Rule the Ming Dynasty Alone

The civil and military officials in the square in front of Fengtian Gate were in chaos, looking curiously in Zhang Zhen's direction.

The officials in front could only see Zhang Zhen falling down, while the officials behind him raised their heels or jumped up directly, but they still could not see Zhang Zhen's specific condition at all.

Zhu Youtang, who was sitting on the dragon chair, was already being protected by panicked warriors. However, Zhu Youtang watched Zhang Zhen hit the stone lion on the right from a close distance, and also saw that Zhang Zhen's head was bruised and bloody.

At this moment, he actually realized that he might have pushed the Ci Chen too hard.

Since he ascended the throne, many officials have been promoted, but the power of the ministers has not increased but decreased. Not only are they slowly being excluded from the decision-making circle, but even their decades of hard work may not bring them glory and wealth.

Facing an emperor with his own style, these Ci ministers must have felt desperate in their hearts.

Although he didn't know Zhang Zhen's mentality, he must have returned to the court with great expectations. But now it is difficult for even a Hanlin bachelor to get ahead, and it is even less likely that a small sixth-grade Hanlin compiler would be reused. day.

As for Zhang Zhen's staged remonstrance, it was completely unexpected. No matter how resounding his reputation is, he would not risk his own life, and in my impression, no official in this dynasty has ever done so.

Wang Xiang personally stepped forward to check Zhang Zhen's breathing. Facing Zhu Youtang's questioning eyes, he gently shook his head.

died?

Li Yu, the Minister of Civil Affairs, and other officials couldn't help but take a breath when they saw that Zhang Zhen was really dead.

This is the first time since Ming Dynasty.

Now the young emperor let the most famous sage of the Ming Dynasty crash to death in this court meeting. This would not only arouse the indignation of the scholars, but also leave an infamy in the history books.

At this thought, everyone looked at Zhu Youtang with sympathy. Now the Ming Dynasty can be said to be prosperous, but it was really unlucky to meet such a direct minister who dared to die to remonstrate.

The morning sun has risen, and the golden sunshine falls in front of the huge Fengtianmen Square.

die? Just die!

Zhu Youtang had already made some assumptions when he heard the sound of the impact. Now that he saw that Zhang Zhen was really dead, he didn't feel any regret in his heart, nor did he regret his stance.

Perhaps in the eyes of this group of wise ministers, they can continue to sacrifice the interests of the people on the southwestern frontier in exchange for peace, and even create a Hongzhi resurgence that can be touted. However, this move was actually to protect the interests of the gentry. Border residents had to endure constant bullying from foreigners, and ordinary people could only slowly become tenants in the families of the gentry.

As for killing Wang Zhi, it was also impossible. Although Wang Zhi's method was not glorious, the starting point was for the benefit of the Ming Dynasty, and he wanted to recover the Annan files belonging to the Ming Dynasty court from Liu Daxia.

Not to mention that Wang Zhi was not guilty at all. If all the loyal ministers who worked conscientiously on his behalf were to be executed, then who would be willing to work for him in the future?

Zhu Youtang looked at Zhang Zhen on the ground coldly, and did not waver in his insistence on the path of economic and military development. He gently waved his hand and asked people to carry the body down, and at the same time announced his withdrawal from the court.

"Stop the war, cut off Wang Zhi, eliminate serious illness, use talents widely, and bring about ZTE. Please accept your advice!" Liu Jian, the left minister of the Ministry of Rites, saw the opportunity and led a group of Hanlin officials to kneel down.

this……

Li Yu, the Minister of Civil Affairs, and others looked at each other and found that this group of Hanlin officials seemed to have been plotting for a long time. There were actually ten Hanlin officials kneeling down.

Imperial power was supreme in many cases, but in fact it was always restricted by official power.

"From today on, anyone who dares to ask for an end to the war will be immediately expelled from the court and his family exiled to the border!" Zhu Youtang suppressed the anger in his heart and immediately issued the decree.

Although the Hanlin Academy has produced many wise ministers, such as Yang Shiqi, Yang Rong and Yang Pu, who have always been talked about by the civil servants as wise ministers, they do not need wise ministers who strive to share the blessings of peace, but who can truly Officials who work hard.

There are indeed many honest and honest officials in the Imperial Academy, but they have been working here for more than ten years with an iron rice bowl, and their achievements are far less than that of a county magistrate who handles affairs conscientiously. In the end, they shamelessly want to join the cabinet and become the prime minister.

Even if Zhang Zhen died in front of him, he would not be able to reuse these empty-talking wise ministers. Anyway, now he is destined to bear the reputation of a foolish emperor, and he does not mind teaching these Hanlin officials a lesson as a tyrant.

this……

Liu Jian, the left minister of the Ministry of Rites, and other ministers did not expect that Zhu Youtang was still so strong, and they couldn't help looking at each other.

In fact, they didn't like Zhu Youtang, an emperor who didn't reuse virtuous ministers, but compared with being expelled from the court, they found that it was better to continue to stay in the Hanlin Academy as an official.

But this time, after all, the conspiracy had been going on for a long time. Lin Han, the editor of the Hanlin Academy, jumped out and sadly admonished: "Your Majesty, you are more protective of the people than of the river. Zhang Xiuzhuan remonstrated with death. If you don't accept the remonstrance now, how will the world view it?" Your Majesty, how will the history books describe your Majesty? I sincerely request your Majesty to withdraw your order and accept the advice of Zhang Xiuzhan!"

"I am not living for a false name in history books. As long as I reign, the people of the Ming Dynasty will not be oppressed, and foreign vassals will not dare to invade an inch of our Ming Dynasty territory!" Zhu Youtang stood in front of the throne, facing more than a thousand civil and military officials in the square. The official announced his theory, then turned to look at Hanlin Xiuzhuan, whose face was full of sorrow, and said: "Draw up the decree and banish Lin Xiuzhuan and his family to the border of Qinzhou!"

"Old minister, take the order!" Wan An felt that Zhu Youtang was filled with unprecedented anger at this moment, and he understood the path Zhu Youtang wanted to take, and immediately accepted the order in a formal manner.

"Hunjun, if you treat Zhongliang like this, the wise men will definitely alienate you, and the Ming Dynasty will be in danger!" Lin Han was dragged away, but he still accused him sadly and angrily.

Zhu Youtang saw more panic in Lin Han's eyes. He was probably regretting it at this moment, so he looked at Liu Jian, the left minister of the Ministry of Rites, and other ministers: "Who else wants to be relegated to the southwest border with Lin Han?"

Liu Jian, the left minister of the Ministry of Rites, and other ministers immediately lowered their heads silently, finally realizing that they were actually hitting an egg with an egg.

After Zhu Youtang left, Wan An straightened his waist a little and said to the civil and military officials present: "The Ming Dynasty's war against Li Dynasty was a joint decision of the cabinet and the six ministries! If anyone is still dissatisfied, you can tell me Or your official discussion in the main hall is so noisy in this court meeting, are you trying to seize the door?"

"The imperial proclamation has been sent to the southwest. Anyone who talks about weapons or weapons is ignoring the imperial decree!" Li Yu, the Minister of Personnel, expressed a strong stance on behalf of the officials of the six ministries.

Hanlin Minister Dong Yue originally wanted to speak, but found that Wan An and other officials were already staring at him, so he couldn't help but swallow the words that came to his mouth.

The aloof status of Hanlin officials is because they are the prime ministers, but now the emperors are becoming more and more pragmatic, and they are not qualified to challenge this big boss of the public court.

Although there was a big commotion today, the core decision-making circle of the Ming Dynasty was still twisted into a rope, and it did not change the Ming Dynasty's decision to attack the Li Dynasty.

Xiyuan, Yangxin Hall.

Since the Ming Dynasty's army has gathered to the southwest, finding Annan's archives is now a very important matter, even the top priority of the court nowadays.

Song Cheng, Yin of Shuntian Prefecture, who was wearing a third-grade official uniform, was summoned to the palace. Song Cheng still looked serious, even walking was so meticulous.

"Song Qing, please put down the affairs of Shuntian Mansion for the time being. Liu Daxia will be interrogated by you, and you will immediately pursue the Annan files with all your strength!" Zhu Youtang immediately issued an order to Song Cheng who came to meet him.

This incident caused a lot of commotion. Song Cheng had already heard the whole story and immediately said respectfully: "I accept the order!"

Zhu Youtang watched Song Cheng turn around and leave, and suddenly stopped: "Wait!"

"Your Majesty, do you have any other orders?" Song Cheng was stunned for a moment and asked in confusion.

Zhu Youtang looked into Song Cheng's eyes and asked seriously: "Song Cheng, are you fighting or making peace?"

"I don't understand what your Majesty means by this?" Song Cheng's eyes flashed with confusion, and he said very honestly.

Zhu Youtang found that this dark-faced young man sometimes had a dull head, so he immediately asked another question: "The Ming Dynasty used troops against the Li Dynasty. What do you think of this move?"

"I thought that the Ming Dynasty would not raise unjust troops, but the Li Dynasty massacred the villages in our southwest, and pretended to be pirates, killing people and burning ships. Several of them invaded our border areas of the Ming Dynasty and massacred the people on our border. We can attack them with swords and soldiers!" Song Cheng has his own principles and appeared to respond very seriously.

Zhu Youtang looked at Song Cheng and didn't seem to be deceiving him, but still seriously confirmed: "Do you really think so?"

"What's wrong with my thinking like this?" Song Cheng was immediately confused and asked seriously.

Zhu Youtang touched his nose and realized that it was inappropriate to use such conspiracy to speculate on this person, so he coughed: "You must quickly interrogate Liu Daxia, and be sure to find Annan's files as soon as possible. This matter is related to the southwest war!"

"I accept the decree!" Song Cheng knew that the matter was indeed of great importance, so he expressed his position seriously.

Zhu Youtang watched Song Cheng leave, and now he could only hope that Song Cheng could bring him good news, thereby increasing the chance of victory for the army conquering Annan.

Song Cheng left from Xiyuan Gate and immediately rushed to the Ministry of War without stopping.

By the afternoon, Liu Daxia was escorted to the capital and imprisoned directly in the prison of the Ministry of Punishment, which was under strict security. No one was allowed to visit.

Liu Daxia obviously had a lot of hard work along the way, and his whole face had lost a lot of weight. When he saw Song Cheng, he asked with some impression: "Are you Xu Pu's black-faced disciple?"

"Exactly?" Song Cheng knew that his dark face could easily leave a deep impression on others, so he nodded gently.

Liu Daxia's haggard face had a smile. After all, although Liu Pu committed suicide by hanging, it was inseparable from today's life, so he began to get closer: "Speaking of which, I have a good relationship with your teacher Xu Pu, but It’s a pity that when you were about to realize your lifelong ambition, you ended up with hatred!”

If Zhu Youtang hadn't suddenly suppressed Liu Pu, Liu Pu would have been able to securely join the cabinet and become prime minister based on his qualifications and reputation, and then he might have been able to usher in a resurgence of Hongzhi under Xu Pu's administration.

"I'm here to interrogate you!" Song Cheng had no feelings for Xu Pu and seemed to be very serious about his purpose.

Liu Daxia looked Song Cheng up and down, and suddenly asked in confusion: "Old man Shen? You are wearing a third-grade official uniform. What is your position?"

It is very difficult to get promoted in the officialdom, and being promoted to a senior official in a short period of time is even easier. For example, when he followed his master Peng, he was only a fifth-rank doctor in the Ministry of War in the capital.

It's just that this young official in the capital actually reached the third rank, which is really incredible.

"Yin of Shuntian Prefecture!" Song Cheng directly announced his family name.

Liu Daxia frowned slightly, and said even more confusedly: "I am a prisoner of the imperial court, why do you, a Yin of Shuntian Prefecture, come here to interrogate me?"

"You don't need to know about this! Back then, the late emperor wanted to conquer the Li Dynasty, but you hid the Annan files?" Song Cheng felt that there was no need to explain too much, so he directly inquired.

Liu Daxia naturally would not deny his contribution, and said proudly with a slightly raised corner of his mouth: "Exactly!"

"Did you rename the Annan files and hide them in the Ministry of War's database?" Song Cheng recorded it with a pen himself and then continued to ask seriously.

Liu Daxia hesitated for a moment and then admitted directly: "That's right! The Ministry of War's information is as vast as the sea. I can only find it out if I change the Annan file and hide it in it!"

"Thank you for your cooperation! Although the Ministry of War does have a lot of information, I want to try to see if I can find Annan's files!" Song Cheng got the answer he thought of and stood up to leave.

Even if you spend a lot of energy searching in the Ministry of War database, it is better than wasting it here. After all, this is a stupid method that is equally reliable.

"etc!"

"Is something wrong?"

Liu Daxia realized that this was a fool, and he also knew that this stupid method was actually very effective. He looked at Song Cheng mysteriously: "Aren't you afraid that I will deceive you again?"

"Liar? What do you mean by this?" Song Cheng's face was full of confusion.

Liu Daxia stared into Song Cheng's eyes, but smiled slightly and said: "You can't find the Annan file where the Jianzhou file is. How can you trust me so gullibly?"

"You didn't completely deceive us. We did find the missing notebook at that location, but you just moved it elsewhere later, so it must still be in the Ministry of War's database!" Song Cheng took out an old, torn notebook. .

Liu Daxia couldn't help but feel a thump in his heart, and then smiled brightly: "Yes, originally the Annan files were indeed hidden in the Jianzhou archives, but I later felt that the location was not safe enough, so I have already transferred the Annan files out of the Ministry of War!"

"No, you're lying!" Song Cheng judged with certainty.

Liu Daxia realized that this black-faced young man was not simple, but he still asked calmly: "I did do this back then, do you believe it or not?"

"Back then, you stored the Annan files in the Jianzhou files, but now they have been transferred by others, and even you don't know where they are. But is that so?" Song Cheng speculated, staring into Liu Daxia's eyes.

Liu Daxia couldn't help but panic, and he even defended himself: "Don't make any wild guesses!"

"I just blackmailed you. I didn't find any flaws in the Jianzhou files. This so-called book is fake. Although I still don't understand why the dust in the Jianzhou files is so thick, I am convinced that the Annan files It was with the Jianzhou archives earlier, so the Annan archives were moved not long ago, but how did you know that the things are no longer there?" Song Cheng opened the fake notebook and reasoned as if he was peeling off the cocoon.

As soon as these words came out, Liu Daxia suddenly became horrified. He finally knew why His Majesty sent this young Shuntian Prefect to try the case.