I was compiling the daily records during the Wanli reign

Chapter 51: Yangzhou Skinny Horse, Private Garden, and Wu Qingbo, a Relative (Large Chapter)

After the suburban sacrifice.

The officials in various government offices in the capital were not idle.

Because there was another big event on the 19th day of the twelfth lunar month, it was Empress Dowager Li’s Christmas (birthday).

The current Empress Dowager Cisi is only thirty years old.

However, because she was in power behind the scenes, she had great power and could completely decide the career prospects of most officials.

Therefore——

On her Christmas Day, all the ministers would present congratulatory messages, and they would rack their brains and put all their efforts into writing them to make them unique and outstanding.

Shen Nian finished writing it in less than half an hour, using only one-third of his normal strength.

He has to keep a low profile these days.

If I write a congratulatory message that is "far ahead", it will shatter the dreams of countless young officials to become prime ministers, and become a thorn in their eyes and a thorn in their flesh, and an obstacle to their career advancement.

If the pile is higher than the shore, the wind will destroy it.

Especially in officialdom.

Shen Nian still understood this principle.

……

The nineteenth day of the winter month.

On the eve of the Empress Dowager Cisi, the young Emperor Wanli arrived at the Huangji Gate, and all officials gave speeches to express their congratulations.

On the day.

On behalf of Empress Dowager Li, the young Wanli rewarded three cabinet ministers. The assistant minister Zhang Juzheng received a ninth-grade meal and four bottles of wine, while Lü Diaoyang and Zhang Siwei each received a seventh-grade meal and two bottles of wine.

In addition, the Minister of Rites Ma Ziqiang was rewarded with seven kinds of food and two bottles of wine; the Hanlin Reviewer Shen Nian was rewarded with two bottles of wine.

Shen Nian didn't know why he was rewarded.

The eunuch who came to reward said: The congratulatory message written by Shen Nian is very good, so he was rewarded.

aside.

When Wang Zudi, Zhao Yongxian, Liu Kezheng and Liu Chuxian heard this, their jaws almost dropped in shock.

They had all read Shen Nian's congratulatory message.

Can't say it's bad.

But among all the memorials, it is definitely the least outstanding one.

Shen Nian was rewarded for no other reason than that it was written by Shen Nian.

This is the benefit of making the royal family owe favors to people, and the emperor will think of ways to reward them.

Shen Nian was also helpless.

He wanted to keep a low profile, but he still stood out among the sixth and seventh rank officials.

Empress Dowager Li came from a family of bricklayers and did not understand the grand etiquette and rituals, but she attached great importance to the small etiquette of interpersonal relationships.

Her principle is: If you are good to me and my son, I will be good to you!

It was because of what he did that Zhang Juzheng firmly sat on the position of the emperor's teacher and the prime minister of the country.

……

At night, northwest of the capital.

In front of the gate of a private garden covering an area of ​​nearly ten miles.

The house is decorated with lights and there are many carriages and horses.

The visitors were either wealthy businessmen, famous scholars or beautiful and charming prostitutes and dancers.

Boxes of precious and rare gifts were brought in directly from the main entrance, and groups of burly male servants and beautiful young maids were there to greet the guests.

Inside the garden.

There are pavilions, towers, mountains and rivers, birds, fish, flowers and trees, and layers of courtyards.

The decoration inside is even more astonishing, and the level of luxury is even higher than that of the imperial palace.

This place was called Tsinghua Garden (not the current Tsinghua Garden).

It was the residence of Li Wei, the father of Empress Dowager Li and the grandfather of Emperor Wanli, the Earl of Wuqing.

If Shen Nian stood here, he would definitely sigh.

Because later the first royal garden of the Qing Dynasty, Changchun Garden, was built on this site, and next to it was: Yuanmingyuan.

……

And this moment.

Sixty-five-year-old Wuqingbo Li Wei was sitting in the front hall.

He was looking through the gift list handed to him by the butler with a flushed face.

Wuqing Earl Li Wei was born into a family of bricklayers, and he sold Empress Dowager Li to Prince Yu's mansion as a maid. After Empress Dowager Li became a noble concubine, Li Wei became a noble relative.

This old man may have been afraid of being poor in the past.

After gaining power, he became extremely greedy, regarded money as his life, and loved to enjoy himself.

He tries almost everything that is popular and fashionable at the moment. It can be said that he is old but not old at heart.

Because he is from Shanxi.

He was very close to the Minister of Justice Wang Chonggu and the Cabinet Minister Zhang Siwei.

He once attempted to get rid of Zhang Juzheng, but was stopped by Empress Dowager Li.

Due to greed, Li Wei made many big mistakes, but because he was the grandfather of the young Wanli, he was only scolded a few times by Empress Dowager Li.

Even Zhang Juzheng was unwilling to offend Li Wei in order to maintain his relationship with Empress Dowager Li.

For example, last year.

Wang Chonggu took out three thousand gold to bribe Li Wei, hoping that he would speak in front of the Queen Mother and get him an important position.

After Zhang Juzheng learned about this, he revealed the matter to the censor, but only said that Wang Chonggu had bribed him, without saying who the beneficiary was, giving Wu Qingbo enough respect.

The reason why the iron triangle of Zhang Juzheng, Empress Dowager Li and Feng Bao is stable.

It is because it is based on mutual use and mutual tolerance.

Once one corner collapses, the iron triangle will completely collapse.

In order to implement the new policy, Zhang Juzheng was very tolerant and turned a blind eye to Li Wei's wealth accumulation and the Silijian's selling of official positions and titles.

Of course, maybe he is just waiting to be reckoned with.

tonight.

Wuqing Earl Li Wei privately sent out invitations, held a dinner party, and collected a lot of gifts under the pretext of celebrating Empress Dowager Li's birthday.

The extravagant scenes at the dinner party were even more eye-catching and did not end until five o'clock in the morning.

……

The next day, it was nearly noon.

The Tongzhengsi, which received and examined internal and external memorials and appeal documents, suddenly became bustling.

There were piles of memorials, all from the censors in Beijing, the leader of which was the Left Censor-in-Chief Chen Zan.

Yet, among so many memorials, only one person was impeached.

The officials said in their memorial: Last night, Wu Qingbo held a banquet under the pretext of celebrating the Empress Dowager's birthday and accepted tens of thousands of taels of silver in gifts. Last night, he summoned nearly a hundred skinny horses from Yangzhou to his mansion to accompany the guests, playing the piano and the flute, reciting poems and writing calligraphy, drawing chess, playing backgammon, playing dominoes, etc., in all kinds of lewd tricks until dawn.

She has violated the rules, accepted bribes, indulged in promiscuity, and brought disgrace to the royal family. I implore the emperor to punish her severely!

The reason why the censors knew it so clearly.

This was because several businessmen involved could not help showing off to others, and the spies arranged by the censors among the people found out.

At the same time, some tabloids began to publish details of the incident.

There are many tabloid black workshops inside and outside the capital.

In order to make money, these people dared to publish articles exposing the scandal of Wuqingbo Li Wei, and even scolded Zhang Juzheng for harming the country.

The reason why the censors were so bold was that they impeached Empress Dowager Li’s biological father and the grandfather of the young Wanli in groups.

Because this is their duty.

Two days ago, they put all their efforts into writing a congratulatory letter to Empress Dowager Li, but that did not prevent them from impeaching Empress Dowager Li's biological father as if they had been injected with chicken blood today.

Basically, those who can become officials in the Ministry of Justice have this kind of spirit of valuing fame over their lives.

As long as it is right, we must impeach him with all our might.

Even if he was demoted to the lowest position, he could still be reinstated or even quickly promoted in the future by virtue of his reputation as a loyal minister.

If the censors don’t speak, what are they called censors!
With such impeachment, according to the law and logic, Empress Dowager Li really couldn't depose them.

These memorials were then passed on to the cabinet.

After reading these memorials, Zhang Juzheng, Lu Diaoyang and Zhang Siwei were so angry that their mouths were almost twisted.

They didn't even think of sending anyone to investigate the authenticity of the matter.

Based on their understanding of this old relative, doing such a thing was completely in line with his style.

"This old guy, isn't it better for him to enjoy his old age? Why does he have to cause such trouble? How will His Majesty view such a scandal?" Lu Diaoyang said angrily.

"Oh! It's so shameful. As a fellow countryman, I feel ashamed! It's too vulgar! Too obscene!" Zhang Siwei shook his head helplessly.

Zhang Siwei and Wuqingbo Li Wei are from the same hometown and also received business cards last night.

But he knew that Li Wei was not of high taste.

There are often some disgusting scenes at banquets, so people tend to refuse to go.

The two looked at each other, then looked at Zhang Juzheng who was standing aside with a serious expression.

Zhang Juzheng spread his hands and said, "The Cabinet is unable to make a decision on this matter. Send it directly to Your Majesty and the Empress Dowager!"

Lu Diaoyang and Zhang Siwei nodded in approval.

In this kind of matter, only the young Wanli can make the decision. Whether it is to kill relatives for the sake of justice or to keep the peace, we should first listen to the young Wanli's opinion.

It is a good idea for the cabinet to stand behind the scenes and strike back.

……

At this moment, Hanlin Academy, Review Hall.

A folk tabloid with the smell of ink was passed from hand to hand among Wang Zudi, Zhao Yongxian, Liu Kezheng, Liu Chuxian, and Shen Nian.

After watching it, the five people felt their cheeks getting hot.

The erotic scene created by Wuqingbo Li Wei last night is even more embarrassing than the "Golden Lotus Cup"!
At this time.

Zhao Yongxian stroked his beard and said, "Everyone, how do you think His Majesty will handle this matter?"

"Make a big thing small, and a small thing nothing. Summon him into the palace and give him a reprimand." Liu Chuxian answered without thinking.

Wang Zudi frowned slightly.

"Such behavior is no different from that of beasts. Even relatives of the emperor's wife cannot be exempted from punishment. If they are only given a light punishment, I will definitely file a petition in opposition!"

Liu Kezheng smiled helplessly and said, "This is not an ordinary relative. He is the Empress Dowager's biological father and your Majesty's grandfather. Who can punish him severely? Does Prime Minister Zhang dare?"

"Why not? Why not? Gentlemen, I suggest that you all write a memorial together to impeach Wu Qingbo. Such foreign relatives must be eliminated!" Zhao Yongxian said.

Now in court.

The censors were the first tier for impeaching officials, and the Hanlin Academy was the second tier.

If the censors failed to make a last-ditch appeal, the Hanlin Academy would then submit a petition by citing classics.

Liu Chuxian shook his head.

"No. If Wu Qingbo is to be severely punished, the elders must insist in front of His Majesty. But Elder Zhang needs the support of Empress Dowager Li. I think that the elders will consider the overall situation and the reform of the new policy and will definitely not punish him severely!"

"fallacy!"

"In the new political reforms, there is no such thing as one person needing the support of another. Everything must be based on the Great Ming Law!" said Wang Zudi.

"Naive! If we want to govern the country according to the Great Ming Law, we should invite Hai Gangfeng to join the cabinet and serve as the chief minister. Only then can the Great Ming usher in a prosperous era. Do the cabinet elders agree? Do the officials agree?" Liu Chuxian said loudly.

"What nonsense! Hai Gangfeng failed to enter the cabinet because he had no good ideas for governing the country. Is it because he is too serious about everything and follows the Great Ming Code?"

"Everyone, ask yourselves, when your father did this, did you not show partiality and protect him?"

……

In the review room, the reviewers engaged in a heated debate.

This is normal.

Not only the Hanlin Academy, but officials from other government offices also often quarreled and even fought over disputes.

About half an hour later.

Zhao Yongxian, breathless from the quarrel, looked at Shen Nian and asked, "Ziheng, what do you think?"

Shen Nian thought for a moment and said, "Let's see how the cabinet handles it first. If they don't punish me severely, I will also file an impeachment petition!"

The historian's job is to speak the truth.

As for those twists and turns and how to deal with this matter by considering the pros and cons, that is the cabinet's business.

Upon hearing this, Wang Zudi and Zhao Yongxian were immediately happy.

They especially like Shen Nian's enthusiasm.

At the side, Liu Chuxian rolled his eyes and said, "If Ziheng files an impeachment petition, I will also file an impeachment petition!"

Liu Chuxian is very good at dealing with people.

He felt that following Shen Nian now would have a bright future and would definitely not be a wrong decision.

……

The Forbidden City, the Harem.

After reading the memorial submitted by the cabinet to impeach Wu Qingbo, Empress Dowager Li was so angry that tears welled up in her eyes.

She thought for a moment and then spoke first, "Your Majesty cannot see these vulgar details. Immediately order someone to write an abridged version of the document and submit it to Your Majesty for review."

"Yes." Feng Bao nodded quickly.

soon.

Little Wanli saw the ugly things done by his grandfather, who looked particularly honest and simple, and had a mouthful of yellow teeth when he smiled.

In the document, details such as the skinny horses in Yangzhou and the promiscuous activities in the front hall were only mentioned briefly in a sentence or two.

But the thirteen-year-old Wanli had read some idle books and exchanged some secrets with some young palace maids.

Plus he has a very rich imagination.

When we cannot see the truth, our imagination becomes even more exaggerated.

Young Wanli knew that Empress Dowager Li already felt helpless due to her family's weakness, and she would certainly be displeased if Wu Qingbo was severely punished.

So he said seriously, "These matters are entirely up to mother and the prime minister!"

After thinking about it, Empress Dowager Li informed the cabinet to suppress the matter for the time being.

This is the most common way to deal with some difficult political issues.

Empress Dowager Li wanted to calm the tempers of the censors and public opinion, and then discuss countermeasures so as to make big things small and small things nothing.

According to Feng Bao's ability, as long as the cabinet did not get involved, he could really turn white into black, and even scold and threaten every impeachment official at night.

However, this time, things were surprisingly difficult.

Perhaps it was the people's curiosity that was at work, but the news that Wu Qingbo invited the skinny horse to a banquet quickly spread among the people.

It is well-organized and very detailed.

The people naturally compared the erotic scenes that they had never seen with the erotic stories they had read.

……

The next day, just after dawn, Left Censor-in-Chief Chen Zan came to the cabinet with a group of censors.

They requested the cabinet to immediately draft their report in accordance with the Ming Dynasty Law.

Zhang Juzheng did not meet them on the grounds that he was busy with official duties.

A group of officials also started to act recklessly and gathered outside the cabinet duty room.

Soon, their loud and angry voices were heard outside.

"If such relatives were to live in the time of Taizu, they would have been skinned and stuffed with straw long ago!"

"If the cabinet fails to investigate the crimes committed by the imperial relatives, Your Majesty is requested to come forward and explain clearly!"

"Since ancient times, crimes committed by relatives by marriage must be severely punished. Have you forgotten all these lessons?"

"We are willing to die in protest. If you do not punish us severely, we will go to the tablets of our ancestors!"

"You must give an explanation today, otherwise we will never agree. Please come out and give an explanation!"

"This matter has spread to the streets. If we keep it a secret, how can we keep it from the mouths of the people? Can the Jinyiwei arrest and kill everyone who knows about it?"

……

Note: "On the 19th day of the first lunar month, the Holy Mother and Merciful Empress Dowager ascended the Huangji Gate, and all officials delivered speeches of congratulations." From "Wanli Diary".

　I'll revise it again!

　　
　
(End of this chapter)