Rule the Ming Dynasty Alone

After coming out of Liu Mansion, Yang Tinghe did not leave Xiaoyongfang immediately, nor did he go to Wanfu, but went straight to the gate of Xu Mansion.

Although the Xu Mansion has declined, a starved camel is bigger than a horse. Xu Pu had a very high prestige in Qingliu. Because he presided over two general examinations, his disciples were all over the court.

Even though Xu Pu and Hongzhi were not happy, Xu Pu had considerable influence on local officials, and the two had the status of master and apprentice, so Hongzhi did not dare to remove Xu Pu for no reason.

Yang Kaifeng, I have summoned you by order of the Governor. Please come with us to the Shuntian Mansion Office! Zhao Captou found Yang Tinghe in front of the Xu Mansion and said expressionlessly.

Yang Tinghe suddenly felt unhappy and said coldly: Which Shuntian governor? Song Cheng?

Bold, how dare you, a mere eighth-grade Hanlin reviewer, call my Lord Yin by his first name? Capt. Zhao frowned and immediately scolded him sternly.

Not to mention that this Hanlin reviewer was implicated in the case, even if he was not implicated, it is simply unreasonable for Lord Fu Yin to despise them so much.

Haha... If you want me to come to Shuntian Mansion Yamen, let Song Cheng come and invite me in person! Yang Tinghe, who is about to be promoted to Imperial Editor, said with a bit of arrogance.

In the eyes of others, Song Cheng may have been a high-ranking figure, but in his own eyes, he was just a lucky guy with no foundation.

If Song Cheng hadn't been lucky enough to be favored by the emperor, given Song Cheng's conditions and background, he would never have been able to climb to the position of Shuntian Mansion Yamen in his life.

As for Song Cheng sending several spies to summon him, the dignified prince, to the Shuntian Mansion Office, he suspected that Song Cheng really didn't understand the officialdom of the Ming Dynasty, and didn't even know that his own future was beyond his reach in eight lifetimes.

Zhao Captou also did not expect that this little eighth-grade Hanlin review was so powerful that he even asked their third-grade Fu Yin to invite him. When he saw Song Cheng coming in, he immediately stopped him.

Stop, this is the Xu Mansion, what do you guys want to do? The concierge had already noticed Zhao and the others, and immediately stood up and shouted loudly.

Yang Tinghe naturally didn't take these little spies seriously, nor did he think they dared to do anything to him, so he walked into the Xu Mansion with his head held high.

Huh?

When Capt. Zhao saw Yang Tinghe walking straight into the Xu Mansion, although he was very angry, he knew this time that this was the residence of Zuo Shilang of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, and it seemed that the background of this arrogant Hanlin reviewer was indeed not simple.

Get out! The concierge didn't even look down on the local senior officials, and naturally he looked down upon a few Shuntian Prefecture's police officers, and he treated them as if they were speaking harshly.

The police officer behind him did not dare to offend the concierge of the Xu Mansion, but he stepped forward and asked Capt. Zhao, Capt. Zhao, what should we do now?

What else can we do? Go back to the government office and tell your lord the truth about this place! Zhao Captou looked at the red door of Xu Mansion and said very dejectedly.

Originally, summoning a small Hanlin reviewer was a very simple matter, but I didn't expect that this Hanlin reviewer would be so arrogant and have a good background.

This is the disadvantage of working in the capital. Some seemingly inconspicuous people often have strong backgrounds. I just don’t understand what the relationship between Yang Tinghe and Xu Pu is, and they can enter directly without any notification.

Xu House, a mansion with grand interior decoration.

Mr. Yang, are you here? Please go to the side hall and sit quietly for a while. My master is waiting for guests! The housekeeper said enthusiastically when he saw Yang Tinghe arriving.

Yang Tinghe can be said to be the chosen one. Now he is among the three most powerful bosses in the dynasty and maintains a close relationship with each of them.

It was such a coincidence that the visitor in front of him was none other than Cheng Minzheng, a Hanlin scholar who was still striving for the position of Zuo Shilang in the Ministry of Rites.

Yang Tinghe had just sat down in the side hall when a maid came over and led him to the flower hall of the back house, where a sumptuous banquet had been prepared.

Xu Pu and Cheng Minzheng were from the same hometown in Nanzhili, so they also held a banquet to entertain them. Not only did their son Xu Yuangai accompany them, but they also called in the visiting Yang Tinghe.

After Xu Pu hit the wall one after another, his whole person was obviously much more restrained now, like a tiger that suddenly became quiet.

Cheng Minzheng had a prosperous official career in the new dynasty, and now he has seen the dawn of promotion. His whole person is obviously full of energy, as if his eyes are shining.

When Yang Tinghe came to the flower hall, he immediately saluted the two of them respectfully and said: Students have paid homage to Master Tai, and I have come to see Bachelor Cheng!

Since Xu Pu was the teacher of his father Yang Chun, he and Xu Pu also had a close relationship. Thanks to his diligence in moving around and his relationship with Xu Yuanguan, he also won Xu Pu's attention.

Sit down! Xu Pu had a good impression of Yang Tinghe and said with a genuine smile.

Cheng Minzheng is only in his early forties, but because of his thick beard and calm demeanor, he gives people the impression that he is several years older.

When Xu Yuangai saw Yang Tinghe arriving, he also said enthusiastically: Brother Yang, sit here!

The fact that Yang Tinghe was called to this table was undoubtedly approved by Xu Pu, who had already tacitly trained Yang Tinghe to become a future civil servant leader.

Bachelor Cheng, I don't know whether to say something or not! Xu Pu looked at Cheng Minzheng seriously after taking a sip of wine.

Cheng Minzheng knew that his political acumen was far inferior to that of Xu Pu, so he immediately asked for advice: Shilang Xu, we are fellow villagers, and we have received many support from you since we became officials. Please feel free to give me some advice!

Yang Tinghe knew that Cheng Minzheng was walking around today to seek the position of the right minister of the Ministry of Rites, but in his opinion, Cheng Minzheng's position as the right minister of the Ministry of Rites was almost certain, but he couldn't figure out what other variables there were, and he turned to look at Xu Pu curiously.

Although Mr. Wan Ge, Mr. Liu Ge and I all like you, and Ting Tui must be your first choice, but today the emperor Qiankun is arbitrary, there may not be no variables! Xu Pu knew that Cheng Minzheng was very close to the right minister of the Ministry of Rites, but Still warned seriously.

Cheng Minzheng also realized that the personnel power now indeed fell into the hands of Zhu Youtang, and he was a little worried and said: Shilang Xu, what should we do?

With his qualifications and background, and the support he has received from three court officials, it can be said that it is easy to win over the right minister of the Ministry of Rites, but now it is a new dynasty where the imperial power is in power.

A gentleman should be flawless, do you know where your biggest weakness is? Xu Pu looked into Cheng Minzheng's eyes and asked very seriously.

Huh?

Xu Yuangui's eyes suddenly lit up as if he had caught some gossip.

Shilang Xu, why do you ask questions when you know something is true? It's just that it's hard to explain clearly! Cheng Minzheng smiled bitterly, looking sad.

Yang Tinghe looked at the Hanlin bachelor in front of him with some disdain in his heart.

Many people, despite their brilliance, actually have filth hidden behind them, and Cheng Min has a dark history.

Cheng Minzheng came from a well-known family and was known as a child prodigy since he was a child. His father was the son of Cheng Xin, the former Minister of War in Nanjing, and his father-in-law was Li Xian, the former chief assistant, who was also ranked second in the second year of Chenghua.

With such a card, it can be said that no one among his peers can match him. It will be almost no difficulty to enter the cabinet and worship the prime minister in the future, and the same is true.

Since he became an official in the second year of Chenghua, he is now a bachelor of the Hanlin Academy. In such a senior Hanlin Academy, his current official position can be said to be prosperous.

It's just that the second-generation official Cheng Minzheng has never been able to convince the public in the officialdom. Not to mention the care he has received since becoming an official, Cheng Minzheng's second place in the rankings has also been criticized.

Cheng Minzheng's ranking in the general examination in the second year of Chenghua was only 185th, while his father-in-law was the chief minister of the cabinet at the time. As a result, in the next palace examination, he jumped from 185th to second place in the general examination.

If it weren't for his strong connections, he would have been assigned to a remote place as a county magistrate. As a result, he entered the Hanlin Academy as the second best and became the prime minister.

Even Yang Tinghe, who was also a connected household, looked down upon Cheng Minzheng who relied on dishonorable means to win the second place after learning about the origin of Cheng Mincheng's second place.

I'm referring to the matter of Emperor Jingtai! During the solar eclipse of the first lunar month, Li Quan, Shaoqing of Shangbao Division, used the eclipse to invite Emperor Jingtai to the Ancestral Temple. Now he is still being tried in prison! Xu Pu knew that Cheng Minzheng had misunderstood him. Meaning, he immediately hinted.

Cheng Minzheng also suddenly thought of this, but asked uncertainly: What do you mean?

Scholar Cheng, you are involved with Emperor Jingtai after all. It's time to make a decision! Xu Pu warned him very seriously as he drank the wine glass in one gulp.

Huh?

Xu Yuangai and Yang Tinghe looked at each other, but they didn't understand how Cheng Minzheng and Emperor Jingtai could be related?

I understand. When I get back, I will go to Shu to refute it and ask your Majesty to kill Li Quan! Cheng Minzheng knew that he should show his attitude to please Hongzhi, and expressed his stance seriously.

It doesn't matter whether Li Quan dies or not. As long as you make your position clear to Shangshu, the emperor will put aside his worries and reuse you. After all, you are also an old member of the East Palace! Xu Pu put down the wine glass, looking like he had the pearls of wisdom in his hands.

Because Cheng Xin was an official in the capital and was highly valued by Emperor Jingtai Zhu Qiyu, Cheng Minzheng was able to write one-foot-sized characters at the age of four (requiring a combination of talent and muscle).

The name of Wenquxing alarmed Jingtai Emperor Zhu Qiyu. In the third and fifth years of Jingtai, he summoned Cheng Minzheng to the palace to give lectures. He greatly rewarded Cheng Minzheng for his outstanding performance and personally ordered that Cheng Minzheng be sent to Shuntian Mansion to study as a student.

Likewise, at a young age, Cheng Minzheng became a disciple of Li Chun, the former Minister of Rites in Nanjing. Later, he was appreciated by Li Xian and became his son-in-law, becoming a famous genius of Emperor Jingtai.

However, after the seizing incident, Emperor Jingtai was deposed for a time. Because the royal family wanted to maintain a large number of legitimate heirs, Emperor Jingtai was naturally not allowed to enter the Ancestral Temple.

The imprint of Emperor Jingtai on Cheng Minzheng was too strong, but it was difficult to guarantee that he had different intentions. Naturally, he had to take a stand on the matter of Emperor Jingtai entering the Ancestral Temple.

Cheng Minzheng realized that this officialdom was full of knowledge, so he immediately picked up his wine glass and said, I sincerely thank you, Minister Xu, for your advice. I will give you another drink!

Scholar Cheng, I know that you are full of knowledge and will be a wise minister in governing the country! I hope you can get what you want with this glass of wine! Xu Pu picked up the just-filled wine glass and responded.

Although Yang Tinghe didn't know the whole story, looking at the two people with different expressions on the wine table, he always felt that something was wrong.

Just as the four of them were drinking happily, Song Cheng, who was wearing a third-grade official uniform, led the police in. He said respectfully to Xu Pu who was sitting in the main seat: Student meets teacher!

Sir, I told you to close the door to thank guests today as you ordered, but he just barged in! The housekeeper came panting and explained.

Xu Yuangai looked at Song Cheng who appeared in official uniform, and immediately said with a bit of sarcasm: Yin of the Song Dynasty, aren't you taking half a day off today? Why do you still come to my Xu Mansion on errands?

Beijing officials are on holiday, but the Shuntian government office is not included in this list. Naturally, I have to handle cases today! Song Cheng first glanced at Yang Tinghe and then explained seriously.

Xu Pu mistakenly thought that Song Cheng was here to arrest Xu Yuangai. He first glared at his son, and then said with a stern face: Song Cheng, what is your purpose of coming here this time?

Yang Kaifeng is involved in a case, and the students want to invite him back to investigate! Song Cheng turned his attention to Yang Tinghe and directly explained his purpose.

Yang Tinghe knew that there was no way to escape, so he immediately said in a deep voice: Song Fuyin personally brought people here, but he doesn't know why?

The person who lived in the same room with Lan Xiang that day was not Zhu Qi, but you Yang Tinghe. Is there anything wrong with that? Song Cheng met Yang Tinghe's gaze and asked openly.

Yang Tinghe didn't expect that his lie would be exposed, and he couldn't help but said angrily: It's just a government prostitute who died, and she died by hanging herself. What do you mean by being so persistent?

I have fulfilled my duties as the Yin of Shuntian Prefecture, upheld the court's laws, and sought justice for the deceased! If you insist on refusing to come and cooperate with the inquiry, I will have no choice but to arrest you! Song Cheng said seriously.

Zhu Yuangguan was already prejudiced against Song Cheng, so he said angrily: Are you crazy? Didn't you see that my father is hosting a banquet for Yang Jin? Are you here to cause trouble?

Xu Pu felt very angry when he saw this student who mobilized troops to break into his residence to arrest people, but he also knew that this student turned out to be a piece of wood and did not understand the world of officialdom at all.

Before I came here, I didn't know that there was a banquet here, and the people involved can't excuse themselves by having a banquet! Yang Jiaqing, you asked me to come in person before going to Shuntian Prefecture. Now do you want to follow back or do you want to go to Shuntian Prefecture? I want you to go back, please? Song Cheng glanced at Xu Yuangai indifferently, and now faced Yang Tinghe directly.

Yang Tinghe never thought that he would be interrogated, but he looked at Song Cheng fiercely and said, Song Cheng, please remember what happened today. You will definitely regret it in the future!

With that said, he said goodbye to Xu Pu and Cheng Minzheng, and chose to follow Song Cheng to Shuntian Mansion Office. Even though he lied that day, he was not the one who killed the person after all, and if he didn’t even dare to kill a chicken, how could he kill someone?

That's right, as long as this incident is over, he will make Song Cheng regret for what he did today.