The Age of Discovery: Chinese cuisine swept across Europe

As expected, the next morning, Min Xi heard many voices impeaching Zhang Juzheng in the court, including the censors of the Metropolitan Procuratorate and other ministers. The main content was that Zhang Juzheng had formed a clique for personal gain, was arbitrary and tyrannical, abused his power for personal gain, and lived a life of extravagance and debauchery during his tenure as the Prime Minister, which was simply too numerous to list.

Each and every one of these events was described in great detail, which made Min Xi tremble with fear. It seemed as if these people would not stop until Zhang Juzheng was trampled upon and could never rise again.

Min Xi was closely following the attitude of Emperor Wanli. As long as he sent out a signal that he was going to investigate and punish Zhang Juzheng, the Zhang family would be doomed and their property would be confiscated and the entire family would be imprisoned, which would be exactly the same as what happened in history. This was an outcome that Min Xi did not want to see.

Wei Zhan, the Minister of Personnel, said, "Your Majesty, I believe that Zhang Ge Lao is innocent. It is chilling for us to suffer such a great injustice before his body is cold. I hope that this matter can be handed over to the Dali Temple for investigation, so that Zhang Ge Lao can be cleared of all charges as soon as possible, and our decades of friendship as colleagues can be restored."

This is more pleasant than singing. On the surface, it is defending Zhang Juzheng, but in fact it is setting traps everywhere. Zhang Juzheng has been an official for many years and is definitely not an honest official. How can his situation withstand investigation? Once investigated, it will be confirmed. Not to mention Zhang Juzheng, even the civil and military officials in the court, how many can withstand investigation?

Wei Zhan was a high-ranking official, so his words naturally had great weight, and many people followed suit. Wanli couldn't help but frowned when he heard this, as if he was thinking about the feasibility.

The Minister of Personnel Pan Sheng wanted to say something but stopped himself. He opened his mouth several times but nothing came out. He was the one Zhang Juzheng strongly recommended as the next prime minister of the cabinet, which meant that he and Zhang Juzheng were in the same boat. If he said that Zhang Juzheng should not be investigated, that would be shielding him. Then the target would not be Zhang Juzheng, but him.

All the civil and military officials in the court could not refute Wei Zhan's words. After all, with so many people impeaching him, it meant that there was a high possibility of suspicion. It was then up to the Dali Temple to collect evidence to prove his innocence. Who could say no?

Seeing that Wanli had not spoken yet, Min Xi took the initiative to stand up and said, "Your Majesty, I have something to say."

When Wanli saw Min Xi, he was obviously relieved: "Min Aiqing, please speak."

Min Xi said: "Zhang Ge Lao has served the court for many years. He has promoted new policies, changed tax laws, and evaluated political performance, which has brought a new atmosphere to the court, filled the treasury, and reduced the burden on the people. His achievements are outstanding not only in contemporary times, but also in the entire history of China. Zhang Ge Lao may have used harsh methods to promote new policies, but the results are outstanding and the court has benefited a lot. He worked hard in office until his death. Now that he has just passed away and has not yet been buried, you are busy arranging evidence for Zhang Ge Lao's crimes. It is too disheartening."

After Min Xi finished talking, Wanli's frown finally relaxed a little, but at the same time, Min Xi also felt countless eyes looking at him, which made him feel full of malice. However, he did not show his fear. He was a censor, and speaking for justice was his job. He was insignificant, had no interests with others, had no interest in promotion and wealth, and had almost no weaknesses. He was the best candidate for the censor, so he was not afraid of offending people.

"Everyone has witnessed Zhang Ge Lao's contribution to the court, and no one denies it. But since there are so many memorials impeaching him, why not let the Dali Temple investigate and clear Zhang Ge Lao's moral innocence." Someone obviously still wanted to take this opportunity to bring down Zhang Juzheng.

Min Xi retorted: "No one is perfect. How many people here can say that they have no flaws in their moral conduct?"

Wanli's brows relaxed a little after hearing this: "Min Aiqing's words make sense. I have been taught by teachers since I was young. He has just left. It is too disrespectful to rush to convict him. Don't mention this matter again!"