I was a conman in the Ming Dynasty.

Chapter 297 The Donglin Party's Counterattack

Chapter 297 The Donglin Party's Counterattack

That morning at court, Wang Wenzhou had not yet appeared. The Donglin Party members, impatient, launched a massive attack on Wang Wenzhou.

"Ahem!" Zheng Sanjun, the Minister of Justice, coughed a few times and said, "I have a memorial to report. Qian Shisheng has been imprisoned by Wang Wenzhou for some time. Whether Qian Shisheng has colluded with the enemy and betrayed the country can only be known by the Dali Temple's interrogation. Keeping Qian Shisheng imprisoned like this is not in accordance with the law of the court."

Zhu Youjian said with a smile, "If you hadn't mentioned it, I would have almost forgotten. Summon Qian Shisheng and his family to an audience."

"Huh?" The officials were utterly bewildered. All the men in Qian Shisheng's household had been beheaded on the spot by Wang Wenzhou, and his female relatives had been sent to the brothel by Wang Wenzhou. What family did Qian Shisheng have left?

In no time, Qian Shisheng and his entire family went to court to pay their respects.

"Your subject Qian Shisheng greets Your Majesty. Long live the Emperor!" Qian Shisheng kowtowed.

"Rise!" Zhu Youjian said with a smile, "Let me explain for Wang Wenzhou. Qian Shisheng did not collude with the enemy or betray the country, and Wang Wenzhou did not kill his family. Those killed that day were all death row inmates in the prison."

"Your Majesty!" Zheng Sanjun said, "Wang Wenzhou abused his power and acted recklessly, disregarding the laws of the court and framing ministers. I beg Your Majesty to punish him for the crime of bending the law for personal gain!"

Qian Shisheng said with a bitter smile, "Your Majesty, I am innocent!"

Zhu Youjian thought for a moment and said, "Wang Wenzhou went a bit too far in this matter, but Qian Shisheng, you also made a mistake by pretending to be sick and not attending the morning court. Wang Wenzhou has fined you a year's salary, and Qian Shisheng has also suffered a lot of grievances these days. I will not punish you. You and your family can go home and rest for a few days before coming to court again."

"Pfft..." Zheng Sanjun was both amused and exasperated. The Emperor was really protective of his own! These two, the Emperor and his minister, were of one mind. Wang Wenzhou's actions would have been a capital offense for anyone else, but he was only fined a year's salary.

At this moment, Kong Zhenyun stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, I have a memorial to present. Wang Wenzhou is not in charge of government affairs and has been absent from the morning court for several days without cause. He is in a position but does not fulfill his duties. I request Your Majesty to dismiss him from his post as Vice Minister of Rites!"

Zhu Youjian shook his head with a wry smile. This morning's court session was filled with memorials impeaching Wang Wenzhou.

"Hmm..." Zhu Youjian thought for a moment and said, "You may not know this, but Wang Wenzhou has suddenly fallen seriously ill and has asked me for leave."

Zhu Youjian knew that Wang Wenzhou was secretly training assassins, but he couldn't tell the officials. If they found out, they would definitely oppose it, taking the moral high ground and criticizing him so harshly that he couldn't implement his plan.

Kong Zhenyun looked helplessly at Qian Qianyi, who shook his head. "Forget it," Qian Qianyi said. "Wang Wenzhou is currently enjoying the Emperor's favor. He slept with Consort Tian, ​​and the Emperor didn't punish him; instead, he bestowed Consort Tian upon him. It seems that unless Wang Wenzhou rebels, the dirt we've gathered won't bring him down."

……

That evening, at the Wen residence.

Wen Tiren hosted a banquet for Wang Wenzhou, primarily to discuss his granddaughter's marriage to him. Wang Wenzhou arrived as promised, but Wen Tiren's expression was grim. The last time Wang Wenzhou visited the Wen residence, he at least brought Chen Yuanyuan; this time, he brought four women.

Wen Tiren mocked, "Boxin, although you are young, you still need to take care of your health. Excessive indulgence can easily lead to an early death. Boxin is very talented, and if he were to die prematurely, it would be a loss to our Great Ming."

Wang Wenzhou curled his lip. "Old fox, what's the point of your veiled sarcasm?"

Wang Wenzhou was embarrassed by the ridicule. He explained, "Old Wen, you know I slept with the Emperor's girl. I'm afraid the Emperor will retaliate against me, so I have to take my baby with me wherever I go."

Wang Ying wished she could disappear into a crack in the ground. Wang Wenzhou was always outspoken and dared to say anything.

"Ahem..." Wen Tiren coughed awkwardly a few times. This fool Wang Wenzhou dared to say such treasonous things. Even though it was true, the Emperor suffered in silence, yet he still kept spreading it around. Wen Tiren quickly changed the subject and asked, "Boxin, have you heard about what happened in court today?"

Wang Wenzhou shook his head. He had been training assassins in the Iron-Blooded Anti-Traitor Camp these past few days and hadn't gone to the palace to see Zhu Youjian.

Wen Tiren said with a smile, "The Donglin Party is attacking you fiercely, and the morning court is full of people impeaching you. But the Emperor has blocked them all for you. I am a little envious of you, as you are deeply trusted and loved by the Emperor."

Wang Wenzhou curled his lip and said disdainfully, "Old Wen, stop talking nonsense. You old fox, if you advocated for peace talks, even the Emperor would protect you. So, tell me, what is it you wanted to see me about today?"

Wen Tiren pointed at Wen Liandie and said, "Your marriage to Xiaodie should be on the agenda. When exactly are you going to visit Liaodong?"

Wang Wenzhou frowned, then laughed and scolded, "Old fox, are you asking about the marriage, or do you want to know where I've been these past few days?"

"Hehe..." Wen Tiren laughed awkwardly. He was indeed very curious. Wang Wenzhou hadn't shown up for days, so he must be plotting something.

Wen Tiren thought for a moment and said softly, "Have you found out who was behind the attack on you that day?"

Wang Wenzhou shook his head and asked seriously, "Old Wen, tell the truth, was it you who orchestrated this? And then framed the Donglin Party while you sat back and watched the tigers fight?"

Wen Tiren said irritably, "Boxin, I betrothed Xiaodie to you, so we're family. How could I possibly harm you?"

"Then who do you think did it? The Donglin Party?" Wang Wenzhou asked.

Wen Tiren laughed and scolded, "You fool, you offended all the civil and military officials a few days ago, and too many people want you dead. But in my opinion, the fact that you were able to bribe the steward of the Tian family so meticulously is probably the work of the Donglin Party."

Wang Wenzhou and Zhu Youjian were also investigating this matter, but the Eastern Depot and the Embroidered Uniform Guard could not find any clues. The steward of the Tian family committed suicide, and his family members all disappeared the next day.

Wang Wenzhou asked, "Old Wen, stop beating around the bush and just say it straight. Do you want me to join you in dealing with Qian Qianyi?"

Wen Tiren said with a smile, "Qian Qianyi wants to kill you, don't you want to take revenge on him?"

Wang Wenzhou put his arm around Wang Ying, took a sip of wine from her mouth, and said, "I haven't had any free time these days. I have to go to Liaodong in a few days."

"When will you be sent as an envoy to Liaodong?" Wen Tiren asked.

Wang Wenzhou shook his head and said, "It's not about going on a diplomatic mission, but about going to wreak havoc on the Tartars and force them to cry, kneel, and beg for peace with our Great Ming."

"Haha!" Wen Tiren laughed loudly, "Boxin, stop fooling around. I'm not a three-year-old child. If the Ming army were strong, we would have pacified Liaodong long ago. We can't win a fight, so why would the Tartars take the initiative to negotiate peace?"

Wang Wenzhou said proudly, "Old Wen, in this world, there's nothing I can't do, only things you can't imagine. I've slept with the Emperor's beloved concubine, and she's now my mistress. Could you have imagined that beforehand?"

"Sigh..." Wang Ying sighed softly. Wang Wenzhou, you madman, can't you just leave this matter alone!

Wen Tiren nodded and said, "Then I'll wait and see. When do you plan to hold your wedding with Xiaodie?"

Gao Guilan suddenly spoke up: "No way! Uncle can't take any more concubines!"