"So, did they rebel because of the farming incident?" Zhu Houzhao asked coldly.
Liu Jin kowtowed and said, "I have asked you clearly. When Zhou Dong was clearing out the farmland in Ningxia, he did behave improperly and went too far, which caused the local people's anger. I hired people inappropriately and begged the emperor to punish me. However, the emperor and the slave believed that the farming matter was just It's just an excuse. Even if you have objections to the policy of farming, can you raise an army to rebel?"
Zhu Houzhao frowned and said nothing.
Liu Jin said: "Your Majesty, here is the message from King Anhua. Your Majesty will know the clues after reading it."
Liu Jin took out the memorandum and presented it. Zhu Houzhao took it and read it quickly. He squinted at Liu Jin and said, "What does Zhu Zhixiu mean? Is it for you? Why did he list you with so many crimes?"
Liu Jin said softly: "Does Your Majesty feel that the charges he imposed on slaves are familiar? The words in this appeal are consistent with the words used to impeach slaves and others in the outer court. Your Majesty, it can be seen from this that these gangs People cannot see slaves serving the emperor beside him, and they want to put slaves to death. These are all reasons."
Zhu Houzhao frowned and pondered.
Liu Jin said softly: "Your Majesty, I believe that King Anhua has rebelled for a long time, and a group of officials in Ningxia Town rebelled with King Anhua for their own selfish interests. I sent Zhou Dong to farm in Ningxia, which just touched their sore spot. King Anhua took the opportunity to incite them to rebel. This memorandum was just an excuse for their rebellion. Because of the previous impeachment case initiated by the foreign court, the emperor had a good nature, so he was lenient to the foreign court. But precisely because of this In this way, they failed to eliminate the remaining poison. The group of demoted civil servants were unhappy and incited public anger below, creating a chaotic atmosphere. King Anhua obviously took advantage of this. That's why his memorandum deliberately targeted the slaves, saying that they wanted to clear the emperor's side. There are so many crimes committed by slaves. This is just using the name to echo each other."
Zhu Houzhao still didn't speak, frowning and thinking.
Liu Jin sighed, took off the black crown on his head, and said in a deep voice: "It seems that the emperor does not believe what I say. In this case, I just ask the emperor to kill me. Since Zhu Chixiu raised the army because of me, he hates me." It's just a slave. Then after the emperor kills the slave, Zhu Zhixiu will immediately retreat and stop rebelling. If the slave's life can exchange for the stability of the Ming Dynasty, then the slave's death is worth it."
Zhu Houzhao frowned and said: "Kill you? Will Zhu Zhixiu stop the rebellion?"
Liu Jin said softly: "I don't know, but I am willing to risk my life. It is better than the civil strife in the court and the loss of life. Your Majesty, after this slave dies, you can no longer serve the Emperor. Your Majesty, you must take care of your dragon body. Do it every day." Don't be greedy for cold food when eating and sleeping at night, and don't be exposed to the cold. Also, some people in the court are not completely loyal to the emperor. They always want to be above the emperor, so that the emperor cannot be free and happy. They always want to let the emperor You are not happy, unlike this slave, who only thinks about making the emperor happy. Just like when I went to the East Palace to serve the emperor, I live only for the emperor in this life. Your Majesty, please take care of yourself."
As Liu Jin spoke, tears shed from the corners of his eyes. He kowtowed heavily to Zhu Houzhao, got up and walked out.
Zhu Houzhao shouted: "Where are you going?"
Liu Jin smiled bitterly and said: "I think that the emperor definitely doesn't want to see me die, but I have to die. Therefore, I can't make the emperor sad. I can just go back to the room and hang myself."
Zhu Houzhao was in a state of confusion. He really did not want Liu Jin to die. In his opinion, Liu Jin was loyal to him and no one could surpass him. Although this guy sometimes behaved a little irritatingly, he had nothing to say to him.
.I really can’t live without him.
However, King Anhua rebelled and named him because of Liu Jin. Liu Jin's farming strategy angered the people in the border town and caused the current situation. If Liu Jin died, King Anhua could stop the rebellion and calm down the situation.
, seems to be a good thing too.
"If you die and King Anhua refuses to retreat, wouldn't your death be in vain?" Zhu Houzhao frowned.
Liu Jin felt cold in his heart. He knew that in Zhu Houzhao's heart, he was actually just a dog. Maybe Zhu Houzhao had some dependence and trust on him, but once his country and throne were involved, he would also let himself die. He was far away
It's far less important than you think.
The emperor was really considering letting himself die. However, his previous true confession of his feelings was actually in vain. He thought that the emperor would stop him immediately and comfort him.
Since the emperor is really considering letting himself die, how can he really die?
"Your Majesty, this slave is about to die, and he will not excuse himself. But this slave can be sure that even if the slave dies, King Anhua will not stop the rebellion. He wants to be the emperor, how could he do this for his slave?
A person who has done such a heinous and unethical thing? I am just his neighbor."
Liu Jin sighed and continued: "Your Majesty, in order to be able to relieve the Emperor's worries, I have read a lot of books recently, which has improved my skills. Today's situation reminds me of something in the history books I have read. Your Majesty
Do you want to hear it?"
Zhu Houzhao said: "What's in the history books? Just tell me."
Liu Jindao: "During the reign of Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty, the emperor should know about the An Lushan rebellion, right?"
Zhu Houzhao said: "Of course I know."
Liu Jin nodded and said: "That's it. When An Lushan rebelled, the banner he used was also the side of the Qing emperor, and it also said that there were traitors in the court. It was said that Yang Guozhong, the prime minister of the court at that time, and everyone in the Yang family were all members of the court.
Traitor. Then, Tang Xuanzong believed it. In Ma
Weipo killed Yang Guozhong and also gave his beloved concubine Yang Yuhuan to death. I thought Anlushan would cease all activities and retreat, but what happened? Anlushan conquered Luoyang and Changan all the way, and finally ascended the throne and proclaimed himself emperor. Haha,
Do you think it’s a big joke?”
Zhu Houzhao was horrified. His confused mind due to lack of sleep and excessive fear seemed to have been poured cold water on him, and he suddenly woke up.
"Emperor Xuanzong of the Li Tang Dynasty was so wise and powerful, but in the end he became such a laughing stock. Since the Li Tang Dynasty, who would not say that Emperor Xuanzong was heartless, unjust, childish and ridiculous, and actually believed An Lushan's lies. His reputation was ruined in his lifetime.
Once, I took pity on Concubine Yang, who loved him wholeheartedly, but ended up being killed by him. Even Emperor Xuanzong would have regretted it for the rest of his life. But it can't be undone."
If Liu Jin's words were heard by others, they would definitely laugh at him for being a eunuch who compares himself to Concubine Yang, who is ashamed of her beauty. But his words really hit the mark. This example is also very appropriate.
of.
In the past two days, Liu Jin has been looking for ways to excuse himself. The reason is very simple. Although the purpose of King Anhua's rebellion is not really to side with the Qing Dynasty, the military camp incident is the trigger after all. Zhu Houzhao will definitely be angry with himself because of this. Liu Jin
This problem must be solved to calm Zhu Houzhao's anger.
According to Liu Jin's own thoughts, it was nothing more than crying bitterly to express his loyalty and telling the truth, so that Zhu Houzhao would spare him. But Jiao Fang told him that he must dispel the emperor's doubts and let the emperor understand that the rebellion of King Anhua and the farming war between Liu Jin
Policy has nothing to do with it.
The emperor must not be allowed to think that this rebellion was caused by the policy of farming. Otherwise, even without that memorandum, the emperor would think that Liu Jin was the culprit. If the policy of farming was considered wrong, they would be attacked by a group of people.
Of.
Liu Jin originally wanted to hide the memorandum to prevent the emperor from seeing the real content of the memorandum, so as to avoid burning his own head. But Jiao Fang told him that he must let the emperor read the memorandum in its original form, and not a single word could be changed. Only
Only in this way can you appear open-minded.
Jiao Fang also told Liu Jin about the Anlushan rebellion and asked Liu Jin to tell Zhu Houzhao. He knew that from Zhu Houzhao's point of view, the experience of Xuanzong, who was also the emperor, could convince him more.
After Liu Jin's emotional offensive failed, he immediately followed the instructions. Looking at Zhu Houzhao's expression, he knew it worked.
"Liu Jin, you are right. Zhu Zhixiu is rebelling. How could it be because of you? He is just looking for an excuse. I will not be as stupid as Li Longji and kill you to please King Anhua?
Could it be that I gave Zhu Zhi to him?
Surrender? Liu Jin, don't think too much, I won't be so confused. They hate you so much and wish for your death, which just shows your loyalty. Isn't it true that the people the rebels hate are loyal people?" Zhu Houzhao said deeply.
vocal tract.
Liu Jin knelt down on the ground, crawled over with tears in his eyes, hugged Zhu Houzhao's legs and said: "Your Majesty... Your Majesty, Your Majesty. Your Majesty trusts me so much, and I don't know how to repay you. If you really want me to die, I will die too."
And no regrets.”
Zhu Houzhao smiled and said: "I will not let you die. However, Zhu Zhixiu has rebelled, what should we do about this matter? Now, Ningxia Town is controlled by him. Shaanxi and Yansui are also threatened by him, and he has
There should be a lot of soldiers and horses now, how can we calm down this matter?"
Liu Jin hurriedly said: "Your Majesty, don't worry. The slaves and the Minister of War, Mr. Xu, have discussed it and immediately sent someone to ask Cao Xiong, the commander-in-chief of the Shaanxi Governor's Mansion, to send troops north to station in Lingzhou. In addition, mobilize the Yansui soldiers and horses to march westward to form a group to suppress the rebellion.
The army will quell Zhu Zhixiu's rebellion. If the emperor agrees, my slave will immediately order someone to convey the order."
Zhu Houzhao nodded and said: "It turns out that you already have a countermeasure. However, for this kind of matter, you have to convene all the cabinet ministries and the princes and princes to discuss it. So, let's do it according to what you and Xu Jin discussed. Order Cao Xiong to wait.
They stationed themselves in Lingzhou and gathered troops to block the rebels' southward route. The final decision will be made after further deliberations."
Liu Jin kowtowed and said, "I honor your decree."
Zhu Houzhao said: "Immediately go to convey the decree and summon the ministers to Qianqing Palace to discuss matters. Well, please also invite Jianchang Hou to participate."
Liu Jin said: "What do you want him to do? Such things..."
Zhu Houzhao frowned and said, "Just do as you are told."
Liu Jin hurriedly said: "I just obey the order."
Zhu Houzhao waved his hand and said: "Go."
Liu Jin got up and walked out. After taking two steps, she suddenly stopped and turned around and said, "Your Majesty, I am a little worried..."
Zhu Houzhao said: "What are you worried about?"
Liu Jin said: "I'm worried that the people from the outer court will use this to attack me, saying that the farming policy led to the rebellion. I'm afraid that they will use this incident to impeach me again."
Zhu Houzhao shouted in a deep voice: "The policy of garrisoning is correct, it's just that the rebels have ulterior motives. Clearing the garrison is to increase money and tax for the court, and it is a policy that benefits the country. At this time, whoever uses this to criticize the garrison policy is someone else.
He has bad intentions. I will not let him off lightly. Go and deliver the message!"
Liu Jin was overjoyed and ran out of the room quickly. When the wind blew outside, she felt the sweat on her back, which was cold.