Chapter 186 Assassin the Emperor
Deng Qianqiu looked at Tu Jie with a smile.

A smile appeared on his face.

Historically, it was Tu Jie who conspired with Hu Weiyong to start a rebellion, but was eventually killed by Ming Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang because he catered to the emperor's wishes and reported Hu Weiyong's rebellion.

In the Hu Weiyong case, one of the four major cases in the early Ming Dynasty, Tu Jie played a key role. His denunciation led to the downfall of Hu Weiyong and his cronies.

Tu Jie was not only Hu Weiyong's most trusted backbone, but also the first person to betray Hu Weiyong.

Deng Qianqiu found Tu Jie precisely because of this! This guy was too soft-hearted and knew too many secrets. He could be said to be one of Hu Weiyong's confidants.

Of course, Tu Jie's stupidity was that he thought he could save his life by betraying Hu Weiyong. However, Zhu Yuanzhang was a fair person and the final result was that he and other Hu Weiyong's followers were all killed.

Tu Jie was scared now, although he was usually full of energy and looked very dignified and honorable when he talked with Hu Weiyong.

But when things really came to the point where he had to rebel, he was already in great doubts. Now that Deng Qianqiu had taken the initiative to approach him, his last bit of defense was instantly broken.

Deng Qianqiu said: "Mr. Tu, why do you say that? You are the Imperial Censor, why are you asking me for help?"

Tu Jie said: "I was coerced by Hu Weiyong. This man is extremely treacherous and evil, harboring evil intentions. I... I... have received great favor from the Emperor, how could I be willing to go along with him? Now... I have noticed his wrongdoings, so... so I have come here specially..."

Deng Qianqiu smiled knowingly and said, "Is that so? Censor Tu is indeed a man of great integrity and loyalty. If all the Ming Dynasty officials were loyal ministers like you, wouldn't the country be as solid as a rock?"

Deng Qianqiu thought Tu Jie would look ashamed, but he said hurriedly: "You are too kind, Master. I have been receiving your salary for a long time, and it is my duty to share your worries."

Deng Qianqiu's smile suddenly froze, and he was speechless for a moment.

Tu Jie then said: "Captain Deng, I can confess everything about Hu Weiyong right now, but his crimes are too numerous to list. I'm afraid it will take some time... Captain, can you take me to see His Majesty now... In front of His Majesty..."

Deng Qianqiu sneered and said, "If I were you, I wouldn't just confess. If you really want to live, you should make up for your crime and make up for your crime. Now is the time for you to make up for your crime and make up for your crime."

Tu Jie was getting anxious, so he hurriedly said, "Please give me some advice, Master."

Deng Qianqiu said: "It's too late for you to confess Hu Weiyong's crimes. You have stayed outside for too long, and Hu Weiyong must have his own spies. I even heard that he has his followers in the Yiluansi. So... the most urgent thing now is for you to go home quickly and don't arouse suspicion..."

Tu Jie suddenly understood something and said, "I understand."

Seeing Tu Jie's understanding, Deng Qianqiu said, "I will send someone to make arrangements in your backyard. He will come to see you and contact you if there is anything. I don't care what heinous crime Hu Weiyong has committed. What I want is Hu Weiyong's next move."

Tu Jie kowtowed to Deng Qianqiu: "Yes."

He was not vague and immediately got up and left.

As soon as Tu Jie left, Wen Yuanji came out from a side room.

He frowned and couldn't help asking, "How did Captain Deng know that this person... would... betray Hu Weiyong?"

Deng Qianqiu was obviously in a good mood, and said with a smile: "Because he is a scholar. Scholars should just talk about loyalty, faith, propriety and righteousness. Do they think they will take it seriously?"

Wen Yuanji's face changed, and he said, "This...what are you talking about? Tu Jie is Tu Jie, and scholars are scholars. Most of these scholars still follow the teachings of the saints..."

Deng Qianqiu said, "If most people had followed the teachings of the saints, how could the Mongols have occupied the world for a hundred years? When the world was in turmoil and everyone was rebelling, how many scholars were there among those who initiated the uprising? Wen Zhenfu, that's enough, let's not argue for now."

Wen Yuanji blushed and opened his mouth to say something, but Deng Qianqiu didn't seem to have much interest in paying attention to him and immediately asked his men to disperse.

…………

Two consecutive days.

People coming and going in Hu Weiyong's secret passage were all people delivering messages.

Soon, letter after letter was delivered to Hu Weiyong's desk.

The notes written by Hu Weiyong were also scattered all over the capital like crazy.

The situation is very good.

Everyone said that, having come to this point, they had no choice but to fight, and everyone followed Hu Weiyong's lead.

The news also came from Li Cunyi, and Li Shanchang had no objection to it.

Not objecting actually means agreeing.

He was old and unable to take care of things. Most of the time, he stayed at home recuperating. As Hu Weiyong was Li Shanchang's most capable general at the time, everyone would naturally think that Hu Weiyong had Li Shanchang's support.

Even if we take a step back, there is still Li Cunyi. Li Cunyi is Li Shanchang's brother. His coming forward now, in a sense, represents the attitude of the Li family. With Li Shanchang's support, everything will be more natural.

Not only are there Hu Weiyong's loyal followers, but there are also many of Li Shanchang's former students and officials who can be used by Hu Weiyong.

Not to mention other things, just say that when Zhu Yuanzhang was conquering the world, in addition to Zhu Yuanzhang leading his generals to fight east and west, in the rear, almost all the food and governance were handled by Li Shanchang.

Therefore, those who had followed Li Shanchang to govern the local areas and transport grain and grass had now filled the court. Most of the local officials in the fourth year of Hongwu were also appointed by Li Shanchang at that time.

"The great thing is accomplished." Hu Weiyong looked at a letter, his eyes shining with excitement.

He rubbed his hands excitedly. At this moment, he had no fear, only excitement.

"master……"

At this moment, someone hurried in from outside and said, "Tu Jie wants to see you."

After hearing this, Hu Weiyong's expression changed slightly, and he couldn't help but ask, "Why is he coming to see me in such a grand manner at this time?"

"This... I don't know why?"

Hu Weiyong wanted to drive the man away. After all, he was still a criminal at home and it was not a good time to act rashly.

But he was a very curious person after all. He thought that Tu Jie was usually cautious and was his most trusted confidant, so he thought something big must have happened and he had to break the rules.

Immediately, Hu Weiyong said, "Please come to the hall."

Not long after, Tu Jie walked into the small hall, met Hu Weiyong, and bowed: "Greetings, Mr. Hu."

Hu Weiyong frowned and asked, "Zhongwen, what are you doing here at this time?"

Tu Jie laughed loudly and said, "Mr. Hu, everyone in the world knows that I am very close to Mr. Hu. Now that Mr. Hu is at home, if I don't come to visit him, wouldn't it seem deliberate?"

Hu Weiyong: “…”

Tu Jie laughed again and said, "Now that a great change is imminent, I am here to discuss important matters with Mr. Hu. Such important matters concern our lives and property, so how can we treat them as a joke?"

After hearing this, Hu Weiyong breathed a sigh of relief unconsciously, thinking that what Tu Jie said made sense. There was nothing wrong with a normal visit, but he was the one who was nervous.

Putting aside his excessive caution, he looked at his confidant in front of him, his face calmed down a bit, and he said immediately: "You came at the right time. I was worried that there was no one to discuss important matters with. Zhongwen came at the right time."

Tu Jie said with emotion: "But Lord Hu clearly blamed me just now. Could it be that I came at the wrong time? Lord Hu, I, Tu Jie, have followed you for several years and we can talk about anything. Everyone in the world knows that I, Tu Jie, am loyal and faithful. If Lord Hu blames me, I'd better avoid it."

Hu Weiyong smiled, extended his hand affectionately, patted the back of Tu Jie's hand, and said earnestly: "Zhongwen, please don't say such bad words. I know what you are thinking. You and I have known each other for so many years. Don't you know what I, Hu Weiyong, am thinking? Sit down quickly, someone... bring tea, I have something important to tell you..."

Tu Jie also seemed to be casual, sitting down casually, and when someone served tea, he took the teacup, sipped the tea, and immediately asked: "Mr. Hu...what are your plans?"

Hu Weiyong said, "There is nothing to worry about. Now the people's hearts are with me. As long as they are willing to raise their arms and call for action, great things can be settled. Right now everything is ready, except for the east wind. The only thing missing is that His Majesty is still alive. As long as His Majesty is executed, the rest... can be settled by issuing an edict."

Tu Jie asked: "How to stab the emperor?"

Hu Weiyong sighed and said, "There are quite a few people in the palace, but... in the past two days, I heard that His Majesty has stepped up his precautions. Obviously... he has become suspicious of us. I think if it were ordinary guards, I'm afraid they wouldn't be able to get close to us. This is the most difficult part."

Tu Jie showed a worried look and said, "It seems... if we don't take action now, I'm afraid disaster will come. Your Majesty has taken precautions, and obviously... he has also made preparations to harm Lord Hu. The Yiluansi..."

Hu Weiyong shook his head slightly and smiled bitterly, "Your Majesty seems to have some grudges against the Yiluansi..."

Tu Jie asked again: "Where are the eunuchs?"

Hu Weiyong still shook his head: "Your Majesty and the Crown Prince are surrounded by their confidants, and now news from inside and outside the palace is forbidden. This is the most difficult part for me."

Tu Jie racked his brains and said in annoyance, "Is there no other way?"

Hu Weiyong was silent for a moment, and then said: "I think about it, and there is only one way."

Tu Jie said: "I would like to hear the details."

Hu Weiyong stared at Tu Jie closely and said, "Actually, there is someone who can get close to us."

At this point, he paused, and then said under Tu Jie's suspicious gaze: "If a civil official reported a secret to the emperor and then... suddenly attacked... Zhongwen, you have always been the person I trust the most..."

Tu Jie slightly widened his eyes and said, "Mr. Hu wants me to assassinate the emperor?"

(End of this chapter)