Di Ming

Chapter 293 Farewell at Fengting
From the moment he was suddenly imprisoned and not even questioned by the emperor, Tian Yi knew that the emperor had his eye on his silver.

Then, Zheng Guotai would torture him into confessing, and he would be executed on charges of treason. Then the emperor could legitimately confiscate his family property.

It was almost certainly a certain death situation!

However, Zheng Guotai, who was originally going to torture him to extract a confession, not only suddenly stopped the torture, but also changed his attitude and treated him with courtesy.

Someone must have made a move. After thinking it over, the most likely culprit is Chizuru.

Seeing Zhu Yin appear at this moment, Tian Yi became even more certain of his guess.

However, his personal relationship with Zhu Yin was a secret. Seeing Zhu Yin, he didn't show any intimacy, but instead calmly cupped his hands and said, "So it's you, Your Excellency. I didn't know you'd come here..."

"Lord Tian," Zhu Yin said, maintaining a gentlemanly demeanor, "I am here on behalf of the Cabinet and the Nine Ministers, representing my colleagues in the outer court, to welcome Lord Tian upon his release from prison."

When Madam Ning saw Zhu Yin, she felt much more at ease and comforted.

Seeing the Tian family's miserable state, Zhu Yin felt great sympathy, but he couldn't show it too much.

Zhu Yin led a group of officials to escort Tian Yi out of prison, but of course, it wasn't that simple.

He did indeed come on behalf of the cabinet ministers and the nine high officials.

Upon learning that the emperor was about to issue an edict to release Tian Yi, Zhu Yin secretly arranged for court officials to welcome Tian Yi out of prison. Although he himself did not appear in person, as the leader of the Zhu faction, his cronies soon called on the cabinet and court officials to welcome Tian Yi out of prison.

The cabinet and the Nine Ministers were already dissatisfied with the emperor's sudden removal of the well-regarded Tian Yi, and had adopted a stance of indifferent protest. At this time, when the Zhu faction called for welcoming Tian Yi out of prison, public opinion immediately fermented. Taking advantage of the public sentiment in the court, the cabinet and the Nine Ministers simply sent representatives to welcome Tian Yi out of prison, subtly expressing their dissatisfaction with the emperor.

They were powerless to change the emperor's capriciousness, but they could use this method to annoy him.

The cabinet and the nine ministers decided to send representatives to welcome Tian Yi out of prison. Shen Yiguan immediately recommended Zhu Yin to lead the team, giving his favorite student another opportunity to boost his reputation.

Therefore, Zhu Yin secretly instigated public opinion to welcome Tian Yi, while publicly representing the officials to welcome Tian Yi out of prison; he was in control both ways. Truly, he was adept at maneuvering in the political arena.

The emperor could not blame Zhu Yin. This was because Zhu Yin was dispatched by the cabinet to represent the officials, not to welcome Tian Yi in his personal capacity.

If you want to find fault, find fault with the cabinet and the nine ministers; you won't find fault with Zhu Zhihu.

At this moment, all the officials bowed to Tian Yi, remaining silent and showing deep respect.

Tian Yi was a rare virtuous eunuch in the dynasty. During his years in charge of the Directorate of Ceremonial, he maintained good relations with both the government and the people, ensuring the stability of the court. Even when the emperor did not attend court, the country remained peaceful.

Tian Yi's contributions are indispensable.

Although civil officials had always disliked eunuchs, they still held a degree of respect for a virtuous and capable official like Tian Yi. Their concern was, what if Tian Yi was gone and his successor was an incompetent fool?

Tian Yi bowed in return, tears streaming down his face, and said, "What virtue or ability do I possess to be so grateful to you gentlemen for not abandoning me? I am deeply grateful and dare not accept such a favor."

In the end, he realized that after more than forty years in the palace and with connections throughout the twenty-four departments of the inner court, those who truly cared about him were actually the officials outside the palace.

None of his courtier colleagues, who had benefited from his favors, dared to step forward.

Zhu Yin said, "The cabinet ministers and the nine high-ranking officials say that Lord Tian is a virtuous gentleman who has made contributions to the country, and that good people are always blessed by Heaven."

"The road ahead is long, may you live in peace. Lord Tian has retired to the countryside, far from the court. Please take this time and carefully, and may the clouds part and the sun shine through."

Upon hearing this, Zheng Guotai, who had just stepped out of the prison, immediately turned pale.

Slap in the face!

The courtiers are slapping the emperor in the face—not just his face, but the emperor's!

The court officials were dissatisfied with the emperor's handling of Tian Yi on trumped-up charges, but they were helpless, so they deliberately united to oppose the emperor.

Didn't you say Tian Yi was a sinner? We'll insist he's a gentleman.

We can't help Tian Yi, but we can annoy you!
Zheng Guotai suddenly felt a profound sense of powerlessness, a powerlessness on behalf of the Emperor. The Emperor was the supreme ruler, his words carrying the weight of law. But if these civil officials were angered, even the Emperor would be overwhelmed.

He didn't dare to argue and could only report to the palace immediately.

Tian Yi addressed the officials, saying, “Thunder and rain, all are the Emperor’s grace. I thank you all for your deep affection. I am an old man who has been punished, and my body is useless. I am unworthy to serve the Holy Emperor. I have been holding a position without doing my job for many years. I am ashamed before the Emperor and the country.”

After speaking, he slowly knelt down, facing north and kowtowing.

"Your Majesty, this old servant, Tian Yi, kowtows and bids farewell."

Seeing Tian Yi's actions, Zhu Yin knew that he was not only bidding farewell to the emperor, but also to the palace where he had spent more than forty years. Furthermore, he was saying goodbye to the beliefs he had once upheld.

The bond between ruler and subject is now severed!
……

Inside the Qianqing Palace, the emperor was watching a puppet show. Upon hearing the report from the Embroidered Uniform Guard, he immediately lost interest.

"What?" The emperor was very displeased. "The Grand Secretariat and the Nine Ministers sent Zhu Yin with more than a hundred ministers to welcome Tian Yi out of prison and praise him as a gentleman?"

"They are deliberately going against me."

"Tian Yi is a gentleman, does that mean I'm wrong? That I'm a foolish ruler who can't distinguish between loyalty and treachery? His heart is despicable."

"Do they still have any sense of loyalty and filial piety towards their ruler and father when they act like this?"

"They comforted Tian Yi, not because Tian Yi was a gentleman, but because Tian Yi was easy to talk to and did not make things difficult for the outer court, thus giving them convenience."

"In recent years, the Directorate of Ceremonial and the Cabinet have been on very good terms. Since they're so harmonious, why not just merge the two into one? Wouldn't that save trouble?"

The emperor was furious about this.

Of course he knew Tian Yi was innocent. But in his heart, Tian Yi was just a servant, a dog. So what if he was wronged? It was a favor.

Even if Tian Yi was wronged, the court officials should not use this as an excuse to stir up trouble.

Zheng Guotai cautiously said, "Your Majesty, should we arrest a few of the ringleaders, such as Zhu Yin..."

The emperor glared at his brother-in-law, wishing he could kick him.

"Use your brain!" the emperor snapped at his brother-in-law. "If we arrest people, won't piles of memorials from the outer court flood the palace? It'll be so annoying, how will I ever have any peace and quiet?"

"If arresting people were effective, then all we would need to do is arrest people; what would be the point of having an outer court?"

"Yes, yes!" Zheng Guotai didn't dare to utter a sound after being kicked, and was immediately terrified and broke out in a cold sweat. "Your Majesty is wise. It was my stupidity that made me think too simply."

The emperor said, "Go and tell Tian Yi to leave the capital immediately! They will bring Tian Yi out of prison, and I will make sure he can't stay there for even a day."

"When Zhang Jing takes over the Directorate of Ceremonial, let's see if they still have the same convenience as when Tian Yi was in charge."

The emperor couldn't help but let out a cold laugh as he said this.

His primary motivation for taking down Tian Yi was undoubtedly the money. But besides money, he also wanted to make room for Zhang Jing.

Only Zhang Jing could effectively restrain the outer court and suppress the ministers who supported the eldest son of the emperor.

Zhang Jing is not a gentleman, but he is a fierce dog and a sharp knife. If used well, he could even help Chang Xun become the crown prince!

He was becoming increasingly aware that in this struggle for the very foundation of the state, he could not defeat the court officials through ordinary means. He had to resort to unconventional methods.

First, we must use ruthless villains to fight poison with poison!
Once Chang Xun becomes the crown prince, he can kill the villains to appease the people and give the court an explanation, and he will still be a wise and benevolent ruler. That's how my grandfather dealt with the Yan family father and son.

……

Fengting is located twenty miles southwest of Beijing, north of Liangxiang Post Station.

Night had fallen, and the official road was nearly deserted. Yet, a magnificent carriage was parked here, surrounded by a dozen or so knights in sturdy armor.

Inside the pavilion, two women were warming wine and grilling meat.

With a dozen lanterns illuminating the area, and the full moon of the fourteenth day of the lunar month, the area inside and outside Fengting was as bright as day.

As the first watch bell of Beijing rang out, a knight's steed suddenly reared up and neighed.

"My lord, my lady," another knight said, pointing north, "a troop of men has arrived; it should be Lord Tian and his family."

"Understood." A clear voice came from inside the carriage.

Immediately afterwards, a perfect young couple emerged from the carriage at a leisurely pace.

Immediately afterwards, a large, shiny black dog jumped off the carriage, and as soon as its four hairy paws touched the ground, it stretched lazily.

Then a chubby, adorable little girl jumped out of the carriage.

These three people and one dog are, of course, Zhu Yin, the Ning sisters, and Xiao Hei.

They appeared at Fengting near Liangxiang Post Station at night to see Tian Yi's family off.

The emperor issued an edict ordering Tian Yi, who had been released from prison, to leave the capital that very day and not linger, showing extreme cruelty towards the veteran official.

Tian Yi was released from prison at dusk. Upon receiving the imperial edict, he had to rush out of the city with his family overnight before the city gates closed. He did not have a chance to stay at home overnight and was forced to leave the capital in haste.

Therefore, Zhu Yin and the others immediately left the city ahead of time and waited at Fengting, which Tian Yi was bound to pass by.

At this moment, in the deep autumn night fog, a hazy light appeared, and the faint sound of bells could be heard.

They should have arrived by now.

Soon, several carriages, escorted by dozens of servants, appeared before them. The group of people looked lifeless, and the lanterns they carried bore the character "田" (field).

When they arrived at Fengting, they were all surprised to see Zhu Yin and the others waiting there.

"Aunt!" Ning Caiwei called out, then ran forward, her skirts jingling.

"Caiwei?" The carriage curtain was lifted, and Ning Shi peeked out half of her face. The place where the floral decoration used to be on her forehead was empty, revealing two deep vertical lines.

Ning Caiwei almost didn't recognize her aunt. The noblewoman who always wore a gold phoenix hairpin in her memory now only had her hair loosely tied up in a round bun, which made the cinnabar mole by her ear look even more vivid.

"Aunt." Ning Caiwei stepped forward and gave a graceful curtsy. "Your daughter greets you, Aunt. You have been frightened."

"It really is Caiwei. My son..." Ning wanted to laugh, but the corners of her mouth seemed to be pulled down by a thin rope, and tears welled up in her eyes.

Ning Qingchen also stepped forward and said, "Your son greets your aunt!"

"Great! Qingchen is here too, I'm so happy..." Ning smiled through her tears.

"I never expected to see you all this way outside Beijing! I was wondering if I'd ever see you again..."

In the car behind, Tian Yi was also helped off. His indigo robe hung loosely on his body, making him look like an old country scholar.

This powerful eunuch, who once approved imperial edicts on behalf of the emperor, now had a much more hunched back, a swollen face, and wrinkled skin and white hair. Although he was only in his fifties, he looked like he was in his sixties or seventies.

Only his weathered eyes remained deep and serene.

“Uncle,” Zhu Yin stepped forward and bowed, “I knew you would pass through this place, so I waited here for you.”

Ning Caiwei and Ning Qingchen also greeted Tian Yi together.

“Child Tiger, I know you’re waiting for me. Cough cough…” Tian Yi said, startling a crow on the roof of the car.

"I am now a criminal and a homeless dog. It is rare that you are so kind and righteous to see me off."

Meeting Zhu Yin and Ning Caiwei to see him off was his greatest comfort.

Zhihu and Caiwei are truly loyal; he didn't misjudge them.

"Brother Zhihu!" Tian Zheng, Tian Yi's adopted son, jumped off his horse. "I know everything! You sent someone to deliver 30,000 taels of silver to the Li family..."

Zhu Yin waved his hand and said, "Cousin, there's no need to say anything more. This is a small matter! Even if it were hundreds of thousands of taels of silver, let alone tens of thousands, I couldn't disregard my uncle's safety. If you want to thank me, then there's no need."

Tian Zheng was filled with emotion. "Alright, alright, I won't say anymore. A friend in need is a friend indeed."

After the father returned home, the group met and realized that Zhu Yin had secretly done a lot of work.

This is how my father was spared torture and forced confession in the imperial prison, and was released safely after only two days.

Zhihu is the Tian family's savior.

Xie Langhuan emerged from the last carriage, tears streaming down her face, and greeted Zhu Yin and the others.

She was once the daughter-in-law of the Grand Eunuch, a woman of the highest social standing. How could she have fallen so low overnight? It's truly heartbreaking.

“Autumn is deep and the dew is heavy, Uncle, why don’t you have some warm wine?” Zhu Yin said. “Let’s have a few drinks here at Fengting Pavilion as a farewell to Uncle and Aunt.”

He instructed his attendants, "Set out wine in the pavilion!"

"Alright," Tian Yi nodded. "I also have something important to tell you. I might as well tell you tonight. I don't trust anyone else but you."

He suddenly pointed to Fengting and sighed, "I remember when I saw Feng Bao off here, it was the same weather, the same season."

……

No one could have imagined that Zhu Yin would be drinking with Tian Yi at Fengting that night.

Several people sat around a round table in the pavilion, where there was wine and food. Seeing this, Ning was both happy and sad, and wept, saying:
"To be honest, we haven't gotten together in a long time to avoid suspicion, and we usually visit each other secretly. Today is great, we can even have a reunion dinner together before we leave."

Ning Qingchen said without any sadness, "Aunt, don't be sad. Take good care of yourself. There will be many more days to get together in the future."

Ning Caiwei added, "Yes, Aunt, this trip back to Guanzhong is also a return to my hometown. I'll rest here for a few years, eat Guanzhong millet, and see the scenery of Chang'an. Sooner or later, I will come to Guanzhong to see you."

Tian Yi drank a cup of wine and said to Zhu Yin, "Zhihu, what promises did you make to the Li family when you negotiated on behalf of the Tian family? It wasn't just tens of thousands of taels of silver, was it?"

Zhu Yin nodded: "Nothing can be hidden from Uncle. To be honest, I sent someone to promise the Tian family that after rescuing Uncle, they would give the Li family all three estates in Baoding Prefecture and a tea plantation in Jiangnan."

"You did the right thing." Tian Yi was very pleased. "Then keep your promise and give it to them!"

"Chihtora, before I leave, I have some things to tell you and some things to entrust to you. These are confidential matters, so please be careful!"

P.S.: I'm currently out of town and still in a hotel. Typing is difficult for me, so I'll stop here. Thank you, please leave a comment!

(End of this chapter)