Chapter 855 944 After the Court Session

Liu Shou secretly cursed Feng Bao in his heart for being a fool who could do nothing but cause trouble.

Don't talk about why he was not angry. Jinyiwei made his fortune by making big cases.

If Feng Bao had discussed the idea with him at the beginning, the imperial guards would have gone south to search the house and arrest people.

Don't talk about why it was easy to handle this matter by Jinyiwei. Although the people in Gao's house had left the capital, Jinyiwei still had the list of people who had close contact with Gao's house.

You know, Gao Gong had returned to the capital for several years, and all his actions were under the control of Jinyiwei.

Is it difficult to pick two suitable people from these lists?

Jinyiwei had plenty of means to make them confess according to their wishes, and they could directly nail Gao Gong's guilt.

As for the discussions of the court and the public, Jinyiwei would not pay attention.

What they care about is the size of the credit and how much money they can make from it.

But now it's not possible. Even if Feng Bao handed the matter over to Jinyiwei at this time, Liu Shouyou would find it difficult to operate.

To put it bluntly, Liu Shouyou has not found a strong political backer yet.

Originally, the backer of the Jinyiwei should be the emperor in the palace, but unfortunately the Wanli Emperor Zhu Yijun was too young to rely on.

As for Feng Bao, he was originally on Liu Shouyou's list of options, but at this moment he has been crossed out.

Watching the Tiqi leave, Liu Shouyou stood at the door of the North Zhenfu Division lobby in silence.

If it doesn't work, it seems that he can only find support in the court.

Yes, what Liu Shouyou can think of now is to find a backer in the court.

The first choice for the court's backer is naturally the cabinet ministers Zhang Juzheng, Wei Guangde and Lu Diaoyang, choose one of the three.

Originally, the existence of the Jinyiwei was to monitor the court officials, but at this time, who would have thought that the leader of the Jinyiwei was actually considering finding a court official as a backer.

Judging from the current situation, Zhu Xizhong is seriously ill, and his brother Zhu Xixiao temporarily replaced Zhu Xizhong's duties and took charge of the Central Military Office. The Northern Pacification Office has no time to take care of it, which is why he can temporarily replace the Jinyiwei Command and take charge of the Northern Pacification Office.

However, there is one thing Liu Shouyou still can't figure out, how did Minister Wang sneak into the palace smoothly.

You know, even if Minister Wang stole the eunuch's clothes, he had to pass the inspection of the palace gate to enter the imperial city. Even if he was alert and followed the eunuchs who went out to do business into the palace, it would be very difficult to enter without leaving any traces.

What's more, the swords and knives he carried with him were searched on the spot.

For a while, Liu Shouyou was actually a little unsure of what was going on.

Feng Bao obviously wanted to blame Gao Gong and Chen Hong at this time, convict Gao Gong of the crime, and finally determine that Chen Hong deliberately let the person into the palace.

However, it is hard to say whether the person was put in by Feng Bao or Chen Hong.

Just when Liu Shouyou was thinking about this matter based on the few clues he had, the time for the court to leave the office had also come. After leaving the office, countless officials, except for those who had appointments in advance, chose to go to Zhang Juzheng's mansion.

Yes, there is a characteristic in the Ming Dynasty, that is, when something big happened, the first person that civil officials would think of was the cabinet chief, the nominal leader of the civil service group.

These people went to Zhang Juzheng, naturally for the rumored case of Gao Gong assassinating the emperor.

For these people, although most of them did not like Gao Gong, or Gao Gong's followers had been cleaned up, they still did not believe the rumors.

And now they can only find the chief Zhang Juzheng to express their views, hoping that he can express their opinions to the empress dowager and the emperor on their behalf. This is Feng Bao's despicable means of framing the cabinet ministers.

Soon, countless people met outside Zhang Juzheng's mansion, and after chatting, they went to Zhang's mansion to pay homage to the chief minister.

However, before they arrived at Zhang's mansion, someone had already arrived here first.

The man was not wearing an official uniform and looked sick. He entered the Zhang Mansion with the help of two servants.

After Zhang Juzheng's sedan chair returned to the mansion, the housekeeper You Qi stepped forward and whispered in Zhang Juzheng's ear: "Master, your fellow countryman, Li Youzi, the Minister of the Imperial Household, is here and is waiting for you in the flower hall behind."

"Isn't he recuperating at home? Why did he come to me?"

Zhang Juzheng was surprised.

"Maybe it's because of the assassination case. It's a big deal at this time. Many officials in the government don't believe that Gao Gong was instigating this matter. They are all making appointments to come to the mansion to pay homage to you."

You Qi replied.

Zhang Juzheng has been watching the capital for many years and also has his own news channels. The officials' discussions and subsequent actions in the yamen were all seen by them and secretly reported to Zhang's mansion.

"Why is Li Yuanshu here here when he's not at home recuperating? If he has something to say, he should just submit a memorial to the palace."

Zhang Juzheng couldn't help but complain about his fellow countryman.

Li Youzi, courtesy name Yuanshu and pseudonym Yihe, was from Yingcheng County, De'an Prefecture. He was from the same hometown as Zhang Juzheng and they both passed the imperial examination in the 26th year of Jiajing, so the relationship between the two families has always been very close.

Li Youzi was initially appointed as a messenger. During the Gengxu Rebellion, he wrote a letter saying, "The enemy's fort is small, so it is appropriate to build a high platform on the wall and build a house to house firearms." He was feared by the powerful and demoted to the position of Shaowu County Magistrate.

In the 29th year of Jiajing, he was appointed as the Jieshizhong of the Criminal Department. In the intercalary March of the 32nd year of Jiajing, he was promoted to the Right Jieshizhong of the Household Department. In June of the 33rd year of Jiajing, he was promoted to the Left Jieshizhong of the Rites Department.

In May of the first year of Longqing, he was promoted to the prefect of Changzhou Prefecture in Zhili. Later, he was transferred to the Deputy Envoy of the Shandong Provincial Surveillance Department. Later, he was transferred to the Deputy Envoy of the Shanxi Provincial Surveillance Department and the Right Counselor of the Shandong Provincial Administration Department.

In the sixth year of Longqing's reign, Li Youzi returned to Beijing and was promoted to Shaoqing of Taipu Temple, then to Right Shaoqing of Dali Temple, and to Left Shaoqing of Dali Temple.

By the year before, Li Youzi had just been promoted to Minister of Taipusi.

It can be said that except for some suppression during the Jiajing Dynasty, the official career has been prosperous since the first year of Longqing, among which Zhang Juzheng naturally contributed a lot.

It can also be seen from his promotion path that Zhang Juzheng trained him as the Minister of the Ministry of Household Affairs or the Censor of the Metropolitan Procuratorate, which was roughly the same as Wei Guangde's arrangement for Lao Kan.

"Is there anyone else?"

Zhang Juzheng asked in surprise.

"Many adults are here, and many more are on the way."

You Qi replied respectfully, "Sir, are you talking about the assassin with Gao?"

"I don't even understand how to say it."

Zhang Juzheng was also suffocating in his heart. Although he somewhat guessed that Feng Bao was responsible for this matter, his current attitude towards it was actually similar to that of Wei Guangde, and he didn't want to speak.

What's the point of offending Feng Bao for nothing?

You know, Feng Bao's face is very high among the Queen Mothers of the two palaces.

Not to mention the fact that he was in Prince Yu's Mansion, Feng Bao was an all-rounder.

After entering the palace, even when Empress Chen was ignored by the emperor, Feng Bao was respectful to Empress Chen, completely unlike Teng Xiang, Meng Chong and others who were arrogant.

The situation with Empress Dowager Li was similar. He only needed to show concern for Emperor Wanli in front of Empress Dowager Li.

After all, these two are mother and son.

"You block the others first. If you really can't block them, put them in a flower hall. I'll go to Yuanshu's place first to see what's going on."

Zhang Juzheng knew what was going on and what he might say.

After You Qi went to make arrangements, Zhang Juzheng just hummed, "What the hell is this!" and hurried to the flower hall behind to see Li Youzi.

After all, they are fellow villagers and they are in the same year, so Zhang Juzheng still has to give him this face.

"Uncle, Gao Xinzheng definitely did not do this. I just hate Feng Bao for his malicious attempt to frame us. We, the courtiers, cannot let him succeed."

As soon as Zhang Juzheng entered the flower hall, Li Youzi, who was leaning on his chair, stood up and walked quickly towards Zhang Juzheng.

"Yuan Shu, Yuan Shu, you sit down first. We can talk slowly if we have anything to say."

Zhang Juzheng knew that Li Youzi was really ill. Seeing his behavior, he hurriedly dissuaded him and stepped forward to help Li Youzi sit down.

"Uncle, I told you earlier that Feng Bao wanted to use the status of the minister of Gu Ming given by the late emperor to interfere in the affairs of the foreign court. I am afraid that he was responsible for the Gao Gong case. He wanted to kill the chicken and scare the monkeys, so that the foreign ministers would all If you were afraid of him, how would the king, the king, and the assassin enter the palace?"

Li Youzi only knew a rough idea and didn't even know Minister Wang's name, but he still chose to come.

He knew something about the relationship between Zhang Juzheng and Feng Bao. Although he didn't know everything, he had heard something about it.

What he is most worried about now is that Zhang Juzheng will be confused about Minister Wang's case in order to gain a relationship with Feng Bao, and collude with Feng Baokang to force the accusation on Gao Gong.

Even if the matter was accomplished by them, the impact on Zhang Juzheng was huge, and it was dirty water that could not be washed away.

For this reason, he did not hesitate to drag his sick body to Zhang's house to explain the matter to him.

At this time, many people came to Wei Guangde's house, but most of them were fellow Jiangxi people and some of the same age.

They were all relying on Wei Guangde for their official career, and they did not have a close relationship with Zhang Juzheng, so naturally they would not go to Zhang's house.

"My lords, listen to me. I expressed my opinion after learning about this matter in Ciqing Palace, but the assassin's confession is definitely not reliable. At the very least, there must be complete witness and material evidence.

As for Tiqi's dispatch, I can responsibly tell you that they are not going to Xinzheng to arrest people.

It’s just that Feng Bao kept encouraging him by saying that Gao Gong has been the chief minister for many years and has followers all over the world. If he escapes, it will be difficult to bring him to justice. That’s why we accepted that we can let the Jin Yiwei send people to monitor him. As long as he does not leave Xinzheng, Gao Gong’s freedom will be unimpeded. "

Wei Guangde explained their concerns. In fact, they were also shocked by the news of Tiqi's dispatch.

Of course, one of the purposes of coming to Wei Guangde to inquire about some information is that Wei Guangde has a high status and plays a decisive role in the court.

"Tiqi is just going to monitor? What about handling the case? Should the palace let Dongchang be responsible? Shandai, you should suggest that the Ministry of Punishment and Dali Temple get involved."

Zhu Heng said.

"I mentioned at the time that this matter involved too much and it had to be tried by the three agencies."

Wei Guangde took a deep breath and said loudly, "I asked Feng Bao to send the person to the Ministry of Punishment, but he refused. He was worried that some members of the high-ranking party would collude to confess or silence his confession, so he insisted that the person be imprisoned in Beizhen Fusi and be under the custody of Dongchang.

But one thing you can rest assured is that no matter what happens next, once the evidence is solid, it will definitely go through a joint review by the three departments. It is definitely not something that factory guards can just frame up and get through. "

"I always feel that this matter was caused by Feng Bao, but I don't know if Liu Shouyou was involved in this matter. He is a member of the Jinyi Guards.

You must consider Jin Yiwei's ability to commit crimes and lend money well. "

Tan Lun said.

Hearing what Tan Lun said, Wei Guangde lowered his head and thought about it before saying: "I will always pay attention to this matter, but until now, I have only seen the confession given by Minister Fenwang, and I don't know anything else.

Brother Zili said that we can only make a judgment after the factory guard submits new evidence.

Most of the time, the Ministry of Punishment's interrogation is indispensable. Everyone, please be patient and wait for the situation to develop.

I believe that under such a bright and clear situation, how could the factory guards still do such vicious things and accuse a deer of being a horse? We really think we are blind. "

"That's good, what are Shandai going to do?"

Tan Lun asked again.

Wei Guangde did not rush to answer this time. He also had his concerns, that is, taking a clear stand as an opponent would offend Feng Bao severely.

What happened last time was that the relationship was eased through a heavy drinking session.

However, he did have to express his attitude. He could not clearly doubt Minister Wang's confession provided by Feng Bao, but he also had to show a business-like attitude.

"I will write a memorial tonight to express my opinion."

Wei Guangde looked around at everyone and said: "I emphasize that whether this matter is investigated by the factory guard or the criminal department, it must be a public trial in the end. The Third Division will work with the factory guard and other ministers to find out the facts of the case, and we will never allow anyone to be wronged."

"Okay, as long as it is a public trial, even if the evidence is conclusive that Gao Xinzheng did it, the ministers will naturally have nothing to say."

Zhu Heng said something loudly, and then lowered his voice: "But what if the factory guard Qu succeeds?"

"You and I are not blind, how can he fool so many pairs of eyes?"

Speaking of this, Wei Guangde showed a wry smile and said: "There is just one thing, and that is this case. I personally feel that it is difficult to find the real mastermind behind this case."

"Why?"

Zhu Heng said in confusion.

"I'm sure they won't let him actually talk."

Wei Guangde sighed.

Wei Guangde has already deduced this case. If it is really Gao Gong's fault, and there are all the witnesses and material evidence, there is nothing much to say.

But if Feng Bao framed him, Wei Guangde didn't think the palace would let Feng Bao down.

You must know that the only thing that controls the foreign dynasty in the palace now is the empress dowager's decree and the emperor's decree, that is, the identity of Minister Feng Baogu Ming.

The identities of the two palaces and the emperor were sensitive, and it was often inconvenient to do things, so they could only do it through Feng Bao.

Even if the truth comes to light, the palace will definitely take action to protect Feng Bao.

Wei Guangde understood the fact that Zhu Heng, Tan Lun and others did not like eunuchs. Most civil servants in the Ming Dynasty did not like eunuchs. Although they secretly hoped to hook up with powerful figures in the palace, they would never say so. .

However, what troubles Wei Guangde the most is not this case.

He already knew that many courtiers had gone to Zhang Juzheng's residence after the official disbandment.

This actually explains a lot, and may also have some impact on Feng Bao.

Once Feng Bao makes a choice between him and Zhang Juzheng, Wei Guangde is not sure how the final case will develop.

Last time, he and Zhang Juzheng worked together to cut off Feng Bao's claws that wanted to reach out to the outside world. But if Feng Bao showed favor to Zhang Juzheng, he couldn't believe that Zhang Juzheng would handle the case impartially.

You know, in Zhang Juzheng's judgment, he should not be too embarrassed to stand up for Gao Gong.

The only thing that needs to be settled is to construct enough so-called evidence to fool the courtiers.