Fang Zheng smiled and took a sip of tea, then held out his hand and said, "Master Xu, why don't you read it first?"
Xu Wenshu broke out in a cold sweat as he read the pictures one after another.
Every time I looked at one, my hands trembled.
Each piece of paper here records the famous figures in the court, and the contents are actually their family's various industries in Beijing.
The details of the content were astonishing. Even if he knew some of the situation in the Ministry of Revenue, it would not be as clear as what was recorded in the letter.
The most important thing is that his family is among them, and it is exactly the same...
After reading all the content, Xu Wenshu felt much more depressed. He raised his head and asked, "Master Fang, what do you mean?"
Fang Zhengyi smiled slightly: "It's not interesting."
"You see, the officials of Dajing always say they look down on merchants. But privately, each of them has his own business. What I showed you today is just the tip of the iceberg."
"I remember that the Dajing Law School should have stipulated that officials and their relatives cannot engage in business. It is to prevent collusion between officials and businessmen, and abuse of power for profit. If the things collected by the Jinyiwei were known to the outside world, it would probably be the biggest scandal of our Dajing, right?"
This is an unspoken rule that everyone knows about. Why are you, Fang Zhengyi, the only one who is so excited about it?
Xu Wenshu said with difficulty: "What do you mean? Are you just trying to open a pilot project just to encourage business?"
"Haha, it may sound a bit presumptuous to say this, but it's because of this matter. The Jinyiwei cracks down on lawlessness, and court officials compete with the people for profit. Of course I have to find a way to solve it." Fang Zheng said with a smile.
"Master Xu, I started my career in Taoyuan County, and I know the power of merchants very well. Today's world is a time when business is booming, so why not help promote it? Times have changed, and you and I may soon be able to see a prosperous era that our predecessors could never achieve!"
Xu Wenshu's eyelids twitched a few times, and he suddenly felt extremely aggrieved.
I originally thought Fang Zhengyi was just a shameless guy, but I didn't expect he was also a delusional person.
Times have changed? Who do you think you are?
"Master Fang, why don't you just go and report to His Majesty? The memorial is already written. What do you want to tell me?"
"Lord Xu, please stop pretending. If I report it and there is a response, would I still come to you? Just tell me whether you will help me or not. As long as you give the OK, I think it won't be difficult for the court to just start a pilot program." Fang Zheng said carelessly.
Xu Hongcai stared at him with curiosity. The man in front of him gave him an indescribable special feeling.
Seeing that the conversation had already been made, Xu Wenshu pulled a frown and pushed the letter in front of Fang Zhengyi: "I won't help! This matter will naturally be easier to handle if I say so, but how will other people see me? You're just dreaming!"
Fang Zhengyi pushed the letter back in front of Xu Wenshu and whispered, "Aren't you afraid that I will make this information public? Let the world see how hypocritical our officials are?"
Xu Wenshu sneered: "I'm afraid it's not me who is afraid, but you, Lord Fang. If this letter becomes known to everyone, everyone will know that the Jinyiwei is secretly monitoring the court officials. By then, everyone will be afraid of you and isolate you. Then you will be the target of public criticism. I don't believe you dare to offend everyone."
"If it really comes to that, His Majesty might even disband the Imperial Guards."
Threaten me?
Fang Zhengyi's smile froze on his face, and he suddenly slammed the table.
This sudden incident confused Xu Wenshu and his son.
The smile on Fang Zhengyi's face had disappeared: "Master Xu, I think you have all forgotten what the Jinyiwei does."
"I spy on all officials, arrest disloyal officials, manage the imperial prison, and interrogate and execute people. When I first took over the Jinyiwei, all of you were worried that I would take revenge in this position. But the facts have proved that I have been living in peace with you all for such a long time. Even if someone dislikes me or disagrees with me, I will ignore them."
"Even if someone scolds me behind my back, I don't care at all." Having said this, Fang Zheng turned his head and looked at Xu Hongcai: "Xiao Xu, has your father ever scolded me?"
Xu Hongcai didn't expect the conversation to suddenly turn to him, but thinking of his father's scolding a few days ago, he stammered nervously: "No...definitely not scolding, Lord Fang, you're overthinking it."
"That's scolding."
"......"
Xu Wenshu blushed: "Master Fang, don't talk nonsense without evidence. The child is still young, don't scare him."
Fang Zhengyi ignored him and continued, "You should be thankful that I am the one sitting in this position! To tell you the truth, the Jinyiwei never do anything illegal. The industries of those officials are all found out, analyzed, and summarized from the market. Anyone can do it as long as they are willing to spend time and energy."
"What if this position is taken by a simple and rough person who only follows orders? Lord Xu, you might as well think about what will happen then?"
"Perhaps your servants are no longer servants, but Jinyiwei. Your son is no longer your son, but may be Jinyiwei..."
Fang Zhengyi's gaze turned to Xu Hongcai again, and Xu Hongcai felt as if the hairs on his body stood up when he was looked at by him.
Xu Wenshu felt sad.
What Fang Zhengyi said was indeed true. On weekdays, they would have some dealings with the Jinyiwei. Most of the Jinyiwei who came to their door were polite and neatly dressed, which made people feel good when they saw them. They were also well-known among the people.
In contrast, the quality of the Dongchang men is much worse, and they will use any means to get important cases done.
Everyone had no objection to Fang Zhengyi on this point, but no one thought he did a good job. After all, the Jinyiwei had been like this since they appeared.
Everyone naturally thought that this was how the Jinyiwei should be.
Now that Fang Zhengyi mentioned this, he suddenly came to his senses.
Jinyiwei was supposed to be a violent organization that would do anything to serve the emperor... Gentleness should never be a trait it exhibits, unless the leader is intentionally guiding...
Xu Wenshu moved his lips twice, wanting to say something, but in the end nothing came out.
Seeing his strange expression, Fang Zheng smiled and said, "In fact, you should all thank me, because I have always protected my colleagues in the court."
"Protect your right to speak in court, and protect your freedom from fear."
"Given the popularity of the Jinyiwei, it is unlikely to be abolished. However, if I leave, I am afraid it will not benefit anyone. At most, everyone will suffer losses."
"Besides, it doesn't matter if I have nothing! What am I afraid of? I am the prince consort, His Majesty is my father, I eat the emperor's food, wouldn't it be nice for him to lie at home?"
"So, do you think I dare to let these things out?"
Xu Wenshu was still thinking about it, but when he heard Fang Zheng say such shameless words, he sighed helplessly: "Master Fang, I surrender to you. Can't you change someone else? Isn't your uncle better than me?"
......
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