Chapter 83 Chapter Twenty

Sending off the last group of officials who asked for an interview, it was already dark again, Zhang Juzheng rubbed his astringent eyes, and was about to summon the sedan chair to the Jixianglu, when he suddenly saw a person quietly walking into the duty room.He fixed his eyes and saw that it was Feng Bao, and hurriedly stood up to welcome him.Feng Bao stomped the snowflakes on his feet, took off his ermine cloak, and said: "Mr. Zhang, we knew you hadn't left yet." "How do you know?" Zhang Juzheng asked with a smile. "It's such a big deal, can you get away?"

Feng Bao sat down on the yellow pear wood Taishi chair opposite Zhang Juzheng.Zhang Juzheng heard the meaning behind Feng Bao's words, so he asked casually: "What good news did Eunuch Feng bring?" Feng Bao understood the meaning of Zhang Juzheng's question.But the news of Qi Jiguang's complaint before the imperial court spread throughout the capital within half a day.A great general who has gone through many battles and shocked the enemy with courage and fame, is suing the grandfather of the current emperor, Wu Qingbo Li Wei, who is known as the "No. 1 royal family in the world". What else can compare More exciting? For a time, no matter in the streets or in various yamen, there was a lot of discussion about this news.Some applauded Marshal Qi, some worried about Marshal Qi, and some thought Marshal Qi made a fuss out of a molehill on purpose to make things difficult for Uncle Wu Qing.Some people even speculated about the "mystery" behind this incident. Everyone in the officialdom knew that Qi Jiguang had been Zhang Juzheng's guest of honor for many years.Without Zhang Juzheng's backing, how could Qi Jiguang dare to commit crimes? Soldiers froze to death on the Great Wall.Qi Jiguang has absolutely no need to offend Wu Qingbo for this stupid thing.The reason why he dared to take this risk must have some other reason behind it.The most reminiscent thing is that Zhang Juzheng is going to take advantage of this incident to take the royal family under his knife.Since the emperor issued a decree to levy Zilitian tax this spring, all the relatives of the emperor have turned against Zhang Juzheng.These princes, lords, sons-in-law, which tree does not have a group of hozens gathered? Which hozen does not act according to the master's wink? Therefore, every new measure introduced by Zhang Juzheng will attract a lot of opposition.Under such circumstances, Zhang Junormal often has the feeling of shooting arrows through the cracks in the rocks—the feeling of being unable to draw the bow.It is reasonable for him to want to use the "cotton coat" incident to rule Wu Qingbo and Li Wei in order to get the effect of killing chickens and scaring monkeys.However, in front of many ministers and ministers, Qi Jiguang made the little emperor unable to step down from the stage.What kind of ending this matter will have, everyone will wait and see.

A major event happened in Dafan Palace, and the first one who was too busy to touch the ground was Feng Bao.After the early court today, Feng Bao first helped the emperor report what happened in Jintai to Empress Dowager Li in Qianqing Palace, and then rushed to Wu Qingbo's mansion in Wan'an Hutong.He ran to the cabinet in the dark right now, because he came to report something important.He saw a hint of urgency in Zhang Juzheng's eyes, so he deliberately teased him. He rubbed his face stiffened by the cold wind, and said in a roundabout way: "Mr. Zhang, it's not that we scolded you, your heart is really hard."

Zhang Juzheng was stunned for a moment, and asked: "Eunuch Feng, where did you start talking about this?" Feng Baodao: "Listen to Xu Jue, you used family law on You Qi last night, and beat You Qi with bruises all over his body. When Xu Jue went to see him, he was still lying on the bed unable to move." "There is such a thing." Zhang Juzheng got annoyed when he mentioned it, and said with a sullen face, "This guy hooked up with people in the officialdom behind my back. He is simply lawless. If you don't show some strength, you won't be able to stop the unhealthy trend."

"It's okay to teach lessons, but why be so serious," Feng Bao took the opportunity to persuade, "In this world, people's hearts are sinister, and it's not easy to find a caring housekeeper. According to this old man, this You Qi is still loyal to you. If you tell him to turn to the left, he won't dare to turn to the right, and he's a good guy if he's doing his best." Zhang Juzheng didn't take Feng Bao's words seriously, and he had already had opinions on Xu Jue's publicity, so he replied euphemistically: "If you don't discipline the people around you strictly, it will eventually lead to a catastrophe. Bu Gu didn't mean that You Qi has already done something bad, but you must prevent it before it happens."

"The old man read the memorial to the emperor from the Ministry of Officials today. That Meng Wuyou has been demoted to Yunnan by two levels. Mr. Zhang is really stern and selfless!" "As the saying goes, politics is like frost, and traitors perish; majesty is like thunder, and bandits and thieves are not born. Bugu really wants to be a stern leader, only in this way can Bugu live up to the world." Feng Bao didn't like to listen to Kong Luoluo's big words, so he shook his head and sneered: "You don't let the world down, but you let go of your friends and relatives. Mr. Zhang, after all, people have seven emotions and six desires. There is nothing wrong with you being strict with your subordinates, but Don't be too harsh, otherwise, who would be willing to serve you in the saddle?"

Zhang Juzheng heard that Feng Bao's words had an intention to make use of the topic, but he refused to delve into it, but he let out a sigh of relief and said with a smile: "Eunuch Feng, thank you for your enlightenment. Maybe you came here in the snow and cold in the dark just to discuss housekeeping with Bugu?" "Where is that, I haven't talked about my business yet." Feng Baozheng regretted that he had spoken more seriously, so he turned around and said, "Mr. Zhang, do you know where this old man is from?" "have no idea." "We came from Uncle Wuqing's mansion."

"Ah, have you seen Uncle Wu Qing?" Feng Bao nodded, his face full of unfathomable air.Zhang Juzheng didn't ask any more questions when he saw that he was playing tricks, but just yawned lazily and said: "Bu Gu is going to see Uncle Wu Qing!" "You can't go!" "Why?" "At this moment, the old country head wishes he could swallow you alive." "yes?" "How can it be fake?" As Feng Bao spoke, he told the story of his going to Wu Qingbo's residence. Feng Bao had lunch in the palace before he set off for Wu Qingbo's mansion.As soon as I entered the alley, I saw a lot of sedan chairs in front of the mansion.Seeing Feng Bao's retinue ostentatiously approaching, the people blocking the door hurriedly avoided the side.Feng Bao was not surprised that so many people suddenly came to Wu Qingbo's mansion.Since ancient times, human feelings have been to the light, to the light, and to the fire, to the fire.What's more, with Uncle Wu Qing's special status, no matter how big things happen, someone will take the opportunity to show his hospitality.But the expressions on the faces of these people at the door were very flustered, which aroused Feng Bao's suspicion.As soon as he got out of the sedan chair, he walked around the screen wall and stepped onto the corridor, when he saw a man with a bloated body running over to greet him.

"Eunuch Feng, you came at the right time!" The man yelled in a duck voice.The snow light in the yard was too strong, Feng Bao squinted his eyes and saw that it was Xu Congcheng, the captain-in-law.He didn't like this person in his heart, and always felt that he was eccentric.But the well water doesn't offend the river water, and it can't offend him, so he cupped his hands and said with a smile: "So it's the old son-in-law, when did you come?" "It's only a moment earlier than you," Xu Congcheng blinked and said uneasily, "We were invited by Uncle Wu Qing's family."

"That's called inviting the right person," Feng Bao said as he walked in, "Only your kindness to Wu Qingbo can comfort him." ''What do you want to comfort him?" Xu Congcheng yelled after Feng Bao's buttocks, "Compared to your Eunuch Feng, I, the son-in-law captain, have cobblestones at the foot of the bed. " "how do I say this?" "Thousands of plans are not stable." Feng Bao felt that Xu Congcheng's witty words were not pleasant, and was wondering why he came out to greet him. Before he could turn around, he suddenly heard a loud suona sound somewhere in front of him, and then saw a group of people rushing out from the living room, each with their heads white. Aya, wearing a cotton robe lined with white cloth.As the group ran, they sprinkled sesame seeds and rice grains. The head of the group had disheveled hair, and in their hands was a flag pole with a large book and the word "soul".They brushed past Feng Bao and ran straight to the garden.Feng Bao saw clearly that it was Li Gao who took the lead, so he asked Xu Congcheng in amazement:

"Li Gao, what kind of prank is this?" "He was summoning the soul of his father." "What happened to Wu Qingbo?" "He hanged himself." "What did you say?" Feng Bao felt his head explode, and immediately stood there unable to move.But I saw Li Gao leading the five or six white-clothed warlocks on the brick path in the garden. While twisting their bodies, they sang "Evocative Tune" at the top of their voices in harmony with the sharp suona sound: The soul returns, don't go to the east, oriental poisonous dragon; Return of the soul, don't go to the west There are red tusks in the west. Return of the soul, don't go to the south There are wild miasma in the south; The soul returns, don't go to the north There are owls in the north... This song is so sad and gloomy that it makes one's hair stand on end.Only now did Feng Bao understand why those people at the door looked so flustered.Seeing Xu Congcheng standing at the door of the living room like an outsider watching the fun, he pushed him and asked anxiously: "Wu Qingbo really committed suicide?" "Is this still fake?" "Oh," Feng Bao let out a long sigh, and asked again, "Has the funeral post been sent out? Who has been sent to deliver the letter to the palace?" "There is no need to post funeral posts." "Why?" "Uncle Wu Qing is not dead." Xu Congcheng said with a sudden smile, "He was just hanging on the stool when he was discovered and rescued immediately." Feng Bao felt relieved, pointed at Li Gao and said, "Since he is not dead, what kind of soul did he summon? It's just nonsense." At this time, "Calling the Soul" had already been sung, Li Gao's ears were sharp, and when he heard Feng Bao scolding him, he ran over and said: "Although our father's life was saved, his soul was lost in fright. If we don't call it back quickly, we will become idiots!" After hearing Feng Bao finish telling this story, Zhang Juzheng couldn't help shivering.If Uncle Wu Qing really had any troubles, he would become very passive in an instant.The reason why he carried out reforms smoothly in the past two years mainly relied on the support of Queen Mother Li.If I can't handle Wu Qingbo's issue well, and Empress Dowager Li becomes suspicious of him, then all the so-called "political achievements" will become false excitement.The position of chief assistant, speaking of power over the world, is actually nothing more than the emperor's servant.Zhang Juzheng thought about it, and felt a heart-wrenching pain.He tried his best to suppress the desolation, and asked Feng Baodao: "Eunuch Feng met Uncle Wu Qing?" "Of course I saw it," Feng Bao had noticed the change in Zhang Juzheng's eyes, and said cautiously, "If we haven't seen Uncle Wu Qing, how dare we come back." "how is he?" "The old man was quite frightened. Li Gao led us to his bed, and we saw him lying on the bed moaning, his mouth full of jealousy." "What's going on here?" "He was in a coma, and in order to wake him up, the family made a fuss and poured a big bowl of vinegar into him." "What did he say to you?" "What are you talking about, he can't say a single word." "I didn't expect Uncle Wu Qing to be so timid." Zhang Juzheng was half sighing and half contemptuous, Feng Bao stared at him, and said slowly: "In the morning when Qi Jiguang sued the imperial court, all civil and military officials could hear clearly with their ears flattened, who is not afraid of such a big battle?" "Yes, since the storm has formed, it is impossible to avoid it." Zhang Juzheng's relaxed nerves became tense again. He sighed and asked, "I don't know how Empress Dowager Li views this incident." Feng Bao figured out what Zhang Juzheng was thinking, and said clearly: "Mr. Zhang, I know that what you are most afraid of right now is that Empress Dowager Li can't make a decision impartially because of her personal interests." "Bugu has some worries." Zhang Juzheng admitted honestly, and then changed his words, "After thinking about it, this worry is superfluous. The Empress Dowager understands the righteousness and governs things. Abandoning the Grand Duke for petty selfishness." Feng Bao didn't want to break Zhang Juzheng's cover-up, but made a big fuss about the little emperor kneeling and holding up a torn cotton coat at the gate of Qianqing Palace after he retired from court, and finally said: "The Empress Dowager Li asked the old man whether Qi Jiguang's statement about the soldiers freezing to death was true or not. We immediately answered that General Qi is a hero who has fought in battle for a long time. A lie." After Zhang Juzheng listened, he said worriedly: "I'm afraid the queen mother has other thoughts when she asks such a question." "That's for sure," Feng Baozheng wanted to use this matter to make a fuss, so that Zhang Juzheng didn't dare to underestimate him, so he said with concern, "Actually, Empress Dowager Li also knows that it is you, Mr. Zhang, who supports Qi Jiguang's appeal." "I don't want to hide it at all." Feng Bao thought that Zhang Juzheng would cover up, but he didn't expect him to answer so frankly, he was taken aback for a moment, and asked: "Why are you doing this?" "Because it's about court law." "But you should also think about the consequences," Feng Bao advised, "I have a great dynasty. There are 800,000 soldiers. Even if a few of them freeze to death, it will not hinder the overall situation. But there is only one Wu Qingbo and Li Wei. You have offended me." He offended the Empress Dowager Li. What is the consequence? What is the reason for Gao Gong’s resignation? Isn’t it just an enmity with the Empress Dowager?” In all fairness, what Feng Bao said was the truth, and it was precisely because of the truth that Zhang Juzheng felt the cruelty of the officialdom and the elusiveness of the political situation.But he trusted his own judgment and ability to act when the time came.He cast a grateful glance at Feng Bao, and said emotionally: "Thank you, Eunuch Feng, for your reminder. Since Bugu took over the government, he has received Eunuch Feng's selfless help in everything. This is deeply hidden in Bugu's heart. One confidant is enough in life, and Eunuch Feng is Bugu's most trusted mentor and helpful friend. But this time, General Qi filed a complaint before the imperial court, and Bu Gu secretly thought that he would not offend the Queen Mother." Because there were a few flattering words at the bottom, Feng Bao smiled openly.He asked: "Tell me your reasons, why didn't you offend the Queen Mother?" Zhang Juzheng replied: "Because Bugu never thought of what to do with Uncle Wu Qing." "But Qi Jiguang is the one who told him." "It's two different things to report, to deal with it, to deal with it." "If you don't punish him, why bother to sue him? Isn't this a white offence?" Zhang Juzheng smiled leisurely, and replied: "The most wise thing about the Empress Dowager is that she understands a truth that many talented emperors have never understood: to heal the world, we are the ones who are tired and suffering, and it is the emperor himself who gets benefits. Feng Father-in-law, you have managed the twenty-four supervisory bureaus of the Inner Palace in an orderly manner. You have arranged so many hardworking and hard-working supervisors. May I ask which one serves you? Bugu is in charge of the government to implement reforms and pursue the road of enriching the country and strengthening the army. In just two years, Taicang has accumulated more than four million taels of silver from nothing to today, and which tael of silver can be put into my Zhang Juzheng's pocket? Everything you and I have done is not to assist the little emperor, to create Is it the peace and prosperity of the Zhu Ming Dynasty?" When Zhang Juzheng spoke eloquently, Feng Bao was greatly shocked in his heart.He felt that Zhang Juzheng's words were reasonable, but he was never willing to express his opinions on the major policies of the court.At this time, he still only asked very realistic questions: "Why do you take Wu Qingbo as a target?" Feng Bao's question focused on "eyes". He remembered that two years ago, on the eve of becoming the chief assistant, on Tianshou Mountain, he once told his old friend He Xinyin that one of the persistent problems in officialdom was crony politics.After more than two years of clarification, he has almost cleaned up the clique headed by Gao Gong, but through Zilitian's tax collection, he found that the cronies of the royal relatives and relatives have become the biggest obstacle to his reform.Although Wu Qing Bo Li Wei is not the leader of this crony, he has the highest status in this circle and has the greatest influence. If he can be punished, it will have a deterrent effect on the rest of the royal family.The ancients said: "It is easy to destroy the thieves among the people, but it is difficult to destroy the cronies in the court." Only when it is difficult, he thinks to make great efforts to deal with it.But these words can't be said clearly to anyone, they can only be kept in the heart.Zhang Juzheng has always been very measured when talking with Feng Bao, and now he is even more unwilling to open his mind completely. He thought for a while and replied: "It's really because the padded clothes made by Wu Qingbo are too shameful." "Wang Chonggu gave this business to Uncle Wu Qing as a favor. There were people talking about it at the time. I remember that the old man once asked you about it, and your attitude was acquiescing. Why do you want to pursue this matter now that you have changed your original intention? " "That's right, Bugu acquiesced at the beginning." Zhang Juzheng admitted with a nod, and then said, "At that time, Bugu was thinking about taxing the grain fields, Wu Qingbo had some losses, and he wanted to do this business to make up for some silver. It’s not legal, but it’s not unreasonable. But what Bugu acquiesced is to let him do this business, not let him fill in the bad with the good, and get some moldy and spoiled cotton to make clothes.” "That's right, Uncle Wu Qing didn't do it decently," Feng Bao echoed, "We settled the bill for him. This set of ragged cotton clothes is worth at most two renminbi, but the wages Wang Chonggu gave him Silver, it’s a set of one or two, tell me, how much did he earn from this business? It’s too dark!” "Does Empress Dowager Li know this inside story?" Zhang Juzheng took the opportunity to ask. "I don't know yet," Feng Bao looked at Zhang Juzheng and said meaningfully, "If Mr. Zhang wants Queen Mother Li to know, I can report to Qianqing Palace at any time." Obviously, Feng Bao wanted to take advantage of the power of reporting in his hands to manipulate Zhang Juzheng, with the purpose of getting Zhang Juzheng to buy his favor.Although Zhang Juzheng hates making deals with others, he understands that the Neixiang in front of him can't afford to offend, so he can only express his opinion by asking questions: "Eunuch Feng, are you going to Uncle Wuqing's mansion under the order of Empress Dowager Li?" "Exactly." "Then you should report the truth as it is." "There are so many truths, what should I say, and what should I not say?" "What are the truths?" "For example, Uncle Wu Qing hanged himself, do you want to say it?" "This..." Zhang Juzheng felt Feng Bao's fierce smile, so he only replied with a smile, "Eunuch Feng has the right to decide whether to say it or not." "According to us, we should say it!" Zhang Juzheng was shocked and said: "If you talk about this matter, Empress Dowager Li will definitely feel sad." "The old man will not make her sad, but make her angry." "How could this be possible?" "Mr. Zhang, to tell you the truth, Uncle Wu Qing didn't hang himself. When I saw his appearance and the dodgy eyes in his eyes, I knew that the so-called hanging was the result of the combination of his son Li Gao and his son-in-law Duwei Xu Congcheng." They wanted to blackmail Empress Dowager Li and not give Wu Qingbo any punishment." "It turns out that's how it is," Zhang Juzheng let out a sigh of relief, cast a grateful look at Feng Bao, and said, "If it wasn't for Eunuch Feng's insight, they would almost have made a new scam." "Mr. Zhang, there is something even more surprising to you." "Oh!" Feng Bao got tired of sitting, so he stood up and beat his waist, then sat down again and said, "Do you know who Wu Qingbo entrusted this cotton-padded clothes business to?" "have no idea." "you guess?" "I can't guess that." Zhang Juzheng spread his hands. "I'll surprise you when the old man says this name," Feng Bao said, and just read three words one by one, "Shao, Da, Xia." "It's really him?" Zhang Juzheng's eyes lit up. "It's absolutely true, Uncle Wu Qing told this old man himself." Zhang Juzheng stood up abruptly, and said excitedly: "This matter will be settled." "I know how Mr. Zhang will solve it," Feng Bao said with a smirk, "you can use this to punish Wu Qingbo lightly, so as to achieve the goal of shaking the mountain, and at the same time punish Shao Daxia, and kill two birds with one stone. Shao Daxia If not removed, it will be a disaster.” Zhang Juzheng smiled, but did not answer. About five days later, a sedan chair carrying four people stopped at the entrance of the Art Gallery at the back of the Qianqing Palace, and a graceful woman stepped out of the sedan chair.She was wearing a red satin double-breasted jacket with large clusters of flowers and a sable cloak lined with white silk.Although wearing cotton and colorful, it doesn't look bloated and tacky at all.This woman is none other than Yu Niang, the mistress of Jixiang Hut.Early in the morning, a sedan chair was placed in the palace to Jixianglu, and the decree was announced that Empress Dowager Li invited Yuniang to talk to her. At the door, it was already three quarters of the hour.Hearing the sound of the sedan chair falling, Rong'er, a female officer of the Shangyi Bureau hurriedly opened the cotton curtain to welcome her, and said with a smile: "Yu Niang, come in quickly, the queen mother has been waiting for you!" Yuniang didn't have time to answer, she followed Rong'er into the entertainment gallery, and knelt down to salute Queen Mother Li who was sitting on the couch.Empress Dowager Li asked her to get up and sit beside her with a smile, took her hand and asked: "Yu Niang, what have you been doing these days?" "I would like to tell you, Mrs. Zhang, let the slaves read "The Commandments for Women." "Reading "Women's Commandments"?" Empress Dowager Li felt strange and asked, "Why did Mr. Zhang ask you to read this?" "He didn't say why, probably because the slaves are capricious and don't have the reserve of a lady." Yu Niang said with her eyelids raised, and said, "The preface written by the Queen Mother for "The Commandments of Women", the slaves have already memorized it by heart. .” Empress Dowager Li suddenly remembered what happened in June of the sixth year of Longqing. A group of officials in the Sixth Branch Gallery had a copy of "The Commandments for Women" that Emperor Hongwu personally reviewed, and they rushed to circulate it, implying that her female leadership was against the ancestral system.At that time, Zhang Juzheng gave her an idea, and she personally donated money to print 5,000 copies of "The Commandments for Women" and distributed it to the world, and wrote the preface herself, so as to fight back against the group of chatterers who feared the world would not be chaotic.This trick is really effective, and those opponents can no longer find an excuse to make trouble.Although the preface was written by Zhang Juzheng on behalf of her, it suits her taste very well, so no word has been changed.Now that I heard that Yuniang could recite it, I felt very relieved, so I asked Rong'er who was standing by the side: "Rong'er, do you have the book "Women's Commandments"?" Rong'er bowed his knees and said: "Yes, the empress once gave a copy to my servant." "Can you recite the preface?" Rong'er's face turned red, and she replied awkwardly: "Reporting to the Empress Dowager, slaves have never memorized it." "It's still Zhang Juzheng who is well trained," Empress Dowager Li sincerely praised, "Mr. Zhang really has the style of an ancient minister." Yuniang has never been restrained before, so she doesn't know how to be afraid of people. As soon as Empress Dowager Li finished speaking, she asked: "Excuse me, Queen Mother, what is the style of the ancient minister?" "Despise life and death for the country, and be loyal to the emperor." "If it's these two points, Mr. Shoufu deserves it." At this point, Yu Niang pouted her lips and said, "But sometimes, he also seems unreasonable." "Tell me, why is Mr. Zhang unreasonable?" Queen Mother Li asked very interestedly. "The servant has not seen him for five days." As Yuniang said, her eye circles turned red, and she burst into tears.This crying actually touched Queen Mother Li's mind. But that morning, when the little emperor knelt in the snow outside the Qianqing Palace and showed her the ragged padded jacket, she seemed to have returned to her childhood, thinking of those little beggars in ragged padded jackets she met in the countryside. .When the little emperor finished talking about the early affairs, she couldn't help but hugged the little emperor, and the mother and son cuddled together and cried bitterly.However, when the initial excitement subsided and she began to calmly think about the consequences of this incident, the pity in her heart was greatly challenged—she began to worry about the consequences of this incident.If this incident hadn't happened to her father Wu Qingbo, she would have immediately asked the little emperor to issue a decree to severely punish the person involved, but now she hesitated.She is the most filial daughter in the world, she cannot be without family affection, and it is even more impossible for her to throw her biological father into prison or even guillotine according to the "Law of the Ming Dynasty" on punishing corrupt officials.Of course, she can't ignore the world's public opinion, and ignore the innocent souls who froze to death on the Great Wall—there are no soldiers who are ready to eat and drink, this is the country where the tiger is sitting on the dragon, the clouds are steaming, and the Zhu Ming is eating fine clothes and jade. The royal family, I'm afraid it has long been a ruined willow under the iron hooves of other races.At this time, she deeply felt that with her ability and the ability of her son, the little emperor, she couldn't get rid of this predicament, so she could find a solution to the problem.At this time, she thought of Zhang Juzheng, and she asked Feng Bao to go to Uncle Wuqing's mansion to find out the truth, and then go to the cabinet to find out what Zhang Juzheng said.When she heard that Zhang Juzheng was going to "Li Daitao stiff" to punish Shao Daxia and let Wu Qingbo "escape the golden cicada", her hanging heart finally fell, and she became graceful again.She was grateful to Zhang Juzheng again, but due to the difference between men and women, she could not summon him anytime.Therefore, she thought of bringing Yuniang to talk to her, the purpose was to learn about Zhang Juzheng's recent situation from her mouth, but she didn't expect that Zhang Juzheng never even went to her place, which caused the beauty to cry.A beautiful flower can truly understand the beauty of another flower; when a woman hurts because of love, only another woman can really know how deep the pain is.Looking at Yuniang's teardrops, Empress Dowager Li forgot her honor of ten thousand chariots, and stretched out her hand to wipe her tears, persuading her: "Yu Niang, don't blame Mr. Zhang by mistake." Yu Niang stopped crying, choked up and said, "I didn't blame him, but I couldn't control my tears." "There was so much snow in the past few days, Mr. Zhang came home very late every day. Let's say the night before, it was the weather where the dripping water turned into ice. The emperor sent someone to the cabinet to check, and found that Mr. Zhang was still on duty reviewing memorials. , I personally cooked a bowl of soup and sent it over." "Master is working so hard?" Yuniang asked, wiping away tears. "That's not true," said Empress Dowager Li with a sigh, "The emperor is too young to be in charge, and the country is so big, Mr. Zhang has to worry about everything." "Why doesn't the queen mother use a few more people to share with the master." "Silly girl, there is only one person to be the chief assistant in the imperial court, let alone a minister like Mr. Zhang, who can be met but not asked for." . "Then he can't be exhausted to death alone." "That's true," Empress Dowager Li said to Rong'er after pondering for a while, "Rong'er, if you fail, tell Eunuch Feng and ask him to tell Mr. Zhang that the cabinet will find one or two more ministers to help him." "Yes." Rong'er replied. After being enlightened by Empress Dowager Li, Yuniang's mood improved a lot.Seeing that Empress Dowager Li had such trust and concern for Zhang Juzheng, she was also happy for him, and said casually: "Master is usually busy, but in this time of ice and snow, the year's tax has been collected, what else is he busy with?" "Yeah, it's the end of the year, and he should have taken a breather, but who knows that such a big thing happened again!" Empress Dowager Li sighed, and then asked Yuniang, "Where is your hometown?" "Suzhou." "Ah, it turns out that Rong'er is from the same village," Empress Dowager Li turned her head to look at Rong'er who was still in embarrassment, and then said, "Rong'er left home a long time ago, and I don't remember much about my hometown. I want to ask you." "What does the Queen Mother want to ask?" Empress Dowager Li suddenly hesitated for a while before asking: "Yu Niang, do you know Shao Daxia?" "Hero Shao?" Yuniang blurted out and asked with a start, "Why did the Empress Dowager suddenly ask him?" "Why, do you know this man?" "My servant knows him," Yuniang said because she didn't know why the queen mother asked about Shao Daxia, so she didn't dare to tell the truth rashly, she just said perfunctorily, "This man is very famous in Nanjing, Yangzhou, Suzhou and other places." "Why famous? Is it because of money or power?" "Maybe both." From Empress Dowager Li's eyes, Yuniang saw that she didn't know about her relationship with Shao Daxia, and she felt a little relieved, so she said good things for Shao Daxia, "I heard that Shao Daxia is very righteous, Yangzhou Half of the beggars in the city depend on him to support them." "Really?" Empress Dowager Li's complexion sank, and she murmured to herself, "This person is flattering and bribing the government on the one hand, and on the other hand, he is giving money to the people to buy people's hearts. What he does is not serious. businessman." "Then, what does the Queen Mother say he looks like?" "We feel that he is plotting against the law and harboring different aspirations," Empress Dowager Li replied irrelevantly. "If this kind of person is not eliminated, it will be a disaster for the imperial court." Yuniang is like hearing a thunderbolt, but she is a spiritual woman, knowing that if she loses her composure at this time, it will definitely arouse the suspicion of Queen Mother Li, so she tried her best to keep calm and asked in an outsider's idle tone: "Why did the Queen Mother get rid of him?" "He bought 200,000 sets of poor-quality cotton padded clothes and shipped them to Ji Town. As a result, during the snowstorm a few days ago, some soldiers wearing these cotton-padded clothes froze to death on the Great Wall." "what!" "Just now you complained that Mr. Zhang didn't come to your place for five days, but you didn't know that Mr. Zhang was dealing with this matter." "How will he deal with Shao Daxia?" "Catch it, and you will be punished." When Empress Dowager Li said these words, not only did she regain the vigor she had when she was discussing politics, but also revealed a chilling murderous intent in her eyes.Yuniang was stunned immediately, her face pale and embarrassed, Empress Dowager Li looked at her and asked suspiciously: "Yu Niang, what's wrong with you?" "Scared," Yuniang tried to hide as much as possible, and said with a smirk, "When the queen mother said about murder, the servants were afraid." Empress Dowager Li believed her explanation, and loved her even more in her heart.He forced her to stay for a lunch before letting her out of the palace. It was already mid-afternoon when Yuniang returned to Jixiang Cottage.She plunged into the bedroom and fell on the bed, covering her head with the quilt and crying.Yuniang was originally a passionate woman who knows how to repay her kindness. When she first heard that her benefactor Shao Daxia, who rescued her from the world of misery, was murdered, she felt like a knife piercing her heart.Apart from Zhang Juzheng, if there was one man in the world that she would worry about, it would be Shao Daxia.She and Zhang Juzheng are in love with each other, it is the joy of Luanfeng and Minger's boudoir; while with Shao Daxia, it is another kind of relationship. Although Shao Daxia is a few years younger than Zhang Juzheng, she regards Shao Daxia as her father, which is worthwhile. People she trusts and leans on.This spring, when Shao Daxia asked her to ask Zhang Juzheng to write a letter to Hu Zigao to take care of him nearby, she agreed without hesitation. If she could do something useful for Shao Daxia, her heart would be greatly comforted.Now that such a big incident happened to Engong, and his life was at stake, the first thought in her mind was to save him.She knew that the only person who could save Daxia Shao's life right now was Zhang Juzheng.When she was crying for Shao Daxia, she still had hope in her heart. Unknowingly, dusk fell, the maid came in and called Yuniang to go downstairs for dinner, but Yuniang ignored her and waved her to leave.After an unknown amount of time, she heard familiar footsteps on the silent stairs, and she knew that it was Zhang Juzheng who had arrived. Her heart felt hot, and the tears that had just stopped overflowed her eyes again. Hearing the sound of the door being pushed, Zhang Juzheng stepped in hastily. When he saw the darkness in the room, he ordered Xiao Feng'er who went upstairs with him to hold the lamp.The room brightened up for a moment, Zhang Juzheng saw Yuniang lying on the bed, sobbing silently, so he walked to the edge of the bed and sat down, patted Yuniang on the shoulder, and asked softly: "Yu Niang, what is it that makes you so sad?" Yuniang didn't say a word, Zhang Juzheng said again: "Is it because I haven't come to accompany you for a few days, and you are angry with me again?" Hearing this, Yuniang shrugged her shoulders and cried out loudly. Zhang Juzheng was at a loss because of her crying and didn't know how to persuade her. Suddenly, Yuniang got out of bed and knelt down in front of Zhang Juzheng: "Master, you have to save the servant's uncle." "Your uncle, who is your uncle?" Zhang Juzheng didn't come over for a while. "It's the person you wrote to the Governor of Water Transport for him." "Oh, it's him," Zhang Juzheng understood all of a sudden, but pretended to be stupid and said, "What's wrong with him?" "Master, don't hide it from me anymore, this servant knows everything." "what do you know?" "You are handling the case of the slave uncle, you want to kill him." "Who is your uncle?" "Hero Shao." "Why, your uncle is Shao Daxia," Zhang Juzheng said in shock, still acting, "You didn't tell me the truth last time." "The queen mother told me that Shao Daxia will be punished by Ming Zhengdian." "Yes!" Zhang Juzheng tried his best to let Yuniang see that he was in a heavy heart. He stroked Yuniang's hair and persuaded, "Yuniang, get up first, and speak slowly if you have something to say." "Master, if you don't agree, the servant will not get up." Zhang Juzheng heaved a long sigh, he didn't want to hide it from Yuniang any more, so he replied: "Your uncle, I really can't save you now." "Why?" "The warrant for the arrest of Shao Daxia approved by the Emperor himself has been issued by the Ministry of Criminal Justice for four days. I'm afraid it has arrived in Yangzhou by now." "Your Majesty listened to Queen Mother Li, you go to ask Queen Mother Li." "The matter involves the court's laws and regulations, and Empress Dowager Li absolutely refuses to follow this private affair." "Don't make excuses," Yuniang said imprudently in a moment of impatience, "This servant has already seen that Empress Dowager Li is interested in you." Zhang Juzheng's scalp exploded when he heard this, he raised his hand and slapped Yuniang's tender cheek with a "slap".In an instant, both the assailant and the victim were stunned.I don't know how long it took before Yuniang covered her hot cheeks and cried "Wow". "Yu Niang!" Zhang Juzheng reached out and took Yuniang into his arms. He fell into deep self-blame for his recklessness and impulsiveness.