The strongest Marquis in history

Chapter 720 Resignation

The weather at the end of September is getting cooler every day.Even when the breeze blows in the morning and evening, there is a little more chill.

Linzi city became more and more lively.

Especially in the second half of the year, after the autumn harvest, the people are almost done with their work for the year, and they all go out to shop, buy new year's goods, and prepare one or two new year's clothes for their children.

Even though there is still some time before the end of the year, the market in the city is becoming more and more lively.

Compared to the bustle of the common people, Duan Jiuzhen's mansion in Linzi city was a little cold.

The Duan family is in Xuzhou, so most of the Duan family are in Xuzhou, and they never went north to Linzi to live.However, on weekdays, Duan Jiuzhen's mansion was always crowded with many people coming and going.

After all, Duan Jiu is really the head of the Supervision Department, in charge of one department.Even if he is in the court, he is not responsible for specific government affairs.But monitoring the locality is like hanging a sharp sword over the magistrate's head.

It is equivalent to saying that although Duan Jiuzhen is old and has no military power, he can influence officials at any time, so many people are fawning on him, hoping to establish a good relationship.

Recently, news came back from Kuaiji County, saying that the local supervisory department personnel in Zhang'an County colluded with local officials and businessmen to frame the county magistrate Long Ying, which led to Long Ying's imprisonment.So much so that Wang Qi beheaded all the staff of the Supervision Department in Zhang'an County.

As for the Supervision Department officials in Kuaiji County, they were also dealt with.

The news spread, causing waves immediately.

Many people knew that there was going to be a storm in the supervisory department, so the number of people who came to visit Duan Jiuzhen suddenly decreased, and the door was empty.

In the study, Duan Jiuzhen was reading a book.

He was already very old, his temples were already snow-white, his hair was thinning, and his face was covered with age spots.A pair of eyes, even with thick bags under the eyes, although he opened his eyes to read, but in the eyes of outsiders, his eyes are almost narrowed, and he looks very old.

Duan Jiuzhen read the book slowly, and after a long while, he turned another page of the book.

"Bang! Bang!!"

A knock on the door came from outside the study.

Duan Jiuzhen took a while to come back to his senses, and ordered: "Come in."

The door creaked open and a young man entered.The young man's name is Duan Qicheng, he is the eldest grandson of Duan Jiuzhen, in his early twenties, elegant and handsome, but at this moment there is a trace of panic in his eyes.

Duan Qicheng said: "Grandfather!"

Duan Jiuzhen put down the book slowly and asked, "What's the matter?"

Duan Qicheng said in a panic: "Grandfather, there is news from outside that King Qi's car is about to return to the capital. It is estimated that it will return to the palace soon. Our supervision department is in Zhang'an County, and there is such a big mess." , how can you still stand still? At that time, King Qi will definitely ask you for the crime."

Duan Jiuzhen opened his eyes, and in an instant, his eyes widened, and a stern look flashed across his eyes.

Immediately, Duan Jiuzhen regained his composure, and said slowly: "Remember clearly, the supervisory department has never belonged to our Duan family, but to King Qi. As for what happened this time, it is actually a good thing. Old man, I have long wanted to retire. This Once the king of Qi came back, the old man went to see him and resigned. After all, what happened in Zhang'an County, there is a reason to resign."

"How does this work?"

When Duan Qicheng heard this, he panicked.

There was even more anxiety on his face. Although his grandfather was in charge of the Supervision Department, although it was not comparable to the real power departments such as the Ministry of Households, the Ministry of Officials, and the Ministry of War, in fact, the Supervision Department had a very special status, and it was the place of supervision.

Duan Jiuzhen said: "What's wrong?"

Duan Qicheng said anxiously: "Once grandfather resigns, our Duan family will lose its influence in the court. This will have a great impact on the Duan family."

Duan Jiuzhen said: "What influence can it have? Is the Duan family going to do something big?"

"This……"

Duan Qicheng was immediately speechless when asked.

He stomped his feet and said, "Grandfather, you understand what my grandson means. If my Duan family does not advance, it will retreat. Once it retreats, the Duan family will not be able to become a wealthy family in Qi. Therefore, grandfather works in the Supervision Department. There are great benefits."

Duan Jiuzhen put down the books in his hands, gathered up his clothes, and said: "If you don't deserve your virtue, you have to suffer in the end. When I first assisted King Qi, I was really full of fighting spirit. I was running around all year round, monitoring the stability of the place. .”

"To put it bluntly, the stability of Qi country is due to this old man."

"Now that I'm old, I don't have the energy to take care of so many things. After a day of running outside, I have to rest for three to five days at home before I can recover."

"Besides, many people in the Supervision Department, because the team is getting bigger and bigger, people from all over the place are gradually getting out of control. People in the local area gradually have their own ideas."

"Besides, if the supervisory department wants to deal with people, it is something that offends people."

"It's like saying that the head of the Supervisory Department is the lonely official of the King of Qi, and he can't make friends with the courtiers. If there is only the old man in the Duan family, then it's okay. Anyway, the whole family will not be hungry when one person is full, but this is not the case."

"In the past, I didn't think about your official career. The old man was able to move forward and deal with the local situation regardless of everything. Now, you must think about it. None of the sons under the old man's knees has become a talent."

"Once the old man dies, can you directly support the portal?"

"You can't hold it."

"At that time, the people offended by the old man will attack you in groups. You can't bear it at such a young age, and you don't have enough strength to resist. So now, the old man is advancing by retreating to keep you safe."

Duan Jiuzhen said: "In the future, you don't need to work in the Supervision Department, go to other departments. For this matter, the old man will ask King Qi for a favor to let you directly become an official. The old man has made meager contributions. Qi Wang Rende will allow it."

"No!"

Duan Qicheng shook his head.

Duan Qicheng said: "Grandfather, you think too much. It's because you worry too much. Grandson knows your ability. If you really want to rectify the Supervision Department, even if you don't go to the place, you can do it." arrive."

"Grandfather never did this because you, grandfather, were worried about making enemies for your grandson and the Duan family. The so-called lack of energy is just your excuse."

"Grandfather, you don't actually have to worry about your grandson."

"As long as my grandfather is here, there will be no problem with the Supervision Department. Grandpa, you can arrange for me to join the Supervision Department. Our Duan family will be in charge of the Supervision Department, and we will always have a good time."

Duan Qicheng said: "Our Duan family can always be the sharp sword in the hands of His Highness."

Duan Jiuzhen stroked the beard under his chin, laughed at himself, and said, "I've said it many times, the supervisory department does not belong to our Duan family, it belongs to His Highness, it belongs to the king of Qi, and it belongs to the state of Qi."

"You want to enter the Supervision Department, without His Highness's permission, it is absolutely impossible."

"Old man, it is impossible to use power for personal gain."

"So your idea is completely wrong, and you can no longer have the idea that the supervisory department is my Duan family. You have to remember that everything is given by His Highness. If you don't understand this, don't step on it." Enter the official career."

Duan Jiuzhen's tone gradually became severe, and said: "Youth is capital, but just because you are young, you are prone to ignorance, arrogance, and recklessness. People can't let themselves have a pig's brain just because they are young."

Duan Qicheng said: "Grandfather, my grandson is going to enter the Supervision Department. Grandfather is the first executive officer of the Supervision Department, and my grandson will definitely be in charge of the Supervision Department in the future, and will definitely reproduce the glory of my grandfather."

Duan Jiuzhen said: "It's good to have this fighting spirit and idea."

Duan Qicheng said: "Grandson, you must enter."

Duan Jiuzhen stared at Duan Qicheng, he didn't speak for a long time, and after hesitating for a while, he asked, "Are you serious?"

"Yes!"

Duan Qicheng answered decisively.

Duan Jiuzhen nodded, and said: "Yes, I will let you enter the Supervision Department, but everything depends on you. I won't help you at all."

Duan Qicheng said, "Is grandfather still planning to resign?"

Duan Jiuzhen said: "This is a step that must be taken."

Duan Qi was silent on purpose, he couldn't stop this matter at all.After all, Duan Jiuzhen's decision cannot be stopped or persuaded by a junior like him. .

Duan Jiuzhen waved his hand, Duan Qicheng turned around and retreated.

Duan Jiuzhen sat alone in the study, thinking about the follow-up.He is very old now, especially this year he has been weakening too fast, and his health is getting worse, so Duan Jiuzhen began to consider retreating.

When Duan Jiuzhen was resting with his eyes closed, a servant came in and reported that Wang Qi had returned to Linzi County and the palace.

Duan Jiuzhen immediately ordered people to prepare a carriage, and he was going to the palace to have an audience.Duan Jiuzhen, as the head of the supervisory department, came outside the palace, directly led by the servants, and entered the hall to wait.

Not long after, Wang Qi entered the hall and said, "Mr. Duan, you are here today to see me, but what's the matter?"

Wang Qi roughly understood that Duan Jiuzhen came because of the Zhangan County Supervision Department.

Otherwise, Duan Jiuzhen wouldn't be able to mobilize the crowd.

Duan Jiuzhen lifted up his robe, knelt on the ground tremblingly, and said: "King Qi, the old minister is here today to resign from office. In the case of Zhang'an County, an official from the Supervision Department was dereliction of duty. Although the old minister did not participate, he was a vegetarian , did not manage the officials of the Supervision Department well. This matter, the old minister cannot absolve himself of the blame."

"The veteran's health has been deteriorating in the past year, and he has been unable to go out for a long time to make inspections."

"Besides, the energy is also greatly reduced."

"Things remembered at the last moment are forgotten in the next moment. Even this brain is chaotic all day long, and it is difficult to think clearly about the supervisory department."

"If the old minister continues to manage the Supervision Department, it will be a vegetarian meal and a waste of His Highness's trust. The old minister has been trembling recently, unable to sleep at night, always thinking that he has failed the trust of the king."

Duan Jiuzhen knocked his head on the ground and said: "Your Majesty is benevolent, but I can no longer rely on the old to sell the old. I beg the King to allow you to resign and return to your hometown."

After Wang Qi heard it, he thought for a while and said, "Duan Gong, get up."

Duan Jiuzhen said: "Has Your Majesty agreed?"

"That's it!"

Wang Qi nodded and answered.

"Thank you King Ron."

Duan Jiuzhen kowtowed to Wang Qi again, and then stood up with his waist bowed.Today's Duan Jiuzhen is extremely old, even when he kneels down and stands up, his breathing is a bit short of breath.

He is indeed too old.

After Wang Qi was given a seat, he took advantage of the situation and said, "Mr. Duan is now resigning from office and returning to his hometown. What do you think? As long as I can satisfy you, I will try my best to satisfy you."

Duan Jiuzhen said: "The old minister has something to ask."

Wang Qi said: "But it's okay to say."

Duan Jiuzhen said: "The old minister's sons have no talents, they are all mediocre people. It is enough to be able to live comfortably in this life. It's just that the elder grandson of the old minister, Duan Qicheng, is in his early twenties. He is quite intelligent and can be sculpted. I implore you, Your Majesty, to let him become an official and let him be a small official in the Supervision Department."

Wang Qi was slightly moved when he heard Duan Jiuzhen's words.

Duan Jiuzhen's resignation was due to old age on the one hand, and more because of Duan Qicheng's desire to pave the way for Duan Qicheng.At any rate, Duan Jiuzhen's resignation at this time has made Wang Qi's face full, and Wang Qi will take care of him a little bit.

Furthermore, Duan Jiuzhen also made great contributions at the beginning of the establishment of Qi State.Because there is a supervisory department led by Duan Jiuzhen, who patrols the area and severely punishes lawbreakers, the foundation of Qi State will be solid at the beginning, and there will be no corrupt officials.

Wang Qi said: "Yes!"

"Thank you King Ron!"

After hearing this, Duan Jiuzhen knelt down again to salute.He was grateful in his heart, because with Wang Qi's permission, he was able to escape unscathed, and Duan Qicheng entered the Supervision Department and could move up step by step.

In addition, Duan Jiuzhen is still alive and has some prestige, which can give Duan Qicheng some help.When Duan Qicheng is older and more mature in the future, Duan Qicheng can truly gain a foothold in the Supervision Department, and even take charge of the Supervision Department in the future.

"Old minister, leave!"

Duan Jiuzhen kowtowed again, saluted Wang Qi, then turned and retreated.

Wang Qi sat alone in the hall, thinking quietly, Wang Qi suddenly thought of Longying.Originally, Wang Qi's idea was to transfer Long Ying to the Ministry of Officials for some experience, and then send him out to a county as a county guard.

It's just that the person in charge of the Supervision Department is vacant, and Long Ying has a good disposition.At this time, Wang Qi hoped that Long Ying would be the head of the Supervision Department and be in charge of the Supervision Department.

After all, today's supervisory department is indeed important.It's just that when it comes to rank, it's hard to compete with the six ministries, and even when it comes to rank, the ministers of all ministries are one level behind.

It is still possible for Longying to be in charge of the Supervision Department.

After Wang Qi thought about this matter clearly, without delay, he immediately ordered: "Come here!"

The attendants entered and stood still to salute.

Wang Qi ordered: "Go and tell Zhu Shanchang to come."

"Yes!"

The attendant arranged immediately.

In a short period of time, Zhu Shanchang entered the hall, saluted and said: "My minister Zhu Shanchang, I pay my respects to Your Highness."

"sit!"

Wang Qi gave an order.

Zhu Shanchang sat down and looked at Wang Qi, waiting for Wang Qi to speak.

Wang Qidao: "Shanchang, this king invited you here. It was Duan Jiuzhen who resigned from office and returned to his hometown. This king has already agreed. First, Duan Jiuzhen's post-resignation comfort, you come to arrange and give more Rewards and awards should not chill his heart. Second, Duan Jiuzhen's grandson, Duan Qicheng, is going to become an official in the Supervision Department. You have made arrangements to start from a small official. Third, one month later, he will be transferred to Zhang'an County. Let Long Ying enter the court as an official, take charge of the Supervision Department, and supervise all parts of Qi State."

"Yes!"

Zhu Shanchang directly agreed.

Zhu Shanchang was actually somewhat dissatisfied with Duan Jiuzhen.After all, Duan Jiuzhen is old and lacks the aggressiveness. It is actually inappropriate for Duan Jiuzhen to stay in the court at this time.

Duan Jiuzhen was invited by Wang Qi early in the morning, and it is obviously inappropriate to directly ask Duan Jiuzhen not to be an official.After all, if the news gets out, people may think that Wang Qi is mean.

It would be best for Duan Jiuzhen to resign.