The Wu Dynasty ended in a tense atmosphere.

Although Xie Qian was offended by the dragon face, the court stick was finally cancelled. Zhu Houzhao was often unreasonable, but he did not have the preference of criticizing the ministers for no reason. In terms of human feelings, he was much better than his ancestors who often wanted humans, and even better than his father.

However, Zhu Houzhao's attitude did not change at all. The matter of sending troops was implemented in a tough attitude without any room for negotiation. Even the day of sending troops was set. March 20, and the time for sending troops was calculated was only more than half a month.

Zhang Yuan did not leave with Zhu Houzhao, but stayed in Fengtian Hall, standing in front of the dragon throne, staring at Xie Qian tightly.

After Zhu Houzhao left, the ministers stood up from the ground one after another, and Xie Qian kept kneeling there, feeling discouraged for a moment... If it were the Hongzhi Dynasty and the political affairs were harmonious, he would never stay in the court and receive this cowardly, but at this time he insisted on staying angry because Xie Qian felt that he could not give up halfway.

"Xie Zhongtang..."

Yang Yiqing came over to help Xie Qian and stood up, but Xie Qian was not grateful and shook Yang Yiqing's hand away. It was obvious that he still held grudges at the critical moment. This colleague from the cabinet did not stand up and retreat with him.

Zhang Yuan walked down the imperial steps and arrived in front of Xie Qian.

Hearing the sound of footsteps approaching, Xie Qian finally stood up straight, tears on his face had dried up, and he stood up tremblingly, as if he was ten years older.

When Zhang Yuan saw Xie Qian stand up and face him, he immediately said in a condemnational tone: "Gei Xie, has our family not made it clear enough before? What is the point of being so disobedient to Your Majesty? It is just to show your loyalty, or is it the so-called righteousness? Let so many officials present in our family suffer with you?"

The civil and military officials did not leave, and Zhang Yuan's voice was loud, as if he was deliberately trying to let everyone hear it.

The scene was quiet, and everyone watched, wondering how the subsequent development would develop, especially to clarify whether the dispatch of troops would be implemented, because Xie Qian's attitude would determine the responses made by the Chinese officials in the court next time. If Xie Qian chose to stop, no one would be willing to stand up and contradict the emperor, and even the people in the six subjects who have always claimed to dare to advise were silent.

Everyone has the same idea: "Xie Yuqiao can rely on his seniority and ignore it and violate the national policy he had formulated at the beginning and sang against His Majesty, but we cannot... Who can guarantee that His Majesty will not cut off the heads of several people in his rage to demonstrate?"

When Xie Qian faced Zhang Yuan's questioning, he couldn't say a word.

If we only talk about morality, he confirmed that he would make such a suggestion for the country and country of Ming Dynasty, but in fact he knew in his heart that his actions were suspected of being unfaithful and unrighteous. Loyalty was for Zhu Houzhao, and righteousness was for his colleagues around him.

Zhang Yuan continued to shout aggressively: "What's the result? Your Majesty has set the matter of sending troops, and even chose the date. How dare you ask Mr. Xie what good plans do you have? Sending troops is a foregone conclusion. I still object to it even though I know there is no result. Will the emperor discuss with you if there is something in the future? Master Xie burned down His Majesty's trust in you..."

Xie Qian's face looked very bad, his body trembled, and he was a little unsteady. Fortunately, there were Yang Yiqing, Li Jue and others next to him, so he hurried over to help him left and right.

Xie Qian lowered his head, completely absent-minded. Even if he was scolded by Zhang Yuan, he still had no intention of refuting or defending.

“What to see?”

Seeing that Xie Qian did not answer, Zhang Yuan frowned and turned around and shouted at the officials present, completely forgetting that he was just a eunuch in the palace. As the emperor's slave, he was not qualified to shout at the nobles and civil servants. However, in order to show his identity, Zhang Yuan no longer cared about much. He felt that since Xie Qian's position as chief minister was shaky, he had to stand up and try his best to show his majesty and make people surrender... The best object of imitation in his mind was Liu Jin, who had retreated from the court and the country.

Yang Tinghe was a little embarrassed and stood up to persuade: "Eunuch Zhang, Master Xie did all this for the court... Even if a minister knows that he cannot dissuade His Majesty, he still has to stand up and point out the omissions and prevent problems before they happen. Isn't this a matter of course?"

Liang Chu looked around, his eyes cold... His temper was not as hot as Yang Tinghe. Even if he was dissatisfied, he could hold it back. This was also the fundamental reason why Liu Jin forced him to advance and retreat freely.

Yang Tinghe was at the last place in the cabinet, without any scruples, and took the initiative to speak because he felt that he had to speak for the cabinet and safeguard the dignity and reputation of the cabinet ministers. However, even so, he still did not dare to stand up when Zhu Houzhao was angry and advance and retreat with Xie Qian.

Fortunately, Xie Qian felt this care, turned sideways, looked at Yang Tinghe and nodded slightly, and then sighed softly, perhaps because he felt that there was no need for Yang Tinghe to come forward to support him, after all, the target of the offense was the Sili Superintendent who was connected with the cabinet work.

Zhang Yuan smiled coldly. He was still a little concerned about Xie Qian, but the rest of the cabinet never took it seriously.

In Zhang Yuan's thoughts, he, the chief of the Secretariat, held the power of Zhu Ci, and should be superior. Just when he was about to continue to show off his might, Dai Yi came out to persuade him to reconcile: "Don't hurt the harmony, we are the same as the palace, but the division of labor is different. Isn't Master Xie also good intentions? Since the court meeting has ended, please come back... It's apart, it's apart, come here, I'll send you out of the palace."

Zhang Yuan was interrupted and turned around and glared at Dai Yi: "Eunuch Dai, you are so powerful... Are you qualified to speak here?"

Dai Yi was originally a peacemaker, but when Zhang Yuan scolded him, he could only lower his head sadly, take a step back to show his humility and stop talking.

Zhang Yuan was proud when he suddenly found that the ministers present looked at him with contempt and distant eyes. He was stunned for a moment and began to reflect on his previous attitude. He suddenly remembered that it was not a good idea to make grudges with civil servants and generals present. It was not good to think about how to win people's hearts.

Zhang Yuanxin said, "Oh, I was careless and offended the person without realizing it... Didn't Zang Xian say it before? The biggest contradiction in the court was the conflict between civil servants and His Majesty. Civil servants dare not treat His Majesty, but there is an alien Shen Zhihou in His Majesty's camp. As long as the conflict is led to Shen Zhihou."

Zhang Yuan sighed and said, "Our family spoke too heavily before, so I apologize to Mr. Yang here."

"snort!"

Yang Tinghe snorted coldly, not accepting Zhang Yuan's apology.

In his opinion, the chief minister of the cabinet was the head of civil servants, the supreme glory of the literati, and the goal he pursued throughout his life. The elders of the three dynasties were scolded by a eunuch, just like the gods in his mind were insulted and violated, so he was naturally unwilling to stand up and speak.

Anyone who infringes on the rights and interests of the cabinet and even the chief minister will fight back with a hostile attitude.

Zhang Yuan suddenly felt angry: "Hey, I apologize to you in a low voice. What's your attitude? You kid don't want to be in the court anymore, right?"

But because he wanted to transfer the conflict, Zhang Yuan did not target Yang Tinghe and said: "The reason why Your Majesty is so confident and decided to send troops is because there are famous officials like Chen Shangshu, the Minister of War, in the court, who are famous in ancient times... I think how many people have achieved the victory of foreign countries for thousands of years? "

Xie Qian heard it and Zhang Yuan once again deliberately pulled the hatred towards Chen Xi. Although he was very disdainful of Chen Xi, he did not want to be exploited, especially this person with ulterior motives was still a eunuch.

Xie Qian’s idea was that even if he wanted to punish Shen Zhihou, it would be a matter within the civil servant and had nothing to do with you, Zhang Yuan. What does it mean to be a swearing person in front of us?

Xie Qian did not explain to Zhang Yuan, and did not even say goodbye. He waved his hand and greeted Yang Tinghe, Liang Chu and others to leave. When he turned around, Zhang Yuan was very surprised. He was stunned for a few steps and rushed forward, blocking Xie Qian's way, and asked, "Gei Master Xie, our family has not finished talking yet. What does it mean to leave in a hurry?"

Xie Qian didn't want to pay attention to Zhang Yuan. The eunuch in front of him had no charm in his personality. Xie Qian sighed in his heart: "Zhang Yuan is completely selfish villain, far worse than Liu Jin, and has no shame. Such a mediocre villain was entrusted with important tasks by His Majesty. The Ming Dynasty is not far from being destroyed."

After this incident, Xie Qian understood many things and his attitude towards Zhang Yuan became worse and worse. He no longer regarded Zhang Yuan as a political ally because he was sure that Zhang Yuan would not make the right choice for benevolence, righteousness and morality. Everything revolved around interests, and it was basically doing its own thing.

"Stop! If you don't understand people's words, how about you?" Zhang Yuan saw Xie Qian bypassing him and continuing to move forward, his attitude suddenly became extremely bad, and he said directly in a yelling tone.

This time, not only Yang Tinghe was angry, but many ministers present also had their eyes wide open, and their eyes were full of bad intentions when they looked at Zhang Yuan.

Not to mention Zhang Yuan, even Liu Jin, who was arbitrarily yelled at the prime minister in Fengtian Hall. Liu Jin, who was famous for his master, said that Zhang Yuan was completely arbitrarily yelling.

Xie Qian stopped, turned around and looked at Zhang Yuan, and said in a calm tone: "I don't want to know why Your Majesty started a battle. Perhaps Shen Zhihou is really a talented person to support the country. The result of this battle may be a great victory. The reason for my dissuasion is simply because the benefits of our Ming Dynasty won this battle are not proportional to the disaster brought by the failure. It is simply a waste of money and money..."

Yang Tinghe said: "Mr. Xie, why didn't you say these words to Your Majesty before?"

"It's useless to say it."

Xie Qian said frustratedly, "Your Majesty doesn't listen to me at all. If anyone says it, it will be futile. I just do my best to do my best and live in peace. I don't have many things to do. Your Majesty has been ascending the throne and has dropped out of court for more than three years. There are so many things happening in the court during this period... I am really tired."

All the civil and military ministers present heard it. Xie Qian's intention to leave was obvious. Although he might not really want to retreat, since Zhu Houzhao, the court of Wu, said such heartless words, Xie Qian could not speak up if he could not submit a letter. Moreover, because of Zhang Yuan and Zhu Houzhao's prejudice, this memorial would probably be approved.

Some people couldn't help but look at Liang Chu, who was expressionless, and a flash of inspiration flashed in their minds, as if they understood something: "No wonder Grand Secretary Liang didn't stand up and talk. He was eager to be the next chief assistant... Xie Ge Lao retreated, and it was natural for him to take office. How could he stand up and sing a counter-tune with His Majesty?"

These people judge the gentleman completely by the heart of villains. Liang Chu did not say anything, but this does not mean that he covets the position of chief minister. But among the three people in the cabinet, Liang Chu was Liang Chu. Liang Chu did not object to sending troops. He always regarded Chen Xi as a capable minister and did not think that starting a war was a disaster.

Xie Qian said: "Since the matter is irreversible, please go back and prepare yourself. This war is extremely expensive and may even last for a long time. I hope that no matter what happens in the future, I must uphold the spirit of supporting the Ming and the country, and do not act emotionally!"

After saying that, Xie Qian did not stop anymore and left Fengtian Palace directly.

...

...

Emperor Zhengde once again targeted Xie Qian during the court discussion.

Both times they turned against each other because of the military sending, and ended up responding with Zhu Houzhao's tough attitude, but this time Xie Qian was hit even harder.

Xie Qian not only offended Zhu Houzhao, but also had a feud with Zhang Yuan, which made him realize that his future cabinet responsibilities would be extremely difficult. The good time that had been in full power for half a year has become a thing of the past, and the power of the Ming Dynasty has slowly fallen into the hands of Zhang Yuan and Shen Xi.

The court affairs were constrained by Zhang Yuan, while the military affairs were completely dominated by Shen Xi. His good days as the chief minister were over.

Xie Qian did not say he was sick because he didn't think this was a good way to deal with the current crisis. After returning home, he wrote a resignation memorial as soon as possible and sent it to the palace. He clearly realized in his heart that he might be subject to double pressure from the emperor and the Silijian, which did not include the pressure brought to him by Chen Xi and the military who was fully committed to the war.

At this time, Xie Qian had only one thought: I couldn’t leave the court, I must persevere and keep the last line of defense for civil servants.

Because this was a resignation memorial submitted by the cabinet chief himself, no one dared to make a ticket and sent it directly to the Ministry of Religion and wait for the emperor's approval.

Xie Qian felt extremely confused about the future. He didn't know how Zhu Houzhao would respond to his resignation. At least at this stage, he must be prepared to leave the court at any time.

"......... After persisting for so long, did you end up leaving the court in a mess and witnessing the changes in the court as a bystander? When the famous officials in the court left, they all became spectators?"

Xie Qian thought of Liu Jian, Li Dongyang, Liu Daxia, Ma Wensheng and others. These people were once powerful and prominent in the court, but they lost their news after resigning and returning home. It seemed that they never existed. The court still operated according to the established rules, and a generation of new people replaced the old people, and the old people were gradually forgotten.

Only those in power will be remembered, otherwise they can only find traces from historical books.

On the fourth day of the second month, the palace still did not make any reply about Xie Qian's resignation, and Xie Qian had never met Emperor Zhengde and the people from the Silijian again. A sense of crisis that he would leave the court at any time invaded Xie Qian's body and mind.

It was on this day that Xie Qian asked Empress Dowager Zhang.

In Xie Qian's opinion, he must do something for the Ming Dynasty. If he was defeated in a miserable situation, at least he felt at ease and felt that he had done his best, not regretting it afterwards. The thing he was most concerned about had jumped from opposing sending troops to how to ensure the inheritance of the throne of the Ming Dynasty.

Xie Qian felt that the worst plan must be made, that is, Zhu Houzhao went to war and made a situation. The comparison example is that when Yingzong was defeated and captured in Tumu Fort, the Ming Dynasty must have a crown prince in charge of the capital and deal with the Tatars to the end. In this way, even if something happened, the Ming Dynasty would not completely collapse.

Empress Dowager Zhang doesn’t care about other things, but it involves the inheritance of the throne, and Empress Dowager Zhang has the right to speak. This is also the fundamental reason why Xie Qian wanted to enter the palace to meet Empress Dowager Zhang. He understood that it was unrealistic to ask Empress Dowager Zhang to persuade Zhu Houzhao. Instead of worrying about whether to send troops, it would be better to confirm the heir to the throne after sending troops!

On that day, Xie Qian was summoned by Yongshou Palace and entered the palace with a worry of gains and losses.

It is not difficult for the cabinet chief to enter and exit the palace during the day. After passing the Meridian Gate, Gao Feng was already waiting in front of the Jinshui Bridge. He was the person sent by Empress Dowager Zhang to welcome Xie to the palace.

"Gei Xie, please come with our family..."

Gao Feng was very respectful in front of Xie Qian. Although this prime minister angered the king, he also made his reputation in disguise. Even if others were tired of Xie Qian's stubborn temper, they all understood that he was not for his own selfish interests. After all, Xie Qian used his political future to persuade the emperor, and even almost got punished with a court stick. This kind of courage is not something that ordinary people have.

Unfortunately, Xie Qian just earned face for himself and didn't earn anything else.

Gao Feng did not talk to Xie Qian on the way, and did not want to discuss gains and losses with Xie Qian. After all, he himself was on duty in the Sili Supervisory Office, although he spent more time in charge of the affairs of the palace. As the person trusted by Empress Dowager Zhang, Gao Feng was old and stern, and was basically responsible for all the affairs of the inner palace after Empress Xia entered the palace. He was a person trusted by Empress Dowager Zhang and Empress Xia.

After reaching Yongshou Palace all the way, Xie Qian never talked to Gao Feng.

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Chapter completed!