize the power of the sovereign. Although this is out of loyalty to His Majesty, doing this will inevitably disappoint His Majesty's good intentions. I'm afraid that His Majesty will be displeased. As for how Daren wants to resign from the Revenue Bureau, you must think carefully and find a suitable reason.
Also, Daren's' two peaches kill three soldiers' plan may not be able to deceive the external court and internal court. How to do it without making a sound and avoid their suspicions is even more difficult. Does Daren have a plan in mind? "
Yang Ling smiled slightly and said, "If you say it's difficult, it's difficult. If you say it's easy, it's easy. Now that the snow has melted, the flowers on the trees are blooming, we can slowly get drunk! Bear with the superficial fame, change it to a shallow and low song. "
Jiao Fang was startled. Stroking her beard, she muttered to herself for a moment. She slowly said, "Snuggling with beauties, romantic matters, life is smooth. Youth is gone for a while. Bear with the superficial fame, change it to a shallow and low song … Liu San Bian failed the examinations time and time again and could not obtain the scholarly title. That's why he wrote this poem to mock himself. From then on, he indulged in wine and women. Daren is flushed with success, why … "
When Jiao Fang got to this point, a light flashed through her eyes. She clapped her hands in realization and said, "I understand. Rising in rank and becoming flushed with success, forgetting one's form and indulging in sensual pleasures is a common failing of young men. Daren has just reached the age of twenty. Doing this is the most natural and will not arouse suspicion. On the contrary, it will cause others to look down on Daren's ambitions. I believe this action will dispel many people's fears.
Furthermore, romantic affairs are not considered a serious offense. Even if someone impeached you, it will not harm Daren's foundation. Furthermore, this kind of matter will not arouse the Emperor's suspicion and cause you to lose His Majesty's favor. Daren can also use this excuse to 'unwillingly' hand over the Bureau of Taxation. Since the Bureau of Taxation was' taken 'back by them, who would doubt it? Haha! Liu Gong wants to take it, Daren is beating him at his own game. Wonderful! "
Yang Ling smiled and said, "Hmm, this official was forced to hand over the authority to collect taxes. His Majesty will feel apologetic and will definitely console me. At that time, I will suggest that the Ministry of Revenue and the Bureau of Rites be in charge of collecting taxes. How about that?"
Jiao Fang also revealed a sinister smile and replied, "His Majesty will naturally agree. Even if the Ministry of Revenue and the Bureau of Rites know of Daren's idea, they will only think that Daren is unwilling and is waiting for an opportunity to take it back. How would they think that this is a peach that Daren is willingly giving away?"
The two of them laughed loudly. Then, they carefully deliberated over the details until they were sure that there were no loopholes. Yang Ling said, "The opening of sea trade is imminent. I still need to go to Grand Secretary Li's residence to pay a visit and discuss some matters with him. Here is a list of names. Minister Elder, take it and study it carefully. It must be completed within half a month."
As he spoke, he took out a piece of paper from his sleeve and gently pushed it in front of Jiao Fang.
Jiao Fang took it and looked at it. To her astonishment, she saw rows of names of court officials. She could not help but raise her head in surprise and look at Yang Ling with a puzzled look.
Yang Ling bent over and pointed at the names on the list. He carefully studied it with Jiao Fang. Jiao Fang listened and secretly memorized it. The two of them discussed for a long time. Then, Yang Ling stood up and said, "I will go to Grand Secretary Li's residence now. I will advise Daren Li on this matter and ask for his assistance. Minister Elder, please feel free to do it!"
※ ※ ※
'Soaring Cloud Restaurant' was booked by the new Mighty Marquis, Dragon and Tiger General, Mr. Yang. Before dusk, the restaurant was cleaned up. Several chefs of 'Soaring Cloud Restaurant', who usually only gave a few words of advice in the kitchen, put on aprons and personally cooked the dishes. Yang Ling's family also invited beauties from the capital's brothels to perform and accompany them to drink. Before the main characters arrived, the restaurant was already filled with singing and the sound of bamboo flutes.
These red ladies were all beautiful women in their twenties. Each of them had fair and tender skin, misty hair, and light makeup. They were delicate and charming.
Any one of these ladies was the highest in value. They were beauties that were hard to come by. With their status, even the young masters of the royal family could not easily invite them to come on stage. Especially when it came to such a crowd of heroes, they were simply treated as ordinary maids.
But Yang Ling's current status was not to be underestimated. He was a young, handsome, and successful Mighty Marquis. With such a status, even the usually arrogant ladies could not help but feel their hearts flutter. It must be known that Marquis Yang's two beloved concubines were both from the 'Silk Flower House'. How could their fame and status not be better than those two silly girls? If they could be chosen by the Marquis, it would be like a fish leaping through the dragon gate in one step.
Therefore, the girls dressed up early and rushed to the restaurant. For a while, the restaurant was full of peerless beauties with fragrant scents. If the Soaring Cloud Restaurant hadn't been cleared out early, any drunkard would have thought that they had arrived at a fairyland.
Most of the guests that Yang Ling invited were not of low rank, so he came very early. The girls who had arrived early saw that the Marquis was wearing a blue satin robe. He was tall and slender, with red lips and white teeth. He was handsome and refined. Coupled with the temperament that he had cultivated from giving orders, he was really admirable.
The eyes of the girls were burning with desire. They wanted to use their own methods to attract the Marquis's attention. But they did not expect that they were like his shadow. As soon as Yang Ling appeared, a sedan chair arrived. A man in his fifties with a short beard entered the Soaring Cloud Restaurant with a gloomy face. He pulled the handsome young Marquis into a private room and shut the door. The girls hated him to death.
Yang Ling sat in the private room with his legs crossed. He calmly drank a mouthful of fragrant tea. He looked at Mou Bin and said with a smile, "Lord Mou, in the past, you were calm and composed. You sent Admiral Zhang Xiu to prison while talking and laughing. At that time, success or failure was a matter of life and death. Now, Eunuch Liu is just picking a fight and sending Town Envoy Shao to prison to give you a look. Why are you so anxious?"
Mou Bin smiled bitterly. "Milord is flushed with success right now. How can you understand my feelings?"
He sighed faintly and said, "If it is only about my life and death, I will not even frown. Ai! I believe that Lord already knows about the matter between me and Liu Jin. The Embroidered Uniform Guard is the Emperor's Imperial Prison. They investigate the major cases of the Judicial Sector, but the confessions of ordinary criminals cannot be altered. They must be presented to the Emperor according to the facts. Hateful Liu Jin hates that Dai Miao scolded him as a 'powerful eunuch' in his confession. He actually relied on his power to force me to alter his confession!
The Imperial Bodyguard is an independent law department. It reports directly to the Emperor. How can I be coerced by him? Liu Jin wants revenge because of his personal grudge. I am going to report him to the Emperor! "
Yang Ling glanced at him and shook his head, "It is easy to get Town Envoy Shao out of prison! The stately Northern Town Provost of the Brocade Guards, Liu eunuch can put him in prison, but he doesn't dare to do anything to him. This official gave him a way out, and Shao daren will come out. It is difficult to accuse Eunuch Liu! Forcing Lord Mou to remove the words' power eunuch 'and change his confession will only make the Emperor laugh and will not touch a hair on Eunuch Liu's head! "
Mou Bin's eyes flickered as if he had something to say. After a while, he could not help but say, "I heard that Gu Daeyong offended the Emperor and was removed from his position as Dongchang's Factory Supervisor. The successor that Lord recommended to the Emperor is the former head eunuch Dai Yi who was sent to Jinling?"
Yang Ling nodded, "That is correct. Dai Yi did not participate in Wang Yue's rape and was innocent. He has been in the Rites Department for many years and is familiar with Dongchang's affairs. Now that the Emperor is going all out to capture the Maitreya Cult in Dongchang, he needs a capable leader. Dai Yi is a suitable candidate."
Mou Bin chuckled and paused before saying, "When Eunuch Dai was involved in the Emperor's Mausoleum's Feng Shui case, he was imprisoned at the same time as Lord and can be said to be a friend in times of adversity. Now that Lord has recommended Eunuch Dai and has helped him in times of need, Eunuch Dai will definitely return the favor when he succeeds as Dongchang's Factory Supervisor. Dongchang was originally under the jurisdiction of the Rites Department. With Liu Jin's magnanimity, it is difficult for him not to feel bad about this situation. "
Yang Ling laughed in his heart. Mou Bin could not bring himself to ask for help directly. This was an indirect attack to break up the relationship between him and Liu Jin. At this time, he could completely pull the Imperial Bodyguard to his side. It was very beneficial to him, but what was the price? To help them impeach Liu Jin?
It was impossible. This crime could not bring down Liu Jin at all. If he personally took action now and openly fought with Liu Jin for power, it would destroy his plan to hide his strength and bide his time, exposing himself to the light.
The first important thing to do now was to open up the sea trade. The Emperor was keen on this. Liu Jin did not dare to publicly oppose it and risk losing the Emperor's favor. But if he secretly obstructed and did something to make a mistake in the establishment of the trade port, the officials who were originally dissatisfied with the lifting of the sea ban would definitely take the opportunity to counterattack and the whole thing would fail prematurely.
But in the future, there were still many places where he needed to rely on the Imperial Bodyguard. The Imperial Bodyguard had more than ten subordinates all over the country. It was an extremely powerful force. Today, Mou Bin had no choice but to ask for help. Could he push them away? What reason could he use to appease him?
Yang Ling slightly furrowed his brows. He suddenly said straightforwardly: "Mou daren, Yang daren, Mou daren, Shao daren, and Jiangnan brother Qian have always been close friends. We have told each other everything we know. Brother Mou is magnanimous and an upright man. There is no need to beat around the bush in our dealings. Whatever you want this brother to do, just say the word. "
Mou Bin blushed slightly. In a hoarse voice, he said: "Since it is so, I will speak frankly."
He coughed and cleared his throat. He said: "I will definitely not change Dai Mian's confession. This matter has caused a storm and the entire city knows about it. If this confession is changed, the reputation of the Imperial Bodyguard will hit rock bottom. From then on, they will never be able to raise their heads again. Since the Bureau of Rites has returned the file, I have decided to bypass the Bureau of Rites and personally deliver the file to the Emperor. "
Yang Ling disapprovingly shook his head. He said: "This' eunuch 'will not have any effect on Liu Jin. Perhaps the Emperor will feel that Liu gonggong is loyal and trustworthy. That is why he is being criticized. Is it worth it to do so?"
Mou Bin's expression was solemn. With a stern gaze, he said: "A real man has to do something and not do something. This case has long been decided. What is written on the file is not important. What Liu Jin wants to fight for now is his authority. What I want to protect is the dignity of the Imperial Bodyguard! If I let go now, I can protect my own future. But how will I explain to my hundred thousand brothers? How will I have the face to be their admiral? "
Yang Ling was silent. Mou Bin's insistence was a little silly. But it was cute and admirable.
To do something and not do something was easy to say. What price would it take to achieve it? Hadn't he, for the sake of the most valuable person in his heart, for the sake of the most valuable thing, tragically used the arm of a mantis to resist Mount Tai?
He put down the teacup and stopped smiling. He said seriously: "You are the Embroidered Uniform Admiral. It is not difficult to report directly to the Emperor. What is difficult is Eunuch Liu's subsequent suppression. What do you need me to do?"
Mou Bin looked at him gratefully. He said: "I also know that with my strength, I have offended him this time. Sooner or later, I will be destroyed in his hands. But I do not want to sit and wait for death. I want to ask you to step in and bail Mayor Shao out. He is my good friend of many years. I insisted on this matter. Old Shao is just taking the blame for me. "
Yang Ling nodded. "This is simple. I will bring it up when Eunuch Liu attends the banquet. His target is not Lord Shao. I think he will sign it."
Mou Bin's eyes were slightly red. He cupped his fists and said: "In that case, I thank Mr Yang. The second thing is to give him a taste of his own medicine. Liu Jin arrested Mayor Shao and put him in prison. The crime is that after he moved to the capital, he forcibly expropriated land from the people and used his power to buy houses at a low price.
These days, I have also sent people to investigate Liu Jin. He is in charge of supervising the construction of the leopard house. He sent out a large number of purchasing agents to various places to buy materials and ornaments. He used his official status to buy on credit and put the money allocated by the inner factory into his own pocket.
Take Shandong's Qingzhou as an example. Several large stone factories transported forty ships of large stones to the capital. The stonemasons and boatmen did not obtain a single cent. He sent people to capture fierce beasts. The local hunters caught three fierce tigers and transported them to the leopard house. Four of the hunters were killed by the tigers. They did not receive a single copper coin as compensation. The local people were seething with resentment. The relatives of the deceased carried the corpses and paraded them through the streets. His imperial purchasing agents broke up the matter. This crime... "
Yang Ling resolutely said: "He built the leopard house for His Majesty. I heard that the leopard house is to His Majesty's liking. When His Majesty hears about this, he will reprimand him. It is possible that he will order him to pay up, but he will not punish him for this."
Hearing this, Mou Bin's eyes could not help but darken. They had discovered another matter. If they were to investigate this matter, they would inevitably offend another important person. But if they did not speak, they would not have strong evidence to solve the present crisis. What should they do?
Mou Bin was silent for a long time. He gritted his teeth and said: "There is one more thing. The banditry in Jiangxi is serious. King Ning's mansion is frequently visited by thieves, but the local government is unable to catch the thieves. King Ning was furious. He sent people to the capital with a large sum of gold and silver, requesting to restore the three guards of the King Ning's mansion. Liu Jin accepted a heavy gift from King Ning's mansion. I heard that he is speaking on his behalf in front of His Majesty. Accepting a bribe from a vassal king is a great taboo for an emperor. What do you think of this crime..."
"What? King Ning's mansion requested to restore the three guards? "Yang Ling was greatly surprised and quickly asked:" Liu Jin is speaking on behalf of King Ning? "
King Ning's mansion requested to restore the three guards because of the banditry. Mou Bin did not take this matter to heart. What he cared about was that Liu Jin accepted a bribe from a vassal king and spoke on his behalf.
There is no emperor who does not fear his subjects making friends with foreign vassal states. Even with Hongzhi Emperor's magnanimity, if he heard of this matter, he would definitely deal with it decisively with a thunderous method to warn his subjects. The important thing was not whether the vassal king's request was reasonable or not. It was a great taboo for the emperor's close subjects to make friends with the vassal king. Even if Emperor Zhengde had a little bit of imperial power, he would not be ambiguous about this matter.
Seeing that Yang Ling was so cautious, Mou Bin had a slightly proud look on his face. He nodded and said: "Exactly. Does Daren think that this matter can topple him?"
Yang Ling secretly pondered: "King Ning restored the three guards and rebelled. This matter is indeed true. It seems that before he rebelled, Emperor Zhengde trusted him very much. Now there is no evidence. If I use this to tell His Majesty that King Ning will rebel in the future, he will certainly not believe it. In any case, King Ning's rebellion will definitely not succeed, so there is no need to be in a hurry to say it.
In history, Liu Jin did not have a good end. In the end, what was the reason? Could it be related to King Ning?
Yang Ling thought hard for a long time but could not understand. Seeing that Mou Bin had been looking at him eagerly, he could not help but smile bitterly and said: "His Majesty's thoughts cannot be understood by ordinary people. Whether or not His Majesty will punish Liu Jin because of this, to be honest, I also do not know.
However, this matter should not be hidden from His Majesty. Mou Daren, do not be anxious. After I understand the details, I will discuss with you whether or not to speak. For now, I will protect Shao Daren first. As for the matter of submitting the file... If Liu eunuch's side makes a move, I will first block it for you. "
Mou Bin knew that no one understood the emperor better than Yang Ling. If he said that he was not sure, then this matter must be really not sure. Was Liu Jin so favored and trusted by the emperor? Even the big taboo of him making friends with the vassal king could not pull him down? With this, he also had no idea and could only silently nod his head.
Outside, it was noisy. Several daren chatted and laughed with each other as they walked up the stairs. Hearing the noise, Yang Ling smiled at Mou Bin and said: "Mou Daren, please. Today, let us drink and chat merrily. As for the matter that you and I discussed, we must plan before taking action. Right now, we cannot be anxious. In a while, when we see Liu eunuch... "
Mou Bin smiled and said: "There is no need for daren to remind me. I still have this bit of shrewdness to talk and laugh in front of others and stab them in the back."
The two looked at each other and smiled, then walked out.
※ ※ ※
The Commander of the Inner Works, Yang Ling, was newly promoted Wei Wu Marquis and Long Hu High General. Therefore, he invited the Eight Tigers of the Palace, the Commander of the Imperial Bodyguard, the Right Imperial Messenger Liu Yu, the Assistant Minister of War Cao Yuan, the Minister of Appointments Zhang Cai and the three heads of the Inner Works to 'Xiang Yun Restaurant'. Once the news of him inviting all the outstanding women in the capital to liven things up spread, everyone in the capital immediately knew about it.
When the news of Yang Ling's drunken scolding of the court officials and his infatuation with the famous prostitute Hua Weidu of the 'Shallow Red House' and the top beauty of the 'Immortal Wind Pavilion', Miss Hong Suyue, caused Liu Daxian, Ma Wensheng and the others to greatly despise him. The young scholar was arrogant and so brazen. This had already caused the dissatisfaction of the imperial censors. Some people began to search for evidence to impeach him.
These few days, the imperial censors continued to admonish the Emperor to reflect on his incognito, to leave the palace incognito, to form an alliance with the Three Guards of Duoyan, and to reward his trusted officials indiscriminately. However, Emperor Zhengde was busy moving. These censors were like stones sinking into the ocean, there was no reply. The imperial censors were provoked and became more courageous. The words in the censors became more and more intense. They simply scolded Zhengde as the most incapable ruler in the world.
Later on, the Six Ministries sent out news to the Minister of Affairs that Liu Jin had prepared several large chests in the Department of Rites. Whenever the memorials were submitted, as long as they were related to these topics, they would be immediately thrown into the chests. Once the chests were filled, they would send people to transport them away. Basically, they did not present them to the Emperor. The hundreds of officials were furious. Memorials to impeach Liu Jin were continuously sent into the Palace.
In this chaotic situation, Li Dongyang acquiesced and Jiao Fang took charge. The imperial court quietly changed.
The Minister of Revenue, Hangul, the Left Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Rites, and the Right Assistant Minister of the Ministry of War received the imperial edict and set out for the border to trade with the Three Guards of Duoyan and the Jurchen tribes. This matter would take at least two or three months to complete.
Official Zheng, the Left Imperial Censor of the Imperial Censorate, had outstanding achievements and was an incorruptible official. He was transferred to Guizhou. Huang Wei, a scholar of the Hanlin Academy, was transferred to Shaanxi. Several officials with outstanding reputations in the Imperial Censorate and the Hanlin Academy were transferred to local officials with real power. Given their talent and prestige, they naturally deserved their positions. Therefore, without the slightest resistance or doubt, these officials took up their posts one by one.
There were also a few old and virtuous scholars and imperial censors. Because of their hard work, they were rewarded by the new Emperor. Zhengde issued an imperial edict to reward them. They were bestowed with wealth, silk, and silk. They were also escorted back to their hometown to visit their relatives. In just ten-some days, more than twenty important officials of the court had left the capital. They were either on official business, transferred, or granted leave.
On the first day Emperor Zhengde moved to the Leopard Room, an unremarkable memorial was placed on his desk, at the very top of a tall pile of memorials.
The person who submitted the memorial did not have a high position. He was only a lowly official in the Ministry of Revenue. His name was Yan Song. The memorial was voluminous, with no less than ten thousand words. In the name of the founding of the imperial court, there were four large words: Please lift the ban on the sea!
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