It was not until April that Emperor Liu Chengyou, who had stayed in Qionglin Garden for twenty days, finally returned to the palace. Qionglin Garden was a place of beautiful scenery, accompanied by beauties, children around the knees, flying eagles and dogs, and although the days of galloping horses were carefree, But for Liu Chengyou, it gets boring after a long time.
"Young man, I would like to welcome the official back to the palace!" In front of the Long Live Palace, Zhang Dejun, the envoy of the imperial city, paid homage to him.
Looking at the eunuch and spy chief who was welcoming him attentively and respectfully, Liu Chengyou raised his hand and gestured: "Get up! You arrived in time. I'm just returning from Qionglin Garden, so why bother?"
"The young one is a servant of the official family. When the master returns to the palace, he should be welcomed no matter how far or near he is!" Zhang Dejun said humbly.
Since taking office as the Imperial City Secretary, he can no longer be as inseparable from the emperor as he used to be. However, Zhang Dejun is obviously very enlightened and knows where his current power and fame come from. He remains respectful to the emperor. No matter what happens, he always goes to the emperor to say hello. , for something as "important" as returning to the palace, of course one must serve it even more diligently.
"Okay, I know your feelings for me! Let's talk about it after we enter the palace!" Liu Chengyou threw away his hands and chuckled.
Next to him, Sun Yanxi, who was the leader of the chamberlain, looked at Zhang Dejun, who always maintained a humble posture and expression, and couldn't help but feel strong feelings of envy in his heart. People like Zhang Dejun were the most envious among the eunuchs of the Han Palace, and they were deeply loved by the officials. He has trust in his family, holds great power, and enjoys unlimited glory.
Although he took over Zhang Dejun's previous position, he was the eunuch closest to the emperor. He was well-versed in both inside and outside, and outsiders did not dare to underestimate him. But this position came with huge pressure. It would be fine if the emperor was dim-witted, but he was a shrewd one. And people who are very suspicious, like Sun Yanxi, usually have to think twice before flattering someone.
Compared with being frightened by the emperor's side, Zhang Dejun's life is obviously more comfortable now. But we must consider that Zhang Dejun stayed with the emperor for ten years before he reached his current status...
"Tell me!" After entering the palace and making tea himself, Liu Chengyou looked at Zhang Dejun, who was standing beside the case: "You came to me, what did you find out?"
"Back to the official house, is there news from Nanyue?" Zhang Dejun replied.
"Oh? From that Chen Yanshou?" Liu Chengyou became slightly more interested.
Zhang Dejun: "This is the person the official is wise!"
After going on a diplomatic mission that year, Zhang Dejun got in touch with Chen Yanshou, and the two became sworn brothers. Chen Yanshou was a traitor, and he might not be able to see that far, but he was happy to associate with Zhang Dejun, an important eunuch of the Northern Han Dynasty. of.
After returning to Panyu, the contact with the north was not severed, and letters were often exchanged. Of course, the military and political situation in southern Guangdong was completely wiped out.
"Then Chen Yanshou has become very popular in southern Guangdong in recent years, right?" Liu Chengyou said.
"Exactly!" Zhang Dejun said: "Since the death of Lin Yanyu, the great eunuch of Southern Guangdong two years ago, Liu Sheng, the leader of Guangdong, has entrusted the palace affairs to the eunuchs Gong Chengshu and Chen Yanshou. They have great power! However, although Chen Yanshou gained power, he was Gong Chengshu was suppressed and was quite depressed, but he did not dare to cut off contact with me. Nanyue responded to the incident and reported everything secretly!"
"What news is coming again?" Liu Chengyou nodded slightly and asked curiously.
Zhang Dejun said: "According to Chen Yanshou, Liu Sheng, the leader of the Southern Guangdong Kingdom, is increasingly unhappy. According to his estimation, he is not far from death!"
"Really?" Liu Chengyou became interested.
Zhang Dejun nodded and said: "The ruler of Nanyue has enjoyed himself all the year round, drank too much, indulged in sex, and is in poor health. He fell ill as early as three years ago. Ever since the Han Dynasty captured Huainan and Jinghu, he has been in a state of panic and often wakes up from his sleep. .
Last year, when the Han Dynasty conquered Shu, he was even more worried. He ordered to repair the warships, repair military equipment, train elite troops, and strengthen the defense. However, there was a beginning but no end. This spring, he drank to his heart's content and said: "My body is spared." ,Fortunately, there is no time to worry about future generations!'
Liu Sheng's mausoleum has been built at a huge cost. Now, the palace affairs are entrusted to the eunuchs and witches, and Liu Sheng is autistic in enjoying the palace. Presumably, he has only a few years to live, and he knows that he will not be alive soon... ..”
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"So, Liu Sheng is very free and easy-going, and he is very open-minded!" Listening to his report, Liu Chengyou's tone was obviously sarcastic.
"I thought that Liu Sheng also knew that the unification of the Han Dynasty was unstoppable, so he gave up on himself and just enjoyed the rest of his life!" Zhang Dejun said.
"You also talk to me about reunification!" Liu Chengyou murmured, suddenly laughed, and glanced at Zhang Dejun: "Now, it seems that everyone, both inside and outside the court, can express their opinions on this matter!"
Zhang Dejun was a little startled when he heard the words, and then responded tactfully: "I am just a slave. I have short knowledge. I have heard a lot on weekdays, so I just said it occasionally. I think this also proves that your Majesty has flattened all the countries and unified them." The world is what the people want, obeying the destiny of heaven, and what billions of people eagerly hope for!"
"You are good at talking!" Liu Chengyou seemed to be in a good mood. After thinking about it for a moment, he ordered: "I can't take care of the Nanyue issue for the time being. If you continue to strengthen your contact with Chen Yanshou, it should be useful in the future!"
"yes!"
After reporting on the problems in Nanyue, Zhang Dejun lowered his body again and said with a slight hesitation: "Guan family, there is one more thing..."
"Say!" Noticing the strange look on his face, Liu Chengyou frowned slightly and said: "You also know my temper, so just tell me truthfully. I am also very curious about who and what makes you so hesitant. !”
"Go back to the official's house!" Zhang Dejun accompanied him carefully and said, "It's a matter of Zhao Li's in charge of the Metropolitan Procuratorate!"
Zhao Li, the censor of Zuodu, was a talent discovered by Liu Chengyou himself. In his early years, he was appreciated by him for his shrewdness, ability, and fearlessness of the powerful. From the early years of Qianyou's reign, step by step, he grew from a small censor in Xijing to Taiwan. A big boss in the Han judicial system.
It has been several years since he succeeded Bian Guichen as Yushi Zhongcheng and became the top leader of the Yushitai. Later, after the supervision system was reorganized and the Metropolitan Inspectorate was established, he has remained in the position of Zuodu Yushi.
Over the years, under his leadership, the Dahan supervisory system has been operating well and has had a very good supervisory effect on internal and external officials' management of people's livelihood. Liu Chengyou has always been satisfied with Zhao Li's political achievements.
Therefore, when Zhang Dejun suddenly mentioned Zhao Li in a hesitant way, his heart suddenly thumped, and he asked in a solemn voice: "Is there something wrong with Zhao Li?"
Paying attention to the emperor's expression, Zhang Dejun did not dare to neglect and responded quickly: "Back to the official house, after investigation by the Imperial City Department, it was found that during his tenure, Zhao Li deceived his superiors and concealed his subordinates, accepted bribes, neglected his duties and violated the law, and protected criminal officials... .”
"Do you know what a sin it is to spread rumors, frame up, and slander ministers!" After he finished speaking, Liu Chengyou immediately asked, with an extremely harsh tone.
Upon hearing this, Zhang Dejun immediately knelt down and said solemnly: "The officials know their lesson well. No matter how courageous a young man is, he will not dare to deceive the officials!"
Paying attention to Zhang Dejun's reaction, it should be true. Liu Chengyou remained silent for a while and said in a cold voice: "Do you have evidence? If you can't prove it, I will immediately charge you with framing the minister!"
Although the emperor's words were cold and stern, Zhang Dejun breathed a sigh of relief after listening to his words. He immediately took out a memorial from his pocket, presented it respectfully, and said: "This is the total amount of Zhao Li's illegal legal services in the past three years obtained from the investigation of the Imperial City Division." Please have your Majesty take a look at the six cases. All the people involved in the case have been closely investigated, and the circumstances are confirmed. As long as the competent authorities interrogate them accordingly, the crime will be clear!"
He took Zhang Dejun's memorial and opened it to look at it. Liu Chengyou's expression changed from cloudy to sunny, and then from sunny to cloudy again. He glanced at Zhang Dejun and said, "It looks like you have put a lot of thought into it!"
Zhang Dejun raised his hand and said: "This matter involves a minister, and the stakes are very important. I don't dare to be careless. Only when the details are confirmed can I dare to report it to the official!"
"Ha!" Liu Chengyou sneered.
His expression soon returned to calm, he picked up the boiled tea, poured two cups, and handed one to Zhang Dejun: "Have a taste and see if my tea-making skills have improved!"
Zhang Dejun was a little surprised by the emperor's reaction, and he was inevitably uneasy, but he still took it with a respectful expression of thanks, took a sip, and said: "Good tea!"
Liu Chengyou also took a sip, suddenly exploded, slammed the tea cup to the ground, and shouted angrily: "What a fart!"
"Excuse me!" Zhang Dejun's legs softened and he knelt on the ground.
At this time, Liu Chengyou was filled with anger, his chest heaved, and he was obviously very angry. He stood up and walked a few steps, vigorously shook off his sleeves, and said: "Zhao Li, what a Zhao Li, you gave me a big surprise!"
"Someone is coming!"
Sun Yanxi paid attention to the movement here and hurried forward to obey the order: "Please give me the official's orders!"
"Pass an edict to put Zhao Li, the censor of Zuodu, in jail, and bring Cui Zhoudu, the minister of Dali Temple, to interrogate him!" Liu Chengyou ordered coldly, then looked at Zhang Dejun: "Take all the evidence and witnesses collected by the Imperial City Division. Hand it over to Dali Temple and fully cooperate with the review!"