The Imperial Censor, Li Chengjia, had recently become a favorite of the emperor. He had been in charge of the Wang Tongjiao case, which had dragged down the five princes and instantly made Li Chengjia famous throughout the world.
Now, the case of slandering the empress and Prince Liang had appeared on Vermillion Bird Avenue, and this case had once again been placed in his hands. Li Chengjia was both excited and nervous. If this case was successfully handled, the position of Deputy Imperial Censor was beckoning to him. But he was also worried that Prince Liang would use this opportunity to punish the Prince of Xiang and Princess Taiping.
The Wang Tongjiao case had originally been intended to drag the Prince of Xiang and Princess Taiping down, but the officials had been so agitated. Fortunately, the emperor had promptly stopped and turned his attention to Zhang Jianzhi and the other four. Otherwise, if the officials had continued to make a fuss, the emperor might have found a scapegoat to appease the public, and his fate could be imagined.
Li Chengjia did not worry for long. Liang Wangwu had told him after careful consideration that the true culprit had to be found this time, but he had not hinted that he should try to implicate the Prince of Xiang and Princess Taiping in this case. Li Chengjia rejoiced and immediately mustered his strength to earnestly investigate.
Li Chengjia's method was stupid, but it was very effective.
The posters on Vermillion Bird Avenue had been discovered by the citizens of Chang'an early in the morning, which meant that they had been put up the night before. Through Chang'an and Wannian Counties, Li Chengjia broke down the case to every workshop in Chang'an and asked for a thorough investigation of everyone who had entered or left the workshop after the curfew.
That night, after the curfew, there were only two families that went in and out of the square. The other family had gone out in the middle of the night to find a doctor because their father had fallen ill. It was easy to investigate the doctor's family if only one person went out, but the married family included relatives and friends, so the number of people was very large.
Li Chengjia transferred a large number of people from the Supreme Court, the Ministry of Justice, and the Imperial Censor to cooperate with Wannian and Chang'an Counties in the investigation. After confirming that there was nothing suspicious about these people, he set his sights on officials of the third rank and above, because only officials of the third rank and above could open their doors directly onto the street and not through the workshop.
The capital was an important place. Although there were as many officials as there were running dogs, third-level officials were also rare. Furthermore, third-level officials were even rarer in the capital. Li Chengjia's targets quickly narrowed down. In the end, he locked onto fourteen households. Among them was the manor of the former Prime Minister, Huan Yanfan.
These people were all high-ranking officials, so Li Chengjia didn't dare bring them here for interrogation. However, he had the emperor, Empress Wei, and King Liang backing him up. If he wanted to interrogate these servants, these officials wouldn't be able to refuse. What's more, the Emperor was already furious. At this time, who would dare to refuse the investigation? Wouldn't that make them look guilty?
Li Chengjia was the Imperial Censor of the current court. His job was to handle judicial and criminal matters. If you really asked him to investigate a case, he was indeed very skilled. From the way he methodically narrowed down the scope of the investigation, his shrewdness could be seen.
In interrogating the servants of these families, he employed a few more tricks. He had seen those posters on the street. There were no less than ten of them, and they were all neatly pasted. It was very difficult for a single person to do such a thing on Vermilion Bird Street, where the Golden Guards were patrolling. There had to be at least two or three people pasting the posters.
And the people who did this had to be the master's trusted aides or servants. Those hired servants who could pick up their butts and leave at a moment's notice would never be assigned this kind of task by their master.
With this kind of analysis, Li Chengjia's interrogation became much easier. Once it was clear that these people were not the master's stewards, housekeepers, or servants, Li Chengjia would immediately release them. As for those who were more suspicious, he would arrange for his subordinates to interrogate them separately, either through intimidation or trickery, in order to find any clues.
The people Li Chengjia found were all experienced officials. After being seconded, they were all given three days' worth of salary. In addition, if anyone discovered any clues, they would immediately request the emperor to bestow them an official title. With these rewards, how could these officials not work hard?
None of these servants from wealthy families were repeat offenders. A group of shrewd and cunning old officials interrogating a group of servants from wealthy families who had no experience in dealing with interrogation. Huan Yanfan's operation, which he thought was flawless and flawless, was actually uncovered by an old monitor who had handled cases for thirty years in Wannian County and had dealt with all kinds of criminals.
The old monitor was interrogating a servant from the Huan Family, who had signed a contract to sell himself to the Huan Family. The officials used torture tools to intimidate him, and he, who had a guilty conscience, revealed some flaws. As soon as the monitor saw that there was an opening, he immediately coaxed and threatened him. He purposely went in and out a few more times, pretending that his companion had already confessed. The servant panicked and actually confessed.
The old monitor was wild with joy. He didn't expect that in his old age, he would be able to rise from an official to an official, leaping over the dragon's gate in one step. He was so happy that he threw his head back and laughed three times. Soon after, he personally escorted the Huan Family servant to Imperial Censor Li as if he was presenting a treasure.
When Li Chengjia heard this, he was also wild with joy. He immediately had people arrest the Huan Family's housekeeper and the other person who had put up the notice. After interrogating them, the two couldn't endure the torture and confessed one after another. Li Chengjia then escorted the prisoner to the ditch where they had thrown the brush and the bucket of pulp. He scooped up the evidence and happily reported it to King Liang.
The results of the case were quickly presented to Li Xian. After reading the confessions, Li Xian was unable to restrain his anger. He immediately ordered the arrest of Zhang Jianzhi and the other four people. He also immediately summoned the Prime Ministers and officials from the three departments of law to discuss the punishment of these five people.
Wu Sansi finally caught the true culprits of the rumors. For a moment, he was elated. He viciously said to Li Xian, "Your Majesty, they have slandered the Empress and insulted Your Majesty! They should all be punished according to the law!"
Deputy Li Chaoyin of the Supreme Court objected, "King Liang, please wait. We still haven't obtained the confessions of Zhang Jianzhi and the others. It is against the law to hastily execute these officials without interrogating them."
Li Xian fiercely slapped the table and said, "Then interrogate them! Interrogate them until they are convinced!"
When the Deputy Imperial Censor Xiao Zhizhong saw the evidence, he knew that the case couldn't be overturned. He couldn't help but secretly blame Huan Yanfan for being blinded by greed. Now that the witnesses and material evidence were present, even if they were interrogated, what could they do even if they gritted their teeth and refused to confess? These people were servants of their family, and they had ready-made evidence. What else could they do?
Even without this evidence, according to the law of the Tang Empire, the confession of the housekeeper and the two servants was enough to convict Zhang Jianzhi and the others.
Xiao Zhizhong suddenly had an idea. He suddenly said, "Your Majesty, Zhang Jianzhi and the others helped Your Majesty ascend the throne. This matter is known by the world. Now that this case has been tried, the world will know that these five meritorious officials deliberately slandered the Empress and tarnished Your Majesty's reputation. What will the world think? For such a great ruler and officials to fall out of harmony to this extent, I'm afraid … it will attract much criticism. "
"This …"
Hearing this, Li Xian felt a headache coming on. Although he was indeed harsh and merciless, he was not willing to be criticized by the world.
Assistant Minister Pei Tan of the Ministry of Justice wanted to curry favor with Empress Wei and Wu Sansi. He immediately reported, "As long as Your Majesty issues an edict to execute them, even without a public trial, it will be in accordance with the law."
"This subject objects!"
Song Jing of the Phoenix Pavilion had been taking notes at the side. Hearing this, he immediately stepped out and said, "Your Majesty, what crime will there be if they are killed by special edict? If they are executed without warning, how can the people of the world be convinced? Moreover, whether it is a special edict to kill or a special edict to pardon, although it is the privilege of the Emperor, it cannot be used easily.
Since the Xia, Shang and Zhou dynasties, the Emperor has the power to pardon, but no Emperor has ever used it of his own accord. When Empress Zetian was still alive, she did use the power to pardon Zhang Jianzhi once. What was the result? The law cannot be broken. Whether Zhang Jianzhi and the others are guilty or not, it should be judged impartially. If the Emperor uses his privilege to kill them, it will attract criticism from the world. "
Song Jing was pardoned together with Wei Yuanzhong. At that time, Zhang Jianzhi wanted Song Jing to falsely accuse Wei Yuanzhong, but Song Jing refused. In the end, he was exiled to Lingnan with Wei Yuanzhong. When Li Xian ascended the throne, Wei Yuanzhong was pardoned and returned to the court. Naturally, Song Jing also returned to the court.
However, in Wei Yuanzhong's life, since Gaozong, he had served four generations of emperors. During this period, he was demoted many times. Now that he was over seventy years old, he had long been depressed. Especially when he returned to court this time, he saw the minister who had helped the Emperor ascend the throne turn from prime minister to a prisoner within a year. This made his heart even colder.
As a result, Wei Yuanzhong had become the second Su Wei. He did things ambiguously and never said a word about political disputes. Now that Zhang Jianzhi and the others were in danger, Wei Yuanzhong did not say a word. Instead, it was Song Jing, who was young and vigorous, who came forward to argue.
Wu Sansi was furious. He glanced sideways at Song Jing and said, "According to what you are saying, to protect the Emperor's reputation, we must turn a blind eye to their crimes?"
Song Jing held his scepter and lowered his eyes, throwing this difficult problem to the Emperor. "I did not say that. I am only discussing the matter as it stands. Previously, because of Wang Tongjiao, the court announced that Huan Yanfan, Zhang Jianzhi, and the others had a political disagreement with King Liang and encouraged Wang Tongjiao to assassinate King Liang.
Although this crime is unpardonable, it is pitiful and does not harm the relationship between His Majesty, Zhang Jianzhi, and the others. Now, if it is said that Huan Yanfan and the others have disregarded His Majesty's dignity by putting up notices on the street and slandering the empress, Huan Yanfan and the others should be executed. However, if the relationship between the ruler and the officials reaches this point, it will likely damage His Majesty's reputation as well. This subject cannot think of a compromise, but for His Majesty's sake, I have no choice but to say it. "
Li Xian was speechless. After a long silence, he finally said, "Forget it. Let's just treat this case as a headless one!"
Wu Sansi took a step forward and said anxiously, "Your Majesty, then Huan Yanfan and the others …"
Li Xian said, "Issue an edict. Huan Yanfan, Zhang Jianzhi, and the others encouraged Wang Tongjiao to assassinate a minister and were punished with demotion. They did not reflect on themselves and repeatedly spoke nonsense, criticizing the government. Banish Zhang Jianzhi to Longzhou, Jinghui to Qiongzhou, Huan Yanfan to Fengzhou, Yuan Shuji to Huanzhou … "
Li Xian stated his decision on how to deal with Huan Yanfan and the others in one breath. After a brief silence, he added, "The children of these families, as long as they are males over the age of sixteen, are to be banished to Lingnan. In addition, they are to be recalled! "
…
Huan Yanfan and the others had obtained the help of a group of key figures at the right time and the right place. They had successfully accomplished a great feat, but did they really have the ability to devise strategies? Did they really have the ability to match the talents of the Prime Ministers? Not necessarily.
During their time as Prime Ministers, the five Prime Ministers had not made a single contribution to the national economy and the people's livelihood. After taking control of the court, they had forgotten where their authority came from. In just over a month, they had completely fallen out with the Emperor and pushed the Emperor to the side of Prince Wu Sansi of Liang. They had made yet another huge political mistake. Later, they refused to admit their failure and used very clumsy methods to counterattack. In the end, they had completely ruined themselves.
The five families, including the eighty-two-year-old Zhang Jianzhi, were driven out of the capital. Under the escort of soldiers, they left Chang 'an, their once glorious city, forever. Chang 'an regained its peace. The departure of the five Prime Ministers did not cause any commotion. The people continued to live their own lives. The soul-stirring bloodshed in the court was forever just a topic of conversation after a meal.
The weather grew hotter day by day. The cicadas sang tirelessly in the trees, making people drowsy.
Li Zhongjun wore a pair of trousers and sat bare-chested on a mat under the shade of a tree, drinking wine with a look of annoyance. Li Chengkuang walked over from afar. Li Zhongjun glanced at him and did not speak. He only fiercely poured down a bowl of wine. Li Chengkuang did not show any courtesy. He casually sat down at the table and asked him, "What's wrong? Is there something on your mind, Crown Prince?"
Li Zhongjun put down the wine bowl and said hatefully, "That An Le is getting more and more presumptuous. She did not even take me, the Crown Prince, seriously. Today … today she humiliated me in public. Not only that, she also said that even if she was the Crown Princess, it would be better than me being the Crown Prince. She did this in front of so many ministers.
How outrageous. "As Li Zhongjun spoke, his hands could not help but tremble. Li Chengkuang wanted to say something but stopped. He secretly glanced at him and suddenly sighed heavily. He took a wine bowl and filled it for himself. He drank it down with a depressed face. Li Zhongjun said, "What, you have something to say?"
Li Chengkuang gave a long sigh and said in a low voice, "Crown Prince … the situation is really not good."
Li Zhongjun's expression tightened and he hurriedly said, "What do you mean?"
Li Chengkuang said, "Song Jing was chased out of the capital because he spoke up for Huan Yanfan and the others. He was demoted to become the Chief Clerk of Bing Province. Li Chaoyin was also demoted to Wenxi County Magistrate for the same reason. Do you know about this?"
Li Zhongjun said in bewilderment, "I know. What about it?"
Li Chengkuang said, "Right now, the Wei family's Wei Jie, Wei Zhuo, Wei Bo, Wei Xuan, and the others have all been appointed to important positions. Empress Wei's power has expanded greatly and she is colluding with the Wu clan. Who can stop her? Don't forget, Princess An Le is the Empress' daughter. The Empress' son is already dead. If the Wei family continues to grow, An Le may become the Crown Princess. "
Li Zhongjun sneered, "Since ancient times, there has never been a Crown Princess!"
Li Chengkuang interrupted, "Since ancient times, there has never been a female Emperor! But this dynasty has one! "
Li Zhongjun's expression suddenly changed.
Li Chengkuang said, "Crown Prince, do you know what happened to Huan Yanfan and the others?"
Li Zhongjun was surprised. "Weren't they exiled to the south?"
Li Chengkuang said with a bitter smile, "Crown Prince, you shouldn't just keep your eyes on a place as large as the palace. You should also look at the rest of the world. Yes, Huan Yanfan and the others have been exiled to the south, and they can no longer threaten anyone. But do you know what happened to them? "
Li Zhongjun's eyes trembled. "What? Something … happened to them? "
Li Chengkuang took a deep breath and said, "Zhang Jianzhi was old and weak, and his hatred turned him into an illness. He fell ill as soon as he arrived in New Province and passed away. Zhang Jianzhi was already eighty-two years old, and his natural years were almost up. Even though he died of illness, he could be considered to have died of old age.
Huan Yanfan, on the other hand, was miserable. King Liang's lackey, Zhou Lizhen, caught up to him while he was being escorted. She had him tied up and dragged along a bamboo pole. The bamboo was as sharp as a knife, and Huan Yanfan's body was covered in cuts and bruises. His flesh was scraped off by the bamboo pole, revealing his ghastly white bones. He was tortured to death. "
Li Zhongjun's body trembled, and his heart began to pound.
Li Chengkuang continued, "Jing Hui was even more miserable. Wu Sansi sent people to torture him to death. Meanwhile, Yuan Shuji was forced to drink poisonous kudzu vine juice. He felt as if his internal organs were on fire, and he clawed at the soil with his hands. His nails were ground down, and his arms sank deep into the soil. In the end, he actually … "
Li Zhongjun shouted, "Don't say anymore!"
Li Chengkuang shut his mouth. After a long time, he sighed softly. "Cutting the weeds and pulling out the roots. I am only worried that with His Majesty's favor for An Le and his obedience to the Empress, once the Wei clan continues to grow … do you think the people of the Wei clan want you to be the emperor, or do they want someone with the blood of the Wei clan to be the emperor? King Liang currently controls half of our court. Do you think he wants his daughter-in-law to be the empress, or do you want it to be you? When that time comes, not only will you lose your imperial throne, I'm afraid … your fate will be just like Huan Yanfan, Yuan Shuji, and the others … "
"Enough!"
Li Zhongjun roared and stood up. He was panting heavily, his face as pale as paper, and his eyes shone with fear and madness. Li Zhongjun paced around like a trapped beast for a long time. Suddenly, he knelt on the ground and crawled a few steps toward Li Chengkuang. He grabbed his hand and begged, "Chengkuang, tell me, what should I do now?"
Li Chengkuang sternly said, "The one who strikes first gains the advantage. Crown Prince, if you want to keep your imperial throne and your life, you must make a decision."
Li Zhongjun immediately slumped to the ground and muttered, "I … what should I decide? The Prince of Xiang has never interacted with me, and I've never been familiar with Aunt Taiping. I … what should I do? "
Li Chengkuang said, "The Crown Prince is truly muddle-headed. When Zhang Jianzhi and the others pulled Emperor Zetian off the throne, what did they have in their hands? The Crown Prince only needs an army that listens to you. You don't need too many. You just need to be able to control the inner palace. Do you think that the Prince of Xiang and Princess Taiping won't recognize you as emperor once this is done? "
Li Zhongjun looked at Li Chengkuang and said in confusion, "An army? Although I am the Crown Prince and have six armies under my command, these six armies have never been handed over to me. They are currently in the hands of the Empress's cousin, Wei Jie. "
A strange light flashed through Li Chengkuang's eyes. "The Crown Prince has so many close friends in the army. Are they all useless?"
Li Zhongjun suddenly understood. "That's right! They are all officers of the Featherwood Guard. If they can help me … "
Li Zhongjun suddenly hesitated. "But … for something like losing their heads, would they … be willing to die for me?"
Li Zhongjun emphasized each word. "Once you succeed, you will be the Son of Heaven and they will be your subjects. Men die for wealth, and birds die for food. As long as you bribe them with great benefits, who can resist such an enticement?"
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