Two months of such peaceful and calm days passed. As the year draws to a close, although Zheng Yuheng still holds a position in the Palace Front Department, Meng Cheng has already thought about transferring him back to the Six Departments - not because he is not good at all, on the contrary, although Meng Cheng has been fighting with him every day, he knows Zheng Junzhi's loyalty and talent very well, so he doesn't want him to stay in the Palace Front Department.
　　Just like what the Palace Marshal Feng said, this is just to gild his qualifications and resume. With this process, even if Zheng Junzhi is not from a wealthy family, his qualifications are not too shallow. With Meng Cheng's reuse, plus he can accomplish everything he does, he has a voice in the court that can be heard by people.
　　He put Zheng Junzhi in the Six Departments, and he was truly in this mixed officialdom, so he would be the sharpest sword in Meng Cheng's hand.
　　However, if Master Zheng left, Meng Cheng would not even have anyone to discuss with, so he only thought about it in his mind and did not implement it.
　　After entering the twelfth lunar month, the court was extremely busy with year-end affairs. The six departments often quarreled over budgets and deficits. Although the taxes paid by various states to the court were sufficient on the surface, there were many cases of old grain being substituted for new grain and inferior grain being substituted for good grain. The accounts were not completely consistent with the actual situation.
　　Meng Cheng had just issued two edicts a few days ago, reprimanding several states for crying poor and delaying tax payments. This group of people were very active in doing business with the court, rushing to eat the debts raised by the court for the sea trade. When it was time to pay, they turned their heads and could not pay a penny.
　　He flipped through the memorials submitted by the Ministry of Rites to prepare for the New Year, but he was a little absent-minded. Looking back, he saw two familiar eunuchs and guards from the Palace Front Department beside him, but Zheng Junzhi was not there.
　　"Where is your Lord?" Meng Cheng asked the guard.
　　"To answer your Majesty," the guard saluted and reported, "Lord Zheng is not on duty today."
　　"Oh——" Meng Cheng responded, thinking that he didn't have so much time off, I am still here getting up early and going to bed late, eating and drinking late, but this man is idle, so he thought for a while and said again. "He left the palace?"
　　The guard shook his head silently and stammered: "Lord Zheng's whereabouts... I don't know..."
　　He didn't know, but Meng Cheng could guess with his heels that he probably went to please his mother again. This man is so valued, but he just can't change this bad habit. The little emperor thought about this a lot, and once promised him wealth, glory, high position and generous salary, but Zheng Yuheng actually said seriously: "Wealth and honor cannot corrupt, power and force cannot bend, poverty and humbleness cannot move."
　　Meng Cheng wanted to fight with him after hearing this.
　　But he was the emperor, and the emperor always had to consider the dignity of the royal family, so he could only tolerate his hypocritical behavior.
　　Meng Cheng didn't want to embarrass him today, so he didn't ask here. He continued to review the memorials, most of which were about the end-of-year settlement of the national treasury, as well as memorials of greeting from various states. The county magistrates sent a bunch of random specialties, such as oranges and dates. They wrote memorials for trivial matters, as if the purpose was to tell the emperor that they were still alive.
　　Meng Cheng was annoyed by it and reviewed it casually, until he opened a book and saw that the handwriting on it was iron-stroked and silver-hooked, which was very different from the neat and respectful calligraphy of local officials. He calmed down a little and turned back to look at the person who submitted the memorial.
　　Censorate, Xing Wenchang.
　　Although this person is not very old, his deeds cannot be described in three days and three nights. This man was loyal and upright. He had once written an edict to denounce the Empress Dowager. The words in this edict were sharp and cold, and it was full of murderous intent of a clerk. Even Meng Cheng frowned and was very annoyed when he read it. However, it was because of this edict that Dong Lingjiu transferred him to the Censorate and did not vent his anger on him.
　　But the subsequent development was very dramatic. Not only was Xing Wenchang not punished, but after entering the Censorate, he seemed to be unable to believe this treatment. Later, because Dong Lingjiu dealt with the corruption of court officials, the officialdom was in a state of panic. Censor Xing felt that Xu Xiang was a flattering, treacherous and cruel official, and almost had a physical conflict with him.
　　However, Meng Zhaiyue came to the rescue and dragged Xing Wenchang into prison to confront the then imprisoned censor Zhou Yao. After the confrontation, Xing's tone changed drastically, and he criticized the rest of the people who accused the empress dowager. In the end, he became a loyal and iron-blooded censor who was not won over by Dong Lingjiu. Although
　　Dong Lingjiu ignored him, the young emperor often reviewed his memorials and met Xing Wenchang when he met with the officials of the Censorate. Because he often talked about "Your Majesty is not as good as the empress dowager", "Your Majesty is not as good as the late emperor" and so on, Meng Cheng was very upset and did not like him very much.
　　But this person was indeed as Dong Lingjiu said at the beginning, he was very courageous, and he had an innate keenness in supervising the court officials. He always collected subtle handles on the officials for Meng Cheng to write in the memorials. Generally speaking, he was a person who was beneficial to Meng Cheng, but not very likable.
　　After Meng Cheng finished reading the names, he knew in his heart that once he opened his mouth, it would probably not be a good thing for the ministers. But the little emperor was quite happy. He opened it with great interest, just wanting to see who was scolded today. After reading just two lines, his face quickly sank - the
　　Qinzheng Hall was silent, and you could hear a pin drop. Even the breathing of the eunuchs beside him seemed particularly heavy. A little eunuch was coming forward to serve tea. He did not dare to breathe and presented a cup of Huzhou Qinglong Queshe on the imperial table.
　　As the teacup touched the table, a slight collision sound was made. Meng Cheng's face also became completely gloomy, his eyes turned uncertainly, and he said to the guards: "Call your Lord Zheng back and ask him to come over quickly!"
　　"Yes."
　　...
　　Zheng Yuheng picked red plums, trimmed them into suitable shapes, and inserted the plum branches into the vase on the table.
　　Replacing the red plums was his top priority during his leisure time. With Master Zheng busy, even the maids in the Cining Palace rarely took care of the flowers on the Empress's desk.
　　Dong Lingjiu leaned on the imperial concubine's couch and read a book. It was a book of legendary stories that Zheng Yuheng secretly collected from the folks. The people of Dayin were open-minded, and some of the literati who were not valued by the court made a living from this. Meng Zhen suppressed this industry for two years at first, and ordered that it was not allowed to fabricate rumors and make groundless accusations about the nobles in the palace. There was a period of depression. Later, Meng Zhen had no time to care about other things and was too lazy to care about these books full of absurd imaginations, so it gradually returned to the old style.
　　But this kind of book is generally not allowed to enter the family of the nobles, or the inner palace of the imperial palace, at least it is forbidden to read it on the surface. But to be honest, Dong Lingjiu has read it. When she was young, she read all kinds of books at home, even military tactics and magic, and she also read some of these things... After entering the palace, because of the strict palace restrictions, she has not seen it for more than ten years.
　　No matter how strict the rules are, there is no guarantee that there will be any in the palace. However, Dong Lingjiu estimated that the banned books hidden in the palace might be more erotic than this thing and could not be shown to the public.
　　While reading, Dong Lingjiu listened to the sound of Master Zheng pruning branches. She was thinking about the concubine that the people had fabricated for Meng Zhen. She had never heard of it and didn't know what it was based on... Suddenly, Leng Xiang approached and a hand touched her shoulder.
　　Dong Lingjiu raised her eyes and saw that Zheng Yuheng was scented with the fragrance of plum blossoms. He pinched her shoulder with a moderate force and said, "It's backlit, watch your eyes."
　　The sun shifted, and Dong Lingjiu didn't realize the time while reading. The sun was weak in winter, and the surroundings didn't seem bright enough.
　　Dong Lingjiu handed him the book, stood up and sat down, saying: "I asked you to find some mythological stories for me to read, why did you get me so many anecdotes about Emperor Mingde?"
　　Zheng Yuheng blushed, coughed lightly, and covered up, "These are the best-selling ones in Hongxiufang in Beijing."
　　"Hongxiufang?" Dong Lingjiu pondered the name, "Goulan?"
　　"No, no, no," Zheng Yuheng was shocked, "I won't go to the theater! I won't listen to any music! Hongxiufang is a place that sells books, paper and pens. Poor scholars think they are elegant and want to have beautiful women by their side, so they named it this way. Don't frame me."
　　Dong Lingjiu smiled and said, "Why are you in such a hurry? What's wrong with the brothel? How many civil and military officials in the court still ask for help to set up traps in the brothel? Even the Luming Banquet for entertaining the master has people accompanying famous prostitutes. The son of the former Zhongshu Ling Wu Chongshan spent a lot of money on an elegant prostitute in Beijing and hung Shuangshitai to make her the most beautiful woman. I know all these things."
　　Wu Chongshan's family was eventually confiscated. Zheng Yuheng thought silently.
　　"Not to mention them, even the characters in this book," Dong Lingjiu pointed at the paper page, referring to Meng Zhen, "I have even seen the erotic plays he ordered."
　　Zheng Yuheng was surprised again, imagining the scene of a couple watching erotic plays together, his mind was buzzing, and he almost couldn't turn around.
　　"The official we wanted to kill was from the party of King Yu. He was stubborn and would not accept bribes, but he was extremely lustful. Meng Zhen specially selected a group of young actors and trained them to be extremely beautiful." Dong Lingjiu said lightly, "We set up a trap to make this man think that he was a hero saving a beauty, so the beauty threw herself into his arms... Later he died of a sudden death during sex." A
　　sudden death during sex means "
　　sudden death during sex." But when she said this, this man must have had a sudden death during sex for a reason.
　　Zheng Yuheng was stunned. He had participated in politics and partnered with the young emperor for so long, and he had used some unethical methods, but their skills and the degree of "unruliness" were obviously not to this extent.
　　But he changed his mind and an idea floated in his mind for no reason. Men who did not abide by the husband's way would not have a good end, such as Wu Chongshan's son, such as this former minister of King Yu, and his predecessor, the best man in the world, the first sage Emperor Mingde.
　　Zheng Yuheng was certain in his heart, thinking sweetly in his mind that he only had feelings for Tan Niang, and he was only so bold and uncontrollable towards her. Wasn't this a destiny destined by heaven? They were definitely a perfect match.
　　Unfortunately, before Little Master Zheng could be happy for a while, someone outside the screen reported: "Empress Dowager, several deputy governors of Guiyuan Palace are outside seeking to see you. They said that His Majesty couldn't find Master Zheng Junzhi, and they are angry. Please bring a message to His Majesty to calm down."
　　The emperor's attendants in Guiyuan Palace knew Zheng Yuheng's identity. What they meant was to tell Zheng Yuheng in a tactful way, "Don't stay in Cining Palace. His Majesty is looking for you, and it must be bad news."
　　Dong Lingjiu said "hmm" and turned to look at Zheng Yuheng.
　　The two looked at each other for a moment, and Little Master Zheng reluctantly stood up and brushed off the plum blossoms that had fallen on his sleeves. He muttered, "Why does your son always look for me..."
　　Dong Lingjiu coughed lightly, and he immediately changed his tone, "Your Majesty is really diligent and loves the people. He will definitely be a wise monarch in the future."
　　Dong Lingjiu smiled and deliberately said, "Then you are a famous minister."
　　Zheng Yuheng's expression changed, and his face showed "Who wants to be a famous minister? I get annoyed when I see him." He opened his mouth and forced out a sentence, "...Of course I...I am very patient with our son...our Majesty."
　　Dong Lingjiu didn't care what he said. Junzhi was only being unrestrained in front of her. In the eyes of Cheng'er and the ministers, he was still very sensible.
　　She looked at him with a smile and urged him: "Don't delay the business, go."
　　Zheng Yuheng looked at her reluctantly for a few more times, just walked a few steps, turned around and hugged her and kissed her cheek, then said: "I'm leaving."
　　"Yeah."
　　He stood up and walked to the side of the screen and looked back, his eyes almost glued to her, then took a breath, and went to Guiyuan Palace with grievance.
　　Dong Lingjiu originally accompanied Zheng Yuheng to chat and play chess that day, but now everyone was busy, and Mu Xuehua helped the queen with the palace affairs and hosted the New Year's banquet. She has been very free recently, taking care of her body and in good spirits. Thinking that reading books in the daytime would hurt her eyes, she put down the books and asked Li Ruixue to accompany her for a walk.
　　In the cold winter, Aunt Ruixue covered her tightly and then went out in a sedan chair.
　　Not long after leaving the house, Dong Lingjiu closed her eyes and took a nap on the sedan chair. Suddenly, she felt stopped. A strange but very young male voice came from the front.
　　"Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager, is well."
　　Dong Lingjiu opened her eyes and recalled this person in her mind. Since Meng Cheng took power, although there were still ministers coming to the Cining Palace to discuss matters, Dong Lingjiu mostly just gave a few instructions and did not meet them often... Since the people she met were all the heads of the six ministries, only the Shangshu, the Canzhi and other prime ministers could enter the Cining Palace, so she gradually cut off the audience with other officials in the capital.
　　This is only a potential rule. On the surface, since Dong Lingjiu last ordered to allow all officials to enter the palace to report their political views, the Censorate, the Six Departments, the Dali Temple... Anyone with an official seal and enough to participate in politics can enter the palace to seek an audience.
　　It was unexpected to meet such a person here.
　　Dong Lingjiu said, "No thanks."
　　The man outside stood up and seemed to take two steps forward. His footsteps made a crunching sound on the snow that had not been swept away in time.
　　"I have something to report." said Censor Xing.
　　Dong Lingjiu supported his forehead and said lightly, "Guiyuan Palace is still handling state affairs. You don't have to stop me when you go to see the emperor."
　　"I'm sorry. This is my fault." Xing Wenchang said, "But I can only ask the Empress Dowager for this matter. Please meet me."
　　Dong Lingjiu said, "Ruixue."
　　"Yes." Ruixue stretched out her hand to open the curtain of the sedan chair.
　　The maids and eunuchs around them were stacked up, and the two were at least ten steps away. Dong Lingjiu sat quietly in the middle, with black hair and golden hairpins, holding a dark gold phoenix pattern cloak, her face was calm, and she looked at him as quiet as autumn frost.
　　At this moment, Censor Xing's appearance was also displayed in front of her - young and handsome.
　　He knelt in front of the sedan chair and said with his head down: "I beg the Queen Mother to take care of herself and do not follow the example of Empress Dowager Hu of Northern Qi and Empress Dowager Feng of Northern Wei. Your Majesty's great reputation must not be ruined by this villain!"
　　Dong Lingjiu's expression changed slightly and he looked up at him: "Villain?"
　　"Zheng Junzhi seduced the emperor and used his beauty to seduce people. In just two years, he was promoted to the position of a close minister of the Emperor in the Palace Front Office and was favored so much." He said, "He was favored by the Queen Mother, but he was still not satisfied. He deceived Your Majesty and was promoted one after another. This is deceiving the emperor. I ask the Queen Mother to shed tears and execute him!"
　　Dong Lingjiu raised her finger and knocked on the small table on the side of the sedan chair and said, "Is that all I have to say?"
　　She had expected that the matter would be exposed, so it was not a surprise. Compared to the old officials who were silent, tolerant and fearful of her, these new officials who had just entered the court and had not experienced the bloody storm were the most likely to overreact to this matter... As for hiding it for a lifetime without any trace, it was almost impossible. Zheng Yuheng's appearance alone was enough to make people imagine and speculate secretly.
　　Xing Wenchang paused, and suddenly an unnatural morbid flush appeared on his face, as if he was forcibly suppressing his intense excitement, and said: "The Empress Dowager has lived in the deep palace for a long time and has no fun. I am willing to recommend myself. From now on, I will resign from my official position and concentrate on accompanying the Empress."
　　Dong Lingjiu: "..."
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　　Xiao Zheng: I was wondering why it didn't rain, it turns out that you made me speechless! ! !