Yan Zilian was not procrastinating in his work, and the next day he ordered the officials to draw up a memorial, digging up the old case of Wen Weixi filling his winter clothes with Chen cotton a few years ago, and reprimanding the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Officials for protecting Wen Weixi. It didn't show up.
There was another war of tongues in the court, but because the case was concluded that year, Wen Weixi was also punished, which is irrefutable, but such a major dereliction of duty, the Ministry of War assessment, the Ministry of Officials review, Wen Weixi was promoted instead of relegated. However, the eunuch party and Wen Youchi's faction are naturally aggrieved but poor in words.
Yan Zilian seized this point and ordered the officials to impeach Wen Youchi for favoritism and perverting the law, and secondly, the impeachment of the Ministry of Officials was unfair.
The scolding wars caused by the grand plan of the Jingchao can be described as one after another, but this time is the most intense because it finally involved Shangshu.
Given the solid evidence, Wen Weixi had to be re-examined, but because he had already been demoted and fined for the Dongyi case, and was no longer punished, several officials from the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Officials were implicated. Made a scapegoat.
Then, less than a month later, news suddenly spread that Wen Youchi's old father died of illness in his hometown. His father had been bedridden for many years and passed away quietly in his sleep. It was not unusual, but it was a huge blow to the Wen family.
The Master said: "He is also filial and fraternal, but those who like to offend the superior are rare, and it is not easy to offend the superior, but those who like to make chaos are rare." He thinks that filial piety must be loyal to the emperor. Since the Han Dynasty, filial piety has ruled the world for hundreds of thousands of years Since then, officials of all dynasties have to return to their hometowns to observe filial piety for their parents for three years, which is called "Ding You".
In the event of a national calamity, the emperor can "seize the love" and order the officials to stay in their positions. A father is a father, and being loyal to the emperor is also a filial father.
But now that there are no major affairs in the country, and Wen Youchi's son's prestige has been damaged, even if Emperor Zhaowu intends to seduce his feelings, it will be untenable both emotionally and rationally.
Wen Youchi had no choice but to write a letter stating the matter, and wanted to return home immediately. Concubine Wen Gui and Xie Zhongren could only watch as Wen You left Beijing late.
As soon as Wen You left, Zuo Shilang of the Ministry of War was supposed to temporarily act as Minister, but this person had just been implicated in Wen Weixi's affairs, and he was suspected of dereliction of duty. It should be discussed by the cabinet and finally decided by the emperor. This matter was another dispute, and in the end, the cabinet had the upper hand with its reasons and evidence, and Feng Chuang, the right servant, temporarily acted as Minister of the Ministry of War.
This battle can be described as a complete victory. It not only drove away Wen Youchi, but also helped officials from the gentry faction to important positions.
After Yan Sikong learned about it, he secretly breathed a sigh of relief. As soon as Wen You left, Concubine Wen Guifei would lose her strongest support. There should be no storms for a while. It's a sure thing, but Xie Zhongren still can't be taken lightly. This stray dog killed Chen Kui's mother and concubine, and he is already on the verge of riding a tiger. He is determined not to let Chen Kui ascend the throne smoothly.
After such a toss, all the officials were trembling, and the eunuchs had become more honest, and they themselves had to be assessed. If there were one or two more Wen Weixis, they might not be able to protect themselves.
The grand plan of the Jingcha is still proceeding step by step, and the court has calmed down a lot. There are more gentry officials who have been dismounted than eunuchs, but Wen Youchi has arrived at several, which can be said to be a lose-lose situation. With the passage of time, the assessment of local officials and officials of the third rank and below is coming to an end, and it will soon be the turn of the officials of the second rank and above.
—
Throughout the summer, Yan Sikong was extremely busy, frequently hearing bad news, but also frequently hearing good news. For example, Shen Hexuan's assessment result was "competent" and he was about to be promoted. Yan Zilian decided to promote him to the supervisor of the Metropolitan Procuratorate History, patrolling Hanzhong.
The official career path of Shu Jishi is usually to stay in the Imperial Academy for a few years, and then go to the local area for training, and then return to Beijing to take office. They can be promoted gradually according to their political achievements. It's very safe, Yan Zilian let him patrol a rich place like Hanzhong, and he also took great care of him.
In addition, Yan Sikong felt that Yan Zilian also wanted to send Shen Hexuan away on purpose, fearing that when the dispute over the position would resume, Shen Hexuan would charge into the battle with his body regardless.
Shen Hexuan's visit lasted for at least two years and at most five years, and he would not be able to return to Beijing. Because of his character, he had no friends in court. Before leaving, Yan Sikong invited him to drink, and he agreed very rarely.
Shen Hexuan didn't want to go to the restaurant, Yan Sikong knew that he was really poor, even if he could be the host himself, so he proposed to bring two jugs of good wine to drink at his house, Shen Hexuan readily agreed.
Shen Hexuan's mansion was even older than his, and it was far away from the imperial city. Every day he went to the yamen, and he might have to walk for an hour. Even so, he was always the first to come and the last to leave.
Yan Sikong came to visit as scheduled, seeing Shen Hexuan with a spring breeze on his face, knowing that he is such a person who does not show his likes and dislikes lightly, he is really happy today.
"Brother Shen, congratulations." Yan Sikong cupped his hands and said, "He will definitely be promoted when he returns from his patrol in Hanzhong someday."
Shen Hexuan returned the gift and said with a smile: "Your Majesty will know whether you are promoted or not, but I am most delighted to be able to do some practical things, dear brother, please."
The two entered the mansion, a gentle and beautiful woman stood under the eaves with a baby in her arms, and bowed to Yan Sikong from a distance: "Master Yan."
"Sister-in-law is too polite." Yan Sikong hurriedly bowed, and went up to tease Shen Hexuan's son.
Several people entered the room chatting and laughing, and Yan Sikong learned from their words that Shen Hexuan and his wife were childhood sweethearts, not only gentle and virtuous, but also a well-known talented woman in the local area.
Madam prepared a table of meals with her own hands, and the two chatted about court affairs, had a few drinks with each other, and got closer to each other.
Talking about the events that have happened since the beginning of spring, Shen Hexuan was filled with emotion: "The court seems to be calm, but in fact, the undercurrent is raging. First, the prince was in prison, and the concubine Hui hanged herself. Then there was a grand plan by the Beijing police, and a large number of officials were dismissed. This year has just passed. Half of it, I don’t know how many waves will be caused by the remaining half.”
"The general trend is that there will be more wind and rain in the future. Fortunately, Wen Shangshu has returned to his hometown and Ding You, and the prince may be stable for a few years."
"I hope so." Shen Hexuan poured Yan Sikong a glass of wine, "After I left Beijing, it was all up to my virtuous younger brother to take care of the prince. The prince lost his mother when he was young, and he is still very dependent on others. Now he trusts you the most. .”
Yan Sikong nodded: "Brother Shen, don't worry, when Brother Shen returns to the capital and the day the crown prince ascends the throne, you and I will assist the crown prince together and restore my Dasheng country."
"it is good!"
The two had a drink.
Shen Hexuan obviously couldn't drink enough, his face was already blushing, his appearance was gentle and handsome, and he was a bit of a poet at this time, so he was ridiculed by Yansi Air Conditioner.
Shen Hexuan shook his head with a smile: "I am a rigid and reserved person, and I know it myself, I can't compare to my virtuous younger brother who is unrestrained and unrestrained."
Yan Sikong smiled meaningfully: "Brother Shen's character is steep and straight, he is a double-edged sword."
"'Jiaozhi'." Shen Hexuan savored these two words carefully, "'Qiaozhi', hahaha, these two words are good, well said, I am like that steep cliff." He raised his cup, He said boldly, "Standing on a wall for thousands of feet, you can be strong without desire. This is for the strength of character."
Yan Sikong raised his glass and said sincerely: "Brother Shen really has a good character, a good brother is hard to look back on in his life, I respect this character." After he finished speaking, he drank the wine in the glass in one gulp.
Shen Hexuan looked at Yan Sikong with a smile: "You know, brother, I didn't like you very much at first."
Yan Sikong nodded with a smile.
"Even now, I don't agree with some of your words and actions, but you are indeed a rare and rare talent. You are more suitable to be an official than me. Even the teachers have begun to rely on you, and the prince also trusts and relies on you. add."
"Brother Shen is too famous." Yan Sikong smiled faintly, "I am a mortal womb, I have been tossing around in this world for a long time, and I have found a way to survive, and Brother Shen is an extraordinary person, and I will definitely create an extraordinary life. merit."
"Hahaha, look at you, you are so eloquent." Shen Hexuan drank too much wine, jumped a lot, pointed at Yan Sikong and said, "That's what I didn't like about you at first."
Yan Sikong also laughed: "Everyone likes me, but Brother Shen doesn't like it. Doesn't it explain why Brother Shen is so extraordinary?"
Shen Hexuan laughed so hard, he stumbled and said: "You are right, everyone likes you, there are so many Jinshi in the same period, but in the end, I only have you as a friend..." He said at the end, The tone is somewhat lonely.
"It's a great honor to be introduced as a friend by brother Shen." Yan Sikong poured wine for the two of them.
Shen Hexuan waved his hand: "Now you are much higher in rank than me, and you are still a prospective son-in-law, but you are still so humble. I, admire, admire."
Yan Sikong smiled and said, "I really respect Brother Shen."
There was a touch of touch in Shen Hexuan's slightly drunken eyes.
The two drank a lot in a daze.
For some reason, Shen Hexuan's son came into the conversation, and Yan Sikong said with emotion: "Brother Shen is leaving, leaving his wife and nephew behind, and it will be hard for my wife."
There was reluctance in Shen Hexuan's eyes: "To be honest, I am most worried about them. There is only one Lao Pu in the family. My salary is meager. Even though I have been an official for many years, I still wronged their mother and son."
"If Brother Chen doesn't mind, I will take good care of my sister-in-law and nephew on behalf of Brother Shen. From now on, if there is any inconvenience for my wife and nephew, I will treat it as my own business and do my best."
Shen Hexuan's bright eyes flickered: "Is this... really?"
Yan Sikong laughed and said: "Brother Shen is on patrol outside, and I serve the state affairs with my own body. I take care of the family affairs for Brother Shen. For the public, I do my best for the court. For private, Brother Shen invites me as a confidant, so I should reciprocate. "
Shen Hexuan grabbed Yan Sikong's hand and said emotionally: "Sikong, thank you."
Yan Sikong also held his hand, and solemnly said: "May Brother Shen live up to the holy hope and the kindness of the teacher. I will wait for you to return to the capital and help the Ming Lord with me to create a peaceful and prosperous world again!"
Shen Hexuan is an important character in the following plot, and the two will be lifelong friends and enemies