Chapter 89 The twenty-sixth chapter talks about Qingtian's new official three fires and stars turning celebrities into an essay

For several days in a row, all major yamen in the capital were in the midst of excitement and turmoil.However, on the morning of the second day of the Tianxianglou banquet, Wu Zhongxing really brought the "Admonish Zhang Juzheng to Duo Qingshu" to the Meridian Gate and cast it in Da Nei.In the afternoon of that day, the impetuous Zhao Yongxian also put in the transcript of the Shuwen.After reading the two essays in the Xinuang Pavilion, the little emperor no longer needed to ask the queen mother for instructions—because the queen mother had already given him the idea, and in order not to bear the reputation of being a "benevolent woman", he immediately sent a decree to "take it from Jin Yiwei". , Shackles to show the public.” That night, the Jinyi Wei Ti cavalry arrested Wu Zhongxing and Zhao Yongxian from their homes and threw them into the prison of the Zhenfu Division. Early the next morning, they each put 40 catties of iron and wooden cangs on them. One pair, escorted to the Meridian Gate and knelt down to show the public.

Almost on the same day, Zhang Juzheng's "Shou En Shou Zhi Shu" was published in full in the latest issue of Di Bao.This is a long article. Although the filial son's love and sorrow are overflowing on paper, the tone of pleading for restraint is not very firm.Anyone with a discerning eye can tell at a glance that this is Zhang Juzheng's perfunctory under pressure from the opposition.In the same issue of the mansion newspaper, there were two appointments by the emperor that attracted more attention.One is to appoint Wang Guoguang to replace Zhang Han as the Minister of the Ministry of Officials; the other is to appoint Wang Chonggu, Governor of Jiliao, as the Minister of the Ministry of Households that he vacated.Both of them took up new positions on the recommendation of Zhang Juzheng.Recommending them, Zhang Juzheng really thought about it: Wang Guoguang is not only a close political friend, but also a rare and capable minister, and also a financial expert who is familiar with finance. He has been in charge of the household department for five years, and the tax revenue of the court has increased every year.It is rare to find such a professional follower.However, if he is allowed to stay in the household department for a long time, although it is not against the imperial court's way of employing people, it will be a disappointment to friends.Who would be willing to serve the court if one cannot be promoted due to outstanding political achievements? Although the Ministry of Officials and the Ministry of Households belong to the second rank, the Ministry of Officials is the head of the six ministries after all, and the supreme civil servant.Letting Wang Guoguang succeed now is not only a kind of reward for him, but also does not have to worry about losing power.Besides, Wang Chonggu was implicated in the "cotton coat incident" that occurred in Qi Jiguang's department in the fourth year of Wanli. His spirit was once sluggish and his official career was also affected.Not long after that incident happened, Tan Lun, Shangshu of the Ministry of War, died in office due to overwork. According to Zhang Juzheng's original idea, Wang Chonggu was the natural successor. Criticism and criticism of people.As a result, Zhang Juzheng re-elected Minister of the Ministry of War in Nanjing to replace Tan Lun at the right time, and Wang Chonggu's position and power remained unchanged.Although Zhang Juzheng had promoted Wang Chonggu's nephew Zhang Siwei as a minister to appease him, Wang Chonggu still felt a little aggrieved.Zhang Juzheng also believed that Wang Chonggu was a good minister who had made great contributions to the court.In the fifth year of Longqing, it was precisely because of his bold proposal to accept the request of the most powerful Mongolian tribe leader at that time, Alda, to pay tribute, that Hushi was established, which resolved the decades-long border war with the Mongolian tribe in one fell swoop.Therefore, no matter in terms of merit, fame and talent, Wang Chonggu should be a minister of the Ministry.One year has passed since the "cotton coat incident", and people's memories of it have gradually faded away.Zhang Juzheng then decided to recommend Wang Chonggu for the post of Minister of the Household Department.It seems a bit nondescript to let a border marshal who commands thousands of horses be the minister of finance who counts pennies and pennies, but such an arrangement reflects Zhang Juzheng's brilliance: First, after five years of rectifying chaos and planning strategies, the court The financial system of the country has generally been perfected.After Wang Chonggu took office, he could control the situation as long as he abided by the rules and regulations; secondly, the emperor had approved the implementation of clearing the fields across the country. The interests of many wealthy and powerful families have been hindered in various ways.It is difficult for ordinary elegant and Confucian officials to take on this important task.Wang Chonggu has been fighting for many years, and he has developed a rock-solid heart for killing. If he is in charge of clearing the land, he can eliminate dangers and deter the small group.In addition, Wang Guoguang was in charge of officials, and some local officials who colluded with powerful and powerful households wanted to play tricks to disrupt the progress of Qingzhang's field work, and they could not escape his eyes. Field works will fall by the wayside.Zhang Juzheng planned to complete this important event in three years.

Because Zhang Juzheng was in mourning, the little emperor allowed him to keep his filial piety and work at home within seven or seven days.In the afternoon, Wang Guoguang and Wang Chonggu, who had already arrived at the ministry, were invited to visit Zhang Juzheng's mansion.Previously, they had all gone to the Zhang Mansion to express their condolences, and this time they came here purely to discuss business.Before the two of them arrived, the little emperor sent eunuchs to Zhang's mansion to deliver the decree. This is the decree written by the little emperor himself after reading Zhang Juzheng's "Shu En Shou Zhi Shu":

I am deeply touched by Qing's filial piety.But when I was ten years old when I was born, the emperor failed in the examination, and Ding Ning told you to tell me.Qing has devoted himself to counseling, and so far in Yi'an, the man has been convinced.I will pay homage to the year, and I will not be able to leave you in an instant, and I can stay away for three years? Besides, you are in danger to the country, so how can it be compared with the Jinge? It suppresses the grief, obeys the previous order, and serves as my emperor's test The entrustment is important, so don't insist on resignation, the official department knows.This is it.

Hearing the eunuch read the emperor's decree, Zhang Juzheng felt more and more blocked.He asked You Qi to seal a few taels of silver to send away to the eunuch who passed the decree, and went back to the study alone. He said he wanted to read some brochures sent by Yao Kuang who were eager to draft a ticket, but he picked up a copy and read it for a long time. I didn't know what I read, so I had to read it again from the beginning, but I still couldn't concentrate, and the words in front of me were blurred.He had no choice but to put down the booklet, lean on the desk, and put his hands on his forehead to rest for a while.

But he said that yesterday morning, just after he had had breakfast, the sect came to report that Wu Zhongxing, editor of the Imperial Academy, was waiting in the hall and asked for a visit.Although Zhang Juzheng didn't leave his house, there were constant ear reports coming to report the big and small things outside.Therefore, he had already heard about Wu Zhongxing colluding with him everywhere to oppose him.Zhang Juzheng appreciated the talent of this student, and it was because of his favor that Wu Zhongxing was able to become a good scholar and stay in the Imperial Academy, and was promoted to editor.Zhang Juzheng didn't expect that someone he trusted would compete for the leader to sing against him, so his appreciation of Wu Zhongxing turned into extreme disgust.Now that he heard that he came to see him, Zhang Juzheng originally wanted to refuse him, but then he thought, why not take this opportunity to listen to his thoughts face to face, so he asked the door to lead him into the flower hall.As soon as he sat down, Zhang Juzheng didn't order tea, but asked with a straight face:

"Why did you come here?" Although Wu Zhongxing was unrestrained, under the aggressive gaze of the host, the arrogance that had been accumulated with great difficulty was immediately vented.He avoided the scorching gaze and whispered: "The student sent a booklet to the old seat owner." "What booklet?" "The old seat owner will know it after seeing it." As soon as Wu Zhongxing said that, he handed Zhang Juzheng a copy of the brochure he had handed in to Ouchi.Although Zhang Juzheng was not surprised by the city, he still couldn't help asking in surprise after reading the scriptures:

"Have you delivered the folder?" "It was just delivered in the morning, so the emperor must have seen it by then." "What do you want?" "I didn't expect that," Wu Zhongxing said bravely, "it's hard for a disciple to go along with the sensuality argument. Even if he gave up to the emperor, he dared not refuse to report to the old seat lord. If he offends, I hope the old seat lord will forgive him." After Wu Zhongxing said goodbye, Zhang Juzheng was so angry that smoke rose from his seven orifices.His first thought was: a student impeaching the seat lord, this is something that has never happened in the 200 years of the Kingdom, but Liu Tai last year and Wu Zhongxing this year are both his students.He immediately felt greatly insulted and deeply saddened by Shilin's misunderstanding of him.That night, when he learned that the emperor had issued an order to arrest Wu Zhongxing and Zhao Yongxian into Jinyiwei Prison, he felt a little relieved.Today, when he heard the eunuch read the emperor's decree to comfort him again, his originally ups and downs mood seemed to be stuffed into a mess.

I don't know how much time passed, You Qi came to push the door to report that Wang Guoguang and Wang Chonggu were visiting.Zhang Juzheng rubbed his astringent eyes, and ordered You Qi to lead the two of them into the study.As soon as he sat down, Wang Guoguang said: "In the morning, the emperor sent the decree to comfort the chief minister again to the Ministry of Officials. Presumably you, the chief minister, have already received it." "Well, it's still on the desk." Zhang Juzheng pointed to the decree box on the table, Wang Guoguang glanced at it, and said: "I heard that when Wu Zhongxing and Zhao Yongxian first waved the shackles at the Meridian Gate to show the public in the morning, the onlookers were packed tightly. Although there are people who say they are not, the majority of people sympathize with them."

"This is evil," Wang Chonggu said angrily, with a voice like a bell, "A bunch of sour scholars, who don't understand bullshit but still talk about state affairs, burn down the house here, and die there, you cry first. Putting out the fire first? This is so obvious, why bother!" Wang Chonggu was a Jinshi in the 20th year of Jiajing. Although he was a scholar, but because he lived in the military for a long time, he had already wiped out the poor and elegant, and he spoke straight and never turned a corner. Zhang Juzheng liked his temperament, so he accepted In his words:

"The problem is that people like Wu Zhongxing don't think that the current situation in the imperial court is like fighting a fire. Instead, they think that the country is peaceful and the people are safe now, with no external troubles or internal troubles." "This is called not being in charge of the family and not knowing the cost of firewood and rice," Wang Guoguang interjected. "The financial reforms have achieved remarkable results in the past few years. There are several million taels of silver in Taicang. Between advance and retreat, it is at the critical point, this situation is similar to fighting a fire." Wang Chonggu agreed: "Fortunately, the emperor is so heroic and can see the situation clearly, so he has repeatedly comforted the first assistant." Zhang Juzheng was very grateful for the understanding and support of the two politicians. He glanced at the letter box on the desk again, and said emotionally: "The things Wu Zhongxing said in the book are not all lies. Bugu has been away from home for 19 years, and he has never seen his father again. Once the old man passes away, as a son of man, I should go to the funeral immediately and mourn in the coffin. , and guard his tomb for another three years. But the emperor will not let me leave the capital, one side is loyalty, and the other side is filial piety. As a minister, I cannot be disloyal. Worrying about these two words, I couldn't make a decision at the moment. The group of Ci officials in the Imperial Academy thought I was greedy for salary, which is really ridiculous." Wang Guoguang said: "Brother Uncle, in all fairness, for the sake of the world, you really can't leave the capital." "Brother Ruguan, everyone's mouths are shining gold!" Zhang Juzheng shook his head in pain, and said, "Bugu has made up his mind, and is going to go up to the emperor again to beg for the emperor's favor and allow me to return to Jiangling to guard the system." "You can write it, but according to our humble opinion, the emperor will never agree. Brother Xuefu, what do you think?" Wang Chonggu was staring at the locust tree outside the window in a daze, when Wang Guoguang asked him, he quickly replied: "Brother Ru Guan said it is very true. The first assistant, the family Yan has been abandoned, just keep filial piety in your heart. The most important thing right now is to be loyal." Zhang Juzheng sighed, and said: "If people in the officialdom are as sensible as you two, how could I, Zhang Juzheng, be forced into such an embarrassing situation." Wang Chonggu saw that the first assistant was dejected by the affair, and knowing that talking about it would only increase his troubles, so he changed the subject and said: "Brother Uncle, we invited Brother Ru Guan to visit today in order to clear up the matter of the father and mother. Brother Ru Guan has already explained the ins and outs of this matter in detail. The two of us discussed it. There must be great resistance when this matter is carried out. In my opinion, I have to use a little thunder." "What thunderous means?" Zhang Juzheng asked. "From what Brother Ruguan said, Shoufu means to start in Shandong first?" "Yes," Zhang Juzheng nodded, "Yang Ben'an is very determined, let's take a step ahead of him and try his hand at the limelight." "It must be difficult to push forward. Bugu plans to transfer a servant from the Ministry to supervise the formation. I don't know what the chief assistant will do." "Very well, the people who are sent must be brave enough to do things." "Please don't worry about this, chief assistant." Wang Chonggu was still talking about military affairs in a tent, with a great momentum of strife, he said frankly, "If you want to boost morale, Bugu discussed with brother Ru Guan, first you have to kill the monkey and show it to the chicken. .” A rare smile flashed across Zhang Juzheng's eyebrows, and he said: "People kill chickens to scare monkeys, but you want to kill monkeys to scare chickens, tell me about your plan." Wang Chonggu replied: "I don't think so, as long as Zhang Tianmu's message is sent to the province again, Yangwuhou Xue Bian and Yan Shenggong L Shangxian will definitely object. In my opinion, we should first find one of them. Here comes the 'monkey'. As long as he jumps around, he will be arrested immediately. There are also some big households, compared to them, they are just 'chickens'. We dare to kill 'monkeys'. What are you 'chickens'? You If you move, we'll grab you." "What brother Xuefu said just now is the thunderous method he proposed, but in this way, many lords and lords will go to the emperor to sue the emperor." Wang Guoguang then added, "Shoufu, do you still remember?" What happened in the autumn of the sixth year of Longqing? The pepper and sumac discount we implemented had already obtained the holy will, but when a few marquises ran up to the Empress Dowager Li and cried, the Empress Dowager Li immediately changed her tone. Almost got tricked by those bastards." "This kind of thing is guaranteed to happen again," Zhang Juzheng stretched his waist and said while thinking, "Take Xue Bian as an example, his Yangwuhou is hereditary, and he has an iron coupon awarded by Emperor Chengzu himself. Shu, he can avoid the death penalty at any time, so he dares to do anything wrong. Being able to punish such a "monkey" will have a lot of advantages and no disadvantages in reducing the resistance of clearing the land. Brother Xuefu, you can use this I mean, let me tell Yang Ben'an a thing or two first, so that he can make preparations." "Okay, I'll handle it quickly when I get back to the Yamen." The three discussed the matter thoroughly, and before leaving, Wang Guoguang thought it over again and said, "Brother Uncle, there is one thing I would like to ask for your opinion." "What is it?" "Wu Zhongxing and Zhao Yongxian, two nerds, are still wearing shackles, kneeling outside the Meridian Gate to show the public." "I heard that the emperor ordered them to kneel for three days?" Zhang Juzheng asked. "Yes," Wang Guoguang said, "the two of them are still not convinced, kneeling there and raising their heads. But after three days, how should we deal with them?" "It depends on what the emperor wants." "The emperor has sent a decree to the Ministry, and the Ministry of Officials is required to come up with a punishment opinion and report it. We have only taken over for two days, and we are still confused about how to deal with any matter, so I came here to ask for advice." Wang Guoguang looked very pious, but Zhang Juzheng felt that he seemed to be trying to shirk, and was a little unhappy in his heart.Just thinking about how to answer, Wang Chonggu stepped in and said: "These ignorant beak madmen should be severely punished." Wang Guoguang replied, "Severe punishment must be severely punished, but there must be a law that is feasible." Wang Chonggu smiled disdainfully, and teased: "What is the law? The emperor's will is the law. The emperor asked the officials to take a report. This is actually a severe punishment." "However, there should be a degree of severe punishment. Beheading, guarding the border, and expulsion of citizenship are all severe punishments. Which one should we choose?" Seeing that Wang Guoguang was indeed hesitant because he didn't understand, Zhang Juzheng felt relieved, he stopped the argument between the two, and said: "Last year, Liu Tai filed a slander report, and the emperor decreed that he was sent to the army five thousand miles away, and he was not allowed to return to his hometown. This time, Wu Zhongxing and Zhao Yongxian did similar things to him, and the severity of punishment can also be implemented by reference." Zhang Juzheng made a final decision, the two of them had nothing to say, they took their leave immediately and went back home in sedan chair. After one night, the next day was bright, and the Ti cavalry soldiers brought Wu Zhongxing and Zhao Yongxian out of the Zhenfusi prison, and escorted them to the square in front of the Meridian Gate.After kneeling for a whole day yesterday, both of their knees were worn out, and it hurt even if they rubbed them.The Ti cavalrymen had no mercy. As soon as they arrived at the square, they pushed the two of them down and knelt down. They wore a 40-jin iron-wood cannon around their necks. They were as hard as iron, and as soon as the knee touched it, the place where the blood scab had just formed was immediately worn away, and the blood oozed out, wet the trouser leg.Although Zhao Yongxian was a fat man, his endurance was obviously not as good as Wu Zhongxing's. He knelt there and gritted his teeth and grinned. Seeing his appearance, Wu Zhongxing couldn't help but worried, and asked: "Brother Ru, can you bear it?" "If you can't bear it, you have to endure it," Zhao Yongxian still did not change his arrogant temper, and laughed at himself, "Wearing a shackle and punishing him by kneeling, this is also a compulsory homework for scholars. Only after passing this test can one be called gentle in the world:" "That's the reason," Wu Zhongxing moved his knee with difficulty, and said, "Just remember that we kneel down to defend the court's principles, and our knees won't feel pain." As soon as he finished speaking, he suddenly heard Zhao Yongxian's "Ouch", Wu Zhongxing turned his head and saw Zhao Yongxian fell to the ground.It turned out that he was shaking constantly because of the pain in his knees. The cavalryman next to him thought he was dishonest, so he kicked him in the back.Because the iron-wood shackles were too tight, he fell to the ground and cut a big blood hole in Zhao Yongxian's neck, and blood flowed out.The cavalrymen pulled the iron wooden shackle again, pulled up Zhao Yongxian and knelt down again.Wu Zhongxing and Zhao Yongxian looked at each other, neither dared to speak out.They know very well that reasoning with these illiterate cavalry is like playing the piano with a cow, and they can only ask for trouble.Seeing Zhao Yongxian kneeling there like a bloody man with wide-eyed eyes, as if he would jump up at any moment and fight for his life.Wu Zhongxing was afraid that he would really explode, so he wanted to divert his attention, saying: "Brother Ru, kneeling is kneeling, why don't we take advantage of this great time and do something we should do." "What are you doing?" Zhao Yongxian asked. "How about we combine poems?" "Lianshi?" Zhao Yongxian glanced at the vicious Ti cavalry standing beside him, and said with a smile. "I remember that there were two poems in the Six Dynasties of Jinfen, 'Han Qinhu outside the gate, Zhang Lihua at the top of the building', describing the affairs of a certain emperor. Now you and I, there is no shortage of Han Qinhu, but no Zhang Lihua. Therefore, we are neither foolish kings , let alone a faint minister." "what is that?" "He is a martyr of our Ming Dynasty." "This comment is acceptable," Wu Zhongxing looked down at the heavy iron-wooden shackle around his neck, then looked up at the blue sky with light clouds and flowing clouds, and asked with a wry smile, "Brother Ru, don't you want to link poems?" "Let's connect, you come up with a question." "Okay, let's use this word to rhyme." Wu Zhongxing pondered for a while, then chanted: Wearing iron shackles in light cold in October Zhao Yongxian has always been talented, so he immediately added a sentence, and then another sentence: Scholars admire their own blood like flowers. Kneeling at the Meridian Gate with a strong heart, Wu Zhongxing repeated Zhao Yongxian's couplet and recited: The swallows in the royal garden are inclined. The sound of forbidden drums is heard by Emperor Que, Zhao Yongxian smiled, and while beating the manuscript, he said: "The forbidden drum of the emperor's palace, what should I use? Brother Zidao, you are trying to trick me on purpose." Wu Zhongxing knew that he was trying to be tricky, so he urged: "Who doesn't know that you have a talent of seven steps, hurry up, or you will be punished." "How to punish?" "For a while, don't move your knees." Zhao Yongxian glanced at the Ti cavalry standing beside him, and shouted: "You are more vicious than Han Qinhu, listen, I have it." He said two sentences: Pieces of floating clouds hang on the eaves. Spring comes and spring goes to Chang'an Road, At this time, more and more people came to the Meridian Gate to watch the excitement, and the two ministers both had the stupidity of "people come crazy", and for a while, their thoughts were like a spring, and the relationship between you and me was so enjoyable: The flowers fall and the flowers bloom in the scholar's house. I ended up in trouble because of court performances, (Wu Zhongxing) Who didn't have tea this morning? Thinking about good sentences with a dry tongue, (Zhao Yongxian) Loyal liver boiling blood into haze. Three Cups of Little Drunk Rao Sizhu, (Wu Zhongxing) Nine deaths against Mu Ya. Dare to be the guide and often become a death admonition, (Zhao Yongxian) In the end, it was called Sheji free from consultation. Wu Zhongxing's sentence was a bit reluctant, but he couldn't find a good replacement for it for a while.At this moment, he also wanted to come up with an uncommon sentence to make it difficult for Zhao Yongxian, and he was contemplating with eyebrows raised, when suddenly he heard someone recite a few sentences: Since ancient times, no one has died, The way of heaven is infinite. Wu Zhongxing and Zhao Yongxian were only focused on reciting poems, completely unaware that more and more people gathered around them: when someone answered a sentence, they hurriedly looked up and saw Ai Mu standing in front of them. "He father and brother, so it's you." Wu Zhongxing was pleasantly surprised. Ai Mu knelt down on one leg, took out his handbag and wiped the blood on Zhao Yongxian's neck, and said: "Looking at you fighting rhyme here like no one else, Ai really admires you. The two of you are suffering from this wrong, and you are still having fun in pain. You are also real celebrities." "There's nothing bitter about it," Wu Zhongxing joked, enduring the pain, "It's just that the wristband is dead, so I can't scratch it." Zhao Yongxian also gritted his teeth and braced himself, echoing: "If someone tickles me, it doesn't matter if I kneel on him for ten and a half months." Looking at the blood on the ground, Ai Mu felt his heart tightening, so he stretched out his hand to lift up Zhao Yongxian's iron-wooden shackle, trying to make this fat man who was sweating a little easier.Seeing that his movements were out of line, the Ti cavalry paused the whistle stick in his hand and shouted: "My lord, please stand back." Ai Mu ignored him and still carried the shackle with his hands. Zhao Yongxian was afraid that he would suffer, so he reminded him in a low voice: "Father and brother, do as he says, these soldiers pluck their hair from the faces of dogs, and they will turn their faces if they say so." Although the Ti cavalry soldier didn't understand poetry, but his ears were sharp, he listened to this sentence, and immediately kicked Zhao Yongxian to the ground again, and shouted: "If you dare to curse, see if I don't beat you to death." Ai Mu hurriedly helped Zhao Yongxian up, stood up suddenly, stared at the Ti cavalry with his eyes like lightning, and shouted sharply: "Bold soldier, dare to insult Sven, I will not spare you." "What do you want?" The Ti cavalry raised their voices and yelled. There were twenty or thirty people in the group of Ti cavalry performing the task. Hearing the yelling from here, they all surrounded them with weapons.Shen Si Xiaosheng, who came together after the Ministry of Criminal Justice, was afraid that Ai Mu would suffer, so he hurriedly dragged him out of the crowd.Under the leadership of Zhao Zhigao, a group of ministers from the Hanlin Academy had also rushed here.They didn't come to watch the excitement, but came to find a way to clear the Jinyiwei Ti cavalry who were enforcing the law, and tried their best to save the two colleagues who were tortured from suffering.Seeing the dispute between Ai Mu and the Ti cavalry, Zhao Zhigao hurriedly stepped forward, and secretly slipped a silver ingot into the hands of the leading junior.Smiling shyly: "This soldier, don't get angry. Everyone is doing things for the emperor, and try to be as accommodating as possible. The two kneeling are our colleagues. When they are safely released from punishment, we will invite all soldiers to drink." "After the sentence is released, you officials and lords still don't look like roosters with their heads up. How can you recognize us soldiers?" The little principal who had won the silver ingot said so, but with a smug smile on his face, he waved his hand, and the cavalry dispersed and took their positions.Taking advantage of this time, Ai Mu walked over again, knelt down and asked the two kneeling people: "Do you know what happened last night?" "What happened?" Wu Zhongxing asked. "A demon star has appeared in the sky." "Demon star, what demon star?" Zhao Yongxian asked. "Last night, the broom star rose from the southeast, directly hitting the Big Dipper, and the light reached the sky. Afterwards, there were three fire alarms in the capital." "The astrology is mutated, and the heaven and man are connected. What is the omen?" Wu Zhongxing straightened up suddenly: There was a deep light in Ai Mu's eyes, and he asked back: "There is an argument of seizing love on the ground, and there are demon stars shining in the sky. Brother Zidao, there is something strange about it, do you need to ask?" "God has eyes," Zhao Yongxian suddenly laughed wildly, "Our actions are in accordance with God's will, so why die!" His smile immediately attracted a lot of onlookers. The Ti cavalry stomped his feet and reprimanded: "If you mess around again, be careful and I will beat you again." Ai Mu saw more and more people gathering, so he raised his voice and said: "That day in Tianxiang Tower, Ai said that after you two, I will definitely go to Emperor Shu to criticize Zeng Shihua. Therefore, we are not foolish kings. , let alone a faint minister." "what is that?" "He is a martyr of our Ming Dynasty." "This comment is acceptable," Wu Zhongxing looked down at the heavy iron-wooden shackle around his neck, then looked up at the blue sky with light clouds and flowing clouds, and asked with a wry smile, "Brother Ru, don't you want to link poems?" "Let's connect, you come up with a question." "Okay, let's use this word to rhyme." Wu Zhongxing pondered for a while, then chanted: Wearing iron shackles in light cold in October Zhao Yongxian has always been talented, so he immediately added a sentence, and then another sentence: Scholars admire their own blood like flowers. Kneeling at the Meridian Gate with a strong heart, Wu Zhongxing repeated Zhao Yongxian's couplet and recited: The swallows in the royal garden are inclined. The sound of forbidden drums is heard by Emperor Que, Zhao Yongxian smiled, and while beating the manuscript, he said: "The forbidden drum of the emperor's palace, what should I use? Brother Zidao, you are trying to trick me on purpose." Wu Zhongxing knew that he was trying to be tricky, so he urged: "Who doesn't know that you have a talent of seven steps, hurry up, or you will be punished." "How to punish?" "For a while, don't move your knees." Zhao Yongxian glanced at the Ti cavalry standing beside him, and shouted: "You are more vicious than Han Qinhu, listen, I have it." He said two sentences: Pieces of floating clouds hang on the eaves. Spring comes and spring goes to Chang'an Road, At this time, more and more people came to the Meridian Gate to watch the excitement, and the two ministers both had the stupidity of "people come crazy", and for a while, their thoughts were like a spring, and the relationship between you and me was so enjoyable: The flowers fall and the flowers bloom in the scholar's house. I ended up in trouble because of court performances, (Wu Zhongxing) Who didn't have tea this morning? Thinking about good sentences with a dry tongue, (Zhao Yongxian) Loyal liver boiling blood into haze. Three Cups of Little Drunk Rao Sizhu, (Wu Zhongxing) Nine deaths against Mu Ya. Dare to be the guide and often become a death admonition, (Zhao Yongxian) In the end, it was called Sheji free from consultation. Wu Zhongxing's sentence was a bit reluctant, but he couldn't find a good replacement for it for a while.At this moment, he also wanted to come up with an uncommon sentence to make it difficult for Zhao Yongxian, and he was contemplating with eyebrows raised, when suddenly he heard someone recite a few sentences: Since ancient times, no one has died, The way of heaven is infinite. Wu Zhongxing and Zhao Yongxian were only focused on reciting poems, completely unaware that more and more people gathered around them.Hearing someone reply, he hurriedly looked up, only to see Ai Mu standing in front of them. "He father and brother, so it's you." Wu Zhongxing was pleasantly surprised. Ai Mu knelt down on one leg, took out his handbag and wiped the blood on Zhao Yongxian's neck, and said: "Looking at you fighting rhyme here like no one else, Ai really admires you. The two of you are suffering from this wrong, and you are still having fun in pain. You are also real celebrities." "There's nothing bitter about it," Wu Zhongxing joked, enduring the pain, "It's just that the wristband is dead, so I can't scratch it." Zhao Yongxian also gritted his teeth and braced himself, echoing: "If someone tickles me, it doesn't matter if I kneel on him for ten and a half months." Looking at the blood on the ground, Ai Mu felt his heart tightening, so he stretched out his hand to lift up Zhao Yongxian's iron-wooden shackle, trying to make this fat man who was sweating a little easier.Seeing that his movements were out of line, the Ti cavalry paused the whistle stick in his hand and shouted: "My lord, please stand back." Ai Mu ignored him and still carried the shackle with his hands. Zhao Yongxian was afraid that he would suffer, so he reminded him in a low voice: "Father and brother, do as he says, these soldiers pluck their hair from the faces of dogs, and they will turn their faces if they say so." Although the Ti cavalry soldier didn't understand poetry, but his ears were sharp, he listened to this sentence, and immediately kicked Zhao Yongxian to the ground again, and shouted: "If you dare to curse, see if I don't beat you to death." Ai Mu hurriedly helped Zhao Yongxian up, stood up suddenly, stared at the Ti cavalry with his eyes like lightning, and shouted sharply: "Bold soldier, dare to insult Sven, I will not spare you." "What do you want?" The Ti cavalry raised their voices and yelled. There were twenty or thirty people in the group of Ti cavalry performing the task. Hearing the yelling from here, they all surrounded them with weapons.Shen Si Xiaosheng, who came together after the Ministry of Criminal Justice, was afraid that Ai Mu would suffer, so he hurriedly dragged him out of the crowd.Under the leadership of Zhao Zhigao, a group of ministers from the Hanlin Academy had also rushed here.They didn't come to watch the excitement, but came to find a way to clear the Jinyiwei Ti cavalry who were enforcing the law, and tried their best to save the two colleagues who were tortured from suffering.Seeing the dispute between Ai Mu and the Ti cavalry, Zhao Zhigao rushed forward, secretly stuffed a silver ingot into the hands of the leader, and said with a shy smile: "This soldier, don't get angry. Everyone is doing things for the emperor, and try to be as accommodating as possible. The two kneeling are our colleagues. When they are safely released from punishment, we will invite all soldiers to drink." "After the sentence is released, you officials and lords still don't look like roosters with their heads up. How can you recognize us soldiers?" The little principal who had won the silver ingot said so, but with a smug smile on his face, he waved his hand, and the cavalry dispersed and took their positions.Taking advantage of this time, Ai Mu walked over again, knelt down and asked the two kneeling people: "Do you know what happened last night?" "What happened?" Wu Zhongxing asked. "A demon star has appeared in the sky." "Demon star, what demon star?" Zhao Yongxian asked. "Last night, the broom star rose from the southeast, directly hitting the Big Dipper, and the light reached the sky. Afterwards, there were three fire alarms in the capital." "The astrology is mutated, and heaven and man are connected. What does this signify?" Wu Zhongxing straightened up suddenly. There was a deep light in Ai Mu's eyes, and he asked back: "There is an argument of seizing love on the ground, and there are demon stars shining in the sky. Brother Zidao, there is something strange about it, do you need to ask?" "God has eyes," Zhao Yongxian suddenly laughed wildly, "Our actions are in accordance with God's will, so why die!" His smile immediately attracted a lot of onlookers. The Ti cavalry stomped his feet and reprimanded: "If you mess around again, be careful and I will beat you again." Ai Mu saw more and more people gathering, so he raised his voice and said: "That day in Tianxiang Tower, Ai said that after you two, I will definitely go to Emperor Shu to criticize Zeng Shihua. Therefore, we are not foolish kings. , let alone a faint minister." "what is that?" "He is a martyr of our Ming Dynasty." "This comment is acceptable," Wu Zhongxing looked down at the heavy iron-wooden shackle around his neck, then looked up at the blue sky with light clouds and flowing clouds, and asked with a wry smile, "Brother Ru, don't you want to link poems?" "Let's connect, you come up with a question." "Okay, let's use this word to rhyme." Wu Zhongxing pondered for a while, then chanted: Wearing iron shackles in light cold in October Zhao Yongxian has always been talented, so he immediately added a sentence, and then another sentence: Scholars admire their own blood like flowers. Kneeling at the Meridian Gate with a strong heart, Wu Zhongxing repeated Zhao Yongxian's couplet and recited: The swallows in the royal garden are inclined. The sound of forbidden drums is heard by Emperor Que, Zhao Yongxian smiled, and while beating the manuscript, he said: "The forbidden drum of the emperor's palace, what should I use? Brother Zidao, you are trying to trick me on purpose." Wu Zhongxing knew that he was trying to be tricky, so he urged: "Who doesn't know that you have a talent of seven steps, hurry up, or you will be punished." "How to punish?" "For a while, don't move your knees." Zhao Yongxian glanced at the Ti cavalry standing beside him, and shouted: "You are more vicious than Han Qinhu, listen, I have it." He said two sentences: Pieces of floating clouds hang on the eaves. Spring comes and spring goes to Chang'an Road, At this time, more and more people came to the Meridian Gate to watch the excitement, and the two ministers both had the stupidity of "people come crazy", and for a while, their thoughts were like a spring, and the relationship between you and me was so enjoyable: The flowers fall and the flowers bloom in the scholar's house. I ended up in trouble because of court performances, (Wu Zhongxing) Who didn't have tea this morning? Thinking about good sentences with a dry tongue, (Zhao Yongxian) Loyal liver boiling blood into haze. Three Cups of Little Drunk Rao Sizhu, (Wu Zhongxing) Nine deaths against Mu Ya. Dare to be the guide and often become a death admonition, (Zhao Yongxian) In the end, it was called Sheji free from consultation. Wu Zhongxing's sentence was a bit reluctant, but he couldn't find a good replacement for it for a while.At this moment, he also wanted to come up with an uncommon sentence to make it difficult for Zhao Yongxian, and he was contemplating with eyebrows raised, when suddenly he heard someone recite a few sentences: Since ancient times, no one has died, The way of heaven is infinite. Wu Zhongxing and Zhao Yongxian were only focused on reciting poems, completely unaware that more and more people gathered around them.Hearing someone reply, he hurriedly looked up, only to see Ai Mu standing in front of them. "He father and brother, so it's you." Wu Zhongxing was pleasantly surprised. Ai Mu knelt down on one leg, took out his handbag and wiped the blood on Zhao Yongxian's neck, and said: "Looking at you fighting rhyme here like no one else, Ai really admires you. The two of you are suffering from this wrong, and you are still having fun in pain. You are also real celebrities." "There's nothing bitter about it," Wu Zhongxing joked, enduring the pain, "It's just that the wristband is dead, so I can't scratch it." Zhao Yongxian also gritted his teeth and braced himself, echoing: "If someone tickles me, it doesn't matter if I kneel on him for ten and a half months." Looking at the blood on the ground, Ai Mu felt his heart tightening, so he stretched out his hand to lift up Zhao Yongxian's iron-wooden shackle, trying to make this fat man who was sweating a little easier.Seeing that his movements were out of line, the Ti cavalry paused the whistle stick in his hand and shouted: "My lord, please stand back." Ai Mu ignored him and still carried the shackle with his hands. Zhao Yongxian was afraid that he would suffer, so he reminded him in a low voice: "Father and brother, do as he says, these soldiers pluck their hair from the faces of dogs, and they will turn their faces if they say so." Although the Ti cavalry soldier didn't understand poetry, but his ears were sharp, he listened to this sentence, and immediately kicked Zhao Yongxian to the ground again, and shouted: "If you dare to curse, see if I don't beat you to death." Ai Mu hurriedly helped Zhao Yongxian up, stood up suddenly, stared at the Ti cavalry with his eyes like lightning, and shouted sharply: "Bold soldier, dare to insult Sven, I will not spare you." "What do you want?" The Ti cavalry raised their voices and yelled. There were twenty or thirty people in the group of Ti cavalry performing the task. Hearing the yelling from here, they all surrounded them with weapons.Shen Si Xiaosheng, who came together after the Ministry of Criminal Justice, was afraid that Ai Mu would suffer, so he hurriedly dragged him out of the crowd.Under the leadership of Zhao Zhigao, a group of ministers from the Hanlin Academy had also rushed here.They didn't come to watch the excitement, but came to find a way to clear the Jinyiwei Ti cavalry who were enforcing the law, and tried their best to save the two colleagues who were tortured from suffering.Seeing the dispute between Ai Mu and the Ti cavalry, Zhao Zhigao rushed forward, secretly stuffed a silver ingot into the hands of the leader, and said with a shy smile: "This soldier, don't get angry. Everyone is doing things for the emperor, and try to be as accommodating as possible. The two kneeling are our colleagues. When they are safely released from punishment, we will invite all soldiers to drink." "After the sentence is released, you officials and lords still don't look like roosters with their heads up. How can you recognize us soldiers?" 得了银锭的小校，嘴上虽这么说，脸上却浮着得意的笑容，他一挥手，缇骑兵又都散开各就各位。艾穆趁这空儿，又走了过来，蹲下来问跪着的二位： “昨晚上发生的事，你们知道么?” “发生什么事了?”吴中行问。 “天上出了妖星。” “妖星，什么妖星?”赵用贤问。 “昨晚扫帚星起于东南，直犯北斗，光逼中天。随后，京城就有三处火警。” “星象变异，天人感应，这预兆什么?”吴中行突然挺直了身子。 艾穆眼中射出深邃的光芒，反问道：“地上有夺情之议，天上有妖星闪耀，子道兄，个中蹊跷，还用得着追问吗?” “老天爷有眼哪，”赵用贤突然狂笑起来，“我辈之举，上合天意，纵死何憾!” 他这一笑，立刻吸引了不少围观者，缇骑兵一跺脚，又斥道：“你再胡闹，小心俺又揍你。” 艾穆眼见人越聚越多，便提高嗓门说道：“那日在天香楼，艾某已说过，继你们二位之后，我一定也会上疏皇上，批驳曾士楚、陈三谟等夺情之议，昨日午夜，我已拟好折子，沈主事定要附名，这折子就以我俩的名义递进。” “折子已递了?”吴中行问。 “还在这儿呢。”沈思孝插话，说着就把手上的折子递给艾穆，又道。“和父兄说递进去之前，先要念给二位听听。” “好，和父兄，快念。”赵用贤大声催促。 艾穆站起身来，抖开折子。立刻，偌大的午门广场鸦雀无声，所有看热闹的人都屏神静气安宁下来。艾穆清了清喉咙，大声念道： 吾皇陛下：臣刑部员外郎艾穆、刑部主事沈思孝就首辅张居正夺情事，再行抗疏，谏曰： 自居正夺情，妖星突见，光逼中天。言官曾士楚、陈三谟，甘犯清议，率先请留，人心顿死，举国如狂。 今星变未销，火灾继起。臣岂敢自爱其死，不肯洒血为陛下言之： 陛下之留居正也，名曰为社稷。须知社稷所重，莫过于纲常。而元辅大臣者，纲常之表也。弃纲常而不顾，何社稷所能安?且事偶一为之者，例也。而万世不易者，先王之制也。今弃先王之制而从近代之例，如之决然不可也。居正今以例夺情，觌颜留机枢之地。设若期间国家有大庆贺大祭词等盛典，为元辅者，欲避则害君臣之义，欲出则伤父子之情。臣不知陛下何以处居正，居正又何以自处也。徐庶以母故而辞于昭烈，日：臣方寸乱矣。居正独非人子乎?而方寸不乱耶?位极人臣，反不修匹夫常节，何以对天下后世?臣闻古圣帝明王，劝人以孝矣，未闻从而夺之也。为人臣者，移孝以事君矣，未闻为所夺也。以礼义廉耻风化天下，犹恐不及，顾乃夺之?使天下为人子者，皆忘三年之爱于其父，常纪坠矣!异时即欲以法度整齐之，何可得耶?陛下诚爱居正，当爱之以德，使奔丧终制以全大节，则纲常固而朝廷正，乃使天下百官万民成服之。灾变不可弭矣，恳望陛下再思夺情之议，准臣之请。臣艾穆、沈思孝伏拜。 一篇雄文，抨击犹烈。在场的官员竖着耳朵听下来，不少人为之股栗，更有人生怕惹火烧身，赶紧抽身溜走。当然，也有不少人拊掌叫好。吴中行听罢，也不免为艾穆锋芒毕露的犀利言辞而大为担心。因为，这篇疏中不但针砭首辅，而且捎带着把皇上也刺激了一番，便道： “和父兄这篇疏文，痛快淋漓，真千古奇文也，只是言辞过于激烈，一旦投进，下场不会比我俩好到哪里去。” “艾某正有此意，陪二位在此一跪。” 艾穆话音刚落，沈思孝也凛然说道：“还有我哪，我既来到午门，就没打算回去。” “快哉，快哉!”赵用贤又大叫起来，“读此雄文，真想浮一大白。” 艾穆拱手朝两位跪着的同道一揖，言道：“二位在此稍候，我和纯父兄投折去了。” 话犹未了，围观的人早给他们二人让出一条道儿。