Jia Zhen returned to Ninggyeongdang and told Xia Lu about this matter.
Xia Lu only had one word to say.
This also meant that the opening of her shop would be delayed again.
She was just opening a shop.
Why was her life so full of misfortune?
Xia Lu was depressed. Jia Zhen felt that it was okay. They were just delaying the opening of their shop.
The Jiangnan incident.
It involved a lot of people. If it was not handled well, the whole family would suffer.
Jia Zhen did not know.
When the Jiangnan incident broke out, he did not know how many people would be implicated. What he was most worried about was that the Jia family's relatives would be involved.
No matter what, the only thing he could do now was to restrain the Jia family's side branches.
He did not allow them to get involved.
If they dared to interfere, he would directly eliminate their sect. He would not give them any face.
These days.
They all had to rely on the ancestral hall.
If they were eliminated from the clan.
The impact was very big.
Whether it was an official in the imperial court or something else, when others heard that you were eliminated from the clan, they would think that there was something wrong with you. In addition, the Jia family was only doing well in the Ning and Rong manors. If they were eliminated from the clan, they would no longer be able to rely on the Ning and Rong manors. Most importantly, they would no longer be able to enjoy the support of the clan. Jia family was backed by the two Duke Manors, so the support of the clan was extremely rich. The output of the sacrificial field was all given to the clan to support the side branches. For the sake of their own descendants, they would not do such a stupid thing like killing the goose that lays golden eggs.
"Zhang Yunqing, go and find someone to inform Jia Zheng. Tell him not to meddle in the affairs of Jiangnan," Prince Zhongshun said to his adviser.
"Jia Zheng and the Jia family have separated. I thought that the Prince would no longer care about him. I didn't expect that he would have me warn him, "said Zhang Yunqing with a smile.
"Hmph, it's better for him to be used by the King than to be wasted. No matter what, he's still Duke Rongguo's son. Just like how he angered the Duke Rongguo to such an extent, Imperial Father still didn't remove him from his position. It's enough to show that the Duke Rongguo still dotes on him. As long as the incense remains, I will keep Jia Zheng," Prince Zhongshun said.
"Your Highness is wise. I'll do it right away."
"Mr. Zhang, you're here. Does the Prince have any orders for you?" Jia Zheng asked.
"His Highness sent me here to remind Lord Jia of something," said Zhang Yunqing.
"What's up?" Jia Zheng asked.
"Lord Jia, are you sure you want to say it here?" Zhang Yunqing looked around. This was the outer courtyard of the Jia family. There were many servants and maids coming and going. Who knew how many spies were among them. If he said it here, he was afraid that before he left the Jia family's mansion, the matter between him and Jia Zheng would have already been spread out.
"Of course not. Mr. Zhang, please come in," Jia Zheng said quickly.
After Jia Zheng led Zhang Yunqing to his study, he asked, "Mr. Zhang, how is the Prince?" These days, as an official in the imperial court, Jia Zheng had suffered a lot. Because the matter of the branch had been reported to the Ministry of Revenue, no one would take care of him because his surname was Jia. Qin Ye, who was also an official because of the Princess, was doing better than him in the Ministry of Works. On the day Qin Ye went to the Ministry of Works to report to the Ministry of Works, Jia Jing went to see Qin Ye in person. Only then did Jia Zheng understand that the officialdom was not as simple as he thought. Without protection, it was really hard to survive.
"Of course the Prince is well. He will be out soon," Zhang Yunqing said. He was not lying to Jia Zheng. The Mid-Autumn Festival was coming soon, the day when the whole family reunited. No matter how angry the Retired Emperor was, it was impossible for him to lock the Prince in the mansion on such a day. If he really looked into it, Duke Rongguo's illness had nothing to do with the Prince.
"That's good, that's good." Jia Zheng breathed a sigh of relief. When the Prince came out, he would ask the Prince to transfer him to the Ministry of Appointments. He was now just a small Minister Counsellor in the Ministry of Works. The Ministry of Appointments was not only the most complicated and busy, but also ranked last among the six ministries. The Prince was in charge of the Ministry of Appointments. As the head of the six ministries, the Ministry of Appointments was in charge of the promotion assessment of all the officials. Both were Secondary Class Five, but the Minister Counsellor in the Ministry of Appointments was much better than the Minister Counsellor in the Ministry of Works.
How could Zhang Yunqing not know Jia Zheng's thoughts? But he was too lazy to remind him. It was better to wait for Jia Zheng to meet the Prince himself. "Let's get down to business first. Have you heard about the incident in Jiangnan?"
Jia Zheng nodded, indicating that he had heard about it.
"That's good. His Highness's intention is that Lord Jia shouldn't get involved in this matter. This matter has too many implications. Even his Highness doesn't dare to get involved. If Lord Jia really does get involved, then let me say the ugly words first. Even his Highness won't be able to save you. At that time, don't blame his Highness for not caring about old friendships and not helping you," said Zhang Yunqing.
"Is it really that serious?" Jia Zheng asked.
Zhang Yunqing nodded and said, "Most of the imperial court's tax revenue comes from Jiangnan every year. But Jiangnan's tax revenue is getting lower and lower every year. Look at last year. They didn't even have enough money for disaster relief. If it wasn't for the repayment of the money, the Emperor would have to allocate money from his private treasury. This year, they dare to do it again. Isn't that giving the Emperor something to use against them? Of course, the Emperor won't let go of this opportunity. Moreover, the Retired Emperor will probably agree to it. "
"I understand. Of course I won't get involved." Since the Retired Emperor had agreed, he naturally didn't dare to go against him.
"I've already delivered the message. I still have other things to do. You can go ahead. I'll take my leave now." Zhang Yunqing finished and said goodbye to Jia Zheng.
"Let me see you out," Jia Zheng said hurriedly.
Zhang Yunqing returned to Prince Zhongshun's residence and directly reported the situation to Prince Zhongshun.
"I've already told him," Prince Zhongshun said.
"Yes, I've told him about the benefits and benefits. I don't think Jia Zheng will do it knowingly," Zhang Yunqing said.
"That's good. Anyway, I've already told him everything. If he really gets involved, although it's a pity, I can only choose to watch the fire burning across the river. I don't know who will be affected by it." Prince Zhongshun sighed.
Seeing Prince Zhongshun sigh, Zhang Yunqing thought for a while and continued, "Your Highness, Jia Zheng also asked about you. He asked how you're doing now. "
"Hmph, he asked me when I can leave and when I can make decisions for him. I heard that he's having a hard time in the Ministry of Works. His colleagues are ostracizing him. He's also a fool. He doesn't lack money, so what's wrong with treating his colleagues to wine twice? He's so stupid." Prince Zhongshun shook his head in disdain.
"Your Highness is wise. However, I think that Jia Zheng might not be willing to stay in the Ministry of Works," Zhang Yunqing said.
"Not willing to stay in the Ministry of Works? Does he want to go to the Ministry of Appointments or the Ministry of Revenue? "Prince Zhongshun sneered.
"I think that's true. After all, the Ministry of Appointments used to be under Your Highness's jurisdiction. For Your Highness's sake, it'll be easier for him to gain a foothold there. Moreover, the Ministry of Appointments is the department in charge of assessing the promotion of officials." Zhang Yunqing had only interacted with Jia Zheng for a short while, but he had already figured out what Jia Zheng was thinking.
"Ha, he can't even establish a good relationship with the people in the Ministry of Works. How can he go to the Ministry of Appointments? Dream on! Furthermore, the Emperor personally appointed him. If he wants to move to another department, he'll have to ask the Emperor himself. How naive. "Prince Zhongshun rolled his eyes. Based on Jia Zheng's personality, if he wasn't Duke Rongguo's son, Prince Zhongshun wouldn't even spare him a glance.
Zhang Yunqing smiled and didn't say anything. He also felt that Jia Zheng was quite naive and didn't know his place.
"Let's not talk about him. Just talking about him makes me annoyed. Two days ago, I hired two performers. They're very good at singing. Accompany me and listen to them," Prince Zhongshun said.
"Yes," Zhang Yunqing said.
Prince Zhongshun called the steward over and had him call the two performers over.
Because of what happened in Jiangnan, the whole capital became quiet. However, this was only on the surface. In fact, there were undercurrents surging in Jiangnan. The people in Jiangnan had already started to take action, but everyone was waiting to see who would make the first move.
After the Jia Zhen inherited the title of nobility, he rarely had any contact with his former friends. Now, his former friends began to send invitations to the Jia Zhen again. The Jia Zhen naturally wouldn't go. He didn't need to think to know that these people must have invited him because of what happened in Jiangnan. Therefore, the Jia Zhen began to use the excuse of studying behind closed doors to refuse their invitations. As for Xi Province, there was no need to find an excuse. Because the Jia Daishan was seriously ill, the Jia Zhen had to take care of the Jia Daishan. Because the Jia Daishan was seriously ill, the Retired Emperor grounded Prince Zhongshun. They knew how good the relationship between the Retired Emperor and the Jia Daishan was. If the Retired Emperor found out that they didn't let the Jia Daishan take care of the Jia Daishan, the consequences would be very tragic.
Everyone was waiting for the situation in Jiangnan. Suddenly, the news came that the imperial envoy sent by the Emperor had been killed. The Emperor was furious. In the capital, the officials who had received benefits from Jiangnan began to complain in their hearts. How did they get involved in such a thing? How could that group of idiots kill the imperial envoy? Wasn't this a public slap to the Emperor's face?
How could this still be resolved? Hearing that the imperial envoy had been killed, the Emperor was furious. He immediately summoned the ministers of the six ministries, the officials of the Supreme Court, and the officials of the Imperial Censorate to enter the palace overnight to discuss state affairs. As the minister of the Ministry of Rites, Jia Jing naturally had to enter the palace. Jia Jing frowned. He didn't know who killed the imperial envoy. No matter who did it, the Jiangnan incident had completely exploded. Before, it might have been all talk and no action. Now, if this matter didn't come to light, the imperial court would lose all face.
Jia Jing listened inside. The imperial envoy had been killed. Now, they were faced with a problem. Should they continue to send imperial envoys? What if the imperial envoys that were sent were killed again?
In the end, because there wasn't a candidate to go over, at most, you pushed me, I pushed you. It was very clear that no one wanted to take over this hot potato. Jia Jing naturally didn't want to either. Although after it was done, the merit would be great, but correspondingly, there would also be many people who would be offended. To be able to reach this level, no one was a fool.
Tu Chen looked at them pushing back and forth and frowned. He didn't want to listen to these people's nonsense and directly said, "This matter will be handed over to the Minister of Revenue and the Minister of Justice. You guys discuss who else needs to be brought over. In addition, I will send 500 soldiers to protect your safety. The killing of the imperial envoys will not happen again."
The Minister of Revenue and the Minister of Justice looked at each other and complained in their hearts. However, the Emperor had already given the order, they had to obey. However, the candidates they brought over had to be carefully considered. The Minister of Revenue couldn't help but look at Jia Jing. If he remembered correctly, although Lord Jia didn't have any power in Jiangnan, he had power in Jinling. Jinling was the headquarters of the Jia family, where the ancestral home was. Moreover, Jinling was only two or three days away from Jiangnan. In fact, the Emperor's task of sending the imperial envoys this time was the most suitable. The Emperor didn't want Jia Jing to come out, it was nothing more than taking care of the Retired Emperor. However, he couldn't let the Jia family stay out of it. Although the Emperor said that he would send 500 soldiers to protect them, they were now rushing into a dragon's pool and a tiger's den. These few soldiers were probably not enough to fill the gaps between the teeth, so they still needed the local tyrant to protect them.
The Minister of Revenue had an idea and said, "Your Majesty, please allow this official to discuss with the Minister of Justice. The list of the people we need to bring will be submitted tomorrow."
"En, that's all for today. It's getting late, you should go back and rest." It was already late at night, and Tu Chen was also tired.
When they arrived at the entrance of the palace, the Minister of Revenue said to the Minister of Justice, "Lord Yuan, the Emperor ordered us to submit the list tomorrow. I will go there tonight."
When the Minister of Justice heard the Minister of Revenue say this, he understood that he already had an idea. He said, "That's good." After the two of them bid farewell to the other officials, they got into the same carriage and drove towards the Minister of Revenue's residence.
Jia Jing looked at the Minister of Justice and the Minister of Revenue's carriage leaving, and felt a faint sense of unease in his heart.
When they arrived at the Minister of Revenue's study, the Minister of Justice opened his mouth and said, "Lord He invited me here today, I presume that you already have an idea. Why don't you tell me about it?"
"His Majesty picked the two of us. Naturally, the two of us cannot refuse. Actually, there is another person who is more suitable than the two of us, but His Majesty can't point it out. Do you understand?" The Minister of Revenue directly opened the door and went straight to the point.
The Minister of Justice thought for a moment, and his eyes suddenly lit up. Although he was in charge of the Ministry of Justice, his mind was also very fast. After all, the cases that he handled all involved high-ranking officials and marquises. Of course, that was excluding the relatives of the emperor. That was the responsibility of the Supreme Court. If he wanted to handle a case under so many high-ranking officials and marquises, how could he do it without a few skills? He wasn't stupid, and after the Minister of Revenue pointed it out, he immediately understood. "You're talking about the Minister of Rites, Jia Jing, right?"
The Minister of Revenue nodded, admitting it.
"Indeed, he is the most suitable. Although he is the Minister of Rites, logically speaking, he shouldn't care about these things. However, the Jia family's headquarters is in Jinling, and Jinling is only two or three days away from Jiangnan. In addition, he was born in a noble family, and his ancestors led troops to war, so he has connections in the military. If he asks the reserve troops stationed near Jiangnan to protect him, no matter how dangerous this matter is, it will be able to avert disaster. However, His Majesty won't send him. After all, the relationship between His Majesty and the Jia family is there. An imperial envoy has already died, which is enough to show how dangerous this matter is. His Majesty won't be able to explain it to His Majesty." The Minister of Justice sighed.
"Although that's the case, it won't be difficult to drag him down." The Minister of Revenue smiled.
"Brother He's meaning is that even if Jia Jing doesn't go, he still has to send someone to protect him? Don't joke around. Jia Jing isn't an ordinary person. He clearly doesn't have to involve himself in this muddy water. Why would he do it? "The Minister of Justice shook his head, indicating that this matter wasn't reliable. He had interacted with Jia Jing before, and he was very tactful. It was basically impossible to find any weakness that could be used against him.
"Brother Yuan, you're being silly. Jia family still has relatives," the Minister of Revenue said confidently.
The Minister of Justice looked at the Minister of Revenue for clarification.
"I have a subordinate called Lin Ruhai. Brother Yuan might have heard of him. He's from Gusu's Lin family, five generations of Marquises," the Minister of Revenue reminded him.
"Oh, it's him. I remember now. He's the son of Marquis Lin's family. I heard that he was unlucky. When it was time for the City Exam, Marquis Lin went. Not long after he got third place in the exam, his mother passed away. At that time, I felt that it was a pity." The Minister of Justice felt that it was a pity. Six years of filial piety had delayed many things.
"That's him. He married the legitimate daughter of Rongguo Province and had a legitimate son. However, this legitimate son was born with poor health and couldn't be raised. Thus, he sent this child to Ningguo Province to be raised by the current Countess of Ningguo Province, who is also the daughter-in-law of Jia Jing. It's said that Lin Ruhai's wife is the youngest daughter of Rongguo Province, and she's the legitimate daughter. When she was at home, she was extremely favored by the Duke Rongguo and the Duke Rongguo. If Lin Ruhai's name is added to the list, do you think the Jia family will help?" the Minister of Revenue asked.
"Wonderful, very wonderful." The Minister of Justice gave a thumbs-up with a smile.
The Minister of Revenue stroked his beard. He also felt that this step was wonderful.
"Now that you mention it, I remember that the major families in Jinling are the Jia family, Wang family, Shi family, and Xue family. Now, with the addition of the Zhen family, the four families are related by marriage. For example, the Shi family's two grandaunts married into the Jia family, and the other married into the Wang family. As for the Wang family's two daughters, one married into the Jia family, and the other married into the Xue family. I remember that the Wang family's second legitimate son is serving under the Minister of War. This time, let's add him to the list," the Minister of Justice said.
"That's great. Although His Majesty has given us five hundred people to protect us, we are going into a tiger's den. Whether or not five hundred soldiers will be enough is still a problem. No matter what, with Lin Ruhai and the legitimate son of the Wang family, the Jia, Wang, Shi, and Xue families of Jinling will have to take action. This way, our safety will be guaranteed." The Minister of Revenue sighed. If he could, he also didn't want to calculate like this, but he had no choice. He was only 48 years old, and he didn't want to die so early.
Next, the Minister of Revenue and the Minister of Justice began to select a few people who could really do something. After gathering ten people, they would select them and present them to the Emperor at the morning court the next morning.
The next morning, when the Minister of Revenue saw the Emperor, he suddenly understood that the Emperor was purposely using them to involve the Jia family. The Emperor's first thought was probably the Jia family, but in the end, because of the Retired Emperor, he didn't dare to act rashly. He could only think of other people. Lin Ruhai was one of his people, so he naturally knew Lin Ruhai's background very well. He understood the relationship between Lin Ruhai and the Jia family. No matter who it was, they probably wouldn't be able to hold back.
However, things had already reached this point, and the list of names had to be submitted. For his own little life, he didn't care about this bit of integrity.
"Reporting to His Majesty, yesterday, I discussed with the Minister of Justice. The list of people we will bring is already here." The Minister of Revenue took out the memorial that he and the Minister of Justice had drafted from his sleeve and presented it with both hands.
Tu Chen gave a look to the eunuch beside him. The eunuch went down and brought the memorial up.
Tu Chen opened the memorial and saw Lin Ruhai's name as expected. He thought that the Minister of Revenue was indeed clear about the Lin family's matters. Indeed, it was most appropriate for this matter to be handled by Jia Jing. Jia Jing used to be the assistant minister of the Ministry of Revenue, so he was definitely very proficient in accounting and so on. Moreover, because of the power of the Jia family, that group of people in Jiangnan didn't dare to do anything to Jia Jing. However, no matter how suitable Jia Jing was, he still had to consider his father's feelings. After all, the Retired Emperor and the Jia family's relationship was too close. Look at the favored disciple. He directly resigned from the task and was now locked up in the manor, unable to come out. This kind of task was really too dangerous. Therefore, no matter how suitable Jia Jing was, he couldn't be sent.
At the end of the list, Tu Chen saw Wang Ziteng's name. Tu Chen's brows furrowed. He couldn't immediately remember who Wang Ziteng was, but this name was somewhat familiar. Looking at the list handed over by the Minister of Revenue, he thought that they were all useful people.
"Your Majesty, this subject and the Minister of Justice chose Lin Ruhai, …, Wang Ziteng, and ten others. Among them, Lin Ruhai and … three others are excellent accounting experts for the Ministry of Revenue. There are also … four others who are officials of the Ministry of Justice. After all, the assassination of the imperial envoy concerns the face of the court. The last three people were borrowed by this subject from the Ministry of War. Five hundred soldiers, there must be someone to command them. Therefore, these ten people were chosen," the Minister of Revenue reported to Tu Chen without changing his expression.
Jia Jing turned his gaze to the Minister of Revenue and cursed in his heart. Old man, no wonder he felt so uneasy yesterday. It turned out that he was waiting for him here. For Lin Ruhai, the Jia family really had to participate.
The Minister of Revenue felt Jia Jing's gaze and turned his head to look at him. He and Jia Jing looked at each other with an apologetic gaze. Although I have schemed against you and feel uneasy, I still have to scheme against you. Who told you to be so powerful?
Seeing the Minister of Revenue's gaze, Jia Jing only felt that he had been provoked. He thought to himself, If this wasn't the court, he would have cursed out loud.
"The people chosen by the two subjects are excellent. Since this is the case, when the court is over, send out the imperial edict," Tu Chen said.
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