Chapter 781: Jiang's Running Dog
Everyone felt that Jiang Qingzhi should be returning triumphantly with his army at this moment.
The same is true for Wang Cheng.
The day before yesterday, someone from the capital sent a letter, which mentioned that Jiang Qingzhi's son was born with strange signs, suggesting that Zhang Cheng should take action.
Zhang Cheng said that he disdained to go to the capital and could also make a name for himself in Lingqiu. But who the hell doesn't want to go to the capital?
For example, a high-ranking official in the state once drank too much with Wang Cheng and sighed: "If I can go to the capital to serve as an official, even if it is a minor official in one of the six ministries, it is better than being a county magistrate in the northwest."
The statement made by the petty official is of course an exaggeration, but it also shows the people's yearning for the capital at that time.
Zhang Cheng went to ask his grandfather for instructions. His grandfather had retired for several years. Although he seemed to be enjoying his retirement, Zhang Cheng knew that his grandfather would travel every once in a while, and his destination was the capital.
Grandfather narrowed his eyes, looked in the direction of the capital, and said to Zhang Cheng: "I once wanted to move my family to the capital, but it is not easy to live there. If you are willing to live a simple life, I will do my best to help you. But you... your father is mediocre, and you! You are not good at studying, but you are active and have great business skills."
Zhang Cheng thought this was a compliment, but his grandfather changed the subject and said, "Most people in that circle are high-ranking officials and dignitaries, and most of the successful businessmen are the managers in their families. If you go to that circle, you will only be ridiculed."
Zhang Cheng was hit hard on the head. He thought his grandfather would object to this matter, but his grandfather said: "But this opportunity is rare. Jiang Qingzhi has been making a lot of noise in the past few years, which has angered those people. If you can quietly embarrass him when the army returns victorious, I will give up my old face and recommend you to that circle."
Zhang Cheng was overjoyed and thanked his grandfather.
Grandfather sighed, "That circle only cares about benefits and interests. Remember, everything is just an exchange. If you can't offer something that impresses others, that circle will expel you."
There is no free benefit in the world.
It doesn't even matter for my grandfather's face!
Zhang Cheng left, not noticing his grandfather's complicated sigh after he left. He said softly, "This battle is a great victory, and Jiang Qingzhi's reputation is growing. This is a good opportunity to dig a hole and bury people, but those people are too eager. It's better not to move at this moment. The emperor is very suspicious, and the less movement there is, the more he will think the worst!"
Zhang Cheng was very excited and just wanted to use this opportunity to enter the circle of power and wealth in the capital.
He even took the risk of going out himself. Of course, he would naturally bring along his former hangers-on, such as Mr. Sun.
He felt that his words were flawless, and even if Jiang Qingzhi was angry, he would not be able to find a chance to take action. Besides, when Jiang Qingzhi learned that his son was born with a strange phenomenon, he would probably be filled with the panic of being suspected by the emperor, so how could he have the time to deal with him!
Zhang Cheng was full of confidence, but the person standing on horseback under the flag was actually the prime minister of the dynasty, Yan Song, who was denounced as a treacherous villain by his grandfather.
Old Yuanfu looked at Zhang Cheng coldly under the big flag, "Is this Lingqiu's way of showing power to me?"
Zhao Wenhua sighed secretly, thinking that this was a good opportunity to trick Jiang Qingzhi. He wanted to make some suggestions, but after touching his cheek, he suppressed his hatred towards Jiang Qingzhi.
The county magistrate hurried over to defend Zhang Cheng and said, "Yuanfu, this man is the eldest son of the Zhang family, a gentry in Lingqiu. His grandfather was an official in the capital for many years. Yuanfu may know him. His name is Zhang Heng."
"I have never heard of it!" The old minister's cold words were like a slap in the face of the county magistrate.
This is not right!
Zhao Wenhua knew that his godfather was not the type to get angry easily, and this outburst seemed like he was venting his anger for Jiang Qingzhi.
And, and…
Zhao Wenhua's body trembled, and only then did he think of what Zhang Cheng had said before.
——Jiang Qingzhi’s son was born with miracles!
What the hell!
What vision?
Could it be that there was a red light covering the delivery room, or was there a phoenix dancing?
This is courting death!
Zhao Wenhua was so excited that his IQ almost dropped by half in an instant.
But Yan Song snorted coldly, and the county magistrate trembled. He didn't know why Jiang Qingzhi was not in the army, and he didn't know why Yan Song stood up for Jiang Qingzhi.
Although he was also a member of the Anti-Yan Party, he was more like opposing for the sake of opposing, that is, following the crowd.
It would be effortless for Yan Song to make him a county magistrate. So the county magistrate decisively withdrew his eggs and bowed his head and said: "I have prepared a banquet in the city, please... honor me, Yuan Fu."
When the news of the great victory came, the gentry in the city were surprised and then fell silent for a long time. The county magistrate sent a message saying that the army would definitely pass through Lingqiu when returning in triumph and there would be a banquet.
This implies that whoever is willing to take the lead in hosting the event will get the honor.
But no one stepped forward.
It was not easy to use public funds for this matter, so the county magistrate, whose family was not well-off, gritted his teeth and paid out of his own pocket, which was very painful. He had been in Lingqiu for two years and received a lot of tributes every year, but no one knew that all the money was donated to the orphanage.
Yan Song said calmly: "Lingqiu seems to be full of hidden talents! I will not go to this banquet. The army... set off!"
"Prime Minister! Prime Minister!"
The central army went away.
Yan Song's aide Shen Jun looked back at the county magistrate and others who were standing there in shock and said, "That child was born with a strange phenomenon. This is not a good thing for Chang Wei Bo at this moment."
Another staff member, Zhang Yuan, sneered, "Not only that! Jiang Qingzhi is famous for defeating Altan Khan, and now he has a son born with extraordinary powers. How many people will think of those emperors with great backgrounds in history books."
Shen Jun frowned and glanced at him, "Those are mostly far-fetched and just a way of flattering yourself!"
"It's scary when it's far-fetched." Zhang Yuan asked someone to find out.
Soon someone reported back, "This is absolutely true. It was discovered by the residents of Xin'an Lane."
"The palace must have known about it." Zhang Yuan sighed, "Jiang Qingzhi actually returned to the capital alone. Could he have predicted it?"
Shen Jun said, "Good luck will come to you!"
"Is this a good thing? I don't think so." Zhang Yuan chuckled and said, "Even if they are cousins, Jiang Qingzhi has made such a great contribution. Your Majesty must be feeling that there is no more reward for him. In addition, Jiang Qingzhi's son was born with a strange sign... What do you think Your Majesty will think?"
Shen Jun was somewhat disappointed. "After defeating Altan, the current situation is very good. Your Majesty seems to be determined to make reforms. Jiang Qingzhi and the Mohist School are your Majesty's right-hand men in the reform. If suspicion arises because of this... this reform will probably die halfway."
"Without Butcher Zhang, do we still have to eat hairy pigs? We still have Yuan Fu!" Zhang Yuan said.
Shen Jun sneered at him and whispered, "I don't believe you don't know that your Majesty's reforms did not take the Prime Minister into consideration at all."
The old minister was old and had a bad reputation, so he was more responsible for taking the blame and handling state affairs. As for reform, it had always been led by Emperor Jiajing and Jiang Qingzhi.
"Then put it aside!" Zhang Yuan said, "Without Mo Jia and Jiang Qingzhi, will the Ming Dynasty not survive?"
At this time Yan Song asked someone to call the two over.
The old prime minister looked solemn, "I'm afraid this matter has caused a stir in the capital. Zhang Yuan will return to the capital first and inform Donglou." Yan Song thought again, "This matter should not be fueled. Remember, if it is feasible, help Jiang Qingzhi!"
"Prince!" Zhang Yuan was stunned. Shen Jun pulled him aside, and after Yan Song left, Shen Jun said, "I think you hate the Mohists so much that you've become a fool. If Jiang Qingzhi gets into trouble, the glory of this battle will all belong to the Yuanfu. The Yuanfu will rule the Ming Dynasty, and we'll have another great victory. Do you think the Yuanfu didn't die fast enough?"
Zhang Yuan patted the horse's back and said, "That's it!"
Watching him go away, Shen Jun whispered, "Is that child really of extraordinary origin? What will Long Wilbur do in the face of such a crisis?"
The Lingqiu County Magistrate also returned to the county government office at this moment.
The chef from the restaurant was waiting, "Your Excellency, the wine and food are ready."
The county magistrate sighed, “No one eats it.”
Cook: "Those tables of food and wine..."
The county magistrate said, "I will eat."
The county magistrate walked into the hall, sat down, looked at the tables of food and wine, and raised his glass.
"This cup is for the Ming Dynasty."
He tilted his head back and drank it all.
Then he raised the second glass and looked around, as if the place was full of guests.
Then, he said:
"This is for Long Wilbur!"
He drank it all again, then sighed, "The political world is like this, forcing me to do things against my will. But in my dreams, I..."
The county magistrate drank one cup after another and soon became drunk.
He picked up a chopstick and tapped the edge of the plate, singing:
"Lonely lying in a lonely village does not feel sorry for itself, Shangsi defends Luntai for the country. Lying in the middle of the night and listening to the wind and rain, the iron horse and ice river fall into dreams."
He raised his glass, tears glistening in his eyes, "This world! There is no room for good people, no room for true gentlemen. This has twisted my character, and I am cautious in my every word and action... I am like a stiff-necked person. But... but I still have passion!"
"Chang Wei Bo went to war for the country, but was criticized. Why is it so difficult to work for the country? Does it mean that everyone should only care about their own family, and this is the prosperous age? I don't agree!"
The county magistrate beat his chest, making a loud thumping sound, his eyes reddened, "I should do something, yes, I should do something!"
He staggered to his feet and walked out to the lobby.
"Somebody come!"
A clerk came over and said, "Your Excellency."
The county magistrate pointed outside and said, "Go, gather some people."
Soon, the officials arrived.
The county magistrate said, "People say there is a great evil in Lingqiu, and that is the gentry. Who are these gentry?"
Has the county lord drunk too much?
Everyone was muttering, thinking that you used to be very close to the Zhang family!
"Gather the people and go to Zhang's house!"
The county magistrate was stunned. "County Master, this is inappropriate, isn't it?"
The confidant came over and whispered, "County Master, if the Zhang family strikes back...Your Highness will be in danger."
"Go quickly." the county magistrate shouted.
On that day, the Lingqiu County Magistrate brought detectives to open Zhang's door and immediately conducted a large-scale search.
Zhang Cheng's grandfather came out in a hurry and scolded him harshly.
The county magistrate just sneered. After all the evidence of the Zhang family's crimes were found, Zhang Cheng's grandfather lowered his head and said that his family had some connections in the capital and could pave the way for the county magistrate.
The county magistrate, however, scoffed at this. A constable found evidence that the Zhang family was involved in a murder case. The county magistrate was overjoyed and immediately ordered the arrest of all the male members of the Zhang family and the detention of the female members.
Zhang Cheng had just returned from drinking with Mr. Sun and was caught red-handed.
He was drunk and furious, saying that just one letter could get the county magistrate fired.
The county magistrate just sneered.
As more and more evidence was collected, just when everyone thought that the heads of the Zhang family could not escape death, one day they discovered that the county magistrate was missing.
There is an official seal on the table in the lobby.
The official seal was pressed against a letter of resignation.
——I don’t want to be such a crappy official anymore.
This……
Everyone looked at each other in surprise. They never thought that the seemingly law-abiding county magistrate could have such an unruly side.
"Wait and see the signature." someone said.
Everyone looked carefully.
"A lackey of the Jiang family!"
(End of this chapter)
