The Ming Dynasty’s Prodigal Son - Chapter 1721

[1721. Chapter 1637 The Tu Emperor]

This Qi Zhi visited Emperor Hongzhi just like Grandma Liu visited the Grand View Garden.

Especially when he saw his own dishes, he looked like he had never seen the world, and he couldn’t help but feel happy.

“I heard that the imperial envoy is from Shandong. I think this is his first time to Jiangnan. The imperial envoy has been in Shandong and the capital for a long time. The dishes in Jiangnan are the most exquisite. Look, this is duck tip. Duck is the favorite here in Nanjing. This duck tip is made from only the tongue tip of the duck tongue, and the emphasis is on the smooth and refreshing taste. And this…”

He introduced each one in detail, and both Emperor Hongzhi and Fang Jifan were stunned. Stunned for a moment.

Fang Jifan was also a little confused. I, Fang Jifan… really deserve to be called a prodigal!

Qi Zhiyuan had inquired about the identity of Emperor Hongzhi. He was from a family in Shandong that was heir to poetry and calligraphy. He was a Jinshi in the seventh year of Chenghua. His official career was not very proud. Although he entered the Hanlin Academy early, he has always been in the Imperial Academy of Classics and History. Here, unknown. He felt that Emperor Hongzhi was somewhat kind-hearted and particularly cordial.

This time the emperor appointed an imperial envoy to investigate the case in the Wei Guogong Mansion, so Qi Zhiyuan naturally had to be extra attentive and enthusiastic.

Emperor Hongzhi couldn’t help but sigh with emotion: “I also met the emperor in Beijing. During the New Year’s Day, the emperor refused to give up and the Shangshan Superintendent gave him food. However, the food given in the palace was not as good as the food in my brother’s house. Delicious food.”

Hearing Emperor Hongzhi’s words, Qi Zhiyuan smiled bitterly: “The envoy’s words are too heart-breaking. Hey, the envoy must not underestimate my grandeur, but my family has a big business and a lot of expenses. Count. I am quite famous in Nanjing, but now, to be honest, since the Xishan Bank has taken away a lot of land, and used this rent-free invitation to buy people’s hearts, what is the situation in Nanjing? There is no one who is wailing all over the place, oh…it’s so painful. In a few days, I’m afraid I’ll have to eat braised vegetables.”

Fang Jifan held the tip of the duck between the chopsticks in his hand, thinking of the scene of eating braised vegetables. Very inconsistent.

Emperor Hongzhi said: “Why, there are already complaints from all over Nanjing?”

“The imperial envoy has been in the capital for a long time, so he doesn’t know about it. Let’s just say this… it’s really meaningless. The imperial envoy is here to check on Duke Wei…”

Emperor Hongzhi nodded: “Exactly.” Qi

Zhiyuan said: “I am one of the accusers. Just more than half a month ago, a distant relative of the Xu family from the Wei Guogong Mansion came to the door in person and said something like “it’s good luck.” He was very bold. I was shocked when I heard this. I didn’t dare to say anything. But when I inquired later, I found that many families had been invited by the Duke of Wei to buy. I felt that the matter was of great importance, so I quickly asked someone to report it to the capital. Some of my old friends told me that in Nanjing, the Duke of Wei is extremely powerful. If I report this, the risk I will bear is not small… Sigh…”

Emperor Hongzhi’s face was solemn: “If the Duke of Wei wants to rebel, he dares to do so in such a big way. Make it known to everyone?”

The meaning of these words seems to be, is the Duke of Wei stupid?

Qi Zhiyuan looked embarrassed, and then said: “If others don’t know, unless you don’t do anything, there is no airtight wall in this world. It’s not because Qi Guogong killed the grandson of Wei Guogong, how could Wei Guogong swallow such a breath? Then? Duke Qi… What does the Imperial Envoy think?”

Emperor Hongzhi had no expression on his face. He glanced at Fang Jifan from the corner of his eye and said calmly, “Okay.”

Qi Zhiyuan squinted and said with a meaningful look, “The Imperial Envoy… this Can you trust me more?”

“What do you mean?” Emperor Hongzhi looked at him suspiciously.

Qi Zhiyuan glanced at Emperor Hongzhi with a half-smile, and said: “As an imperial envoy, my friends in the capital have already repaired the book and sent it over immediately. Didn’t you always complain at the Institute of Classics and History? Several people from my hometown in Shandong Thousands of acres of Susukaku farmland were abandoned because of the rent exemption? Are you now in dire straits? What’s more, I’ve heard that you are the disciple of the former Minister of Revenue, Zuo Shilang, and your mentor, because of Xishan He was convicted and dismissed from office, so you think there is nothing wrong with this.”

Emperor Hongzhi never expected that the details of an Hanlin he randomly appointed would be known to everyone before he left the capital, let alone him. There are so many origins in it.

So Emperor Hongzhi smiled unnaturally.

Fang Jifan thought to himself that it was fortunate that there was no such thing as photos these days, otherwise if people were to spy so clearly, the secret would most likely be revealed.

Seeing the dry smile on Emperor Hongzhi’s face, Qi Zhiyuan understood in his heart and said, “I suppose the imperial envoy also hates Xishan deeply

, right?” Emperor Hongzhi looked around and said: “The public power of Qi State has been transferred to the government and the public. It is not something that a low-ranking official like me can discuss. .”

While speaking, Fang Jifan lowered his head and started to enjoy his meal.

Qi Zhiyuan put down the food in his chopsticks, losing his appetite: “Yeah, it’s not something we can discuss, but… now the people in Jiangnan are boiling, and the Duke of Wei wants to rebel again, the man from Xishan… …”

Having said this, he pointed to the north: “This is not a way for people to survive. Now I have heard that in some state capitals, those parents officials from Xishan have actually begun to thoroughly investigate hidden households. If this continues , is there any way for us to survive?”

Emperor Hongzhi remained silent.

Qi Zhiyuan immediately said: “The imperial envoy came here with an order. In addition to thoroughly investigating the Wei Guogong Mansion, I’m afraid he also assumed the responsibility of reporting the true situation in Jiangnan to His Majesty, right?”

Emperor Hongzhi nodded. He seemed extremely cautious. At this time , on the contrary, I was afraid of showing my flaws.

Qi Zhiyuan sneered: “Then the imperial envoy in Nanjing should listen more and see more to see what has become of this good Shili Qinhuai.”

After a conversation, unknowingly, this dish It was already cold, so Emperor Hongzhi didn’t use his chopsticks. Qi Zhiyuan only tasted some food and wine, but had no appetite anymore. Only Fang Jifan was panting and sweating profusely after eating.

Qi Zhiyuan didn’t know who Fang Jifan was, but he saw that he just kept silent and only asked what kind of deputy envoy he was. It was obvious that he was young and it didn’t matter what he thought, so he didn’t bother to talk to him.

The large table of food and wine was removed. Qi Zhiyuan immediately stood up and said to Emperor Hongzhi: “Envoy, I don’t know where you plan to stay? I know that the envoy is here for an unannounced visit. Since it is an unannounced visit, most likely he cannot stay in the official residence. You might as well stay here, I’ve already prepared several bedrooms here, if the envoy doesn’t give up…”

Emperor Hongzhi shook his head and said: “I’m afraid it’s inappropriate.”

So he thanked him, and together with Fang Jifan, he left Qi’s house and found an inn to stay.

As soon as Emperor Hongzhi rested, someone found Qi Zhiyuan on the other side: “Sir, after asking around, the imperial envoy and his people stayed at Laifu Inn.”

“I know.” Qi Zhiyuan’s face was expressionless. He put his hands behind his back and said With an indifferent look: “Just keep an eye on it. And…have you gathered the people?”

“We have gathered them. They are all good people from Taihu Lake. They all have great abilities.”

Qi Zhiyuan smiled and said : “What would happen if the imperial envoy who secretly investigated Wei Guogong’s rebellion suddenly died in Nanjing? At that time, even if Wei Guogong jumped into the Yellow River, he would not be able to clean himself up. Nanjing… would be better to be more chaotic. In these years, It’s because of the peace that the imperial court has no fear, treating us like fish on the chopping board and cutting off our flesh to benefit ordinary people, but they don’t even think about it, without us, can this world… be stable? “

He smiled disdainfully, and after explaining, he strolled to the ancestral hall.

The Qi family’s ancestral hall is lined with archways outside, mostly with big characters in gold and red paint, such as ‘House of Accumulated Good Deeds’, ‘Guangyao Menlin’, ‘Jinshi Success’, ‘Study first and then minister’, etc.

If we count carefully, this archway actually has five rooms, six columns and eleven floors.

It can be seen how glorious the Qi family was in the past.

After entering the ancestral hall, there were countless spiritual tablets and white candles. Qi Zhiyuan lit the incense, knelt down straight, and looked up at the tablets of his ancestors. He was crazy, as if at this moment, he was standing with them. The ancestors were inspired by gods and men.

The lonely back figure exudes a somewhat eerie aura.

………

Emperor Hongzhi didn’t like the noise in the inn, so Xiao Jing, who was accompanying him, had already secretly booked the other rooms in the inn, letting the imperial guards and the transferred factory guards live there.

Emperor Hongzhi called Fang Jifan over, frowned and said, “Jifan, have you noticed it?”

Fang Jifan nodded: “I have noticed it.”

“How?” Emperor Hongzhi said.

Fang Jifan thought for a while and licked the tip of his tongue, as if the aftertaste on his taste buds was still lingering: “It smells so good.”

“…”

Emperor Hongzhi couldn’t help but twitch the corners of his mouth, and his face dropped: “I’m not talking about a banquet. He

‘s talking about Qi Zhiyuan. “

“This person?” Fang Jifan became embarrassed and immediately said: “Your Majesty, this person’s mansion is magnificent. He must be a first-rate wealthy family in Nanjing. Even if the bank is rent-free, he is still Ling. Luo silk and satin, rich clothes and fine food, it can be seen that his family fortune is extraordinary. Such a family should not be underestimated. He dare not talk about other places, at least in this city of Nanjing. God knows what kind of relatives and friends he has. My son and minister have said, Your Majesty, do not care about him. Strange, I thought of something when I saw him.”

Emperor Hongzhi said, “Just tell me.”

Fang Jifan said, “This man is in Nanjing, and he is the Tu Emperor!”

Emperor Hongzhi was stunned, and then laughed: “The Tu Emperor, These three words really hit the nail on the head. Others say you are talented, but in my opinion, you are really so.”

Fang Jifan: “…”

Fang Jifan did not expect that Emperor Hongzhi had never heard of the word “Tu Emperor”.

But if you think about it carefully, you can understand it. After all, these three words are widely circulated among the people, but who dares to say them in front of the emperor? The first time His Majesty heard it, he naturally felt it was particularly rare.

Alas… Your Majesty is still too naive and knows too little.

Fang Jifan continued: “There is something very strange.”

“What?” Emperor Hongzhi said.

Fang Jifan said: “Your Majesty is the imperial envoy, and he is here to investigate the case of the Duke of Wei. Moreover, the other party knows the details of your imperial envoy. Logically speaking, Qi Zhiyuan must want to win over your imperial envoy. Otherwise, Once he fails to accuse Wei Guogong, it is a false accusation. He does not understand that such a life-threatening matter is involved. If his son is Qi Zhiyuan, he must be in favor of his majesty. His majesty requires it. Even if he doesn’t stay, he will definitely make other arrangements to ensure that His Majesty, the imperial envoy, is under his nose or under his control.”

“But he is .

He just said a few polite words and let His Majesty go, without seeming to try hard to stay. I felt that… he might… not care what His Majesty found out.”

After hearing this, Emperor Hongzhi was shocked and his face became darker. dignified.

In fact, he had been thinking that something was wrong, and now… after Fang Jifan reminded him, he seemed to have discovered the problem in an instant.

………

Chapter 1, please vote for me.

(End of chapter)