Han Shizu

Even inside the palace, Zhang Ji's steps were majestic, and there was some awe on his old face, but not much.Arriving at the veranda of the palace, Zhang Ji glanced at Hou and Liu, and they saluted.

Zhang Jie didn't say anything, just nodded, then raised his head and bumped into Hu De who was walking out of the palace door. His face suddenly changed, and he greeted him with a smile on his face: "Thank you, Mr. Hu, I'll welcome you!"

Facing the enthusiastic Zhang Ji, Hu De's attitude was not as cordial as when he first arrived in Guangzhou. He raised his eyelids slightly and glanced at Zhang Ji, lifted the white whisk in his hand upwards, put it on his arm, and said coldly: " The officials have summoned three of them, so please come to the palace to see them!"

Hu De's attitude made Zhang Jie's heart skip a beat, and his face froze for a moment, but in just a moment, he quickly put on a smile, came closer, and asked in a low voice: "I dare you to ask, sir, are you waiting for me?" What is the lack of care?"

Hearing this, Hu De looked at Zhang Jie. After their eyes met for a brief moment, Hu De returned to his reserved look and responded in a nonchalant manner: "Ms. Zhang, please don't let me." The officials have been waiting for a long time!"

There was no need to say anything unnecessary. Such an attitude naturally made Zhang Ji unhappy, but no matter how unhappy he was, he didn't dare to get angry.He had to lower his posture and smile along with him: "Please let me know, sir. I'm waiting to see you!"

"No need! Officials have issued instructions to Zhang, Hou and Liu Sanchen to appear in court immediately!"

After such an episode, Zhang Ji's whole face was gloomy when he entered the palace. What he cared about was naturally not the eunuch Hood, but the attitude of the old emperor revealed behind this coldness. Obviously, it was not good.

Of course Zhang Jie knew that the old emperor was out on patrol today, and even knew the general location, but what caused the old emperor's displeasure and even caused such a huge change in the attitude of these eunuchs who were accustomed to observing words and expressions. The implications of this are really worthy of vigilance.

However, although Zhang Jie felt a little uneasy in his heart, he was still stable.Perhaps it was because he had served as a high-ranking local official for a long time, or because he had such a close relationship with the old emperor, Zhang Ji always had an inexplicable confidence in dealing with the old emperor.

In terms of region, Zhang Ji should be considered a Nanchen, born in Chuzhou and raised in Huainan, but became an official in the Central Plains.His uncle Zhang Yi was a general in the Southern Tang Dynasty. He surrendered to the imperial court during the Han Dynasty's Battle of Huainan. During his lifetime, he served as an officer in the capital of Huaixi Road and commanded envoys.

Zhang Jie was Zhang Yi's most valued junior. He was sent to Kaifeng to take the scientific examination before he was twenty. Before this, he was lucky enough to meet the old emperor who was on tour. After the imperial examination, he became the third most popular person.Anyone who knows something about the development of the imperial examination system in the Han Dynasty knows that in the early and middle Qianyu period, Tanhua was the emperor's favorite and had a brighter future. Zhao Huo, Zhang Jie, and Zhao Kuangyi were all representative figures.

Among the many political forces in the Han Dynasty, there is another very important faction that should be more accurately called origin and resume. That is the Chongzheng Bachelor, which is an extremely important branch of the early "Emperor Party". The emperor's reserve talent pool, basically everyone A political bachelor will have a bright future as long as he doesn't make big mistakes.

Compared with the Chongzheng Bachelor of the past, the status gap between today's cabinet bachelors is also very huge, both in terms of actual power and influence.And Zhang Jie is also a backbone figure in the political scholar sect.

Just the two identities of Qianyou Tanhua and Chongzheng Bachelor are enough for Zhang Ji to enjoy endless uses.In fact, with Zhang Jie's nearly 40 years of official career and rich experience, there are few in the entire imperial court who can compare with him.

To be honest, he is not just the chief envoy of Guangnan East Road. You must know that as early as 20 years ago, he served as the transfer envoy to Hedong and a Taoist-level official.According to the normal promotion rules, even if the Prime Minister does not dare to hope, there is always a good chance to fight for a high position in the Political Hall.

However, at every critical moment, one can always be compared with others, and it is not always the case that there are relatives and dignitaries. Going back to the end, they can find that they have failed with the old emperor.The reason is not complicated. In the opinion of the old emperor, Zhang Ji had a small wit but no great skills. Although he had outstanding literary talent, he was diligent and dangerous and was not like a good minister.

Of course, these are still just superficial problems. What dissatisfied the old emperor the most is that this man is very troublesome, likes to make his own decisions, and loves to be friends with his ministers.But even so, after so many years, Zhang Jie still maintains his high position, and the purple uniform he wears has never faded.

For Zhang Jie himself, such a "fortunate encounter" is naturally difficult to say comfortable, and he himself is not an open-minded person.

As a prince, he always covets the throne, and as a minister, he inevitably wants to try the high-ranking position in the political affairs hall. However, over the past twenty years, he has fought for and failed several times, which has also changed Zhang Ji's psychology. Some subtle changes.

These changes, reflected in the specific politics and conduct, appear to be a bit arrogant, proud and stubborn.

Faint like an old emperor, he always thinks about things and inevitably introspects. However, Zhang Jie never realized and analyzed his own shortcomings from beginning to end. He just thought that his luck was bad.
Therefore, even though he was aware of the unusualness of the old emperor's overnight summons and was wary, he still didn't feel that there was any big problem, at least it wouldn't be on him.You know, a mere chief envoy of Guangnan East Road has already wronged him. Wouldn't it be too much for the emperor to do anything to him again?
However, when he saw the old emperor with cold eyes and faced the sharp questioning, Zhang Jie was a little confused.

"Is Guangzhou Prefecture still ruled by the Han Dynasty? Is it still under the control of the imperial court?"

Two questions caused the expressions of the three worried Guangdong officials to change dramatically. Hou Yanguang was still able to hold his own, Liu Changyan's legs went weak and he knelt down. Zhang Ji was not in such a bad condition, but his old face turned pale. a bit.

It is true that he was so arrogant that he lost some self-awareness, but it does not mean that he has lost even the most basic political consciousness.The old emperor's questions were so serious that he could easily lose his head.

Holding back the horror in his heart, Zhang Ji bowed and cupped his hands, and said in a deep voice: "I don't know why your majesty said this. I am so frightened! Guangzhou Prefecture is under the rule of the Han Dynasty, so it should strictly abide by the imperial edicts."

"Really?" The old emperor was not polite at all and asked directly: "What's going on in Fanfang Street in the city? Can the Fans enter, but the Han people can't? Will they be beaten out if they enter?"

Sure enough, Zhang Ji thought to himself, facing the cold gaze of the old emperor, he hurriedly explained: "Your Majesty, foreign merchants are incompatible with our Chinese customs, so in order to avoid conflict, Fanfang Street was specially established." "I want you to Come and explain the origin of Fanfang Street?" The old emperor interrupted him directly: "Avoiding the important and choosing the light is the way you people deal with me now. Are you really easy to bully?

What conflict of customs is the reason for those foreigners to establish a state within a state on the land of the Han Dynasty?Who gave you the power, who gave you the courage? "

The old emperor was so angry that Zhang Jie couldn't stand anymore. He knelt down in panic. The words "a country within a country" were too serious and he couldn't bear it. He hurriedly bowed: "Your Majesty, Sir. Explain that the people of Guangzhou are still under the rule of the government and will never dare to disobey the imperial order!"

"Then who blatantly violated the imperial edict?" the old emperor retorted: "Don't tell me that you, the chief envoy, don't know about those temples in Fanfang Street!
At that time, the imperial court issued a decree to ban Fan Temple, prohibit belief in YSL, and all MSL believers were expelled from the country. Is this how Guangnan Dongdao implemented the imperial edict? "

Hearing what the old emperor said, Zhang Jie couldn't help but break out in cold sweats in the middle of winter. He actually replied awkwardly: "Your Majesty, although some people in Guangzhou are converts to YSL, they are always respectful to the imperial government, and there are many in Guangzhou. We run our business in a down-to-earth manner and never act against the government or offend the people.

I think that the purpose of the imperial system is only to strengthen the control of these foreign officials to prevent them from deceiving people, causing trouble to the place, and disturbing the scholars and people.

However, since he has been on his own terms, there is no need to treat him too harshly. These foreign merchants, with their annual merchant ship exchanges, bring a large amount of finance and tax to the Guangzhou government, and the entire Guangnan East Road benefits greatly.

As for the Yisl religion, it did not occupy the land of the Han Dynasty. Its teachings were only aimed at those MSL and had little impact on the Han people.When His Majesty rectified Buddhism, he only used institutional restraints, but now he still allows him to preach."

"Bullshit! Bastard!" After hearing what Zhang Ji said, the old emperor couldn't restrain himself at all. He picked up the bamboo stick at his feet and threw it at Zhang Ji. The throw was really accurate and hit him directly. Eye.

Zhang Ji, a civil servant, was too old to bear the pain. In an instant, he forgot all the rules and manners. He covered his eyes and howled incessantly, almost rolling over.

"You beast, how could I allow you to this day? I should have killed you earlier!" The old emperor felt happy when he saw it, and cursed: "You are so arrogant and rebellious that you dare to openly use your own ambitions. , to replace the government of the imperial court! Who gave your dog the courage to speak arrogantly in front of me?"

Faced with such a severe rebuke from the old emperor, Zhang Ji finally woke up from the severe pain in his eyes, his wails dropped, and he sobbed a little aggrievedly: "Your Majesty! Your Majesty clearly shows you! I never dare!"

After hearing what he said, the old emperor sneered twice: "You are still not convinced that you don't know the basics! Now it seems that I really know people!"

Originally, I was planning to hear your explanation, but now it seems I have nothing to say!get out."

Zhang Jie was completely panicked now. Although he was still a little dazed, he instinctively prayed: "I beg your majesty to forgive me. I have confessed my sin!"

Seeing this, the old emperor couldn't hide the disgust on his face and said coldly: "Spare you a life and let you return to your hometown for retirement. I have already remembered the friendship between the emperor and my ministers for many years. Otherwise, do you think you can walk out of the palace tonight?" ?”

"Your Majesty." Zhang Jie couldn't help shouting.

"Drag out!"

Hearing this, Hu De quickly summoned two guards, held up Zhang Ji and walked out of the hall. He was accompanied by Zhang Ji's hysterical and crying cries.

As they walked further, the Dacheng Hall gradually became quiet, and a group of people were waiting, and then they slowly came back to their senses, especially Liu Changyan.Zhang Jie was his immediate boss. He always kept his word and was arrogant in Guangnan East Road. So he was finished like this?The ever-changing nature of things in the world can really make people feel at a loss as to what to do.

When he felt the old emperor's eyes on him, Liu Changyan tensed up and kowtowed quickly: "You are the person recommended by Zhao Pu. I also believe in Zhao Pu's vision. I won't care about the Fanfang Street incident for the time being." It’s up to you, but as the prefect of Guangzhou, you also need to give me an explanation!
I will give you three days to clear away the evils of Fanfang Street. If there is any omission, you will be punished for both crimes! "

"I obey your Majesty's order!" Liu Changyan said immediately after hearing this. However, he couldn't help but hesitate and said: "Your Majesty, there are hundreds of thousands of people in Guangzhou Prefecture, and many of them believe in YSL. If we act too hastily, I'm afraid it will cause trouble. Chaos."

The old emperor turned his gaze to Hou Yanguang, who was also kneeling on the ground, and said coldly: "Do you know the reason why I summoned you?"

After hearing the question, Hou Yanguang became even more straightforward, clasping his fists and saying: "I understand! I will fully cooperate with the Guangzhou government to rectify the evil cults and customs, and bring clarification to the Guangzhou government!"

"I observed that many of the soldiers and civilians in the city followed the example of foreigners, wrapping their heads in turbans and covering their faces with white clothes. Why, are there any guilty-minded people who dare not show their faces to others?
Give me an order to ban it," the old emperor added in disgust.