"Sage …"
Zhang Changzong's eyes were full of tears. He was really scared. No matter how ignorant he was, he knew what would happen if he was convicted of treason. Over the past 20 years, too many people's families had been destroyed because of 'treason'.
Wu Zetian couldn't bear to see him continue to be afraid. She said, "Now it seems that Li Hongtai was deliberately colluded with someone to lure you into the trap. However, now that this matter is known to everyone, I can't just let it go. The law is ruthless, so I can only hand him over to trial. "
Hearing this, Zhang Changzong turned pale with fright. He hurriedly kowtowed and said, "Sage, the officials can't wait for me to die. If you hand me over to the Ministry of Justice, I will have no chance of survival."
Wu Zetian slowly said, "We will order the Assistant Minister of the Heavenly Official Wei Chengqing, the Punishment Official Cui Shenqing, and the Deputy Prime Minister of the Imperial Censor Song Jing to try this case together. Wei and Cui are both officials that you recommended, so they won't make things difficult for you. When you arrive at the court, just do what you said just now."
Hearing this, Shanghai Wan 'er's eyes flashed.
"Sage!" Zhang Changzong still refused to get up. He begged, "I'd rather let the Sage interrogate me personally."
Wu Zetian turned her head and sighed, "Don't make trouble! You go. I will send people to keep an eye on the progress of the case. "
Zhang Changzong had no choice but to kowtow and leave.
Wu Zetian gently waved her hand again. Wan 'er understood, bowed, and quietly left.
Quietly, Wu Zetian's reaction spread out of the palace. After hearing the news, Yang Fan was stunned for a long time. He shook his head and said with a bitter smile, "In the past, when fighting for and defending her throne, even if her own son was in her way, she would mercilessly eradicate him. As for the crime of treason, she would rather kill the wrong person than let it go. So, I thought this crime was enough to put the two Zhangs to death. I was wrong! The current Wu Zhao is no longer the Wu Zhao of the past … "
Yang Fan knew Wu Zetian's attitude, so did Princess Taiping. When Princess Taiping learned of her mother's attitude towards Zhang Changzong's rebellion, her expression suddenly became extremely strange. She didn't say anything and just sat there for a long time. Her eyes gradually welled up with tears.
First Mister Mo, who was sitting at the side, noticed the strange expression on Princess Taiping's face. But even someone as experienced as him couldn't guess Princess Taiping's current state of mind. Why was it that after hearing this news, she was at a loss at first, and then her eyes glistened with tears?
While First Mister Mo was secretly speculating, Princess Taiping's gaze gradually turned into anger and hatred. Beneath her tears, it was as if a ball of fire was brewing!
When Princess Taiping heard this news, her heart was filled with sorrow, but also endless anger. She couldn't understand why her mother doted on Zhang Changzong, who was even younger than her own grandson.
Yes! It was hard to hide this plan from Wu Zetian's eyes, especially when Zhang Changzong had always been by Wu Zetian's side. With his cultivation, it was hard to hide it from Wu Zetian. Wu Zetian had long known his character and ability. She knew that he couldn't rebel, but … did she know nothing about her son-in-law?
When the three brothers of the Xue Family participated in the anti-Wuo case, she clearly knew that Xue Shao was wronged. Why didn't she spare his life? Her daughter, holding her young child, kowtowed to the Imperial Palace and fainted in front of the palace, but she didn't move at all. Now she was so reasonable and generous to Zhang Changzong …
Princess Taiping was so angry that she gritted her teeth. Originally, she was determined to deal with the two Zhangs to avoid any variables in the process of Li Tang regaining power. But now Wu Zetian's unconditional trust and protection of Zhang Changzong aroused her jealousy and hatred. Her mother was so protective of an outsider, but cruel to her own flesh and blood!
"I won't stand it anymore!"
Princess Taiping supported herself on the table and stood up. Her fingers exerted strength, and her knuckles turned white, "This time, if I can't let the two Zhangs be beheaded, then I will use any means at all costs. I will do what the Emperor is unwilling to do!"
Mo Yuhan was moved and said hesitantly, "I'm afraid that the Crown Prince …"
Princess Taiping suddenly looked at him and used her sharp eyes to stop what Mr. Mo was going to say next. She said word by word, "Whether he is the Crown Prince or the Emperor, no one can stop me! This is … the justice I should seek! "
…
Wei Chengqing was the assistant minister of the Heavenly Official. He had a high position and was also the first person appointed by the Emperor. So naturally, he was the chief judge, and the disciplinary official Cui Shenqing and the Deputy Prime Minister of the Imperial Censor Song Jing were the co-judges.
Wei Chengqing and Cui Shenqing were promoted because of the two Zhangs' connections. They were the disciples of the two Zhangs, so how could they make things difficult for Zhang Changzong? As soon as Zhang Changzong entered the court, Wei Chengqing ordered people to look at the seats with a pleasant expression.
Although the crime of rebellion had not yet been decided, there was no reason to look at the seats. But he was the chief judge, and Song Jing did not want to be entangled in these minor details, so he pinched his nose and endured.
But the so-called trial that followed was simply a farce. Wei Chengqing smilingly asked Zhang Changzong about daily life and roughly understood the process of him becoming the Emperor. He said, "Li Hongtai's words are really rebellious. Although the Duke only took it as a joke, he must have reported it to the Emperor afterward?"
Song Jing heard this and felt that something was wrong. Wasn't this baiting a confession? Moreover, it was baiting a confession from an angle that was advantageous to the suspect. Song Jing immediately stopped him and said sternly, "Assistant Minister Wei, these words are very inappropriate."
In reality, Wei Chengqing had overestimated Zhang Changzong's political intelligence. Zhang Changzong could not understand such an obvious hint. He was naturally skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, but he knew nothing about politics and law. He didn't know if he had told the Emperor what this meant.
If it was just Wei Chengqing's hint, he would most likely say in confusion, "No! This duke often tells jokes in front of the Emperor, but while Li Hongtai's words were a joke, they were used to flatter the Emperor. This duke does not find it funny. "
But how could Zhang Changzong not see that Song Jing was so nervous? He knew that Song Jing wanted to kill him, and Wei Chengqing was his helper. Since Song Jing opposed it, then it was right for him to do so. Relying on this simple method of analysis, Zhang Changzong responded with good fortune, "Yes, Changzong did say this to the Emperor."
Song Jing was furious and said sternly, "Who is the witness?"
Punishment Official Cui Shenqing immediately said, "Since Duke Ye said that he knew to the Emperor, then the witness is naturally the current Emperor."
Wei Chengqing nodded and said, "Then this matter only needs to be confirmed by the Emperor. Since Duke Ye once treated these words as a joke to the Emperor, then even if he is guilty, it is considered surrendering, and the punishment should be reduced. "
Song Jing said loudly, "How can the great crime of rebellion be pardoned because of one sentence? According to the law, we should at least ask relevant witnesses and search Changzong's residence. "
Wei Chengqing's expression darkened and he said, "Those who attended the banquet that day were all nobles, dukes, and officials. You want to capture them all here as witnesses? All he had to do was send someone to inquire about it. As for searching the Duke's Residence, since we cannot prove his crimes, who would have the guts to search the residence of a Duke? "
Cui Shenqing immediately said, "Assistant Minister Wei's words are reasonable. Now that the truth is out, we should first report to the Emperor and let him decide."
Wei Chengqing and Cui Shenqing echoed each other and controlled the entire trial. Song Jing, as the Deputy Minister of the Imperial Censor and the highest leader of the officials, was unable to say anything more. After Wei Chengqing finished speaking with Song Jing, he said politely to Zhang Changzong, "I am sorry, Duke. I will have to detain you for another day. After this lowly official reports to the Emperor, I will hold a feast for you to calm down."
Zhang Changzong waved his hand and boldly left the interrogation hall, making Song Jing bristle with anger.
The next morning, Wei Chengqing met the emperor in the golden hall and repeated the memorial to the Emperor, "Duke Ye, Zhang Changzong, was careless with his words and caused trouble. In this official's view, it was the warlock Li Hongtai who did not know the taboo and flattered the master as a guest. Duke Ye only thought it was a joke. The empress reported it to the Emperor and did not commit any major crimes. His Majesty can take away three months of his salary as a punishment. As for that Li Hongtai, even though he was flattering, it was all lies. He should be punished and be brought to justice! "
Wu Zetian was delighted and was about to nod when the Deputy Minister of the Imperial Censor, Song Jing, came out with his scepter and said sternly, "Your Majesty, the lies of the warlocks are caused by the people. Zhang Changzong has been favored many times and his power is overwhelming, which is why the warlock flatters him. Think of that Zhang Changzong. He is young and has no contributions to the country, yet he is a duke. But he has a warlock and is inseparable. What is his purpose? He naturally harbors evil intentions and conspires against the law. He should be punished! "
Wu Zetian flew into a rage and said in a deep voice, "Wei Chengqing and Cui Shenqing are both main judges and have already made their judgments!"
As soon as she finished speaking, the assistant minister of Luantai, Cui Xuanhui, came out and said in a loud voice, "Your Majesty! Wei Chengqing and Cui Shenqing were promoted because of Duke Ye's recommendation. Everyone in the world knows about this. Their judgments cannot be guaranteed to be fair. According to the law, these two officials should withdraw from the trial of Zhang Changzong's crimes. Therefore, this subject respectfully requests that Your Majesty retry this case! "
Wu Zetian suppressed her anger and said, "You are in charge of the Luantai and do not understand the law. Step down!"
Cui Xuanhui stood tall and did not retreat. The disciplinary vice-minister, Huan Yanfan, walked out and said in a loud voice, "Wei Chengqing and Cui Shenqing were promoted because of Zhang Changzong's recommendation. If Zhang Changzong is guilty, the two of them will also be implicated. If they share weal and woe, it will be difficult to guarantee their fairness. This subject also requests that Your Majesty retry this case. "
Wu Zetian had just said that Cui Xuanhui did not understand the law when someone who understood the law jumped out and immediately shut Wu Zetian up. Wei Chengqing and Cui Xuanhui were both assistant ministers of a yamen, while Cui Shenqing was the disciplinary minister. The one who jumped out to challenge him, Huan Yanfan, was the disciplinary vice-minister and his assistant. Cui Xuanhui and Huan Yanfan had publicly made things difficult for the two of them. This was already shedding all pretense of cordiality and no longer asking for coexistence.
Wu Zetian took a deep breath and said in a clear voice, "Zhang Changzong has already turned himself in to us and should be absolved of his crimes."
The words of the Son of Heaven were not always law. Since ancient times, it had been thought that the words of many emperors who had fallen from power had no effect at all. However, Wu Zetian was an extremely powerful emperor. Before she had become emperor, each of her words was like an imperial edict. No one dared to disobey. But today …
Today, the officials of all the major factions had unanimously turned against the Son of Heaven, and the spearhead was pointed directly at the Son of Heaven.
The civil and military officials of the court were filled with anger and moved upon hearing the news!
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