Red Mansion: After being expelled from the family, I was granted the title of Marquis of Mobei

Chapter 42: Wang Ziteng jumps boldly and is caught in a dilemma
On the other side, Master Lou also breathed a sigh of relief when he saw this. He was really worried that Emperor Yongping would execute Qi Mu directly in a rage. If so, Qi Mu might make random accusations to protect himself, and he would be in trouble too.

However, judging from this, Emperor Yongping should also have some concerns and is not ready to completely overturn the table.

Just after Chief Censor Qi Mu was dragged away by the guards, Emperor Yongping looked sharply at the remaining thirty-odd court officials who had impeached Jia Jue, which made everyone feel uneasy.

Family members know their own business. Every one of these people is not clean. They have basically taken advantage of the salt merchants and salt administration officials.

If they are really targeted by the Embroidered Uniform Guards, no one will end up well.

At this time, they could only hope that the law would not punish the masses, and that Emperor Yongping would stop after arresting Qi Mu as an example.

However, the next second, Emperor Yongping's words were like a whisper from the abyss, completely breaking down their inner defenses.

"Xia Shouzhong, order the Jinyiwei to record the remaining officials who impeached the Marquis of Guanjun. Don't miss a single one."

"If there were no profit-sharing relationship, it would be fine. However, if anyone maliciously slanders Guanjun Hou because they received benefits from those unscrupulous officials, they will be dealt with severely and without mercy."

"The slaves obey the order."

As soon as Xia Shouzhong said this, the more than 30 officials were frightened and turned pale. They felt that they were in trouble.

Emperor Yongping's swift and decisive handling of the matter made Grand Tutor Lou, Prince Beijing and others feel terrified.

It seems that Emperor Yongping is really going to take strong action this time.

On the one hand, Emperor Yongping wanted to protect Jia Jue, and on the other hand, he also wanted to make a warning and intimidate himself and others.

When they thought of this, Prince Beijing and others couldn't help but feel a tightness in their hearts, and a layer of gloom covered their heads.

As for these officials, they were all trembling with fear, as if they had lost their parents.

At this time, the court officials all understood that after three years of lying dormant and sleeping on straw, Emperor Yongping had decided not to endure it anymore, but to officially begin to hold power, opening the era of Emperor Yongping and completely announcing the arrival of the rule of "a new emperor, a new minister".

After dealing with this group of officials, Emperor Yongping looked around at his ministers and said calmly.

"My dear ministers, do you still think that Champion Marquis Jiangnan is acting too radically?"

A group of ministers were trembling with fear and did not dare to speak.

Upon seeing this, Emperor Yongping looked at Master Lou meaningfully and said.

"Master Lou, do you think the Marquis of Guanjun was biased in his handling of the Jiangnan Salt Administration case years ago?"

Seeing that he was named, Taifu Lou naturally understood in his heart that the role he played in this impeachment was clearly seen by Emperor Yongping.

The reason why Emperor Yongping did not point this out was that he did not want to completely intensify the political situation.

Ultimately, Emperor Yongping's purpose was to establish his deterrence over court officials and build his own prestige through the Jiangnan Salt Administration Case.

Dealing with Qi Mu and these thirty-odd officials was just the right amount of punishment. If the fire was spread to Master Lou and the four kings, it would inevitably lead to a chain reaction.

So Emperor Yongping was trying to warn Master Lou to make him more self-conscious.

Since Grand Tutor Lou was able to hold a high position, he was naturally not stupid. He knew that if he dared to go against Emperor Yongping at this time, he would definitely not have a good ending.

Master Lou immediately walked into the hall, bowed, and said.

"Your Majesty, although the Marquis of Guanjun acted somewhat radically in handling the Jiangnan Salt Administration case, we must admit that his actions were a huge success."

"Those illegal officials and salt merchants in Jiangnan have been wiped out, and the salt administration in Jiangnan has returned to the rule of the king. Your Majesty's grace and blessings have benefited all the people. This is truly a blessing for our Great Zhou and the people."

"I think not only should the Champion Marquis not be punished, but he should be generously rewarded."

Emperor Yongping nodded with satisfaction and said.

"Taifu Lou is indeed a man of great integrity, very different from those officials who are obsessed with profit."

"With a fair and just man like Master Lou teaching the Crown Prince, I can rest easy."

"Let's follow Master Lou's request. For his meritorious service in suppressing the rebellion during his trip south to inspect the salt reserves, I will reward you with five thousand taels of gold and ten treasures from the imperial treasury."

Jia Jue came to the hall and bowed before saying this.

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for the reward."

Emperor Yongping said with a slight smile.

"I will generously reward all those who are loyal to the country with official titles and salaries."

"Okay, do you have any other memorials?"

As soon as Emperor Yongping finished speaking, he saw Wang Ziteng, the governor of the Beijing camp, come to the hall, bowed, and said.

"Your Majesty, I, Wang Ziteng, the governor of the Beijing Camp, have a memorial to submit."

Emperor Yongping said calmly.

"What is it that you, my dear Lord Wang, are reporting?"

Wang Ziteng took out the memorial and said respectfully.

"Your Majesty, I hereby impeach the Beijing Camp Commanders Liu Liang, Ma Long, Zhang Zhiyuan, and others for abusing their positions of power to steal and sell military equipment and embezzle military funds."

"I have listed the specific circumstances in my memorial. Please review it, Your Majesty."

"Also, as the governor of the Beijing Camp, I have failed to discipline my subordinates, which is suspected of dereliction of duty. Your Majesty, please remove me from my position as governor of the Beijing Camp as a warning to others."

As soon as Wang Ziteng said this, the Golden Palace suddenly fell silent, so quiet that it was frightening.

What is even more frightening is, of course, the expressions of Prince Beijing and others.

At this time, the four men including the Prince of Beijing all had gloomy faces. If they were not in the Golden Palace, they would probably have wanted to eat Wang Ziteng alive.

Without exception, all the people impeached by Wang Ziteng were the trusted subordinates of the Four Kings.

If I still suspected Wang Ziteng of treason just now, then Wang Ziteng's actions now are tantamount to directly showing that I am going to rebel.

If looks could kill, Wang Ziteng would have been cut into pieces by now.

However, objective facts will not be affected by subjective consciousness. Even though the eyes of Prince Beijing and others were almost bleeding, Wang Ziteng was still unharmed. He stood there calmly, waiting for instructions from Emperor Yongping.

On the throne, after hearing Wang Ziteng's words, Emperor Yongping felt delighted. Great, it was worth all his planning for so long, and now it was finally time to close the net.

Emperor Yongping did not speak, but glanced at Xia Shouzhong.

Xia Shouzhong, who was standing by, understood what he meant and immediately walked down to present Wang Ziteng's memorial, presenting it to Emperor Yongping with utmost respect.

Emperor Yongping took the memorial, glanced at it twice, and then said with an angry look on his face.

"Well, well, well, Wang Ziteng, you are truly competent as the governor of the Beijing Camp."

"The Beijing Battalion is responsible for guarding the Imperial City and protecting the central government. It's of great importance."

"But in your hands, it has become such a corrupt and lazy place. It's outrageous."

"Considering your meritorious service in exposing this case, I will temporarily spare your official uniform and give you a chance to redeem yourself for your crimes."

"Where is the Duke of England?"

After hearing the call from Emperor Yongping, Duke Yingguo stepped out of the queue, bowed, and said.

"I have met your Majesty."

Emperor Yongping continued.

"The old Duke is a soldier, and I shouldn't have disturbed his quiet retreat. However, Wang Ziteng's report reveals the level of corruption in the Beijing Army to be appalling."

"Apart from the old Duke, I really don't know who else can take charge of the Beijing camp."

"So I have to trouble you, old Duke."

The Duke of England said immediately after hearing this.

"Your Majesty, your words are too serious. Please give your orders."

Emperor Yongping nodded slightly.

"The old Duke is loyal to his master, as the sun and the moon can attest."

"I order you to take control of the Beijing Camp, assisted by Marquis Guanjun and Prince Teng, who has redeemed himself for his crimes, to thoroughly investigate the affairs of the Beijing Camp." "Anyone involved in the theft and sale of military equipment or corruption will be investigated and dealt with strictly and promptly, with no leniency."

"From now on, the Beijing Camp will seal the camp gates. Until a thorough investigation is completed, no one from the Beijing Camp is allowed to leave the camp gates."

The Duke of England said after bowing.

"The minister obeys the order."

The first grand court meeting in the fourth year of Yongping, accompanied by the conclusion of the impeachment case and the beginning of the investigation by the Beijing camp, opened the curtain of the new year for the Great Zhou.

After the grand court meeting ended, Jia Jue had just left the palace when he was stopped by the Duke of Ying who was following closely behind.

"Champion Marquis, Champion Marquis, wait a moment."

After hearing this, Jia Jue turned around, took a look, and then went to greet him with a smile.

"Sir, please call me back and tell me what you want me to do."

The Duke of England said after hesitating for a moment.

"It's hard to explain it in a few words. Come, get in my carriage and let's talk slowly."

Jia Jue didn't think much about it. He nodded and followed the Duke of England into the carriage.

After leaving the palace, Jia Jue looked at the Duke of Yingguo, who seemed to have something to hide, and said in confusion.

"Master, what's wrong with you today? You are usually a decisive person, why are you so conflicted today?"

The Duke of England was feeling mixed emotions at this time. He never imagined that one day he would have to rush to send his daughter away.

But his own daughter is like this, the Duke of England has no choice but to say something.

After hesitating for a long time, the Duke of England looked at Jia Jue with difficulty and said.

"Marquis Guanjun, I want to ask you, how have I treated you over the years?"

Jia Jue looked at the Duke of England and said with some confusion.

"My Lord, your kindness to me is as great as a mountain. It is thanks to your care that I have achieved what I have today."

"I just don't know what the master wants to say."

The Duke of England took a deep breath and said.

"Marquis Guanjun, you came to my house a few years ago and met my daughter. I wonder what your impression of her was?"

Jia Jue said with a smile.

"The princess is innocent and lively, and has the demeanor of a daughter of a general. Why did you think of mentioning this, sir?"

The Duke of England felt very uncomfortable at this moment, and he said after gritting his teeth and making up his mind.

"Marquis Guanjun, I want to ask you, are you willing to be my son-in-law?"

After hearing this, Jia Jue was completely stunned and looked at the Duke of England in disbelief.

"Master, are you okay?"

"I'm already engaged, and it was His Majesty who granted me the marriage. How can I be your son-in-law?"

The Duke of England waved his hand and said.

"That's not important. I'll find a way to get the imperial decree for marriage. What I'm asking now is your opinion. Are you willing to marry Fen'er?"

Jia Jue said helplessly.

"Sir, please stop joking with me."

"I have a deep bond with my fiancée, and she has been loyal to me all these years."

"I will never abandon my wife."

"The princess is of noble birth and naturally beautiful. She has a good marriage prospect. Please stop joking, sir."

Hearing this, the Duke of England felt very complicated.

On the one hand, he strongly agreed with Jia Jue's practice of not forgetting his old friends.

But on the other hand, this also means that Jia Jue will not easily accept his daughter marrying into the Marquis's Mansion.

After hesitating for a moment, the Duke of England looked at Jia Jue and said.

"Marquis Guanjun, I know you have concerns, but I have already discussed this with Lord Sheng yesterday."

Duke Ying immediately told Jia Jue everything about his conversation with Sheng Hong, and then continued.

"Sixth Miss Sheng is willing to marry into the Marquis' Mansion with Fen'er. The two will be equals, regardless of age or status."

After hearing this, Jia Jue looked at the Duke of England and said.

"Master, do you think this is credible?"

"Minglan is just trying to compromise."

"Sir, I am deeply grateful for your support. Even if it means facing an army of thousands, I will risk my life and go for it."

"But you shouldn't make things so difficult for my fiancée."

"I'm sorry, I can't obey your order. Goodbye."

Jia Jue was certainly grateful to the Duke of England, but one thing is for another.

If it means fighting a bloody battle, it would be no problem even if it means sacrificing my life to repay the Duke of England.

But this is a matter between Jia Jue and the Duke of England. Sheng Minglan does not owe the Duke of England anything, so there is no reason for Sheng Minglan to bear this grievance.

Seeing Jia Jue leave in anger, Duke Yingguo hurriedly grabbed Jia Jue and said.

"Marquis Champion, Marquis Champion, don't be in such a hurry to leave. You know me well."

"I have been in charge of the Zhenbei Army for many years. When have you ever heard of me and my family using our power to oppress others?"

"The reason why this old man does this is really, there is really no other way."

At this point, Duke Yingguo no longer cared about his face and directly told Jia Jue that Zhang Guifen was suffering from lovesickness, and then he spoke with tears in his eyes.

"Marquis Guanjun, I am over sixty years old. I was almost fifty when I had this daughter. I cherish her like a treasure."

"If we talk about marriage, it's not just me bragging. Even a prince would be eager to marry Fen'er."

"But my wife and I have a daughter in our old age, and we have never thought about what to do with Fen'er. We just want her to find a good husband and live a stable life."

"But for so many years, she has never been sincere to other men. But after you went there that time, she fell in love with you and can't forget you."

"After learning that you were engaged, she became even more depressed, losing her appetite and staying in her room all day."

"If this continues, I'm afraid she won't be around long."

"If anything happens to my daughter, I'm afraid Madam won't be able to bear it."

"Marquis Guanjun, I have been a soldier all my life and have never asked anyone for help. Today, I will make an exception."

"Please, considering my age, don't refuse this, okay?"

Seeing that the usually strong Duke of England actually showed such a side of him, Jia Jue didn't know what to do for a moment.

People are all made of flesh and blood, and Jia Jue is no exception.

Sheng Minglan has deep feelings for Jia Jue, and Duke Yingguo is also deeply grateful to Jia Jue.

It is not uncommon for people to falsely claim military merits in military camps.

Jia Jue’s rapid rise to prominence in just three years was naturally due to the attention and support of the Duke of England.

Now, seeing the white-haired Duke of England looking at him with tears streaming down his face and begging, his eyes full of pleading, Jia Jue really didn't know how to say no.

(End of this chapter)