Chapter 96: Gloomy winds and dark, the cup of iniquity is full

The scorching sun hung high in the sky.

One after another, secretaries from the Secretariat, drenched in sweat, trotted all the way from the West Garden toward the various ministries and offices.

Seemingly infected by the atmosphere in the Forbidden City today, the expressions of these few were quite urgent.

Each clutched the imperial edicts copied by the Six Offices, their feet moving as if on wind.

The Grand Secretariat was currently discussing state affairs with the Emperor in the West Garden, directly deciding on the edicts, while the secretaries and the Six Offices drafted the imperial orders on the spot.

The fury and urgency had reached such a point that one could not know how many eyes were staring and waiting.

From the moment the imperial envoy's murder case reached the capital, the situation in the capital was destined to boil over, and the dregs of society began to surface.

News within the government offices, as long as it went through proper channels, could never be kept hidden.

Especially since it had been transmitted from the local level.

This morning, almost every ministry and office was secretly discussing the matter; even under the constraints of their respective superiors, they still gathered privately to talk in hushed tones.

But because each only knew a small fragment, piecing them together inevitably led to distortions.

In their speech, there was no lack of fabrication and exaggeration.

Some said thousands of elites had stormed the Provincial Administration Commission office and beheaded the provincial head.

Others claimed that local bandits had already gathered to proclaim themselves kings and raised banners of rebellion, speaking as if they had seen it with their own eyes.

Especially with the secretaries of the Grand Secretariat's Edict Room and the Drafting Room rushing about, it further intensified this tense atmosphere and seemed to corroborate the onlookers' speculations.

The edicts were all sent to the Ministry of Personnel and the Censorate.

But the copies made by the Six Offices to be sent to various ministries and offices were naturally not few either.

Minister of Rites Zhang Siwei was currently discussing matters in the Grand Secretariat.

The edicts were naturally delivered to the hands of the Right Vice Minister, Zhu Dajue.

He looked at the edicts in his hands in astonishment.

These few edicts were more intense than the last!

At first, it was only about investigating the case.

"Order the Circuit Hai Yushi Shu Ao to investigate the events before and after the murders of Tang Bin and Zhang Chucheng, and submit a detailed report after organizing it."

Then, it began to hold people accountable.

"Regarding the mining bandits in Linxiang County and the water bandits at Niujiaojian, dismiss and imprison the Huguang Garrison Commander Qiu Qiao, the River Patrol Commander Chen Xiao, and the Military Defense Assistant Prefect Ji Ruzhi, to await interrogation!"

Low-ranking officials were not enough to make the central authorities take a second look.

But what followed pointed directly at the high-ranking provincial officials!

The edicts for Provincial Governor Zhao Xian and Provincial Administration Commissioner Chen Rui were delivered together, and they were now clutched in Zhu Dajue's hands.

The content was even more incredibly intense.

"Because the Huguang mining laborers gathered in groups of thousands, killed officials, and rebelled, acting without restraint—how could this be tolerated!? The Right Vice Hai Yushi-in-Chief and Huguang Provincial Governor Zhao Xian, having been entrusted with military duties, lacked any foresight, harmed the locality, and regret is too late! Order him to return to the capital immediately to await investigation and punishment!"

"In the Huguang region, bandits are rampant; this must be due to the failure of governance and the indulgence of evil, leading to the destitution of the people and the disaster of rebellion! The Huguang Right Provincial Administration Commissioner Chen Rui, occupying a position without performing duties, mediocre and inactive, truly cannot shirk his responsibility; order him to return to the capital immediately under accusation!"

One Provincial Governor, one Provincial Administration Commissioner—not giving the slightest bit of face, directly ordering them back to the capital to await punishment—one could see the thunderous fury of the Emperor and the Grand Secretariat!

However, Zhu Dajue's astonishment was not because of the punishment of the Provincial Governor and the Provincial Administration Commissioner.

Although both were itinerant officials who only arrived at the end of last year, having been there for only half a year, the involvement would not be very deep; it was more like a lack of ability to control the locality—after all, the depth of local entrenchment was evident.

But at this time, anyone with even a hint of suspicion could not be let go; the Grand Secretariat and the Emperor having this attitude was normal.

What horrified him was the charge—killing officials and rebelling!?

What exactly did the Grand Secretaries discuss with the Emperor in the Chengguang Hall!

To actually want to implicate others based on this kind of charge!?

Zhu Dajue could not help but pick up the edict and walk quickly to the office of the Left Vice Minister, Ma Ziqiang: "Tigan."

Ma Ziqiang was also looking at the edicts just copied by the Six Offices; he understood why Zhu Dajue had come after a single glance.

He raised his hand and pressed it down slightly: "Duanfu, stay calm."

Zhu Dajue still could not suppress his unease: "Tigan, right now, this charge of rebellion only goes as far as the bandits, but if something is really uncovered, I fear it will truly be a bloodbath!"

The definition of the charge was too important.

If it were a charge like "group of bandits," then the case could be closed first, and they could slowly settle accounts after finding out who was involved; at worst, they could charge them with other crimes later.

This could also prevent cases where it was truly a coincidence, or where the people uncovered were not willing to be investigated deeply.

But now, starting off with treason—this was leaving absolutely no room for maneuver!

No matter what, it must be investigated to the end! No matter who is uncovered, there will be no mercy!

Such intense action!

Ma Ziqiang shook his head upon hearing this: "I fear that what is wanted is an investigation to the end; this matter should also be a bloodbath."

Who hasn't had a time when they were sent to the local level?

Court officials all grew up step by step, and most even had the experience of being a Provincial Governor.

The Grand Secretaries had a large group of students and former subordinates under them, and there was no lack of local governors and heads of the three provincial commissions; once this matter arose, all were filled with righteous indignation—what if they encountered this themselves?

One could imagine the pressure the few Grand Secretaries were under.

Not to mention having to consider the aftermath.

If this kind of thing were allowed to go unchecked, everyone would follow suit in the future, and government orders would never leave the capital!

In the future, when measuring fields and changing taxes, would they all have to sacrifice imperial envoys to heaven!?

No matter how one considered it, this kind of assassin politics must be extinguished with all one's might.

Defining it as treason from the start was, on the contrary, reasonable and logical.

Zhu Dajue said with no small amount of worry: "It's not a question of whether it should be done, but I fear that a dog driven to a wall will jump over it, causing the locality to rot."

If the attitude were mild and left room for maneuver, it could also have a paralyzing effect.

At that time, one could also peel the cocoon, and under the premise of stabilizing the situation, arrest the ringleaders; at that time, one could ransack homes and exterminate families as one pleased.

On the contrary, what is feared is acting intensely from the start, truly forcing people to raise banners of rebellion, leaving endless trouble.

Ma Ziqiang stopped his hand movements upon hearing his colleague's words.

He looked up at Zhu Dajue and said meaningfully: "Duanfu perhaps does not yet know."

"Before His Majesty let the Grand Secretaries go to Chengguang Hall to discuss matters, he first met with the Prince of the Blood and Head of the Imperial Clan Court, Wu Jinghe."

As the father-in-law of Zhang Siwei's child and a backbone of the Jin Party, his news was naturally much better informed than Zhu Dajue's.

Zhu Dajue was startled: "Wu Jinghe?"

Once the words were out, he immediately realized it in hindsight!

Head of the Imperial Clan Court! Regarding Huguang, the Emperor called the Imperial Clan Court—it must not be without a target!

Is this truly related, or is it simply wanting to implicate in this direction!?

Ma Ziqiang nodded: "So, this charge of rebellion—once this village is passed, perhaps there won't be this shop; this Emperor of ours has a dark heart!"

His heart was with the Jin Party, not in the situation, so he saw it more clearly.

The definition of the charge was for the sake of making a statement.

And there were not many people in Huguang worth the Emperor and the Grand Secretariat making such a statement.

Gentry, warriors—it didn't even reach the point of fabricating charges; whether it was a group of bandits or rebellion, there was no difference.

On the contrary, it was the high-ranking provincial officials and certain people registered in the Imperial Clan Court who were worth making a statement from the start, leaving no room for maneuver.

Zhu Dajue was lost in thought.

Just at this moment, a minor official knocked on the door.

Seeing that both Vice Ministers were there, it saved a trip, and he said: "Two Ministers, His Majesty has summoned the Shuntian Prefecture Governor Sun Yizheng into the palace."

The two were startled in unison and looked at each other.

Entering the Imperial Palace from the Meridian Gate, there was a long distance to the West Garden.

Sun Yizheng followed behind Li Jin, turning his head to look around.

Seeing no one around, he took a gold ingot from his sleeve, leaned close to Li Jin, and stuffed the gold into Li Jin's sleeve.

"Eunuch, Sun will not make things difficult for you; just tell me what His Majesty summoned me for."

With an inner court official leading the Embroidered Uniform Guard to his door, directly and semi-coercively leading him into the palace—who wouldn't be terrified?

What was most heart-wrenching was not knowing the reason!

Corruption?

Wasn't it said that matters before the first year of Wanli would not be investigated?

Although they took a little later, it didn't reach the point of making a big fuss.

Or was he impeached?

Then it should be asking him to submit a petition to resign, not summoning him into the palace.

Don't tell me the Huguang nobles who sent him gifts are really involved in this...

Thinking of this, Sun Yizheng could not help but scare himself.

He thought that if he could spend a little silver now to buy peace of mind, that would be good.

That was why he kept stuffing the gold ingot into the eunuch's hand.

After Li Jin quietly tucked the gold ingot into his sleeve, Sun Yizheng finally let out a long breath.

Sure enough, there were no eunuchs who didn't covet wealth.

He whispered: "Eunuch, His Majesty summoned me into the palace—what is the reason?"

Just when he thought Li Jin was going to whisper to him, he saw Li Jin stride forward, putting some distance between them.

As if nothing had happened.

Sun Yizheng was stunned, then immediately reacted.

Dog eunuch, how dare you!

As the Shuntian Prefecture Governor, he was at least a minor official of the Nine Ministers! To actually deceive him like this!

Sun Yizheng hated him secretly in his heart, but at this critical juncture, he could do nothing.

The anger of being deceived, coupled with the worry of the Emperor's unknown intentions, made Sun Yizheng even more restless.

In this agonizing mood, Sun Yizheng followed Li Jin all the way to Chengguang Hall.

Just as he was led into Chengguang Hall by Li Jin, before he could see anyone, he could hear the Emperor's youthful yet resonant voice.

"I have entrusted the government to the Grand Secretariat; this matter is naturally no exception. You ministers should directly recommend people."

Sun Yizheng slowed his pace and quietly looked up.

He saw the Emperor in casual attire, with his back to the high officials, fiddling with a screen.

The three Grand Secretaries, as well as the Minister of Rites Zhang Siwei, who was signing Grand Secretariat affairs on behalf of Yang Bo, stood in a row, facing the Emperor, bowing in salute.

Beside them was the secretary of the Wan Shougong, Zheng Zongxue, writing furiously.

Hanlin Academy Reviewer Shen Li was silently arranging memorials in the room.

Sun Yizheng was instructed by the eunuch to stand at the end, and then he left directly, which was quite disconcerting.

The people in the hall did not pay attention to Sun Yizheng, not even sparing him an extra glance.

Only hearing Zhang Juzheng say in a deep voice: "We can promote the Huguang Vice Commissioner Xu Xuemo to Huguang Right Provincial Administration Commissioner."

Sun Yizheng lowered his head, looking at Zhang Juzheng's back; he knew that Xu Xuemo had been promoted by Zhang Juzheng, which was why he returned to the Huguang Surveillance Commission.

So much so that he was not suspected in this storm and stayed out of it.

However, it was one thing to stay out of it so easily, but to be promoted and given titles was just too much.

He snorted coldly in his heart.

Back then, he was also a mere Assistant Prefect; in order to be promoted, he donated tens of thousands of silver and privately sent one hundred thousand before he caught Yang Bo's eye and was promoted to Assistant Commissioner.

That commendation for "the gentry and people of the three Jin regions, each donating wealth and strength to build over six hundred city walls and fortresses" was still hanging in his main hall at home.

Now that a Provincial Administration Commissioner was thrown out so easily, he didn't know how much Xu Xuemo had sent Zhang Juzheng.

He was just estimating the price of a Provincial Administration Commissioner when he heard the Second Grand Secretary Gao Yi speak: "For Huguang Provincial Governor, why not let Liang Menglong take it."

Sun Yizheng once again despised these Grand Secretaries in his heart.

Liang Menglong was currently the Henan Provincial Governor; it was said before that he would be promoted one rank due to maritime transport, and he was only half a step away from being a regional governor or even entering the central government.

Now, most likely, he didn't send money and was thrown to Huguang to step on this landmine.

At that time, if he offended too many people, it would be hard to say if he could go any further.

Sun Yizheng's wild thoughts were not without reason.

He could only use this method to reduce his restlessness, because once he stopped thinking, he couldn't help but be drowned by immense unease.

The Emperor spoke again: "Just do as you ministers say; it is enough to decide on the Provincial Governor and the Provincial Administration Commissioner; the rest can be discussed later."

Just at this moment, Zhu Yijun finished saying this and looked at Sun Yizheng.

"Minister Sun has arrived; regarding the Huguang matter, do you want me to explain it to you?"

Sun Yizheng's hair stood on end, but he restrained his expression and said seriously: "Your Majesty, Eunuch Li already informed me on the way here!"

Zhu Yijun nodded: "I asked Wen Chun, who was once an Assistant Commissioner in Huguang, last night; he said that at that time you were the Provincial Administration Commissioner in Huguang, and you are most familiar with the situation."

"Does Minister Sun have anything to teach me?"

Sun Yizheng was filled with panic.

Sure enough, the Huguang matter had come to his door!

He had been gone for a year and two months! Why were they still hounding him!

At this time, Sun Yizheng dared not be negligent and hurriedly said: "Your Majesty, when I was in office, the rivers were clear and the seas were calm, the people lived and worked in peace, and there was never an incident of bandits attacking the county office!"

Zhu Yijun slowly opened a memorial and said without a hint of meaning: "Is that so?"

"Then, regarding the private casting of copper coins and weapons in that locality, does Minister Sun know?"

Sun Yizheng collected his thoughts, not letting his expression show any flaws: "Your Majesty, I was in Huguang for less than two years; private casting is too hidden, I truly do not know."

Since the Emperor asked like this, he obviously knew something.

Naturally, he couldn't just say no, he could only push it off as not knowing.

Although he said so, Sun Yizheng looked calm on the surface, but his back was already gradually getting wet, and his whole person exuded an aura of unease—the Emperor had come prepared!

Zhu Yijun nodded: "In the ninth month of the fifth year of Longqing, due to the Huguang floods, my late Emperor issued an edict allowing the conversion of half of the grain tax of Wuchang, Hanyang, Jingzhou, and other prefectures in Huguang, and issued stolen redemption silver and granary grain for disaster relief."

"This matter was overseen by you, Minister Sun, right?"

Sun Yizheng's expression changed, and he nodded with difficulty.

Zhu Yijun continued: "For the convenience of the people, Minister Sun specially exchanged the silver and granary grain into copper coins to issue to the people; you are truly a pillar of the state, and your old and virtuous deeds make me gratified."

He suddenly said coldly: "Whose copper coins!"

Sun Yizheng's body shivered.

But he did not lose his composure and threw out the answer he had thought of beforehand: "It... it was purchased from local wealthy families."

Zhu Yijun nodded, surprisingly not asking further.

Instead, he opened another memorial and continued unhurriedly: "In the tenth month of the fourth year of Longqing, you first arrived in Huguang to take office."

"Prefects and county magistrates reported to the Provincial Administration Commission that someone was privately enclosing mountains to mine."

"You said you would report it to the central authorities to await imperial decision, but I searched through the Six Offices and didn't find your memorial."

"Minister Sun, where is the memorial?"

Sun Yizheng lowered his head, making it impossible to see his expression, and said chokingly: "At that time, affairs were heavy, perhaps... perhaps I forgot."

Zhu Yijun nodded, accepting this explanation.

He opened another memorial again: "In the fourth month of last year, two groups of bandits in Wugang Prefecture fought and killed each other, fully equipped with weapons; after the Provincial Governor's office reported it, it was sent to your Provincial Administration Commission office for disposal."

"I heard that in the end, you released everyone?"

Speaking of this, Zhu Yijun waved his hand: "Released is released; however, the confiscated weapons were also 'repurchased'; regarding this matter, do you know or not."

Sun Yizheng said nothing, seemingly already turning a deaf ear.

Zhu Yijun shook his head and said softly: "I heard that previously, wealthy families came to your door to give gold and silver."

"This morning, this person even went to the Shuntian Prefecture office to find you, asking about the central government's attitude toward the Linxiang County case."

Speaking of this, he restrained all expressions and looked down at Sun Yizheng: "Sun Yizheng, I heard you have a grudge against Tang Bin; does this case have anything to do with you or not."

Speaking of this, Sun Yizheng finally could not bear it.

He knelt on the ground with a thud: "Your Majesty, this case definitely has nothing to do with me!"

"Only indulging in private mining, spreading private coins, and shielding subordinates has a slight connection with me!"

"How would I dare to participate in burning an imperial envoy; Your Majesty, I am wronged!"

Zhu Yijun finally flew into a rage, unable to suppress his anger, and kicked Sun Yizheng directly: "Now you admit you are involved!"

Zhang Juzheng was quick-witted and hurriedly hugged the Emperor while lowering his body: "Your Majesty, mind your demeanor."

Zhu Yijun calmed down slightly.

Sun Yizheng crawled back: "Your Majesty! I was also helpless!"

Zhu Yijun was dusting off his hem and turned his head abruptly upon hearing this.

His gaze was sharp, pinning Sun Yizheng down: "Who made you helpless?"

Sun Yizheng said with tears: "Your Majesty! This matter is not just done by thousands or hundreds of people!"

"From wealthy merchants and local tyrants, soap-clothed minor officials, up to the three provincial commissions, and nobles and clansmen—everyone was driving me away!"

Seeing the Emperor staring at him, his gaze vicious and saying nothing.

His expression was awkward: "Your Majesty, regarding the mining, half of the Regional Military Commissioners and all the guard posts, whoever had the conditions, were all doing it."

"Regarding the minting, local tyrants and gentry, and even the common people, all participated in it."

Zhu Yijun walked over, squatted in front of Sun Yizheng, and looked at this Shuntian Prefecture Governor who refused to let go.

He put away his last bit of patience: "I will ask one last time, who made you helpless."

Sun Yizheng's mouth opened slightly, then slowly closed.

He glanced at the Emperor's expression.

He lowered his head and said with difficulty: "I truly do not know; I only know that the one who came forward to lead it was the Prince of Yueyang's Assistant Regional Commander, Zhu Yingyan."

After saying this, he finally let go of all his strength and collapsed on the ground.

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 97 =====