Seiwa

Meng Wang's letter was not long, but Meng Qinghe read it for half an hour. The more he read it, the more he frowned, and his face was so gloomy that water could almost drip.

"I didn't know that I set up a thousand hectares of fertile land, more than a hundred servants, and countless tenants!"

Amazing, really amazing!

Meng Qinghe clenched his teeth and couldn't help but sneer.

Since Uncle Jiu left, the clan has lost a wise old man, and it seems that there is no rope in front of them. In less than two years, it has come to such a point!

Almost all comers are welcome to take the initiative to deliver property to their doorsteps.Insufficient greed, he blatantly invaded the fertile land in his name, and almost killed someone in the process of "buying the land".

During this period, Meng Wang did not describe in detail in the letter, but only said "the greed is so greedy that it almost drives people to death", which is already shocking!

In less than two years, most of the fields near Mengjiatun had their titles changed and belonged to his name, and the benefits of the actual production had already been divided among the clan.

"What is this for?!"

Furious, Meng Qinghe stood up abruptly, clenched his fists hard, and beat the table hard.

There was a blunt bang, but I couldn't feel any pain at all.

Under the anger, his eyes turned black even more.

Supporting the edge of the table with one hand, he narrowly avoided falling to the ground.

Even so, the round stool by the table was still kicked down.

Hearing the sound, the guards outside the door did not dare to enter the inner room without authorization, and could only ask anxiously: "Uncle, is there something wrong?"

"It's okay, don't come in!"

I closed my eyes hard, and after a long time, the feeling of dizziness gradually receded.

Meng Qinghe smiled wryly, wishing he could shave his head, so as not to be caught by others.

It's good now, just go to Mengjiatun and investigate carefully, the evidence is obvious, the pigtails all over the head can be caught by anyone, and there are a lot of them.

"Uncle Ninth, I'm afraid the clansmen have long forgotten what you taught during your lifetime."

Occupying fertile land, forcing people into slavery, colluding with petty officials, deceiving others, and even reaching out to the timber used to build the capital...

Bold and bold, it will not end well afterward?

As long as Xingningbo's name is used, someone will naturally help smooth it out.You don't even need to alarm yourself, or it should be said that you deliberately hide it from yourself.

Without this letter from home, he would still be kept in the dark and let things continue to develop until the situation is too serious to be undone.

The captain and the governor, the earl, the crown prince Shaobao, seem to be honored, but he paid for all of this with his life!

Others only saw his extraordinary speed of promotion, but they didn't know that every step he took was walking on thin ice.

Emperor Yong Le can use him, but he can still instantly return him to his original form.It's ridiculous that he worked hard in the court, but his clansman tripped him up behind his back, digging holes and filling them with soil!

The more he thought about it, the colder Meng Qinghe felt.

"What should I do?"

He has been an official for several years and has accumulated tens of millions of wealth.

If the money is earned by himself, Meng Qinghe can take it with peace of mind.

But these inexplicably extra land properties are no different from a steel knife hanging around the neck, a terrible reminder for death.

Even if he didn't know it beforehand, the crime is worth a round of death.

Once someone exposes it in the court, he will "congratulate" himself. At the beginning, he held a big edict and slapped others majesticly, and he would be slapped back immediately.

Absolutely swollen face!

He closed his eyes hard, Jin Yiwei should know about this, right?

Did not ventilate him, does it mean that Commander Yang wants to be stern and selfless?

If the matter is really reported to the emperor, should we tell the truth and strive for leniency, or should we be more sensible and pack our bags and go to Guangxi to reconcile with Xie Jin?

I also want to know that once the emperor wants to deal with him, the whole Meng family will be in trouble.

Don't think about it in the north, you should be thankful if you have the opportunity to go to the mountains and go to the countryside for labor reform.

Sitting alone for a long time, Meng Qinghe took a deep breath and pressed his forehead.

If you don't know this, sticking your head in the sand like an ostrich is the stupidest choice.

The only way to fight for leniency is to take the initiative to explain, to say one thing, and to say another thing.

What's more, besides the land property, it is even more terrible to conceal the grain tax and reach out to the wood used to build the capital.

Thinking of this, Meng Qinghe gritted his teeth with hatred.

If you want to do business and make money, why don't you tell him?Annan's wood, merchant ships sailing to the west, as long as you open your mouth, where can't you make money?He just wanted to make an idea about the timber shipped from Tianjin Wei to Beijing!Even if you die for money, you should be smarter, right?

Glancing at the hourglass, I couldn't help but smile wryly, I don't need to send the leave note.After today, he will live in another place, and it is unknown whether he can keep his official position.

"Come here." Meng Qinghe's voice was a little hoarse, with a trace of unspeakable fatigue.

Ma Rong, who was guarding the door, immediately said, "You are humble, what do you want uncle to do?"

"Bring the messenger, I have something to ask." After figuring it out, Meng Qinghe didn't worry so much, he just felt tired.It would be great if Shen Xuan was by his side now.

"Yes!"

When the messenger was brought by Gao Fu, Meng Qinghe was stunned.

"Fourth cousin?"

The one who came was none other than Meng Silang and Meng Qingjiang who had two fingers broken, retired from the army, and took the initiative to go to the guard to farm.

The door was closed, and what the two brothers talked about, no one knows for the time being.

After two cups of tea, the door opened, and Meng Qingjiang left Bofu with Meng Qinghe's handwritten letter, and hurried back to Beijing.

Meng Qinghe cleaned up his clothes, jumped on his horse, and his destination was Jinyiwei Beizhen Fusi.

Fengtian Temple, Xinuang Pavilion

Emperor Yong Le put down his pen, looked at Zhu Zhanji who was worried, and said: "Zhan Ji, Zheng Shizhao told me that you want to copy the map in Qianqing Palace?"

Zhu Zhanji looked up, seemingly hesitant, "Grandfather, grandson..."

"Just answer me, yes or no?"

"……Yes."

"In that case, why don't you come and talk to me in person?"

"Grandson..." I dare not.

Zhu Zhanji lowered his head, his eyes were red.

Zhu Di looked at him, the grandfather and grandson didn't speak, and the Xinuang Pavilion was so quiet that a needle could be heard.

After a long time, Zhu Di sighed and said to Zheng He who was waiting on the side, "Go down first."

"Yes."

Zheng He bent down, and Ma Liu led the people out of the Nuan Pavilion, closed the door, and personally guarded the door.

After two years on the voyage, the major is still not unfamiliar, and the ability to understand the emperor's will is not lost. Eunuch Zheng breathed a sigh of relief.

When the door was closed, Zhu Di said, "Zhan Ji, you grew up beside me. You should know how the queen and I treat you."

"Grandfather, grandson, grandson is wrong!"

Precocious, intelligent, and forbearing, after all, he can't live up to his age.

The ten-year-old boy still couldn't help but get red eyes.

"The grandson is just afraid, afraid that the imperial grandfather will no longer love the grandson..."

Zhu Zhanji inherited Zhu Di's appearance, but failed to fully inherit Zhu Di's decisive character.

Since King Ping moved out of the Wenhua Palace, Zhu Zhanji has been worried.Aware of Princess Ping's actions, it was like a huge stone was pressing on his heart.King Ping's exhortations before his departure made him even more at a loss.

The emperor's grandfather is the son of heaven first, and the king of a country is the grandfather.

The fear of the road ahead, the envy of Zhu Zhanhe, the miss of his parents, the sudden strangeness of the palace, all kinds of emotions superimposed, almost overwhelmed him.

Zhu Di has been completely disappointed with his eldest son, and even the last father-son relationship will be cut off, but he still can't be cruel to his eldest grandson who has been doting on him for nearly ten years.

"Zhanji, come here."

Zhu Zhanji hiccupped from crying, but walked obediently to Zhu Di, "Grandfather."

A big calloused hand landed on his shoulder, comforting.

Zhu Di would touch Zhu Zhanhe's hair, but he wouldn't do that to Zhu Zhanji.Because Zhu Zhanhe is still young, and Zhu Zhanji is already a teenager.

Ten years old, in the royal family, can no longer be counted as a child.

Zhu Di's reassurance was very effective. Zhu Zhanji raised his head, no longer burst into tears, but still hiccupped one after another, destroying more than half of the serious atmosphere.

Emperor Yong Le had no choice but to say what should be said.

"You are from the Zhu family, so you shouldn't act timidly, and you shouldn't imitate Suan Ding's set! It's just a map, and it's just a map, so what if it's given to you? Why should you be afraid? Master Yao taught you the truth, I I see you've forgotten all about it."

"Grandfather, grandson is ashamed."

"I will only say these words once, and you must remember them firmly!" Zhu Di's tone suddenly became serious, "You are the eldest grandson of the emperor, you need to know etiquette, filial piety, conduct yourself in an upright manner, and set an example for your younger siblings. As long as you don't make mistakes You made a big mistake, and I will definitely keep you safe and wealthy for the rest of your life. Don’t learn from your father, let alone your mother and concubine, do you understand what I mean?”

Zhu Zhanji finally stopped hiccupping, bit his lip, remained silent for a moment, and said, "Grandfather, grandson understands."

"You are a smart boy." Zhu Di slowed down his expression, "You want to see a map, but are you curious about overseas lands?"

Zhu Zhanji froze for a moment, the tears hanging from the corners of his eyes hadn't had time to wipe away, so let's change the subject?

He thought that the imperial grandfather would say a few more words...

"Going back to the emperor's grandfather, my grandson is indeed curious about the overseas continent that Uncle Xingning mentioned. Since the first time I heard about it, I will never forget it."

"Oh." Zhu Di nodded and raised his voice, "Zheng He."

Eunuch Zheng, who was standing outside Nuan Pavilion, immediately agreed, "Your servant is here!"

"You go to Qianqing Palace, no, go to the Ministry of War and get the newly drawn map."

"Yes!"

After the words fell, the footsteps outside the Nuan Pavilion quickly faded away.

"The map in Qianqing Palace is still crude, but the map copied and modified by the Ministry of War is more perfect. You can take it back. If there is anything you don't understand, you can ask Uncle Xingning to give lectures in the palace."

"Thank you, Grandfather!" Zhu Zhanji looked at Zhu Di's expression and asked again, "Grandson heard that Xingningbo's lectures are different on single and double days. When he lectures on overseas customs, grandson also wants to listen to the lecture together."

"This……"

Before Emperor Yong Le could give an answer, an eunuch reported outside the Nuan Pavilion, and the commander of Jin Yiwei, Yang Duo, asked to see him.

Zhu Di frowned.

Just came two hours ago, come again?

"Xuan."

Knowing that Yang Duo must have something important to come over at this time, Zhu Zhanji took the initiative to say that he still has lessons to study today.As for learning from Uncle Xingning, I will apply to the emperor's grandfather again if I have the opportunity.

"Grandson retire."

"When Zheng He came back, I asked him to send you the map."

"Thank you, grandpa."

"Go."

"Yes."

Zhu Zhanji quit the warm pavilion and happened to meet Yang Duo at the door.

"Sir."

Yang Duo saluted, and Zhu Zhanji turned sideways to return the salute, not caring at all about his swollen eyes being seen crying.

Some things have been kept in my heart for too long, and when I clarify them, even if I still feel unwilling, envious and jealous, I feel relaxed and walk a little more briskly.

Looking at Zhu Zhanji who turned and left, Yang Duo raised one eyebrow, and a look of surprise flashed in his eyes, which quickly disappeared.

Compared with someone who suddenly appeared in Jinyiwei North Town Fusi, this change of Prince Ping's son can be ignored at all.

Entering the Nuan Pavilion, Yang Duo knelt down and kowtowed, "I see Your Majesty!"

"Get up." Zhu Di asked, "Is there something important?"

"Return to Your Majesty, half an hour ago, Prince Shaobao, Daning guard Xing Ningbo went to Beizhen Fusi to surrender."

"Oh..." Zhu Di subconsciously nodded, realizing what Yang Duo was saying, his expression was startled, "Say it again?"

"Half an hour ago, Uncle Xing Ning went to Beizhen Fusi to surrender, saying that his clansman acted recklessly and occupied fertile land, etc., and prepared his own confession."

Surrender and prepare your own confession?

Zhu Di's expression was subtle.

Yang Duo bowed his head, and Meng Qinghe walked into Beizhen Fusi swaggeringly, explaining why he came, but his expression was not calm.

All Jin Yiwei on duty had embarrassing expressions on their faces.

Uncle Meng was the first honorable court official who voluntarily surrendered to Jinyiwei and asked to be admitted to imperial prison since Jinyiwei North Town Fusi was re-established.

Going back to the Hongwu Dynasty, the Prison of the Ministry of Justice, Yingtian Mansion, and Jinyi Prison lived in turns. Uncle Meng is also the No. 1 of the Ming Dynasty, and no one can surpass him.

In fact, Jin Yiwei knew all about the fact that the Meng clan invaded the fields, harvested more tenant farmers, and concealed grain taxes, and Zhu Di also knew about it.If it is investigated seriously, one person involved in this matter will be counted as one, and they will all be exiled into the army.Meng Qinghe also couldn't escape the relationship.

But Emperor Yongle was also very clear that Meng Qinghe was very likely to be unaware of the actions of the Meng clan, and with his protective personality, he never planned to let Jin Yiwei investigate.

Occupy a few more acres of land, as long as it is not too much, just turn a blind eye and close one eye.It's a big deal to remind you afterwards and give the sufferer corresponding compensation.

Unexpectedly, Meng Qinghe suddenly ran to Jinyi Prison and surrendered himself.

This incident caused trouble, should it be punished according to the law or should it be lenient?

"In your opinion, how should this matter be handled?"

"Return to Your Majesty, I think this matter should be strictly investigated."

Zhu Di frowned, strict investigation?

"Uncle Xing Ning said in his confession that some officials and soldiers were ordered to supervise the transportation of timber to Beijing, indulge in lust, trade with merchants privately, report the loss, and pay more. The eight prefectures of Shuntian and the three departments of Daning have Those who are involved in it should be punished. What's more, as the guardian of Daning, he has the responsibility of not investigating."

"Is this true?"

"The minister has sent a message to the Shuntian Mansion. Within ten days, there should be real news."

Zhu Di murmured, he was so bold, dared to start with the wood that built Beijing, and almost hid it from the court. It could not be done by one or two people, and the energy behind it was definitely not small.Of course, there will be no fewer people who will make a profit.

Revealing this matter suddenly is tantamount to stabbing a hornet's nest and cutting off these people's sources of income.

Voluntary surrender, written confession, Jinyi Prison...

Suddenly, Zhu Di seemed to understand something.

No wonder Meng Qinghe took the initiative to stay in Jinyi Prison, because it was the safest place.

Didn't Uncle Xingning do such a thing before?

clever?Really smart.

Annoyed?Really annoying.

Pressing his forehead, Emperor Yong Le was really not angry, nor was he smiling.

"Yang Duo."

"The minister is here."

"Uncle Xing Ning is temporarily detained in the Imperial Prison and held in solitary confinement, and no punishment is allowed. When the matter is found out, he will accompany him on a north tour."

Translated, Uncle Xing Ning is under the protection of the emperor, and he is only temporarily locked up in the imperial prison, and he will arrange a single room to take good care of him.When I come to Japan to tour the north, I want him to accompany me.

"The minister obeys the order."

"As for the members of the Meng clan," Zhu Di frowned, "check the main criminal, send Kaiping Quanning and other guards to guard the border, and take all their property. The accessory criminals will be issued Zunhua fried iron and ordered to return them to seize the land. Regardless of the criminal, read it every day. Taizu issued a great edict to cultivate one's morality."

"Yes!"

"This matter is handled by Jin Yiwei, and there is no need to report it to the Ministry of Punishment."

"Yes!"

"When investigating the case, don't disturb Uncle Xingning's family. Anyone who violates the law will be charged with a crime."

"The minister obeys the order!"

As soon as it was agreed, another eunuch reported outside the Nuan Pavilion, and the division of the Annan army was returning to the court. They flew to report, and it was nearly thirty miles outside the city.

Emperor Yong Le was overjoyed at first, then frowned again.

The army is back, Dingguo is in charge, but Xingningbo has gone to live in Jinyi Prison...

The last time Meng Qinghe moved into the prison of the Ministry of Criminal Justice, Shen Xuan forced him to live there, and almost demolished the prison of the Ministry of Criminal Justice.The Minister of the Ministry of Justice blocked the Minister of the Ministry of Justice for more than a month, and it was the reconstruction cost of the prison of the Ministry of Criminal Justice.

This time it was not the prison of the Ministry of Criminal Justice, but Jinyi Prison.

If Shen Xuan demolished Jinyi Prison, the Ministry of Household Affairs would never pay for it.Nanjing and Beijing have nothing to discuss.

Dynamic library?

Although he is not short of money, he can't waste it like this.

Squeezing his forehead, Zhu Di had a headache.

"Yang Duo."

"The minister is here."

"The edict prison has not been repaired for several years, is it still strong?"

Yang Duo was puzzled.

"Compared to the prison of the Ministry of Criminal Justice in Beijing?"

The prison of the Ministry of Criminal Justice in Beijing?

There was a thunder in the air, Yang Duo realized.

Thinking of Duke Ding's great achievements before, Commander Yang's face turned green instantly.

The Minister of the Ministry of Criminal Affairs of Beijing can also stay in front of Yu Situ's house.What about him?Send someone to lie on the beam of Xia Situ's house, or reach out to the emperor?

Thinking about the salary increase note that has not been approved so far, Commander Yang lowered his eyes, and for the first time had the urge to throw the "prisoner" out of the prison.

Thirty miles away from the capital, Shen Xuan rode his horse in front of the army. Against the background of the setting sun, his black armor seemed to glow with blood.