Chapter 568 567 Who will join the cabinet?

Chapter 568 567 Who will join the cabinet?

In the capital, the lobby of the Ministry of Justice is open for trial again today.

When Yan Shifan was escorted into the lobby by the government officials, he glanced at the people sitting in the lobby and saw Zhu Xixiao at a glance.

Yan Shifan knew in his heart that this was probably the last time he would go to court. Emperor Jiajing sent Zhu Xixiao here just to see if he really confessed his crime.

When it comes to pleading guilty, he is definitely not willing to do so.

However, people have to bow their heads under the eaves.

All the crimes were originally committed by him alone and had nothing to do with the rest of the family.

Yan Song's place, although there is a fault of lax discipline, is safe for life, even if the children in the family suffer, they will be implicated, and they may end up being exiled to the army.

But if you continue to resist

Thinking of this, Yan Shifan was slightly stunned, thinking about the gains and losses.

Since Yan Shifan was escorted into the lobby, he only glanced at them and closed his eyes without speaking, looking very arrogant.

However, most of the people in the room have had a lot of contact with Yan Shifan, so it is not surprising. If Yan Shifan was lying low and cowardly at this time, it would not be the Yan Shifan in their impression.

There was an eerie silence in the lobby of the Criminal Department.

After a while, Yan Shifan's eyelids moved slightly, as if he had made a decision.

In fact, at this time, there were not many crimes that Yan Shifan could deny. He could not get away with corruption and bending the law. Not to mention the witness evidence produced by Lin Run and the others, the physical evidence also came out when the house was ransacked.

Such a big piece of fat, with Yan Shifan's integrity towards the Ming Dynasty's civil servant group, it would only be a ghost if he could hold it back at this time.

As for the traffic Japanese pirates, Yan Shifan felt that he was a bit unjust, and it was also the root cause of his death. However, Luo Longwen had already killed him in order to continue his family's bloodline, but he knew nothing about it.

As for other crimes, what is the difference between them?

Yan Shifan couldn't help but feel a little sad when he thought of his life savings stored in more than a dozen cellars at home.

Back then, he once took his old father Yan Song to visit the cellar of his mansion in the capital, which was just to show off.

The father worked hard for the court all his life and made great achievements, but in the end he made more money than his unsatisfactory son.

"Who is in the hall? Tell me your name."

At this time, Huang Guangsheng's majestic voice came from above

Xiyuan.

"Your Majesty, we have found out clearly that Yan Shifan used Luo Longwen to transport Japanese pirates. The evidence is complete. However, there is insufficient evidence for conspiracy and rebellion. Most of it was explained by Luo Longwen."

Huang Jin reported to Emperor Jiajing in a low voice. He knew what the emperor wanted to hear.

Corruption and perversion of the law were not enough for the emperor to punish Yan Shifan, because the punishment had already been imposed by being exiled to Leizhou Prefecture.

Ming law states that one crime cannot be punished twice.

"Why did he want to transport Japanese pirates?"

Emperor Jiajing put down the book in his hand, and the four regular script characters "Yongle Dadian" were clearly written on the red writing.

"make money."

Huang Jin lowered his head and said, "According to his explanation, as the Japanese war lasted for a long time, the price of Chinese goods overseas became more and more expensive. In order to make huge profits, he..."

Although Huang Jin lowered his head, he could still see from the corner of his eye that Emperor Jiajing was sitting upright at this time.

"That money can't satisfy his appetite. How brave."

Emperor Jiajing has already spoken, and he seems to have understood that perhaps it was not only Yan Song's lax discipline, but also his own connivance that was the reason why Yan Shifan became more serious.

Since he is an underfed dog, he naturally cannot stay. Living like this will only be a disaster.

He reached out and picked up the memorial handed over by Zhu Xixiao, the commander of the Jinyi Guards, on the imperial desk, and read it carefully. As for the memorial beside it, which was submitted by the Ministry of Punishment and reexamined the evidence of Yan Shifan's transportation of Japanese pirates and potential rebellion, he was Not even a glance.

"Praise the red."

Putting down Zhu Xixiao's memorial, Emperor Jiajing said: "Since the questions were answered truthfully, Shifan Longwen was immediately beheaded. The embezzled official silver, property, and family property were ordered to be severely detained by the ministers and the two offenders were detained, and all the offenders were chased and confiscated. Don't let your relatives and others hide, and those who violate the order will be arrested and punished immediately.

Yan Song was afraid that his son would deceive the emperor and betray his family. When his grandsons were appointed civil and military officials, they all reduced their positions to serve the people. The remaining party went against evil and tried to rule them out without causing trouble to the rest of the family. This was as planned. "

Originally, Huang Jin wanted to remind Emperor Jiajing that Huang Guangsheng and others added a line at the end of the reexamination memorial, "The previous draft has not been completed, and he should be punished urgently to vent the anger of the world." However, since Emperor Jiajing had already issued the Since the decree clearly states the canonical punishment, there is no need to add any more extraneous measures.

However, Huang Jin always felt that Emperor Jiajing seemed to have noticed something about this, but he just didn't make it public.

After Huang Guangsheng lowered his head and wrote the emperor's comments on the back of the memorial, he put the memorial away and handed it over to the chamberlain outside to send it to the ceremonial supervisor for sealing, when Emperor Jiajing's voice came again.

"It is said that Xu Jie came to the palace to pay an audience."

"According to the order."

Huang Jin hurriedly held the memorial in hand and bowed to answer.

Not long after, Xu Jie hurried from the cabinet to Yongshou Palace.

"I heard that Maozhong has been ill recently and has not been on duty at the cabinet for a few days."

Emperor Jiajing called Xu Jie here, naturally it was because of court matters, "Have you gone to see what's going on?"

"It should be due to working hard for days, so I became sick due to overwork. According to the imperial doctor, I need to rest."

When Emperor Jiajing asked about Yuan Wei, Xu Jie said hurriedly.

There are only two ministers in the cabinet now, he and Yuan Wei.

Now that Yuan Wei has given up his role, he is the only one in charge of the cabinet, which is still a bit difficult.

"When it comes to health care, you and Wei Zhong are good, unlike Mao Zhong, who fell ill in bed at a young age."

Emperor Jiajing knew that Yuan Wei's illness was a real illness and not a fake illness. The imperial physician had recorded it after seeing it.

"It's all thanks to His Majesty's great blessing that I and Weizhong are lucky enough to be at your Majesty's side. A little bit of immortality is enough for me and others to live a hundred years."

Xu Jie said hurriedly.

He is four years older than Yuan Wei, but he is still strong and strong. In order to survive Yan Song, Xu Jie has always attached great importance to his diet and daily life.

"hehe."

Emperor Jiajing smiled and said: "The Three Law Divisions and the Jinyi Guards have all reported and proved Shifan's crimes. Have you ever re-examined the facts?"

"Your Majesty, I have also noticed it before. After all, Wei Zhong only has one son, and the two families are also related by marriage, but, alas."

Xu Jie let out a sigh, as if he couldn't bear to continue talking.

Emperor Jiajing stared at Xu Jie for a moment, and then continued: "Since it is true, when you return, you can take the memorial from the Supervisor of Rites back to the cabinet for processing."

"yes."

Xu Jie bowed and replied, and then heard Emperor Jiajing continue speaking.

"I have been living deep in the west, worshiping mysticism, and no longer connected with the outer court. Therefore, I have to hide my wisdom and steal my power, and even exhaust the country's money and the people's support without being able to fill the rivers and valleys. I block justice and violate the laws of nature. There is no need to be afraid.

Runnai accused him of treason, and the judicial department also planned to conspire against him, which was not legal. "

Hearing what Emperor Jiajing said, Xu Jie's heart skipped a beat, but he remained silent and did not dare to say anything.

"Severe family crimes are committed in this world, and don't involve others."

After saying the last sentence, Xu Jie hurriedly knelt down and bowed to the ground. Regardless of whether he meant it or not, he shouted loudly: "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your sympathy."

Sympathy for veterans?

who?

Xu Jie didn't dare to say, only Emperor Jiajing knew in his heart.

However, he understood that the matter was settled with the emperor.

Since Emperor Jiajing has already acquiesced to their handling method, it is natural to do it sooner rather than later. Who knows whether the emperor will suddenly change his mind in the end.

After getting the sealed memorial from the Bureau of Ceremonies, Xu Jie sent someone to inform Huang Guangsheng and Prince Yu's Mansion of the Ministry of Punishments. The decision on beheading was naturally decided by the Ministry of Punishments.

Waiting in the cabinet for Huang Guangsheng's arrival, Xu Jie handed him the drafted decree and asked him to go to the Criminal Department to use the seal in person. He then asked the Criminal Department when they planned to execute Yan Shifan and Luo Longwen.

"Mr. Xu Ge, the imperial court has a long history of beheading prisoners here. It should be the Queen of Autumn."

"No."

Xu Jie directly interrupted Huang Guangsheng's words, "His Majesty told me today in Xiyuan, 'The Justice Department plans to conspire to judge the illegal law.'"

Huang Guangsheng was stunned when he heard Xu Jie say this. Obviously Emperor Jiajing also understood the case, but he still criticized it in the end.

"I see."

Immediately, Huang Guangsheng knew what Xu Jie meant. This matter could not be delayed. It was possible that the emperor suddenly changed his mind.

"The sooner the better."

When Huang Guangsheng took the official document, Xu Jie added.

The Sixth Section reviewed Yan Shifan's trial order very quickly. Huang Guangsheng got the seal not long after he arrived. All that was left was for the Ministry of Punishment to pronounce the verdict and select a date for execution.

The news quickly spread from the Sixth Section to all parts of the court. In order to prevent accidents, the entire trial process of the case was kept strictly confidential and allowed to be speculated by the outside world. Now it can finally be confirmed.

death penalty.

In an instant, not only the officials celebrated with their hats, but also invited people to have a drink together to celebrate. The news spread to the people, and the people were very happy to hear about it. They all made an appointment to go to the West Market to watch the execution with wine in hand.

Perhaps because there were too few entertainment activities in ancient times, beheading was regarded as a pastime by the common people, which was incomprehensible to Wei Guangde at least.

The officials drank to celebrate, and the people enjoyed watching the beheadings. This may be the difference between officials and people.

Wei Guangde heard the news in the school record office, and he just sighed lightly and said nothing.

After leaving the office, Wei Guangde went home directly instead of going to the banquet with his colleagues.

When he arrived at the door of his home, Wei Guangde saw Yang Yusun and Fan Weipi waiting outside.

Wei Guangde got off the carriage, and the two of them were already approaching.

"Master Yang, Master Fan."

Wei Guangde bowed his hands.

"Shandai, what happened at Yandong Tower is really irreversible?"

Yang Yusun asked directly.

"Did Mr. Xu Ge ever accept the gift you were waiting for?"

Wei Guangde did not answer directly, but asked.

Both of them shook their heads when they heard this.

"Well, the palace has already nodded. It's too late to say anything. I can only blame Brother Donglou for narrowing the road and offending everyone. How can he not die?"

Wei Guangde whispered.

Yan Shifan was arrested and brought to Beijing, so it was naturally impossible for Yan Song to do nothing.

Yang and Fan were the lobbyists invited by Yan Song, and they traveled to various mansions in the capital during the trial of Yan Shifan's case.

Yang Yusun was the same year as Xu Jie, the elder of Xu Ge, and he was still a fellow villager. Although Fan Weipi was a junior official who had just entered the official career, his most famous ancestor was Fan Zhongyan in the Song Dynasty.

Therefore, one of them is senior and the other has a rich ancestor. They still have a lot of respect in Beijing, which is one-third of an acre.

It's just that this time, Yan Shifan offended too many people, so much that no one dared to protect him.

If Xu Jie alone wanted Yan Shifan dead, there might be room for change, but there was King Yu behind him, who would offend the future emperor.

This also destined the two of them to run into obstacles everywhere in the capital these days. They were not stupid. They knew that the key to the matter lay in Xu Ge Lao and Prince Yu's Mansion.

After Wei Guangde entered the house, the two had no choice but to find a place to discuss.

Wei Guangde is the place where they think they are most likely to come into contact with Prince Yu's Mansion. As for the other people in the mansion, they almost don't think much about it.

On March 24, the 44th year of Jiajing reign, Yan Shifan and Luo Longwen were taken to the West City for execution. They were beheaded at Chunri, which was rare.

For a time, the people in the capital flocked to watch. The evil deeds of Yan Shifan were widely spread among the people. It was impossible to say whether it was true or false. However, this was the public opinion. The people had already regarded Yan Shifan as the traitor of the dynasty. , all think that killing them will be quick.

The momentum that day was even greater than that of Fan Yingqi's boast of being the first scholar a few days ago. It can only be said that the limelight of the imperial examination scholars in this session was robbed by Yan Shifan.

But no matter what, there are 394 new Jinshis in the officialdom of the capital, and after completing their assignments for the imperial examination, they will soon enter the official career and become the fresh blood of the officialdom of the Ming Dynasty.

At the same time, in the Metropolitan Procuratorate, Jiangxi Dao Yushi Chengshoujie was ordered to go south to Jiangxi and was responsible for inspecting the Yan family's property.

With Yan Shifan and Luo Longwen's heads on the ground, and Yan Shaoting and others being sentenced to exile, the Yan family fell completely and never regained its former strength.

But at this moment, another piece of news came out that shocked both the government and the public.

On March 25th, Yuan Wei, the young master and the crown prince Taifu, a scholar of Jianji Hall, the Minister of Hubu, came to beg for his return.

Yuan Wei's illness has lasted for two months. Everyone in the court had already expected his request to return to his hometown to recuperate, but they did not expect it to happen so soon.

Emperor Jiajing readily agreed to Yuan Wei's request, including Yuan Wei's request to grant his nephew Shang Baocheng a round of leave to accompany him with the decoction and medicine, and ordered Yi Chuan to return.

Yuan Wei resigned, and only Xu Jie was left in the Jiajing cabinet again. Although he could still manage to maintain his position, as usual, Xu Jie still petitioned for replacement ministers on the second day after Yuan Wei resigned.

Xu Jie, a bachelor, was ranked first grade for nine years and six years after reaching full rank. Emperor Jiajing sent an envoy to present gold unicorns, silk, platinum, treasure banknotes, delicacies, and sheep wine. He also gave him imperial commendations and special promotions. In the Zhu Kingdom, Yin's son was appointed Sicheng of Shangbaosi and given a banquet to the Ministry of Rites.

Xu Jie resigned as usual and did not dare to accept the order.

Prince Yu's Mansion.

"Your Majesty is loyal and just, and cares about the people of the country. You have served in government for many years, and you have done well with your achievements. Your performance and grace are not exceeded. You can read the memorials, and your words of love are sincere. I have given you 40 silver coins in exchange for the banquet. Two, with four colors on the outside and inside, the rest should be accepted as my order, as a deputy to my family in return for your loyalty and hard work."

Zhang Juzheng was holding a copy of Emperor Jiajing's comments to his teacher Xu Jie in his hand. Although his face was not happy, the slight twitching of the corners of his mouth showed that Zhang Juzheng was in a happy mood at this time.

Officials who reach the rank of Six Ministries and Nine Ministers will generally receive praise from the emperor after serving for three, six, or nine years. The Xu rank has reached the top of the Sanxian rank, which means that there is still one step left to increase the title. In fact, it is the "Shangzhu Kingdom".

Wei Guangde understood the meaning of Emperor Jiajing's withdrawal of the title of "Zhuguo". In fact, it was to wait until he became an official, so that Xu Jie would be considered a great consummation.

"Did Mr. Xu Ge not say who your Majesty would like to join the cabinet?"

Wei Guangde asked.

In fact, he asked King Yu who was sitting above him to ask these words. At this time, King Yu was also staring at Zhang Juzheng, hoping to get accurate information from him.