Ming Dynasty: I, Yan Maoqing, am truly radiating auspicious energy!

Chapter 201 Close the Gates, Release Yan Shifan! [Seeking Monthly Tickets]

Watching Huang Jin's departing figure, Zhu Houcong's expression gradually became solemn, and he muttered to himself:
"Something emitting blue smoke, that's not like you at all..."

"What are you worried about this time that makes you afraid to use your full strength and act recklessly?"

In fact, Zhu Houcong was not entirely unaware of the dirty deeds these eunuchs committed by relying on imperial power to deceive and cover up their misdeeds.

However, adhering to the principle of treating the "cooks" around him well, as long as these servants did not cause trouble and could still do some things for him, he chose to turn a blind eye.

Otherwise, with the court controlled by the eunuch group, once even the "loyalty" of these eunuchs is completely lost, he will become increasingly isolated, and imperial power will be even more difficult to exercise...

Therefore, although he called Feng Jinzhong a "slippery person", he still appointed him to take charge of the military affairs bureau.

In his memory, Yan Maoqing was a truly despicable person who would stop at nothing.

Anyone who stands in his way, even with the slightest flaw, he has countless ways to exploit and force them to submit, thus achieving his goals.

Feng Jinzhong is definitely not the kind of person who can't get away with anything.

This time, however, Yan Maoqing was unable to control him as he had done before, and instead resorted to this despicable act of extortion.

Moreover, this method is not clever at all; it can even be described as low-level.

So low that Feng Jinzhong didn't even bother to pay attention, and just sat by and watched him cry and wail all the way back to the palace to file a complaint with the emperor.

Compared to his previous threats to the Left Censor-in-Chief Wang Tingxiang, which resulted in the destruction of his family, this was far too childish and could not possibly pose a substantial deterrent to Feng Jinzhong.

Therefore, Zhu Houcong felt there was only one explanation for Yan Maoqing's unusual behavior this time:

[It seems this thing emitting blue smoke also understands the principle of "treating cooks well," so when facing these eunuchs, he began to consider my situation, thus restraining his hands and feet!]

Thinking about these things, a warm feeling unconsciously welled up in Zhu Houcong's heart.

For an emperor to have such a wise, capable, and discerning minister is surely a great blessing in life.

……

"..."

On his way to expel Yan Maoqing and to deliver the imperial edict to the Bureau of Armory, Huang Jin seemed lost in thought.

Although the Emperor just said something like, "I know what kind of shit this thing that's emitting green smoke is going to poop the moment it sticks out its butt,"

However, Huang Jin felt that the relationship between the Emperor and Yan Maoqing was more like a two-way journey, and Yan Maoqing was well aware of how to help the Emperor.
Just like this time.

Yan Maoqing was clearly taking advantage of the emperor's "extreme concern for face," and the emperor was also aware that Yan Maoqing was using him for this reason.

If someone else had done this, the Emperor would have been resentful, and it's uncertain how he would have handled the matter.

But when it came to Yan Maoqing, the emperor calmly accepted being used and even granted the scoundrel's wish by transferring Feng Jinzhong to a sinecure and having him temporarily manage the Bureau of Armaments.

What did he say, "Go and keep an eye on this thing that's emitting blue smoke, and see what it's up to this time"?
Even if Huang Jin was stupid, he couldn't possibly not understand Zhu Houcong's intentions. This wasn't about him keeping an eye on Yan Maoqing; it was clearly about him cooperating with Yan Maoqing.

I just don't know what kind of trouble Yan Maoqing is planning this time. I hope he won't drag our family into it...

Just as I was thinking this.

"Eunuch Huang?"

Suddenly, Yan Maoqing's voice came from not far away, followed by another wail.

"Eunuch Huang, are all eunuchs so arrogant and domineering? How dare you beat me like this! I demand to see the Emperor..."

Come again?

Huang Jin glanced at Yan Maoqing's disheveled and ragged appearance, then stepped forward helplessly to interrupt him:
"Minister Yan, the Emperor already knows about the matter concerning the Bureau of Armory, but he does not wish to see you and has specifically ordered me to come and persuade you to leave."

"what?"

Yan Maoqing's wailing paused for a second, then resumed even louder.
"Then all that beating I took was for nothing? The Emperor is colluding with you eunuchs, I can't keep my post anymore. I must resign and return to my hometown..."

"Minister Yan, you mustn't talk nonsense!"

Huang Jin quickly stopped Yan Maoqing and said seriously,
"Although the Emperor does not wish to see you, he has already ordered the transfer of Feng Jinzhong, and my family will temporarily take charge of the Armory. From now on, when you come to the Armory on official business, you will be dealing with my family."

"Minister Yan, the Emperor's heart is still with you. Please accept this great favor!"

"really?"

Yan Maoqing's howling stopped abruptly, and a smile instantly bloomed on his cat-like face.

I knew you were faking it!
Huang Jin cursed inwardly, feeling sorry for Feng Jinzhong for provoking Yan Maoqing, but couldn't help making a sarcastic remark:
"We're not like Minister Yan, how dare we arbitrarily impose our will?"

"How dare Eunuch Huang slander someone's innocence for no reason? How can serving the Emperor faithfully be called abusing power?"

Yan Maoqing was somewhat dissatisfied, but then he changed his expression and said solemnly,
"Now that Eunuch Huang has become the head of the Bureau of Armed Forces, I think it is very necessary to give him a heads-up in advance."

"After Eunuch Huang takes over from Eunuch Feng, he should immediately eliminate dissidents within the Bureau of Armaments and replace all the key positions with his own adopted sons."

"In particular, those in charge of the gunpowder department and the armory must be ensured to be cautious and trustworthy. From this day forward, they should be patrolled day and night, both openly and secretly, without the slightest negligence."

Huang Jin, filled with doubt, asked:
"Minister Yan, what is the reason for this?"

"Because I have a feeling that something big might happen next. Better safe than sorry."

Yan Maoqing chuckled.
“Eunuch Huang, believe me, this matter not only concerns your future, but may even concern your life.”

"I only gave this kind warning because I consider Eunuch Huang a close friend. I wouldn't tell just anyone."

"Is it really just... Yan Butang's premonition?"

Huang Jin looked suspicious.

He strongly suspected that Yan Maoqing was planning something big at the Armory again.

This matter has a high probability of causing a series of uncontrollable shocks, which is why there is such a so-called "premonition" and this hypocritical warning.

emperor?

How could I possibly shirk my responsibility for the seal of the Armory Bureau?
I feel like before I've even left the palace or entered the Armory, Yan Maoqing has already prepared a pool of mud, just waiting for me to step into it!
"What else could it be but a premonition if it hasn't happened yet?"

Yan Maoqing smiled and asked a question in return, then turned around and, completely different from before, walked briskly towards the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, saying as he went,

"Time waits for no one, Eunuch Huang must act quickly, otherwise we may have to pee a lot during the night."

Don't say you weren't warned!

……

The Court of Imperial Sacrifices.

"..."

From the moment Yan Maoqing entered the room, he immediately became the focus of everyone's attention.

This is the second time Yan Maoqing has made such a mess of things!
Among those present were seasoned scholars who had spent decades navigating the officialdom, and even a fellow Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination) of Yan Maoqing's generation. But for all of them, this was the first time they had ever seen a third-rank official so utterly disheveled and miserable. If it always remained like this...

The next time they shouted, "What is the Court of Imperial Sacrifices?", they seemed to lack confidence.

Even the crowd was unsure whether they should approach Yan Maoqing to greet him, since under normal circumstances, no one would want to be seen in such a disheveled state.

Anyway, if it were them...

What they need to do now is definitely go home first, take some time to wash up, and change into a new set of clothes. They will never return to the Court of Imperial Sacrifices under these circumstances.

I really can't bear the shame.

However, Yan Maoqing seemed completely unconcerned, and even took the initiative to greet everyone:

"Everyone's busy with their own things, don't worry about me."

"By the way, where is Yan Shifan now?"

Before he could finish speaking, Yan Shifan appeared out of nowhere, squeezed in front of Yan Maoqing, and bowed respectfully.

"Minister Yan, your humble servant is here."

After arriving at the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, Yan Shifan made some progress. He hadn't been late for roll call for a long time, and he had learned to address people by their official titles instead of using "little uncle" to curry favor.

"Come in with me."

Yan Maoqing nodded and led Yan Shifan into the duty room.

Everyone watched Yan Maoqing leave in silence, and no one dared to step forward and ask what was going on.

However, everyone now knew that the Imperial Household Department was about to recruit and train soldiers, and they all looked at Shen Kun and Gao Gong, who were in charge of this matter, with a hint of "please" in their eyes.

Get to training, you two!

Why not arrange a well-trained guard for our department? Why are we still being beaten wherever we go?
This isn't just a slap on Minister Yan's backside, it's a slap on the face of our Imperial Household Department!
After Yan Maoqing led Yan Shifan into the duty room...

But while washing his face, he said to him:
"Qing'er, you know that the Imperial Household Department is about to conduct military training, right?"

"I understand."

Yan Shifan nodded in reply.

Yan Maoqing then asked:
"Then do you know why the Emperor suddenly allocated funds to request the Court of Imperial Sacrifices to recruit and train soldiers?"

"I heard it was to go to Shanxi to suppress the White Lotus Sect, and also to facilitate the Court of Imperial Sacrifices' future exercise of its power to inspect criminal cases."

Yan Shifan replied solemnly.

"Actually, this is just the surface."

Yan Maoqing wiped his face, gestured to Yan Shifan to close the door with his eyes, and then continued speaking.
"The real reason is that Guo Xun and your father encountered tremendous resistance in what they were doing in Datong. The two of them have sent a secret letter back to the Emperor, and the Emperor has also shown the secret letter to me."

"Speaking of which, you probably already know the answer to this matter. Your father should have mentioned it in the letters he sent home."

"I think you should understand even if I don't say it. The Emperor attaches great importance to the matter of Datong. Whether your father can accomplish this matter directly affects whether he still has a chance to be reinstated, and also directly affects whether your Yan family still has a chance to become rich and powerful again."

"Our two families are relatives after all, which is why I petitioned the Emperor to allow me to lead troops to assist your father in the name of suppressing the White Lotus Sect..."

"Pfft!"

Before he could finish speaking, Yan Shifan had already knelt down and kowtowed sincerely, saying:
"I am deeply grateful for my uncle's great help. I will never forget this kindness. Please accept my deepest thanks!"

"Get up, why are you speaking like a family member?"

Yan Maoqing helped Yan Shifan up, then sighed and said...

"But this matter seems difficult to handle, as there are people in the court and the palace who want to obstruct it."

"Just now I went to the Bureau of Armory to collect the firearms needed for training the troops, but I was harassed and even had my men beaten and humiliated by the eunuch in charge of the Bureau of Armory..."

"That spineless eunuch is so audacious!!"

Yan Shifan glared with his one eye, anger flashing across his face.

"Enough, enough. A little patience will calm things down. As long as we can get things done, this little insult is nothing."

Yan Maoqing shook his head, saying with a hint of helplessness,

"But they've withheld the firearms used for training, and I can't do anything about it. I'm afraid this could ruin everything..."

"Uncle-in-law, how can this matter be so easily dismissed?!"

Yan Shifan immediately stiffened his neck, his fat face flushed with emotion, and said indignantly,

"These spineless eunuchs are all bullies who prey on the weak and fear the strong. If you tolerate them even an inch, they will dare to take a mile. Only by making an example of them can you instill fear in them, and then you can easily bribe or use them in the future!"

"Besides, if my uncle-in-law is humiliated because of the Yan family, would I, as his nephew, be a human being if I just sit idly by and do nothing?"

"The power of the Western Depot of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices didn't come for nothing; we have to make use of it!"

"Please give the order, Uncle, and I will lead men to the Armory to investigate him!"

"Uncle, you may not know this, but the Armory is a very lucrative department. I know all about the dirty tricks they use to make money and the ways they balance accounts."

"As long as I investigate him, no matter how clean his accounts are, I guarantee I can convict him of a capital offense and have his property confiscated. I'll teach those spineless eunuchs a lesson about what happens when they insult my uncle-in-law, Yan Shifan!"

"Once we take care of him, I'll see who dares to sabotage our plans in the future!"

Yan Maoqing shook his head again upon hearing this:

"Alas, well, well. I heard that the Emperor, upon learning of this matter, has already decided to transfer him to another post. Perhaps he intends to let this matter drop."

"Does Your Majesty think you can just let this matter slide?"

Yan Shifan said solemnly,

“If it were just ordinary corruption, the emperor could cover it up.”

"However, corruption in the Bureau of Armory often involves matters of national importance, which is no different from treason. As long as we find a way to make things seem like this, even the Emperor will not tolerate it. Otherwise, he may ruin the country and be branded as a foolish ruler!"

"Uncle, you're still too soft-hearted and too honest."

"In this officialdom, if you don't use your power, it will expire and become worthless. No one will remember your kindness because of your mercy; they will only think you are weak and easy to bully."

"If your uncle really can't bring himself to do it, then leave the whole matter to me to handle!"

"In short, this eunuch must not be spared, otherwise my uncle will suffer even more humiliation in the future!"

"Even if the Emperor appoints a new Grand Eunuch, the Bureau of Armory will still dare to disregard my uncle-in-law and continue to embezzle and delay the supply of military equipment from the Court of Imperial Sacrifices!"

"You must stay clear-headed about this, Uncle!"

(End of this chapter)