Chapter 160 Today’s Zhonghe Hall is Too Scary (Part 2)

Nothing works as planned.

He is probably talking about Yang Guofu of today.

Everyone in the palace was also surprised. They had never expected that today everyone came to report the guilty woman Li Nishang and the people she had protected, such as Wang Maoqing, Zhu Kewen and others who had done all kinds of evil over the years.

As a result, the empress suddenly did this, and everyone began to speculate what Her Majesty was going to do.

Yang Guofu lowered his head, sweat dripping down his face. Because his forehead was touching the ground, he could only see the empress's robe. He wanted to see what the emperor was thinking and whether he really wanted to kill someone.

But I totally don’t dare!

However, when looking sideways, one could see the Huanglong guards with their hands on the hilts of their swords, as if they were ready to draw their swords and kill at any time.

What should I do?

What should I do?

Yang Guofu was thinking quickly about the current situation, mainly thinking about how to save his life.

The palace suddenly became quiet.

But suddenly

Tian Gui, a doctor from the Ministry of Works, came out, bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I have something to report."

The originally solemn atmosphere filled with all kinds of suspicion, speculation and doubt was broken by the doctor in the Ministry of Works who was in charge of the construction of palaces, city walls and other matters.

Everyone looked at Tian Gui.

Yang Guofu is Tian Gui's direct superior.

but

Is Tian Gui a member of Yang's party? I don't think so. I remember he was a lone minister.

But should he stand up and beg for mercy at this time? Or should he strike while the iron is hot and report Yang Guofu.

The ministers were confused, but they all chose to wait and see.

They would wait for Tian Gui to finish speaking and see what His Majesty thought before making a choice.

Xia Fengxiang raised his eyes and looked at Tian Gui: "Speak."

Tian Gui cupped his hands and said, "Whether Lord Yang is guilty or not, I cannot make a final conclusion. But Lord Yang is the Minister of Works. During his tenure as the Minister of Works, he put in a lot of effort. Although I am a lowly official in the Ministry of Works, I can see clearly that these are all merits and hard work."

"Especially now that the southwest is going to build a dam, it must be repaired before the spring. Otherwise, if the river water rises sharply after heavy rain, the local people will inevitably suffer from floods, and the spring ploughing will be delayed, and the people will be harmed by the floods."

"In addition, some local officials reported that the river embankments also need to be repaired and reinforced. In addition, due to the increased demand for silk, tea, porcelain and other goods in places like Silla, more commercial cargo ships need to be built."

"These recent events have involved the farming of the people and the treasury of the Great Xia. Lord Yang has personally handled all of them and has privately contacted the officials in charge and involved. We don't know how to quantify and allocate funds, how to repair and reinforce the river bank, how many merchant ships to build, and how big they should be. Therefore, I dare to ask Your Majesty that if Lord Yang is guilty, please let Lord Yang hand over these matters to other officials in the Ministry of Works."

When everyone heard Tian Gui, who had rarely made friends with other officials, say this, they were all stunned and rolled their eyes.

Do we still need to talk about these things at this time?!

Even if Yang Guofu was convicted, we could still ask him about those things.

but

Um?

All the ministers were stunned.

Then he looked at Tian Gui quietly with a look of surprise.

Is this old guy begging for mercy?

No, it’s not a request. If it was a request, it would have specifically mentioned those officials involved in the grant, and it was Yang Guofu who contacted those officials privately.

Whether it is building a dam or building a trading ship, these are all big things that require a lot of silver, and even require submitting a letter to the Minister of the Central Secretariat to get his seal.

And it must have been discussed within the Ministry of Works, with the Shangshu as the main person and others.

but

in private!!

This old guy Tian Gui is so sinister.

It seems as if he wants His Majesty to see that Yang Guofu is busy with the Ministry of Works and he praises him a lot, saying that he has worked hard all these years. However, the word "privately" can define a lot of things.

Such a big matter, why did you, Yang Guofu, contact him privately? Did you discuss how much to embezzle?

The Ministry of Works had to keep clear accounts, and someone had to record all matters discussed and write them down in a file to present to the emperor.

As a result, you are private.

It’s incredible!

Yang Guofu lowered his head and started cursing Tian Gui's ancestors in his heart. He had disliked this bastard Tian Gui for a long time. If he couldn't find any trouble with him, he would have kicked him out long ago!

But even though he was cursing, Yang Guofu's mind was racing as to what to say.

We must do something now, otherwise if a few more people come out and say this, my life will be over!

As he thought about this, more and more beads of sweat appeared on Yang Guofu's forehead. Even in early winter, the weather was a little cold. As a result, many people noticed that Yang Guofu's clothes were a little wet.

Xia Fengxiang looked at Tian Gui and smiled, then turned and walked towards the dragon throne.

When the ministers saw this, they began to speculate what His Majesty meant.

There are even some people who are thinking of stepping forward and striking while the iron is hot to criticize Yang Guofu.

but

At this time, another person came out and said, "Your Majesty, I have something to report."

The one who stood up was Zhao Ling, the Shaoqing of Sinong Temple, a female official.

Everyone looked at Zhao Ling, wondering if the head of the Zhao family in Xiangzhou also wanted to join in the fun?

Zhao Ling bowed and said, "Your Majesty, at the beginning of the third year of Tianshou, Xiangzhou suffered a snowstorm. The people of three counties were affected and their lives were in vain. At that time, I was the deputy governor of Xiangzhou. I originally intended to write to the court with the governor. It happened that Lord Yang returned to his ancestral home. At that time, Lord Yang felt sorry for the disaster in Xiangzhou. Because of the emergency, he arbitrarily used the documents of the Ministry of Works and the silver in the Ministry of Works to build houses and other residences for the victims. He even took out private silver to buy bedding, cotton clothes and food for the victims. During this period, he personally visited the victims. However, because of the unauthorized misappropriation, Lord Yang was punished by the Grand Tutor and his salary was recorded once for half a year. However, the people affected by the disaster were grateful to Lord Yang."

"So I think that maybe there are some unspeakable secrets in what Lord Tian Gui just said, and Lord Yang may have to bear it alone, so he contacted those people privately."

Everyone heard this.

They were all surprised, for they all knew what Yang Guofu had done. At that time, many members of Yang's party had given him many gifts in order to curry his favor, and even held a grand banquet. Some people even gave Yang Guofu a plaque, and many people praised Yang Guofu at that time.

but

Only a small number of people, or those few third-rank officials, know the truth!

That is, Yang Guofu watched as he paid for the money out of his own pocket and was fined his salary.

But the truth is, after the disaster, many officials in Xiangzhou were demoted, and Yang Guofu immediately placed his own people in place.

Although the work was indeed done and the disaster-stricken people were indeed helped, they received houses, fields, surplus food, and pensions.

But did Yang Guofu gain any benefits or other benefits from the officials he arranged?

Nobody knows.

But everyone knows that Yang Guofu is a man who will not do anything without profit, and it is impossible for him to do this for no reason.

However, only a few people knew about this matter, while many others really believed that Yang Guofu did that out of accidental mercy.

So when he heard what Zhao Ling said, he was a little surprised.

Because Zhao Ling is not a member of Yang's party, so she jumped out to talk about this matter at this time, is she pleading for Yang Guofu? ?

Everyone was confused.

But he also felt that there was something else behind Zhao Ling's words.

only

It sounds like he is really begging for mercy.

Just now, Tian Gui used "privately" to plunge Yang Guofu into an abyss.

But now a Zhao Ling came out to plead with Yang Guofu in the name of "helping the disaster victims".

Everyone was a little confused.

But looking at the emperor, Xia Fengxiang looked at Yang Guofu with a playful expression.

Looking at the emperor's expression, no one dared to say anything more and once again tried to guess what the empress was thinking.

But

Why does this remind them of the late emperor?

Yang Guofu's mood is extremely heavy now. He knows why Zhao Ling brought up this matter. It seems that this matter is to speak well of him, but can it be a plea for mercy?

But before Yang Guofu could get anxious, Xia Fengxiang finally asked, "Everyone, please stand up. Today we are talking about the criminal Li Nishang. Why are you kneeling down one by one? Besides, we are not going to court now. Everyone can speak freely."

Hearing these words, the kneeling ministers of Yang Dang, who had been trembling with fear and constantly speculating, hesitated, then responded in unison and stood up.

Li Jiulang also bowed to the emperor and stood up.

Yang Guofu knelt on the ground, motionless.

Xia Fengxiang smiled and said, "Yan Jingqing, help Yang Guofu up. I don't really like people kneeling."

As he spoke, Xia Fengxiang did not look at Yang Guofu, but opened Li Jiulang's "letter of apology".

Upon hearing this, Yan Jingqing hurried forward to support Yang Guofu.

But one would not know this unless he supported him. As soon as he touched Yang Guofu, Yan Jingqing immediately discovered that Yang Guofu's clothes had already been soaked with sweat, and Yang Guofu himself had a serious and anxious look on his face.

Yan Jingqing knew why Yang Guofu was like this, so he tried his best to help Yang Guofu up and pinched Yang Guofu's arm.

Yang Guofu felt Yan Jingqing's action. Although he did not respond, his mind continued to think about the current situation.

It has been a long time since anything has pushed him to this point.

Xia Fengxiang then continued, "But since it's mentioned, let's talk about it, Yang Guofu."

Yang Guofu was surprised, and immediately pushed Yan Jingqing away, bowing and saying, "I am here."

Xia Fengxiang looked from the memorial to Yang Guofu: "Whether it's the dike or the merchant ship, they are all big things. Tian Gui said you talked with those people in private, what did you talk about? Tell us so that everyone can hear it."

Yang Guofu was surprised, and his one eye immediately turned. His mind rang with his father's instructions, so he immediately said, "Your Majesty, although I am speaking privately, I have no selfish motives. I just want to understand everything clearly before discussing it with Lord Tian and the officials in the Ministry of Works. In fact, everything was discussed yesterday, but because we had to offer sacrifices to the Imperial Ancestral Temple this morning, and because of the rebellion of that sinner Li Nishang today, we were unable to discuss it with Lord Tian and others in time."

"Moreover, the Ministry of Works has more than three million taels of silver in reserve, and all of these tasks can be completed using the silver in the Ministry of Works. In addition, I also want to use this silver to repair the altar that was damaged today because the Queen came to save His Majesty."

Does the Ministry of Industry have any deposits?

Or more than three million taels? ! !

Everyone was surprised.

Even Su Zimu, who had kept his head down and remained expressionless, was stunned for a moment.

After all, one of them was the Minister of the Secretariat and the other was the Minister of Revenue, and they knew best whether the Ministry of Works had any silver on deposit.

As a result, more than three million appeared out of nowhere?

Yang Guofu is really generous! !

Among them, Tian Gui was surprised, but he immediately said: "In this case, it was I who misunderstood Lord Yang. Please forgive me, Lord Yang, and please forgive me, Your Majesty."

Yang Guofu immediately resisted the urge to kill Tian Gui and said with a smile: "It's just a misunderstanding, Sir Tian, ​​there's no need to be like this."

After saying that, he looked at Xia Fengxiang again.

Xia Fengxiang smiled and asked, "Tian Gui, does the Ministry of Industry really have so much money in deposits?"

Tian Gui immediately bowed and said, "Your Majesty, there are so many. I have forgotten the exact amount. I will look through the accounts and present them to Your Majesty as soon as I return."

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone in the hall looked at Yang Guofu.

Yang Guofu was seen with a frown on his face, his chubby face was bruised and looked ugly.

Everyone almost laughed at Yang Guofu's funny expression.

Then they all looked at Tian Gui.

This lone minister had a calm expression on his face, without any expression.

But when people looked at him, they thought that this old guy was really mean and evil!

I don't know the exact amount.

What is zero?

Three million nine hundred and ninety thousand taels, this nine hundred and ninety thousand is just a small amount.

Three million and one tael, this one tael is also a fraction.

But looking at Tian Gui's expression, it is obvious that he wants to write hundreds of thousands.

Xia Fengxiang nodded: "In this case, Lord Tian said that the matter is over. Next time Yang Guofu negotiates with others in private, he should still tell other people in the Ministry of Works to avoid such misunderstandings."

Yang Guofu immediately responded: "I will remember your majesty's teachings."

Xia Fengxiang continued nonchalantly, "I also know about the snowstorm in Xiangzhou this year. Zhao Ling did a good job at the time, and was therefore recommended by the Grand Tutor to be the Junior Minister of Agriculture."

Zhao Ling immediately cupped his hands and said, "I am not as good as Lord Yang."

Xia Fengxiang continued to ask: "How are the people in Xiangzhou now?"

Su Zimu stood up and bowed, saying, "Half a month ago, Xiangzhou Jiedushi Qu Boyu submitted a memorial to plead guilty, saying that people's lives have returned to normal now, but the snowstorm was caused by his failure to discover it in time, so he asked Your Majesty to punish him."

Xia Fengxiang looked at Su Zimu, thought for a moment and said, "No one is perfect. Tell him that he has been punished once this time and he really knows he was wrong. He should learn from Lord Yang Guofu and think more about the people."

Su Zimu bowed and said, "Yes."

Yang Guofu heard this and guessed that he was being criticized. Even though he felt pained, he immediately said, "I am willing to take responsibility to the end. I will take out 100,000 taels of private silver and send someone to deliver it to Lord Qu to distribute to the people to make up for their losses from the lack of harvest this year."

After saying this, the one-eyed man was stunned for a moment, then immediately added: "The silver was bestowed by His Majesty over the years, so it is also a gift from His Majesty for the people affected by the disaster. Therefore, we should let Qu Da know that this is a special gift from His Majesty out of pity for the people."

Everyone in the hall looked at Yang Guofu again.

They all expressed their feelings.

What a strong desire to survive!

First, there was the more than three million taels.

Now he is flattering the emperor without changing his expression or heart beating, and sending 100,000 taels to the victims of the disaster in the name of His Majesty.

Moreover, when did His Majesty reward him with silver? It has accumulated over the years and amounted to 100,000 taels. Lord Yang really lies without hesitation.

but

The desire to survive is too strong!

Xia Fengxiang looked at Yang Guofu and smiled: "I just said why you didn't plead guilty, I was just joking, it was you, Lord Yang, who said he was guilty, what crime did you commit?"

Yang Guofu was stunned.

The ministers were also stunned by Xia Fengxiang's words.

joke?

What a joke!

Everyone saw Yang Guofu's funny look, but you said it was a joke.

But not only did you make Lord Yang sweat profusely, you almost scared him to death.

Like father, like daughter.

The joke you made is even worse than the one the late emperor played on others.

Yang Guofu didn't know what to say in his heart, but he still said respectfully: "Your Majesty."

He originally wanted to say that he had committed the same crime as Li Jiulang.

But when the words came to my lips, I didn't dare to say them.

Because up to now, hasn’t Li Jiulang been convicted?

What if I say I have committed the same crime as Li Jiulang? What if this is another trap?

So I have to change my tune immediately.

But Xia Fengxiang said at this time: "Forget it, you said you are guilty, so write a letter of apology when you go back. However, since you are guilty, you have to be punished. You can't be the minister anymore, but you have sacrificed so much for the Ministry of Works, so you can be a doctor. The position of Minister of Works is temporarily vacant and will be managed by the assistant minister."

After that, he added: "Tian Gui and Zhao Ling pleaded for you, you must thank them after you go down."

Just a casual remark.

The third-rank Shangshu of the Six Ministries suddenly became a fifth-rank Langzhong of the Ministry of Works.

Show the imperial power.

Most importantly

It means 'You say you are guilty, so be punished'.

Good one, you say you are guilty, so just punish me!

By now, everyone has seen clearly that His Majesty is playing with Yang Guofu, the kind of playing that will scare you to death!

And the last sentence thanks Tian Gui and Zhao Ling. Forget Zhao Ling, it sounds like she is begging for mercy, but Tian Gui is the one who tortured Yang Guofu to death, so he still needs to be thanked! !

Your Majesty is really good at having fun!

At the same time, many people looked at Xia Fengxiang and understood one thing.

His Majesty

Killing the chicken to scare the monkey.

The people of Yang's party were all shocked.

Just two sentences like this

Lord Yang lost his position as the Minister?

We all know that times are different now, but the changes are happening too fast!

That was the Minister of Industry Yang Guofu! !

Xia Fengxiang looked at Yang Guofu who didn't react and asked, "Master Yang, are you dissatisfied?"

Yang Guofu's heart was in turmoil. It's gone?

The position of Shangshu that he had climbed to in the past few years because of his father's power was gone in just a few words.

And just because I said I was guilty, without any guilt being determined, they took it away? ?

Yang Guofu wanted to roar and shout.

But when he looked up and saw Xia Fengxiang staring at him with an extremely cold look in his eyes, Yang Guofu was intimidated and could only bow and clasp his hands: "Your Majesty, I accept your order."

Xia Fengxiang threw the memorial in his hand onto the table, then looked at the ministers below: "Anyone objects?"

All the ministers immediately bowed their heads and dared not say a word.

Seeing that no one was talking, Xia Fengxiang said, "Then let's leave and get back to the point. Li Jiulang brought so many boxes. What's in them?"

Yang Guofu screamed in his heart, but he had to stand back to his original position.

Even if the Yang party members wanted to say something, how could they dare to say anything in this situation? Naturally, they retreated.

The other officials in the hall looked at Yang Guofu and then at Xia Fengxiang.

The destruction of the Queen Mother's party is certain.

Although the Yang Party is still in existence, the Grand Tutor has not fallen, but things have changed, everything has changed.

The political situation will be turned upside down after today.

Li Jiulang came out again and bowed. "Inside the box are all the crimes and accounts of the 121 people including Li Nishang, Zhu Kewen, Wang Maoqing and others who are members of the Queen Mother's Party that I have collected over the years. I have already listed the crimes of each person together with Xu Zisheng. Your Majesty can check them directly."

(End of this chapter)