Reborn in Liangshan: I built the strongest lineup

"Imperial Censor Zhang, what do you mean by this?"

Cai Jing was not surprised that Zhang Kegong jumped out to scold him, after all, the two had a very bad relationship, and Zhang Kegong was like a mad dog, always ready to bite him whenever he had the chance.

Cai Jing was already used to it, and he knew that Zhang Kegong dared to do this because Zhao Ji was backing him up.

Although he already held immense power, Cai Jing still had to give Emperor Huizong face, otherwise it would be considered rebellion. That's why Cai Jing didn't target Zhang Kegong, but instead tacitly allowed him to provoke him in court.

To be honest, if Zhang Kegong hadn't provoked him, going to court every day would have been quite boring.

Before I wake up from my nap, let's see who dares to act recklessly here!

However, just because Cai Jing couldn't deal with Zhang Kegong didn't mean he couldn't deal with Zhang's family. So Zhang Shuye suffered a terrible fate. Despite being a capable man, he was forced to remain a minor official outside the capital for many years.

Zhang Kegong knew, of course, that this was Cai Jing's revenge against him. In his youth, he had also been indignant, finding Cai Jing's despicable actions utterly contemptible.

Therefore, he tried many times to help his cousin, and wrote to the government on many occasions to plead for his cousin's innocence.

But it had no effect. Emperor Huizong, who would have strongly supported him at court, remained unmoved after hearing the news of Zhang Shuye's suppression.

After several failures, Zhao Ji's attitude made Zhang Kegong realize that only by restraining and impeaching Cai Jing could his words be heeded by the emperor.

As for the rest, it's hopeless. All Zhao Ji wants is a mad dog that can bite Cai Jing at any time. He just wants the mad dog to be safe. As for the dog's relatives and friends, what does that have to do with Zhao Ji?

If Zhang Kegong is unwilling to be a mad dog because of this, that's fine too. There are still Li Kegong, Wang Kegong, Sun Kegong, and a whole bunch of other Kegongs!

But today, Zhang Kegong's sudden appearance came as a surprise to Cai Jing.

Did I do anything to you today?

I only impeached Tong Guan, and you're getting involved too?

What a mad dog!

"Your Majesty, I believe that Privy Councilor Tong has made great contributions. After returning from the Western Army, he immediately went to quell the rebellion in Hebei and then went to Liangshan without rest. The soldiers were exhausted and also encountered an epidemic in the army, so it is reasonable that they were defeated."

"But Grand Tutor Cai ignored all of this and only thought about placing the blame for the defeat on Privy Councilor Tong alone. As an imperial censor, I believe this behavior is inappropriate."

"Grand Tutor Cai, you can't treat Privy Councilor Tong like this just because you had a grudge against him before!"

Zhang Kegong's words were so powerful that they moved even Tong Guan.

Originally, Tong Guan's relationship with these censors was just so-so, but now it seems that having a censor friend is quite good.

"Hmph, Imperial Censor Zhang, His Majesty and my colleagues know my character well, and you can't slander it with just a few words."

Cai Jing snorted coldly.

"Of course I know that this defeat cannot be entirely blamed on Tong Guan, but the annihilation of hundreds of thousands of troops, and even the two imperial generals who were the Dragon and Tiger Generals, have not returned. Can these things be offset by a simple act of apology? That is far too frivolous!"

"Your Majesty, this old minister believes that Tong Guan should be punished! And severely punished!"

"And what about the Grand Tutor's opinion?"

Emperor Huizong was actually very unhappy because he had just praised Tong Guan, and then Cai Jing jumped out and said that he would punish him. If Emperor Huizong did that, he would be contradicting himself!

Cai Jing, you bastard!

When Tong Guan heard Cai Jing say that he would be punished, he was truly furious!

"You old dog Cai! You're not human! Did I ever offend you?!"

"His Majesty has already said there's nothing wrong, and you still want to punish me? Who do you think you are!"

"Your Majesty, I believe this is inappropriate!"

Zhang Kegong stated, "If Cai Jing agrees to something, then I will oppose it!"

"Grand Tutor, you don't understand military affairs, yet you insist on punishing people. This is inappropriate!"

"Hmph, Imperial Censor Zhang, I may not understand military affairs, but do you?"

"Hmph, my cousin Zhang Shuye was suppressing Fang La in Jiangnan! You say I don't understand military affairs?"

Cai Jing and Zhang Kegong started arguing right there in the imperial court!

"Your Majesty."

At this moment, Gao Kan stepped forward again.

Although Zhang Kegong's appearance was a bit unexpected for Gao Kan, it was actually a good thing. It not only did not affect Gao Kan's plans, but it also helped him.

"Your Majesty, I think that what Imperial Censor Zhang said makes sense. Privy Councilor Tong is the head of our Privy Council. He is definitely not someone who does not understand military affairs. Moreover, after this defeat, Privy Councilor Tong has realized his shortcomings and mistakes and has deeply reflected on them. Your Majesty, I think that he should not be severely punished, but should be given a chance."

"Your Majesty, please grant me a chance to atone for my sins and perform meritorious service!"

At this moment, Tong Guan also spoke up.

Ok?

At this moment, everyone else in the court sensed that something was wrong.

If Zhang Kegong's relationship with Cai Jing was due to a natural dislike for Cai Jing, then what about Gao Kan?

This young master, who was still appreciated by the emperor after his father Gao Qiu's death, was usually very popular in the court and never offended anyone. Why did he speak up for Tong Guan twice today?

Especially just now, Gao Kan took the initiative to suggest that Tong Guan should not be severely punished, which is clearly going against Cai Jing!

"No severe punishment? Gao Du Chengzhi, do you know what you're saying?"

Cai Jing's tone also turned cold.

It seems that the one Tong Guan was plotting with yesterday in the restaurant was this brat.

Kid, even your father Gao Qiu wouldn't dare disobey me!

Why are you?

"Reporting to the Grand Tutor, the Privy Council is a crucial military institution of our Great Song Dynasty. As a member of the Privy Council, I naturally trust the abilities of its chief official."

"Grand Tutor, you may say that Privy Councilor Tong suffered a crushing defeat this time, but he did not shirk responsibility. This sense of duty is enough to earn him respect!"

"Therefore, I believe that it is unfair to severely punish Privy Councilor Tong, and the entire Privy Council thinks so!"

Gao Kan addressed Cai Jing with neither servility nor arrogance.

"Excellent, excellent! You are a promising young man!"

Cai Jing glanced at Gao Kan, then at Zhang Kegong, who was eager to continue arguing with him, and finally at Tong Guan, who was looking at him with resentment. He had already made up his mind.

"Your Majesty, since everyone in the Privy Council has vouched for Tong Guan, this old minister has nothing to say. However, this old minister feels that since he has redeemed himself through meritorious service, shouldn't Tong Guan's position as Privy Councilor be reassigned?"

After Cai Jing finished speaking, neither Zhang Kegong nor Gao Kan said anything.

Cai Jing's words just now have already told them that this time, he can admit defeat, but Tong Guan's position is in jeopardy.

"Your Majesty! I know I have committed a grave crime. I am willing to resign from my position as Privy Councilor and go to the four gates of the capital to serve as an ordinary guard! I will protect Bianjing for Your Majesty and atone for my crime with merit!"

After Cai Jing finished speaking, Tong Guan immediately knelt down before Emperor Huizong and offered to be demoted!

As soon as he finished speaking, Cai Jing frowned again.

Oh no, that was a miscalculation.

That old rascal Tong Guan has learned his lesson.

Sure enough, Zhao Ji smiled after hearing Tong Guan's words.

"Minister Tong, you are one of my most important ministers. If I send you to be a lowly soldier, wouldn't that make me a laughingstock?"

"Although Tong Guan's defeat in this battle was not due to a lack of fighting ability, it is a fact that he was guilty. However, considering that he took the initiative to take responsibility, I am very pleased. Effective immediately, Tong Guan is demoted to the position of Assistant Privy Councilor, acting as Privy Councilor."

"Your Majesty, I thank you!"

Although he was stripped of his post, he still performed the duties of a Privy Councilor, so this punishment was practically the same as no punishment at all.

After all, Tong Guan didn't live off that meager salary.

What Zhao Ji said next made Tong Guan even happier!

"Since Minister Tong just said that he would guard Bianjing City, then from this day forward, Minister Tong will take over the defense of Bianjing City gates. I hope Minister Tong will make meritorious contributions as soon as possible."

"The position of Privy Councilor. I'll reserve it for you!"