On the Lantern Festival, Chen Xi stayed in the mansion to celebrate the festival with the women at home.

Simple and fulfilling!

The women at home like the lively feeling of the festivals, and the family is reunited and carefree! The comfort of the Shen family is based on the prosperous official career of Chenxi in recent years and the emperor's absolute trust in him.

Xie Yuner specially prepared holiday gifts for the women at home. Although the Shen family has a general account, each room still has its own private money. For women, the favorite thing is to store things in their own yard. It is basically not for themselves, but for their children.

After dinner, Chen Xi did not intend to take the woman at home to the street to watch the lanterns. If anyone wants to go, there will naturally be a large number of guards to protect him.

However, the Shen family's yard is also decorated with lights and the family likes this atmosphere very much. A group of children run around under the leadership of Shen Yier.

Chen Yier, the eldest lady of the Shen family, is only qualified to come to the elder brother's house during the two days of the Spring Festival. This is related to her "rude behavior" before the New Year.

"Master, someone in the outer courtyard is rumored, saying that someone in the palace is here to see him." Xiaoyu came from the front courtyard and arrived at the back hall. She saw Chen Xi sitting in front of the table next to the window drinking tea, and quickly reported to him.

Chen Xi frowned slightly, unable to figure out who would come to see him now, "Zhang Yuan has been here before, and there is no major event in the court. Perhaps someone with other purposes is coming to visit."

When Chen Xi came out of the inner courtyard and arrived at the front hall, he saw that the chief of the Sili Supervisory Supervisory Director Bingbi Gao Feng was standing there with some anxiety.

Seeing Chen Xi coming, Gao Feng hurried over to salute and greet him, and was extremely respectful to Chen Xi.

Based on Chen Xi’s understanding of Gao Feng, this is a eunuch with background and power. Once he has this attitude, he must have something to ask for.

"Mr. Shen, I came to bother you after night. I was really sorry, but there was something important to tell you." Gao Feng looked bitter, as if some words were not easy to say.

Chen Xi smiled and said, "What are you saying in Eunuch Gao? Since you are here, you are a guest. Just sit down and talk slowly."

Gao Feng quickly refused: "No need, Lord Shen, just let the old slave stand here and talk. In fact... there is something important to tell you... about the two uncles..."

Without Gao Feng's mention, Chen Xi immediately saw that it was Gao Feng, and he guessed that he must have come from the instruction of Empress Dowager Zhang. The person who issued the order directly by Zhu Houzhao did not include Gao Feng, and Gao Feng could not have come from the order of Zhang Yuan, the chief supervisor of the Li Zheng, because Zhang Yuan always had some concerns about Gao Feng's background and did not trust him so much, so he would only arrange some hard work for him.

Chen Xidao: "I have already stepped down the case of the two uncles. I have already submitted a resignation to Your Majesty before, and I have also approved it by Your Majesty. Eunuch Gao should know it."

Gao Feng said embarrassedly: "Mr. Shen, what's the inside story? I don't want to go around with you. In this case, maybe the two uncles are really doing something wrong, but they are the closest people in the world of the Empress Dowager. The Empress Dowager does not want his younger brother to suffer in the cell. The Empress Dowager wanted to mention this matter to His Majesty, but encountered some trouble and failed to meet the saint smoothly. He has been crying these days. The old slave looks sad... Now he can make a request to His Majesty and ask His Majesty to forgive the two uncles. "

When he said this, Gao Feng kept observing Chen Xi's expression in secret, wanting to know if Chen Xi was interested in helping.

It is actually very excessive to make this request to Chen Xi. Everyone in the world knows that the first time the Zhang brothers were punished was because they sent someone to assassinate Chen Xi, which was equivalent to forming a deep bond between them.

Chen Xi's expression was full of hesitation: "Can I really help me?"

"You can."

Gao Feng seemed to see some hope and looked eager, "This is also the expectation of the Empress Dowager for Lord Shen... The Empress Dowager's family was weak, and Your Majesty now has no brothers and sisters. If something happens, wouldn't it rely on the help of the Zhang family? You are an important official in the court, and you should know the interests of it..."

Chen Xi didn't say anything.

Now it's just Gao Feng who is saying some clichés for a certain purpose. As for whether the Zhang brothers are helping the Zhu family or cheating the Zhu family, Gao Feng himself knows it.

Chen Xidao: "Eunuch Gao must not think that I am helping you unintentionally. In this case, my intention is actually the same as Mr. Xie. I hope that the two uncles will not make too much trouble and give the two uncles a chance to be pardoned. But now your Majesty is still angry, and because of some things, your Majesty has not completely relieved. Now I will ask Your Majesty to approve the two uncles, I am afraid that the fire will be added to the fire. Look..."

Gao Feng thought for a while and said with a wry smile: "But you can't wait like this, especially the second uncle, who has been staying in the prison cell for half a month. Before, the old slave went to convey the edict of His Majesty's title, but his physical condition was not very good. He kept coughing... At least go back to the mansion first and spend a few days on a safe birthday?"

Chen Xi nodded and said, "That's right, Marquis Jianchang once made contributions to the Ming Dynasty. He has always been accustomed to being generous. How could he endure such hardship?"

"Yes, Lord Shen, have you agreed to mention it to Your Majesty?" Gao Feng was extremely kind when he heard Chen Xi's words, because Chen Xi's name to Zhang Yanling was still "Marquis Jianchang", which was a title that he himself dared not mention. In the end, Zhang Yanling had been deprived of his title by Emperor Zhengde and was already a civilian.

Chen Xi seemed to be thinking, and after a while, he said with emotion: "Since it is the Queen Mother's intention, if I do nothing, I will go against the way of a minister. I also hope that the Queen Mother and Your Majesty have a harmonious relationship... I agreed to this matter, but the result is not guaranteed."

Gao Feng thought about it and seemed that he could not make any other extravagant requests, so he had to nod: "Okay."

Chen Xidao: "Eunuch Gao can actually ask Mr. Xie to come forward. Given Mr. Xie's status in the court, if he can submit a memorial to plead for the two uncles together, His Majesty will probably give face."

"this……"

When Gao Feng heard Chen Xi mention Xie Qian's name, he was obviously embarrassed.

Chen Xi probably understood that even Empress Dowager Zhang and Gao Feng knew that Xie Qian could not work hard when it came to persuading the emperor. Once Xie Qian was involved in many things, it would be easy to go against his wishes.

The conflict between Zhu Houzhao and Xie Qian is no secret in the court.

Gao Feng hesitated a little, and forced a smile and nodded: "This... the old slave will talk to Mr. Xie when he turns back."

That being said, but Chen Xi knew that Gao Feng would definitely not ask Xie Qian for help, because Gao Feng felt that Xie Qian was "unreliable", so it was no different from asking Xie Qian for help and cheating the Zhang brothers.

After Gao Feng finished speaking, he didn't even have any extra greetings and said directly: "Mr. Shen, since you agreed, the old slave will go back to report to the Empress Dowager. You have rested earlier and will not disturb you."

"Don't Eunuch Gao stay and sit down?" Chen Xi said with a smile.

"No, no."

Gao Feng waved his hand quickly and said, "It's more important to go back and report your life."

...

...

After seeing Gao Feng off, Chen Xi did not return to the inner courtyard, so he asked someone to prepare a carriage and wanted to see Xie Qian.

Gao Feng didn't want to come forward, but Chen Xi had this plan, not because he wanted to cheat the Zhang brothers, but because he had deeper plans in some things.

Ma Jiu personally drove a car for Chen Xi. When Chen Xi came out, Ma Jiu brought people over. Chen Xi waved his hand and said, "If you have something to do, just say it on the way."

Chen Xi got on the carriage, and Ma Jiu drove the carriage, and there were many guards escorting them from front and back. The formation was very large. Because there was a Lantern Festival in the capital that day, Chen Xi had to go to Xie Qian Mansion and had to pass through some lively streets, so he had to strengthen security measures.

When he arrived at the gate of Xie Mansion, Chen Xi asked Ma Jiu to come forward to report his background, and then took Ma Jiu to see Xie Qian together.

The Xie family is not as lively as the Shen family. Even on the Lantern Festival, there is no arrangement. Xie Qian himself went to bed early. Knowing that Chen Xi was coming, Xie Qian did not neglect, so he hurriedly put on his clothes and came out to meet. The two met in Xie Qian's study room, and Ma Jiu stationed the guards at the door of the study room.

Xie Qian looked at Chen Xi and said, "You boy, is there something important to come in the middle of the night?"

In Xie Qian's opinion, Chen Xi should have no desires at this moment. He knew that Chen Xi was about to step down as Minister of War. The Ministry of Personnel was over after the New Year exam and there was no major event. Chen Xi did not intend to lead troops to fight in person. It would be useless after Chen Xi argued with reason...

Xie Qian really couldn't figure out what was important to Chen Xi, but he would break the prejudice between the two and come to him late at night to visit him.

Chen Xi explained to Xie Qian in detail about Gao Feng's visit, but it did not improve the fact that Feng was unwilling to come to see Xie Qian.

Xie Qian frowned: "The Queen Mother sent Eunuch Gao to ask for your help. What are you doing here for me? Could it be that you don't want to interfere and let me do it for you?"

Chen Xidao: "I am not the only one who wants to join forces with the nobles and civil officials and generals in the court to submit a joint letter to plead for the two uncles. Xie Ge Lao, please see..."

Xie Qian narrowed his eyes and looked at Chen Xi, as if he was skeptical of his intention, but obviously he could not detect the clues from Chen Xi's expression. Finally, he said quietly: "If you say that the Chinese officials in the joint court report, you can understand it. But it is so strong that you are, don't you understand? Will you sincerely help the Zhang family? These two relatives are used to being wronged and not to mention them. They are often targeted at you. They are punished, and they have to do anything to do with you, right?"

Xie Qian was cunning and always felt that Chen Xi would not be so kind to help the Zhang brothers, and only thought there was a conspiracy.

Chen Xi smiled bitterly and said, "Did he have had a problem with him and even assassinated him and he even took the blame for the assassination of the lower class? For the sake of the stability of the court, did he not make sacrifices? In Mr. Xie's opinion, if he was to rescue him, he must be malicious?"

Xie Qian said: "I don't mean that."

Chen Xi was also a little unfriendly and said, "If Mr. Xie feels that he has ulterior motives, then he will not involve this matter and let Marquis Jianchang stay in the heavenly prison. He always has no good feelings for him. After he is pardoned, he will probably continue to do whatever he wants, and it is better not to save him!"

"etc."

Seeing that Chen Xi's attitude was worse, Xie Qian felt that he was too harsh and his words were not appropriate, so he quickly said, "I don't doubt you, let's discuss the content of the memorial. If you mobilize some people, I will talk to the princes and nobles and plead for the two of them together!"

Xie Qian first felt that Chen Xi had a conspiracy to help him submit a memorial to save the Zhang brothers, but after thinking about it carefully, he found that Chen Xi did this without any meaning.

If Chen Xi is really unintentional, he can ignore it and doesn’t need to do so many articles.

Since he came to discuss and asked someone to report together, it means that Chen Xi was still interested, which made Xie Qian very satisfied. He felt that although Chen Xi did not develop in his preset direction, at least his attitude was impulsive.

In order to prevent Chen Xi from secretly doing it, Xie Qian asked Chen Xi to discuss with him how to write a memorial, and even asked Chen Xi to sign his name together, so that Chen Xi could leave.

On the first day after the end of the Lantern Festival, that is, the 16th day of the first lunar month, when the government offices in the capital opened their yamen, firecrackers were basically set off to hold some simple celebrations. This day was very lively, but the cabinet avoided these cumbersome ceremonies because it was in the forbidden palace.

When Xie Qian arrived at Wenyuan Pavilion, Liang Chu, Yang Tinghe and Jin Gui had already arrived. Xie Qian did not make any mobilization for the beginning of the year. After all, there were people on the turn of the cabinet before, and this day was common for the cabinet.

After arriving, Xie Qian asked Liang Chu and Jin Gui to write a ticket first, and then called Yang Tinghe to the warm room next to him and Chen Xi to show Yang Tinghe the memorial he agreed to rescue the Zhang brothers yesterday.

"...Zhihou will take the initiative to ask Mr. Xie to discuss the memorial?"

Yang Tinghe couldn't quite understand it after hearing this. "As far as I know below, Zhihou has a bad relationship with the two, and the two uncles expressed their dissatisfaction with Zhihou on different occasions."

Xie Qian opened the memorial handed over by Yang Tinghe and pointed, "Look, the name has been signed, what's impossible? I originally wanted to find more people to make things happen directly, but I thought something was wrong. This kid has always been in a state of vain. Since he had thought of completely losing power in Zhang's relatives, how could it be so easy to let them go?"

Although Zhang Heling and Zhang Yanling are the national uncles, they have always been criticized for their abilities and ethics. Even if Xie Qian favors the two, he still knows that they can't get on the table and their tone is not much respectful. He wants to rescue them all for the sake of Empress Dowager Zhang.

Yang Tinghe thought about it carefully, and finally shook his head and said, "I can't figure out what the purpose is."

Xie Qian said: "Does this mean that the boy still chose to compromise? He told me before that when His Majesty tried to delay the matter when he tried his best to delay, and even informed Eunuch Gao through you and me, and then learned about it for the Empress Dowager..."

Yang Tinghe frowned slightly and said, "No matter how you look at it that day, they are all so arrogant. Even if you don't charge the Zhang family, you will know their bad deeds."

Xie Qian thought about it and nodded silently.

"Murder is just a lie. Although the boy did not directly convict, he was unable to raise his head to be a human being in front of so many people in the court. Perhaps it is irrelevant whether this crime is true, because His Majesty must be punished if he is guilty. Now, he is just imprisoned and no longer threatens the court."

Xie Qian analyzed it carefully, and then commented, "Speaking of it, this kid is still seeking to be comprehensive. Even if he reports with me this time, it will only allow the Zhang and the other two to be pardoned for a while, and there is no intention to return the official title or let them return to the court."

Yang Tinghe nodded and said, "That's exactly what it is."

Xie Qian said: "In this way, he just gave the Empress Dowager a favor. What's the difference between Zhang brothers in prison or house arrest? Even if they have to escape freedom, they are only civilians, and they don't seem to have much influence on him. Hi, this kid counts everything!"

Finally figured out something, Xie Qian relaxed his last defense and no longer needed to consider Chen Xi's deeper conspiracy, because he felt that human wisdom could not be endless, even if there were long-term considerations, it would be limited to this.

...

...

Just as Xie Qian and Yang Tinghe discussed whether Chen Xi had any conspiracy, Chen Xi was already meeting the king.

On the morning of the 16th day of the first lunar month, Chen Xi personally went to the leopard room to face the saint. His arrival was a bit sudden. Xiao Tiaozi, Jiang Bin, Zhang Yuan and others could not have expected it. However, the emperor seemed to have known it for a long time. When Chen Xi just arrived at the door of the leopard room, Zhu Houzhao sent Xiao Tiaozi out to invite Chen Xi in.

Chen Xi did not go to Zhu Houzhao's bedroom, but to Zhu Houzhao's study room specially set up in the leopard room. This study room was also where Zhu Houzhao pretended to meet with the ministers, and it was vacant for a long time.

Seeing Chen Xi arrive, Zhu Houzhao waved his hand and said, "You all retreat, I have something to say to Mr. Chen alone."

Xiao Tiaozi Ben led the way, and Jiang Bin was also standing inside the door. When they heard this, they had to retreat. The two were still jealous of Chen Xi's intimate relationship with the emperor.

When Xiao Guozi went out, he closed the door with the only two left in the study.

Chen Xi immediately saluted: "See Your Majesty."

Zhu Houzhao smiled and said, "Sir, don't be too polite, we don't need to be so polite. I asked Brother Su and Brother Zheng to invite you over. Actually, I want to explain it clearly to Mr. Mr., some things are indeed arrows on the string and have to be done. I am not intentionally going against Mr.'s intention."

His words seemed to be an explanation for the fact that he had not discussed with Chen Xi before but directly issued a statement to the border troops to quell the rebellion.

Chen Xi said respectfully: "I understand."

Zhu Houzhao nodded and said, "Sir, it's good that I understand, I don't need to worry... Didn't you say that the Ministry of Personnel will complete the assessment after the New Year? I just saw the preliminary results and haven't seen the specific situation yet."
To be continued...