My father is Jiajing

The leader who was kneeling to remonstrate at the Meridian Gate was whipped on the back, and his official uniform was torn immediately, leaving a conspicuous bloodstain, and the heart-wrenching pain immediately pierced his heart!

This guy Chen Hong actually had his whip soaked in salt water!
He endured the severe pain, stared at Chen Hong with red eyes, and said in a trembling voice, "Chen Hong! You are a eunuch traitor! You tortured the imperial officials without permission, you are committing treason!!!"

Chen Hong snorted and didn't even look at it. He had already given such an order, so why would he care about these dog-barking words?

After the fight is over and you've vented your anger, take all these people back to the Dongchang prison for strict interrogation. Who knows, maybe they are all Dong Fen's accomplices.

In this way, Chen Hong is not only blameless, but also meritorious!

Therefore, Chen Hong ignored him at all. Instead, with a crazy and fierce look, he personally grabbed a whip and walked towards the leading official: "Minister Qian, today I will teach you what respect and order mean!"

Chen Hong was about to swing the whip viciously!

At this moment, a figure flew over and stood in front of Minister Qian!
At the same time, Chen Hong did not retract the whip, and directly hit the man hard on the back, making a chilling sound!

"Gu Gu Yushi!"

Minister Qian exclaimed in surprise. He recognized the person who helped him block the whip. It turned out to be Gu Yun, the Censor of the Censorate who had retired and was preparing to return to his hometown in Jiangnan!

Although Gu Yun did not hold a prominent official position, he was a member of the Wuxi Gu family, a prominent family in Jiangnan. His influence in Jiangnan and among the censors in the Censorate was almost comparable to that of the Chief Censor of the Censorate. He was a person of high moral character and prestige!
Unexpectedly, he came today to support his colleagues.

Gu Yun, who was nearly seventy years old, groaned and fell to his knees, but he still held Minister Qian tightly.

Gu Yun pointed at Chen Hong, looking at him with eyes wide open, "Eunuch! You! You dare to harm the loyal people, you will be punished!"

When Chen Hong saw that it was Gu Yun, he was stunned at first, and then became even more angry.

Especially Gu Yun's call of "eunuch thief" directly hurt Chen Hong's sensitive self-esteem.

Although Gu Yun was highly respected in the court and had been in the Censorate for decades, even the Emperor treated him with courtesy.

But it was obvious that he dared to get together with Minister Qian and others, gather a crowd to cause trouble, and attempt to rescue the traitor Dong Fen and his accomplices!
Chen Hong can't stand it!
"Old thing! If we give you face, you will be a respected old censor. If we don't give you face, you will be an old thing who can only bark and sell your integrity for fame! Since you are looking for death, we will grant your wish!"

Chen Hong glared, his face grim as he raised the whip again, ready to whip again!

And at this critical moment, a burst of hurried horse hooves sounds came from far away.

Everyone was attracted by the sudden and urgent sound. They turned their heads and saw a blue cloth carriage coming towards the Meridian Gate under the escort of a team of loyal servants.

"Lord Xu is here!"

The person who came was Xu Jie!

Originally Xu Jie was reluctant to come, but he never expected that the matter he reported about Dong Fen would cause so much trouble.

Now not only Dong Fen was arrested, but many people in the court who had previous dealings and interactions with Dong Fen were also implicated.

Now there is a group of ignorant people kneeling in front of the Meridian Gate to make remonstrations. This is really making things very difficult.

No wonder, when Yan Song was in charge of the country in the cabinet, he hated these “despicable bones” who could only kneel down and make suggestions at every turn.

Now that he was in charge of the cabinet, Xu Jie finally understood Yan Song's feelings.

With these guys around, good things will turn into bad things, and bad things will only get worse!
With this shout, the entire Meridian Gate Square fell silent in an instant.

Even Chen Hong, who was holding a whip ready to hit someone, put it down and looked at the approaching carriage with an uncertain expression.

Chen Hong was extremely nervous at the moment. He was trying to avoid Xu Jie. He didn't expect that this old silver coin would appear again at this time.

After the carriage stopped, the curtain was lifted, and the chief minister of the cabinet, Xu Jie, wearing a first-grade red official robe, walked out quickly from the carriage.

Xu Jie looked at this scene with concern, his brows filled with worry for the country and the people.

When he saw the tragic scene in Wumen Square, his heart trembled even more.

He didn't expect that Chen Hong would be so bold and presumptuous, and he really regretted having contacted him privately.

Such a crazy person will surely bring disaster upon himself sooner or later!
"Eunuch Chen! What are you doing!?"

In front of all the officials and the people, Xu Jie could not have any hesitation. He had to show his position, otherwise the consequences would be so serious that he could not bear it.

Even though he was slandered by Chen Hong and dismissed from his post afterwards, he could still exert great influence and gain greater reputation because of his image as a person who spoke out for justice for all officials!
So, at this moment, it doesn’t matter whether it’s acting or it’s sincere.

Xu Jie must stand up straight and accuse Chen Hong!

Xu Jie's angry shout, although not loud, carried unquestionable majesty, "Who allowed you to lynch an official of the imperial court? Are you trying to bring disgrace upon His Majesty's holy name?"

Xu Jie started by putting a big accusation on Chen Hong and set the tone for Chen Hong's beating.

Chen Hong was overwhelmed by Xu Jie's momentum, and he couldn't help but feel more nervous, and a hint of panic appeared on his face.

But at this time, Chen Hong also knew that he could not show his weakness, otherwise not only would the investigation of the case fail, but even his current power and status would be affected.

Moreover, Chen Hong, the eunuch who held the seal of the Imperial Household Department, also believed that he was not much worse than Xu Jie, the Prime Minister of the Cabinet!

His position is also known as "Inner Minister".

So how could he be easily suppressed by Xu Jie's words?

Chen Hong adjusted his facial expression and said calmly, "Lord Xu, why are you here? These officials gathered at the Meridian Gate with the intention of forcing the emperor to abdicate. We have been ordered by the emperor to investigate and punish Dong Fen's accomplices. Now they want to protect their accomplices. Does Lord Xu want to protect them too?"

"Nonsense!"

Xu Jie interrupted sternly, "I was the first to expose Dong Fen's evil deeds. How could I protect him? These officials are all pillars of the court, how could they do such a thing as forcing the emperor to abdicate? It is obvious that you are taking advantage of the power of others to intimidate them, making them feel scared and come to the Meridian Gate to kneel and make a complaint."

Chen Hong laughed, but a hint of disdain flashed in his eyes.

Outsiders don't know what kind of person Xu Jie is, but he knows a thing or two.

Chen Hong said: "Are you afraid? If you have nothing to hide, why are you afraid? From our perspective, these people are Dong Fen's accomplices, and they should all be arrested and interrogated carefully!"

Xu Jie was furious and ignored Chen Hong.

He walked quickly to Minister Qian and Gu Yun and helped them stand up.

When Xu Jie saw the scars on Gu Yun's back and the blood on the corners of his mouth, he didn't know whether it was because of his acting skills or because he was really sad, tears suddenly welled up in his eyes: "Old Censor Gu, why are you doing this?"

Gu Yun smiled with difficulty, then turned back to look at the officials who were kneeling and being beaten, and said angrily: "Sir, I don't mind dying. I just ask you to save these loyal officials."

Xu Jie nodded heavily, and then turned to all the kneeling officials: "Everyone, please stand up first! For what happened today, I will definitely seek justice from His Majesty and the prince!"

When the officials heard Xu Jie's words, they all breathed a sigh of relief and thanked and praised Xu Jie for his righteousness and integrity.

Many people were already in tears.

Chen Hong watched coldly, feeling even more disdainful at the performance of these people.

So you guys are all good people? And we are the treacherous officials and bad people?

Xu Jie advised everyone again: "You go back first, I will take care of the rest."

Everyone quickly bowed to Xu Jie to express their gratitude and prepared to leave.

Chen Hong looked at this scene and decided that he couldn't let these people go like this.

Chen Hong immediately said, "Wait a minute, did our family let you go?"

When Xu Jie heard this, his face turned cold. He turned to Chen Hong and said in a tough voice, "Eunuch Chen, immediately release all the innocent officials who were arrested! Otherwise, I will go to Wenhua Palace to meet the prince and report you!"

Chen Hong snorted, showing no fear at all!

If Xu Jie was in charge of this matter, why didn't he say a word in the past few days?

Now Xu Jie and the Emperor have the same idea, both want to thoroughly investigate Dong Fen's accomplices. Since Chen Hong can guess Xu Jie's thoughts, he is naturally not afraid of Xu Jie's threats.

Chen Hong laughed and said, "Lord Xu, please don't scare me. I am acting according to your orders. If you have any objections, you can report them directly to the Emperor and the Prince."

Then Chen Hong paused again and added meaningfully, "It's just that the prince has been serving the emperor recently, and he hates being disturbed the most. If you are not afraid, you can go and give it a try!"

Xu Jie naturally heard the threat in Chen Hong's words, and he couldn't help but get even more angry.

But when I think about what has happened recently, it is indeed strange, really dazzling and overwhelming.

Xu Jie didn't dare to speak out for a moment, he could only suppress his anger: "Okay, very good. Since Eunuch Chen is like this, we will see!"

After saying that, Xu Jie flicked his sleeves and left.

All the officials who were waiting with hope in front of the Meridian Gate were dumbfounded.

Why did Lord Xu start off well but end badly?
Chen Hong looked at Xu Jie's back, a sneer appearing on the corner of his mouth.

He knew that Xu Jie was an overly cautious coward. He would not bite anyone unless he was forced to do so and his life was in danger!

Chen Hong snorted and looked at everyone, "What are you looking at? Didn't you see that Lord Xu has left? Come here! Capture all of Dong Fen's accomplices!"

Chen Hong gave a direct order to arrest all the officials who were kneeling in front of the Meridian Gate.

After Chen Hong arrested all these officials, the matter spread like a gust of wind throughout the capital in an instant.

Zhu Zaigui, who was accompanying Emperor Jiajing in the Wanshou Palace in Xiyuan, also received the news just sent by Li Fang at this time.

Zhu Zaigui put the news aside and continued to focus on preparing the ointment for Emperor Jiajing.

These medicines were specially formulated by Li Shizhen to treat the carbuncles on Emperor Jiajing's body, and they need to remain continuously active.

So when Zhu Zaigui had nothing to do, he would stir it with a silver spoon to keep it in the best colloidal activity.

Emperor Jiajing was sitting in his seat, soaking his feet in a newly made wooden barrel. The water in the barrel was also fifty-year-old Huadiao tea.

This was not only the habit of Emperor Jiajing, but also Li Shizhen's method of detoxification.

Therefore, during the period when Li Shizhen was treating Emperor Jiajing, Emperor Jiajing did not give up the habit of soaking his feet in Lao Huadiao tea, but enjoyed it even more.

"what happened?"

Emperor Jiajing, who was soaking his feet, saw Zhu Zaigui putting aside a secret note with a message that had just been delivered, and asked curiously.

Zhu Zaigui picked up the ointment in his hand and continued to mix it. He walked to the side of Emperor Jiajing and said, "It was Chen Hong who beat all the officials who knelt in front of the Meridian Gate to make remonstrances, and then arrested them all in the name of Dong Fen's accomplices."

After listening to what Zhu Zaigui said, Emperor Jiajing couldn't help but laugh, "Good arrest! They knelt at the wrong door to beg for mercy. Who else should we arrest? Don't they know that I have been in the Western Garden the whole time? What does kneeling at the Meridian Gate mean? Are they hoping for my death?"

Zhu Zaigui coaxed Emperor Jiajing: "Father, don't be angry with these people. Now we have our brother Zhen watching outside and Chen Hong stirring up trouble inside. We just need to sit back and wait and see what waves they can stir up!"

Emperor Jiajing nodded and agreed with Zhu Zai's opinion.

Then he asked, "Why did you stop me from issuing the imperial edict to appoint you as the crown prince that day?"

Zhu Zaigui put the ointment he had prepared aside, and then helped Emperor Jiajing apply the ointment. The cool feeling brought by the ointment also made Emperor Jiajing feel comfortable.

At this time, Zhu Zaigui smiled and said, "The weather is too hot. If father sends out this edict, those people will definitely urge the Ministry of Rites and the Imperial Astronomical Observatory to set an auspicious day for me to wear the crown prince's first clothes. After going through this set of cumbersome rituals, even if I don't die of heatstroke, I will be tortured to death by them."

"In another two months, when the weather is nice and crisp in autumn, father will issue the decree to appoint me as the crown prince. It won't be too late."

Emperor Jiajing laughed. He didn't expect that Zhu Zaigui was afraid of the heat, so he withheld the imperial edict.

However, deep down in the heart of Emperor Jiajing, he still thought that Zhu Zaigui was worried about the prophecy of "two dragons never meeting" and was afraid that once he was named the crown prince, the prophecy might come true and hurt him or himself.

After all, judging from the current situation, Emperor Jiajing is the one with the worst health.

Therefore, Emperor Jiajing subconsciously believed that Zhu Zaigui was suppressing him for the sake of his health.

For this reason, Emperor Jiajing felt very moved and guilty.

Emperor Jiajing said, "Okay, then let's wait until autumn, when the weather is cooler and more comfortable. I will personally preside over the enthronement ceremony for you and put on the crown prince's robes for you!"

Zhu Zaigui smiled and said, "Thank you, father."

Then he carefully helped Emperor Jiajing apply ointment to help alleviate the changes in the sores on his body.

Emperor Jiajing looked at Zhu Zaigui, who was serious and careful, and felt relieved and moved.

He had been dependent on his family since he was young. His father passed away when he was in his teens. After he went to the capital and became emperor, his mother also passed away.

After much difficulty in raising a son and nurturing him as his hope, he died just after the coming-of-age ceremony.

Faced with such tragic news, Emperor Jiajing could only hide his sorrow and abide by the prophecy given by Tao Zhongwen that "two dragons will never meet" in the hope that he and his son would be safe.

Now Emperor Jiajing took the initiative to break the prophecy of "two dragons never meeting each other", met both of his sons, and finally enjoyed the family happiness between father and sons.

How relieved, happy and joyful his heart was.

It's natural to imagine.

Zhu Zaigui, who was helping Emperor Jiajing apply the ointment, finally finished applying it.

Zhu Zaigui then instructed, "Father, be careful not to rub off the ointment. I will help you wipe it off after the effect of the ointment wears off."

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