Xie Qian has a high political wisdom. From some small details, we can see the changes in the future court pattern. On the surface, everything seems to be calm, but in Xie Qian's eyes, there are dangers everywhere.

After returning to the court, Xie Qian saw the changes in the hearts of the court. Many things were beyond his expectations. To sum up, it seems that the civil servant group in the capital was following him, but in fact the internal structure had undergone drastic changes. Some people tended to Chenxi, while others turned to Yang Tinghe, seeking better development of themselves.

Xie Qian was sent to Yansui, which seemed to be Zhu Houzhao's mischief, but in fact, this clearly showed a signal that Emperor Zhengde did not recognize Xie Qian's position as the leader of the civil service group, which also means that Xie Qian is likely to abdicate and give way to the wise in the future. As for whether Liang Chu or Yang Tinghe will succeed the chief minister, there is not much difference for the court officials.

Xie Qian did not go to Wenyuan Pavilion, where Liang Chu is the only one working person. In addition, there are some Hanlin people who have started. He didn't know what to do after he went there, so he couldn't calm down and check the memorials.

What he needs to do now is to make a plan before the emperor returns to Beijing, and then wait for the situation to change.

Of course, you have to do a letter to Chen Xi, and you also need to write to Yang Tinghe to ease everything and not allow major conflicts within the civil servants.

Xie Qian had a lot of opinions about Chen Xi, but when he found that the disputes among civil servants were inclined to divert and expand, Xie Qian did not want the situation to worsen.

Xie Qian returned to his courtyard on Chang'an Street and handled the matter well. When he put aside his writing, he felt even more disappointed. Just now, the servant came in and reported: "Sir, the Minister of Personnel He Shangshu has arrived."

"Um."

Xie Qian packed up the written things and then got up and went out to greet them.

As soon as he arrived in the yard, he saw He Jian had already entered the gate. He Jian had a smile on his face, but when Xie Qian looked gloomy, the smile on his face couldn't help but fade.

After a simple greeting, He Jian realized that Xie Qian had something to do.

After entering the room, He Jian asked, Xie Qian said roughly about his visit to Empress Dowager Zhang, and the conversation between him and Empress Dowager Zhang was basically just a word.

He Jian asked in surprise: "You don't know about the incident of Jiefu going to Zijing Pass with Hou Shouning to welcome him, Yu Qiao?"

Xie Qian nodded slightly: "It was because I learned about this afterwards that I hurried to the cabinet and later went to see the Queen Mother. Now the court is too complicated and I always feel that I can't figure it out, but in fact, only Zhihou and Ying Ning are not around, but it seems that I have to worry about everything."

He Jian sighed, "That's because I didn't come out to help you, and the affairs of the Ministry of Rites are also hanging. Your Majesty does not return to the court, and no one will support the responsibilities of the Lijian Supervisor. Don't you need to worry about this everywhere?"

Xie Qian didn't say anything, looked at He Jian and said, "Then what are you doing? I just asked about the fact that Jung-in's husband went to Zijing Pass?"

He Jian came forward and said mysteriously: "I just learned that someone in the court impeached the Zhang family. I want to ask your opinion. According to the impeachment memorial, the foreign relatives and brothers relied on their control of the defense of the capital and did many evil things and occupied a large number of civilian land outside the city. Many merchants' shops in the city were confiscated by them due to wartime controls, and even the warehouses were taken over... In short, they made huge money, and the heavens were angry and people were resentful."

Xie Qian frowned, obviously not wanting to hear the bad deeds of Zhang's relatives. He was originally depressed because of the change in Empress Dowager Zhang's attitude. Now he turned around and asked him to target Empress Dowager Zhang and his family, which he could not do.

Xie Qian said: "This kind of thing is mostly heard of, and it is impossible to have any real evidence!"

He Jian smiled and shook his head and said, "It may not be possible. Everything depends on whether the court is interested in verifying it... I guess this impeachment memorial came out because Yu Qiao, you returned to the capital. The censors knew that someone was going to make the decision. In addition, His Majesty will come back soon. Perhaps it can stop Zhang's relatives from violating the law and discipline and being unscrupulous."

"Apart from that, the Ministry of Personnel can do too little. I'm here to just bring a message to you so that I won't be asked back and I don't know how to deal with it."

Xie Qian shook his head slightly: "It is better not to mention this kind of thing in the court. When is this now? If anyone stands up and takes the lead, wouldn't he be unhappy for himself?"

He Jian said: "Since you don't want to care, it's better to persuade and persuade those officials who are righteous to restrain themselves and not touch the stone with eggs... As the chief minister, if you don't take the initiative, do you want me, an old bone, to run around?"

"The matters behind Zhihou are still unresolved. I heard that the Queen Mother and Jung-fu joined hands and had a very unhappy relationship with Zhihou. He actually sent three groups of people to guard against him. No matter how open-minded Zhihou is, he is still a young man. He is full of energy, so are you not afraid that he will really turn against him?"

"Um!?"

Xie Qian looked at He Jian, not understanding why the other party said so bluntly.

He Jian sighed and said, "Some things were just used, but will the situation in the court be the same as before? I can't keep this old bone in the court for a few days, but you thank Yu Qiao differently. The Queen Mother directly asked the mentor to do things this time, so you have no idea in your mind?"

Xie Qian asked with a dark face: "What can I think?"

"It's better you don't."

He Jian shook his head and smiled faintly, "But Zhihou will definitely have an objection. Now the court impeachment of this and that is very fun. Is there anyone making trouble behind the scenes? But it is an indisputable fact that some people in the court are ready to move. In the past six months, the capital has been too quiet. After too long, some people will always be unable to withstand loneliness and want to jump out and cause trouble. Yu Qiao, you should show a responsible attitude and make a quick decision. Don't always think about avoiding things when you encounter them. This is not good!"

Xie Qian stared at He Jian, without saying anything for a long time, obviously he was touched by something in his heart.

...

...

Empress Dowager Zhang issued an imperial edict to ask Shen Xi to go to Juyongguan to rectify the troops. In fact, she did not directly allocate the authority of the senior officials in the court, especially when Shen Xi was always following the emperor.

When Shen Xi and his party arrived at Zijing Pass, news that Yang Tinghe and Zhang Heling came to Zijing Pass to welcome him came in the capital. However, at this time, the soldiers were still halfway. At the same time, the imperial edict of Empress Dowager Zhang to Juyong Pass to rectify the troops.

After hearing about this, Zhu Houzhao's face was full of displeasure because he felt that he was the emperor and others had no right to bypass him and issue orders to dispatch civil and military officials, even his biological mother would not do it.

Especially this time, Shen Xi, the minister he trusted, Zhu Houzhao expressed his strong dissatisfaction in front of Shen Xi, Xiao Tiaozi and Jiang Bin:

"...Who is the emperor? Although I have not returned to the capital, I have already made public appearances. According to the capital, I should stop all kinds of usurpation. Why do I have to keep issuing orders? Could it be that I have abdicated and given up the wise?"

Because Zhu Houzhao was angry, Xiao Taozi and Jiang Bin dared not join in. Zhu Houzhao looked at the few people, and finally looked at Shen Xi and asked, "Mr. Chen, what do you think about this matter?"

Chen Xidao: "Your Majesty is not in the capital, and you cannot make decisions on many things. Perhaps someone in the court understands Your Majesty's lack of understanding of the situation and wants to take the initiative to share your worries."

Chen Xi would not directly attack anyone. Whether it was Yang Tinghe or Empress Dowager Zhang targeting him behind his back, he adhered to one principle, that is, to be indifferent to the world.

Of course, this is just a high attitude he showed. No one can tell whether to fight or not. Chen Xi’s true thoughts are clear. At least from the current situation, Zhu Houzhao has been aroused from the rebellious mentality. Whoever does something that makes Zhu Houzhao unhappy will become Zhu Houzhao’s enemy.

Before Chen Xi saw Zhu Houzhao in Lingqiu, Chen Xi was this imaginary enemy, but now it is obvious that Chen Xi is on the same front as Zhu Houzhao, and the new target has been erected unknowingly.

Zhu Houzhao stared at Xiao Tiaozi: "Little Tiaozi, has the Empress Dowager said anything?"

Xiao Guozi was a little afraid. No matter what Empress Dowager Zhang had done, he was the emperor's mother. As a slave, he dared not criticize him casually. But now Zhu Houzhao is asking questions tightly, and he can only answer truthfully:

"Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager's decree, Lord Shen must set off to Juyongguan immediately, organize the army to be sent to other places, and do not approach the capital."

Zhu Houzhao asked with a dark face: "What did you say? All the soldiers and horses I commanded must be transferred away, which means that there is no minimum reward for merit. Many of the soldiers and horses I brought are from the Beijing camp, and even these need to be dismissed? What is the difference between this and killing a donkey? It's simply unreasonable!"

Now Xiao Guozi didn't dare to answer casually. Emperor Zhengde was very angry. Even Xiao Guozi didn't expect that some arrangements made by Empress Dowager Zhang would make Zhu Houzhao react so much. Logically speaking, being a son should be able to understand his mother's painstaking efforts.

Zhu Houzhao said with a dark face: "Mr. Chen is here to accompany me to do business. Since I have decided not to let him leave, he must stay. I want to see who dares to bypass me and issue an imperial edict at will. After all, I am the emperor. Unless they deprive me of my throne, I should be the one who decides to do the world! Xiao Tiaozi, you immediately draft an edict for me, and say that Mr. Chen will accompany me back to Beijing with me, and no one is allowed to change it... In addition, the uncle and Grand Secretary Yang of the Cabinet who came to welcome the throne, let them not be used. I have your escort, which is enough!"

Xiao Zhuozi said in embarrassment: "Your Majesty, I don't have this qualification!"

Zhu Houzhao then remembered that Xiao Guozi was just on duty in the Sili Supervisory Office and had never had the experience of drafting edicts or criticizing Zhu. Letting Xiao Guozi do these things is like making things difficult for others.

Of course, the most important thing is that Xiao Tiaozi is not even a eunuch who has no authority in his hands, and there will be problems if he acts rashly.

Zhu Houzhao waved his hand: "With Mr. Chen here, you don't have to worry about it. Mr. Chen will draft the edict for you... Mr. Chen, let me leave this matter to you."

Chen Xi saluted: "Reply to Your Majesty, I think this matter is not possible."

"ah?"

Zhu Houzhao asked in surprise, "Sir, what's the difficulty of drafting an edict? I know that it should have been handed over to Hanyuan for drafting, but now I have a private visit and there are no such officials around me. You are from Hanyuan and my husband. It's okay to draft an edict for me. I finally approved the seal and everything is natural. There should be no problem, right?"

Chen Xidao: "Your Majesty wants the edict to be drafted by the Wei minister is very involved with me. If it is known to everyone, it is like the Wei minister who dispatches himself to do the job. There will be more criticisms at that time, which will be unfavorable to Your Majesty!"

Zhu Houzhao was a little impatient and waved her hand: "Then let me do it myself... I'll twist it, bring paper and pen, just write whatever I say, it's okay, right?"

Xiao Guozi looked at Chen Xi, then looked at Zhu Houzhao, and finally said, "I'll go now."

After saying that, Xiao Guozi brought the four treasures of the study. Jiang Bin was watching, just like an outsider, but in fact, Jiang Bin was observing calmly, because the things he experienced in front of him were very different from his previous experiences. He was studying hard and drawing nourishment from it. This time, he felt that he had become the core of power. Although he could not participate in it now, being able to witness it with his own eyes is the first step to success.

Jiang Bin thought to himself: "Although I don't understand these things now, Your Majesty trusts me so much. As long as there is no one around Your Majesty in the future, as long as I suggest it properly, I can give orders for Your Majesty. Then I am just like Liu Jin before, with the power of the world?"

Thinking of this, Jiang Bin's heart suddenly felt a lot of passion, as if he had gone from a small person to a hot powerful minister.

...

...

Zhu Houzhao's actions were equivalent to deliberately fighting against Empress Dowager Zhang's order. Even if the imperial edict had just been issued, Chen Xi could probably imagine that Yang Tinghe and Zhang Heling would be in a dilemma.

"...Mr. Shen, the court is very cautious about you now."

On the night of staying in Zijing Pass, Zhang Yong came to visit. He seemed to be here to analyze the situation with Chen Xi, but no matter how he looked, he was here to sow discord.

Chen Xidao: "Eunuch Zhang's words are really puzzling. I have always been open-minded and honest. How could anyone be wary of me? What do they need to be wary of me?"

Zhang Yong sighed: "The merits that Lord Shen has made are rare since the founding of the Ming Dynasty. It is natural for others to be wary of Lord Shen. Haha, in fact, what are you doing? Isn't it just that Lord Shen is calling the wind and rain in the morning, making some people's life difficult?"

Chen Xi shook his head and said, "The Qing Dynasty will be clear, and I don't need to respond to anything. If Eunuch Zhang comes just to say this, then I would like to advise you not to speak out."

Zhang Yong said: "Mr. Shen, our family understands your difficulties. Isn't our family often criticized? It's about to arrive in the capital. After returning to the court, should Mr. Shen be a idler who is free from the world, or should he go further to the high position and argue with those who criticize you so that they can know Mr. Shen's determination and courage? In our opinion, many people may not have that intention, but if they are forced to go to a dead end, it's better to go back along the way."

"Oh!?" Chen Xi narrowed his eyes and looked at Zhang Yong and asked, "Eunuch Zhang doesn't have to be so slanted, right? Why is this official becoming more confused the more he listens?"

Zhang Yong smiled and said, "Mr. Shen is a smart person. Now the court is watching you. Isn't it because Mr. Shen has a high status in His Majesty's mind? Others are jealous of you!"

"Our family is different. Our family has always wanted to help you, Lord Shen. Who has made many of the status we have gained in the court now? If it weren't for Lord Shen's suggestions, our family might only work in the palace, so how could anyone respect it wherever we go?"

Chen Xidao: "After all the time, you are still the position of the seal of the Sili Supervisor? I have already said before that I can't make the decision of this position."

"But Lord Shen, you have the right to constituent. My father-in-law has agreed to support our family in full and will be fully supported. As long as Lord Shen, you have strong support, our family will be said to be without any pressure."

Zhang Yong smiled and said, "I won't say whether Lord Shen can help you. We just want to get a positive word from Lord Shen... Lord Shen, do you support our family?"

Chen Xi narrowed his eyes and looked at Zhang Yong, asking, "What do you mean is... Master Teng is willing to support you? He doesn't want to be the chief supervisor of the Si Li?"

Zhang Yong smiled and said, "My devil is still young. Even if he becomes the boss's etiquette, others will not be convinced. It is better to come to our family. Although our family may not be as capable as the boss' etiquette and etiquette Gao, at least our family has a wide connection, and our family will not be too close to the uncle and the ministers. Instead, it is Lord Shen's instructions. Our family will keep it in mind and will ask Lord Shen for instructions whenever there is something wrong."

Chen Xi smiled and stared at Zhang Yong, as if he had some doubts about what Zhang Yong said.

Zhang Yong was anxious: "Now I am going to return to the capital soon, and many things need to be settled immediately. If Lord Shen, do you want our family to be this position, who do you want? Or is someone secretly reaching some agreement with Lord Shen? Is the sincerity we express is not enough?"

Chen Xidao: "As a foreign minister, this official should not be involved in the selection of the candidates for the seal of the Sili Supervisor, but if the old man said he would support Eunuch Zhang, he would naturally have nothing to say. So what Eunuch Zhang has to do now is to get the support of other eunuchs in charge, which is much more important than getting the support of our official."

Zhang Yong said angrily: "Mr. Shen, if you don't express your opinion, who dares to make trouble? Even if you twist your father-in-law to support our family, it is for Lord Shen's sake. Lord Shen, you should know that many people in the court are staring at you now. Not only the Empress Dowager and the Cabinet, but also the Six Ministry and Seven Ministers, and the Hanlin Academy... In short, Lord Shen is only the Minister of War now, and may be in charge of the Ministry of Personnel in the future, but he will not be in the cabinet in the end!"

"Thank you, Eunuch Zhang, for your reminder."

Chen Xi bowed, "But I am a magistrate to serve the court and it is not up to the court."

Zhang Yongdao: "Not entering the cabinet means lack of voice. Our family can help Lord Shen get the convenience you get without entering the cabinet, and it is even more effective than entering the cabinet... Let's say that, if we don't obey Lord Shen's orders in the future, we will be hit by five thunder!"

Chen Xi shook his head and said, "Why did Eunuch Zhang even swear?"
To be continued...