Volume 4: Gathering of Sages Chapter 598: Make a big show and retreat
The details of the dispute in the Imperial College were presented to everyone almost as it really was.
Whether it was Zhou Jijiu and Luo Siye using their own connections to try to accuse Zhang Shou of being self-righteous, conceited, and buying people's hearts, or Zhang Shou's students - represented by Lu Sanlang and Ji Jiu, as well as former students such as Zhang Chen and Zhu Er who remained in the capital trying every means to spread propaganda on Zhang Shou's behalf, all of them were defeated under the influence of some powerful force.
Because overnight, people on the streets were all publishing the truth about the dispute in the Imperial College, and without exception, they all insisted that it was a real record that they had heard from the students of the Imperial College.
Zhou Jijiu and Luo Siye were shocked and angry, and naturally thought that this showed that Zhang Shou's power was too great and he could control public opinion. But Lu Sanlang and others were also really furious. When they were secretly conspiring, everyone was cursing. It was natural that Kong Daxueshi was considered to be the mastermind behind Zhou Jijiu and Luo Siye, and deliberately wanted to whitewash Zhou Jijiu and Luo Siye.
As a result, when Zhu Ying was pulled into a meeting by Lu Sanlang and then came back to tell Zhang Shou these speculations, Zhang Shou couldn't help but laugh: "Only the governor is allowed to set fires, but the people are not allowed to light lamps. These guys really judge others by their own standards. What is spread outside is the truth of the matter, not a distortion of the facts. I really want to move Jiuzhang Hall out of the Imperial College, not Zhou Jijiu and Luo Siye to drive me away."
"Obviously, the most mainstream view outside is from those who know the cause and effect of the incident. They want to show justice and lead public opinion. Lu Gaoyuan and the others are so angry and frustrated. There is no need for them to do so. How could there be so many shady people?"
"How can these cunning guys be truly fair? Under the guise of fairness, who knows how many dirty calculations they are hiding!"
Zhu Ying raised her eyebrows, and was very dissatisfied with Zhang Shou's words: "Besides, apart from Zhou Jijiu and Luo Siye, the other students in the Imperial College are just students. Most of the students present that day were dissatisfied that Jiuzhangtang was more valued by the emperor. How could they be so kind to say anything fair? And if they are not fair, how can others know the whole story?"
"Unless someone has had spies in the Imperial College for a long time, and there is more than one, because they can corroborate each other, there is no need to worry about someone adding fuel to the fire, so the whole thing can be restored. However, this person definitely has bad intentions!"
"Because if there was no one in the Imperial College fanning the flames, how could the rumors about your dispute with Zhou Luo be spread everywhere, causing a commotion and attracting a group of idiots to cause trouble in front of the Jiuzhang Hall? In my opinion, the person who spread the rumors at that time and the one who seems to be fair now are the same person behind the scenes!"
Zhang Shou had never expected that Zhu Ying could analyze things so well. Knowing that it was rare for Zhu Ying to have such judgment and action, he simply asked with interest, "Then Yingying, what are you going to do?"
"Hmph, what should I do... just ignore it! He stirs up trouble first and then jumps out to speak for justice. This kind of person is the most hateful! How can I sleep well if I don't dig him out? I have already made an agreement with Lu Sanlang, Zhang Chen and the others to send out all the capable people from each family to watch in crowded teahouses and restaurants to see who can explain the details of the dispute. Those who can must have problems!"
"Moreover, I have already said to Lin Lao Hu, the head of the Shuntian government office, that we are determined to catch the mastermind. I heard that in order to clear your name, the three shifts of Shuntian government office officials are willing to help. You know, you said they were law enforcement officers and showed sympathy for their hard work. They are so grateful to you!"
Thinking back to when Zhang Shou spoke up for Lin Lao Hu, it wasn't to win people's hearts, it was purely because he couldn't stand the faces of some people, so he retorted. Now hearing that Lin Lao Hu generously agreed to help track down the case, and even the officers had made a clear statement, he couldn't help but feel a little amused.
He was not particularly optimistic that Zhu Ying could find any clues by making such a high profile move, but when he saw the eager look on the young lady's face, and thought that Lu Sanlang and his men were probably gearing up for a fight, although he knew that the people behind the scenes could not be separated from those forces, he thought it would not hurt to investigate, so he finally nodded with a smile.
"In that case, then go ahead and do it. If you cause chaos... no, if it's someone desperate, then remember to tell me and I'll go with you to beat the dog."
For Zhu Ying, this was the most beautiful love talk in the world. After all, if it wasn't for Zhang Shou, she would have been in a deep sleep by now, so why would she bother thinking? Although what she just said was mainly Lu Sanlang's idea...
With Zhang Shou's frank words that they share the good and the bad, Zhu Ying had no fears when she let go and did things. In one day, the number of people in the capital who were invited to drink tea by the three shifts of the Shuntian government office was as high as thirty to fifty.
Of course, the third shift of runners did not use the signature chains, but appeared in casual clothes and politely invited you to have tea - this was the inspiration Lu Sanlang got from Zhang Shou's casual description. He also paid for the famous Maojian tea out of his own pocket, and he personally drank tea and talked with people, so gentle and courteous, and he believed that harmony brings wealth.
It's not just him, Zhang Chen, Ji Jiu, Zhu Er , or anyone else... when they really act like big wolves, they really look like them. If you don't know them, no one would know that they were the once famous arrogant dandies in the capital!
After more than a year of maturity and experience, those who could only mingle in the circle of dandies and most of the time used arrogance as a cover, now have deeply understood the meaning of "the masts and oars can be reduced to ashes in the midst of laughter and talk". When necessary, everyone can calmly and nonchalantly act with a dagger hidden in the smile.
Although their status may not be very high, not all of the thirty or fifty people invited for tea are willing to buy in, and not everyone is bribed by someone behind the scenes, but there are always a few people who are easy to deal with. After the personal conversation with Lu Sanlang, Zhang Chen and others, they became obedient and honest.
Lu Sanlang was responsible for coercing and luring the frightened people to set baits, while Zhu Ying personally led the elite troops to follow the dishonest people. Although they were exhausted and many people came up empty-handed, they finally achieved some results in two ways. However, the final .
"It's actually the outer court of the Imperial Household Department?"
Facing the final result of the investigation, Zhu Ying was the most annoyed. Although the others were fearless, they were a little scared of the Silijian, a low-key and mysterious institution.
Even Zhang Chen couldn't help but hesitate and said, "How about we just call it a day? Anyway, we already know who is behind this, so we can just think of a way to punish Lü Chan of the Imperial Household Department, right?"
"What's the point of beating up Lu Chan? Everyone knows that he is Chu Kuan's godson. Do you dare to go and settle accounts with Chu Kuan?" Lu Sanlang looked down on Zhang Chen coldly, but was immediately annoyed by Zhang Chen's retort, "Do you dare?" However, before he could stubbornly reply, "Why don't you dare?", Ji Jiu came out to change the subject at the right time.
"If it was really done by the Imperial Household Department, it's natural to think about it, they have the ability. But if it was them, why is it fair to punish them both? You know, if the news that they were the ones who did it gets out, they will get into trouble. After all, in the past hundred years of this dynasty, what the old officials in the court hate the most is actually the Imperial Household Department's interference in government affairs."
Ji Jiu was actually a newcomer to this small circle, but when he said this, Lu Sanlang gave him a thumbs up in appreciation, and Zhu Er said thoughtfully, "In my opinion, we should just spread the news that the Imperial Household Department is behind this, and let those old masters fight the Imperial Household Department to the death!"
As soon as the second son of Zhu finished speaking, Zhang Chen agreed: "This is a good idea to kill someone with a borrowed knife..."
"What a joke!" Zhu Ying sneered, and then stood up. "Do you think those elders will just believe in rumors without any basis? Do you think Chu Kuan doesn't know who is investigating him? Don't hide some things. I won't need you anymore. You all can go to bed. I'll go find Chu Kuan!"
Seeing Zhu Ying walk away like that, everyone looked at each other, and then subconsciously turned to look at Zhu Er. The elder brother suggested to attack the mastermind behind this, the Imperial Household Department, while the younger sister just went straight to the door with full momentum. The difference is really... too big!
Facing these strange looks, Zhu Er remained calm and said calmly: "My Yingying is so domineering, she can do what others can't... Alas, I, as her brother, am really ashamed of myself!"
Zhu Er was so shameless that he felt inferior to others. What else could others say? After all, Zhu Er was not the only one who had just admitted his weakness. No one dared to confront the Imperial Household Department head-on. Compared with those newly-minted strong officials or rookies, although they had been dandy boys before, they also knew clearly who in the capital should not be offended.
As for worrying about Zhu Ying... To be honest, they are now worried that Chu Kuan is not in the outer court of the Imperial Household Department. The young lady will smash the place in anger, and Lu Chan may not dare to show his head...
Zhu Ying, who did what she said, indeed showed up at the outer court of the Silijian on Dong'anmen Street. Compared with Zhang Shou's low-key approach when he went to the Silijian last time, although the eldest lady did not do anything like blocking the door and shouting, she left a few guards in front of the door and then barged in!
When investigating the incident before, the group led by Zhu Hong came up empty-handed, and Zhu Ying, Lu Sanlang and others decided not to take him with them, so he did not realize until now that the outer office of the Imperial Household Department might be the mastermind.
Although he could understand why Zhu Ying came to the emperor's house to ask for punishment, and he also knew that with Zhu Ying's background now known to the world, the emperor might not blame her even if she made such a fuss, but he could not help but consider the consequences. Therefore, he made a prompt decision and sent all four guards to report the news. Duke Zhao, Madam Tai and Jiu Niang, Zhu Tingfang, and Zhang Shou were all there.
As for why he didn't inform the emperor... It's very simple. There are many government offices on Dong'anmen Street. Although the Silijian Wai Yamen is just a very inconspicuous one, there are countless eyes staring at it. Zhu Ying broke in directly. Is he still afraid that the emperor doesn't know? What he is worried about now is that too many people will see this scene and make random assumptions!
So, after sending the others away, Zhu Hong resolutely... followed them in! Because he felt that if he continued to stand at the door, he would be too conspicuous. But as soon as he entered the outer court of the Imperial Household Department, he found that this mysterious place was not only very quiet and empty, but also had a biggest problem, that is... no one!
It would be fine if there was no gatekeeper. Since he had already barged in without permission, at least someone should come out to question him, right? But why didn't anyone show up? Could it be that they were all inside trying to stop Zhu Ying, so they had no time to deal with such an insignificant person like him?
The more he thought about it, the more worried he became. Zhu Hong had no choice but to bite the bullet and continue to rush in. However, there was no one in the outer courtyard. When he came to the second courtyard, he also didn't see a single person. He even wanted to go back to the east and west side courtyards of the outer courtyard to look around and waste some time. However, before he could take action, he saw a man with an angry face appear in front of him.
It was none other than Zhu Ying!
Seeing Zhu Hong actually followed in, the anger on Zhu Ying's face suddenly turned into astonishment: "How did you get in? Forget it, just come in, there is no one in this damn place, isn't the Imperial Household Department afraid that someone will break in and take away everything? The drawers in the accounting office are not locked, and there are silver and banknotes in them, just like they are fleeing!"
Zhu Hong's face suddenly became extremely interesting. This huge place is actually... no one?
Could it be that they wanted to avoid Miss Zhu's edge, so everyone from top to bottom withdrew? This was too outrageous. Even if Miss Zhu had a bad temper, the Imperial Household Department was the first government office of the eunuchs. Even if there were those female officials in the Shanggong Bureau to share power, it was still the case that the one who was close to the water got the moon first, not to mention that Chu Kuan had watched the emperor grow up and was deeply trusted... He must have guessed wrong, for sure!
However, Chu Kuan, who was drinking tea in a teahouse on the second floor of the corner of Jinyu Hutong, at the end of Dong'anmen Street, diagonally opposite the Silijian outer office, said frankly, "No action, I just hope you can avoid the angry young lady."
Seeing that Lu Chan's face was almost deformed with shock, Chu Kuan smiled calmly and said, "I asked you to do this, and the time is tight and the task is heavy. You didn't clean up the mess from beginning to end. If Zhu Ying really investigates in a big way and has enough manpower, it will be easy to find out about the outer office of the Silijian. Zhu Ying is knocking on your door, and you will suffer if you stay, so you'd better retreat."
It took Lu Chan a long time to come up with a reasonable excuse: "Are you trying to make the emperor feel that Miss Zhu is overbearing?"
"You think too much! The emperor likes Zhu Ying's simplicity, directness and roughness. What's a little domineering?" Chu Kuan put down the teacup in his hand and said nonchalantly, "I didn't intend to let those court officials think Zhu Ying was domineering, because there is no need for that. I schemed against her son-in-law, but I didn't want to apologize to her, so I had to hide. Don't worry, someone will persuade her to go back soon."
