Chapter 98: 98. Chapter 97: Wearing Yellow and Purple, Crossing the Duck and Chu Yi

98. Chapter 97: Wearing Yellow and Purple, Crossing the Duck and Chu Yi

April 16th, nightfall.

Wang Chonggu's residence.

Becoming an official in the capital has always been a difficult problem for housing.

But for Wang Chonggu, it was the simplest thing.

As a Jin merchant family, he never knew what it was like to lack money; he just waved his hand and entrusted someone to purchase two courtyards not far from the Quan-Jin Guild Hall, connecting the alleys into one, luxurious and atmospheric.

Officials who came to visit all envied Minister Wang's immense financial resources.

When they left, they couldn't help but look around, wanting to see it clearly.

Wang Chonggu didn't mind, just stood at the door of the study, smiling and watching these fellow villagers and colleagues leave.

Until people walked far away, he restrained his smile, walked back to the study, and closed the door.

"Uncle, what exactly are you considering?" Zhang Siwei's voice sounded at the right time.

At this moment, there were only the uncle and nephew in the study, so naturally, they had to talk about business.

The matter of rotating the Capital Camp with the Yuezhou Guard was almost forced by the Grand Secretariat, and a result was needed tomorrow.

These two days, several Grand Secretaries took turns applying pressure.

And colleagues from the Ministry of War, scholars from the Hanlin Academy, fellow villagers from the three Jin regions, Nanzhili, and even the southeast, all expressed openly or secretly that they hoped Wang Chonggu would block the Emperor.

The current Wang Chonggu no longer had room to be indecisive; he had to show his cards and make his attitude clear.

Facing his nephew's question, Wang Chonggu did not answer but asked back: "What does Ziwei think?"

Zhang Siwei shook his head and said: "Uncle, I am still of the same opinion as before; the Capital Camp matter needs to be cautious."

Compared to Wang Chonggu, his nephew's attitude was much clearer—it was best not to let the Emperor intervene in military affairs.

Wang Chonggu said noncommittally: "Those ministers and Hanlin are standing from the perspective of civil officials, guarding against the Emperor's monopoly of power; I naturally understand."

"What is your reason? You might as well explain it in detail."

Regarding this matter, Wang Chonggu's heart was quite indecisive.

The Emperor only wanted a small battalion of three thousand people and was not prepared to use them in any key place.

But anyone with a slightly sensitive sense of smell could see that the Emperor was advancing step by step, slowly intervening in military affairs.

Therefore, the result of this matter and the Ministry of War's attitude were very important.

In fact, just in terms of military administration, he didn't actually reject rectifying the Capital Camp.

The military affairs of the Great Ming Dynasty were exactly at the time when they should be moved.

Since the Hongxi reign, there had been no expedition outside the pass to attack the Tatars, and they could only shrink back to border defense—how weak!

The Emperor having the heart for military preparation was not a bad thing, and it was even quite consistent with Wang Chonggu's wish—if he followed his desire to seal the wolf and Xu, he would wish the Emperor would learn from Emperor Wu of Han.

However, seeing the Capital Camp become strong did not mean he was willing to see the Emperor become strong.

Alas, this was a relationship where one prospers and all prosper.

There were not a few colleagues with this concern.

These two days, his threshold had been stepped on, and what fellow Jinshi, officials of various ministries, fellow villagers and in-laws, and even nobles of the Capital Camp, all expressed their attitudes openly or secretly regarding this matter.

They all said that if the Emperor were too strong and controlled the Capital Camp, the days of the court officials would not be easy.

This made it even more difficult.

Zhang Siwei saw his uncle's dilemma, but he had a different angle.

He pondered for a while and said: "Uncle, the Emperor was cruel and brutal in Nanzhili previously, often shouting and killing; now regarding the Huguang matter, he defined it as a rebellion from the start, leaving no room for maneuver."

"Uncle, why does the Emperor do this?"

Wang Chonggu thought about it and still shook his head.

He had only been in the capital for a few days and had only met the Emperor once, so naturally, he didn't know what the Emperor was thinking.

Zhang Siwei said bluntly: "Uncle, acting so intensely—how can the Emperor view those people as his ministers and confidants, as his relatives and brothers?"

"It is because the Emperor views them as vermin of the country! Tolerance? He wishes he could kill them all and be done with it!"

Wang Chonggu was slightly moved.

He immediately understood what his nephew meant.

He cast a questioning look at his nephew.

Zhang Siwei nodded and said coldly: "We Jin people, in the Emperor's eyes, are probably the same!"

"Don't look at his polite appearance to Yang Bo, or the appearance of being a virtuous and humble monarch when Uncle met him, but..."

"I can guarantee that if the Altan Khan outside the Xuan-Da pass disappeared out of thin air tonight, the Emperor would kill you and me, uncle and nephew, tomorrow!"

This was the reason he didn't want the Emperor to intervene in military affairs.

Why did the Emperor bypass the southeast to open maritime transport? Why did he reopen the Fujian Shipping Office and add an extra Shanghai Shipping Office?

It was because there were really Japanese pirates in Fujian, and Fujian really dared to rebel!

Why did the Emperor dislike Yang Bo but still act politely? Why did he want to move the Capital Camp but still look at the faces of their uncle and nephew humbly?

It was because there were really Tatars in Xuan-Da, and the Altan Khan's mutual market was really controlled by Jin merchants!

These were all based on the foundation of the Great Ming Dynasty's central authority being weak and the Capital Camp's military preparation being weak.

Once the Emperor truly boosted the Capital Camp, then certain people would truly be in danger, at the mercy of the Emperor.

For other things, Zhang Siwei could cater to the Emperor and be a sycophant, but this military matter was the foundation of his survival, and he dared not retreat in the slightest.

Wang Chonggu looked at his nephew's gloomy expression and frowned: "How can the Emperor be so unreasonable?"

What vermin of the country—it was too ugly to hear; what virtue or ability did the Jin people have to bear such a crime.

If it were said that Nanzhili had historical reasons, then Shanxi really relied on its own ability.

Shanxi's metallurgy, silk, and salt-boiling industries were second to none in the entire Great Ming.

With such business conditions, could Jin people not do business?

If they were to do business, wasn't it to make money? Making some money was very normal?

Since they were already "wealthy merchants and big traders under heaven, not claiming wealth without hundreds of thousands," could the children still go down to farm? Naturally, they had to study well.

With many wealthy merchants and big traders, there were not a few scholars, so naturally, many fellow villagers climbed to high positions.

Then supporting each other—wasn't that human nature?

How did it become vermin of the country!?

He had experienced two dynasties, and the previous two emperors were not so unreasonable, wanting to exterminate the human nature of fellow villagers.

Zhang Siwei also sighed with empathy: "The innocent man is innocent, but he is guilty of possessing a jade."

"Shanxi originally had a good foundation; since the Longqing mutual market, the outside world has been spreading words like 'prosperity and wealth are no less than Jiangnan'."

"The Emperor is eyeing the silver in our Jin merchants' hands."

Logically speaking, for things like being eyed by the Emperor, one should learn from Yang Bo and slip away.

But for things like doing business, there must be someone to take over officially; otherwise, they were just lambs waiting to be slaughtered.

Only by waiting to promote and bestow grace on fellow villagers, and handing this burden to the rising stars like Wan Shide and Wang Jiaping, could they retire with peace of mind.

This was the rule of the fellow villagers operating under the water, just like Yang Bo had long wanted to retire but waited until now.

It was just that the time to come up was not right, encountering an Emperor with prejudice.

Wang Chonggu pondered for a long time, his expression quite solemn.

If it were really as his nephew said, the Emperor had this idea, then it was not a good thing.

This was no longer just about money and status, but about life and death.

Then he must continue to use the mutual market and Jin merchants on the border to indulge the Altan Khan and raise bandits to strengthen his own position.

At the same time, in the central government, relying on the Ministry of War and fellow villagers, he would circle with the Emperor, weaken the Great Ming Dynasty's military preparation, control the three Jin regions, suppress the Capital Camp, and influence the southeast.

However...

In this way, how could he clear away the Tatars!?

How could he seal the wolf and Xu!?

When he presided over the Altan tribute and memorialized to the late Emperor, saying that he would rectify military preparation during a period of peace to seek a victory, it was truly heartfelt.

Afterwards, Gao Gong repeatedly sent letters, asking him to repair defense, destroy the enemy's nest, and he never shirked it.

All were out of his own heart!

Wang Chonggu was indeed from a merchant family and indifferent to morality, but he grew up on the border and saw the barbarian iron hooves ravaging since childhood; how could he be indifferent?

Money and status were indeed things he found hard to abandon, but clearing away the Tatars and calming border affairs—wasn't that also his wish?

Thinking of this, he was even more indecisive and caught in a dilemma.

Seeing his nephew still wanting to advise, he raised his hand to end this conversation: "Wait until I meet the Emperor tomorrow."

Wang Chonggu waved his hand absentmindedly and turned to leave the study.

The next day, early morning.

The wind was a bit strong this morning, rolling up the debris and withered leaves on the ground, spinning in the air, and then falling shakily.

Wang Chonggu walked on the road, blowing in the wind.

He did not take a sedan chair; in order to resolve a complex mood, he chose to walk to the Imperial Palace.

Before the court discussion, he still had to go to the West Garden to meet the Emperor—the Emperor was already very dissatisfied that no result had been discussed in two days.

But by this time, Wang Chonggu still hadn't made up his mind.

At this time, the sky was not yet bright, and Wang Chonggu walked with a frown, absentmindedly.

Because he had been on the border for a long time, he preferred the feeling of the wind blowing on his face.

"Minister Wang!"

Suddenly a voice entered Wang Chonggu's ears.

He immediately stood still and looked back.

He saw Zhang Juzheng's steward, You Qi, standing beside him, saluting respectfully: "Minister Wang, the wind is strong this morning, it is easy to damage one's appearance; my master specially called me to invite you to take a sedan chair and enter the palace together."

Wang Chonggu looked not far away at the large sedan chair parked at the mouth of the alley, waiting for work.

He immediately understood that Zhang Juzheng was waiting for him specially and must have something to say.

Wang Chonggu didn't hesitate, rolled up his sleeves, put his hands behind his back, and walked over in big strides.

Without waiting for You Qi to lift the curtain, he stuck his head in and sat in.

He sat casually opposite Zhang Juzheng and went straight to the point: "Yuanfu is looking for me, what for?"

Zhang Juzheng was holding a memorial, reading it intently, while his mouth was multitasking, saying: "Before the Altan tribute, I advised the late Emperor to review the Capital Camp."

"At that time, Xuefu also attached a memorial, saying that this move could make 'the various armies guarding the border passes also look at the wind and think of striving'."

"In the ninth month of the third year of Longqing, the late Emperor really reviewed it, 'the spectators were like walls near and far from the capital', the Tatars were terrified, and even 'the world spread the desire to restore the Hetao', which shows the effect."

"Afterwards, Xuefu also memorialized, hoping the late Emperor would take it as a norm."

"Now, why is Xuefu contrary to the norm, hesitant, and looking like he doesn't want the Emperor to intervene in the Capital Camp?"

In the time of a sentence, Zhang Juzheng had already finished reading a memorial and opened the next one again.

Wang Chonggu looked at this Grand Secretary who was racking his brains and replied dully: "What is Yuanfu saying? As a minister, how can I be rebellious and intentionally restrain the monarch?"

"It's just discussing the matter as it stands, weighing the pros and cons, and thinking slowly for the overall situation." 【100】 "At that time, the late Emperor's benevolence was too much; as a minister, I naturally liked to see the late Emperor show virtue and power, showing majesty." 【101】 "The current Emperor is young, and his actions are particularly urgent; as a minister, I want to think carefully for His Majesty, so as to check for omissions." 【102】 Wang Chonggu could not admit this to Zhang Juzheng's face. 【103】 But what he said was already very clear. 【104】 The matter was as Zhang Juzheng said, but the situation was different. 【105】 At that time, the late Emperor had no heart for government, nor did he have any intention for military affairs. 【106】 The review was just to boost morale, show attitude to the Grand Secretariat, and boost the morale of the soldiers; it was not really preparing to intervene in the Capital Camp. 【107】 It was beneficial to border affairs, but without the harm of seizing power, he was naturally one hundred percent happy. 【108】 But now, this Emperor had prejudice against Jin people, so he naturally had to guard against it; otherwise, if it were really like what his nephew said, what if he killed the donkey after the millstone was used? 【109】 Zhang Juzheng closed a memorial and handed it to Wang Chonggu. 【110】 The former suddenly changed the subject and said: "This is a joint memorial from seven people, including Chen Qu, the Right Giving Attendant of the Rites Office." 【111】 Wang Chonggu took it suspiciously, not understanding what Zhang Juzheng meant. 【112】 Only hearing Zhang Juzheng continue: "Chen Qu and others have stated all the recent disasters." 【113】 "Since the beginning of spring, the drought has been fierce, to the frequent haze, the hot dust covering the sky, and then to the long drought without rain, the water springs all dried up." 【114】 "They said that these are all because His Majesty does not cultivate virtue, indulges treacherous officials, and harms the court." 【115】 "They hope His Majesty can abolish the Examination Law, stop the planning of the Salt Administration Office, and..." 【116】 "Instruct His Majesty not to indulge in play, be vigilant in thinking, strive to cultivate practical politics, drive away the treacherous officials in the Grand Secretariat, and issue a decree of self-reproach to pray for heaven's forgiveness." 【117】 Wang Chonggu listened quietly and did not open the memorial. 【118】 After Zhang Juzheng finished speaking, Wang Chonggu shook his head: "The secrets of the Grand Secretariat, how can I peek?" 【119】 After being explained by his nephew, he also understood that the Grand Secretary and the Emperor had a close relationship. 【120】 Fearing that this was Zhang Juzheng trying to set him up. 【121】 Under vigilance, he refused to reveal half a word, so as not to say the wrong thing. 【122】 Zhang Juzheng picked up another memorial from the side and said seriously: "Besides this kind of memorial, there is also Hou Yuzhao, the Right Giving Attendant of the Punishment Office." 【123】 "Saying, the sun and stars change, showing disasters. There was no snow in the second winter last year, there is little rain this spring, the haze has been frequent for days, and the thunder does not strike." 【124】 "The two wheats have no success, the hundred grains have not been sown, and the world will have a state of thousands of miles of red land." 【125】 "This is because someone fabricated charges, framed ministers, and someone appointed people by nepotism, causing chaos in the court." 【126】 "They hope His Majesty can learn from the late Emperor, appoint virtuous ministers, and govern by doing nothing." 【127】 Wang Chonggu was expressionless. 【128】 This was talking about the Nanzhili case, Hai Rui harming ministers, and the Grand Secretariat helping the tyrant; he naturally understood. 【129】 But he didn't understand what Zhang Juzheng's purpose was in saying these things. 【130】 Just remained silent and didn't take the conversation. 【131】 In his mind, he was thinking rapidly. 【132】 Is it testing whether it has anything to do with him? 【133】 Or is it preparing to kill the chicken to warn the monkey with these censors, threatening him? 【134】 Wang Chonggu was calm, but his mind was turning. 【135】 Zhang Juzheng picked up three more memorials and read them to Wang Chonggu one by one. 【136】 All were attacking the Grand Secretariat, Hai Rui, and others, pointing at the mulberry and cursing the locust, which was clear at a glance. 【137】 After a long time, Zhang Juzheng looked at Wang Chonggu. 【138】 Sighed: "Xuefu doesn't need to be so vigilant against me; I just want Xuefu to see how many flies and dogs are in the central government now." 【139】 These censors had no ability to criticize current affairs, but they had first-class ability to attack colleagues while criticizing current affairs. 【140】 Zhang Juzheng paused, looked at Wang Chonggu, and said seriously: "Xuefu, there are not many people with true talent and learning like you; rectifying military preparation and calming border troubles cannot do without you." 【141】 "I and the Earl of Ding'an both hope you will do things seriously; when the Tatars are calmed, there will be no lack of your merits in the history books." 【142】 "Instead of failing to keep your integrity for the sake of fellow villagers." 【143】 The words were sincere and heartfelt. 【144】 But in the ears of the listener who was vigilant, the feeling was different. 【145】 Failing to keep integrity!? 【146】 Sure enough, he came to beat and threaten him! 【147】 Wang Chonggu finally could not bear it, frowned and retorted: "Is Yuanfu praising me or damaging me? And where do I come from failing to keep integrity?" 【148】 "Could it be that the central government's finances are insufficient, so they want to kill the chicken to get the eggs? And give me a groundless charge!?" 【149】 Wang Chonggu was indignant, and his tone suddenly became intense, and he didn't even want to go around in circles. 【150】 What failing to keep integrity; by the time he reached this position, he hadn't heard that corruption was a crime! 【151】 Furthermore, with his merits, he had already reported to the temple, shaded his descendants, and could openly say that he had made contributions to the country and shed blood for the Emperor. 【152】 Even if he received a gold medal of exemption from death—although the Emperor didn't give it, he got a gold book of imperial orders from Yang Bo himself, which was also a clear conscience. 【153】 Such a meritorious minister, not to mention not being rewarded, was even told that he failed to keep his integrity!? 【154】 Could it be because he was from Shanxi, so he had to be groundlessly charged with a crime of forming a party!? 【155】 The sedan chair shook, and the atmosphere between the two central officials inside suddenly plummeted. 【156】 Zhang Juzheng looked outside, and they were about to reach the Meridian Gate. 【157】 He also met Wang Chonggu's gaze and suddenly smiled: "His Majesty can tolerate even Gao Gong and Xu Jie." 【158】 "Why does Xuefu need to scare himself?" 【159】 He turned his face away, looked outside the sedan chair, and said meaningfully: "Coming to see you today is not to question your crimes, but there are words to entrust when meeting the Emperor..." 【160】 "His Majesty eats and sleeps in the palace, shouldering the common people. His heart to clear away the Tatars is pure gold, and relying on Xuefu's intention is even more flawless." 【161】 "If Xuefu's original intention has not changed and his will has not changed, why not think more and consider more." 【162】 "Entering the palace later, regarding the Capital Camp matter, I also advise Xuefu to think three times before speaking." 【163】 "If you are not sure about ten thousand points at that time..." 【164】 Speaking of this, Zhang Juzheng paused and said word by word: "If Xuefu can trust me, a person who is wholeheartedly for the country, I can guarantee you with my life!" 【165】 "I hope you think three times!" 【166】 After Zhang Juzheng finished speaking, he didn't wait for Wang Chonggu to express his attitude and invited Wang Chonggu out of the sedan chair. 【167】 The sedan chair left in Wang Chonggu's gaze, shaking. 【168】 Wang Chonggu stood in place, his expression suspicious, frowning and thinking endlessly. 【169】 Is this negotiating terms for the Emperor? 【170】 Or wanting to win him over? 【171】 Or, mentioning life and death, is it threatening him? 【172】 With suspicion, Wang Chonggu didn't go to the Ministry of War first and went straight to the West Garden. 【173】 A eunuch came to greet him, and he forgot to return the salute. 【174】 He just thought about what Zhang Juzheng meant just now. 【175】 Unknowingly, he was led to Chengguang Hall. 【176】 He was about to collect his thoughts, adjust his demeanor, and go in to meet the Emperor. 【177】 He saw a flash before his eyes, a figure walked out quickly, grabbed his arm: "Minister Wang came so early, have you eaten breakfast? Why not eat with me?" 【178】 Wang Chonggu finally reacted; it was the Emperor playing the virtuous and humble monarch again. 【179】 He hurriedly wanted to decline. 【180】 He saw the Emperor pulling him forward, without looking back, saying something shocking: "By the way, Minister Wang, Grand Secretary Yang has requested to retire three times, and I can't keep him anymore; you enter the Grand Secretariat!" ===== CHAPTER 99 =====

"At that time, the late Emperor's heart of benevolence and forgiveness was too excessive. As ministers, we were naturally happy to see the late Emperor spread virtue and power, showing his majesty."

"His Majesty is still young, and his actions are particularly hasty. As ministers, we think about considering things properly for His Majesty, so as to check for omissions and fill in the gaps."

Wang Chonggu could not admit this to Zhang Juzheng's face.

But the meaning in his words was already very clear.

The matter was as Zhang Juzheng said, but the situation was different.

The late Emperor at that time had no intention of court affairs, nor did he have any intention of military affairs.

The review was just to boost morale, to show an attitude to the Cabinet, and to boost the morale of the soldiers; it was not really preparing to interfere with the Capital Battalions.

It was beneficial to border affairs and had no harm in seizing power, so he was naturally one hundred percent happy.

But now this Emperor has a prejudice against the Jin people, so he naturally has to be on guard; otherwise, as his nephew said, what if he kills the donkey after the millstone is used?

Zhang Juzheng closed a memorial and handed it to Wang Chonggu.

The former suddenly changed the subject: "This is a joint memorial from Chen Qu and seven others, the Right Investigating Censor of the Rites Section."

Wang Chonggu took it suspiciously, not understanding what Zhang Juzheng meant.

He only heard Zhang Juzheng continue: "Chen Qu and the others have gone through all the recent disasters."

"From the beginning of spring, the drought has been fierce, to the frequent haze and dust covering the sky, to the long drought without rain, and the drying up of water springs."

"They say that these are all because His Majesty does not cultivate virtue, indulges treacherous ministers, and harms the court."

"They hope that His Majesty can abolish the Examination Law, stop the planning of the Salt Administration Office, and..."

"Urge His Majesty not to indulge in pleasure, to be vigilant, to work hard on real politics, to drive away the treacherous ministers in the Cabinet, and to issue a decree of self-reproach to pray for heaven's forgiveness."

Wang Chonggu listened quietly without opening the memorial.

After Zhang Juzheng finished speaking, Wang Chonggu shook his head: "The Cabinet's secrets, how can I peek at them?"

After being explained by his nephew, he also understood that the Senior Grand Secretary had a close relationship with the Emperor.

He was especially afraid that this was Zhang Juzheng trying to set him up.

Under vigilance, he refused to reveal a single word, so as not to say the wrong thing.

Zhang Juzheng picked up another memorial from the side and said seriously: "Besides this kind of memorial, there is also Hou Yuzhao, the Right Investigating Censor of the Justice Section."

"He says that the solar eclipse and star changes show disasters one after another. There was no snow in the two winters last year, little rain in the spring and summer this year, haze for many days, and no thunder."

"The two wheats have no harvest, the hundred grains have not been sown, and the world will have a state of a thousand miles of scorched earth."

"This is because some people are fabricating charges to frame ministers, and some people are appointing people by nepotism to disrupt the court."

"They hope that His Majesty can learn from the late Emperor, appoint virtuous ministers, and rule by doing nothing."

Wang Chonggu was expressionless.

This was talking about the Nanzhili case, Hai Rui harming ministers, and the Cabinet helping the tyrant; he naturally understood.

But he did not understand what Zhang Juzheng's purpose was in saying these things.

He just remained silent and did not answer.

In his mind, he was thinking rapidly.

Is it testing whether it has anything to do with him?

Or is he preparing to use these censors to kill the chicken to scare the monkey and threaten him?

Wang Chonggu was calm, but his thoughts were turning like lightning.

Zhang Juzheng picked up three more memorials and read them to Wang Chonggu one by one.

They were all attacking the Cabinet and Hai Rui, pointing at the mulberry and cursing the locust, which was clear at a glance.

After a long time, Zhang Juzheng glanced at Wang Chonggu.

He sighed: "Xuefu, you don't need to be so vigilant against me; I just want you to see how many flies and dogs there are in the center now."

These censors have no ability to criticize current affairs, but they are first-class in attacking colleagues while taking the opportunity to criticize current affairs.

Zhang Juzheng paused, looked at Wang Chonggu, and said seriously: "Xuefu, there are not many people with real talent and learning like you left; reorganizing the military and calming the border troubles cannot do without you."

"Both I and the Earl of Ding'an hope that you will do things seriously; when the Tatars are calmed, your merits will not be missing from the history books."

"Instead of ruining your reputation for the sake of your hometown party."

The words were sincere and heartfelt.

But to the ears of the vigilant listener, the feeling was different.

Ruining his reputation!?

Sure enough, he came to beat and threaten him!

Wang Chonggu finally could not hold back, frowned, and retorted: "Is the Senior Grand Secretary praising me or damaging me? How can I have the saying of ruining my reputation?"

"Could it be that the center is short of funds, so you want to kill the chicken to get the eggs? And give me a groundless charge!?"

In his indignation, his tone suddenly became intense, and he even had no intention of beating around the bush.

What ruining his reputation; at his position, he had never heard that corruption was a charge!

Not to mention that with his merits, he had already been recorded in the temple, and he could openly say that he had made contributions to the dynasty and shed blood for the Emperor.

Even if he had a gold medal for exemption from death, it would be more than enough—although the Emperor did not give it, he himself asked Yang Bo to get a gold book of imperial orders, which was also a clear conscience.

Such a meritorious minister, not to mention the reward, but also said he ruined his reputation!?

Could it be because he is a Shanxi person, so he has to be groundlessly charged with the crime of forming a party!?

The sedan chair was swaying, and the atmosphere between the two central officials inside suddenly took a sharp turn for the worse.

Zhang Juzheng glanced outside; it was already time to reach the Meridian Gate.

He also met Wang Chonggu's eyes and suddenly smiled: "His Majesty can even tolerate Gao Gong and Xu Jie."

"Why does Xuefu need to scare himself?"

He turned his face away, looked outside the sedan chair, and said meaningfully: "Looking for you today is not to ask for guilt, but there are words to entrust when facing the Emperor..."

"His Majesty eats and sleeps in the palace, shouldering the common people. His heart to sweep away the Tatars is pure gold, and relying on Xuefu's intention is even more flawless."

"If Xuefu's original intention does not change and his will does not change, you might as well think more."

"Entering the palace later, I also advise Xuefu to think twice before speaking about the Capital Battalions."

"If you are not sure about ten thousand points at that time..."

Speaking of this, Zhang Juzheng paused and said word by word: "If Xuefu can trust me, a person who is dedicated to the country, I can use my life to guarantee you!"

"I hope you think twice!"

After Zhang Juzheng finished speaking, he did not wait for Wang Chonggu to express his position and invited Wang Chonggu out of the sedan chair.

The sedan chair left, swaying in Wang Chonggu's eyes.

Wang Chonggu stood where he was, his expression suspicious, frowning and thinking deeply.

Is this negotiating terms for the Emperor?

Or do you want to win him over?

Or, mentioning life, is it threatening him?

With suspicion, Wang Chonggu did not go to the Ministry of War first, but went straight to the West Garden.

There were eunuchs coming to greet him, and he forgot to return the salute.

He was just thinking about what Zhang Juzheng meant just now.

Unknowingly, he was led to the Chengguang Hall.

He was about to collect his mind, adjust his posture, and go in to face the Emperor.

He saw a flash in front of him, a figure walked out quickly, and grabbed his arm: "Minister Wang came so early, have you eaten breakfast? Why don't you eat with Me?"

Wang Chonggu then reacted that it was the Emperor playing the trick of being virtuous to the scholar again.

He hurriedly tried to push it off.

He saw the Emperor pulling him forward, without looking back, and said something shocking: "By the way, Minister Wang, Grand Secretary Yang has requested to retire three times, and I can't keep him anymore, you enter the Cabinet!"