Yan Zhengshen once wrote twelve articles in three days, containing nearly 50,000 words, mercilessly pointing out a series of political shortcomings and strategies to avoid punishment, and naming nine high-ranking ministers in the government at that time.
The person who pointed out the surname said that they were not loyal to the emperor because of his salary. At that time, everyone in the court was shocked, and everyone was sweating for him.
Fortunately, the late emperor was a kind man and had a good way of handling things. He skillfully negotiated and appeased the named ministers without punishing Fang Dunru for his actions. But since then, Fang Dunru's reputation for being outspoken and daring to remonstrate has faded.
It became known to the world. Fang Dunru was diligent in thinking and had unique insights into matters. He wrote famous policy articles such as "Cege of Changzhi", "On National Security", "Twelve Thoughts on Remonstrance to the Saint", and also wrote poems and poems.
Because of his excellent literary talent, he won a good reputation. Many people wanted to worship Fang Dunru as his teacher, but Fang Dunru declined them one by one. Therefore, when Fang Dunru accepted Wu Chunlai as his disciple, it naturally caused a great stir.
Big sensation.
After Fang Dunru accepted Wu Chunlai as his disciple, he taught him carefully and loved him like a son. At that time, Fang Dunru was only in his thirties and had no children of his own, so he almost regarded Wu Chunlai as his son. Wu Chunlai lived in
If you eat in the Fang family, you are simply a member of the Fang family.
Twenty years ago, when Liang Wang Guo Bing and Lu Zhongtian were at odds with each other and began to fight against each other, Lu Zhongtian was attacked by officials arranged by Guo Bing because of the case of He Yuanqing, the minister of civil affairs, who secretly promoted his relatives. Lu Zhongtian resigned from the prime minister. Fang Dunru was famous because of his fame.
Pinjun was praised by everyone, so he entered the political affairs hall and was worshiped as deputy prime minister soon after. Wu Chunlai also won the imperial examination in one fell swoop not long after. He passed the top 16 in the Chunwei examination and jumped into the dragon gate at a young age.
However, at this moment, everything changed.
In just one year, the veteran minister Feng Ziyue who succeeded Lu Zhongtian as prime minister died of illness. Just when everyone thought that Fang Dunru, who was then the counselor of political affairs, was going to take charge of the prime minister's seal, the late emperor re-activated Lu Zhongtian. Lu Zhongtian and Fang Dunru
How could they reconcile? Inside the Zhengshitang, the two were at loggerheads. At this time, Wu Chunlai played an extremely disgraceful role.
After Wu Chunlai took the imperial examination, he wanted his mentor to help him find the convenience to stay in the capital and serve as an official. However, Fang Dunru believed that he should go outside the capital to gain experience as an official, understand the people's sentiments, do some practical things to improve himself, and return to the capital to serve as an official official in the future.
What he did. Wu Chunlai appeared to be proud, but he was very unhappy in his heart.
Lu Zhongtian was having a fight with Fang Dunru at that time. He wanted to kick this smelly and tough guy out of the political hall, but he couldn't find a reason to use Fang Dunru because he really had no reason to catch him.
Corruption, no bending of the law, no favoritism, no malpractice, can be said to be monolithic. Lu Zhongtian had a headache. Just when he was secretly looking for excuses for Fang Dunru, Lu Zhongtian learned that Fang Dunru's disciple Wu Chunlai wanted to stay in the capital but was rejected by Fang Dunru.
So Lu Zhongtian ordered someone to arrange a meeting between Wu Chunlai and himself. After several trials, Lu Zhongtian decided to start with Wu Chunlai. He told Wu Chunlai that he would arrange an official position for him in the Political Affairs Hall and follow him. But as
In exchange, Wu Chunlai must tell him some unknown things about Fang Dunru. This is actually asking Wu Chunlai to betray his mentor and become his undercover agent.
Surprisingly, Wu Chunlai actually agreed ecstatically. Following Lu Zhongtian's instructions, he took advantage of the convenient access to Fang Dunru's house to find some poems and essays that Fang Dunru had written privately a long time ago. Those
They are all poems and essays written by Fang Dunru after he witnessed cases of official corruption and abuse of law when he was an official at Yushitai. There are inevitably some disrespectful words towards the imperial court in those poems and essays, but they are just a kind of personal privacy.
The venting below will not spread. However, when these things fall into the hands of Lu Zhongtian, they become like a blockbuster.
After several months of compilation, Lu Zhongtian presented the compiled disrespectful remarks of Fang Dunru to the late emperor. The late emperor was extremely displeased. However, in fact, the late emperor did not intend to punish Fang Dunru because he knew that Fang Dunru was guilty.
Ru's temper. However, Fang Dunru's behavior caused the late emperor to gradually alienate him. At that time, Fang Dunru was urging the adoption of a reform measure for the official system. Lu Zhongtian strongly opposed it. The late emperor was already prepared to agree with Fang Dunru's opinions.
, because as soon as this matter came out, the late emperor immediately approved it with two words: "No!"
Fang Dunru wanted to see the Holy Emperor to find out the whole story, but the late Emperor avoided seeing him and only sent the poems and essays that reflected the imperial court to Fang Dunru. Fang Dunru suddenly realized it after seeing these poems and essays. Wu Chunlai also
He did not make excuses, but admitted that he had done it because he felt that Fang Dunru was delaying his future, and he had to fight for his own future. Fang Dunru was so shocked that he immediately kicked Wu Chunlai out of the door and vowed never to do it again.
Accepting disciples. In terms of government affairs, because of this matter, Fang Dunru suffered repeated setbacks in the following time. All his suggestions were rejected, and all his ideas were not adopted by the Holy Father. He gradually became a loner in the political hall.
Under this situation, Fang Dunru resigned in anger. In fact, the late emperor just wanted to cool down Fang Dunru, dampen his spirit, and ordered someone to appease Fang Dunru. But Fang Dunru knew that Lu Zhongtian was there
In the court, he had absolutely no room for improvement and resolutely resigned. The late emperor repeatedly asked to stay, but Fang Dunru just refused. In the end, the late emperor was unhappy and simply approved his resignation.
Fang Dunru resigned and returned to Hangzhou to open Songshan Academy. Wu Chunlai got his wish and entered the Political Affairs Hall as an official. With his participation in the planning, Lu Zhongtian's political opponents were eliminated one by one, and Lu Zhongtian also regarded him very highly. Lu Zhongtian even
He acted as a matchmaker for Wu Chun and married the beloved daughter of the late Vice Minister Qin Ze'an to Wu Chunlai as his wife. He even promoted him to the high position of the official's house manager, and the momentum was very strong. Some people even privately discussed that Wu Chunlai soon after
It is not impossible that he may be promoted to the position of Chief Political Officer, officially enter the core of power of the Political Affairs Hall, and succeed Lu Zhongtian as prime minister in the future.
Wu Chunlai's betrayal of his master's sect was gradually forgotten by people as Wu Chunlai rose to greater power and power. As time went by, few people knew about Wu Chunlai's unbearable past.
…
In the lobby of the government office, a group of officials sat chatting for a long time, but Yan Zhengsheng never came out to meet the guests. The person who greeted them was Zhang Yi, the general magistrate of Hangzhou. Zhang Yi was busy fawning over Wu Chunlai and Li Shiqing, the head of the Privy Council, with a face on his face.
The smile on top is disgusting.
"Mr. Zhang, what's going on? It's fine that Magistrate Yan is neglecting us. Chief Wu and Chief Li came all the way to Hangzhou. Why didn't he, the magistrate, say hello? It's fine that he didn't go to the dock to greet him last night.
, It’s a bit too much to not come out to see people in his yamen.” Liu Sheng, the prefect of Yangzhou, finally couldn’t help but said with dissatisfaction.
Zhang Yi hurriedly apologized and said with a smile: "Mr. Liu, don't be upset. Mr. Yan went to Qiantang County yesterday to inspect the construction of the dam, and he only came back in the middle of the night. He didn't mean to neglect these adults. Please sit down and sit down.
Go and hurry him up. Sorry, sorry."
The handsome Wu Chunlai put down the tea brick in his hand and waved his hand with a smile: "There is no need to call. Mr. Yan is busy with official duties and works very hard. He deserves a little rest. We are just sitting here chatting. It's not a big deal. We will take a while."
We will go to Guanyi to rest. It will be convenient for Master Zhang to arrange a place to stay."
Zhang Yi hurriedly said: "The arrangements have been made. Xiaguan has already made arrangements. I'm afraid it's not suitable to live in Guanyi. Besides, there are many people coming this time, so Guanyi will let others stay. Xiaguan has already
A house belonging to my family has been vacated, so that several adults can stay in a humble house. Although the humble house is extremely shabby, it is clean and peaceful."
Wu Chunlai chuckled and said, "Why are you embarrassed? How can you disturb Zhang Tong and his family?"
"Don't bother me, don't bother me. It's an honor for the Xiaguan family to be able to stay in Xiaguan's humble residence for Mr. Wu and all of you. To be honest with you, my brother wrote a letter a few days ago, asking me to entertain Mr. Wu well.
, my eldest brother will blame me if I don’t provide good hospitality. Mr. Wu, don’t worry about the inconvenience, it’s my private garden, just inside Yongjin Gate. It’s easy to come in and out, and the house is quiet and elegant.”
"Okay, okay, I'm sorry to bother you. I didn't expect Prime Minister Ji to be so polite and write a letter asking you to entertain me. After returning to Beijing, I will definitely go to Prime Minister Ji's house to say thank you." Wu Chunlai nodded with a smile.
.
Zhang Yi couldn't help but feel happy. He had vacated a large house a few days ago and was so happy that he was finally able to flatter Wu Chunlai and others today. Although his eldest brother Zhang Jun was the Third Secretary-General,
Zhang Yi understands in his heart that the eldest brother's power and position are now even inferior to that of Wu Chunlai. Wu Chunlai is a popular person around Lu Zhongtian. Because the eldest brother had some power disputes with Lu Zhongtian in the early years, in fact, the current situation is very delicate. The two brothers have already
We discussed that we should try our best to ease the relationship with Lu Zhongtian and others.
"I am going to live in Ning Haijun Yamen. This is what Privy Minister Yang told me before leaving. Please forgive me for not being able to go." One person said in a deep voice.
The speaker was Li Shiqing, the bearded director of the Southeast Room of the Privy Council. The Privy Council is also divided into more than a dozen rooms, such as the North Room, which is responsible for Liao affairs and border affairs in the north, the Hexi Room in the west, the Guangxi Room in the south, and the Southeast Room in the southeast.
Rooms. There are other service rooms, such as the capital room, review room, military registration room, militia room, official room, etc. There are a total of fifteen rooms.
Each room is in charge of its own area and its own affairs. Li Shiqing is the head of the Southeast Room, which is actually the chief officer of various affairs of the several garrison in the southeast. He is a middle-level official in the Privy Council, who does practical work. In terms of official rank,
Li Shiqing and Wu Chunlai are on the same level, but in terms of power, Wu Chunlai is much greater than Li Shiqing. Wu Chunlai is the director of the Political Affairs Hall. It can be said that the appointment and removal of most officials must go through his hands. This is not true.
General power. Therefore, although the two arrived in the same boat, they were received with different degrees of welcome. Wu Chunlai was surrounded by a large number of people, who were flattering and complimenting him endlessly, but towards Li Shiqing, everyone maintained the courtesy they should have.
"Master Li, why don't you stay at the humble residence? Oh, that's a pity. However, the humble residence is indeed small, and Ning Haijun's Yamen is spacious. Master Li may also want to see the officers and soldiers of Ning Haijun during this trip, which is understandable. I'm sorry.
I won’t force it.” Zhang Yi cupped his hands and said with a smile.
Everyone could tell that Zhang Yi's words were not sincere, as if he was glad that Li Shiqing would not stay with his master. Wu Chunlai smiled silently, feeling quite happy in his heart. In fact, he did not want Li Shiqing to go with Zhang Yi.
It is indeed inconvenient to stay at the arranged place. There is no harmony between Prime Minister Lu and Privy Minister Yang in the imperial court. There are occasional frictions between the two governments, and the officials below are also in their own factions. This time when Wu Chunlai came to Hangzhou, Wu Chunlai and
Li Shiqing came on the same boat, and there was basically no communication except for a few polite words. In fact, the two of them belonged to two factions, and they didn't bother to talk to each other. Li Shiqing didn't go, which was exactly what Wu Chunlai wanted.
Trouble.
Zhang Yi knew this very well. His goal was to please Wu Chunlai. Although the Privy Council represented by Li Shiqing could not be offended, he was more concerned about Wu Chunlai's feelings. Therefore, as soon as Li Shiqing said this, Zhang Yi walked away.
The donkey expressed his understanding and even spared the polite words of persuasion.
Everyone chatted for a while and saw that Yan Zhengsheng didn't seem to have any intention of coming out to meet the guests. Wu Chunlai felt a little embarrassed, but he didn't show it. In fact, he came to Hangzhou this time on a mission. He had known the inside story.
, Yan Zhengsu was about to be promoted to the capital. This time, he shouldered the instructions of Prime Minister Lu and got to know Yan Zhengsu’s background in advance. Yan Zhengsu had a very important position in the heart of the emperor, and many people knew this. Yan Zhengsu came to the capital.
What will happen next is what Prime Minister Lu is concerned about. So this trip is said to be to observe the public sentiment, but in fact it is to get in touch with Yan Zhengsu and prepare for the future. The best result is that after Yan Zhengsu comes to Beijing,
If you become Prime Minister Lu, then Prime Minister Lu will have the support of Yan Zhengshen, and your words will have more weight.
"I think we have all dispersed. I am also a little sleepy. The Oiran Competition tonight will be exciting, so you should go to bed and have a good rest to avoid dozing off at night." Wu Chunlai stood up and said to everyone.
"Okay, okay, I'll lead the way. Sirs, follow me. Let's stay at the hotel first, and then have breakfast and lunch. After that, you all will have a good rest, and then go to the oiran competition in the evening." Zhang Yi rubbed his hands and smiled.
The officials nodded repeatedly and stood up yawning. They were indeed very tired. They arrived last night. Although they slept on the boat, the bumps on the boat made it uncomfortable to sleep. If they could take a hot bath and eat at this moment,
It would be best to order some delicious food and have a good sleep. If I had known that Governor Yan was showing off like this, there would have been no need to come to see him just now.
When everyone was getting up and walking out, someone suddenly shouted: "Master Yan is here."
Wu Chunlai was stunned for a moment, and thought to himself: I'm afraid this seriousness was intentional. He only came out when he saw that we were about to leave.
Everyone had no choice but to return to their seats, and sure enough, they saw Yan Zheng, dressed in black robe, walking out of the side curtain with his sleeves waving.
"Sir Yan, Wu Chunlai has met Magistrate Yan." Wu Chunlai stepped forward to greet him and bowed his hands in a bow, which was very respectful.
Yan Zhengsu bowed his hands and said, "Master Wu has arrived. I am not welcoming you from afar. I am being rude and disrespectful."
Li Shiqing also stepped forward to salute, and returned the salute solemnly.
"Master Yan, are you putting on airs? Master Wu, Master Li, and I have been in your hall for half an hour, but you don't come to see me. What's the point? This is on your territory, you go When you were in Jiangning Mansion, Lord Shen took great care of you. Oh, by the way, is it that Lord Yan is going to be promoted, so he looks down on us?"
When he bowed in front of Liu Sheng and Shen Fang, Liu Sheng scolded him half-jokingly.
Yan Zhengzhen frowned and said: "What are you talking about? I have just learned of your arrival, how can I be deliberately negligent? Furthermore, what is my territory? This is the territory of Zhou Dynasty, the territory of the Holy Emperor, is it yours? Mine? Could it be that since you became the magistrate of Yangzhou, you regard Yangzhou as your own?"
Liu Sheng was speechless and rolled his eyes when Yan Zhengzheng choked.
"It's really boring. If I'm joking with you, you'll take your hat off. Come on, we don't dare to talk to you anymore. You're too talkative. Just pretend I didn't say anything."
Yan Zheng solemnly said with a smile: "It's good that you understand, you can't get easy things from me. But what you said is that when Director Wu and Director Li arrived in Hangzhou, I should go and greet them. You can't neglect it. What follows? People saw that I slept late last night, so they didn't call me. I will punish them later."
Wu Chunlai said with a smile: "You're serious, what's the punishment? I've heard of Master Yan for a long time, and the first thing I did when I came to Hangzhou was to pay homage to Master Yan. As expected, Master Yan was as upright and immortal as I imagined. Wind bone."
Yan Zhengsu smiled and said: "I have long admired Mr. Wu's name. However, the first thing you should do when you come to Hangzhou is not to meet me. You should meet someone else."
Wu Chunlai's expression changed. Zhang Yi didn't know whether to live or die. He smiled and joked: "Who is that? Doesn't Mr. Wu still have an old friend in Hangzhou? Is it an old love?"
Wu Chunlai frowned and glared at Zhang Yi fiercely. Zhang Yi was startled, and suddenly felt that he was a little too frivolous. He seemed not qualified to interrupt in this situation.
"Zhang Tongpan, don't you know that Mr. Wu's mentor was Fang Dunru from Songshan Academy? In the past, when Mr. Wu was a boy, he became a student under Fang Dunru. Fang Dunru treated Mr. Wu as if he were his own son. As the saying goes. As a teacher, you are a father for life. The first thing Mr. Wu should do when he comes to Hangzhou is to pay homage to his teacher. Mr. Wu, do you think so or not?"
In fact, not many people here know what happened to Wu Chunlai in the past. Many years have passed since Fang Dunru was betrayed by Wu Chunlai. Even in the court, there are only a few people who know about it. Not to mention that Fang Dunru was originally It was not publicized by Fang Dunru. It was not what Fang Dunru did. At that time, Fang Dunru’s friends in the court and the court were indeed aware of the matter and wanted to publicize Wu Chunlai’s despicable behavior, but Fang Dunru stopped him. Fang Dunru did not want to ruin the story. Wu Chunlai didn't want to be laughed at. What's more, Fang Dunru thought that this matter was because he didn't know the person well, so he just had no face to tell it. Nearly twenty years later, very few people know about this matter. .
But Wu Chunlai had something in his mind, and when Yan Zhengsheng started talking, he was sensitively aware that Yan Zhengsheng was definitely going to say something about this. He wanted to cover it up, but Zhang Yi didn't know how to flatter him and asked, and he glared at Zhang with hatred. Take a look.
"Sir Yan, I am going to pay a visit to my teacher, so there is no need to remind me. I am planning to go to Songshan Academy to pay a visit to my teacher." Wu Chunlai said hurriedly.
Yan Zheng laughed solemnly and said: "Master Wu seems to have not forgotten the old kindness, which is good. In my life, I hate people who take advantage of others and repay them with revenge. In my eyes, such people are like pigs, dogs and beasts. I even disdain them.
Talk to him. Mr. Wu, do you think this kind of person is shameful or not?"
Wu Chunlai finally couldn't bear the humiliation of Yan Zhengsheng in front of him, and he was not mentally prepared for it. It turned out that Yan Zhengsun didn't come out to see him for a long time, probably on purpose. Yan Zhengsheng must have known everything about him back then, and his
