eldest son of Ming dynasty

Since the last time she was taught by her grandfather, Zai Yan no longer thinks about how to trouble Zhang Cong.

In fact, during this process, he became slightly different from his elder brother.

The group of Qingliu behind his eldest brother gathered around him based on the holy precepts of not establishing a direct lineage and establishing a long-term leader. They felt orthodox, but naturally they had not interacted with Zhang Cong until death, and even became mortal enemies of each other.

However, Zai Chen now knew that Zhang Cong had his own role, and his father wanted to use him, so the opportunity was not there, and the emperor was not willing to see this happen.

When he accepted the mission from Sichuan this time, he understood that the emperor did not completely let Zhang Cong go. Otherwise, the governor of Sichuan was Zhang Cong's man, how could he easily touch him?

Zai Yan now understands that his grandfather said that he was selfish and public, while his father told him that he wanted to benefit the country and the people. In the final analysis, you have to do it for the sake of the country and the country of Ming Dynasty, rather than thinking about yourself.

Being in the position of the second child, Zai Yan can see clearly and it is easier to do it. He does not care about his power in the court, because in his opinion, it is useless to care.

There are no things much ado about.

It's still what he imagined, keep it simple.

In the bamboo building in the Yang Mansion, Zai Yan was thinking about Xia Yan and the errands assigned by the emperor.

As for Xu Min, when he talks about his errands with Xia Yan at this moment, he naturally has to exaggerate. He has always been smart. "When I was young, I had a close friend, Xia Yan's son. The Xu family and the Xia family are Family friend!"

"A family friend? Then you must know what happened in Shuangliu County."

Xu Min thought about whether she could talk about Jin Yiwei, but later she decided not to, because it was meaningless. Such an identity would only make people suspicious, and it was completely impossible to bluff the prince.

So Xu Min omitted this paragraph and started from the beginning, "When I returned to His Highness the Second Highness, I was the one who experienced it. However, he said that about three months ago, a foreigner came to Shuangliu County. This person's surname was Han, and his family was quite wealthy. , after arriving in Shuangliu, he purchased land and houses, donated money to charity, and his reputation in the county increased sharply."

"Is this a good guy?"

"But there's something wrong with his money."

Zai Yan asked, "What does this have to do with what Mr. Yang said about Xia Yan's grievance?"

Xu Min really seemed to have met her relatives, "It does matter! Prince Yu, not only Uncle Xia has grievances, but the villain's father also has grievances! It's because the villain discovered that the silver surnamed Han was smuggled Japanese official silver, and he was worried When the incident happened, the villain's father was first framed and imprisoned, but Uncle Xia reported the matter to the court out of loyalty to all the ministers and the righteousness of his friends, so he suffered this disaster! Mr. Yang's statement of injustice, in the villain's opinion, this It’s an eternal injustice!”

Zai Yan was shocked, "Official silver smuggling? Xu Min, do you know what you are talking about? This matter is not trivial. If there is any untruth, I will kill you!"

Xu Min's face became serious, and he knelt down and said, "Your Highness, this is Uncle Xia's handwriting. The facts and truth are in it. Your Highness will know it at a glance!"

Yang Shen also said angrily, "Your Highness, the matter is very clear. A group of officials in Sichuan deceived the emperor and framed Zhongliang. They are simply audacious! The emperor has worked hard and worked hard for decades to create this prosperous Ming Dynasty, and he is not leaving it to these people. The insects are raising and lowering their hands among them, seeking their own benefit!"

"Yes, they should give an explanation to the court and their father about this matter. There is a huge difference between accidental omissions and deliberate deception."

Zai Yan lowered his hands and thought, "However, Yao Yulin is the governor of Sichuan. From him down, most of the Sichuan officials, big and small, are his party members. There must be a lot of people involved. If you want to give Xia Yan justice, you must give your father one." To find out the truth, we still have to think of a safe way. For example... what does this matter have to do with Yao Yulin? Even if we rescue Xia Yan and bring him to the king, Yao Yulin will be deceived by his subordinates. But most of the guilt has been removed.”

Yang Shen took a breath, "Judging from this person's shameless style, this is extremely possible."

"All these problems lie with Yao Yulin. If he is still the governor, even if we deal with one or two prefects and chief envoys, the situation in Sichuan will not change."

Xu Min was speechless. He was a bit smart, but what the big shot said had shocked him.

In the past, the governor of Sichuan was unattainable to him, but now he is discussing how to deal with him.

However, he was still thinking hard...

"Official silver smuggling?!" Xu Min blurted out suddenly, "The biggest official must get the most money. Why did Yao Yulin hide it for the people below? The official silver smuggling must also be related to him! They are all in the same group. Damn it, who would believe that he didn’t know about this?”

"Strange, how did you discover the smuggling of official silver?" Zai Yan grasped the key point.

Xu Min paused for a moment and then told him the trick he had used to deceive his father.

That was indeed a reason. After thinking for a while, Zai Yan said: "In that case, let's find out all the things about how they smuggled. Yao Yulin is involved, so naturally he cannot escape guilt. Then he framed Xia Yan and deceived the emperor. The charges he reported are now confirmed, and no matter how many times he opens his mouth, it will be difficult for him to defend himself."

Yang Shen asked: "I wonder where the Second Highness will start from investigating?"

"The mountain man has his own clever plan. If you can trust me, just wait for my news."

Yang Shen had no doubts about these words, while Xu Min was instinctively worried. After all, it was the first time they met and he didn't know the person opposite him yet.

"Take this thing first."

Zai Yan has already read it and there is no need to keep this secret letter. Even if he has nothing, he can dictate it and he believes that his father will trust it.

Xu Min felt like he had found a treasure. Fortunately, the most important thing was not taken away.

"By the way, your injury...is it a broken muscle or bone?"

"Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. The little one has a traumatic injury. He will recover for a few days and wait for the wound to heal. It should be fine."

If not, he would really have agreed to let Yang Shen find someone to send it to him when the matter was so urgent.

Zai Yan said: "I'm not worried about you, I just want you to be useful."

Xu Min immediately expressed her loyalty, "Your Highness, just follow your orders."

Zai Yan said no more, and followed Yang Shen out, telling him on the way, "This matter is of great importance. Don't let the news leak out yet, so as not to alert the enemy."

"Yes."

When he was leaving, he said to Yang Shen: "Yong Xiu, since you still have the imperial court in your heart, how about I recommend you to my father to be the governor of Sichuan when things are over?"

Yang Shen was shocked, shook his head and said: "Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness. I'm just used to being carefree, so I'm afraid I'm not suitable for officialdom anymore. Moreover, I'm from Sichuan, and according to the court's regulations, I can't patrol Sichuan. Besides, your Majesty's treatment of people like me Such a person will not agree easily."

"Father will not agree easily, but if you help me handle this case, you naturally have the court and the people in your heart. This is the reason. As for the rule that people from the south are in the north and people from the north are in the south, they have been broken for a long time. , As long as my father believes that you are dedicated to serving the people, it is certainly a good thing for Sichuan to get you. It is also my duty as a prince to recommend talents to the country and protect officials for the people."

Yang Shen still refused, "Thank you for your kindness, His Highness, but this matter is of great importance. Your Highness suddenly mentioned it, and I was unprepared."

"Not urgent."

After that, Zai Yan went to chat with Yang Tinghe for a few words, and then left the Yang Mansion.

Although Yang Tinghe was dim-sighted and had been away from the court for a long time, he was still an old mage who had been in the officialdom for decades. After seeing only this side of Zai Chen, he said to his son, "This second prince is really a bit like an emperor." What did he say to you?"

Yang Shen did not hide this from his old father, "His Second Highness said that when things get better here, he will recommend his son to be the governor of Sichuan."

"Then what do you think?"

"My son didn't agree."

Yang Tinghe suggested: "If His Highness really recommends it, my father would suggest you agree."

Yang Shen pursed his lips and said nothing.

He has indeed been retired for many years. This is not a way to support him. His biological father lost power in the court, and the new Mr. Zhang Ge behaved like that.

If he really wants to be an official, he won't be able to achieve any real results. Instead, he will be passively involved in various battles, which is really boring.

But there are some differences between him and those who are really hidden. As the second prince said just now, the emperor thought of his friendship as a classmate.

Yang Tinghe stood up on crutches, "What you usually say about being deeply favored by the emperor is not just casual. His Highness really recommends it. If you still don't agree, we, father and son, will be ungrateful people."

The old man seemed to have some understanding. Zai Yan said that he was an old man from Qiandi and should be able to understand the emperor's painstaking efforts.

In other words, the father and son were so favored by the emperor, even if it was against their own wishes, they could not refuse it as long as the court needed it.

After all, I still can't let go of the friendship with the emperor.

"But you still have time. Even His Highness, a Sichuan governor, can't just take it."

Yang Shen thought of recommending his second son, "Dad, why don't you think the emperor has appointed a heir apparent yet? Moreover, the emperor has also asked the princes to take charge of government affairs. Doesn't the emperor not want to recognize the system of heir apparent?"

Yang Tinghe looked deeply into the sky, "You want to ask whether the throne will be passed on to His Highness the Second Highness in the future?"

"If this is the case, it may be beneficial to the contemporary generation, but it will cause endless harm."

"In the past, like you, I always felt that the emperor's thoughts were wrong. But Jiangnan... In the end, the emperor was right about such a big matter. The emperor is different from ordinary emperors, just like Emperor Taizu in the past, the princes under his knees were not Each one will lead an envoy? And he will also lead an army. As for who will be passed on to the throne, it is too early to say. "

The reason why Yang Tinghe said that Zai Yan is more like an emperor is because of his calm and steady personality.

In his eyes, although Zai Yan gave the impression of being taciturn, she actually had an idea in her heart.

……

……

Outside Yang Mansion.

Zai Yan led his bodyguard Leershan and others to leave Xindu County.

On the way, he said: "This trip to the Yang Mansion turned out to be unexpected. Xia Yan's affairs were generally clear. The governor of Sichuan and his officials intercepted the memorial, framed a loyal minister, and had the audacity to deceive the emperor. This crime , even if Zhang Bingyong carries it for him, he can't escape."

"Is this happening? Now that His Highness knows it, are we going to directly arrest Yao De and bring him to justice?!"

Zai Yan bit her finger, but disagreed, "I trust Yang Yongxiu, but this matter is not trivial. How can you accuse them of being a governor of a province just by listening to their words? It's better to understand the matter clearly. Yao Yulin, governor of Sichuan It’s been two years, why not wait a few more days?”

"Yes!"

"But... most likely, this matter cannot be faked." Zai Chen thought about it and began to take off his clothes in the carriage. "Find someone to come in and change clothes with me, and then pretend to be me and return to the camp."

Leershan shook his head repeatedly, "No, Your Highness. Your move to escape from the golden cicada's shell is too dangerous, and your subordinates don't dare to do it."

"The country is peaceful and the people are safe. What are you afraid of?! Hurry up!"

"But in two days, you and a group of officials will randomly check the fish scale atlas of eight counties. How will you explain this when you are not around?"

"Account? Account to whom? I am the king of the county! Two days later, you find an excuse to drag him away. The first time he didn't believe it and didn't dare to do anything. When he can't hold it anymore, then tell him directly. If I’m not here, what can I do?”

Zai Yan wanted the time difference.

In fact, his words to comfort Yang Shen and Xu Min were not false.

Although the memorial listing Xia Yan's crimes was written by Yao Yulin, if he was not linked to the official bank smuggling case, he would indeed be able to deny it to death.

But Xu Min gave him a new clue, which was in Shuangliu County.

He wanted to take advantage of this time difference and go to the bottom of the cauldron first. However, this group of people dared to deceive even the emperor, and they were probably the type who would resist stubbornly. Therefore, if he did not go there in person and only left it to his subordinates, he would be a little worried that something would go wrong.

To ensure safety, he told Leershan, "After I leave, in three days, you can secretly find the Sichuan guard eunuch with my king's badge. Remember, you must see him in person, and then take him with you." Let him come to me."

"Yes, I obey!"

Zhu Zaicheng patted him on the shoulder, "Okay, let someone come in and change clothes!"

These days, clothes are a status symbol and cannot be changed easily. However, he still had a secret order from the emperor, which could prove his identity. Even if the local officials were a little suspicious, they could easily be fooled for a moment.

So one person entered the carriage, and when he got back to the station and got out of the carriage, there was another person.

The reason why he could think of this method was really thanks to Yao Yulin's robbing of beauties.

And it's not hard to guess where he is going - Shuangliu County.

In Xu Min's memorial, he saw a businessman named Han Chunbo. This person directly used money, and most of the others had official status. Even if he was a prince, it would not work if he suddenly arrested a prefect without reason.

On the contrary, Han Chunbo, although he had some background, was not afraid of his background. He also expected that this man's family should have a lot of correspondence with the local government.

Even if not, arresting this person secretly for a period of time will not have any impact. At least it can be hidden from the local officials for a period of time.

And this time is basically enough.

So he stopped delaying and went directly to Shuangliu without even returning to his post, and met with the people he had sent before.

There was nothing unusual about the imperial envoy's journey. Yao Yulin did not go there in person. When someone reported that the second prince had returned, he did not think anything of it.

In fact, Zaiyi came with a secret order, and Yao Yulin didn't know that the emperor had noticed the problem with the memorial he had submitted earlier.

In addition, the eldest son of the emperor, Zai Tuo, was also supervising the preparation of fish scale albums in various places. He really couldn't imagine that there were other things involved.

……

……

Speaking of which, after Han Chunbo used some tricks to get Xia Yan to offend the eunuchs, the local officials became bold enough to frame Xia Yan with charges. This method went quite smoothly.

The main reason is that it is easier to deal with people like Xia Yan who have no background at all.

Although some people in the local area knew that Xia Yan was unjustly accused, ordinary people could not interfere with government affairs. Xia Yan was imprisoned and things were settled, so his life was comfortable this month.

Except for Xu Min, the boy was not found, but the matter had already involved the prefect, and he had to pursue Xu Min's traces. Han Chunbo did not believe that the prefect could not deal with such a boy.

Little did he know that disaster would happen in just one or two days.

As for Zai Chen, he had originally sent six people to explore first. As soon as he entered Shuangliu County, Ding Chengshan and Yang Runshan met secretly at the inn.

The two of them were surprised when they saw that Prince Yu's clothes were guard uniforms, but they didn't dare to ask any more questions. They just knelt down on one knee and said, "I have met His Highness the Second Highness."

"Flat body."

Zai Yan put her hands on her hips and asked, "What do you know about the situation here?"

"Back to the Second Highness, your subordinates secretly visited Xia Yan in accordance with His Highness's order. Now it is certain that Xia Yan is not an official who embezzles money and harms the people, whether it is an innkeeper or an ordinary person, even a boatman or a fan. , have never seen Chief Xia Yantian oppress the people, but instead stand up for the people everywhere. This matter is indeed a false accusation."

Zai Yan nodded, "Do you know why the false accusation was made?"

Another person said, "The arrest of Chief Xia Yantian aroused great discussion among the people. There were rumors from the countryside, and my subordinates tried to pry into some, but none of them reached the ears of His Highness. Moreover, most of them were false. It is really not believable. As for the government... Please forgive me, Your Highness, time is still short and my subordinates have not found out yet."

Zai Yan did not blame him, "It doesn't matter. I came in a hurry and didn't leave you much time. However, I did gain something in Chengdu. It is related to a local good man, Han Chunbo. Do you know this person?" ?”

Ding Chengshan was confused, "There is such a person, but he does many good deeds, so it shouldn't be related to this matter?"

Zai Yan thought to himself, this is a smart man. He wears a kind cloak. Ordinary people will automatically ignore him even if they come to explore.

Nowadays, it is estimated that it will be difficult to find out the results of this person in a short time.

At this moment, he needed to make a decision, whether to procrastinate like this or to trust Yang Shen and Xu Min.

In fact, he was a little more cautious. He was a prince and was sent to Sichuan on official missions, and he had already determined that Xia Yan was falsely accused. No matter what, there was something fishy going on.

Even if things don't go as expected in the end, what Yao Yulin reported is inconsistent with the facts. This is a certainty.

With this thought, Zai Yan no longer hesitated.

In fact, he can use his status as a prince to follow the path of the county prince, which is justifiable. However, this matter was a problem with the government itself. The reason why he dressed lightly was to hide it from the government's eyes.

"There are ten of us. If we ask you to kidnap Han Chunbo, will you be sure?"

Chengshan and Runshan didn't say much, they just kowtowed, "I obey the orders of His Highness!"

They are the elite of the Shenwu Guards. Each of them can fight one person against five or six people. It is really not difficult to control an undefended squire.

Han Chunbo always had to go out, and he had the image of a great benevolent person. If he only walked in the city, he would bring at most three or five people, and he would never bring a lot of guards. Even if he did, less than fifty people would not be enough, and How could such a person who deliberately bought a name talk about it in such a big way?

It's not like the chief assistant is going out.

The key is now that the country is prosperous and the people are safe, but a vicious murder occurred in the county?

Gangsters will not risk their lives like this.

Afterwards, Chengshan and Runshan led their men to stare outside Hanzhai.

At noon the next day, Han Chunbo finally went out. He went to an elegant place, a local shop selling Western books. Once he got inside, he went up to the second floor.

Ding Chengshan and his gang started taking action.

The two men went directly to the shopkeeper, put a shiny dagger directly on his neck, and blurted out a threat: "Close the shop, we will spare your life!"

The other seven people went directly upstairs to control Han Chunbo.

The remaining person went back to report the news.

When Zaiyan arrived, everything was in place.

In the shop, the shopkeeper looked innocent in clothes. He hugged his daughter and hid in the room on the right where the books were displayed, shivering.

On the left side of the door, there was Han Chunbo who was tied to a chair and his three men who were completely controlled.

Zai Yan was a little dissatisfied, "Ten people, to deal with four people, but also to implicate two innocent people?"

Ding Chengshan had no choice but to apologize, "In order to avoid wasting time, I was a little rougher this time...but my subordinates did not hurt anyone."

As he spoke, he quickly glanced at Han Chunbo and came back, "Except this person. He... was not very honest, so his subordinates beat him up."

Zai Yan didn't think this was a reason, but now that the matter was over, it was better not to dwell on it.

He first walked to the right, so close that the shopkeeper shrank back in fright.

Zai Yan knelt down and said, "My men acted recklessly and shocked the old man. I apologize here. I will temporarily lend you your store for a few days. These fifty taels of silver are what you used to close the store these days." loss."

When the old man saw that Zai Yan really took out the money, he was doubtful and asked, "You, who are you?"

"Good guy."

After taking a closer look at Zai Yan's handsome face, the old man's daughter seemed to be more courageous than his father.

"Chengshan, drag this man surnamed Han to the backyard, and comfort the shopkeeper."

"As ordered."

To say that Han Chunbo was already stern and his mouth was gagged, but when he went to the backyard and the things in his mouth were taken out, he immediately started barking, "Who are you! How dare you kidnap someone on the street in broad daylight? Don’t you know that there is no place for gangsters like you in this peaceful and prosperous age?!”

Zai Yan didn't rush to ask. It was the first time for him to do such a thing, and he didn't know how to start.

Han Chunbo also took stock of the situation. Seeing that the other party was not panicking at all, he changed his words and said, "You guys, what do you want? Money? Or...or revenge?"

"Who do you have a grudge against?"

Han Chunbo immediately denied it, "I have always been kind to others and never enmity with others. Brother, if you are asking for money, just tell me the number. There is no need... there is no need to be involved in a lawsuit with human life. Now... now is not ten A few years ago, if there was a murder case, the government would definitely investigate it to the end. It is better to take the money and lead your people to live happily."

"He is a man, at least he has a clear mind." Zai Yan walked around him and said, "Your name is Han Chunbo."

"Yes... so what? I don't know your brother's surname?"

Zai Yan walked up to him and said with a slow smile: "My surname is Zhu, my name is Zai Yan, I am the second eldest child in the family."

"Zhu Zaicheng?" Han Chunbo muttered, thinking that he didn't recognize him at all. Where did he come from?

"Bold!" Yang Runshan stepped forward and scolded sternly, "You can also call His Highness the Second Highness by his given name?!"

Han Chunbo cursed in his heart, Damn, didn't he tell me that himself? No, wait,

"Second Highness...?! You are, you are today...impossible!! Absolutely impossible!" Han Chunbo looked at his attire and it didn't look like him, "How could the current prince come to this small Shuangliu County! This Brother, I don’t care what you are doing, you’d better let me go as soon as possible!”

"Is it really impossible? With your good information, you should know that an imperial envoy has come from Sichuan, right?"

Han Chunbo's heart skipped a beat, but he immediately reacted, "If you are really the prince of the current emperor, why do you need to personally arrest Han? If you just say anything, Han will not survive today."

"He is very eloquent, which is unpleasant. Runshan, what do you think we can do to get him to speak?" Zai Yan is not very experienced.

Yang Runshan didn't talk nonsense, "Your Highness, please avoid me. Your subordinates will have their own ideas."

Zai Yan glanced at the man and said, "Okay."

Han Chunbo panicked, he was not a tough person, and he immediately struggled on the chair, "Wait...wait! Wait! Hey! You, you haven't asked yet?! How do you know I won't speak?" Hey! Do you know who I am? I am from the Miao Prefecture in Chengdu. If you touch a hair on my head today, the Miao Prefecture will not let you go! Hey!"

"Prefect of Chengdu?" Yang Runshan flexed his fists and said arrogantly: "Even if he were here in person, he would not dare to say such things."

Han Chunbo saw that the fist was getting closer, so he couldn't help leaning back, and his face began to turn pale, "No, you... what are you doing for? What do you want to know? Tell me clearly, if I know, I will definitely Said."

boom!

Yang Runshan gave him a heavy punch first, "Didn't you hear what His Highness the Second Highness said? You are so eloquent that I don't like it. For a person with such a sharp mouth like you, even if I ask you, you will just ramble and talk nonsense. Just make it up."

"Ah!" Han Chunbo only felt a sharp pain that penetrated his heart. This sharp pain made him unable to help but get angry and became anxious, "Who is rambling, and you haven't asked yet?!"