Chapter 634 Chapter 633 The Whole Court Is in a State of Collapse

Wei Guangde knew that the trouble was serious, so he chose to keep a low profile. However, he went back to his house in the evening and changed into regular clothes, and then went out to Chen Yiqin's house.

This is a post sent by Chen Yiqin in the afternoon. Needless to say, it must be obvious that something is wrong.

Their plan to preserve the high arch seems to be unworkable.

"I knew about that at the time and asked someone for details. In fact, it was Xu Jie's younger brother, Xu Zhi, who was the right minister of the Ministry of Justice in Nanjing at the time. He resented Xu Jie's indifference and neglect to him because of his unsatisfactory performance appraisal results.

The relationship between Xu Jie and Xu Zhi brothers has always been at odds. With this incident, Xu Zhi became angry and went to the public to reveal some of Xu Jie's secrets that were not known to outsiders. What he said was unsightly.

At that time, Li Xiangxiang came to discuss with us privately, and everyone worked together to suppress the matter so that it did not spread in the court.

The officials who knew the news also knew that the matter was sensitive and did not dare to spread it randomly. Who knew that Qi Kang would blow it away. "

Chen Yiqin explained to Yin Shizhen and Wei Guangde.

You know, even the Minister of Rites didn't know about this matter. Wei Guangde was busy copying books at that time, and it was understandable that he ignored the incident in the court. Yin Shizhen didn't know about it, which shows what means were used to suppress the matter at that time.

"So that's it. I sent people to the General Affairs Department but couldn't find Xu Zhi's memorial. I only had a loan note from Li Cifu."

Yin Shizhen nodded and said.

"Qi Kang said that Li Chunfang and Xu Jie were hooking up, probably because of this."

Wei Guangde smiled, this is the difference between low-level officials and high-level officials.

Most of the lower-level officials were young and ignorant, but the senior officials were more thoughtful and feared that the memorial would cause uproar in the government and the public, so they tried their best to suppress it.

You know, at that time, the burial of Emperor Sejong was a major event, and the court could not be in chaos.

"Now that the wind is blowing in both directions, I'm afraid the high arch will have to retreat to calm the storm."

Yin Shizhen spoke again.

"His Majesty also sent me a note this afternoon, hoping that Gao Suqing can pass the customs smoothly."

After saying this, Chen Yiqin smiled bitterly.

Wei Guangde shook his head, "Some people in the official department are already discussing that Qi Kang should be demoted and released."

"Killing the chicken to scare the monkey?"

Yin Shizhen said without thinking.

"Is there any news from the Metropolitan Procuratorate? There is also the Department of Science."

Chen Yiqin frowned and looked at Wei Guangde. He had someone there who knew more.

Wei Guangde shook his head, "I sent a note to Si Zhi in the afternoon, but there was no reply when I came out.

As for His Majesty's wish to maintain Gao Gong, the current situation is very difficult, unless the ministers are mobilized to impeach Xu Jie with Xu Zhi's memorial. However, in this case, the court will be in chaos and difficult to control. If you are not careful, Xu Jie may be Stepping down with Gao Gong is the ending.

When the chief assistant becomes Mr. Li Ge, it may not be a blessing for the Ming Dynasty. "

Wei Guangde also had some considerations when he said this. Although a group of cabinet ministers had left, it seemed that he and Yin Shizhen had an opportunity. However, Li Chunfang was replaced as the first assistant. With his indecisive temperament, he was afraid that he would not dare to make a decision on any major matter. , but it is detrimental to the court.

"No chaos."

Chen Yiqin immediately rejected Wei Guangde's words. If he really followed this, I was afraid that Li Chunfang would also be implicated, and those cabinet ministers who knew about Xu Jie's affairs would be targeted one by one.

Don't believe that the officials below have any integrity. As long as someone gives an acceptable reason, they will use it to cause trouble.

As for what the consequences will be, the law doesn’t blame everyone, it’s nothing to be afraid of.

Anyway, from their point of view, only when the people above them fall down can they have the opportunity to use the impeachment memorial to show their face in front of the emperor, and maybe something good will happen to them.

Chen Yiqin thought much further than Wei Guangde.

"There's one more thing you probably don't know yet."

At this time, Chen Yiqin spoke again: "In the afternoon before leaving the office, Gao Yao, the Minister of Hubu, came to the cabinet and asked to resign from the post of Shangshu of the Hubu."

"Gao Yao is leaving?"

Yin Shizhen was a little surprised. Although as the Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, people would impeach him from time to time with their own reasons. Especially after entering the Longqing Dynasty, during the last few years of Emperor Jiajing, the Ministry of Revenue spent a lot of money to purchase ginseng, Ganoderma lucidum, etc. The so-called treasure.

Of course, no one dared to say anything when Emperor Jiajing was on the throne, but when the emperor changed, some people started to make trouble about this, saying that he had enriched his own pockets.

In fact, it is impossible to manage the imperial court's purse without making money. However, Wei Guangde felt a little strange about Gao Yao's resignation this time.

"It's not surprising. In the Six Ministers, Gao Yao and Zhao Bingran were actually holding on. Their bodies were already failing. He told us about this before, but the cabinet never found a suitable candidate, so it was late. There has been no memorial for a long time."

Seeing Wei Guangde's surprise, Chen Yiqin said, "If it hadn't been for Emperor Shizong, it might have been delayed for another half a year."

"Both the Ministry of Household Affairs and the Ministry of War will have vacancies."

Wei Guangde actually didn't care about Gao Yao and Zhao Bingran becoming officials. He was not Yang Bo, and these two yamen had no attraction to him at all.

I just thought that the imperial court was about to retreat a high arch, and there were two ministers in the meantime. I didn't know how outsiders would spread these things.

"Does Your Majesty know?"

Yin Shizhen asked.

"Your Majesty knows."

Chen Yiqin nodded, and then said: "Do you have any ideas about this matter today? I will go to the palace tomorrow to talk to His Majesty."

What he said was of course the matter of protecting Gao Gong, but up to now Yin Shizhan and Wei Guangde had no good solution, so all they got were two faces with bitter smiles.

"Then let's do it, let them fight among themselves, we won't get involved."

Chen Yiqin could only sigh after seeing this.

"Has Gao Yao's memorial been submitted to the palace today?"

Wei Guangde suddenly asked.

"Yes, Gao Shangshu said that he really couldn't stand it anymore, and he wanted to return to his hometown to enjoy his old age for a few years. What can we say."

Chen Yiqin replied.

"He is very smooth and knows that it is better to leave first."

Wei Guangde smiled.

Seeing that the Ming Dynasty court was entering a turbulent period, the unclean Gao Yao ran away first to vacate the position, so that no one would covet that position in the chaos.

"Gao Shangshu has been in charge of the Ministry of Revenue for many years, and he has made contributions and hard work."

Chen Yiqin just smiled.

On the second day, Chen Yiqin was summoned to the Qianqing Palace by Emperor Longqing as soon as he entered the cabinet. When he left, he had an extra imperial edict in his hand.

Later, news came from the cabinet that Emperor Longqing approved Gao Yao's retirement memorial and changed Nanjing Minister of Rites Ge Shouli to Minister of Revenue.

At the same time, the self-defense of Xu Jie, the chief minister of the cabinet, was also heard. The general idea was to respond to Qi Kang's impeachment, which was all ambiguous.

Your Majesty can ask the ministers in charge of various departments about the issue of his poor education of his son, and I don't need to argue.

It is really absurd to say that I obstructed the late emperor from making your Majesty the crown prince.

Wei Guangde received the news in the duty room of the Ministry of Personnel, but he didn't react much because Ouyang Yijing's note was handed over.

The censors were very angry about Xu Jie's impeachment, thinking that most of them were specious words, and they were even more angry that Gao Gong dared to use the speech channel to counterattack, which was really a provocation to the collective of the Ministry of Science and Technology.

You know, the current situation of the voices of the people is that Gao Gong is the main force. No one thought that Gao Gong's followers in the voices of the people would dare to impeach others under the guise of the Ministry of Justice.

Qi Kang has been isolated in the Censorate. The six departments and the thirteen censors gathered and cursed Qi Kang for being instructed by Gao Gong to frame Xu Jie.

No one in the government office today is destined to be able to work peacefully. Wei Guangde sat in his seat in a daze, thinking about the direction of subsequent developments.

"Master, there was news from the Dali Temple just now."

Lu Bu ran back to report the news and passed the news he had just heard to Wei Guangde.

"Dali Temple, is this related to the Dali Temple? The court officials impeached each other. Will it rise to the three judicial departments?"

Wei Guangde frowned and said unhappily.

Lu Bu was startled and explained immediately: "No, it was Hai Rui, the Dali Temple Secretary, who summoned the Dali Temple officials and said, 'Although Xu Gong's early years of deceiving the former emperor were flawed, he had already made up for his mistakes.

This Qi Kang is willing to be Gao Gong's hawk dog and bite Xu Gong, which is really hateful.'"

"Hai Rui also spoke."

Wei Guangde was speechless for a while. Hai Rui was nothing in Wei Guangde's eyes, whether in terms of rank or power, but this man was famous and could almost influence the opinions of the court officials.

If his words were spread, it could basically be believed that the court officials would choose to support Xu Jie and oppose Gao Gong.

Xu Jie's self-defense was sent to the palace from the cabinet at the first time. I don't know what Chen Yiqin said to Emperor Longqing before, and I don't know if it was Emperor Longqing's own consideration. Before the court was dismissed in the afternoon, there was news that Emperor Longqing issued an order to retain Xu Jie.

Li Chunfang's self-defense has not been delivered, and I don't know if he is waiting to see the change of the wind direction.

In the evening, Wei Guangde received Ouyang Yijing in his mansion.

Lord Ouyang is now very powerful, especially in the six departments, because of his high success rate of impeachment.

"Brother Sizhi, this is..."

The arrival of Ouyang Yijing made Wei Guangde alert, wondering if this "mad dog" could be controlled by him.

Today is a busy day for the Tongzheng Division. It is said that there are many memorials impeaching Gao Gong, and the Tongzheng Division can't suppress them and has sent them all. Gao Gong probably won't dare to go to work tomorrow and can only lick his wounds at home.

At this time, Ouyang Yijing came, and Wei Guangde instinctively felt that he was going to make trouble.

"Shandai, take a look at this first."

As he said, Ouyang Yijing took out a memorial from his sleeve and handed it over.

Seeing this, Wei Guangde's heart sank, and what was coming finally came.

But fortunately, he knew to let himself see it first, so that he would have a bottom line in his heart, so as not to be caught off guard like last time.

He took the memorial and looked at it. Sure enough, it was a memorial impeaching Gao Gong.

The impeachment of Grand Secretary Gao Gong has been discussed many times, but he did not think of taking the blame himself, but instead accused the censors of being a party, wanting to intimidate the court officials and monopolize the power of the country. He should be dismissed as soon as possible.

"Brother Sizhi, why do you have to wade into this mess."

Wei Guangde said after taking a rough look at Ouyang Yijing's memorial, but he did not hand the memorial back.

"Shandai, this matter has already exploded in the Ministry of Personnel. If Gao Gong cannot be removed from the court, the situation will not be calmed down. I have no choice but to do this.

Qi Kang's memorial aroused public indignation. Not only was there a great uproar in the court, but other officials were also eager to fight. The situation was very bad for Gao Gong. Only if he left would the current storm be calmed down.

Moreover, if one or two people in the cabinet leave, it would be good for you."

Ouyang Yijing looked at Wei Guangde with an ambiguous look, as if he meant to be good to him.

Isn't it just thinking that if Gao Gong leaves, someone may be added to the cabinet, and he will have a chance.

Wei Guangde knew clearly that Ouyang Yijing must have had this in mind.

For these "countrysiders", it would definitely be a great thing for them to enter the cabinet.

"It's not that simple."

Wei Guangde just shook his head, "If Gao Gong is forced to leave, do you think His Majesty will let it go so easily?"

He had long thought about joining the cabinet, but based on his understanding of Emperor Longqing, he didn't have to think about it for a year and a half.

I'm afraid that in his opinion, this matter was promoted secretly because someone coveted the cabinet position.

You still dare to compete for a position in the cabinet, and you are not afraid that the emperor will vent his anger on you, just go ahead and try.

"Can't it be?"

Ouyang Yijinghu asked.

"Gao Gong is gone. Anyone who dares to fight at this time is the mastermind of Qi Gong. His Majesty is afraid that he will strangle you to death."

Wei Guangde had no choice but to explain it directly to Ouyang Yijing and tell him how powerful it was.

"Ah, your Majesty is not like that."

Ouyang Yijing also became worried, but he still said it.

"It's hard for you to understand the position Gao Gong holds in His Majesty's heart. Even if Gao Suqing has been away from Prince Yu's Mansion for many years, His Majesty's first thought is to look for him when something happens, and then others."

Wei Guangde said again.

"Then do you still want to submit this memorandum of mine?"

When Ouyang Yijing thought about it, he was not an idiot. He was not willing to do the job that would offend the emperor to death.

"I'll hold it in my hands first. If you don't tell Ke Dao, why don't you still make efforts to impeach? After they file the memorial first, there will be more impeachment memorials, and yours will be among them, so it won't be conspicuous."

Wei Guangde said.

At this time, if someone in the department fails to impeach someone, it will be seen as politically incorrect and not a good thing by others.

"Then, I will wait for two days and wait for others to play before I start."

Ouyang Yijing came here in good spirits and returned in defeat.

However, no one gave them any hints about other matters. Early the next morning, a flood of impeachment memorials flew into the Department of General Affairs and were delivered to the desks of several cabinet ministers.

Xu Jie was undoubtedly very good at seizing the opportunity, and Emperor Longqing persuaded him to stay, but he still did not leave the palace. Instead, he sent another begging letter, and naturally he refused to pay attention to it.

Xu Jie insisted on going home, and Li Chunfang also hid in the house and did not even submit her own defense.

But after all, it had only been two days. Generally, courtiers only presented their self-defense after being impeached for several days, so they had nothing to say.

At this time, the cabinet had no owner, and only Guo Pu, Chen Yiqin, and Zhang Juzheng were left. Naturally, they were unable to take up big posts.

The cabinet members were careless, the outer court was in chaos, and the entire Ming Dynasty was on the verge of paralysis.

Xu Jie kept a low profile this time, asking only to beg for leave and go home, as if he was afraid of Gao Gong, which aroused the sympathy of almost all officials in the two capitals.

Even Yang Bo, who had been on the same side as Gao Gong in the case of Hu Yingjia's abolition of membership, together with several important ministers, appealed to the emperor to retain Xu Jie, saying that he could not afford to hurt the hearts of the senior ministers, and that Gao Gong, Qi Kang's slander against Xu Jie went too far this time.

Yang Bo's memorial undoubtedly added fuel to the fire and made the ministers' view of Gao Gong even worse.

Although the emperor had already expressed his trust and retention in Xu Jie, it could not calm the restlessness of the court. The "culprit" was still at large. How could such a result be satisfactory?

Beginning with Yang Bo, the officials took action upon hearing the news, and with various moods, continued to express their attitudes that they felt they had to express.