Zhang Shuo came out of the Fengchen Prison with a heavy heart. He didn't even see the Deputy Imperial Censor Song Jing walking toward him. Song Jing felt strange and took the initiative to greet him. Zhang Shuo seemed to wake up from a dream. He quickly stood still and saluted Song Jing. Song Jing saw that he was in a trance and said, "Daoji, are you not feeling well? Why do you look so pale?"
Zhang Shuo forced a smile and said, "Thank you for asking, Deputy Imperial Censor. Zhang Shuo is fine. It's just … just a little uncomfortable." Zhang Shuo was not in the mood to talk. After exchanging a few pleasantries with Song Jing, he cupped his hands in obeisance and left. Song Jing looked at his back and shook his head in confusion.
Zhang Shuo was the main contributor to the compilation of the Pearl of the Three Schools. As such, he had established a close relationship with the Second Zhang, even though it was mainly for official business. Zhang Changzong's personal invitation surprised Zhang Shuo. He didn't expect the Second Zhang to have such a purpose.
From the bottom of his heart, Zhang Shuo didn't want to be a despicable person, but he didn't know how to deal with the powerful Second Zhang's threats and temptations.
Zhang Shuo didn't have a strong family background. His father had only been the Hongdong County Magistrate. His achievements today were entirely due to his outstanding talent and hard work. He was only in his early thirties, but he was already a Fengge Renren. His future could be said to be very promising.
This was also the reason why Zhang Shuo didn't want to form a faction or accept the recommendation of his good friend Gao Jian to join the Taiping Sect. He was a cautious person and didn't want to join any faction in today's complicated and unclear situation. As long as he did his part, no matter who ascended the throne, he would be put in an important position because of his good official reputation, outstanding talent, and a clean political background.
But the tree longed for peace, but the wind would not stop! In the end, this storm still affected him. Zhang Yizhi promised him great benefits. As long as he agreed to be a witness, he would be guaranteed a position as an assistant minister. As long as he first became an assistant minister with real power in the Six Ministries, he would have the opportunity to be promoted to Prime Minister.
Although Zhang Shuo had always been very confident in his official career, he didn't dare to have too many extravagant hopes for his ultimate goal of becoming Prime Minister. In his estimation, even if his official career went smoothly, he would only become Prime Minister when he was 60 years old. He still had to struggle for at least another 30 years. Zhang Yizhi's promise shortened the time by twenty years.
This condition was indeed tempting, but if it was just an enticement, it wouldn't be enough to move Zhang Shuo. Zhang Shuo didn't want to carry a stain that he would never be able to wash away. However, Zhang Changzong also threatened him at the same time. If he refused to comply, he would be banished to Lingnan and spend the rest of his life as a county magistrate.
Based on how much the empress doted on them, Zhang Shuo believed that they would do what they said. Zhang Shuo was unwilling to join any faction, which indeed made his position extraordinary. It was precisely because of this reason that he had no backing. Second Zhang could praise him to the heavens, but he could also stomp him down to hell.
It was precisely because of this threat that Zhang Shuo agreed to testify for the two Zhangs through both carrot and stick. But as soon as he left Fengchen Prison, Zhang Shuo came to his senses. The Confucian education he had received since he was young and the teachings of a gentleman did not allow him to do such immoral things. Moreover, he was not optimistic about Second Zhang's future. If he were to be tied to Second Zhang's chariot from now on …
However, if he didn't agree to their request, he wouldn't be able to pass this hurdle. Zhang Shuo's stomach was knotted with worry and he truly found it difficult to choose. No one knew of his secret discussion with Second Zhang, and Zhang Shuo wasn't willing to discuss it with anyone. He returned home with a heavy heart. After thinking it over, he didn't get a wink of sleep the entire night.
… …
There was no morning court session the next day. Wu Zetian summoned the Crown Prince, the Prince of Xiang, Prince Liang, and the other prime ministers to the Changsheng Courtyard as witnesses, to have the original and defendant confront each other in court. All the civil and military officials of the court moved upon hearing the news. Although they couldn't enter Changsheng Courtyard without an imperial edict, they all gathered outside and waited with bated breath for the outcome.
After entering the palace, Wei Yuanzhong and Gao Jian naturally flatly denied Second Zhang's accusations, but Second Zhang spoke with certainty. As the two sides continued to argue, Yao Chong stepped forward and said to Wu Zetian, "Your Majesty, there are no witnesses or material evidence for what Second Young Master has said. It is not enough to convict the Prime Minister!"
These words should have been said by the Crown Prince, but as soon as Li Xian entered the palace, he stood there like a sick quail, his eyebrows drooping, not saying a single word. Wu Zetian indifferently said, "But We have heard that there is a crucial witness in this case, enough to prove that Yuanzhong and Gao Jian are guilty!"
At these words, all the officials in the palace, as well as Wei Yuanzhong and Gao Jian, were shocked. Wu Zetian raised her voice and said, "Come, summon Zhang Shuo of the Phoenix Pavilion!"
For a moment, the palace was in an uproar. Gao Jian's eyes were wide open, his face full of disbelief. Even now, he still couldn't believe that his close friend would come forward to testify against him.
Shanghai Wan 'er quickly gave a look to the eunuch who delivered the edict. The eunuch was Little Hai, and as Wan' er's confidant, he immediately understood. After walking out of Changsheng Courtyard, Little Hai didn't raise his head or open his eyes. He only slowly announced, "The Emperor has decreed that summon Zhang Shuo of the Phoenix Pavilion to come forward to testify for Zhang Fengchen!"
If Little Hai had only summoned Zhang Shuo to come forward, no one would have understood why he was summoned. At the very least, they wouldn't have understood that he was going to testify for Second Zhang. But as soon as Little Hai said these words, all the officials waiting outside the palace understood that the Emperor summoned Zhang Shuo to come forward to testify against Wei Yuanzhong and Gao Jian.
Zhang Shuo, who had been waiting for a long time inside the palace, was brought in by two young eunuchs. After a night of psychological torture, Zhang Shuo's expression was abnormally haggard. His head drooped, he weakly walked forward. The officials whispered to each other and discussed. Suddenly, the Imperial Censor, Song Jing, rushed forward to block Zhang Shuo.
Zhang Shuo saw a pair of feet appear in front of him. He slowly raised his head and saw that it was Song Jing. He couldn't help but be startled. Hesitantly, he cupped his hands and said, "Imperial Censor Song."
Song Jing's eyes shone as he sternly said, "Daoji! A person's reputation is the most important. Even ghosts and gods can't deceive you! You must not join the evil and harm the righteous, seeking to escape! You would rather be punished and exiled than leave your name in the annals of history. If you really anger the Son of Heaven, I am willing to kowtow to the imperial court and fight to the death with you! Daoji, a thousand years of merit and a thousand years of sin, now it all depends on you! "
Hearing Song Jing's words, Zhang Shuo's expression immediately changed. Seeing this, the Imperial Censor Zhang Tinggui also raised his arms and shouted, "The Way of the Master cannot be left in a moment. If you learn the Way in the morning, you can die without regrets! Brother Daoji, a single slip may cause everlasting sorrow. You must think carefully! "
Secretary of the Left Liu Zhiji also shouted, "Daoji, what have you learned from the books of the sages? Now is the time to sacrifice one's life for righteousness. You must not tarnish the annals of history and implicate your descendants! "
All the civil and military officials passionately tried to persuade Zhang Shuo. It was difficult for Zhang Shuo to take a single step, as if his legs were tied with a thousand-jin burden. Little Hai saw that everyone had persuaded enough and didn't dare to be too obvious. Putting on an impatient expression, he raised his voice to stop them. "Zhang Sheren, please hurry up and go to the palace. Don't let the Son of Heaven wait too long."
Zhang Yue was already hesitant, he did not want to be that vile person. After being persuaded by the civil and military officials for a while, he felt his blood boiling. Suddenly, he made up his mind. He clenched his teeth, bowed to the civil and military officials, and resolutely walked toward the Hall.
Zhang Shuo walked into the main hall of the Courtyard of Everlasting Life and bowed to Wu Zetian. "Subject Zhang Shuo greets Your Imperial Majesty."
Before Wu Zetian could speak, Wei Yuanzhong took a step forward and sternly shouted, "Zhang Shuo, do you want to join hands with the two little ones to frame me, Wei Yuanzhong?"
Zhang Shuo's expression changed. "Duke Wei," he retorted in a deep voice, "as the Prime Minister, how can you say such words?"
"Brother Daoji, you … you really want to testify for the two little ones?" Gao Jian was still in disbelief.
Gao Jian knew that as long as Zhang Shuo gave false testimony today, he would lose his head, so his expression was very gloomy.
Gao Jian knew that if Zhang Shuo gave false testimony today, he would lose his head, so his expression was very gloomy. "Shut up!" Zhang Changzong excitedly interrupted Gao Jian. Zhang Sheren, if you've ever heard Wei Yuanzhong and Gao Jian say anything outrageous, just say it in front of the Saints, the kings, and the Prime Ministers. The Saints will stand up for you! "
Zhang Shuo glanced at Wei Yuanzhong and Gao Jian, who were both shocked and angry, then cupped his fists at Wu Zetian and said, "Your Majesty, I, Zhang Shuo, dare not lie in front of Your Majesty, all the kings, and all the prime ministers..."
Zhang Shuo took a deep breath and steeled his resolve. He raised his voice sternly: "Your subject has never heard Duke Wei and Gao Jian say such treasonous words. The two of you are forcing me to give false testimony."
His words caused an uproar. Wei Yuanzhong and Gao Jian were overjoyed, but Zhang Yizhi and Zhang Changzong were both shocked and angry. In a panic, Zhang Changzong blurted out, "Saints, this Zhang Shuo … this Zhang Shuo is Wei Yuanzhong's accomplice. The two of them conspired to rebel, so I dare not report it."
Wu Zetian was furious in her heart. She secretly blamed her two little lovers for not being reliable enough. They could even find a witness to retract their testimony. It wasn't just Zhang Changzong, even she was in a difficult position. Hearing Zhang Changzong's words, she quickly found a way out of this embarrassing situation. She asked in a low voice, "Do you have any evidence?"
Zhang Changzong was just speaking without thinking. When the Emperor asked, he immediately thought of something and said excitedly, "Zhang Shuo advised Wei Yuanzhong to be Yi Yin and Duke of Zhou. As everyone knows, Yi Yin once exiled his Emperor Taijia and Duke of Zhou replaced his Emperor as regent. Isn't Zhang Shuo encouraging Wei Yuanzhong to rebel? "
Wu Zetian's face darkened. "Zhang Shuo, have you ever said such a thing?"
Zhang Shuo quickly calmed down after making his choice. He glanced at Zhang Shuo disdainfully and said to Wu Zetian, "The Yizhi brothers are uneducated people. They only know the story of Yi and Zhou, but they don't know the truth. When Duke Wei was promoted to the third rank (officials of the third rank and above wear purple robes and are qualified to pay respects to the Prime Minister), I went to congratulate him as a minister.
Duke Wei told the guests, 'I am ashamed to be favored without any merit.' So I said, 'Duke Wei is not ashamed to be promoted to the third rank after taking the post of Yi and Zhou.' As everyone knows, Yi Yin and Duke of Zhou were virtuous ministers of ancient times, loyal to their subjects and respected by the world. Your Majesty appointed Prime Ministers and did not let them imitate Yi and Zhou, so who should they imitate? "
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