The disgraced official I took care of was actually Zhu Houcong's childhood friend.

Chapter 473

Jiajing looked at Huang Jindao.

"Xuan Muyunping requests an audience."

Huang Jin shouted, and the eunuchs below, upon hearing this, hurriedly left the palace to summon Mu Yunping.

"I've heard about Yang Shengzhai so many times these days that I'm sick of it. I've already sent people to investigate. If it's really as you say, then we'll deal with it accordingly."

Jiajing said somewhat impatiently.

Regarding Yang Shengzhai, Jiajing adhered to one principle: delay as much as possible. The longer the delay, the more trouble Yang Shengzhai could cause in Jiangnan, and the more trouble he caused, the more beneficial it would be for Jiajing and the court.

The purpose of bringing Sun Wukong to Jiangnan is simply to turn Jiangnan upside down, isn't it?

"Shi Cong, have you offended someone recently? Why are there so many people impeaching you today?"

Jiajing said half-jokingly.

Upon hearing this, Yang Yiqing slowly stepped forward.

"Perhaps the old minister is occupying the position of chief minister and blocking the way for others."

Yang Yiqing said with some helplessness.

Yang Yiqing, having served as an official for decades, possessed top-notch acting skills. When he spoke these words, he seemed to have aged considerably in an instant, his words filled with deep sorrow. Many people in the court couldn't help but feel compassion upon hearing them.

Even the officials from the Sixth Department who impeached Yang Yiqing began to doubt whether they had made a mistake.

After all, they only heard about many things secondhand and had no evidence.

Amidst the chatter of the crowd, Mu Yunping arrived at the main hall.

"Your subject, Mu Yunping, pays her respects to Your Majesty."

Mu Yunping bowed and said.

"I heard that Duke Mu was ill a few days ago. Is he feeling better now?"

Jiajing looked at Mu Yunping, but did not get to the point directly. Instead, he inquired about the Duke of Mu's health in a gentle manner.

Unlike other princely residences, where any prince could be demoted to commoner status with a single word from the emperor, the Duke of Mu, who was stationed in Yunnan, held a position more powerful than any other princely residence. In reality, the imperial court's control over Yunnan was very weak.

To gain control of the entire Yunnan, the imperial court still needed to stay at the Mu Prince's Mansion.

Fortunately, the Mu family has always been clear about its position and has never had any disloyal intentions. The court and the Mu family have always lived in peace.

Even the Jiajing Emperor needed to show concern and care for the Duke of Mu.

"Father is much better. He caught a chill a few days ago, but after the doctor's treatment, he is fine now. Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty."

Mu Yunping said with a face full of gratitude.

When Jiajing heard this, he nodded.

"Duke Mu is the pillar of our Great Ming in Yunnan. Neither the court nor I can do without him. You must take good care of yourself."

Jiajing said.

"Your Majesty's words will certainly be conveyed to Father, and Father will be very pleased."

Mu Yunping said respectfully.

"I have summoned you here today because I have something to ask you to verify."

Jiajing then got to the point.

"Your subject will certainly speak frankly and without reservation."

Mu Yunping said with great conviction.

"Someone has impeached Grand Secretary Yang Yingning, saying that he allowed his Yang family members to prey on the people and plunder their wealth in Anning Prefecture. Is this true?"

As soon as Jiajing said this, all the civil and military officials in the court looked at Mu Yunping.

“Your Majesty, there is absolutely no such thing. Although Anning Prefecture is far from my Mu family’s residence and is located on the border of the Ming Dynasty, I do know a little about the situation there. There are many chieftains in Anning. To say that the Yang family preys on the people and plunders their wealth is utter nonsense.”

Upon hearing this, Mu Yunping immediately spoke up.

In reality, although the Yang family in Anning Prefecture could not be considered to have oppressed the people, they had done some evil deeds and bullied the people to varying degrees.

However, as the princess of the Mu family, and with the Mu family guarding Yunnan, if the people of Anning Prefecture in Yunnan are really as the officials of the Six Ministries said, then the Mu family cannot escape blame. At the very least, they cannot escape responsibility for oversight.

Moreover, Mu Yunping had absolutely no desire to offend a Grand Secretary, and whatever her reasons, she would not speak ill of the Yang family.

When Jiajing heard this, he nodded.

“Anning Prefecture is located on the border of our Great Ming Dynasty. The Yang family has played a significant role in the rule of Anning Prefecture. If it weren’t for the Yang family, the local chieftain would likely have taken the opportunity to rise to power. This matter should not be mentioned again.”

Jiajing said with a serious expression.

Upon hearing this, all the officials lowered their heads. Everyone knew very well that the stability of the border was paramount, and if those chieftains were to seize power, it would be a terrible thing for the borders of the Ming Dynasty.

The first collective impeachment attempt against Yang Yiqing, organized by Yang Lian and others, ended without any resolution.

However, this was just the beginning. After the court session, countless officials began to send visiting cards to Yang Lian's residence.

As Yang Lian looked at these visiting cards, he seemed to see himself ascending to the cabinet.

"Yang Yiqing and Zhou Chu are nothing special."

Yang Lianzhi said with great pride.