Chapter 838: The Capital Explodes
For Yan Song, serving Emperor Jiajing had long become a habit. He was like a loyal dog, cunningly and carefully spying on his master's every move, and analyzing Emperor Jiajing's thoughts from it.
Understanding the emperor's intentions is a compulsory course for every important official.
If you succeed in figuring it out, you'll be able to do things according to the emperor's wishes, and naturally his favor will increase day by day.
If the guessing failed, for example, Xia Yan, he would eventually be beheaded with a single knife, ending up miserably.
Yan Song and his son were experts in guessing the emperor's intentions, and they claimed to know the Jiajing Emperor's thoughts very well.
Yan Shifan, in particular, said to his father in private: "I know exactly what your majesty is thinking."
Yan Song learned the news about Dao Ye Bu Yu from the eunuchs, and began to wonder why.
After thinking about it, he just didn't expect that accepting the benefits would backfire.
After all, it has been many years since then, and Yan Song felt that the Taoist priest had always turned a blind eye, and this time would be no exception.
and so!
He overturned.
At this moment, Yan Song was kneeling there, leaning forward and slowly lying down.
It's like a dog showing its complete submission to its master.
I submit, you may do as you please.
This is the attitude of a loyal dog, and also the secret of Yan Song's success in history.
"Unscrupulous!"
"Hideous face!"
"shameful!"
"despicable!"
The emperor's rage was rolling in, Yan Song was sweating profusely, and his hair, which was mostly white, was soon soaked.
He said in a trembling voice: "I deserve to die. I only ask Your Majesty not to get angry and hurt yourself."
Emperor Jiajing stood up and walked around Yan Song with his hands behind his back. "Do you know what the public opinion in the capital says? The sky is three feet high! You, Yan Song, have returned triumphantly, and you have made the sky three feet high by squeezing the ground!"
Yan Song then realized that the reason for his downfall was not because he accepted bribes, but because the matter was made public and someone was fanning the flames and trying to stop it.
He immediately thought of this great victory and the New Deal.
Originally, the great victory was a boost to the new policies, but due to the hype of some people with ulterior motives, the great victory and the new policies were linked to corrupt officials and foolish monarchs.
That’s right, a foolish king!
"Tell me, how should I deal with you?" Emperor Jiajing asked grimly.
After Yan Song was dealt with, the great victory became a joke. Before the new policy was even launched, a loyal dog was killed.
Yan Song accompanied the army this time and knew the importance of winning the first battle. In order to win the first battle, Jiang Qingzhi made all kinds of plans. When the victory news came, Yan Song saw Jiang Qingzhi and secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
The new policy also needs to win the first battle!
But you, Yan Song, have been so arrogant all along. If I were to start a new policy, those people would make a fuss...
Who is implementing the new policy?
It’s Yan Song!
Yan Song?
Yes, it was Prime Minister Yan who took advantage of the great victory to plunder land along the way.
Hey!
The New Deal instantly became infamous.
Cold sweat continued to flow down Yan Song's forehead. He choked up and said, "I deserve to die a thousand times. I deserve to die a thousand times."
"You deserve to die!" Emperor Jiajing said coldly, "Those people took advantage of this to stir up trouble and create public opinion. Now, when your name, Prime Minister Yan, is mentioned in the capital, everyone will call for your death. This will also bring shame to the great victory."
"I deserve to die!" Yan Song, like Lu Bing, knew that defending themselves at this moment would only anger the Taoist priest.
"Old dog!" Emperor Jiajing narrowed his eyes, "If it weren't for the fact that you were respectful in the past, I..."
The emperor's murderous intent suddenly appeared, but he immediately retracted it, but it still made Yan Song tremble all over.
"I don't ask how this matter is resolved. If public opinion cannot be reversed before the army arrives in Beijing, you and Yan Shifan will go to the imperial prison on your own!"
Yan Song escaped death, stood up to express his gratitude, and then took his leave.
He was hunched over, with his long gray hair fluttering in the cold wind. He shivered from time to time and looked quite miserable.
Huang Jin knew that the Taoist priest would not kill Yan Song, his loyal dog, but he was curious why the Taoist priest had such a bad attitude towards Yan Song.
Almost never worse.
The Taoist priest walked in with his hands behind his back. Huang Jin rubbed his face and was about to follow him in when he heard the emperor inside sneer, "Qingzhi was the first to achieve merit in this battle. He returned to the capital quietly. He was also quite low-key after arriving in the capital. Yan Song, the old dog, just followed along to get some credit. How dare he show off all the way?"
Yan Song hadn't walked far when he saw Yan Shifan waiting on the side of the road, "East Tower!"
"Dad!" Yan Shifan saw that he was in such a state of distress that he quickly came over to help him up. "You are sweating so much..."
"Shut up!" Yan Song shook his head.
When the father and son arrived at the duty room, officials came to congratulate them. Yan Song smiled and said, "Later!"
The two men entered the duty room, and Yan Song sat down dejectedly, gasping for breath.
He waved his hand, and Yan Shifan turned around and said, "Everyone get out!"
After everyone left, Yan Shifan made tea for his father, "Dad, have some hot tea!"
Yan Song took the teacup, drank a few sips greedily despite the heat, and raised his eyes, "The incident happened, His Majesty was furious, and almost killed my father."
"But what about Dad accepting gifts?" Yan Shifan tried to figure out Emperor Jiajing's thoughts more deeply.
"Yes." Yan Song nodded. Yan Shifan breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Fortunately it is this."
Yan Song was puzzled, and Yan Shifan said, "What I am most worried about is that Dad has been too ostentatious and too popular, which may arouse the suspicion of His Majesty."
"My father is a civil servant. He will not hold military power after returning to the capital. Why do you suspect me?"
"After Dad left, some military heroes came to our house to show their goodwill." Yan Shifan regretted not telling his father about this, "But now it seems that His Majesty doesn't care about this matter."
"Oh, right." Yan Song drank a cup of hot tea and regained his composure. "Now there are rumors all over the capital, saying that my father has been robbing people along the way. His Majesty has ordered us to solve this matter."
Yan Shifan nodded, "This is a punishment. It's what should be done."
"How about sending someone to pass on the message?" Yan Song said. Although he had regained consciousness, his mind was still somewhat confused.
Yan Shifan narrowed his eyes and asked, "Dad, how many people can we have to pass on the message?"
"Yes, those people are all over the country, all over the capital. Even Your Majesty cannot change public opinion, let alone us father and son." Yan Song sighed.
Seeing his father's miserable appearance, Yan Shifan's eyebrows jumped, "I have a plan."
"What method?" Yan Song was overjoyed knowing that his son was extremely resourceful.
Yan Shifan's expression was solemn, even a little...sad.
"Take out all the gifts and money you received."
"Hmm?" Yan Song still didn't understand.
Dad is old... Yan Shifan looked at his bewildered father and felt sad, so he softened his voice, "Dad, who said you were robbing the land? Those money were clearly gifts from local officials and gentry to reward the victorious soldiers!"
Bah!
Yan Song slapped the table, his face flushed, "Great!"
I did accept the gift, but what was it?
I am here on behalf of the army to accept the reward!
"Local officials and people cheered and donated money to reward the troops. This kind of friendship... is moving." Yan Song sighed, and the brilliance reappeared in his eyes.
"But this is not enough." Yan Shifan narrowed his eyes, "I'm afraid we need to get some more from home."
Yan Song nodded, and the father and son looked at each other.
The feeling of heartache remains the same.
……
"Yan Song has entered the palace."
Xia Yan entered the study. Jiang Qingzhi was thinking about the army's triumphant return tomorrow. "Your Majesty actually ordered him to return to the capital first. I'm afraid he will be furious."
"But a good dog is hard to find, and your majesty probably won't be ruthless." Xia Yan was free from his official duties, and he could see the implications of many of the Taoist's actions back then. He was an extremely smart person, and after some deductions, he knew that Yan Song would not fall this time.
"It will be very lively tomorrow," said Jiang Qingzhi.
"Those people will just watch the fun." Xia Yan smiled, "I don't know what Yan Song and his son will do, but I don't think His Majesty will let those two off easily."
"The key is public opinion." Jiang Qingzhi said playfully, "Your Majesty will not leave Yan Song and his son alone, so just pass the job to them. If they handle it well, they can be held responsible. If they don't, they will be punished for both crimes."
"This is what your majesty is thinking, but how will Yan Song and his son handle it?"
"God knows."
Lu Bing was guessing. Rui Jingxian was also guessing.
Soon, news came from outside.
"The army returned victoriously, and officials and people from all over the country rejoiced, and many people donated money to support the army."
Xia Yan stroked his beard, "Such cunning and slyness are not the work of Yan Song."
"That young cabinet minister!" Jiang Qingzhi had never thought of this method and could not help but sigh: "He is indeed very smart."
Xu Wei came, Xia Yan smiled and asked, "How is it?"
Xu Wei said seriously, "Yan Shifan's moves are impressive."
Jiang Qingzhi shook off the ashes from his cigarette and said, "This matter has passed, but public opinion cannot be reversed overnight."
"It would not be appropriate for the army to return triumphantly covered in dust and dirt," said Xia Yan.
"Many people are waiting to see the joke," Xu Wei said. "They hope the army will be disgraced tomorrow."
"Play with this!" Jiang Qingzhi took a puff of medicinal smoke and said lightly: "I will give them a surprise tomorrow."
Lu Bing was lying on his stomach in front of the Jinyiwei, and said with a wry smile: "The so-called Yan Party, Yan Song is the banner, but the real soul is Yan Shifan."
Rui Jingxian's eyes were complicated in the East Factory, and he said fearfully: "That Yan Donglou... No wonder His Majesty showed mercy to Yan Song's men."
Yan Shifan is extremely smart, but hard to control. Dao Ye is an expert at checks and balances, but hard to control?
Why do I need to control Yan Shifan? It is enough for me to control this old dog Yan Song.
"What will happen tomorrow?"
Emperor Jiajing said quietly.
"Your Majesty, Long Wilbur requests to see you."
……
Countless people were looking outside the city.
It seemed as if I heard the footsteps of a large army.
The army set up camp five miles away from the capital.
Someone from the palace came and asked Du He to lead the generals to command the troops and enter the city tomorrow.
"What awaits the army tomorrow?" Du He said with a solemn expression.
Day two.
After breakfast, the palace messenger arrived.
"The prince will come in person with all the officials, so you guys should be alert."
The prince and the officials came to welcome them... Du He and the generals looked at each other and were secretly delighted.
This specification is high enough.
"Who will enter the city first?" Du He asked.
The eunuch said, "Chang Wei Bo suggested that the Tiger Guards and Left Guards go first, so that the troops can march out with momentum. Also, where is Yan Xu?"
"I'm here." Yan Xu came over.
The eunuch said, "Captain Wilbur said to let the wounded soldiers go in front."
When the time came, the troops assembled.
"set off!"
There were quite a few people on the streets on both sides of the capital at this moment, but the atmosphere was not very lively.
The prince and officials left the city.
After some consolation, the Huben Zuowei led the army into the city.
At the forefront are the wounded.
Some had broken arms, some had broken legs, some needed to be carried...
The beginning was so different from the impression that people in the capital had of a triumphant army that it left people confused.
"Boom boom boom!"
Suddenly there was a roar outside the city.
Like thunder.
The wounded soldiers slowly entered the city.
"Boom boom boom!"
The roar continued rhythmically.
Just to the left of the north gate of the capital, on an open space.
More than ten artillery pieces were lined up in a row.
"ignition!"
Zhou Xia waved.
"Boom boom boom!"
Thunder shook the capital.
The wounded walked slowly, looking at the common people and the scholars...
Why no cheering?
Someone in the crowd shouted, "It was these good men who stopped Altan Khan's cavalry. They were the ones who were protecting their homeland and the Ming Dynasty!"
Yan Song!
Does it have anything to do with them?
More than a dozen people in the crowd shouted, "They are our children!"
Everyone suddenly realized.
Regardless of whether Yan Song accepted the benefits, does it have anything to do with these soldiers?
They are our children!
A husband to a woman, a father to her children, a son to his parents...
Now, they are triumphant!
How should the capital welcome him?
Boom boom boom!
The thunder continued to roar, as if it was knocking on everyone's soul.
A solemn atmosphere arose spontaneously.
It makes people feel like they are on the battlefield.
That's so tragic and passionate!
A blush appeared on every face.
Hot blooded!
Start to surge.
"Damn it! Let's go see who made such a noise!" Someone in the crowd on the street cursed angrily.
"Victory!" someone in the crowd shouted.
"Wan Sheng!"
Arms were raised one by one.
The shouting gradually became like thunder.
"Wan Sheng!"
On the top of the city wall, Huang Jin sighed, "Using the wounded to win the hearts of the people, and using the roar to make the people in the capital feel as if they were on the battlefield. Even we who are used to seeing people's hearts are excited, so you can imagine what the people are like."
"This is just the beginning!" Jiang Qingzhi held a cigarette in his mouth, "Listen!"
Puff puff!
Puff puff!
The sound of orderly footsteps shook the earth.
Combined with the thunder, the entire capital became restless.
Then, a loud voice was heard.
"I have no clothes, so I will share my robes with you. When the king raises his army, I will sharpen my spears and daggers, so that we can share the same hatred..."
This is China’s military song!
moment.
Huang Jing saw the atmosphere of the entire capital!
Blasted!
(End of this chapter)
