Zhu Houzhao spent another night of wine and wine.

When it was getting dawn, he was already very tired. After a while, he was about to wash up and prepare to go back to the palace to rest.

The car was ready, and Zhu Houzhao came out under Qian Ning's escort. As soon as he arrived at the door of the Leopard's room, he saw Zhang Yuan coming in from outside.

Zhu Houzhao frowned and asked, "Eunuch Zhang, where did you go last night? Did you go back to the palace and report to Leopard Room in the morning?"

Zhang Yuan had a residence outside the palace, not given by the emperor, but Zhang Yuan felt that he was of high status and power, so he imitated Liu Jin to set up a house outside the palace. Now that he was asked by Zhu Houzhao, he did not dare to speak out based on the truth, so he could only say tactfully: "As Your Majesty said, I just came from the palace to serve Your Majesty."

"oh."

Zhu Houzhao didn't ask much, and didn't want to care where Zhang Yuan went, so she continued to walk forward. Zhang Yuan glanced at Qian Ning and found a complex and difficult-to-understand look in the other person's eyes. Zhang Yuan felt a sudden feeling that there was a secret in this person.

When Zhu Houzhao returned to the palace, he was escorted by the palace guards all the way, and there were people in front of him and behind him. Just as he was about to get on the carriage, he suddenly saw a rider riding horses towards him at the end of the long street.

Qian Ning pulled out the embroidered sword from his waist and stepped forward and shouted: "What are you waiting for? Take down the person!"

In addition to special horse roads in the capital, ordinary civil alleys are not allowed to ride horses and gallop. If it is a serious place in the palace, the conflicting saint will be killed on the spot. If it is a serious place, the family will be confiscated and the nine clans will be destroyed.

Zhu Houzhao was blocked by someone, curiously placing her toes on her feet and looking at the fast horse. But before the rider was waiting for the crossbowmen of the Imperial Guard, he had already jumped off the horse and held a small flag to continue running forward.

"Wait, don't do it!"

Zhu Houzhao pulled away the guards blocking in front and stepped forward to give orders.

But the sound he made was very small. The guards in front had surrounded the rider and quickly escorted him to Zhu Houzhao.

"Report..."

At this time, the rider remembered what he should say and shouted at the top of his voice.

Qian Ning was about to come to seek credit, but Zhu Houzhao slapped him on the forehead.

Zhu Houzhao glared and shouted: "If you don't have the strength to see, what's wrong with the newspaper? Bring the person over here, I want to ask what's going on!"

Qian Ning felt annoyed, but he did not dare to disobey the emperor's orders. He immediately went over to take the people. When the man approached, Zhu Houzhao looked at the news that was tied up and asked, "Raise your head and speak, what's the news?"

The newspaper was pulled with his hair and raised his head. When he saw the young man in front of him clearly, he didn't know that he was the emperor. He only knew that he was ordered to go to the leopard room to report military information.

The newspaper reported: "Eunuch Liu asked the little man to rush back without stopping and spread the good news of Xuanfu's victory to the owner of the Leopard House!"

Zhu Houzhao was amused when she heard this and asked with a smile: "Is it Liu Jin that asked you to come?"

Zhang Yuan and Qian Ning's faces changed drastically. The newspaper did not know what was going on. But seeing this situation, the young man in front of him had a good status and could only submit the report according to Liu Jin's order: "That's true, the Xuanfu victory, Eunuch Liu and Wang Junmen led their troops to achieve a decisive victory, and the Tartars fled in panic..."

What the newspaper said was carefully arranged by Liu Jin.

Liu Jin knew what Zhu Houzhao liked to listen to, and focused on saying nice words, emphasizing his and Wang Shouren's military achievements. As for Hu Lian's contribution in this battle, he naturally chose to ignore it.

Zhang Yuan and Qian Ning were both thinking about how Liu Jin did it, and he could actually send the news back before the messenger of the Ministry of War arrived. Could it be that Liu Jin was playing any conspiracy? Or was it that the Ministry of War made a major mistake in information transmission?

Zhu Houzhao didn't think so much, and seemed very excited, and kept saying: "Okay, okay, great victory. I have been waiting for this news for almost a month. Take people down and give them a good reward... It's not easy to come back from Xuanfu! "

Zhu Houzhao was taken down by the guards and was full of energy and laughed so hard that she couldn't stop.

Zhang Yuan carefully approached and reminded: "Your Majesty, you didn't ask about the specific military achievements. If this is a false report, then... things will be difficult to deal with."

Zhu Houzhao's face turned cold and shouted sternly: "Eunuch Zhang, you should be careful when speaking. This time I personally assigned Liu Jin to the Xuanfu Army to supervise the army. If he dares to falsely report his military achievements, he simply doesn't want to live!"

Zhang Yuan's face was extremely embarrassed. He thought to himself, it was as if the last time he falsely reported his military achievements was not made by Liu Jin. You trust Liu Jin so much, but you were fooled by him?

But now Zhu Houzhao is in high spirits, and he dare not say that.

Qian Ning asked, "Your Majesty, have you taken off and returned to the palace?"

"I'm going back, of course I'm going back. I'm still waiting for all officials to come to congratulate me! Humph, I've been waiting for so long, and the battle has finally been over and a great victory has been achieved. I want to reward the meritorious ministers!" Zhu Houzhao immediately expressed his opinion.

Zhang Yuan's face looked very ugly. Liu Jin's return to the court had the greatest impact on him. He was stubborn in front of Qian Ning before, but the reality was very urgent. If Liu Jin came back, he would never have the chance to be in charge of the eunuch in charge of the Sili Supervisor.

Qian Ning felt it didn't matter now. He thought he had not targeted Liu Jin publicly, but instead repeatedly helped Wei Bin and other eunuch party backbones to cover up. Although he had other purposes, he did something beneficial to Liu Jin indirectly.

"Fortunately, I was prepared for it and I was very slick in my work. If Eunuch Liu came back, I would be in trouble! Now it depends on how you, Zhang Yuan, ended!"

Originally, Qian Ning looked down on Zhang Yuan, but now that Liu Jin was about to come back, he even more disdainful of Zhang Yuan.

...

...

Zhu Houzhao was overjoyed and did not ask in detail about the specific progress of the frontline war, so she hurried back to the palace to wait for the officials to congratulate him.

At this time, the sky was just dawning and the capital was calm. Except for someone who informed Zhu Houzhao, the Ministry of War and the Governor's Office of the Five Army were both elegant and quiet.

Almost half an hour later, Shen Xi came to the Ministry of War's yamen... He rested very late last night and was preparing to go to the Ministry of War to check the war report early in the morning, and then go to the backyard of the yamen to replenish his sleep.

When we arrived at the office room, Shen Xi had an uninvited guest before she could sit on the hot side, but it was Xie Qian.

Xie Qian came in a very hurry this time and broke into the door without any news. Shen Xi looked at Xie Qian who was in a hurry and asked in surprise: "Is there something urgent to do with Mr. Xie?"

Xie Qian glared at Shen Xi: "You are as calm as usual. Looking at your steady demeanor, I really think it's peaceful... Have you received the Xuanfu war report?"

"What kind of battle report?"

Shen Xi was asked for some reason.

Xie Qian frowned: "Last night, I was on duty in the cabinet. When I was about to leave the palace and returned home in the morning, I heard that His Majesty returned to the Qianqing Palace excitedly. It is reported that Liu Jin sent someone to bring the war report back from Xuanfu, saying that our Ming army had won a great victory and the Tartars had retreated. However, the Ministry of War and the Governor's Office of the Five Army had not sent a word to the cabinet. I came to ask in person."

Only then did Shen Xi realize that there was a good news from Xuanfu, and immediately shook his head: "The Ministry of War has not received any news."

Xie Qian stomped his feet and said angrily: "The Ministry of War has not arranged detailed work and scouts in Xuanfu, responsible for investigating the situation of the enemy and us? You won't just wait for the Xuanfu to present a report to you, right? If this happens, Liu Jin can suppress the information, and he can ask His Majesty for credit first..."

Chen Xi explained: "The Ministry of War has indeed installed eyeliners on the nine sides, and there are quite a lot of them. And I can guarantee that if the front line wins a battle, I will definitely receive the news within two days. Even if Liu Jin sends people to travel together at night, it is impossible to pass the news back to Beijing earlier than the people I sent."

Xie Qian frowned, and looked a little confused. He looked at Chen Xi and said sarcastically: "You are quite confident."

Chen Xixin said that after so many years of leadership, he had no confidence at all, so he would not have to be the Minister of War.

Xie Qian saw Chen Xi very confident, not as if he was joking. After thinking about it, he said with concern: "I'm afraid that Liu Jin once again reported his military achievements. Could it be that there was no war ahead, but he cheated and fabricated a great victory to report to the capital? What's more, if my Ming army suffered a defeat but he reported his merits, then this matter would be lively..."

Seeing that Xie Qian's face was full of worry, Chen Xi comforted: "Gei Xie doesn't have to make a conclusion so early. It's better to wait for the follow-up news to come. If Liu Jin really falsely reported his military achievements, he would definitely be dead. If there was a war in the Xuanfu, it is very likely that Liu Jin would send someone to report to the court as soon as the battle started. Only then can he ensure that he would submit the news to His Majesty earlier than me. As for whether the result of this battle would be deviated, it would be another matter."

Xie Qian thought about it and nodded slightly: "You have some truth. Liu Jin is a eunuch who is eager to make contributions. Even if the war has not been achieved, he will probably take the lead in order to seek credit. If the war fails, he will not be able to return to the capital, so he will not be afraid of multiple charges of falsely claiming military achievements... This eunuch is really scheming and damn. What do you think about this?"

Chen Xi thought to himself, thank you, Lao Er, who has analyzed the matter thoroughly, what else can I say? He shook his head immediately and said that he had no objection.

Seeing this, Xie Qian said anxiously: "Don't stand it, Your Majesty, let's see how to hand in the work... At this moment, I have to say hello to the main yamen in the middle of the capital. Any matters must be implemented when the specific battle report is reported!"

...

...

Zhu Houzhao was ridiculous for a night of silence. He was already tired, but because Liu Jin suddenly reported a good news, he was stimulated by this and his spirit miraculously improved. He no longer rushes to sleep, but waits for the ministers to come and congratulate in the main hall of the Ganqing Palace.

Zhu Houzhao was happily happy and said to Zhang Yuan standing beside him: "Eunuch Zhang, do you think I am powerful? I just asked you to rehearse a great victory last night, but after one night, I really won a great victory ahead... Oh, I am so foresight!"

Zhang Yuan thought to himself that even if Xuanfu is not far from the capital, the news still takes one day and one night to be transmitted to the capital. You rehearsed last night, so where can you have something to do with foresight? This victory was probably completed the day before yesterday or even earlier.

Although he muttered so much in his heart, Zhang Yuan showed admiration and complimented: "Your Majesty is so blessed. With Your Majesty's blessing, this battle of Xuanfu can be successful!"

"Well said!"

Zhu Houzhao was complacent, "I have wise ministers around me, Minister of War Chen, Master Xie of the Cabinet, and Eunuch Liu, Chief Li, and Eunuch Liu, this time, this time, Eunuch Liu made great contributions!"

When Zhang Yuan heard Zhu Houzhao praise Liu Jin, he felt quite uncomfortable. He wanted to say that Liu Jin was a treacherous official who was a disaster to the country and the people. But then he thought that Zhu Houzhao sent Liu Jin to the Xuanfu army to supervise the army, which was actually just a small punishment and a big warning. He had no intention of expelling Liu Jin from the beginning. At this time, Liu Jin reported the victory and catered to Zhu Houzhao's mentality of being very happy with me. There was no need to get into trouble at the critical moment.

Zhu Houzhao didn't know that Zhang Yuan was in a complicated state at this time and asked, "Why haven't the ministers come to congratulate you yet? Haven't you sent anyone to the Six Ministry and the various temples to inform you? Today I'm going to hold a court meeting... By the way, I'll move to Fengtian Hall now, and I'm going to accept congratulations in Fengtian Hall!"

Zhang Yuan suggested: "Your Majesty, the person who sent the order has been sent out a long time ago, but it will take some time to come back. You should rest in the Ganqing Palace first."

Zhu Houzhao smiled and said, "Look, I am too happy and I am a little overwhelmed. It's really shameful... Zhang Yuan, do you think I am wise or the wise of the late emperor?"

The emperor suddenly asked this question for no reason, which made Zhang Yuan very embarrassed. This answer was not good, but for the sake of the future, he did not dare to neglect it and said directly: "Of course, it is Your Majesty's wise and wise monarch who is unprecedented and modern. Even Emperor Wu of Han and Emperor Taizong of Tang are not as good as that."

Zhu Houzhao said angrily: "Just let you compare me and my father, what are you talking about about Emperor Taizong of Tang and Emperor Wu of Han? How great achievements have they achieved? I can compare it? If I have to compare, I have to wait for the emperor of ten or twenty years to be a little earlier than now."

“Yes, yes!”

Zhang Yuan was a little confused, and I wonder why Zhu Houzhao had this question.

Zhu Houzhao said again: "I ask you again, which one do you think is more important to the court, Eunuch Liu or Shangshu Shen?"

This question completely confused Zhang Yuan. The two mentioned by Zhu Houzhao were not comparable. Even if Liu Jin achieved military achievements this time, it was incomparable to Chen Xi, who had made great contributions at Tumu Fort and the capital a few years ago. One was an eunuch and the other was a top civil official in the court. Where was it comparable?

This time, Zhang Yuan did not speak for Liu Jin again and said, "In my opinion, Shangshu Chen is more important. The Ming Dynasty cannot be without him."

Zhu Houzhao thought about it and nodded slightly after a long time: "Actually, Eunuch Liu is also indispensable. He is not in the capital. I always feel that there is something missing around me, and my daily life is also a lot of fun. There will always be troubles that will come to me, the people from the Silijian, the Inner Transportation Depot, etc.... all make me worry."

Because Zhang Yuan was in charge of the inner treasury at this time, when he heard Zhu Houzhao's words, he could only lower his head and assume that he would admit his mistake.

Zhu Houzhao fell into reverie. After a while, he became a little impatient and turned around and looked: "Why haven't anyone come yet? Even if the six ministers came later, Wenyuan Pavilion is in the palace. The ministers of the Pavilion should arrive. Zhang Yuan, go out and urge, if not, recruit some people to go... Oh, by the way, summon Qian Ning to me, and I have something to ask him."

Zhang Yuan was very nervous.

Perhaps because Zhu Houzhao asked the question before was too sharp, he thought: "The emperor called Qian Ning, but he didn't want to ask me which is more important, Liu Jin, right? Qian Ning is a fence-skinned man at first glance. Now the wind suddenly falls to Liu Jin. This kid won't take the opportunity to add to the insult, right?"

Zhang Yuan said: "Your Majesty, Qian Qianhu is probably going back to the Leopard Room to arrange other things."

Zhu Houzhao frowned: "Did I ask him to go back? No, I will send someone to call him back immediately. I have many errands to arrange for him, and I am not at ease with others. By the way, I will go to the Ministry of Rites to inform me. When I come to see me, I will explain to you how to carry out the celebration ceremony next time. As for the construction of Jingguan... it is optional. At that time, I will discuss with Zhou Shangshu of the Ministry of Rites, Shangshu of the Ministry of War, and the Grand Secretary of the Cabinet. You go first, the matter is tight!"

"Yes, your Majesty!"

Zhang Yuan bowed out of the hall after giving a salute.

After leaving the Ganqing Gate, Zhang Yuan whispered in terror: "Will that traitor Liu Jin be the traitor who can't be beaten to death? Why did he be demoted from Beijing and get back to make a comeback? What I'm afraid of is that everything will be the same after returning. The court is full of his people. Even if he leaves Beijing, no matter how much the civil servants make trouble, they will not completely lose their power... It's so troublesome."
To be continued...