After Li Rong discussed the matter with Zhang Zhou, he and Zhang Zhou went to the palace of Bao Guo Gong in Beijing to ransack the house that night.
Although Duke Baoguo knew that Zhu Hui had committed a crime in the northwest this time, he did not expect that the punishment would be so severe. While the Jin Yiwei was still searching the house, Zhu Hui's eldest son Zhu Qi came over and ran over. Li Rong knelt down in front of him and said with a pleading voice, "Eunuch Li, we are all members of our own family, why did we have to make such a fuss? Is there any lack of etiquette in the past? I hope you, Haihan, will give us a chance to explain it clearly to the court." "
Li Rong crossed his legs. He could pretend to be a grandson in front of Zhang Zhou before, but as the owner of Dongchang Factory, he would not slack off in his momentum.
What stands out is a show of force.
Li Rong had a sneer on his face, but he still held the steaming tea cup in his hand, the lid rattled, and took a sip of tea to calm down and said, "The emperor's orders are on my side, how can we accommodate our family?" But whoever dares to neglect any errand assigned by the Holy One is afraid of being imprisoned by Jinyiwei if there is any unclear explanation. There are plenty of opportunities to explain clearly."
When Zhu Qi heard this, he knew that this new appointee was here. The boss of the Dongchang factory will not give any face.
Zhu Qi could only kowtow, almost hitting the ground with his head, making a loud bang.
This made Zhang Zhou, who was sitting on the sidelines and watching the fun, sigh with emotion. He who is a duke, an important minister, or a pillar of the country is nothing if he has not reached the peak of power in front of the imperial power. Today, he is the duke protecting the country. Maybe it will be Cai Guogong tomorrow, it all depends on the emperor's mood.
This was also his first time to appreciate the process of ransacking a house up close, and it also made Zhang Zhou feel some strange emotions in his heart.
"Eunuch Li."
Here Zhu Qi was still kowtowing. The Jinyiwei was ordered to come to the North Town Fusi Town, headed by Guo Ang, the envoy of the Fusi Town. According to the clues obtained, six silver boxes were recovered from the house, and the preliminary calculation is that they are at least 16,000 taels. It is expected that there are several more money boxes, and the money is still being weighed and counted. "< /p>
Zhu Qi was also startled when he heard this.
It’s not that the factory guards came to the door because of his father’s neglect of the military. Why should he care about corruption and perversion of the law?
In the military and political system of the Ming Dynasty, who dares to say anything about himself? Even if Liangxiu Qingfeng is Cai Guogong next to him, he dares to say that he has never confiscated a penny
"Okay, take it back and count it as evidence." Li Rong said.
Zhu Qi hurriedly explained, "Father-in-law, these are all income from the family's property, land taxes, shops, etc., as well as my father's salary over the years. There has never been any corruption or bending of the law."
"Oops." Li Rong said impatiently, "It's pointless to tell our family this. Keep your mind on how to justify it. Mr. Zhu, do you want to wait for our family to give those things to your father-in-law?" All the subordinates who paid bribes and whose hands were used by your Majesty to enrich your own pockets in the military and political affairs were all called to the front, and only after confrontation were they willing to admit it."
"Ah"
Zhu Qi did not expect that, we have done enough homework here.
It turns out that Jinyiwei doesn’t just focus on frame-ups, nor does it focus on beatings to win. They also talk about evidence. Although this kind of evidence looks like someone is temporarily found to fill up the evidence. Isn’t it about people testifying and material evidence? You know how to catch a thief and take away the dirty money
How convincing is it to just find a few boxes of money and say that we got it through corruption and perversion of the law.
"Mr. Zhang, what do you think?" Li Rong seemed to have just remembered that he was on an errand with Zhang Zhou today, and Zhang Zhou was the leader.
Zhang Zhou shrugged and didn’t even say anything.
It means that when I watch your performance today, I am just a spectator, so don’t involve me in everything.
I don’t know what it means to be sad when a rabbit dies or a fox dies. I am watching the family of the same prince being ransacked, and I feel pity and sympathy.
Zhu Qi also realized that Zhang Zhou had the right to speak, and quickly kowtowed to Zhang Zhou and said, "Cai Guogong, please tell us something. My father has always respected you, and he also said that he will definitely do it if he has the opportunity in the future." I will accompany you on the battlefield with Cai Guogong, and I will serve you both in front and behind the horse. I have prepared generous gifts before, and I am ready.”
“Stop it,” Zhang Zhou said, “I am here with Eunuch Li as a witness to investigate the case or something. , I don’t want to personally participate. If you have any grievances, why don’t you write them down, or find an opportunity to submit them to your Majesty.” ""
When Li Rong heard this, he still gave you the opportunity to write the form. If your appeal was successful later, wouldn't it be possible that our factory guards would come to your house for false accusations?
Li Rong was about to say something, but he glanced at Zhang Zhou first. Seeing Zhang Zhou's indifferent expression, he seemed to understand something.
After all, the Zhu family is the family of the prince. If he is not given any chance, it will appear that the emperor is very unreasonable. He wants them to redress their grievances. Anyway, the evidence is conclusive that Zhu Hui enriched himself. Everyone in the government and the public knew that Zhu Hui was slacking on military affairs and delaying the war. Even civil servants went to impeach him repeatedly. If Zhang Zhou, represented by Wu Xun, did not speak for him, then Zhu Hui would be rejected by everyone.
Li Rong changed his face to a smile and said, "Mr. Zhu, did you hear what Mr. Zhang said? He is giving you a chance. Your Majesty always insists on clear rewards and punishments. If you, the protector of the country, really have any grievances, You must tell the truth, and our family will redress your grievances. We have no intention of embarrassing anyone."
Li Rong is also looking for a way out.
He also realized a problem. Although Zhu Hui's house was confiscated now, it did not mean that Zhu Hui would be killed. Even Zhu Hui's title did not necessarily mean that he would not be able to keep it.
This case has just begun. The emperor may have wanted to show his attitude of investigating the matter vigorously and resolutely at first, but when the limelight passed, the emperor would still give the loyal ministers and generals he had chosen a chance to "reform." , after all, Zhu Hui is not the fault of one person, this represents the entireThe general state of a martial arts system.
What’s more, the current emperor is still a kind and generous person.
Even if the emperor refuses to forgive, only one word from Zhang Zhou can maintain the inheritance of the Baoguo Gong family. In fact, it mainly depends on the attitude of the emperor and Zhang Zhou.
The house raids are continuing.
After Zhu Qi withdrew, Li Rong was also discussing the further investigation process with Zhang Zhou.
"Sir, you see, the men of the Zhu family, especially the men directly related to the guilty minister Zhu Hui, will all be sent to prison. As for the slaves, they may have to be expelled first, and some may It was sent directly to the Jiaofang Division. As for the Zhu family's female dependents, we will find a place to resettle them temporarily and wait until the case becomes clearer before making a decision. What do you think?"
Li Rong is still relatively cautious about this case.
After all, the person being investigated is a prince. He can be ruthless in front of others. That is just a professional attribute.
Being behind others, he must show his humble and kind side, especially not making Zhang Zhou feel that he is too strong.
Zhang Zhou said, "That's good. I also think it's better not to rush and kill everyone."
"Haha."
Li Rong smiled.
I was thinking in my heart that I didn’t want to offend a large number of nobles, so I said this deliberately
“Sir, I came to investigate the case today in the evening. In order to avoid being casually treated by outsiders. "Preaching, whether they are imprisoned, sent to the Ministry of Education, or looking for a place to resettle, they need to be guarded by special personnel to prevent them from leaking the details of the case. You think this is the case." Li Rong asked for instructions again.
Zhang Zhou nodded and said, "Everything will be done according to Eunuch Li's wish."
"Okay."
Li Rong didn't think Zhang Zhou had much It is easy to talk, which is still determined by the difference in power status.
The boss of Dongchang Factory is just a follower in front of Zhang Zhou, and Li Rong also knows his identity clearly.
Zhang Zhou said, "Will anyone come out to intercede with Duke Baoguo in the past two days? If this case is mentioned, I don't know how to characterize it."
Li Rong replied seriously, " It is too early to determine, and we have to wait until Zhu Hui himself returns to the capital. His Majesty has sent a secret order to Ningxia. At the same time, the Shaanxi Patrol Censor and others, in conjunction with the Inspector General and others, went to the army to capture Zhu Hui. When he was captured, the news from Beijing could not reach the army, so he would not have put up any fierce resistance."
This is because he is worried that Zhu Hui will stage a mutiny.
But this was obviously over-worry. Even if Zhu Hui had a hundred courages, he would not dare to do it.
If Zhu Hui really did this, it would be almost impossible to create a rebellion based on Zhu Hui's accomplishments.
Even serious Tatars dare not go into battle, but they have to fight against Yang Yiqing, Wang Shouren, and even Zhang Zhou. They have to face the attempts of his soldiers to correct the chaos at any time. Anyway, it is better to be escorted back honestly. In Beijing, maybe you can still rely on your relationship with the powerful people in the DPRK and China to find someone to be accommodating, and you can still have a chance of survival.
Just like Liu Jing, who had committed such a big thing in Guangdong and Guangxi, but in the end the title was not taken away from him without incident, but he could be restored to the title.
The Ming Dynasty was so kind to its ministers.
Zhang Zhou said, "Your Majesty's intention seems to be to send Duke Baoguo to the southwest to guard the border. He will not be sentenced to death. Maybe he will have a chance to make a comeback in the future. Eunuch Li thinks how to deal with him properly." Only family members can stabilize the minds of the government and the public."
Li Rong was slightly stunned.
Obviously I am the one who obeys orders, so why are you asking me to take the exam
"I am willing to listen to your teachings, sir." Li Rong said.
Zhang Zhou stood up, looked up at the mottled shadows reflected by the messy torches outside, and sighed, "It's precisely because I don't know that I asked Eunuch Li how Dongchang and Jinyiwei handle this kind of thing." I have experience, and I don’t want to offend anyone, but if I have to rectify military affairs, I will inevitably be at a loss if I encounter the same thing in the future, so I want to ask Eunuch Li for advice first.”
” Haha, sir, you are being too modest. Your Majesty has asked you to rectify military affairs. You may be kind or mighty. That is your convenience. How can we casually give you some advice? If there is anything you have trouble with, please ask your Majesty for instructions. , I believe your majesty will give you some advice."
Li Rong is nearly eighty years old and can be said to be a combat veteran among veterans. He has never lost to anyone in this kind of scene.
Zhang Zhou said, "Okay. It seems that I will not do less things that offend people in the future. I hope that Eunuch Li can provide more assistance. It will be difficult for me to fight against so many important military and political officials by myself."
"You're too polite." Li Rong said, "With your prestige, who dares to disobey?"
Zhang Zhou came to Duke Baoguo's residence just to observe.
Li Rong refused to give advice to Zhang Zhou because Li Rong knew that he would not be in power for too long. Even if he wanted to, the emperor would still trust him, and his age did not allow it. Before leaving, Wu Xun offended a lot of people. Everyone in the family and in his own faction knew that he had offended someone.
When Zhang Zhou and Li Rong came out of the main hall, they happened to see the slaves in the main courtyard of the Zhu family being escorted out by the royal guards. A horse-drawn cart was ready outside, and these people would be sent to the workshop. Department officials and other departments are basically treated as slaves.
Of course, slaves are also divided into three, six or nine grades. Those with a slightly higher status may be redeemed and follow their masters to their resettlement places, but this is limited to female relatives or those in charge of the household.
"Mr. Zhang, is there any shortage of people in your house?" Li Rong saw Zhang Zhou staring at the crowd and couldn't help but ask with a smile.
This is considered very considerate.
Zhang Zhou curiously asked, "Can people be resettled at will?"
Li Rongdao, "It's just a matter of going through the deed of betrayal. There have been many people waiting to be resettled in Dongchang and Jinyiwei in recent years. You have just arrived in the capital a few years ago, and you probably haven’t hired many helpers at home. People who come from Dongchang and Jinyiwei have a good thing, that is, they know how to be afraid and work hard.When the time comes, he can be used as a livestock. ”
Zhang Zhouxin said that’s true.
From your hands, it’s easy to say that even a layer of skin is peeled off, and the crime can be reduced to being raped by factory guards. , the ordeal he went through was also extraordinary. Waiting to be sold or settled into a house to continue to be a slave, it was almost like escaping from death. Being able to do things without peace of mind
Resist
In these days, people from lower-class backgrounds have no chance at all, and even those who are on the run have no place to go.
“There is no shortage of people. "Zhang Zhou answered simply.
Li Rong smiled and said, "But you should know that Mr.'s mansion used to be yours. There were really many people in the house at that time, with one hundred and eighty people serving people in the house alone. This did not include the fact that Mr. Zhuangzi outside had arranged a lot of business in Beijing, but I have never heard that Mr. Zhuangzi had purchased any property. , do you need our help to get acquainted with you?"
Zhang Zhou almost thought that he had met a man who was very open to both black and white people in the capital.
The dignified Ming Dynasty's ceremonial supervisor When did Bingbi, the eunuch of Dongchang, the admiral, start working as an intermediary for others?
Zhang Zhou said, "My business is either a mine or related to it. To say it is my own, There are only a few shops selling groceries, but the prince still holds 50% of the shares. I can't make the decision. Thank you Eunuch Li for your kindness. I think it would be better to be more stable and be an official and eat the royal food. ”
“Sir, you are really a role model for the officials of the Ming Dynasty. If everyone is like him, there is hope for the revival of the Ming Dynasty.” ”
Li Rong didn’t know how to praise Zhang Zhou, so he could only say some clichés.
He couldn’t even say that Zhang Zhou was “upright and honest”, because regardless of his From any perspective, Zhang Zhou "made a fortune" by relying on the emperor's appreciation. No matter how much financial assistance Zhang Zhou gave to the court, others would think that Zhang Zhou was enriching himself by taking advantage of the court's protection.
Zhang Zhou. Giving hundreds of thousands of taels to the court every year, others would think that Zhang Zhou could make millions of taels. Even people like Li Rong couldn't understand why Zhang Zhou made money to fill the court.
In less than an hour, the mansion of Duke Cheng of the Ming Dynasty was almost emptied out.
No matter it was people or things that could be moved, even those heavy tables, chairs, benches, bed frames and the like. They were all moved away, leaving only debris on the floor. Jin Yiwei only moved things but didn't clean them up.
Zhang Zhou was also feeling emotional.
In the Ming Dynasty. If an officer really commits a crime, it will only take an hour for him to decline.
"My father-in-law, Cai Guogong, the personnel have been counted. There are ten direct male relatives in Bao Guogong's house in Beijing. The six people have been taken to Fusi, Beizhen, and the thirty-six female dependents will be settled in the Guaizi Hutong courtyard in front of Chongwen Gate in the south of the city. Among the slaves and the people in charge of Zhuangzi outside the city, seventy-five of them are pregnant. If the property is deeded, it will be placed elsewhere. ”
“More than 16,000 taels of silver were copied, and 3,000 guan of coins were made. Gold, jade, antiques, calligraphy and paintings, etc. are all listed in the detailed list., and other brothers went to Bao Guogong’s other houses, which are still being searched. There are also more than a dozen teachers hired by the Baoguo Office who will be transferred to the Shuntian Mansion Yamen first for review and then dealt with. "
"For the time being, no letters have been found in the house regarding liaisons with foreign barbarians, or collusion with local officials, or treason, etc. However, some servants in the house said that there were foreign barbarians. People have sent gifts to the house, but they still can't tell the authenticity."
Guo Ang reported the situation to Zhang Zhou and Li Rong in detail.
After listening, Li Rong looked at him with doubts Zhang Zhou said, "Mr. Zhang, please tell me that this Baoguo Guild is not like the group of people in Liaodong. It was because of its secret dealings with Di Yi that it hesitated to send troops."
Zhang Zhou said, "I I don’t know, everything depends on the evidence. ”
Zhang Zhou thought to himself, how could there be so many liaisons with foreign barbarians
What kind of good life did the Tatars really have in the middle of the Ming Dynasty? They came to the Ming Dynasty every day to plunder, not because Their military strength is so strong that they have to make trouble because their resources are indeed insufficient. Whenever the Ming Dynasty restricts border trade, the Tatars cannot even guarantee basic resource acquisition, and they have only one way to rob. < /p>
With such a bunch of poor people, as for the prominent princes of the Ming Dynasty to associate with them
Even Ren Liang, Zhang Yu and other Liaodong officials and eunuchs, they would not associate with the Duoyan Sanwei. It's far-fetched, but more of a secret trade deal, seeking personal gain, and being accused of having liaison with foreign countries and endangering the Ming Dynasty.
Li Rong turned around and said to Guo Ang, "I heard that I don't want to be strict." Do whatever you want to do with the evidence, but don't think about making extraneous matters. The bigger the case, the better. Be aware of the impact. ”
The leadership is full of style.
But it can be regarded as a reminder to Guo Ang that we should handle this matter in a low-key manner. Didn’t you see that the powerful Cai Guogong is here? Afraid of having a negative impact, he only half-speaks every time, or talks to us in an official tone.
Guo Ang said, "I found a gift list for the ministers of the DPRK and China, but I haven't sent it out yet." . ”
“Burn it, burn it”
Li Rong almost wanted to use this to distance himself from Zhu Hui, but then he realized that the gift list that had not been sent out did not seem to be the same. What does it mean?
"What do you think, sir?" Li Rong looked back at Zhang Zhou.
Zhang Zhou said, "Should I keep the gift list and return it to Duke Baoguo's house?" He once asked someone to go to my place to offer him gifts, and the gifts were very generous. This should also be considered as evidence of his crime. If he had a clear conscience, why would he be so anxious to give gifts to others?"
"There is no one here. The money is purely due to the fact that sir reminded me to report it to His Majesty later. "Li Rong immediately changed his words. Please remember to bookmark the latest and fastest website for free reading without anti-theft