The capital, Yan Mansion.
The table was filled with Yan Song's closest confidants. His godsons, Zhao Wenhua and Yan Maoqing, were also present. However, his biological son, Yan Shifan, was absent due to a hangover.
Zhao Wenhua poured Yan Song a glass of wine and said with a smile, "Foster father, now that Jing Qing is the governor of Zhejiang, he will surely make a lot of money from his salt inspection. Foster father is really wise."
Yan Song shook his head and said, "Jing Qing is going here to work for the court and relieve the emperor's worries. Why do you say that? It seems like I only appoint people based on personal relationships. What do I usually teach you? You should always have the country and the people in your heart. You can't just think about your own personal interests and gains and losses. The affairs of the country and the world are what we should worry about."
Zhao Wenhua thought to himself, you old bastard, you are so shameless to pretend to be so good in front of me.
He forced a smile and said, "It's all my son's fault. He's not good at talking!"
Yan Maoqing also smiled and said: "Foster father, I will definitely live up to your expectations when I go to Zhejiang."
"That's what His Majesty wants!"
Yan Song corrected.
"Godfather is right."
Yan Maoqing swallowed his saliva and said in a gentle voice: "I am not worried about anything else, but that Zhu Wan..."
Before coming, Yan Maoqing had a casual chat with Zhao Wenhua, and Zhao Wenhua asked Yan Maoqing to be wary of the Governor of Fujian and Zhejiang.
The reason is very simple. This person cannot tolerate any sand in his eyes.
If Yan Maoqing offends Zhu Wan when he first arrives, he will definitely suffer the consequences.
"We should keep a low profile."
Yan Song pondered for a moment and said, "Zhu Wanjian is favored by the emperor and has just made great contributions. At this time, who do you think His Majesty will trust? If a conflict really arises, I will not be able to save you."
Yan Maoqing felt a little unhappy. He thought to himself that it was really funny that he, the adopted son of the Prime Minister, had to look at the face of a governor.
Moreover, if I were to always consider Zhu Wan's feelings, how would I get the money?
Yan Maoqing winked at Zhao Wenhua, who understood and said, "Foster father, Jingqing's concerns are not without reason. Zhu Wan, relying on his deep favor with the emperor, does whatever he wants in Zhejiang. No one in the Zhejiang officialdom dares to oppose him. Jingqing's trip is extremely dangerous. If he fails to collect the silver, he will not be able to explain himself to His Majesty."
Yan Song must have had his own experience to be able to climb to his current position.
That is to follow the emperor's wishes.
Emperor Jiajing was a man of his word. If Yan Maoqing's salt inspection was not successful, Yan Song would lose face.
After all, it was he who recommended Yan Maoqing personally.
After pondering for a moment, Yan Song said in a deep voice, "How about this: when you arrive in Hangzhou, you should take the initiative to show your goodwill. If necessary, you can mention me. We don't need him to voluntarily join us, as long as we can live in peace."
Upon hearing this, Yan Maoqing quickly said, "I will follow my adoptive father's instructions."
"Never mind. We're all working for the country and sharing your worries." Yan Song said slowly, "When you get to Hangzhou, if you have any questions, don't be impulsive. Sit down and talk slowly. Governor Zhu is also a man of courtesy."
"My son, I'll remember that."
"I am also a little tired. If you have nothing else to do, please leave."
Yan Song waved his hand, and Zhao Wenhua and Yan Maoqing understood and bowed to take their leave.
After leaving the Yan residence, Zhao Wenhua sighed, "After parting with Jing Qing, I don't know when I will see him again."
Zhao Wenhua was determined to serve as a Beijing official until the end. Seeing that the position of Tongzhengshi was within his reach, he did not want to fail at the last moment.
Yan Maoqing smiled and said, "Brother Meicun, why are you so sad? Maybe I can just take a stroll in Hangzhou and come back."
Zhao Wenhua nodded and said, "That would be the best."
Yan Maoqing coughed and said, "As for the young cabinet minister, I'll have to rely on Brother Meicun to say a few good words."
Now, apart from Yan Song, Yan Shifan is the most powerful among the Yan Party.
As Yan Song grew older, he delegated a lot of power to Yan Shifan.
Yan Maoqing was worried that during the time he was away from the capital, he had lost contact with Yan Shifan and their relationship had become estranged, which would affect his career advancement.
Speaking of Yan Shifan, Zhao Wenhua said with embarrassment, "I'm afraid I'm willing but unable to do anything about it. Jingqing, you know this young cabinet minister. Even brothers have to settle accounts. He won't release his eagle until he sees the rabbit."
Yan Maoqing cursed Zhao Wenhua in his heart for being shameless, but he put on a smile and said, "This foolish brother naturally understands. Brother Meicun, don't worry, I will send someone to deliver the silver to your house on time."
"That would be best, and I will transfer your share intact to the young elder."
The two smiled at each other, but they saw through it but did not say anything.
...
...
Yan Shifan opened his eyes, yawned drowsily, and sat up lazily.
He drank too much last night and passed out. A night of love is worth a thousand gold, but he didn't even have time to play around with his concubines. What a pity.
This sleep lasted for five or six hours.
It was already noon when he woke up, and logically he would be nagged by the old man again.
But Yan Shifan didn't care.
Anyway, today is a day off, so the old man won't care even if he sleeps until night.
After getting up and washing up quickly, Yan Shifan put on his clothes and walked out, but ran into Zhao Wenhua head-on.
"Young Lord, happy news, great news!"
Seeing Zhao Wenhua's happy face, Yan Shifan asked curiously, "What are you happy about?"
In Yan Shifan's opinion, Zhao Wenhua wasn't the type to show his emotions on his face. Why was he acting so out of character today?
"His Majesty summoned Lord Yan and mentioned the matter of Xia Yan."
When Yan Shifan heard the name Xia Yan, his eyes lit up instantly.
"How do you say that?"
"I heard that His Majesty wants to have Xia Yan executed."
Zhao Wenhua swallowed and said very proudly.
"What did the old man say?"
"Of course, it's in accordance with your Majesty's wishes."
Tsk tsk, that’s really good news.
Yan Shifan was naturally very satisfied with this result.
It has been more than half a year since Xia Yan was dismissed from office, and he has been imprisoned without any explanation.
Any delay would lead to changes, which made Yan Song and his party very worried.
You have to know that the emperor's mind is unpredictable. God knows when the emperor will regret it and release Xia Yan again.
If Xia Yan regains favor, he will definitely take severe revenge on Yan Song and his party.
Only by cutting the roots can we eliminate the trouble permanently.
It can be seen that the emperor still has feelings for Xia Yan, otherwise it would not have dragged on until now.
"Looks like it's time to add some fuel to the fire."
Yan Shifan sneered and said, "Brother Meicun, why don't you submit a memorial to send Xia Yan on his way?"
Zhao Wenhua smiled apologetically and said, "I'd like to hear the details."
Yan Shifan motioned Zhao Wenhua to come closer, and then whispered something.
Zhao Wenhua couldn't help but gasp when he heard this.
When it comes to cruelty, if Yan Shifan is second to none, no one dares to claim to be first.
"As long as Xia Yan survives, his followers will harbor hopes of a comeback."
Yan Shifan patted Zhao Wenhua on the shoulder and said, "If this succeeds, Brother Meicun will be credited with the main credit."
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