The person who was waiting for Yang Fan in the Yang Family was Princess Taiping. Princess Taiping had long noticed that the officials were targeting Er Zhang, but she did not stop them. She wanted to use the officials to test the Queen's attitude and tolerance. If the officials succeeded in attacking Er Zhang, it would be good, but if they failed, it would not hurt the Queen's strength.
But how could it be so easy to stay out of the politics? She was implicated because of Second Zhang. After Er Zhang received a hint from Wu Zetian, he fearlessly accused Wei Yuanzhong of treason. Zhang Yizhi had an idea and added the Minister of Rites, Gao Jian, as Wei Yuanzhong's accomplice, and Gao Jian was Princess Taiping's disciple.
Princess Taiping had been expanding her power ever since she opened the government, and Er Zhang was also rapidly expanding his power. In order to compete for some official positions, the two sides inevitably had some friction. Princess Taiping was not as tolerant of Er Zhang as Wan 'er was, so the two sides had long had a grudge against each other.
Moreover, Er Zhang knew that the Crown Prince and the Prince of Xiang had always been timid. Only Princess Taiping was the mainstay of Li Tang's royal family. Only by bringing her down could the threat from Li Tang's faction disappear completely. Therefore, they classified Gao Jian as Wei Yuanzhong's accomplice. As long as Gao Jian was convicted, they could launch another wave of attacks and point their spears at the Crown Prince and Princess Taiping.
Wu Zetian had never paid attention to this Minister of Rites, who did not have much power. When she saw Gao Jian's name, she really thought that he was Wei Yuanzhong's accomplice, so she ordered him to be arrested. This made Princess Taiping furious. If she could not protect Gao Jian, it would inevitably affect her expanding power. How could she stay out of it?
Therefore, Princess Taiping became the biggest supporter and planner of the officials' counterattack against Er Zhang. As soon as she heard that Wei Yuanzhong had been arrested, Princess Taiping immediately sent her people to remonstrate. At the same time, she went to find her two brothers to discuss countermeasures. As long as the two brothers stood out and made a stand, the forces loyal to them would certainly go all out.
At that time, even someone as powerful as Wu Zetian might not dare to form such a serious opposition between the monarch and the subject. She was already too old, and what she needed most now was a smooth transition. At that time, the only choice was to hold Wei Yuanzhong's case high and let it go gently. Gao Jian could naturally be safe.
Who would have thought that Crown Prince Li Xian had long been scared out of his wits by his mother, not daring to show his face. Furthermore, he believed that he was already the Crown Prince, and the Wu Clan had already given up on competing for the Crown Prince's position. No matter what Second Zhang did, it was impossible for him to become the Emperor. There was nothing for him to be anxious about. As long as he waited patiently for a few years, he would definitely become the Emperor. Because of this, not only was Li Xian unwilling to stand up for Princess Taiping, but Princess Taiping's words made him anxious, and he even complained about Wei Yuanzhong. He complained that Wei Yuanzhong was making trouble out of nothing, and that he deserved to be taught a lesson.
Princess Taiping was extremely disappointed in this irresponsible brother of hers. Helpless, she went to the Prince of Xiang. The Prince of Xiang was a bit more hot-blooded than the Crown Prince, but this matter had nothing to do with him. If this matter could really implicate the Crown Prince, it might even be a good thing for him. If the Crown Prince himself was not going to stand up for him, why should he meddle?
Princess Taiping had been rebuffed twice by her two brothers, and she was truly disheartened. But she did not want to give up just like that. She could only continue to mobilize the forces of her faction to rescue Wei Yuanzhong and Gao Jian. As for uniting all the forces that could be united to resist Second Zhang, that was not even a possibility.
The greatest forces that could be united were the Crown Prince and the Prince of Xiang. If the Crown Prince and the Prince of Xiang were unwilling to stand up, the Crown Prince's faction and the Prince of Xiang's faction could not work together. Besides Princess Taiping's people, only those ministers who belonged to the Crown Prince's faction and had a personal relationship with Wei Yuanzhong could stand up. The only force that Princess Taiping could contact was King Liang, but would King Liang stand up for them?
The answer to this question was obvious, so Princess Taiping did not even try to contact Wu Sansi. While she was at her wits' end and mentally exhausted, Princess Taiping came to Yang Fan's house.
Taiping had no idea that Yang Fan controlled an extremely powerful political force. Although the main body of this force was made up of noble clans and scholars, it could exert enormous influence over the political arena through countless connections. She was just weak and powerless, so she instinctively wanted to find a shred of comfort from her lover.
At this moment, in Fengchen Prison, the Zhang brothers were nervously discussing countermeasures. They had not foreseen such an intense backlash from the ministers. If they had known that the ministers would react so fiercely, perhaps they would not have listed Gao Jian as an accomplice in the rebellion.
But now, Wei Yuanzhong and Gao Jian had completely denied all the charges that had been imposed on them. The Three Law Divisions no longer had ruthless officials like Zhou Xing, Lai Junchen, or Suo Yuanli. The majority of the officials of the Three Law Divisions were loyal to Li Tang. They would not use torture to extort a confession, and they even tacitly allowed the jailers to communicate with Wei Yuanzhong and Gao Jian.
When Wei Yuanzhong and Gao Jian knew that the ministers were rushing to rescue them, their attitude in prison became even more resolute. Wu Zetian ordered the Three Law Divisions to interrogate them several times, but they did not get a single confession from them. Wei Yuanzhong even turned the tables and invoked the old precedent of when Wu Zetian summoned Di Renjie and the other six ministers, who had been framed by Lai Junchen, in front of the Emperor, and asked for a confrontation with the Second Zhang in front of the Emperor. "What a coincidence," Song Jing and the other ministers also remonstrated at this time, asking for a confrontation in court to determine the truth.
Wu Zetian had no choice but to agree to a confrontation between the accused and the accused in court to determine whether Wei Yuanzhong and Gao Jian were guilty or not. As her body aged and her energy declined, Wu Zetian's control over the court was indeed getting weaker and weaker. If it were ten years ago, she would not have been forced into such a 'difficult situation' by the ministers.
After leaving the court, Wu Zetian immediately told the Second Zhang about this matter. They were the ones who made up the accusation, so they naturally had to provide evidence. As soon as Zhang Yizhi and Zhang Changzong heard this, they panicked. Their accusation of rebellion was fabricated, if they really wanted to fight, they would not have any real evidence.
The two of them had a secret discussion. Zhang Yizhi said, "We must find a witness. With a confession and a witness, we can convict them!"
Zhang Changzong breathed a sigh of relief and said, "This matter is easy to handle. I'll let Ma Han come forward as a witness. Tell him to stick to Wei Yuanzhong and Gao Jian and say that he heard them say those treacherous words with his own ears."
Zhang Yizhi angrily glared at him and said, "Fool! Ma Han is our Fengchen Supervisor's man. If we let our man come forward as a witness, do you think the people of the world will be convinced? "
Zhang Changzong rubbed his chin and said hesitantly, "How about we bribe him with money? There are a lot of ruffians in the streets. As long as we can afford it, they will definitely … "
Zhang Yizhi interrupted him again and said, "A ruffian unexpectedly heard what the Prime Minister said? Is that possible?"
Zhang Changzong stared at him and said, "This won't do, that won't do. What do you think we should do?"
Zhang Yizhi was silent for half a day before he resolutely said, "Zhang Shuo! We'll let Zhang Shuo come forward! "
Zhang Changzong was startled and asked in surprise, "Zhang Shuo, will he be willing?"
Zhang Shuo was currently an official in the Phoenix Pavilion. Zhang Shuo had already passed the imperial examinations at a young age. During the court examinations, his answers were ranked first by Wu Zetian. He was a famous scholar in the world. This person had a friendly relationship with Gao Jian. Zhang Changzong could not help but feel a little hesitant to ask him to testify against his old friend for rebellion.
But Zhang Yizhi said, "It is precisely because Zhang Shuo and Gao Jian have a good personal relationship, in addition to his outstanding reputation as an official, that if he comes forward to testify, it will be the most powerful evidence."
Zhang Changzong forced a smile and said, "I know that. But will Zhang Shuo be willing to be our witness?"
Zhang Yizhi said, "Although Zhang Shuo and Gao Jian have a personal relationship, their political views have always been at odds. I think … I am afraid they do not have a deep friendship."
Zhang Changzong's expression changed. "Is there such a thing?" he hastily asked.
Zhang Yizhi nodded and said, "Gao Jian once wanted to introduce Zhang Shuo to join him as Princess Taiping's disciple, but Zhang Shuo was unwilling to agree. Later on, because there were rumors that Taiping kept Gao Jian and the others as her gigolo, Zhang Shuo used this as an excuse to distance himself from Taiping.
When we were compiling the 'Pearl of the Three Sects', Zhang Shuo put in a lot of effort, so I did not treat him unfairly. Precisely because of the compilation of the 'Pearl of the Three Sects', he, a talent without any background or backing, was promoted to the Phoenix Pavilion's Renren. This can be considered as my kindness to him, right? Now, as long as we give him a high position and a generous salary, it is not certain that he will not be moved by us. "
Zhang Yizhi whispered to Zhang Changzong, "You go and find him first. When the time comes, I will tempt him, and you will coerce him. Both of us will work together. If he agrees to be our witness, he can choose a high position and a generous salary. If he does not agree, then we will cut off his future. I am not afraid that he will not obediently submit!"
Zhang Changzong repeatedly nodded and immediately left Fengchen Prison to personally invite Zhang Shuo.
…
Yang Fan learned that the current Prime Minister had been arrested. This was a major event that had not happened in recent years. Yang Fan hurriedly entered the palace to find out the details. With his identity as the Thousand Horsemen General, it was more convenient for him to enter and exit the palace than the imperial family. Very quickly, he obtained first-hand information from Wan 'er.
Yang Fan came out of the palace and had just returned to his mansion when Mo Xuanfei came up to him and whispered, "Ah Lang, Princess Taiping is here."
Mo Xuanfei knew the ambiguous relationship between his master and Princess Taiping, so he spoke very softly. Yang Fan was startled and asked in a low voice, "Where is she?"
Mo Xuanfei pointed to the flourishing flowers and plants. Yang Fan understood and turned around to climb up the short mountain. In a red pentagonal pavilion, Xiao Man was sitting and chatting with Taiping. The pavilion was lush with foliage, and strange flowers as big as the mouth of a bowl hung heavily beside them. The two women were even more beautiful than the flowers.
Seeing Yang Fan walking along the small path, Xiao Man immediately stood up and called out in a sweet voice, "Langjun."
Yang Fan nodded to her and smiled at Taiping. He cupped his hands and said, "Your Highness is here."
Xiao Man smiled at him and said softly, "Langjun, accompany Your Highness for a while. I will go and prepare the food and wine."
Xiao Man excused herself to Taiping and left. Yang Fan sat down on the seat she had just sat on. Seeing Taiping's unhappy expression, he smiled and said, "What's wrong? Are you unhappy because Gao Jian was arrested?"
Taiping hatefully said, "You have to look at the owner before beating the dog! Second Zhang is clearly targeting me. I will definitely not let this matter rest. "
Yang Fan sighed and said, "Speaking of which, Prime Minister Wei's character is too straightforward. Since the impeachment against Second Zhang is invalid, the Emperor's intention to protect him is obvious. He should endure it for the time being. Why show his hatred towards Second Zhang so clearly? If they were willing to feign civility, why would Second Zhang take the risk out of desperation? Now, Second Zhang only lost a clown, but they have suffered a great loss. It is really unwise. "
Taiping rolled her eyes at him and said coquettishly, "What are you saying? If I did not know your character, I would have thought that you are on Second Zhang's side. "
Yang Fan smiled and comforted her, "All right, all right. Things have come to this point. It is useless for you to be angry. It is better to look at the long term."
Taiping said in a fit of pique, "My hair is long but my knowledge is short. I cannot see the long term!"
Speaking to this point, she suddenly sensed that there was a hidden meaning in Yang Fan's words. She could not help but raise her eyes in surprise and said, "See the long term? What do you mean by that? "
Yang Fan had already found out after entering the palace that the person who wanted to kill one to warn a hundred was Wu Zetian herself. Second Zhang was only an executor. How would they fight this lawsuit?
Yang Fan said, "You, do you think anyone would dare to casually frame others for rebellion? At the beginning, Zhou Xing, Suo Yuanli and the others dared to use this as a reason to eradicate the ministers. That was because the Emperor also needed them to do so. As for Lai Junchen, he is a mad dog. He cannot be speculated with common sense. Do you think Second Zhang is as mad as Lai Junchen? "
Princess Taiping was very intelligent. Although Yang Fan said it vaguely, Princess Taiping understood immediately. She could not help but cry out, "Are you saying that this matter was incited by Queen Mother?"
Yang Fan sighed softly. He did not say yes or no. He only said in a low voice, "Second Zhang came prepared this time. It will be very difficult for you to save Gao Jian."
Princess Taiping bit her lip and said, "Even if it is difficult, I have to do it. How can I sit back and do nothing?"
Yang Fan said, "A strong man must loosen his wrist. When it is time to let go, you must let go. Otherwise, when you should have a finger, you will lose your arm. This is a matter that even a wise man would not do! Lingyue, for a gentleman to take revenge, ten years is not too late. If you endure for a moment, you will have a more powerful counterattack in the future. "
Princess Taiping turned away and did not say anything. Yang Fan did not say anything more. He only wanted her to think about it. Who knew that after a while, he could faintly hear sobbing. Yang Fan quickly stood up and walked to her side. He saw Taiping with tears in her eyes. He could not help but ask in panic, "Lingyue, what are you doing?"
Taiping said in a sobbing voice, "People bully me. You do not stand up for your woman. You only know how to persuade me to give up. You … you stinky men only know how to protect yourselves. Don't tell me that I, a woman, should worry about this world? "
Yang Fan was surprised, "You?"
Taiping angrily struggled away from his shoulder and said, "My two elder brothers are like this. You are also like this. You are all cowards!"
Yang Fan suddenly understood. He gently hugged her shoulder and said with sincerity, "If I could help you, do you think I would not do it? This matter has indeed hurt you. But the official career is dangerous. How can it be smooth sailing? If there are those who do not have strong willpower, because of a small setback, they will abandon you and seek a better career elsewhere. Even if you win them over, how can you put them in an important position? "
Taiping angrily asked, "Then I will just endure it?"
Yang Fan said, "Endure it! Endure for a moment, only then can you achieve long-term success! Looking at it now, ordinary crimes will not be able to do anything to them. Only by giving them a taste of their own medicine will there be a chance of success. Before that, you must endure it! "
Even if Taiping was exceptionally talented, proud and arrogant, in front of Yang Fan, she had to bow down and act like a small child. Listening to Yang Fan's words, Taiping thought it over and over again. After hesitating for a long time, she finally nodded her head in grievance.
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