Rule the Ming Dynasty Alone

Just now, Lin Yuanfu kept saying that he prevented the Tongzhou Granary from releasing grain to the Royal Rice Company for the sake of the stability of the Ming Dynasty, but facts proved that there was no need to have such worries at all.

Now the grain storage in Tongzhou Granary is as high as 37 million dan. No matter how picky Lin Yuanfu is, he can no longer prevent Tongzhou Granary from solving the rice shortage in the capital.

On the contrary, Lin Yuanfu's motivation for stopping it is questionable, and the problem was thrown back by Emperor Hongzhi to the newly aggressive Ke Dao official.

Gu...

Lin Yuanfu felt the pressure exerted by the emperor and couldn't help but swallow nervously. This turn of events was really unexpected.

Officials such as the Minister of Industry, Jia Jun, were not fools. It was no secret that the Marquis of Xiangcheng was moving around these days. Naturally, he knew that Lin Yuanfu was motivated by profit, so he looked at the Kedao official indifferently.

"I listened to the rumors, and I am ashamed of the divine grace!" Lin Yuanfu knew that his fist hit the iron plate, so he admitted his mistake with his identity as the official of the Ministry of Science and Technology.

Although his words just now were fierce, the Kedao spokesperson has the right to hear the news and report the matter.

Even if they really said something wrong just now, this is the authority granted to them by Taizu as officials of the science and education, and the court also needs their kind of critical officials, so they will never be punished for such mistakes. Taoist official.

Zhu Youtang knew that the mad dog-like Ke Dao officials were indeed conducive to rule, but he had never been a confused emperor: "Chief Lin, are you really just listening to rumors?"

Huh?

When Li Jin, the Marquis of Xiangcheng, was feeling frustrated because of the setback, he didn't expect that the emperor was still aggressive, so he couldn't help but look at this disgusting emperor in confusion.

Officials such as Jia Jun, Minister of Industry, also cheered up and realized that the matter might not be over yet.

"Your Majesty, I was indeed worried about the safety of the Tongzhou granary and came forward to stop it. Please tell me!" Lin Yuanfu, a veteran in official circles, immediately pretended to be stupid and said dumbly.

Zhu Youtang found out that the officials of Kedao had to continue to be purged, so he asked condescendingly: "The Marquis of Xiangcheng and the powerful people in the capital hoarded rice for profit. When the Royal Rice Store was closed for three days, the price of rice in the capital was increased by ten dollars." Several times! As a spokesperson for Kedao, don’t say you know nothing about this matter!”

The ministers of the current court may have really stopped eating the fireworks of the world, but Ke Daoyanguan is only a seventh-level official, and they still rely on their reputation to bite people, so they pay more attention to the latest current events than anyone else.

The price of rice in the capital fluctuated so much this time. How could the lower-level officials really not know about the shocking fluctuations in rice prices? How could they really not know anything about the manipulators behind the scenes, the Marquis of Xiangcheng and others.

The reason why he stood up to prevent Tongzhou Granary from transferring grain to the capital was 100% driven by interest groups such as the Marquis of Xiangcheng.

"Your Majesty, I usually study at home, and my servants take care of the chores at home. Not to mention that Li Jin, the Marquis of Xiangcheng, manipulates the rice price, I don't even know about the changes in the rice price in the capital!" Lin Yuanfu had already thought of his escape route, and immediately continued Pretend to be stupid.

Although he could not complete what Li Jin, the Marquis of Xiangcheng, told him, as long as he pretended not to know, even the superior emperor could not do anything about him.

Jia Jun, Minister of Industry, and other officials witnessed all this, but they knew that Hua Guan had always been difficult to treat, and now Lin Yuanfu had completely eliminated him.

The corners of Zhu Youtang's mouth raised slightly, but he stretched out his hand.

The commander of the Jin Yiwei made Wang Xiang accompany him every morning. When he saw Zhu Youtang extending his hand, he immediately handed over the intelligence information he had prepared.

Huh?

When Jia Jun, Minister of Industry and Industry, and other officials saw Wang Xiang standing up, their hearts trembled.

Although Hongzhi did not open a western factory like Emperor Chenghua, after repeated purges of Jinyiwei over the years, especially the second generation of officials and the second generation of Xun, Jinyiwei now has the appearance of the early Ming Dynasty.

Every member of Jinyiwei is not only strong, but also extremely smart.

They may not have prominent identities, but each of them is a master at spying on intelligence, and can even easily sneak into the homes of the current ministers to collect intelligence.

Zhu Youtang decided to use Lin Yuanfu to scare the monkeys, so he said calmly: "Li Fu, the son of the Marquis of Xiangcheng, visited your house the day before yesterday. Although he did not bring gold or silver with him at the time, he promised on the spot to give you a house in Putian City. As for what he mentioned The conditions are exactly what you are blocking today. Do you really think that this matter can be hidden from my eyes and ears?"

In Fengtianmen Square, the temperature suddenly dropped several degrees at this moment.

"I... I know that I am guilty, and I beg your majesty to remember that this is my first offense and give him a lighter sentence!" Lin Yuanfu did not expect to be found out by the Jin Yiwei, so he immediately gave up his sophistry and pleaded.

Originally, he really wanted to be an upright official, but the Marquis of Xiangcheng gave him a little too much this time, and it was not easy for others to catch him.

But who would have thought that the grain storage in Tongzhou Granary would reach 37 million dan, and his seemingly reasonable attack had no effect at all.

On the contrary, the emperor's eyes and ears were already on him, and he even knew about Putian House. Now it was better to simply confess and be lenient.

Gu...

All the civil and military officials present suddenly felt a flash of light on their backs. They also realized that Jin Yiwei had exposed his fangs, and they might have to be careful if they want to reap benefits in the future.

Zhu Youtang knew that he was a tiger and a fly that he could not stop fighting, so he naturally issued the order without mercy: "Come here, take the person under custody and hand him over to the Metropolitan Procuratorate for review!"

When Wang Yue learned that the emperor was entrusted to him, he looked indifferently at this corrupt official who deserved death.

Lin Yuanfu found out that the emperor was really serious and noticed Wang Yue's cold eyes. He was so frightened that he felt the urge to urinate, and then his crotch became wet and hot.

Two Jinyi guards immediately stepped forward and dragged Lin Yuanfu away without any explanation.

The officials present were shocked when they saw Lin Yuanfu suffered such a blow.

Even Kedao officials who have the power to report rumors cannot serve as someone's gun, otherwise they will also receive retribution, and Lin Yuanfu is a living good example.

Just when everyone thought the matter was over, Zhu Youtang suddenly said: "Marquis of Xiangcheng!"

As soon as these words came out, everyone immediately cheered up and looked at Li Jin, the Marquis of Xiangcheng, who was standing in front.

Li Jin, the Marquis of Xiangcheng, was born as a son of Wu Xun. When he was young, he was awarded the title of Marquis of Xiangcheng because of his military merits. Instead, he developed a arrogant demeanor.

If he had not faced the restructuring of the Beijing Camp under the Hongzhi Dynasty, he would still be one of the commanders of the Twelve Beijing Camps.

Li Jin, the Marquis of Xiangcheng, had always despised Zhu Youtang. Although he knew that he was in trouble, he still stood up very calmly and said: "Your Majesty, I am here!"

"Your ancestor Li Jun followed Taizong and made great contributions to pacifying the world. He first defeated Li Jinglong's army with the army, and then led his troops to break the bridge to give Taizong a good opportunity to defeat the enemy. For his military achievements, Taizong awarded Xiangcheng Bo Shiquan. The third generation of Xiangcheng Bo Li Jun passed away, you You are neither your direct descendant nor your eldest son, but you are the fourth generation uncle of Xiangcheng. This is really a blessing from the imperial court. Although Du Pingdu Zhangman was promoted to a marquis due to his merits, Du Zhangman still resides in Xuzhou to this day. This is also the grace given to you by the late emperor. You are deeply honored. The favor of the imperial court should have promoted the loyalty of the ancestors, but are you trying to rebel by hoarding rice?" Zhu Youtang first dug up old accounts, and then asked coldly.

As soon as these words came out, all the civil and military officials present took a deep breath, realizing that the emperor was serious about attacking the Marquis of Xiangcheng.

"Although I am hoarding a little rice, I am actually doing it for profit! However, I have been loyal to the Tian family for generations and have never had any thoughts of rebellion. Your Majesty, please be aware of this!" Li Jin frowned slightly, but said in a very calm voice.

"It's true that you are hoarding rice for profit, but now you not only want rice, but you also want to get rid of me quickly!" Zhu Youtang squinted his eyes and looked at the most arrogant Marquis, but he said coldly .

Originally, he didn't want to have a too serious relationship with the Wuxun Group, especially since these were the descendants of the founding heroes, so things really shouldn't go too far.

It's just that the relationship between Li Jin and Prince Xing is too close, and the Marquis is indeed too arrogant. Some of his words and deeds have seriously crossed the line, and he even said offensive words.

Li Jin, the Marquis of Xiangcheng, was stunned for a moment, but immediately denied it: "Your Majesty, although you are the emperor, you cannot wrongly accuse me like this. My loyalty to Your Majesty can be seen from time to time. I, the Marquis of Xiangcheng, cannot afford your Majesty's slander." !”

The officials present looked at each other, feeling that Zhu Youtang's choice of words was inappropriate.

The first assistant Liu Ji hesitated for a moment, and finally chose to stand up on behalf of the officials and said: "Your Majesty, this statement will damage the reputation of the Marquis of Xiangcheng. Your Majesty, please speak with caution!"

When Li Jin, the Marquis of Xiangcheng, saw the dignified chief minister standing up to support him, he immediately looked at the forgetful emperor with disdain. You cannot manage this dynasty by yourself.

"You all think it's impossible for me to talk nonsense?" Zhu Youtang felt the strangeness of the civil and military officials below, but asked lightly.

Li Yu, the Minister of Personnel, and other officials silently exchanged glances, but responded: "I don't dare to have such an idea!"

Although they expressed their stance like this, they still felt that Zhu Youtang's words were indeed inappropriate. Although the Marquis of Xiangcheng did hoard rice for profit, he probably did not dare to think of Shi Jun. Even the emperor could not arbitrarily slap such a big label on the Marquis.

The Marquis of Xiangcheng was keenly aware that the hearts of the civil and military officials were towards him, so he said confidently: "Your Majesty, you said that I have thoughts of Shijun, who can prove it?"

"Xuan!" Zhu Youtang looked at the confident Marquis of Xiangcheng and directly complied with his request to commit suicide, speaking out one word very coldly.

ah?

As soon as these words came out, the civil and military officials present suddenly realized that the matter might not have been intentional by the emperor, and found that the matter was evolving in an uncontrollable direction.

If it were just a rice hoarding case, although Li Jin would have to bear the crime, he was still the Marquis of the Ming Dynasty. Even if he is to be demoted, he will definitely be able to save his life.

However, if Lord Shi is involved, even if he is a prince of the Ming Dynasty, he will have to deal with it as soon as possible, and it may even affect the lives of the whole family.

By the end of September, the weather is getting cooler.

Although the morning sun has risen, the civil and military officials bathing in the morning sun did not feel any warmth at all, but found that the surrounding air became even colder.

Xu Hong, a doctor in the Ministry of War, tightened his collar and found that the court looked like a battlefield.

As the order was issued, there was soon movement at the Meridian Gate, and a person came slowly following the Xiaohuang Gate.

Who is it?

The appetites of Jia Jun, Minister of Industry and Industry, and other officials were aroused. They clasped their hands on their chests and stretched their necks to look at the figure that was getting closer and closer.

"No...impossible!"

When Li Jin saw clearly who was coming, he was so shocked that he was speechless.

"Who is this person?"

"Don't you think it's a bit kind?"

"Haha...it's really interesting!"

…

Since the matter had nothing to do with the vast majority of officials, when they saw the little old man who was being led over, many people had gloating smiles on their faces.

The person who appeared here was none other than Liu Lijin’s brother Li Lian.

In the noble family, there is actually no shortage of overt and covert struggles.

Many years ago, because his legitimate son Li Zhen died in battle, the legal heir fell on the concubine Li Lian.

It's just that Li Lian's mother was not favored, but Li Jin was loved by the elders. In the end, thanks to the actions of the Xiangcheng County residence, Li Jin succeeded to the position of Xiangcheng County.

If this kind of thing happened to the royal family, it would be like the throne being passed to Zhu Youtang, and Zhu Youtang, the first heir, was left aside, but it would be full of serious injustice.

Li Lian came to the royal road and knelt down in a polite manner and said: "Your Majesty, Li Lian, I wish you long live, long live, long live my emperor!"

Because he has always been at the bottom, now when he came in front of the emperor, he felt very nervous and curious about this emperor who was deeply loved by the people in the capital.

"Li Lian, has your brother Li Jin been disloyal?" Zhu Youtang asked bluntly when he saw Li Lian appearing in front of him.

I don’t know whether Li Lian was motivated by his loyalty or the bad breath back then, but he testified without hesitation: "Although Li Jin is my closest brother, your Majesty is my father. Because of the rice hoarding, there were many things that went wrong." , my younger brother said a lot of disrespect to His Majesty in the palace, and he also has the intention of offending me, I would like to point to the sky as proof!"

When Jia Jun, Minister of Industry, and other officials heard this, they couldn't help but sigh deeply.

Ordinarily, Li Lian and Li Jin are brothers and should not be at war with each other, but Li Lian cannot be entirely blamed for the incident. If Li Jin knew that trouble comes from the mouth, then he would not dare to say anything nonsense.

Unfortunately, the rice hoarding issue has not yet been resolved, and the Marquis of Xiangcheng dared to speak rudely to the emperor, and even wanted to put the emperor to death.

Although many people actually have this idea, after all, the emperor has violated too many of their interests, but no one dares to speak out, let alone hand over the conversation to others.

The results of it?

Li Lian personally stood up to testify. It can be said that this matter has been concluded, and the crime that Li Jin has to bear is not hoarding rice, but intending to kill Emperor Shi.

Li Jin finally realized that he had caused a huge disaster, but he wanted to make amends: "Li Lian, you... why are you here? I have been very kind to you these years!"

this……

When Liu Zhong, the Minister of Justice, and others heard Li Jin's indirect confession, they couldn't help but shook their heads gently, realizing that the Marquis really didn't understand the importance of what he said.

"Marquis of Xiangcheng, what else do you have to say?" Zhu Youtang looked at the obviously furious Marquis of Xiangcheng Li Jin and asked coldly.

Perhaps because of his 21st century memory, he was not too surprised by such disloyalty behind the scenes, but he also knew that he had to put an end to it.

After Zhang Yujiao's murder yesterday, he realized that if he wanted to develop the country well, he must not only formulate a good development strategy, but also eliminate these people who were holding him back.

It could be Li Jin threatening to get rid of him today, or it could be a minister doing the same in the future. In the end, it would be very dangerous for these people to truly unite.

Just like this, regardless of whether Li Jin, the Marquis of Xiangcheng, had any thoughts of rebellion, he would be cut into pieces.

Li Jin knew that there was no use in denying it, but he justified himself by saying: "Your Majesty, I... I just said some words to make you angry, and I have no intention of slandering you. Your Majesty, please be careful!"

I'm afraid it's too late now!

Jia Jun, the minister of the Ministry of Industry, and others couldn't help but sigh inwardly. The Marquis of Xiangcheng was really too arrogant, and he even dared to say such things at home.

"Although I am not a wise king, it is not the reason for your disloyalty! According to my decree, from now on, the Marquis of Xiangcheng will be reduced to the people! Someone, please take Li Jin away and hand him over to the Ministry of Punishment for justice!" Zhu Youtang did not He didn't intend to show mercy, but ordered coldly.

In fact, Li Jin may not necessarily want to rebel, but it is a fact that he is close to King Xing, and it is also a fact that he speaks openly about himself.

Originally he could have been given a lighter punishment, but he has never been a benevolent person, not to mention that now he wants to use Li Jin's head to warn this group of nobles who are becoming more and more outrageous.

When Li Jin saw the two Jinyi guards coming forward, he finally realized that he had gotten into a big trouble. Suddenly his vision went dark and he fainted.

"take away!"

Wang Xiang didn't care whether Li Jin was really dizzy or fake, and immediately waved his hand and said.

For such a disloyal martial artist, even if he is a noble prince, he is not worthy of sympathy. Just as he watched Li Jin being taken away, he glanced at his father with complicated eyes.

Ruianbo Wang Yuan shrunk his fat head. At this moment, he just hoped that this storm would pass immediately, and he would be a carefree and obedient earl in Ruianbo Mansion from now on.

The nobles present also felt a sense of fear. Not to mention that there would be no good consequences for opposing the emperor. Even their own family could not be a piece of iron. Maybe one day their brothers and uncles would jump out and stab him.

Wu Yu, the right minister of the Ministry of Revenue, came out and expressed his position solemnly: "Your Majesty, I have something to report!"

"Yun Zuo!" Zhu Youtang said very calmly when he saw that it was one of his own.

Wu Yu was well prepared and immediately took out the memorandum and said: "Your Majesty, there are criminals in the capital who are hoarding rice for profit. If Tongzhou warehouse had not been full of grain, these criminals would have taken the opportunity to sell rice at a high price! Now that the matter is clear, I sincerely request a thorough investigation immediately Relevant personnel should be held accountable to those who are primarily responsible!"

From ancient times to the present, as long as it is a powerful court, it will not tolerate merchants hoarding. Now that the matter has been found to be the work of a powerful group headed by the Marquis of Xiangcheng Li Jin, the relevant responsible persons can naturally be punished.

"What do you think, dear friends?" Zhu Youtang did not express his position directly, but asked the question to the civil and military officials present.

Officials such as Jia Jun, the minister of the Ministry of Industry, knew the holy will and knew that the Marquis of Xiangcheng, Li Jin, and others had nothing to fear, so they expressed their stance tacitly: "I second the proposal!"

As soon as these words came out, Ruian Bo, Wang Yuan and others suddenly felt panicked. Now they just hope that this storm will be smaller and beg for themselves to survive this disaster successfully.

The matter was not over yet. Liu Zhong, the Minister of Punishment, took advantage of the victory and pursued the case: "At the beginning of the Ming Dynasty, copper coins were minted and banknotes were issued, and the private trade of gold and silver goods was prohibited. During the Taizong period, the law of banknotes was blocked and the gold and silver trade was banned. The offenders were allowed to do so. Regarding the theory of evildoers, whoever is able to be the first to be arrested will be rewarded with the gold and silver they have traded. The person who trades between two parties and one of them surrenders will be exempted from sitting, and the reward will be the same as the first arrest. Your Majesty would like to reiterate the ban on gold and silver during the period of Taizu and Taizong. Although it is not easy to ban, However, merchants can be prohibited from trading more than five thousand taels of gold and silver."

All the civil and military officials present took a deep breath. The imperial court was finally going to ban gold and silver trading. Although there is no complete ban, considering five thousand taels as the upper limit will virtually weaken the influence of silver.

"Leave this matter to the Supreme Council for discussion and withdraw from the court!" Zhu Youtang was not in a hurry to make a decision, but put it on the agenda.

The current Supreme Council is composed of the cabinet and six senior officials. It not only brings together the strongest elites in the empire, but also facilitates implementation. Therefore, some controversial matters are usually referred to the Supreme Council for discussion.

Shortly after the morning court ended, a young man wearing a third-grade official uniform was summoned to the Yangxin Hall, and Zhang Yujiao's case was finally handed over to the imperial investigator, Song Cheng, Yin of Shuntian Prefecture. (End of chapter)