my brother-in-law is the prince

Chapter 287 The overall situation has been decided
Qin Zhengxue's face was pale, and he was a little flustered.

This matter has not been investigated.

Once it is verified, then...the people in the county plundered the goods of the merchants, and then used the so-called goods to invite the hearts of the local gentry to buy the hearts of the local gentry, it would be clear.

Not to mention, his father died in an embarrassing manner.

Although the son said nothing about his father's faults, to be honest, if the world knew how his father died, I'm afraid he would really be unable to be a human being.

If you really want to investigate, let Jin Yiwei directly investigate the Qin family's affairs to the bottom, and what will be revealed will not stop there?
As for the Ministry of Criminal Justice and Dali Temple... If there is also an investigation over there...

Under the pain of losing his father, Qin Zhengxue could only knock out his front teeth and swallow it in his stomach.

But Zhang Anshi refused to let go: "Didn't you say that the death is strange? Since it is strange, why don't you investigate? If you can't trust the Jinyiwei, don't you even trust the Ministry of Punishment and Dali Temple?"

After a pause, Zhang Anshi continued: "Qin Sheren, your father is dead, I...I naturally know that you are very sad, and now you are so upset that you cannot make a rational judgment."

"My lords, I think it's better for us to make decisions instead of Qin Sheren. Let's invite His Royal Highness the Crown Prince together, and ask Dali Temple and the Ministry of Punishments to send people to investigate to the end, so as not to arouse criticism from the world."

In fact, at this time, everyone was confused.

You want to say that Zhang Anshi is the murderer, but Zhang Anshi seems to care about the truth of this matter, and is even willing to invite Dali Temple and the Ministry of Criminal Justice to lead the case.

If you say that he is not the murderer, how can he not die, but why did he die at this time?
As for Qin Zhengxue's reaction, it was the most surprising.

After all, he is the sufferer. When his father died and he was in great grief, anyone would want to check it out, just in case.

But he doesn't seem to agree with that.

After hearing Zhang Anshi's words, Qin Zhengxue immediately shook his head and said, "No, my father died of old age, and the cause of death is very clear. Hey... After all, my father didn't have this fate..."

After that, his eyes turned red and his voice began to sob.

At this time, he was no longer willing to entangle, everything was a foregone conclusion, and it was useless to talk now.

At that moment, he kowtowed to the ground and said to the prince Zhu Gaochi: "His Royal Highness, I have reported my father's funeral, I... my minister..."

All thoughts of Qin politics were destroyed, and the country ruled the world with filial piety. If the minister died of his father, he should keep the system for three years. This is the so-called Dingyou system.

That is to say, at this time, he had to pack up his things and return to his hometown. After three years, he could return to the capital as an official.

For Qin Zhengxue... this is almost an unacceptable result.

But this result, you have to accept it if you want to, because this is the law of etiquette and the law of the country.

No one can go against these, unless... the emperor specially decrees to seize love.

The so-called seduction generally refers to a major event in the country, which must be handled by a certain minister. The matter has reached the point of no delay, so under the persuasion of all the officials and the emperor's will, finally stay .

But he, Qin Zhengxue, is not qualified to seize love at all.

So far, Daming has no record of seduction.

Qin Zhengxue was completely devastated, and he knew even more that if he came back...after three years, the situation in the court would definitely change, and by then...

He choked up, and he didn't know if it was because his father died, or because... he lost his great future.

He continued to speak in a difficult way: "According to the etiquette, I should bid farewell to Your Highness and return home to Ding You. I implore Your Highness for your permission."

After finishing speaking, he kowtowed to the ground and couldn't help but burst into tears.

Only then did Zhu Gaochi react. He opened his mouth wide, unable to close it, and wanted to be happy, but just as the muscles on his cheeks rose, they immediately pulled down again.

So he pursed his lips, tried his best to make himself grieve, and said in a tone that restrained his grief: "Qing is in the East Palace. I have many people to rely on. There is no Qing in the East Palace. If something happens, who should I discuss with?"

As he spoke, he wiped his eyes, and said in deep pain: "It's just... filial piety is fundamental, the Qing family can go on their own."

Qin Zhengxue said tearfully, "Thank you, Your Highness."

He stood up with a dejected expression on his face, still holding the funeral letter in his hand, shaking every step, his legs almost became weak several times, he couldn't stand firmly, and almost fell to the ground.

With one last salute, he left without looking back.

Suddenly, the hall fell into a strange atmosphere.

Zhang Anshi said at this time: "Your Highness, I think... this matter still needs to be investigated..."

Liu Bi and the others remained silent.

Zhang Anshi said everything everyone wanted to say.

What makes people speechless is that, for everyone, it seems that Qin Zhengxue's father was assassinated by someone, and someone must have done something wrong and pointed the finger at someone.

But when Zhang Anshi said it without hesitation, it seemed like there were other people in this world who harmed his father.

Zhu Gaochi said: "It's Qin Sheren's wish."

It means don't check.

Zhang Anshi had no choice but to say resentfully: "Yes."

Zhu Gaochi calmed down, showing a bit of grief, and sighed: "I trust Qin Sheren the most. Qin Sheren is in Zhan Shifu, and has always been my confidant. Now I really can't bear it."

"Yes, yes..." Everyone nodded in agreement.

Zhang Anshi also nodded, agreeing, and mechanically said: "Yes, yes, yes."

Zhu Gaochi said again: "It's just... the position of a bachelor is still vacant now. In your opinion, who is better?"

The hall fell silent again.

On the one hand, this time, everyone was unprepared, and never expected that another person would have to be nominated.

At this time, there is no time for everyone to secretly collude.

On the other hand, what happened today was too shocking, it made people lose their father, and made many people feel a little bit drummed in their hearts.

Just when everyone was still in shock, Zhang Anshi smiled and said, "Your Highness, why not Yang Pu?"

"Yang Pu?" Zhu Gaochi said lightly, looking at everyone.

Liu Bi and the others have not responded yet.

But Zhang Anshi said: "Didn't you all talk about your talent just now? Yang Pu is also very talented, with both ability and political integrity. He is actually the second choice. Even Qin Zhengxue just said it clearly. Yang Pu's talent and learning are superior to others. He is ten times better, so he is the best choice. Of course, we all know that this must be Qin Sheren's modest words, but we can also get a glimpse of it, this Yang Pu is indeed a person with real talents and practical learning."

Zhu Gaochi looked at Liu Bi: "What do Liu Qing's family think?"

"This..." Liu Bi was really stumped.

If not, where can I find a second candidate?

As for saying that Yang Pu is unqualified, that’s not acceptable. When Qin Zhengxue was publicly promoted, everyone also said that Yang Pu was indeed talented.

It is obviously inappropriate to speak back directly now.

It is impossible for Zhu Gaochi to let go of this opportunity, so he said again: "Zhu Qing, this is the top priority. These days, Zhu Qing has been urging my palace to announce candidates for bachelors as soon as possible. Why is it now that you are delaying?"

Liu Bi had no choice but to bite the bullet and smiled bitterly: "Yang Xima... Maybe you can give it a try."

After getting his words, Zhu Gaochi was not polite, and said: "Does anyone think it's wrong?"

Seeing that everyone was quiet, Zhu Gaochi stood up and said, "That's it, Yang Pu..."

Yang Pu: "..."

Yang Pu was dizzy at this time, and things turned so fast that he couldn't react.

He also always felt that there must be other reasons for the death of Qin Zhengxue's father, but God knows what the reason is.

But Yang Pu knew that after today, he might be completely bound to Zhang Anshi to death, no matter how he explained, no one would believe his innocence.

Even... Father Yang's death may require someone to pour dirty water on him.

At this point, if he chooses to decline, he will not be able to clear his suspicion.

And the only way is to accept it, get this position, do something that benefits the country and the people, and really change the world's people's perception of themselves.

In just an instant, his mind was turned back and forth, but he also made a decision, and immediately bowed down and said: "The minister is here."

Zhu Gaochi said: "All the lords have publicly recommended you as a bachelor. This is a public opinion, and you must not refuse it. You will take office tomorrow and assist me."

What else could Yang Pu say, "Thank you, Your Highness."

He raised his head and glanced at Zhang Anshi.

Zhang Anshi was smiling.

A public push dissipated.

Everyone hasn't recovered yet.

Zhang Anshi has already pulled Yang Pu: "Congratulations, congratulations..."

Yang Pu smiled wryly and returned a salute.

Zhang Anshi said: "From now on, you and I are afraid that we will be in the same boat."

This is clearly soliciting and buying.

Yang Pu also knew that he was already on the boat and couldn't get off, but he still thought about it and said: "As long as it benefits the country and the people, the officials will try their best to cooperate with Wei Guogong."

Zhang Anshi smiled, he knew that Yang Pu was still on guard against him, so he changed the subject and said, "What do you think of the regulations?"

Yang Pu said frankly: "Some places are not perfect, and some places are a bit whimsical in the eyes of the officials, but overall, they are novel."

Zhang Anshi then said: "Although the Taiping Mansion is in Southern Zhili, most of the people are suffering. I want to use this charter as a blueprint to carry out a new policy. This is also the crown prince's intention. What does Xueshi Yang think?"

"It's better to be cautious. Take one step and look at three steps." Yang Pu paused, and said: "Actually, in the past dynasties, there are not many smart people, and there are countless people who implement the New Deal. If their New Deal is only based on the charter Look, all of them are meticulous and beneficial to the people. But what about the actual effect? ​​It can be seen that the affairs of the world cannot be accomplished by just hitting your head and coming up with a novel idea. In the final analysis, it depends on people."

"Relying on people?" Zhang Anshi looked at Yang Pu in surprise, and then waited for Yang Pu's next words.

Yang Pu nodded and said: "That's right, those who have always promoted new policies have always been enemies of the old party, and most of the talents in the world are won over by the old party. Therefore, to establish a new policy...you can't rely on the support of the palace, but rely on a sage." No, let’s just talk about Wang Anshi, what a smart person Wang Anshi is, his New Deal is many times more rigorous than your lord’s regulations, but did the Song Dynasty solve the long-standing problems of redundant officials? Is it lessened?"

Zhang Anshi said: "Then what is the reason?"

Yang Pu said: "Wang Anshi has won the support of Song Shenzong, and it can be said that there is no difference in the limelight. This Wang Xianggong can be said to have taken advantage of the right time and place. The only loser...is Renhe. His new policies will inevitably cause The Manchu Dynasty opposed it, but since it is opposed, how can things be carried out? Wang Xianggong’s approach is the same as that of most New Dealers in history. What they choose is to buy people’s hearts!”

"So... the followers of power all defected to Wang Xianggong. In order to cling to them, everyone claimed to be the new party, but what happened? It turned out that things went bad because of these people. No matter how complete it is, no matter how much the emperor supports it, but as your disciples, there are a bunch of guys who just want to take advantage of the New Deal to gain power, how can things be done?"

"The final result...is nothing more than a laughingstock."

After a pause, Yang Pu continued: "So the lower officials think that Duke Wei is too anxious. Once he is eager to get a new deal, it will inevitably lead to disputes. Once there is a dispute, with the power of Duke Wei, of course he is not worried about someone taking refuge in Duke Wei. , but with these rats, how can things be done?"

Zhang Anshi listened, subconsciously said: "Then what should I do?"

Yang Pu already had an answer in his mind, so he immediately said: "First, don't use the banner of the New Deal, don't attract attention, and use the name of eliminating the White Lotus Sect..."

"White Lotus Sect..." Zhang Anshi was a little dazed.

He didn't expect that the White Lotus Sect could also become a tool man.

Yang Pu smiled and said: "The White Lotus Sect in Taiping Mansion has had too much influence. For the sake of long-term peace and stability, we can completely attack the remnants of the White Lotus Sect. Can the officials of these counties take this opportunity...to change people? Secondly, my lord Many of the initiatives in the charter can also be justified on this basis.”

"For example, it is very simple to abolish the way for the people to go out and need guidance. Just say that the White Lotus Sect deceives the people and harms the village. You can encourage the local people to go to the county town or the prefectural city to listen to the preaching..."

"There is also a tax policy, which can also be changed. Let's say that the White Lotus Sect has ulterior motives..."

Yang Pu started talking one by one, Zhang Anshi was very surprised when he heard it, and finally put his hands on Yang Pu's hand and said: "Mr. Yang, let's go, let's find a place to sit down and talk slowly."

So he found a small hall in the East Palace, Zhang Anshi asked the eunuch to pour tea, and couldn't help asking: "In the name of eliminating thieves, can people's eyes and ears be deceived?"

Yang Pu smiled and said: "My lord, there is a saying that you can only make progress when you have an inch. If you directly say that it is the New Deal, many of the strategies in it are aimed at officials and gentry, will they give up? But if you eliminate thieves, It's different."

"On the one hand, it is to tell them that this is only a temporary measure for eliminating thieves. At least it can teach them to feel at ease. , If anyone has a lot of complaints about this, they dare not oppose it too much, if not, wouldn't they become the eyes of the White Lotus Sect, and become the remnants of the White Lotus Sect?"

After a pause, Yang Pu continued: "Thirdly, there are actually some things that everyone in the world knows, but knowing it is one thing, but the father-in-law can't shout it out. Everyone knows, at least you can maintain the surface." Once you shout out, it becomes the difference between the enemy and us."

Zhang Anshi took a sip of tea and said, "That's right, it makes sense, okay, let's do it like this, but...you can't keep using this excuse."

Yang Pu then said: "This is called getting an inch. After getting an inch, if this new policy is really done well in Taiping Mansion, and the people really live and work in peace and contentment, then...at this time, under the father-in-law, a group of people must have been cultivated. Officials who are proficient in the New Deal, at the same time... also gained a lot of hearts, and there must be some people in the court who really worry about the country and the people. Seeing that the results are effective, they will definitely turn to support. At that time... things will be fine There's a lot to do."

"Grandfather... must always feel that the scholars in the world are all old-fashioned, caressing, pedantic, or heartless. In fact, the reason why you think so is because you are not born as a scholar. , the scholars in this world cannot be generalized, it is just that the good and the bad are mixed."

"If the New Deal is really effective, there may be some scholars who support it even more strongly. The reason why they oppose it is because the implementation of the New Deal in the past dynasties and dynasties, not only did not benefit the country and the people, but instead led to heavier burdens on the people and worse discipline. Corruption, this is why we are cautious and skeptical about any new policies, and besides, the father-in-law is a foreign relative after all..."

Zhang Anshi immediately raised his eyebrows and said, "What's wrong with your relative? Isn't your relative a human?"

Yang Pu couldn't help showing a smile, and said, "I don't mean that."

Zhang Anshi became serious, thought for a moment, and then said: "What you said is not unreasonable. Your strategy is quite in the legacy of Emperor Taizu Gao."

Hearing this, Yang Pu glanced at Zhang Anshi meaningfully: "I dare not."

Zhang Anshidao: "When Emperor Taizu Gao conquered the world, the strategy he used was: build high walls, accumulate food widely, and slowly become king. Isn't that what it actually means?"

Yang Pu hurriedly shook his head: "Hey, Mr. Zhang is careful, can you say this?"

Zhang Anshi had no scruples, and said directly: "Even if I say this in front of Your Majesty, isn't this the most commonly used quotation by you scholars? There are many things that are not taboo, but you scholars have a lot of fun, But it always seems as if they are colluding with something."

Yang Pu: "..."

"I don't know Mr. Yang, what other ideas do you have? Just teach me together. I am a careless person. Although there are many brothers around me, there are not many people with brains."

Yang Pu said: "Then the charter, please revise it again. After a few days, it will be sent to the father-in-law's house."

Zhang Anshi smiled happily: "Then I'll have to work."

The two of them tacitly agreed that they had completely become their own people.

Yang Pu was somewhat skeptical about life, he didn't know whether he was dragged into the water by Zhang Anshi, or dragged Zhang Anshi into the water by himself.

Maybe... it's mutual achievement.

…………

A memorial was soon sent to the palace.

At this time, Zhu Di was having lunch.

Empress Xu was not in the palace, so Zhu Di simply ate some meals in the Wenlou to deal with a few mouthfuls.

Therefore, they only sent a jug of small wine and a few dishes of side dishes. The wine is royal brewed by the palace.

At this moment, Yishiha walked in on tiptoe.

Zhu Di looked up at Yi Shiha, poured himself a drink, and said, "Eastern Palace...is there any result?"

Yishiha walked to Zhu Di's side and said, "Yes."

Zhu Di took a sip of wine, then asked again: "Who did you push out?"

"Qin Zhengxue..."

Zhu Di frowned, looking displeased, put the wine glass casually on the table, and muttered: "Between his mother, I only taught them not to swear, but I didn't let them follow the minister's wishes everywhere. Is it Zhu, or is it in the pocket of these bird ministers?"

After cursing angrily, he filled the glass again.

Yishiha said: "But..."

Zhu Di: "..."

After hearing only two words, Zhu Di raised his glass again and poured wine into his mouth, suddenly looked at Yi Shiha.

Yi Shiha cautiously said: "However... some accidents happened. Qin Sheren's father... passed away, so Qin Sheren immediately resigned from office and returned to his hometown to guard the system. In the end...everyone voted for Yang Pu .”

"puff……"

Zhu Di took a sip of the wine and sprayed it out.

"Why didn't you say it earlier?"

Yi Shi laughed and said: "Isn't this servant afraid that I can't explain clearly?"

Zhu Di said instead: "Why is his father dying at this time?"

"The servants don't know, everyone suspects...cough cough..."

Zhu Di raised his eyes and said, "You mean...the prince and Zhang Anshi did it?"

Yi Shiha said: "It's not like that, Duke Wei has repeatedly hoped for a thorough investigation, and also hoped that the Ministry of Punishment and Dali Temple will investigate...the cause of death must be thoroughly investigated...instead, it was Qin Sheren who said it was the end of life..."

Zhu Di couldn't help being disappointed: "I thought that my son was a bit promising, and he was really a person capable of great things. It turned out to be just luck."

Zhu Di couldn't help sighing, it's strange to say that as a father, Zhu Di hoped that King Han and King Zhao would be more peaceful, but he also hoped that his eldest son would be more ruthless.

Yi Shiha said: "However... this servant... thinks there is something strange about it, it's because of the person who reported the funeral... this servant asked someone to check, this person... is a little different, and he was very secretive about Father Qin's death , it looks like... Father Qin died violently."

"Could it be..." Yi Shiha said: "There is something wrong with Father Qin's death, but it's hard to say clearly..."

Zhu Di suddenly understood something: "I see, if it really is the case, then there are quite a few tricks."

Yi Shiha smiled wryly and said, "This is just the conjecture of this servant."

"No need to guess." Zhu Di waved his hand and said, "Where is such a coincidence in the world!"

He paused, he didn't feel like eating or drinking at this time, and said: "Go and call Master Yao and Jin Qing's family, hurry up, I have important matters to discuss with them."

Seeing Zhu Di's eagerness, Yi Shiha hurriedly said, "I'll go now, slave."

As soon as he left, an eunuch came in a hurry: "Your Majesty, Duke Yao and Duke Jin are asking to see you."

Zhu Di raised his eyebrows, which was a coincidence.

After a while, Yao Guangxiao entered the hall together with Jin Zhong, and the two saluted: "Your Majesty..."

Zhu Di's eyes fell on Yao Guangxiao first, and said: "Every time I want to see Master Yao, Master Yao always comes here without losing the opportunity."

"Fate is beyond words!" Yao Guangxiao said with a smile.

Zhu Di said: "Okay, stop talking nonsense, have you found out the matter?"

Zhu Di looked at Yao Guangxiao seriously with a solemn expression.

(End of this chapter)