Promotion and fortune in Song Dynasty

A month flies by.

Although Dr. Taichang Yan Du had returned to the capital half a month ago with the results of careful pushing, but the news he brought was obviously completely different from what the little emperor expected.

Even though Teng Zongliang, the magistrate of Qinzhou, embezzled public funds privately for the benefit of farmers and did not intend to fill his own pockets, and he made up for it in time afterwards, but there was still abuse before reporting.

In addition, Yan Du also discovered that before this, Teng Zongliang was very lavish in disbursements of public funds, but of all the things he handled, there were very few people who actually received them on official business.

On the contrary, there are many subordinate officials who have been used to help the government officials who are in short supply for a while, so it is urgent to rescue them.

When Yan Du inquired, these officials who had received gifts were always grateful to Teng Zongliang who had helped them, and they spared no effort to say good things when they replied.

But they didn't know what they said, once it got into Yandu's hands, it would be another unmistakable proof about Teng Zongliang's misuse of public money.

When Yan Du presented all the evidence, he did not express his opinion on the matter, and then retired.

But for Wang Qinruo, Han Jiang and others who regarded Lu Ci as a thorn in their side, this was nothing less than a coveted handle. They immediately wrote a letter together with many people, severely reprimanding him, and forced the officials to severely punish him.

In the early court that day, Han Jiang swept away the dispirited look of being frustrated and disgraced in front of Lu Ci before, and said generously and righteously: "The reward and punishment is the reason why the court orders the world. If this handle is lost, good and evil Not enough to punish... Now that Teng Zongliang is on the sidelines, and embezzling the minister's money, he should not only deprive his official, but also serve as a prison..."

Kou Zhun, who had just barely endured it, was not happy to hear him go up and down like this.

Because of the special nature of his position, the Taiwan officials don't have to be afraid of him, and he thinks he has a thick skin and high qualifications, and he has the trust of the officials, so of course it is impossible to be afraid of such a brat.

When Han Jiang finished speaking, Kou Zhun sneered loudly, and said unceremoniously: "There is no act of corruption, and it is out of compassion for farmers. Although the rules are not good, it is not appropriate to give praise and encouragement, but If it is said that severe punishment is to be imposed, it will be too cold for loyalty and kindness, and it will also make Han Zhongcheng a little bit more suspected of public revenge in the eyes of the world!"

"Mr. Kou, be careful with your words!"

Han Jiang's face turned red with anger at the words.

He had always disliked the Niubi's second assistant, who was clearly partial to Lu Ci, and now that his hidden thoughts were exposed, he became even more annoyed, and said loudly: "I speak frankly based on reason, and hope that Your Majesty will make a fair judgment and use the punishment code as a single-minded person." For the sake of the country and the people, yet being slandered by Mr. Kou so confounding black and white and slandering all the lies, it’s just natural! I’m afraid anyone with a discerning eye can see that what Mr. Kou harbors is partiality and selfishness!"

When Kou Zhun was arguing with others, Han Jiang was afraid that he had not yet been born in this world. Seeing him bristling with anger, Kou Zhun was not panicked at all, and the smile on his face was even brighter.

He raised his chin, looked at Han Jiang contemptuously, and said meaningfully: "Han Zhongcheng said this, which proves that you are very wrong. If I have a bias, I must be upright and upright; and I will never It’s like some scumbags who can’t find the trouble with the righteous master, so they plan to kill everyone around him in order to comfort him.”

Han Jiang was so bluntly humiliated by him, she was not willing to reconcile, and immediately fought back at length.

In an instant, it became a noisy scene, and it soon turned into a war of words between the Taiwan officials and the Secretary of State.

Although it is said that one side is more than capable at present, and the other side is a little tender after all, Kou Zhun has the upper hand on the surface, but even if he is as careless as Kou Zhun, it is very clear that Wang Qinruo, the most insidious, is still hiding behind with a cunning, Never spoke.

Regardless of whether Wang Qinruo opened his mouth or not, Zhao Zhen, who had listened to similar quarrels many times, couldn't bear to hold his forehead, his head was as big as a fight.

After finally getting through to the end of the court, when the voice of the minister announcing the end of the court came, he couldn't wait to get up and left first.

After returning to Da Nei, sitting behind the administrative case, Zhao Zhen couldn't help but glance at the corner of the case that he intentionally placed, but it was incompatible with the other documents that were piled high. , sighed deeply.

No matter how much the courtiers below were arguing, he was the one who had to make a decision in the end.

If it were normal, Zhao Zhen would ask himself, he would have done business and reduced the punishment as appropriate.

But the matter involved the little master's close friend, even if Teng Zongliang did not live up to his expectations, and left such a big excuse to make people handle him, he still couldn't bear to deal with him severely.

But if it needs to be protected, to what extent should it be protected, so that those courtiers who are obviously not good enough to let go of it will not be yin and yang, and at the same time, it will not make the friends of the little master taste the sweetness in the future, so that they have nothing to fear?

Zhao Zhen really made a mistake.

The most difficult thing for him to face was the memorial sent by the little master a while ago lying right under his nose...

It had been lying alone on this royal case for nearly three days, and he still couldn't make up his mind to open it.

Without even thinking about it, the content here must be mainly for the little master to intercede for Teng Zijing.

Thinking of the love and righteousness that the little master has treated him for many years, and the pain of losing his mother recently, if his best friend is really severely punished, the little master will be hit even harder...

Zhao Zhen was in a dilemma, while reviewing today's memorial, he glanced at the untouched memorial from time to time, sighing.

Before he knew it, it was time for lunch, and he was especially not hungry. He felt satisfied after reading the new chapter that had not been updated for a long time. It was rare for him to be in a good mood to wash his hands and make soup for his husband, and Queen Guo specially sent him, already arrived.

"Let her in."

Zhao Zhen ordered in a dispirited manner, without even raising his head, he continued to read the memorial in displeasure.

As soon as Empress Guo entered the palace, she felt the gloomy atmosphere around her husband, and subconsciously suppressed the smile on the corners of her lips.

Looks like she came at the wrong time.

Empress Guo secretly thought that unfortunately, she didn't have the slightest intention of offending the officials, but obediently left the cakes she made by herself, and was about to leave.

However, just as she put down the porcelain plate, Zhao Zhen suddenly raised his eyes and said quietly, "Guo Shengren."

He was clearly in a low mood, how could this saint not even have a word of concern?

Empress Guo, who had always been dull, had a rare flash of inspiration, and realized the official's resentment, she couldn't help laughing dryly, and asked in a low voice: "What is the official's worry about?"

"It's not Teng Zijing, who is very careless. If he is careless for a moment, he will be caught by someone with a heart!"

Zhao Zhen was full of complaints, and when he was finally questioned by someone who could make him complain at ease, the complaints that had accumulated for a long time suddenly got out of hand.

After talking a lot to Empress Guo with a disturbed face, he couldn't hide his irritability and said: "They had a great quarrel, but in the end no matter how the ruling is made, I'm afraid I'll be spitting on my face. Even at this moment, I still dare not read the letter from the little master!"

Hearing this, Empress Guo, who had been unable to keep up, came back to her senses, and said cautiously, "Why don't the officials dare to read... Lu Jiedu's letter?"

"Is there still a need to ask?" Zhao Zhen frowned, and said, "Young master must intercede for Teng Zijing, but I don't want to be too partial."

"I don't think so." Empress Guo covered her lips and smiled, thinking that he was really looking for trouble: "Although I have only met Lu Jiedu once, I have heard of his reputation for a long time. The one who can make Liu The modest gentleman whom the lady falls in love with is a wonderful man who understands people's hearts and understands emotions. With his wisdom, he should neither fail to guess the situation of the official family, nor be willing to let the official family embarrass him."

Although what Empress Guo said was seriously influenced by the script, Zhao Zhen was strangely persuaded.

As soon as she left, he hesitated for a while staring at the letter, finally picked it up, and slowly opened it.

As expected by Queen Guo, in this letter, Lu Ci neither mourned nor was aggressive.

Instead, he narrates in a straightforward manner that since he left Beijing, he first encountered his mother's funeral, then moved to Suizhou, and then recently he intended to establish a Yizhuang to help the people, fulfilling his mother's wish.

As Zhao Zhen read it, he was completely attracted by the picture scroll of "Yizhuang" described by Lu Ci, and he also seriously thought about whether this matter is feasible. If it is possible, it will be implemented in various places. went.

Just before he almost forgot about Teng Zongliang, Lu Ci briefly mentioned the matter of his friend at the end of the letter.

Compared with Kou Zhun, who couldn't help emphasizing that although Teng Zongliang's move was illegal, it was different in reason. Lu Ci first apologized to the officials on behalf of his friends, saying that this matter would definitely make things difficult for the officials; Frankly admitted that if the choice Teng Zongliang faced at the beginning happened to him, he would rather make the farmer's family suffer for a few more days than leave behind such a big trouble.

Lu Ci generously laughed at himself and said that he is not as good as Teng Zongliang in terms of compassion for farmers; in terms of self-protection, Teng Zongliang is far behind him.

No matter what the final transfer order is, Teng Zongliang has a clear conscience and deserves it. Even if he is exiled to Lingnan and other areas, he will happily go there because of his boldness and straightforwardness.

And he will never regard the transfer order as a scourge like others, and will never feel resentful about it.

After reading Lu Ci's memorabilia, Zhao Zhen couldn't come back to his senses for a long time. He only felt mixed feelings in his chest. For a while, he didn't know what to say.

The so-called parents and officials should love the people like their own children.And if they really treat the people who are begging to come to their door as their own children and grandchildren, how can any parents watch them suffer and suffer?

Zhao Zhen didn't believe that the little master would be the one who "follow the rules first and follow the people's demands" as he said.

In their eyes, Teng Zongliang, who was contemptuous of rules and caused disasters, made a choice one step further: even if he really needs to bear the guilt, even if he destroys his own future, he must put Li Shu first.

Because of this upright and unreserved selfishness, no matter what kind of situation he is forced to fall into, he has no complaints or regrets.

Zhao Zhen, who had unconsciously raised Teng Zongliang's realm infinitely, didn't know that Teng Zongliang at this moment was counting the debts he owed to his friends with a sad face.

When he figured out exactly how much he owed and how long it would take to pay it off with his salary, facing this huge amount, he could be said to regret it, and he almost hated his reckless behavior at that time.