My surname is Wang, my neighbor Wu Dalang

Chapter 577
Yan Qing took the order and left.

After Yan Qing left, Wang Lin pondered for a long time alone in the imperial study room, and the faces of many important officials in the court kept appearing in his mind, and his brows were tightly frowned.

He is as clear as a mirror in his heart. This matter has nothing to do with good and evil, but only with political interests.

As long as politics and power are involved in the affairs of this world, everything will become impossible to judge with common sense, and it is even more difficult to measure with standards of right and wrong.

No matter how you look at it, Na Min and Sun Zhiliang are ministers of integrity, not villains.

But from the standpoint of the old party, if Han Ting and even many new party backbones can be pulled down, the old party camp can be consolidated, and as far as the personal political interests of Sun Zhiliang and Na Min are concerned, this also means the future Chances of getting into cabinet.

Wang Lin sighed lightly, suddenly felt a little headache.

He is actually a very simple person, but sitting on the emperor's seat forced him to become a well-mannered conspirator.

A strong premonition floated in Wang Lin's heart that the final dust of this matter would cause a huge shock in the court.

Neither the new party nor the old party will be winners.

That's all.

The key is that as an emperor, even if he is not a winner, he must not be a loser.

At this time, the female official Shangguan Qing came to report: "Your Majesty, Deng Pinzhong, Yushi Zhongcheng, is asking to see you."

Wang Lin raised his eyebrows, Deng Pinzhong was also the backbone of the old party, just after the court meeting, Deng Pinzhong went to the palace to pay his respects, which was obviously a bit unusual.

Wang Lin was silent for a moment, then waved his hand and said, "Announce."

Deng Pinzhong hastily walked into the imperial study room, bowed down and paid homage: "Mr. Deng Pinzhong, long live my emperor's greetings, long live!"

Wang Lin said indifferently: "Let's get back on your feet. Deng Pinzhong, you came to see me, are you also here to force me to dismiss Han Ting? If so, there is no need to speak."

Deng Pinzhong cupped his hands with a wry smile and said: "Your Majesty, how dare I force Your Majesty! I entered the palace this time not to impeach Han Ting, but to report something else."

Wang Lin looked up at Deng Pinzhong: "What's the matter?"

"Your Majesty, Yu Zhongchao, the censor, was seriously ill, so he sent someone to the minister's mansion, and asked the minister to convey to your majesty his memorial to beg for bones."

Yu Zhongchao?Begging for bones?
Wang Lin was stunned: "What is the age of Yu Zhongchao this year?"

Deng Pinzhong cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, it was the year when Your Excellency first knew his destiny."

Wang Lin frowned: "You're only in your early fifties, and you're ready to beg for bones and return home? Now that the court is employing people, Yu Zhongchao can be regarded as a rare honest minister. If you tell him, I won't allow it."

Yu Zhongchao was actually Deng Pinzhong's superior.

The chief official of Yushitai, Doctor Yushi.

But since the end of last year, Yu Zhongchao suddenly fell seriously ill and couldn't get out of bed, so he has been taking leave of absence in the mansion to recuperate. The affairs of Yushitai are basically decided by the deputy chief Yushi Zhongcheng Deng Pinzhong.

Yu Zhongchao was also a minister whom Li Gang highly valued and strongly recommended.

He used to be an Hanlin in the court, and later served as a scholar in Shu, and then served as a local state governor for two terms. Before entering the court, he was a transshipment envoy of Huainan Road. Although he was young, he had a lot of experience.

In the ruling and opposition parties, word of mouth is excellent.

Since Yu Zhongchao took charge of Yushitai, the ethos of officials in the court suddenly became austere.There are no more rumors and rumors that are speculative, which shows Zhongchao's ability and skill.

Among the high-ranking civil and military officials of the Manchu Dynasty, Yu Zhongchao was one of the ministers Wang Lin admired.

In fact, before being reused in Zhongchao, Wang Lin asked Jin Yiwei to secretly investigate the background of Taizhongchao. He has an excellent official reputation and high popularity in various places.The key point is that this person is also extremely clean and honest. He has been an official for 28 years, and no one can find anything wrong with him.

It is said that among the senior officials in the court, he was a poor man who was second only to Li Gang and Zong Ze.

Wang Lin rejected Yu Zhongchao's begging for bones, and ordered Deng Pinzhong to promulgate his oral order to comfort Yu Zhongchao to recover from his illness.

Deng Pinzhong then retreated.

……

Yu Zhongchao Mansion.

This is an extremely simple house with only one entry and one exit.Compared with the mansions of many high-ranking and middle-ranking officials around, it is so eye-catching.

Even the gates of the mansion were rusty and mottled, and the night was low. Wang Lin brought Yan Qing and a few Jin Yiwei out of the palace, and stood in the alley where Yu's house was located, staring at Yu's house not far away, I didn't speak for a long time.

After a while, Wang Lin waved his hand suddenly and said, "Xiao Yi, follow me to visit Yu's house."

Wang Lin walked towards Yu's house.

There was only one elderly and frail doorman at the door of Yu's house. He was squinting his eyes and drowsy at the moment, so that the emperor and Yan Qing had already walked in, and he suddenly realized that he shouted loudly to catch up and block the way.

There is only a small courtyard in the outer courtyard of Yu's house, two rows of tile-roofed rooms, and two yellow horses that look old and toothless are tied to the door of the firewood house near the gate.

There is also a well in the courtyard, a lush ancient locust tree.

The wing rooms on both sides were dim, except for the faint candlelight in the arch leading to the back house.

Men Ding saw that it was the emperor who came to the mansion in low clothes, and his face turned pale with shock, but was stopped by the Jin Yiwei who entered the door afterwards, trembling with fright, he didn't dare to say a word, and let the emperor and Yan Qing enter the inner house.

In fact, the environment of Yu's house is even more crude, with almost no valuable furnishings, but the courtyard is tidy, which shows the capability of the host.

The candlelight in the main room was weak, and two figures swayed.

Wang Lin took a deep breath and said, "Xiao Yi, call the door."

Yan Qing stepped forward and gently knocked on the door.

A tired woman's voice came from the room: "Xiulan, come in, it happens that the master just took the medicine and needs some porridge."

As soon as the words fell, a 40-year-old commoner woman in Jingchai pushed the door and came out. She was standing at the door and was about to call Xiulan, the only maid of the Yu family, when she suddenly saw Yan Qing, who was dressed in brocade and luxurious clothes, her expression changed. stay.

Yan Qing cupped her hands in salute: "My servant, Yan Qing, may I ask if Mr. Yu Zhongchao is here?"

The woman had obviously heard of Yan Qing's name, so it's no wonder that, as the commander of the Jinyi Guard next to the emperor, no one in the capital knows the name of Marquis Yan, let alone she is the second-rank wife.

The woman regained her composure, and gave a little blessing: "It turns out that Marquis Yan is visiting, my concubine is from the Li family, and my master is at home."

In fact, Mrs. Li was a little surprised.

The dignified Jinyiwei Commander unexpectedly appeared at Yu's house at this time... and Li Shi immediately saw Wang Lin standing behind Yan Qing, she looked carefully, and her face became horrified.

When she first entered the palace to meet the empress, she had seen the emperor once.

And the emperor's dragon and phoenix appearance left a deep impression on her.

Frightened and disturbed, Mrs. Li immediately knelt down and bowed down: "My concubine, Mrs. Li, long live my emperor, long live!"

Wang Lin smiled: "Madam Yu, please get up. I heard that Mr. Yu is seriously ill today, so I took the liberty to come here to visit you. Madam please forgive me."

"Please come in, Your Majesty!"

Wang Lin and Yan Qing followed Mrs. Li into Yu Zhongchao's bedroom. There was only one couch, one desk, two chairs, and a wardrobe in the room. Other than that, there was nothing in the room.

The light in the room was dim, and Yu Zhongchao struggled tremblingly to get up to stay on the bed to meet the emperor, but Yan Qing stopped him.

Seeing that there were actually two shocking patches on the quilt covering Yu Zhongchao's body, Wang Lin felt mixed feelings and didn't know what to say.

"Old minister... how dare you treat yourself like His Majesty is visiting you in person? The old minister is guilty..." Yu Zhongchao's voice was hoarse and weak, and he sat up forcefully, leaning against the white wall.

"I have always heard that Your Excellency Yu is a clean and honest official with a clean sleeve. When I see you today, meeting is better than the rumors. Your Excellency Yu is a minister of my Dayan humerus, an important minister in the court, and he actually lives in this shabby room and lives a simple life. I really can't believe it. "

"Old ministers don't like luxury, simple tea and light food are sufficient for food and clothing, and the shabby room is small but enough to shelter from wind and rain. Compared with many poor people in the world, this is already a rare enjoyment for ministers.

Your Majesty, I have been an official in the local area for many years, and I know how difficult the people's livelihood is, so..." Yu Zhongchao seemed to be coughing violently because he suddenly said so many words, and Mrs. Li hurried forward to caress his back for a long time , Yu Zhongchao calmed down.

Wang Lin glanced at Yu Zhongchao's piercing eyes even though he was ill, and said with a smile, "Master Yu should be a role model for courtiers! Throughout the dynasties, those who live in peace and happiness, work diligently as officials, and can enjoy doing it without getting tired, I'm afraid Only Yu-sama is alone!"

Yu Zhongchao blushed and said: "How dare the old minister be praised by His Majesty? I am really ashamed.

The minister is old, weak, and seriously ill, so he has the heart of begging for bones. It's not that he doesn't want to serve His Majesty and the court. Please forgive me. "

Wang Lin smiled lightly: "You don't need to say much, Yu Aiqing. You are in the prime of life, and you will be safe when you recover from your illness. I won't let you stop talking about begging for bones in the future."

……

Wang Lin chatted with Yu Zhongchao briefly at home, and seeing that he was out of breath and lack of energy, he hurriedly left.With the support of Li Shi, Yu Zhongchao forcibly stood up, and tremblingly sent the emperor and his party out of the house, shouting long live and farewell.

Wang Lin walked all the way along the quiet long street, because most of the people living on this street were high-ranking and middle-ranking officials, so the streets and alleys were sparsely populated and very quiet.

After walking for a while, Wang Lin suddenly stopped and turned around to look at Yan Qing who was still a little emotional, and said with a faint smile, "Xiao Yi, how do you feel?"

Yan Qing sighed: "Your Majesty, I have never seen an official as honest as Your Excellency. It seems that the famous officials in ancient times are nothing more than this."

Wang Lin suddenly laughed: "It is indeed too poor. It is said that I, a second-rank senior official of Dayan, Doctor Zijin Guanglu, and the chief official of Yushitai, should not live such an ascetic life."

"But Xiao Yi, don't you find it strange?"

Yan Qing was stunned: "Your Majesty..."

"The salaries of officials in our dynasty are more generous than those in the previous Song Dynasty. This is due to the high salary and honesty advocated by me. Yu Zhongchao was an official for 28 years. Even if he was not corrupt, his normal salary alone was enough to live well. Why do you live such a poor life?" Wang Lin said lightly.

Yan Qing took a deep breath: "Your Majesty's words are justified, and you're right. Yu Zhongchao's salary is generous, and it shouldn't be like this."

Wang Lin fell silent and continued walking forward.

The reason why he came to Yu's house this time was because the Yu's family was so poor, so poor to a heinous level, that aroused Wang Lin's suspicion.

The basic salary of Dayan officials is first of all salary.

Li Gang, the highest-ranking cabinet minister among civil servants, has a monthly income of 100 guan, and Wu Min, Zong Ze, Guo Zhishun, and Huang Qishan have a monthly income of 90 guan.

The following doctors, Jin Ziguanglu, etc., such as the Yushi doctor Yu Zhongchao, have about 60 guan. Even the lowest nine-rank sesame official has a monthly salary of 7 guan.

In addition, the basic salary is not only paid in money, but also in kind such as food (salary) and clothing (clothing gift), which are also distributed according to different levels of official positions.

How could it be possible to live like an ascetic with such a high salary, which can be called a super high income?
Yu Zhongchao deliberately maintains his image of incorruptibility, but it makes people suspicious.

With all these things, it is hard not to remind Wang Lin of those "poor corrupt officials" who were good at disguising and acting in his previous life.

Of course, Yu Zhongchao is not necessarily a corrupt official, but he must be a person who is good at showing off and hiding.

His incorruptible cloak has just become his revealing horse's feet.

However, this is just the emperor's inner thoughts. Before there is no actual evidence, he will not easily speak out to ruin the reputation of a cadre, even if he pretends to satisfy his personal vanity, as long as it does not endanger the family, the country and the community, Wang Lin It will never tear him apart.

Wang Lin walked for a while, and then suddenly said: "Xiao Yi, ordered someone to investigate Yu Zhongchao's family assets privately, he has been in a high-stakes career for decades, he is so poor and frugal, he must have accumulated a lot of family wealth.

In addition, let people check how his condition is. "

Yan Qing bowed to receive the order.

……

Wang Linxin went on foot, stopped in front of Li Gang's mansion, pondered for a while, and ordered Jin Yiwei to pass the news.

Not long after, as expected by Wang Lin, Li Gang, Wu Min, Guo Zhishun, Huang Qishan, Zong Ze, Na Min and Sun Zhiliang were all in Li's residence. When they heard that the emperor had arrived suddenly, they had to welcome them out of the residence together.

Wang Lin looked at the veteran cabinet ministers kneeling in front of him, smiled slightly, waved his hands to signal them to get up, and then went directly into the flower hall of the Li Mansion.

Li Gang and Wu Min looked at each other, feeling slightly embarrassed.

All the cabinet ministers gathered in Li's house. In the eyes of the emperor, it probably became a fact of forming a party.

The cabinet is headed by Li Gang. Generally speaking, whenever there is a major event in the court, Li Gang insists on discussing matters with everyone in the office of the Zhengshitang, and rarely meets privately at home.

It's just that at the court meeting today, Na Min and Sun Zhiliang suddenly stood up to impeach Han Ting, which caused quite a disturbance. Na Min and Sun Zhiliang called for questioning.

In fact, just as Na Min and Sun Zhiliang arrived, the emperor arrived.

Unexpectedly, he was caught by the emperor.

Wang Lin sat on the main seat and said with a smile: "I went to visit Yu's family today, and when I walked in front of Li Xiang's door, I suddenly felt thirsty and wanted to ask for a glass of water. Unexpectedly, all my lovers are here."

"Your servant..." Li Gang's face turned red, and he was about to explain a few words, but the emperor said indifferently: "Okay, you don't have to think too much, I'm here today, and it happens that Na Min and Sun Zhiliang are also here. Just a few words."

"Your Majesty, please enlighten me, and I will listen attentively."

"Since I ascended the throne and proclaimed myself emperor, the people in Xianning have lived and worked in peace and contentment. It is only because of the hard work of your ministers that I can lead my army to the Northern Expedition to recover the former land of Yanyun. In the future, I will destroy gold, open up territories, and restore the Han and Tang Dynasties." grand occasion.

The use of troops requires stability in the rear.

Therefore, I hope that there will be no chaos in the court.

But today's court situation depends entirely on the concerted efforts of the cabinet ministers.I don't want to see any conflict between old and new parties, and I don't want to see someone stir up trouble behind the scenes.

I can trust all of you ministers, including Na Min and Sun Zhiliang.

The ministers of the military aircraft department are also referred to as the humerus.

I hope that Li Xiang can convey my thoughts to the civil and military officials of the Manchu Dynasty.

Regardless of whether it is a new party or an old party, as long as they serve Dayan and are loyal to their homeland and the world, they are all good ministers, and I will not treat any good minister badly in the future.

On the other hand, it doesn't matter if you are from the old party or the new party, no matter how great your merits are, if you dare to deceive me and cause chaos in the court, I..."

Wang Lin's eyes were like knives, and he looked around at the crowd and said slowly: "I will never be merciless! If you find out one party, kill another, if you find out the party, I will kill the party!"

"Okay, I've had my tea too, so it won't affect your chats." Wang Lin got up and walked away.

Li Gang and others bid farewell to the emperor with sweat profusely, and then returned to sit in the hall again.

Li Gang said solemnly: "Several, you must keep your Majesty's words in mind, and you must not knowingly commit crimes! Otherwise, you also know your majesty's methods. The so-called thunder, rain, and dew are all the favor of the king. Don't ruin the current good situation of the monarch and his ministers in the court. .”

Wu Min and the others all looked at Na Min and Sun Zhiliang.

The faces of the two turned red, and they bowed together and said: "Masters, I know I'm wrong, but I really don't mean anything malicious, it's just..."

Zong Ze angrily scolded: "Okay, don't make excuses. The old man believes that you are not behind the scenes, but the old man knows your ghostly thoughts.

The old man can only tell you one thing, if His Majesty dislikes you, even if all the people in Han Ting of the general's office are pulled down, it will not be your turn to join the cabinet! "

Huang Qishan also said meaningfully: "Your Majesty knows how to use people well, and he never cares about background and seniority in employing people. As long as you are loyal to the country, the talents of the two of you will be of great use.

For example, we had nothing to do with His Majesty in the past, but now we all occupy the position of Chancellor?I hope that you will not do such things that put the cart before the horse again in the future, causing His Majesty to hate it, which is not beautiful. "

Na Min and Sun Zhiliang were so ashamed that they bowed their hands again and again, no longer trying to defend themselves.

Let’s talk about the emperor on the other side, before entering the palace, he finally made a major decision: “Xiaoyi, order the Jinyiwei secret guards to detect high-ranking officials above the third rank. Regardless of the new party or the old party, if there is a private gathering, I will be the first Time will tell."

Wang Lin originally thought that he should treat people with sincerity. For high-ranking officials above the third rank, since he reused them, he should not be suspicious of them.

The small group of officials above the third rank is not within the scope of Jin Yiwei's detectives.

But now his mentality has changed.

Although the ministers form a party in private, although it is a kind of introversion, in the end their goal of forming a party is to try to evade the imperial power.

People like Li Gang are fine now, but what about the future?He couldn't guarantee that if he changed someone else, he wouldn't have a different heart.

Although for the current Great Yan Dynasty Hall, the formation of courtiers' cliques is only the beginning of signs, but Wang Lin will not sit idly by. He has made up his mind to completely cut off such unwanted signs.

Whoever dares to take the lead will be beheaded with a knife.

Knowing the change in the emperor's state of mind, Yan Qing bowed solemnly and said, "Your minister leads the decree!"

(End of this chapter)