Compared to when Zhu Yi first came over, as things slowly unfolded, the atmosphere became less tense.
Speaking of which, Jiao Jing's question was actually somewhat useless, because what Duke Chengguo had done was already obvious during the court meeting.
Of course, just because it's useless doesn't mean there's no need to ask.
Because Zhu Yi's answer represents the attitude of Duke Chengguo.
So in fact, the situation at the scene has been very obvious. The biggest reason why Zhu Yi was vaguely ostracized from the moment he entered the door was not that he targeted Ren Li in the court meeting, but that he had a relationship with the Changping Marquis Mansion.
.
Again, there is nothing wrong with targeting Ren Li. At this court meeting, targeting Ren Li was a tacit agreement among the nobles. However, the Changping Marquis Mansion is a clear-cut emperor's party.
This is true whether it is from their origin or the position they have always held.
This can be seen from this incident. Even if Yang Hong broke the boat and confronted Ren Li in court, he was not willing to take the initiative to find other nobles to join forces and stop the move to rectify the military camp.
To put it bluntly, the Yang family is determined to follow the emperor!
Under this situation, Zhu Yi might have some contact with the Yang family. This possibility makes people feel extremely chilly in the back.
You must know that nowadays, there are fewer and fewer people on the Supreme Emperor's side who can take advantage of it. Although Zhu Yi is young, he holds the connections of Chengguo Duke's Palace and the foundation of the entire Duke's Palace.
, which is very important to the current Emperor.
In fact, none of the many nobles present could compare with Zhu Yi in terms of influence among civil servants. After all, he had a father-in-law who was the Minister of Rites.
What's more important is that Zhu Yi has already entered the core decision-making level. In other words, all their plans and ideas are not hidden from Zhu Yi, and Zhu Yi's opinions are also theirs.
One of the most important considerations when making many decisions.
If Zhu Yi is said to be a member of the Emperor's family, it means that all their plans and even the evidence of their crimes are nakedly exposed under the Emperor's eyes.
The risk is too great!
Therefore, even if Yang Jie only visited Zhu Yi once, there is no real evidence to prove that he is indeed involved with the Yang family, and there is no evidence to prove that Zhu Yi is involved with the emperor.
However, after coming here this time, everyone still tacitly began to test and question Zhu Yi.
However, this possibility is unlikely after all.
You must know that the reason why Chen Mao and others chose to recruit Zhu Yi to join the group was not just randomly.
Since the Battle of Tumu, the emperor's attitude towards the Duke Chengguo has been very cold. Although Zhu Yi ran around and Hu Hu secretly tried his best, there was still no result.
This is not just a matter of opposition from someone in the court, the root cause actually lies with the emperor.
In other words, on the emperor's party who are around him.
There has been a dispute between the DPRK and the Central Government over Zhu Yong's responsibility. Many people felt that Zhu Yong was at least half responsible for the disastrous defeat of the Civil War.
The person who holds this view most firmly is none other than the emperor’s most trusted minister, Yu Qian!
In addition, Wang Wen is also a supporter of this view.
With the two of them in tow, it was basically impossible for Zhu Yi to seek refuge with the emperor and find fault for himself.
What's more, last year's uproar in the court was reported in the draft scandal, which brought shame to the emperor, and they all saw Zhu Yi's despair after she came out of the palace.
These are all things that cannot be faked.
Therefore, the possibility that Zhu Yi is really a member of the emperor should be said to be very small.
But again, once this thing is true, it will be difficult for everyone to bear the consequences, so from the bottom of their hearts, they don't want it to be true.
But now Zhu Yi's attitude actually made them feel relieved.
Because if Zhu Yi felt guilty when he was suddenly questioned like this without knowing anything, he would definitely not dare to admit his dealings with Yang Jie.
For him to say it so calmly actually represents a lot of problems.
Zhu Yi sat across from him and had a panoramic view of everyone's expressions. He pondered for a moment before answering Jiao Jing's question.
"I didn't agree!"
So Jiao Jing frowned, but before he could speak, Zhu Yi's voice sounded again, saying.
"But I didn't refuse!"
Feeling the confused eyes of everyone present, Zhu Yida said.
"At that time, Yang Jie came to me and asked me if I was willing to agree to the deal. I just told him that everything would be decided when the court discussed it, and then Yang Jie went back."
After saying this, everyone present looked thoughtful. Jiao Jing pondered for a moment and continued to ask.
"However, the young master still came to see the second master, intending to cooperate with the Yang family in court discussions?"
This question was a bit excessive. Not only Zhu Yi, but also others looked at Jiao Jing's eyes and were slightly dissatisfied.
Zhu Yi's face turned cold, and she was obviously a little angry, and said.
"What exactly does Prince Consort Jiao mean?"
"Since I entered the government, the Prince Consort has questioned me everywhere, and I have always answered truthfully. But every sentence of the Prince Consort hints that I have already joined forces with the Yang family, and also said that I framed Marquis Ningyuan. Dare I ask the Prince Consort?
, are you so anxious to make me a treacherous person?"
Jiao Jing had obviously expected this and said calmly.
"Young Master, I misunderstood. I just said that this matter is of great importance, so I just want to find the truth."
"Ha~"
At this time, Zhu Yi finally couldn't hold it any longer. She patted the table with her right hand, got up and strode to the middle of the flower hall, standing opposite Jiao Jing, and laughed angrily.
"the truth?"
"The truth is that Marquis Ning Yuan was so bold that he did not hesitate to deceive the Supreme Emperor and coerce the nobles of various families for his own benefit. In this situation, the Supreme Emperor was even plotted by him."
"Now that things have happened, Marquis Ning Yuan has ended up like this, and it is entirely his own fault!"
"Every word of the prince-in-law is strange. He just wants to say that since Yang Jie came to see me, why did I not remind Ren Li and instead remained neutral in the court discussion?"
"In this case, I would like to ask the consort, has Yang Jie also gone to find you? Why didn't you come forward for Ren Li during the court discussion?" "According to what the consort said, he colluded with the Yang family. Yes, I’m afraid it’s not just me, the Duke of Chengguo, but also the British Duke and other nobles.”
"After all this quarrel, it turns out that the prince-in-law just wants to say that the emperor is wise and decisive, and has already secretly subdued all the nobles for his use?"
"Then what are we still discussing here? Let's go to Qianqing Palace as soon as possible to lead the horse and ride on it!"
There was silence in the flower hall, only Zhu Yi's angry voice echoed.
Jiao Jing was speechless because of the rebuke, but Zhang Mi hesitated and said:
"Young Master, don't be anxious. The consequences of this matter are too serious, so everyone has to be cautious."
As he spoke, Zhang Xi turned around, looked at everyone present, and said again.
"Everyone, just now, you didn't let me talk to my young master, so I didn't speak. But now that we've reached this point, I think I have to say a few words."
"Yang Jie went to see the young master, but as a distinguished noble, it is impossible for the young master to be sent away without seeing anyone. What's more, just like Consort Jiao said just now, Ren Li's actions at that time were indeed Something fishy."
"So, even without Yang Jie to persuade me, the young master and I will most likely wait and see about this matter. It would be a bit arbitrary to say that the young master is cooperating with the Changping Marquis Mansion because of this."
This is only fair.
Zhu Yi's expression finally softened a bit and said.
"Now that this is the case, let me tell you the truth. Yang Jie said that his father could file a memorial to defend my father. This really makes me hesitate."
"After all, as a son of man, it is human nature to want to clear the name of his late father."
"However, if a memorial can make me bet the entire Chengguo Duke's palace, you would think too highly of Yang Hong."
"His memorial has been neglected, and my father's posthumous reputation has only improved slightly. What's more, the Changping Marquis Mansion itself is in turmoil. Is it worth taking such a risk?"
With such a chorus, Jiao Jing also fell silent, and the doubts in the hearts of others present were gradually dispelled.
Finally, Chen Mao spoke.
"Young Master, please calm down. We have never said that, nor have we even thought that the Young Master will join forces with the Yang family. It's just that Prince Consort Jiao said that Yang Jie once visited the Chengguo Duke's Mansion. This matter requires Find it out clearly, that’s why the scene just happened.”
"Now that everything has been explained clearly, this matter is settled. We are all in the same spirit and share the same blood, so why should we be so angry?"
On the other side, Xu Youzhen also came out to smooth things over and said.
"You're right. This matter was originally a misunderstanding. It's good to talk about it. When we were in Chonghua Palace before, the Supreme Emperor also specially praised the young master for his loyalty. Let me tell you, Prince Consort Jiao, you are so
This time I was really too suspicious."
However, it was better not to say this. Originally, after Zhang Shi and Chen Mao changed the situation, the atmosphere in the venue gradually calmed down. Zhu Yi got angry, but did not hold Jiao Jing down.
However, Xu Youzhen's words successfully attracted the young master's attention back to Jiao Jing.
At the same time, Mr. Xu did not "exaggerate". After speaking to Jiao Jing, he turned to Zhu Yi aside and said seriously.
"However, young master, let me say one more thing. You also have something wrong with this matter. If you hadn't coveted the conditions offered by the Yang family and talked with Yang Jie for so long, how would the prince-in-law have done anything?
What are you suspicious of? When you are in court, there are times when you should avoid suspicion."
These words almost made Zhu Yi laugh angrily. He looked at Jiao Jing and Xu Youzhen and asked.
"According to Mr. Xu's point, if I am the Duke of Chengguo, when I meet someone, I need to ask the consort Jiao for instructions first? I don't know how a mere consort who doesn't even have a princess can have such great prestige?
"
After the words fell, everyone present was shocked and couldn't help but look at Jiao Jing aside.
Sure enough, the prince-in-law's face instantly became so gloomy that he was about to shed tears.
For Jiao Jing, he had actually expected that Zhu Yi would be angry, but he didn't care.
Since other than such things, someone must ask these questions, so Jiao Jing actually came forward on behalf of other people.
However, if Zhu Yi was wrongly accused, then it is normal for him to be angry. Since Jiao Jing asked, he knew that Zhu Yi would be angry.
But, there is a limit to this.
The eldest princess of Qingdu died young, which was a thorn in Jiao Jing's heart. For so many years, few people even dared to mention this name in front of Jiao Jing.
However, now that Zhu Yi was digging into his heart like this, no matter how good-tempered Jiao Jing was, he still couldn't bear it.
In fact, after Zhu Yi said a sentence, he realized that he had something wrong. However, because of his face, he could not take it back, so he could only lower his head immediately and did not continue to speak.
At this time, Xu Youzhen seemed to realize that something was wrong. She shrank her head and hid next to Zhu Jian.
Of all the people present, they were the only two who were from civil servant backgrounds, so they naturally and unconsciously got together.
Seeing Xu Youzhen approaching, Zhu Jian sighed and said helplessly.
"Prince-in-law, young prince-in-law, I'm afraid we are all a little impulsive today. When people are angry, it is inevitable that they will say something unintentionally, but these words cannot be done."
"You two don't know each other today, so why don't you give me some face and write off the unpleasant things without mentioning them?"
Zhu Yi seemed to be a little moved, but Jiao Jing didn't say anything, and he couldn't stand up on his own initiative.
Seeing this situation, Chen Mao and Jiang Yi also came out to smooth things over, saying.
"Yes, it's all a misunderstanding. It's inevitable that everyone will be careless in what they say. Taking it to heart will only hurt the harmony."
After some twists and turns, Jiao Jing's complexion finally improved a lot. He glanced at Zhu Yi and said.
"I was indeed at fault for what happened today. I shouldn't have questioned the young master like this. However, the young master should also understand my difficulties."
"Since we are together, mutual trust is a must. The reason why I am willing to ask, and I am asking in front of so many people present, is that I still believe in the young master and want to restore his innocence."
"Please forgive me for your thoughts."
After all, Jiao Jing was the elder, and no matter what happened today, he was the one who initiated it. Therefore, in the end, he took the initiative to hand over the steps.
Since they were giving me face, Zhu Yi of course didn't hold back either. She cupped her hands with a somewhat awkward look on her face and said.
"Shibo is right. I didn't consider this matter properly. Even if it's not easy to tell Marquis Ningyuan about this matter, I should talk to Shibo in advance. Otherwise, the current situation won't happen."
Both sides spoke softly, and the matter finally came to an end for the time being.
However, it was obvious that Jiao Jing was deeply touched just now. After handing Zhu Yi a step, he stopped talking.
So, Zhang Min took over the hosting job as he should and said.
"What the young master just said about Ren Hou actually makes sense. The current situation is not as good as silence. Before the case is revealed, we are blind, so it is better to wait and see for the time being, wait and see what happens, and then look for opportunities.
"
"The top priority now is what happened in the past two days. Nangong suddenly summoned Prince Consort Xue for some unknown reason, and then the palace issued a decree to send Prince Consort Xue to Nanjing to assist in military affairs. Now, the eldest princess
The house is also closed to thank guests. We can neither see Prince Consort Xue nor enter Nangong for a while. What to do next is what we should really discuss today..."
This chapter has been completed!