In the Imperial Garden of the Imperial Palace.
In a pavilion with bright yellow curtains, there was an octagonal table made of scented rosewood. A man in a yellow robe and a woman in a green robe were sitting on it.
Wei Yuan and the Yuanjing Emperor were about the same age. One had a ruddy complexion and a head full of black hair, while the other had gray hair on his temples. His eyes were filled with the vicissitudes of life.
If men were compared to wine, the Yuanjing Emperor was the most beautiful and honorable one. But in terms of taste, Wei Yuan was the most mellow and fragrant.
The two talked while holding hands.
The Yuanjing Emperor looked at the white pieces that Wei Yuan took away and sighed.
"After Duke Huai's death, the Northern Region will lose its Sky Pillar. The Barbarians won't be able to do anything for a while. But if the Sorcerer Cult takes a detour to the Northern Region and enters through Chu Zhou, they will go straight to the capital and slay the dragon!"
While talking, the Yuanjing Emperor placed a piece. The sound of the pieces hitting the chessboard turned the situation around. The white pieces formed a sharp sword and went straight for the dragon.
"Tsk, Official Wei seems a little distracted today."
Wei Yuan's eyes were gentle. He picked up a black piece and said, "The Sky Pillar is too tall and too big. It is hard to control. When it collapses, it will hurt both sides."
He placed the piece lightly.
The two chatted while playing chess. After four or five times, Yuan Jing Emperor said lightly, "I'm not afraid.
"A few days ago, the Crown Prince was assassinated. Everyone in the harem is in danger. The Empress was also frightened. She hasn't been eating or sleeping well. She looks haggard. Official Wei, catch the assassin as soon as possible. Then the Empress won't have to worry anymore. "
Wei Yuan looked at the chessboard and admitted defeat. He exhaled slowly and said, "Your Majesty, your chess skills are getting better."
Then, he stood up and took a few steps back. He bowed and said, "It is my fault. I will try my best to catch the assassin as soon as possible."
The Yuanjing Emperor laughed.
…
At the same time, in the Imperial Cabinet.
A middle-aged eunuch in an official robe came to the Imperial Library with two eunuchs and greeted Wang Zhenwen.
They didn't stay for long. After fifteen minutes, the eunuch left with the two eunuchs.
Wang Zhenwen, the Grand Secretary, sat expressionlessly behind his desk, not moving for a long time like a silent statue.
…
The next day, in the court meeting, Emperor Yuan Jing was still arguing with the officials about the case of Chu Zhou, but it was not as intense as yesterday. The hall was full of tension.
Although there was still no conclusion to today's court meeting, it ended in a relatively peaceful manner.
Zheng Xinghuai, who had been in the bureaucracy for a long time, smelled a trace of unease. He knew that the problem he was worried about yesterday had finally appeared.
At the court, although the officials still refused to give in, they did not insist on convicting the King of Zhenbei like they did yesterday.
Even when the nobles proposed how to eliminate the rumors in the capital and change the opinion of the 20,000 soldiers in Chu Zhou City, some civil officials participated in the discussion in the name of reprimand.
After the court meeting was over, Zheng Xinghuai walked in silence. Suddenly, he heard someone call him. "Lord Zheng, please wait."
After the court was dismissed, Zheng Xinghuai walked in silence. As he walked, he suddenly heard someone call him from behind, "Official Zheng, please wait."
He turned around and saw Cao Guogong, who was dressed in a duke's robe, catching up to him with an obvious smile on his face.
In Zheng Xinghuai's eyes, this was the smile of a victor.
"Master Zheng, you left Chu Zhou City without permission and came to the capital to complain about me. Did you ever think this day would come?"
You are the Chief Minister of Chu Zhou City. "
Cao Guogong said calmly, "I will give you a clear path. You are the Chief Minister of Chu Zhou City. Right now, you should stay in Chu Zhou City and rebuild the city. As for what is happening in the capital, don't get involved. "
He turned to look at the throne room behind him and said, "This is also His Majesty's will."
His Majesty meant that if you quit while you were ahead, you would still be the Chief Minister of the Chu Zhou City. You should go back to where you came from. Chu Zhou City is tens of thousands of miles away from the capital. I don't want to see you.
"Pah!"
Zheng Xinghuai's spit was his response.
"You don't know what's good for you."
Cao Guogong looked at Zheng Xinghuai's back and sneered.
…
At the Tower of Haoqi in the office of the night watchman.
Wei Yuan was the first person Zheng Xinghuai visited after the court meeting.
Xu Qi An had been paying close attention to what was happening in the court and was about to ask Zheng Xinghuai about the situation. When he heard that Zheng Xinghuai was going to visit Wei Yuan, he immediately went to the Tower of Haoqi.
However, he was stopped by the guard downstairs.
"Duke Wei said that no one is allowed to disturb him. Also, Duke Wei doesn't want to see you. He has asked you to leave a few times. "
The guard was an old friend of Xu Qi An, so he didn't hesitate to speak to him.
Xu Qi An didn't hesitate to hit the guard. He kept slapping the guard's head and scolded, "You talk too much …"
On the seventh floor.
Wei Yuan, who was dressed in a green robe, sat cross-legged in front of the table.
Opposite him was Zheng Xinghuai, whose back was gradually hunching, his hair was also white, and there was an unresolvable depression between his brows.
"When the capital inspection ended, Lord Zheng returned to the capital to report on his work. I even met you once. Although your hair was white, you were in good spirits. "Wei Yuan's voice was gentle and his eyes were filled with compassion.
Now that they met again, this man seemed to have lost his soul. His eyes were bloodshot and heavy, indicating that he couldn't sleep at night.
The slightly drooping corners of his mouth and the depression between his brows showed that the other party had deep resentment in his heart. It was difficult for him to calm down, and it was difficult for him to calm down.
"Is Duke Wei going to give up as well?" Zheng Xinghuai asked in a deep voice.
"I admire Xu Qi An and think that he is a born Warrior. However, sometimes I have a headache because of his temper."
Wei Yuan did not answer the question and said, "I told him that in the officialdom, he has to think thrice. Think of danger, think of retreat, and think of change.
"Before he does anything, he has to think about the consequences. He has to understand the pros and cons before he decides whether to do it or not.
"If the situation is unstoppable, he has to think about retreating and avoiding it. Our Majesty has done a good job. Only when you retreat and are safe can you think of how to change the situation.
"Xu Qi An answered me, 'I know all these things, but I don't care … Heh, vulgar Warrior.'"
Zheng Xinghuai remembered what Xu Yinluo had said in the cave. Xu Yinluo knew that the King of Zhenbei was powerful, but he still wanted to go to Chu Zhou City to investigate the case. Zheng Xinghuai couldn't help but smile.
"If Duke Wei said the word 'vulgar', it means that Duke Wei can't do anything to him."
Zheng Xinghuai understood the meaning behind Wei Yuan's words. However, just like Xu Qi 'an, he had his own bottom line that he would never back down from.
He went downstairs alone and saw Xu Qi An waiting for him.
"Lord Zheng, let me send you back to the station." Xu Qi An came up to him.
"I am not going back to the station." Zheng Xinghuai shook his head and looked at Xu Qi An with a complicated expression. "I am sorry to disappoint Xu Yinluo."
Xu Qi An's heart sank.
The two walked out of the government office and got into a carriage. Baili Shentu drove the carriage and left.
On the way, Zheng Xinghuai described what had happened in the court and pointed out that the officials' attitudes had changed.
"Duke Wei shouldn't have done that. At his position, he could have gotten what he wanted himself. He didn't have to go against his conscience and pander to the king."
Xu Qi An furrowed his brows and didn't understand.
"Duke Wei is in trouble." Zheng Xinghuai explained on behalf of Wei Yuan. His tone was powerless.
"There is a difference between a ruler and a subject. As long as the king doesn't touch the interests of the majority, no one in the court is his match."
"Duke Wei said to think twice … Why don't Lord Zheng consider it? Let's avoid it for now. Duke Huai is dead, and the people of Chu Zhou City have been avenged. "Xu Qi An advised.
Lord Zheng was a good official. He didn't want such a person to end up in such a miserable state. Just like when he blocked the rebel army for Inspector Zhang in Cloud State.
This time, there was no rebel army. The battle was in the court. Xu Qi An couldn't charge into the palace with a knife and start a massacre. Therefore, he didn't play a role.
He could only persuade Lord Zheng to think twice.
Zheng Xinghuai looked at him and asked, "Are you willing? Are you willing to see an executioner like Duke Huai become a hero, worthy of the Imperial Ancestral Temple, and go down in history? "
Xu Qi An didn't answer, but Zheng Xinghuai could see the unwillingness in this young man's eyes.
So he smiled with relief.
"I am a second rank administrative envoy, but I am also a scholar. A scholar should have a clear conscience. You should be able to face yourself, and even more so, your parents who raised you."
The journey was silent.
After a long time, the carriage stopped on the side of the street. Shen Tu Baili said in a low voice, "Lord, we are here."
Xu Qi An opened the curtain. The carriage stopped in front of an extremely grand courtyard. The plaque on the courtyard door said: Imperial Library Pavilion.
Cabinet!
Zheng Xinghuai jumped off the carriage and said to the guard at the door, "This official is Chu Zhou's administrative envoy Zheng Xinghuai. I would like to see Wang Shoufu."
Seeing this, Xu Qi An already understood Zheng Xinghuai's plan. He wanted to be a lobbyist to persuade the officials and pull them back into the camp.
The guard went to the cabinet to report. After a while, he strode back and said in a deep voice,
"The Prime Minister said that Lord Zheng is the administrative envoy of Chu Zhou. Whether it is when he is on duty or after duty, do not look for him, lest you be impeached for forming a clique."
Zheng Xinghuai left in disappointment.
In the following day, Xu Qi An saw him running around everywhere, trying to persuade the officials. At dusk, he returned to the station dejectedly.
…
Xu Xinnian returned to the mansion. He didn't see his elder brother. He walked around the courtyard and heard someone shouting on the roof, "Your elder brother is here."
It was the sweet voice of a young woman.
Looking up, it turned out to be Tenzō Shōnin Li Miaozhen. She stood on the roof, looking down at him with an expressionless face. Just by looking at her face, he could tell that she was not in a good mood.
When Xu Erlang brought the ladder over, he found that Li Miaozhen was no longer there. His elder brother was lying on the roof with his hands behind his head and his legs crossed.
The incomparably handsome Xu Xinnian lifted the hem of his official robe and climbed up the stairs to the roof.
"What are you doing here?" Xu Qi An said grumpily. "An annoying woman just left, and you are here to disturb me."
"Elder Li doesn't seem very happy." Xu Erlang said calmly and sat down next to his elder brother.
"Of course not. If she was powerful enough, she would go to the palace at five o 'clock in the morning."
"Why wait until five o 'clock in the morning?"
"Because she thinks that the palace is full of animals and should be killed. That's why she wants to kill all of them." Xu Qi An said grumpily.
Xu Erlang heard the words and shrunk his neck. "Luckily, I am just a concubine."
Xu Qi An couldn't help but laugh. After laughing, he sighed.
"Tenzō practices the Taishang Wang Qing. Maybe, when she really has the strength in the future, she will no longer be the Flying Swallow Heroine. This is life. Nine out of ten things don't go your way. "
"Elder brother seems to have become calmer." Xu Erlang said with relief.
"Not calmer. I am a little tired and a little disappointed." Xu Qi An put his hands behind his head and looked at the sky. He murmured.
"Is it so hard to admit your mistake and apologize?"
Xu Erlang turned his head and looked at him. Then, he looked at the dark sky and said,
"I know what happened in the imperial court. I came up to talk to you about it. The King of Zhenbei's massacre of the city. Although the imperial court has not made a conclusion, the matter has been discussed in the capital. It is not so easy to reverse the situation.
"Even if the imperial court forcibly portrays the King of Zhenbei as a hero, there will be hidden dangers. When people talk about this matter, they will never forget the massacre of the city by the King of Zhenbei. This is the key to reversing the case in the future. "
Reversing the case … Xu Qi An raised his eyebrows. He suddenly remembered many cases in the history of his previous life.
Many innocent and loyal officials died unjustly. In the end, the case was reversed, and the treacherous officials who were once in the limelight finally got what they deserved.
Among them, the most famous one was Qin Hui.
The bronze statue of this treacherous official and his wife was still standing in a famous scenic spot, despised by later generations.
To what extent did they despise Qin Hui's wife?
Did Duke Wei have the same idea when he asked Zheng Xinghuai to think twice … Lord Zheng was blinded by anger and hatred, and his emotions were inevitably extreme. He might not understand Duke Wei's meaning. Well, I will remind him tomorrow.
Ten years is not too late for a gentleman to take revenge. Since the situation is stronger than the person, he should endure it.
My Erlang is indeed qualified to be the Premier. His intelligence is not inferior to Duke Wei's … Xu Qi An sat up happily and put his arm around Xu Erlang's shoulder.
Xu Erlang pushed him away in disgust.
…
The Imperial Palace.
In the luxuriously decorated bedchamber, the Yuanjing Emperor reclined on a soft couch and studied Daoist scriptures. He asked casually, "Has there been any movement from the Cabinet?"
The old eunuch said in a low voice, "The Premier has not received any guests recently."
The Yuanjing Emperor nodded with satisfaction. "What about Wei Yuan?"
"After the court was dismissed the day before yesterday, Minister Zheng went to the Yamen and met with Duke Wei. After that, they did not meet again," the old eunuch reported truthfully.
"Wei Yuan and Wang Shoufu are both very smart. However, Wei Yuan does not take me seriously." The Yuanjing Emperor was not angry. He turned a page and stared at it for a while. Suddenly, his face turned cold.
"What about Zheng Xinghuai?"
"Lord Zheng has been running around in the past few days, trying to persuade hundreds of officials. There are not many who are willing to see him. All the officials are waiting and watching. Later, he changed his mind and went to the Imperial Academy to confuse the students, "the old eunuch said in a low voice.
The Yuanjing Emperor smiled. There was no smile in his eyes, only coldness.
…
On the morning of the 12th of May, eight days had passed since the body of the King of Zhenbei was brought back to the capital.
The Imperial Court had not made any announcement regarding the conviction of the King of Zhenbei.
The people of the capital were not in a hurry. As residents of the Emperor's territory, they had even seen a case dragged on for years. They had also seen a government decree that reduced taxes. It had been circulating for a few years, and it was still circulating after a few years.
Although they were not in a hurry, the people of the capital were not in a hurry.
After meals, the people of the capital would habitually mention the name of the King of Zhenbei …
One morning, a group of uninvited guests came to the capital.
Thirty riders rushed into the city gate, passed through the outer city, and stopped at the gate of the inner city.
The leader had a handsome face, but he was blind in one eye. It was the Chu Zhou City Governor, Que Yongxiu.
The Lord Protector was wearing a broken armor. His hair was messy, and he looked travel-worn.
It was the same for his companions as well.
When they arrived at the gate, Que Yongxiu abandoned his horse and walked into the city. He took out a bloody letter from his pocket and held it in his hand.
"I am the Chu Zhou City Governor, the Lord Protector, Que Yongxiu. I am here to sue the Chu Zhou City Governor, Zheng Xinghuai, for colluding with the monsters and the barbarians and killing the King of Zhenbei. He caused the death of 380,000 people in Chu Zhou City.
"After the incident, Zheng Xinghuai deceived the delegation and tried to kill me. In order to cover up the fact that he colluded with the monsters and the barbarians, he framed the King of Zhenbei for massacring the city."
He talked as he walked, causing the people in the city to stop and watch as they discussed animatedly.
"Lord Protector? The Lord Protector of Chu Zhou City? The one who helped the King of Zhenbei massacre the city? "
"It's good that they are back. Don't let them get away. Let's go to the magistrate's office."
"Don't worry, listen to him. Zheng Xinghuai colluded with the monsters and the barbarians and killed the King of Zhenbei. He deceived the delegation … What the hell is going on?"
"Could it be that the Chu Zhou City Governor is the culprit behind the destruction of Chu Zhou City?"
The people in the city were used to hearing about this kind of case. It was just like how the storytellers often talked about a good and loyal person being framed.
They were very familiar with this kind of drama.
"It must be fake. The King of Zhenbei was the one who caused the destruction of Chu Zhou City. Have you forgotten that Xu Yinluo was in the delegation? Xu Yinluo would never accuse a good person. If the Chu Zhou City Governor was a traitor, how could your excellency Xu not see through it? "
"You have a point."
The people in the city agreed with him.
During the year of Jingcha, a series of major cases happened in the capital city. Every time, Xu Qi 'an was in charge of the case. At that time, he was known as a small gong and gradually became a topic of conversation among the people.
After he came back from the Yun Zhou City, his reputation went up a notch and he became a martyr. What really made him famous was the battle between the Buddhist sects. After defeating the Buddhist sects, he became a hero in the capital city. His story became a hot topic among the people in Daibun and the people in the Jianghu world.
It solidified his reputation.
The battle between the Heavenly Man and the Heavenly Man solidified his image and reputation. He existed in the people's minds, dreams, hearts, and voices.
Therefore, compared to Que Yongxiu's bloody letter, the people in the city were more willing to believe the Chu Zhou City Governor brought back by Xu Yinluo.
Soon, the news that the Chu Zhou City Governor, Que Yongxiu, had returned to the capital city with a bloody letter in his hand and accused Zheng Xinghuai of the Chu Zhou City Governor had spread like wildfire.
Suddenly, the case of the King of Zhenbei became even more mysterious.
…
After the incident, Que Yongxiu was immediately taken to the palace by the imperial guards to meet the Emperor alone.
Not long after, the Emperor summoned all the officials and held a small meeting in the Imperial Study.
The Yuanjing Emperor sat behind the desk with the officials on his left and the members of the royal family on his right. Que Yongxiu knelt in front of the desk and held the bloody letter in his hand.
"My dear officials, please take a look at this bloody letter." The Yuanjing Emperor handed the bloody letter to the old eunuch.
The old eunuch respectfully took the letter and passed it to the members of the royal family, followed by the officials.
High Duke Cao stepped forward and said angrily: "Your Majesty, Zheng Xinghuai colluded with the monsters and the barbarians and killed the King of Zhenbei. He has committed a heinous crime and should be executed."
The Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Rites frowned and stepped forward. "Your Majesty, Zheng Xinghuai colluded with the monsters and the barbarians and killed his entire family?"
A Jun Wang retorted: "Who can be sure that Zheng Xinghuai's entire family died in Chu Zhou City?"
Zhao Tingfang, the Grand Secretary of the Eastern Pavilion, was enraged.
"If Zheng Xinghuai colluded with the monsters and the barbarians, then what about the mysterious master who killed the King of Zhenbei? He mentioned that the King of Zhenbei had massacred the entire city. The ambassadors saw it with their own eyes and heard it with their own ears. "
High Duke Cao sneered: "Who is that mysterious master? Ask him to testify for Zheng Xinghuai. How can we believe the words of a heretical cultivator of unknown origin? "
The Right Imperial Censor Liu Hong was enraged: "The heretic you mentioned killed the leader of the barbarians. High Duke Cao is a yes-man in front of the barbarians, but in the Imperial Court, he is so arrogant. "
Before High Duke Cao could refute, the Left Imperial Censor Yuan Xiong jumped out to argue with his political enemy: "Those who are not of the same race must have a different heart. Lord Liu, don't forget your place."
Liu Hong sneered: "Those who are not of the same race can wield the Sword of the Nation?"
"Enough!"
Suddenly, Emperor Yuan Jing slammed the table, and his eyes were filled with anger.
Imperial Censor Yongxiu immediately knelt on the ground and cried: "Your Majesty, please help me, the King of Zhenbei, and the people of Chu Zhou City."
The Yuanjing Emperor nodded slowly: "This case is of great importance, I will investigate it thoroughly. This case will be jointly investigated by the three departments. High Duke Cao, you have to be involved as well. "
After that, he glanced at his companion and said: "Give High Duke Cao a gold medal and immediately arrest Zheng Xinghuai at the station. Those who disobey will be executed first and reported later."
High Duke Cao said excitedly: "Yes, Your Majesty."
…
After leaving the palace, Wei Yuan quickly caught up with Wang Shoufu. The two did not ride in the carriage, but walked side by side.
This scene, in the eyes of the dukes, could be said to be a beautiful scenery. Many years later, it was still worth reminiscing about.
"I tried to persuade Zheng Xinghuai, but he is stubborn." Wei Yuan's voice was gentle and his expression was calm.
"If he wasn't stubborn, he wouldn't have been sent to the north by the old Grand Secretary." Wang Shoufu sneered: "What an idiot."
No one knew whether he was cursing Zheng Xinghuai or himself.
Wei Yuan said lightly: "We almost caught Que Yongxiu in the palace last time, but he escaped. We searched the city the next day, but we still couldn't find him. At that time, I knew we couldn't disobey. "
Wang Shoufu said calmly: "It's not a bad thing. You all agree with Your Majesty because the King of Zhenbei is dead. Now that Que Yongxiu has returned alive, some people will not agree. This is our chance. "
Wei Yuan shook his head: "Que Yongxiu's return has given those people hope to 'reverse the verdict.' As long as they cooperate with Your Majesty, the case will be settled. Once it is settled, Que Yongxiu will be a Grand Duke. After the founding of the nation, it will be difficult to deal with him. "
After a moment of silence, the two asked at the same time: "Did he threaten you?"
…
At the relay station.
There was a cough in the room. Zheng Xinghuai, dressed in blue casual clothes, was sitting at the table, his right hand flat on the table.
A warlock in white was taking his pulse.
After a long time, the warlock in white retracted his hand and shook his head:
"It's not a big problem to have an illness from accumulated depression. You just need to take a few pills and rest for a few days. However, Lord Zheng, it's better for you to relax as soon as possible. Otherwise, this illness will come back to you again. "
Chen Xian and his wife heaved a sigh of relief, then sighed again.
The illness was a minor one and was not difficult to treat. What was difficult to treat was Lord Zheng's heart.
Zheng Xinghuai did not respond to the warlock in white. He cupped his hands: "Thank you, doctor."
"Don't act like it's nothing." The warlock in white of the Celestial Commissioner was arrogant. As long as he was not oppressed by violence, he would always speak his mind:
"You're not too old. If you're heartless, you can live a few more years. Otherwise, you'll fall seriously ill in three to five years. In ten years at most, I can go to your grave to burn incense. "
Chen Xian and his wife looked unhappy.
Zheng Xinghuai seemed to have seen the face of the warlock in white before. He did not blame or get angry. Instead, he asked: "I heard that Xu Yinluo and the Celestial Commissioner are very close friends."
The warlock in white sneered: "I know what you're thinking. Prince Xu is our Celestial Commissioner's benefactor. However, if you want to see the Supervisor through him, don't even think about it. The Celestial Commissioner does not ask about the affairs of the court. This is the rule. "
Zheng Xinghuai was about to say something, but he heard the warlock in white added: "Xu Yinluo has already gone to the Celestial Commissioner to ask for help. If this is the way to go, do you still need to say it?"
"He, he has already gone to the Celestial Commissioner …" Zheng Xinghuai's expression was complicated. Among the diplomatic corps that returned to the capital, only Xu Yinluo was still working on this matter.
Due to the situation, the others chose to remain silent.
As they spoke, the sound of hurried footsteps came from downstairs, followed by Zhao Jin's angry roar: "Which yamen are you from? How dare you trespass into the courier station where Lord Zheng lives …"
Zheng Xinghuai and the others rushed out of the room, just in time to see High Duke Cao, dressed in military uniform, waving his scabbard and slapping Zhao Jin's face, breaking half of his teeth.
The night watchman, Yin Gong of the yamen, rushed out of the room with a few brass gongs and shouted: "Stop!"
After ordering the brass gongs to hold down the furious Zhao Jin, Yin Gong glared at them and warned: "This is the palace guard."
Zhao Jin's face froze.
Yin Gong took a deep breath, cupped his hands and said: "High Duke Cao, you …"
High Duke Cao looked at Zheng Xinghuai, who had rushed out of the room, and said with a cold smile: "According to His Majesty's order, Zheng Xinghuai is to be arrested and brought back to the Dali Monastery for questioning. Anyone who disobeys will be killed."
"What?!"
The night watchman and Zhao Jin's expression changed.
Zheng Xinghuai was not afraid, and he said with a clear conscience: "What crime did I commit?"
High Duke Cao was taken aback, and then his smile changed to one of mockery: "It seems that Lord Zheng did not go out today. Hmm, Chu Zhou City's Commander, Duke Yongxiu, has returned to the capital. He accused you of colluding with the monsters and the barbarians, and killed the King of Zhenbei and 380,000 people."
Zheng Xinghuai's body staggered, and his face turned pale.
…
Huaiqing's Mansion.
The guard knocked on the door of Princess Huaiqing's study, and walked in, handing over a piece of paper.
"Your Highness, all the information you want is here. Lord Zheng is already in prison. Also, many people in the capital are spreading rumors that Lord Zheng is the one who colluded with the monsters and barbarians. It is High Duke Cao's men who are behind this … "
Huaiqing listened as she unfolded the piece of paper and read it quietly.
"I knew father had a backup plan. Que Yongxiu has already returned to the capital, and is hiding in the dark, waiting for an opportunity. Imperial Father ignored the rumors in the capital in order to wait for this moment. Amazing. "
She waved her hand.
The guard took his leave.
When the door of the study was closed, Huaiqing, who was wearing a plain white dress, walked to the window, and quietly looked out at the spring scenery outside.
A soft sigh echoed in the study.
…
The East Palace.
Lin An lifted the hem of her dress and ran like a cluster of gorgeous flames, her skirt, waist, and ribbons fluttering in the wind.
The six palace maids chased after her, shouting, "Your Highness, slow down, slow down."
"Brother Crown Prince, Brother Crown Prince …"
A silvery bell-like voice reverberated and floated into the hall from outside.
The Crown Prince was in the bedroom, having sex with the pretty maids, when he heard his sister's voice, his face changed. He hurriedly climbed out of bed, picked up the clothes on the floor, and quickly put them on.
Fortunately, the eunuchs in the East Palace knew that their master was working hard for the royal family, so they did not let Lin An enter the bedroom, and invited her to the guest hall.
The Crown Prince tidied up his clothes, and entered the guest hall. When he saw his sister, his face softened, and he asked gently, "What's the matter?"
Lin An wrinkled her delicate little brows. Her charming peach blossom eyes flashed with anxiety and worry. She said repeatedly, "Brother Crown Prince, I heard that Minister Zheng was arrested by Imperial Father."
The Crown Prince was silent for a moment, and nodded, "I know."
He had been the Crown Prince for so many years, so he naturally had a foundation. He knew everything that happened in the court.
Lin An said sneakily, "Father, he, he wants to capture Lord Zheng, right?"
The Crown Prince dismissed the eunuchs and the maids, leaving only the brother and sister in the hall. He nodded, and gave an affirmative answer.
Her lively peach blossom eyes dimmed, and Lin An said in a low voice, "Duke Huai massacred the city, and killed three hundred and eighty thousand innocent people. Why does Father still want to cover for him, and not hesitate to frame Lord Zheng?"
This was related to the face of the royal family, and it was absolutely impossible to give in … The Crown Prince wanted to say that, but seeing his sister's depressed mood, he sighed, and patted her shoulder,
"You are a girl, don't worry about this. Isn't it good to learn from Huaiqing? You shouldn't have returned to the palace."
Lin An hung her head, like a frustrated little girl.
The Crown Prince still loved his sister, and pressed her shoulder, and said in a low voice, "Father likes you because you have a sweet mouth, and because you never asked about the matters of the court. Why have you changed now?"
Lin An said weakly, "Because Xu Qi 'an's position is getting higher and higher …"
The Crown Prince's expression changed, and revealed an angry expression, "Did he instigate you to enter the palace?"
"No …" Lin An pouted, and said with grievance, "I, I don't dare to see him, I don't have the face to see him."
Duke Huai was her biological uncle, and he committed such atrocities in Chuzhou. As a fellow member of the royal family, how could she completely disassociate herself from it?
The guilt towards the three hundred thousand innocent souls made her feel that she didn't have the face to see Xu Qi 'an.
She even gave up on herself, and thought that she would never be able to see him again.
"So, you came to me today to ask me to plead with father, right?" The Crown Prince led her to sit down again. Seeing his sister pecking his head, he shook his head and laughed.
"Father doesn't even want to see you, how can he see me? Lin An, there is no right or wrong in the officialdom, only gains and losses. Let's not talk about whether my appearance is useful, I am the Crown Prince, and I have to stand with the royal family and the nobles.
"You are also a girl, no one cares what you do. If you are a prince, based on what you did a few days ago, you have no chance to be the emperor. "
Lin An said with a sad face, "But, he has to pay the price for killing so many people. Otherwise, who will believe in the law of the Daibun? I heard from Huaiqing that the person who killed for Duke Huai was the Lord Protector.
"He killed so many people, but father still wants to protect him, I am very unhappy."
Silly sister, under father's dragon throne, there is a mountain of corpses and a sea of blood.
This kind of thing happened a lot in the past, and it will continue in the future. No one can change it.
Including that Xu Qi 'an you like.
The Crown Prince shook his head helplessly.
…
Dali Monastery, prison.
It was early summer, and the air in the prison was rancid, mixed with the smell of prisoners urinating and defecating, and the smell of rotten food.
The stuffy air made people nauseous.
Dali Monastery prime minister carried two jugs of wine and a bag of beef into the prison. He slowly walked to the cell where Zheng Xinghuai was imprisoned, and sat down, not caring about the dirty name.
"Lord Zheng, this official wants to drink with you." Dali Monastery prime minister smiled.
Zheng Xinghuai, whose hands and feet were wrapped in shackles, walked to the bars, examined Dali Monastery prime minister, and said, "You don't look very good."
"What's not good? His complexion is rosy and his body is relaxed. "
Dali Monastery prime minister opened the butter paper and shared it with Zheng Xinghuai. As he ate, he suddenly said, "After this matter is over, I will return to my hometown."
Zheng Xinghuai looked at him and nodded, "That's good."
After eating the meat and drinking the wine, Dali Monastery prime minister stood up and bowed to Zheng Xinghuai. "Thank you, Lord Zheng."
He didn't explain and walked away.
"Thank you for helping me find my conscience."
As soon as he walked out of the prison, Dali Monastery prime minister saw a group of people walking toward him. At the front of the group were Cao Guogong and Que Yongxiu.
What are they doing here? The Lord Protector is the key figure in this case, why are they here?
The Deputy of the Supreme Court's gaze swept past them and saw the attendants behind them … They brought attendants to detain them?
"Dali Monastery prime minister, we meet again."
Que Yongxiu came up to him with a smile and looked him up and down.
"So, you are only a level six official. When I was in Chu Zhou City, I thought you were a level one official. You even dared to question me."
Dali Monastery prime minister suppressed his anger and said in a deep voice, "What are you doing here in Dali Monastery?"
"To interrogate the criminal, of course." Que Yongxiu showed a mocking smile. "His Majesty ordered us to interrogate the criminal, Zheng Xinghuai. During this period, no one is allowed to enter the prison. Anyone who disobeys will be punished with the same crime."
Then, the two dukes entered the prison side by side. The entourage closed the prison door and locked it from the inside.
They want to silence the witness … This thought flashed through Dali Monastery prime minister's mind like he was struck by lightning.
He instinctively wanted to ask for help from the Dali Monastery, but the fact that the two dukes dared to come here meant that the Dali Monastery knew about this and approved of it.
Because the two dukes were instructed by His Majesty.
"They want to silence the witness and then disguise it as a suicide to announce to the world. This way, the anger towards Duke Huai will be transferred to Zheng Xinghuai.
"This is much easier and more acceptable than overturning the previous statement and forcefully clearing Duke Huai's name. His Majesty, he, he doesn't intend to interrogate the case at all. He wants to catch everyone off guard and leave them with no choice … "
Dali Monastery prime minister walked quickly, his pace getting faster and faster. In the end, he rushed towards the yamen's stable.
He only had one thought in his mind: find Xu Qi 'an.
Only this stinky stone in the latrine could stop the Duke Protector and Duke Cao. Only he could fly into a rage for the beliefs in his heart.
… …
Duke Cao covered his mouth and nose, frowning as he walked through the tunnel of the prison.
"This little stench is nothing. Duke Cao, it's been too long since you've led troops." The one-eyed Que Yongxiu said.
"Less nonsense, hurry up and finish your task before anything changes." Duke Cao waved his hand.
The two stopped in front of Zheng Xinghuai's cell. Que Yongxiu glanced at the wine pot and butter paper on the ground and laughed. "Sir Zheng, your days are not bad."
Zheng Xinghuai's eyes immediately turned red. He dragged the shackles and roared like a lion, "Que Yongxiu, you son of a bitch!"
Que Yongxiu wasn't angry. He said with a smile, "I am a bitch, a bitch who killed your entire family. Zheng Xinghuai, you were lucky enough to escape that day. That's why you caused so much trouble. Today, I am here to reunite your family. "
Zheng Xinghuai roared. In his mind, he saw his grandson being stabbed by a spear, his son nailed to the ground, and his wife and daughter-in-law being hacked to death.
The citizens of the Chu Zhou City fell to the ground, their lives were worthless.
The scenes were vivid and clear, causing his soul to tremble and wail in anguish.
Que Yongxiu let out a hearty laugh, his body rocking back and forth.
Duke Cao smirked and said.
"His Majesty has long been at the end of his patience with you for the past few days. If it weren't for the fact that you're still of some use, you would have died a long time ago. Zheng Xinghuai, you are not smart enough. If you think about what happened in Chu Zhou City, you should know who you are going to face. "
Zheng Xinghuai froze as if someone had knocked him on the head with a stick.
A few seconds later, the scholar's body began to tremble. He couldn't stop trembling. He couldn't stop trembling.
"Why is he doing this, why is he doing this … Those, those are all his people …"
He bowed his head and did not raise it again.
The scholar's spine was broken.
Que Yongxiu snorted. "Thank Duke Cao for letting you die in peace."
Then, he reached out a hand and said with a vicious smile, "Give me the white silk. I will send him to his death myself."
One of the attendants handed over the white silk and the other opened the cell door.
Que Yongxiu stepped into the cell and flicked his wrist. The white silk wrapped around Zheng Xinghuai's neck and pulled.
"The Chief Minister of the Chu Zhou City, Zheng Xinghuai, colluded with the demons and barbarians and slaughtered three hundred and eighty thousand civilians. After Que Yongxiu exposed his crimes, he hanged himself in prison.
"Is Lord Zheng satisfied with this result?"
Zheng Xinghuai could no longer speak. His eyes were bulging, and his face was flushed red. His tongue was sticking out of his mouth.
His struggle went from violent to slow, and every time he kicked his leg, his life was slipping away like a flickering candle in the wind.
At that moment, Zheng Xinghuai's life was coming to an end. Memories of his past flashed through his mind.
His childhood, his youth, his youth, and his selfless middle age … At the end of his life, he felt like he had returned to his village.
He ran on the muddy road in the village, heading home. He had walked this road a thousand times, and for some reason, he was in a hurry.
Bang! Bang!
He knocked on the door anxiously.
The door slowly opened, and an ordinary looking woman stood behind the door. She had been through a lot, but she had a gentle smile on her face.
He heaved a sigh of relief, as if he had found a harbor in his life. All the weariness was gone, and he smiled happily.
"Mom, I'm going home …"
…
After a while, a loud bang broke the silence of the dungeon.
The iron door leading to the dungeon was kicked open and slammed into the opposite wall. The loud noise echoed in the dungeon.
Xu Qi 'an rushed into the dungeon with the blade in his hand.
The Dali Monastery prime minister followed behind him, panting heavily. At his age, even though he took good care of his body, running so hard still made his lungs burn.
The Deputy of the Supreme Court chased after Xu Qi 'an and rushed into the corridor. He saw that Xu Qi' an suddenly froze in front of the door of a cell.
He stood there like a statue.
The Supreme Court Deputy's heart sank. He did not know where he got the strength from, but he staggered over.
In the gloomy cell, there was a dead body hanging on the bars.
The Dali Monastery prime minister sat on the ground, covering his face with his hands as tears streamed down his cheeks.
