Chapter Fourteen: A New Mission

  "What was it that Uncle said?" Zhang Jiamu quickly caught on and changed his address, saying: "Uncle, I really don't remember."

  "Alright," said Yuan Baihu with a smile: "That year when I went to your house, you were only a few years old, it's understandable that you don't remember."

  He said that, Zhang Jiamu actually took a closer look at him, and suddenly had an epiphany in his mind, scolding himself as an idiot, before saying: "Shi Shu, nephew is really going to die!"

  He knelt down and knocked his head on the ground, saying: "Nephew thanks Shishu for his upbringing!"

  It turned out that this trial hundred households was the Jin Yiwei officer who was on duty at the East House at the beginning of this month. When Zhang Jiamu and Ren Yuan entered, Yuan Baifu sized them up for a long time, and later drew a good lot in the draw, which had never happened before. It seemed that Yuan Baifu had secretly helped them.

  Yuan Baihu was delighted: "Not bad, your memory is really good." He continued: "However, at that time I didn't know you were Zhang Dage's son. At that time, it was because of your diligence and the fact that you came from a humble background, so I thought I'd help you out once."

  His life's aspect is big ears, a serious face, calm and peaceful demeanor, saying such words, Zhang Jiamu truly believes.

  But he couldn't figure out why he had recently encountered so many noble people, including his deceased father. What kind of sacred being was this, and how did it know so many high-ranking officials, yet he himself was just a lowly school officer?

  Everyone present could see Zhang Jiamu's thoughts. Yuan Baohou and Ha Ming exchanged a smile, and Ha Ming spoke first: "Big brother, you don't have to think too much about it either. Today's private conversation will stop here, and we'll chat again when we're free. Since we're at Duke Jingyuan's place, we can't neglect official business for personal matters. The duke has summoned you, after all, because there really is official business."

  "Yes, sir. Please give your orders."

  When it comes to official business, one cannot but follow the rules. Zhang Jiamu's status was far inferior to Wang Ji's, and as he was also of an uncle generation among those present, he stood at attention waiting for orders, standing there so naturally awaiting Wang Ji's instructions.

  Although Wang Jiannian was old and weak, his spirit was still very good. He said in a loud and clear voice: "It's like this, yesterday the Ministry of Revenue had some trouble at Yang Huan's house. The matter wasn't big, but it involved many people. The Emperor ordered me to investigate and report back. I think the East Factory guards in Zhengnanfang are not reliable, and as for the Brocade Guards, I'm not very familiar with them either. This morning I summoned Men Da to come over, he recommended you, and also heard Li Chun say that your martial arts skills are excellent. I thought, with good martial arts skills and being clever and meticulous, this matter can be handed over to you to handle. Although you're still young, you should be able to handle it!"

  The old man was indeed old and spoke a bit incoherently. After talking for half a day, he still didn't make it clear what the matter was.

  Li Chun furrowed his brow and stepped forward to add, "Yesterday was also very ominous. In the middle of winter, there was a thunderclap. Originally, it had nothing to do with anything, but the lightning struck the east wing of Yang's residence, killing several slaves. Now, there are rumors that Yang is not virtuous in his personal conduct and must have committed some offense against heaven. Several imperial censors want to impeach him. If this matter isn't investigated clearly, it will have serious consequences."

  It turned out that it rained a little after dark yesterday, and there was a thunderstorm. It's rare to have thunderstorms in winter. The house of Yang Gong, the official of the Ministry of Revenue, was struck by lightning and people died. Thinking about it, it's really unlucky.

  After a few hundred years, it's just a matter of adding a few lightning rods. There were many cases of lightning strikes in the Ming Dynasty, especially in palace buildings, which were built high and had no lightning protection facilities. Take the three main halls of the Forbidden City as an example, they have been burned down several times.

  However, the saying that lightning strikes bad people has gone deep into people's hearts. This Director Yang was struck by lightning for no reason and couldn't find a good excuse to get out of it, so he had no choice but to resign and leave.

  Of course, this is the most superficial reason. Zhang Jiamu was not very concerned about the situation in Chaozhou before and didn't know the twists and turns behind it. He guessed that it must be related to the struggle for power. It must be one faction fighting another, with gods fighting each other, using the thunder strike as an excuse for both sides to fight.

  It's obvious that this pool of water has become almost a black whirlpool...

  Looking at these old foxes of grandfathers and uncles, Zhang Jiamu really wanted to shout: "Grandpas and uncles, spare me!"

  Anyway, gotta make some excuses first!

  "He said: 'Your Excellency, I am just a flag instructor of the Brocade Guard, how can I have the qualifications to preside over a criminal case?'"

  "It doesn't matter," Wang Jifei said quickly: "It was Mendabaihu who recommended you, he's just a figurehead, you're in charge, and he trusts you, so of course I trust you too!"

  "Take care of yourself." He also felt a bit too much to ask, so Wang Ji said with some apology: "After this matter is over, I will give you an explanation. Can't be too unfair to you."

  With his status and position, it's easy for him to recommend a Jin Yi Wei!

  "Yes," Zhang Jiamu said solemnly: "Since Master Bo has given a strict order, I will certainly do my best to obey and will not shirk responsibility."

  This matter is now settled; Wang Ji poured tea and his attendants loudly sang a farewell song behind him.

  It's almost time for dinner, but Zhang Jiamu's identity is not enough to stay for a meal at the Wang Ji Fu, so Zhang Jiamu calmly bid farewell and excused himself from the crowd.

  Everyone else sat still, Ha Ming sent Zhang Jiamu to the gate and smiled: "How is it, do you have any ideas?"

  Zhang Jiamu smiled bitterly and said: "Let's take it one step at a time, Master. This time the apprentice has been pushed to the forefront!"

  "Isn't this good enough? Dalang, the capital is about to be hit by wind and rain. Staying at home can ensure safety, but wealth and honor are sought in danger. If you don't put yourself in it, I'm afraid you will only end up as a school lieutenant for the rest of your life."

  At first glance, this sentence seems ordinary and unremarkable, but upon further reflection, it contains profound implications.

  Zhang Jiamu suddenly seemed to have an epiphany and asked: "Master, what's the story with this Yang Give?"

  Ha Ming came out just for this and immediately replied: "The emperor's replacement of the crown prince, you know?"

  "I seem to recall it was in the third year of the Jingtai era... what happened?"

  "The original crown prince was the son of the retired emperor, the emperor's nephew. The emperor deposed him and established his own son instead. This can't be said to be wrong, who wouldn't want to pass on the throne to their own children? Unfortunately, the newly established crown prince had a short life span and died after just a few years. Yang, the official in charge of memorials, previously submitted a memorial requesting that the emperor 'early establish a worthy successor', do you understand the implied meaning?"

  "Got it!"

  Zhang Jiamu was shocked and frightened: Although the current emperor and the retired emperor are biological brothers, there is no room for familial affection in matters of state. The two brothers had already fallen out with each other, and it's said that the retired emperor can't even get enough to eat in the South Palace. The matter of establishing a crown prince has become the most pressing issue in the land. Yang Huan's memorial must have been instigated by someone, and its purpose is clearly to restore the original crown prince Zhu Jianshen as soon as possible. This affair is truly enormous, and getting involved in it would be extremely unwise.

  "Don't worry." Ha Ming saw his concerns and comforted him: "This matter, both sides are at an impasse. Since the Emperor has ordered an investigation, it's to give all parties a chance to explain themselves. You, Master Bo, are in charge of this case, how could we ask you to take the blame? Just focus on doing your job well, no matter what the outcome is, you'll have to show your face anyway, got it?"

  This is what Ha Ming meant by calling him out to instruct!

  Before Zhang Jiamu could respond, Ha Ming smiled lightly and said: "I heard from Men Da that he recommended you to participate in the archery competition?"

  "Yes, the apprentice wants to give it a try."

  "Your archery skills were taught by me personally, don't bring shame on me!"

  "I don't dare guarantee a certain victory, in short, it's just that the disciples will do their best."

  "How can you not dare to guarantee?" Ha Ming was very dissatisfied, shaking his head repeatedly: "My disciple is also Zhang Shangrong's son, and he should have some pride in being a junior."

  "He also said: 'I'm busy today, but within these few days, I'll have to find some time to visit your home. You must be careful, if you really can't bear it, I will punish you on behalf of your father.'"

  Ha Ming was famous among the Mongols for his excellent riding and shooting skills. If not, he would not have been chosen by Zhang Jiao to join the army during the Northern Expedition against the Wusuli tribe. In his early years, when teaching Zhang Jiamo martial arts, Ha Ming was extremely strict. Now that he is there to guide him, he will surely be able to achieve twice the result with half the effort.

  Zhang Jiamu was overjoyed: "Disciple awaits Master's arrival!"

  "Let's see about that, don't think I'm joking."

  Having said that, he waved his hand and glanced at Ren Yuan who was waiting on the side, smiled and said: "Not bad." Then, he went in with a swagger.

  Watching Ren Yuan come over with a curious expression, Zhang Jiamu felt that he still hadn't recovered from the shock.

  What a day, there's just too much going on!

  The matter of archery, in a few days it will begin. First, there will be a trial within the Brocade Guard, and then another trial with those selected from the other guards. To pass through five gates and defeat six generals - the hardships are naturally not to be mentioned. Whether or not I can emerge victorious is still uncertain.

  The official Gao Ping will cause trouble for him in the future, which is also a very troublesome thing.

  There is also his own small flag officer, and his chest seems not very open...

  There are also their own masters and uncles, mysterious and mysterious, after all, which faction they belong to, and who is behind the scenes, is quite interesting.

  Moreover, his father's identity is also somewhat mysterious and unclear.

  Menda Baihu seems to have a bit too high expectations for himself... Now the most headache is, what on earth is going on with that damned Yang Jishi's family who was struck by lightning!

  And how can he benefit from this matter and show his face in front of a veteran minister like Wang Ji?

  Starting point. Welcome to the vast number of book friends, the latest, fastest and most popular serialized works are all in the starting point of original!