Imperial Master of the Ming Dynasty

As night fell, the entire city of Huai'an fell into silence. The fate of this city, which had been freed from the hands of Mei Yin, who supported his troops and respected himself just last year, had now reached a new crossroads.

The common people in the city turned off their lights early and went to bed. After all, in this season of rising prices, the money for lamp oil is quite luxurious. As Xie Jin's motorcade drove along, only the lanterns at the entrances of the tall houses on the street were lit. The candlelight flickered, as if telling the world something.

But tonight is destined to be a sleepless night.

"Look, the imperial envoy's car is coming."

With the sound of horse hooves coming from far away, the originally peaceful area suddenly became lively.

A carriage approached the small square in front of the Yanshi Yamen. Then it circled half a circle and slowly stopped in front of the Yanshi Yamen. Then a servant-looking boy jumped out of the carriage and led the carriage away. Tie in the back.

"Welcome to the Imperial Envoy!"

A group of well-dressed officials and saltmen lined up on both sides to salute and shout greetings.

The curtain of the carriage slowly lifted, revealing the imperial envoy's face.

This is a rather delicate face. Although he is a little older, about thirty-five or six years old, he has good features, fair skin, and a slender and well-proportioned figure. From the appearance, he does not look like a man who has been immersed in officialdom for ten years. The old man seems to be a scholar who teaches in a certain academy.

"Gentlemen, please rise."

Xie Jin nodded slightly, glanced around quickly, and then asked: "Why don't you see the transfer envoy?"

"Well, when I return to the Imperial Envoy, Mr. Shi has some urgent matters, so I can't go to greet him in person. But I will come to see you soon after taking care of it." Among the officials present, someone heard the words and quickly stood up and answered with cupped hands.

To everyone's surprise, Xie Jin just smiled lightly, and then said: "I see, let's go in."

After he stepped out of the carriage with some reserve, everyone around him stood up straight and followed him in.

At this time, a special person was already waiting on one side. Upon seeing this, he immediately rushed forward to lead the way.

"Your Majesty, please."

"please."

Xie Jin nodded slightly and walked elegantly into the Yanshi Yamen. Seeing this, everyone present also followed suit and surrounded Xie Jin towards the inner hall.

After passing through buildings such as the Moon Gate and the Cloister, a group of people quickly came to an attic with two floors and simple and unsophisticated decoration.

"Your Majesty the Imperial Envoy, this is where you will rest temporarily. If you need anything, just ask the servants in the building. The banquet will begin immediately." The official in charge pointed to the attic in front of him and said to Xie Jin.

"Um."

Xie Jin responded lightly and walked straight into the attic.

In fact, he had already guessed what would be in the attic.

The loft with a simple appearance is very clean and elegant inside, with bright windows. The tables and chairs are all made of mahogany. The walls are covered with all kinds of calligraphy and paintings, and there are a lot of ancient books piled on the bookshelves in the corners. The treasures are dizzying.

Not long after Xie Jin sat down, there was a sound of footsteps outside, followed by a knock on the door, and then a maid came in carrying a tray.

The maid placed the tea on the table and whispered: "My lord, please use it slowly. I will leave."

Not long after, another burst of footsteps came, and sure enough, it was Shi Youmin who came in person.

Shi Youmin naturally sat down and invited Xie Jin to drink tea, and said with a smile: "I hope the imperial envoy understands that there are many people outside and it is inconvenient to say some things."

Xie Jin crossed his legs rudely and asked, "Xie Jin has always been upright and aboveboard. I wonder if there's anything you can't say to others, Mr. Zhuanzhi?"

"Hahaha Brother Xie is such a sweetheart."

Shi Youmin laughed loudly, not caring at all that a third-grade official of his age called Xie Jin brother, and then lowered his voice mysteriously and said: "This time, in addition to taking care of brother Xie Jin, I also brought him It’s an important treasure, and I would like to invite Brother Xie to help me appreciate it.”

After saying that, Shi Youmin's tone suddenly changed and asked: "Brother Xie, have you ever heard of "Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains"?"

The seeds in Jie Jin's head were spinning rapidly. He hesitated for a moment and replied: "I have heard about this. It is said that it was painted by Huang Gongwang of the former dynasty. It was his final painting. He passed away not long after the painting was completed. It is a pity that the war in the late Yuan Dynasty caused him to live in exile. The civilians disappeared, and I wonder where the transfer envoy found them?"

Although "Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains" is valuable, after all, it was only painted fifty years ago. It is not a rare and authentic work. If you want to bribe Jin with this, you can't even think about it. Therefore, Shi Youmin is probably one of the drunkards. Not interested in wine.

Sure enough, Shi Youmin took a scroll from the side and slowly unfolded it. It was "Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains", but his eyes were not on the painting at all.

"Speaking of Huang Gongwang, he is more interesting than this painting. In his early years, Huang Gongwang was an official, but he was just a knife in the hands of others, but he was a bit pretentious. In the second year of Yanyou BC, that is, ninety years ago, His favor suggested that Lu return to the provinces of Jiangsu and Zhejiang with the title of Zhongshu Shengpingzhang Zhengshi (from the first rank), and practice the method of "experience the land and grain". Huang Gongwang followed him, but how could it be so easy to clear the land and grain? Zhang Lu With the dignity and authority of one person, he won the support of Yuan Renzong. In the face of the surging public opinion, he finally caused a large-scale civil unrest due to "corruption". Yuan Renzong sent people to be heard and punished, and Huang Gongwang also followed. He was imprisoned. Only after he was released from prison did he realize that he was not a politician at all, and he could not achieve anything with his passion. So he studied under Jin Yueyan, joined the Quanzhen sect, and worked with Zhang Sanfeng and Mo Yue I associate with Taoist friends such as Ding and Leng Qian, and live in seclusion on the top of a hill in Changshu, focusing on the mountains and rivers."

Shi Youmin's smile did not fade and he said slowly: "Brother Xie is a great talent. I think you will like this "Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains". Let's do this. All the paintings and calligraphy in this room will be given to brother Xie. I don't know, brother Xie." how about?"

How could Xie Jin not understand what Shi Youmin meant?

Who is Zhang Lu today? Naturally, it refers to Jiang Xinghuo.

So who is Huang Gongwang today? Of course it was Jie Jin.

Shi Youmin just said it plainly, if you know what you are interested in, it will be good, but you will definitely come home dissatisfied; if you are not aware of what you are interested in, you may end up like Huang Gongwang.

Jie Jin thought about the pros and cons for a moment, then snorted coldly and said, "Is the transfer envoy bribing Mr. Xie?"

Of course, this cannot convict Shi Youmin. After all, this was just an indoor conversation between two people, and there was no third party present.

At this time, Xie Jin's attitude was clearly revealed, and Shi Youmin was not surprised. He did not completely break his face, but said.

"The words of a sage are certainly good things, but the person who can ultimately control the situation in this world will never be a gentleman. No matter how reasonable the words of a sage are, what is the use? But on the other hand, it completely abandons the past. Is it right for soldiers to travel on dangerous roads?"

"Brother Jie, I advise you to stop."

Jie Jin was silent, thinking for a long time, then suddenly raised his head and said seriously: "How about this, the transfer envoy will hand over all the salt tax that was lost in the past and send it to the treasury, and then I will stop. How about that?" "

"Brother Xie, I'm afraid this matter will be difficult."

Shi Youmin pondered for a moment, shook his head, and said with a wry smile: "When I came here today, I had already expected that Brother Jie must have something to hide, but we can talk about it, so why make it like this? In fact, as long as Brother Jie is willing to agree, I can I guarantee that Brother Xie’s safety here will never be a problem, and even if someone dares to plot evil against Brother Xie, he will definitely be protected."

After saying this, the atmosphere in the room suddenly became stagnant.

Xie Jin's heart suddenly started to tremble violently, and beads of sweat continued to appear on his forehead. Fortunately, his hair was covering it, so there was no clue.

Although I don't know what Shi Youmin meant by "protect you", from the other party's vowed tone, it is not difficult to judge that this is not just talk, this is the most direct personal threat.

"Are you planning to threaten me, Lord Transporter?" Xie Jin took a deep breath, forced himself to calm down, and said.

"Let's not talk about threats. If Brother Xie agrees to this matter, I will never treat Brother Xie badly. Except for the things here, Brother Xie can even get this amount from the Lianghuai Salt Farm every year."

Shi Youmin made a gesture and said with a smile: "When the time comes, whether Brother Xie wants to continue walking in the temple or has other plans, there will be no problem. What do you think, Brother Xie?"

A stick in one hand, a carrot in the other, and another carrot added.

Assassination of imperial envoys has not been uncommon since ancient times. Although Xie Jin was crazy, he had to consider his own personal safety at this time.

Moreover, the purpose of going to the banquet this time was to make excuses with the other party, and the other purpose was to cover Zhao Haichuan's actions, so there was no need to fight to the end.

Xie Jin's face was uncertain. He hesitated for a long time before saying, "I will consider the proposal of the Capital Transport Envoy."

Shi Youmin nodded with satisfaction. He expected that although Xie Jin was famous all over the world, he was originally just a minor official in the Hanlin Academy. He climbed to his current position by working in the camp and joining the reform faction. He had never been affected by money to such a degree. , so it is impossible not to be tempted by Shi Youmin's temptation.

Not long after Shi Youmin left the attic, the banquet started.

The officials from the Salt Envoy's Yamen led Xie Jin to the banquet venue, then pointed to the top seat and said: "Your Majesty, please take a seat!"

Xie Jin looked around and found that the banquet hall was beautifully furnished, with carpets on the floor and porcelain placed in the corner, making it look luxurious.

This kind of scene made Xie Jin gain experience. He had never seen any yamen that could be so magnificent.

Just as he was feeling emotional, Shi Youmin suddenly clapped his hands, and two young girls immediately walked in outside the door.

"Your Majesty the Imperial Envoy, the environment here is quiet and quite suitable for drinking tea and admiring the moon, please!"

Different from the welcome, there were not many officials attending the banquet. Shi Youmin took the seat first, then motioned to the two young girls to pour tea and water, and started drinking tea by themselves.

Both women were wearing pink and white long skirts, with a light blue embroidered belt tied around their waists. Under their slender willow-leaf-like eyebrows, there was a pair of bright and beautiful eyes, which seemed to contain infinite affection, making people unable to notice. If you pay attention, you will fall into it.

Xie Jin couldn't help but take a look. When he was in Yangzhou, he knew that there was a thin horse, but he didn't know what the neighboring Huai'an had to do.

Shi Youmin noticed Xie Jin's strange behavior, chuckled, pointed to the two young girls, and said: "The imperial envoy has just arrived in Huai'an Mansion, and I don't think there is anyone to take care of him. These two girls can be said to be well-educated, gentle and virtuous. If the imperial envoy is It pleases your eyes, sir. Even if you take them all away, you can save yourself the trouble of living, how about that?"

After that, he smiled at the two girls and said, "Have you met the imperial envoy soon?"

The two girls were very shy and bowed Yingying: "I have met the imperial envoy."

When Xie Jin saw the two young girls looking like this, his heart suddenly shuddered, but it only happened for a moment. The next moment, the thoughts in his heart were extinguished and replaced by deep fear.

"Sending paintings and calligraphy, sending money, sending beauties. If it were someone with a weak will, I'm afraid it would be half-assed." A thought flashed through Xie Jin's mind.

As the banquet began, many officials came up to toast one after another. Everyone who came to Xie Jin was welcome. These people all flattered and complimented Xie Jin. Xie Jin was also hypocritical and perfunctory, and he didn't look so serious on the surface. , but actually very vigilant.

After all, this is someone else's territory. Playing away from home has too many disadvantages. And these attempts to corrupt his wealth and flattery are like a sharp sword hanging above his head. If he is not careful, it may fall and kill him. It completely ruined his career.

Shi Youmin didn't understand Xie Jin. He didn't understand how rare it would be for a great talent who had been in officialdom for ten years to get an opportunity to expand.

Therefore, from Xie Jin's point of view, no accidents are allowed in this plan.

The enemy must be defeated with one strike, otherwise, Shi Youmin is right, he may really become the second Huang Gongwang, and what awaits him will be jail!

Jie Jin was able to move among these people with ease, drinking and chatting with them.

These people kept fawning over him, and they almost praised him to the sky with their flattering attitude.

"Haha, you are so flattering!" Xie Jin held the wine glass and said with a smile, "Today is a public banquet. It is not appropriate to drink too much. I just drink less with you. I hope you don't mind!"

When everyone saw this, they expressed their disinterest.

Then, with a wink, Shi Youmin asked the others around Xie Jin to step back, leaving only two young girls waiting by his side.

In Shi Youmin's view, although Xie Jin is a scholar, he is a man after all, and he should not be resistant to beauty. Especially these two beautiful girls can be called beauties, and their faces are so beautiful that they are even more coveted.

Without Xie Jin's greeting, the pretty girl took the initiative to pour him a glass of wine. Xie Jin then took a sip and praised: "Good wine, it is indeed a fine wine!"

"If Brother Jie likes it, how about I give it to Brother Jie someday?" Shi Youmin said with a hearty smile.

Quietly, the names have been changed, and the atmosphere of the banquet has reached its peak.

Seeing that all the officials present were looking at him, Xie Jin naturally knew that it was difficult to refuse at this time.

"It's hard to refuse such kindness, how dare I refuse?"

Xie Jin laughed and continued to interact with Shi Youmin.

After just a small cup of wine, Xie Jin soon felt a little dizzy.

He was not a good drinker himself, and the glass of wine just now had exceeded his drinking limit. Now the wine was so strong that he was already drunk.

"Brother Xie seems to be drunk!"

Seeing Jie Jin's cheeks flushed, Shi Youmin couldn't help but expressed concern.

"I'm fine!"

Jie Jin shook his head. Although he said it was okay, he still stood up with force and made a clear choice: "That's it for today. I have something else to do, so I'll leave first."

"Hold the imperial envoy."

"Uh...okay."

Jie Jin nodded, then let the two women support him and walked out slowly.

After walking out of the banquet hall, Shi Youmin suddenly winked. The two women understood and helped Xie Jin towards the attic.

"Sir, please wake up at the bar first, sir?"

Seeing this scene, a cold smile appeared on Shi Youmin's lips.

——————

At the same time as the banquet started, Jin Yiwei also started taking action.

Zhao Haichuan led the Jin Yiwei into several groups and went straight to the outer houses of several Salt Envoy officials. Those who encountered resistance were first given a scabbard, then tied up with ropes, and then searched from room to room.

Jin Yiwei's behavior made these prosperous areas agitated. Many people saw it, but no one dared to control Jin Yiwei's tough methods.

Of course, Jin Yiwei is not stupid, and he did not see any blood. He only did it in the name of tracking the theft case.

"Sir, we really can't take action? This woman who is throwing around is really noisy." A guard in Jinyi suppressed his anger and asked Zhao Haichuan beside him.

"Don't mess around!"

Zhao Haichuan rolled his eyes and said helplessly: "We are doing this mission according to the order, but if someone really loses his life, I'm afraid we will be in trouble."

Jin Yiwei said "Oh" angrily and continued to perform the task.

After a while, several Jin Yiwei returned to Zhao Haichuan one after another and reported: "Master Bai Hu, my subordinates have searched all the rooms and found nothing special, but they have found a lot of money, thousands of dollars." Pass!"

"Good guy!" Zhao Haichuan's eyes suddenly lit up.

Zhao Haichuan reached out and took out a document from his sleeve, handed it to his subordinates, and ordered: "Record everything. Later, I will send this memorial back to Beijing for His Majesty's Holy Judgment."

"Move on to the next one."

The Jin Yiwei quietly went to each house and turned the outer houses of salt envoy and Yamen officials upside down.

Although this matter seemed to have a small impact, it was very involved, especially involving the middle and high-level officials of the Salt Envoy's Yamen. These officials were attending the banquet and had no time to react. Therefore, the entire operation was extremely fast and almost no one could react. The search mission was successfully completed despite any resistance, without even missing a feather.

"Master Baihu, the summary of the situation is clear."

As soon as Zhao Haichuan arrived at the assembly point, he saw a small flag hurried in and reported: "We have found some silver and jewelry from various foreign houses. In terms of silver, it is about 40,000 taels. In addition, there are It is difficult to convert the value of many antiques, calligraphy and paintings, but it is estimated to be around six to seven thousand taels."

Zhao Haichuan felt satisfied after hearing this, nodded and said: "Well, thank you for your hard work, brothers. I will never forget your share."

The royal guards said happily: "Thank you, sir!"

Soon, the assembled Jin Yiwei arrived at the Salt Envoy's Yamen.

"Wait!"

A yamen guard at the Salt Envoy's office stopped Zhao Haichuan and others, frowned and pretended not to know, and asked, "What is your position? How can you trespass in the important place of the Salt Envoy's office?"

Zhao Haichuan said calmly: "Zhao Haichuan, a member of Jinyiwei Baihu, is here to capture the criminal under orders, get out of the way!"

"Jinyiwei? Do you have a driving license?"

The yamen servant was still blocking the front and asked coldly.

Zhao Haichuan impatiently showed his driving license and said, "Why, you still want to stop me?"

The yamen servant was startled and quickly waved his hand and said, "No, no."

"Why are you still hanging around! Let him go quickly!"

Zhao Haichuan shouted sternly, and the Jin Yiwei next to him immediately rushed forward and pushed away the several government officials blocking the road.

Zhao Haichuan led everyone in aggressively, and the government servants he encountered along the way retreated.

When entering the Yanshi Si Yamen, the first thing that catches the eye is a huge screen wall. After walking around, the vast group of buildings covers an area that makes people feel a little disoriented in an instant.

Zhao Haichuan cursed secretly: "This salt envoy is really rich."

As Zhao Haichuan approached, the officials walking out of the banquet also noticed them, which immediately caused a commotion.

Zhao Haichuan glanced around and said loudly: "Stay where you are!"

The leaders hesitated for a moment, waved their hands, and signaled that no one should act rashly. After all, the Jin Yiwei were the emperor's personal soldiers. If they really fell out, it would be of no benefit to themselves and others.

One of them cupped his hand and asked politely: "Excuse me, is this Mr. Zhao of Jin Yiwei?"

Zhao Haichuan said calmly: "Yes, it's me."

The man said with a smile: "I have admired your name for a long time, and I am so lucky to see you today! I am so lucky!"

Zhao Haichuan, however, was too lazy to pay attention to him. He went straight to the inner hall, looked at the people standing in front of the table, fixed his eyes on the older man sitting in the middle, and said in a deep voice: "Zhao Haichuan, the Jin Yiwei, has seen everyone." Lord Transporter!"

Shi Youmin raised his eyelids and glanced at Zhao Haichuan, and said calmly: "It turns out to be Zhao Baihu, what do you want to do with me?"

Zhao Haichuan cupped his hands and said: "Your Majesty ordered that the Jinyi Guards assist the imperial envoys in investigating the missing salt tax. Anyone who obstructs them will be killed without mercy!"

"Such a big battle?" Shi Youmin sighed softly: "I just obey the order!"

"The imperial envoy came to the banquet, where is he now?"

"Sobering up in the attic on the other side."

Not long after, Xie Jin was rescued from the gentle village by Zhao Haichuan, but Xie Jin's drunkenness did not seem as obvious as before.

Looking at Zhao Haichuan, Xie Jin said with regret: "Several adults from the Salt Envoy Si Yamen who had a drink with me just now found a lot of things in the outer house. I am afraid that they cannot afford to buy them with a lifetime salary, so I still I have to go back with the Jinyiwei, Master Du Lianshi should be able to understand."

Shi Youmin frowned, not knowing that he was caught off guard by Jie Jin. He changed his title again and said coldly: "The imperial envoy did this. He wanted to arrest someone based on just some random clues. It would be too hasty. ?”

"I make my own decision," Xie Jin said proudly.

At this time, Shi Youmin really looked at Xie Jin with straight eyes.

Suddenly, Shi Youmin laughed loudly.

"Okay, okay, then just follow the imperial envoy's wishes and let them all go back and cooperate with Jin Yiwei's investigation."

After that, he pointedly said to the senior officials of the Salt Envoy Department involved: "If it is your fault, you have to admit it. If it is not, you have to maintain your innocence. Do you understand?"

A few people calmed down a little and said yes.

After Jie Jin and Jin Yiwei left majestically from the messy Yanshi Yamen, Shi Youmin returned to the back Yamen with a gloomy expression.

"Start it now."