The Ministry of Justice's yamen was the same as other yamens. There were only four bailiffs standing guard at the entrance. However, upon arriving here, one would naturally feel a different vibe from other yamens. It was a somber atmosphere. Although it sounded mysterious, this kind of atmosphere was definitely there.
However, while this kind of atmosphere could make the commoners cower, it could not affect a person like Di Renjie. Upon arriving at the Ministry of Justice's yamen, without waiting for him to say anything, Yang Fan walked up and informed the bailiff of Di Renjie's identity. One of the bailiffs immediately reported it to him.
Not long after, a long laugh could be heard from within the yamen. An extremely amiable voice said, "Hahaha, I heard magpies chirping early in the morning. So it is Master Di who has graced us with your presence!"
Di Renjie winked at Yang Fan. With a light shake of his robes, he stepped forward to welcome the visitor.
Following the voice, the refined and elegant Zhou Xing stepped over the threshold with a radiant smile. Just as Di Renjie walked up the steps and was about to bow, Zhou Xing held him up and said with a face full of smiles, "Aiyaya, Master Di, what are you doing? Can you not be so courteous? Aren't you trying to kill me?"
Di Renjie smiled and said, "I am an assistant minister and a minister. There is a difference of one rank between us. It is only right for me to bow when we meet."
Zhou Xing replied humbly, "Hey, what are you talking about, Grandmaster Di? I'm a junior. Back when I was working for Grandmaster Di, I received a lot of pointers and teachings from him. In front of Grandmaster Di, I'll always be a junior. How would I dare to be arrogant? Master Di, please come in quickly. What instructions do you have for me today? "
As Zhou Xing spoke, he very naturally held onto Di Renjie's arm and helped him into the yamen. He was exceptionally careful as he ascended and descended the steps and crossed the threshold. His attentive manner was that of a person who was extremely respectful to his elders. His expression and actions were definitely not pretentious at all. If not for his fierce reputation, no one would believe that this person was Zhou Xing.
Di Renjie allowed Zhou Xing to support him. As they walked into the yamen, he said, "Minister Zhou, I really have a favor to ask of you today …"
Zhou Xing hurriedly replied, "You're being too polite, Master Di. If you need anything, you can just send someone over to let me know. How could I trouble you? I wonder what Master Di needs? Feel free to let me know. As long as it's within my capabilities, I'll definitely do it."
Di Renjie said, "Haha, this is really a piece of cake for you, Minister Zhou. I don't know if the Duke of Yan is currently imprisoned in the Ministry of Justice's prison or in Luoyang Prefecture. No matter where he is, he's under your control, Minister Zhou. I … would like to see him. Minister Zhou, are you willing to help me with this? "
Hearing this, Zhou Xing couldn't help but exclaim. He stopped in his tracks and asked, "Master Di wants to see Hei Ya Changzhi?"
"That's right!"
Di Renjie also stopped. He was still smiling, but his eyes were very sharp. He stared at him and asked, "How is it?"
Zhou Xing's slightly startled expression quickly disappeared. He sighed sadly and said, "Although it's against the law to have a private meeting, since Master Di has asked, there's no reason for me to refuse. It's just that …"
Di Renjie's expression tensed up. He pressed on, "It's just that what?"
Zhou Xing sighed again and said, "It's just that this Hei Ya Changzhi, I'm afraid that even if Master Di were to see him, it would be useless."
Di Renjie's heart immediately tightened. He asked in a deep voice, "Minister, what do you mean by that?"
Zhou Xing said regretfully, "Someone reported that Hei Ya Changzhi had rebelled, and the Empress issued an edict to bring him back to Luojing for trial. I was still thinking that since Hei Ya Changzhi has always been loyal to the imperial court, who knows if it might be a false accusation? I was planning to properly investigate the case. If he was really wronged, I might be able to clear his name. Who knew that he would actually hang himself right after being sent to the Ministry of Justice's prison. This person really can't take things too seriously … "
Hearing this, Yang Fan couldn't help but be shocked. Hei Ya Changzhi was a great general of the border who commanded tens of thousands of troops, a dignified Duke, and had been escorted all the way to the capital without seeking death. Just after entering the Ministry of Justice's prison, he … actually committed suicide? Such a serious criminal, under the strict supervision of the Ministry of Justice's Heavenly Prison, had actually committed suicide?
Zhou Xing shook his head and sighed repeatedly. Di Renjie stopped in his tracks and raised his head. Gazing at the dusk sky, he let out a long sigh …
…
"Thank you, Brother Cha!"
Duoduo gratefully thanked a messenger from Luoyang Prefecture. She then asked, "May I ask where this Ministry of Justice yamen is located?"
Seeing her handsome eyebrows, large eyes, and pretty and adorable appearance, the messenger's temper also became especially gentle. After giving her a few more pointers, Duoduo finally took her leave.
Duoduo's wife was a Turkic. She had a foreigner named Ayiguli. Because of the civil war between the Eastern and Western Turkic Khaganate, she had lost her family and clansmen. After experiencing many hardships, she escaped to White River. She had even been raped and had a miscarriage. Later on, she was taken in as a concubine by Hei Ya Chang Zhi. After gradually gaining favor, she was made a concubine. Hei Ya Chang Zhi even gave her a Han nickname, Chun Niu 'er.
Duoduo was the daughter of an old soldier who had died on the battlefield. She also had Turkic blood, but because of the mixed blood of the common people in the border area, it wasn't so obvious. Hei Ya Chang Zhi pitied her loneliness and adopted her at a young age. Although she was only a maid, he treated her as his adopted daughter. After Chun Niu 'er married into his family, Duoduo had always served her. The two of them were like sisters.
When Hei Ya Chang Zhi was arrested, Duoduo was accompanying Chun Niu 'er to the shaman's place to pray for the child in her belly. Hei Ya Chang Zhi and his other family members were all arrested. After Hei Ya Chang Zhi was arrested on the charge of rebellion, the Deputy Commander of the Heyuan Army, Lou Shide, secretly instructed Madam Chun to bring all the evidence to Luoyang to seek justice from Di Renjie.
Lou Shide was also a famous general of the Tang dynasty. He had fought against the Tubo Empire and won eight battles. Hei Ya Chang Zhi was the Deputy Commander of the Heyuan Army. He was in charge of farming. The Heyuan Army opened up five thousand hectares of farmland and became self-sufficient in food. Thus, the border army was not affected by the political turmoil of the court and could still maintain a strong military force to intimidate others. Lou Shide could be said to have made great contributions.
Lou Shide knew Hei Ya Chang Zhi very well. He knew that this comrade was loyal to the Tang dynasty and had no intention of rebelling. That was why he took the risk to remind Madam Chun.
Di Renjie had seen countless talents in his life, but there were times when he made a mistake. Although he and Lou Shide were both loyal and capable officials of the Tang dynasty, Di Renjie had always disliked Lou Shide, probably because of his temperament. Although the two were of the same age, the generous Lou Shide was like a tolerant elder brother. He never felt disobedient and especially admired Di Renjie's talent.
Di Renjie had offended Prime Minister Zhang Guangfu over the distribution of the spoils of war. When he was demoted to Jiangnan, Lou Shide had written to Empress Wu many times to complain about Di Renjie's injustice. Now that Hei Ya Chang Zhi was in trouble, Lou Shide believed that the only way to save him was to seek help from the resourceful Di Renjie. Therefore, he secretly instructed Madam Chun to go to the capital to find Di Renjie.
Chun Niuer had a big belly. Accompanied by her good sister Duoduo, she traveled a long distance and secretly followed her husband all the way to the capital. At this time, she was about to give birth. Duoduo accompanied her to a rented house and fed her some hot porridge. Seeing that her labor pain was gradually disappearing, Duoduo let out a sigh of relief.
Chun Niuer was worried about her husband. She had just recovered, so she urged Duoduo to inquire about her husband's whereabouts and find Di Renjie's house to complain about her injustice. Duoduo inquired along the way and found the yamen of Luoyang's prefectural magistrate. When she learned that the general had been escorted to the Ministry of Justice, she hurried there.
When Duoduo arrived at the Ministry of Justice, Zhou Xing had just seen Di Renjie off. Looking at Di Renjie's receding figure, Zhou Xing laughed coldly and returned to the yamen with a wave of his sleeve. At this time, Duoduo happened to come over and asked the yamen runner who was guarding the gate for news of Hei Ya Chang Zhi.
Zhou Xing had just returned to his office, but before he could sit down, a trusted subordinate quickly walked in. With a secretive expression, he said, "Minister, just now at the yamen's gate, I saw a woman asking about Hei Ya Chang Zhi's whereabouts."
This person was one of Zhou Xing's trusted subordinates. His name was Yuan Chaonian, and his position was not high. He was only a manager of the Ministry of Justice's yamen, so whenever he had the chance, he would do his best to curry favor with Zhou Xing. He often showed his face in front of his superiors. Whenever there was an opportunity for promotion, his superiors would easily think of him.
When Zhou Xing heard that it was a woman asking about Hei Ya Chang Zhi's whereabouts, he immediately became suspicious. Hei Ya Chang Zhi had just been escorted to the capital, so not many people knew about him. Even if some old acquaintances wanted to visit him or ask about him, it should be a man. Why was it a woman?
This woman was probably not related to Hei Ya Chang Zhi, so it was very likely that she had followed him to the capital. If she was only Hei Ya Chang Zhi's relative or his woman, and had followed him to the capital out of concern for his safety, then it was not a big deal. But he was afraid that …
Zhou Xing was alarmed. He immediately asked, "What kind of woman?"
Yuan Chaonian replied, "She is young and very pretty. However, she was dressed in Hu attire and looked travel-worn. Her skin was slightly tanned and her accent did not sound like a native of Luoyang."
Zhou Xing's eyes immediately narrowed like a cat that had spotted a mouse. He pressed, "Where is she now?"
Yuan Chaonian said as if he was presenting a treasure, "I saw her asking about Hei Ya Chang Zhi's whereabouts at the yamen's gate."
Zhou Xing could not contain his anger. He gave Yuan Chaonian a resounding slap and scolded, "Bastard! Number one idiot in the world! I'm asking you, where is she now? "
Yuan Chaonian did not understand why Zhou Xing was so angry. Clutching his face, he stammered, "Probably … probably still at the yamen's gate."
Zhou Xing sent a flying kick at Yuan Chaonian. Not daring to dodge, Yuan Chaonian staggered. Zhou Xing roared, "Get out! Capture that woman and bring her into the residence! "
Yuan Chaonian was scared out of his wits. He could not understand how his flattery had backfired. He hurriedly ran out, but by the time he reached the yamen's gate, the young woman had already disappeared. Yuan Chaonian hurriedly asked the yamen runner who was guarding the gate.
Yuan Chaonian was usually a bootlicker and bully, so he had very poor relations with others. Although the yamen runner did not dare to hide anything from him, he could not be bothered to explain in detail either. He casually pointed forward and Yuan Chaonian was like a dog that had seen its owner throw a bone at it, happily giving chase …
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