The rain stopped in the middle of the night and it started drizzling again in the morning.
Lai Junchen did not ride a horse today. Instead, he rode a carriage and rushed to the Senate early in the morning.
Wei Suizhong knew that something must have happened this morning and rushed here early. However, he did not come to collect Yang Fan's corpse but to tamper with Yang Fan's corpse to prove that Yang Fan committed suicide to escape punishment.
Although Lai Junchen's faction covered the sky with one hand in the Censorate, the Censorate was not a monolithic entity. There were still some censors who dared to challenge Lai Junchen. Therefore, it was better to do this kind of thing secretly and not let others have any evidence against him.
The main doors of the Senate were already open. Wei Suizhong was about to enter with an umbrella when he inadvertently turned his head and saw a carriage coming from afar. There were several armed guards in front and behind the carriage. Wei Suizhong quickly stopped in his tracks. When the carriage stopped in front of the door, the coachman alighted and put down the steps. The guard beside him took down the umbrella from the saddle and before he could open it, Wei Suizhong dashed over.
The guards in Lai Junchen's residence all recognized him and naturally did not stop him. Lai Junchen opened the curtain of the carriage and got out. Wei Suizhong quickly stood on his tiptoes and stretched out his arm to hold the umbrella over Lai Junchen's head. He attentively said: "You are diligent in your work. You are really early!"
"Oh, it's Suizhong!"
Lai Junchen saw him and nodded with a smile. He walked down the steps and Wei Suizhong followed closely behind him. He allowed the rain to soak his clothes and only held the umbrella to protect Lai Junchen.
Lai Junchen strolled over and asked meaningfully: "This morning … nothing happened right?"
Wei Suizhong took small, quick steps and said with a smile, "This lowly official was only one step ahead of the Deputy Premier. Before I even entered the yamen, I saw the Deputy Premier and hurriedly came to welcome you."
Lai Junchen grunted and said, "The heavy rain last night will inevitably affect the patrol and defense of the prison. Let's check on the prisoners earlier today and make sure nothing goes wrong!"
According to the regulations, prisoners had to be checked according to the name list every day to ensure that there were no mistakes. However, even though the time requirement was to be carried out early in the morning, in reality, it could be carried out at any time. It all depended on the personal wishes of the chief officer. Sometimes, the chief officer even forgot to check the prisoners for a few days in a row, and no one paid any attention to it.
Today, Lai Junchen had deliberately made this request. Wei Suizhong naturally knew what he wanted, and he couldn't help but secretly laugh in his heart. After Wei Suizhong sent Lai Junchen to the detention room, he quickly came out and ordered his men to start checking the prisoners. At this time, the drizzle had stopped. Although the sun had not yet appeared, the sky was much brighter.
Wei Suizhong first checked the important prisoners locked in the official cells, hastily called out the names, and then left the cell. He went to the row of temporary cells in the west wing and checked them one by one.
Zhang Lilei seemed to be eternally expressionless as he woodenly opened the cell doors and locked them one by one. As a general who had once shaken the battlefield, this was his daily work.
The door to Zhu Bin's cell opened, and two armed guards walked in with their backs bent. Wei Suizhong casually stood at the door, his eyes already staring at the door to Yang Fan's cell. He slightly moved his facial muscles, thinking about what kind of expression he should show when he heard the news of Yang Fan's death in a while to make it seem natural.
"Not good! Censor Wei, the prisoner is dead! "
A guard ran out in a panic. Before he even reached the door, he straightened his back and hit his head on the door frame, causing it to tilt.
Wei Suizhong was stunned. At this time, there was no need for him to pretend to be shocked. Almost subconsciously, he wanted to turn his head to look at the cell where Yang Fan was being held, but with just a thought, he twisted his neck and repeated, "The prisoner … is dead?"
The guard grimaced and rubbed his head, nodding. "Yes! The prisoner is dead! "
At this time, another guard also walked out. Wei Suizhong blurted out, "Who's in this cell?"
The guard who had just crawled out replied, "This cell is holding Commandant Zhu Bin!"
Wei Suizhong pushed the two of them aside and bent down to enter the cell. The door was open, and with the light from the door, he could still see the inside clearly. Wei Suizhong walked in and saw a man tied to a pillar. His head was slightly drooping, and he was still wearing a military uniform.
Wei Suizhong lifted his chin and lifted the man's head. When he saw the man's appearance, he couldn't help but draw in a cold breath. The person who had died was indeed Zhu Bin. Although his eyes, nose, ears, and mouth were all bleeding and his face was somewhat distorted, making him look like a ferocious ghost, Wei Suizhong would never mistake one person for another.
He was long dead, and his body was already stiff. Wei Suizhong held his chin and felt the coldness of his skin. Wei Suizhong hatefully withdrew his hand and walked out of the cell. With an ugly expression, he said, "Go to the next cell … no, inform … report to the Lieutenant Minister immediately!"
Someone had died here, so how could he continue to investigate the next cell as if nothing had happened? Originally, Wei Suizhong should have called Lai Zai, but he didn't know what Lai Junchen meant, so he changed his words and told them to report to Lai Junchen first. Not long after, Lai Junchen, who was sitting in the detention room and waiting for the news of Yang Fan's death, rushed over and entered the cell. A moment later, he came out again and calmly said to Wei Suizhong, "Continue to investigate the other prisoners!"
"Yes!"
Wei Suizhong replied and said to Zhang Lilei, "Open the cell door!"
Even though someone had died in the cell, Zhang Lilei's expression didn't change. It was still that wooden coffin face. He opened the door to Yang Fan's cell, and Wei Suizhong pushed away the two servants and rushed in first.
When the door opened, light shone in. Yang Fan couldn't help but squint his eyes. Fortunately, it was cloudy today, and the light wasn't bright. In a moment, he could clearly see the person standing in front of him. Wei Suizhong stared at Yang Fan with a gloomy expression. Yang Fan was also looking at him. How could he not hear what was being said through the door?
Originally, it wasn't a big deal for someone to die in the prison. Whether it was because of illness or prisoner abuse, it was common for prisoners to die. Yang Fan didn't take this matter to heart, but when he saw Wei Suizhong's eyes, a sense of danger arose spontaneously. This expression, this gaze, there was something wrong!
Wei Suizhong only looked at him for a moment before turning around and leaving like the wind. With a bang, he closed the door and said, "The prisoner is fine. Lock the door and check the next cell!"
Wei Suizhong forced himself to remain calm and continued to check all the prisoners. When he returned to the row of cells, Zhu Bin's corpse had already been carried away. Two servants were cleaning the cell and sprinkling lime on it. Wei Suizhong looked inside and outside before rushing to Lai Junchen's office. Because he was in a hurry, he almost bumped into the two servants who had just opened the door and came out.
When Wei Suizhong entered the room, he impatiently asked, "Lieutenant Minister, how did this happen?"
Lai Junchen looked at him coldly. That gaze was like a poisonous snake hiding in the grass. Wei Suizhong felt a chill in his heart and couldn't help but close his mouth.
Lai Junchen indifferently said, "The weather was hot and there was a rainstorm. The temporary cell was poorly ventilated and the environment was filthy. Zhu Bin contracted an acute disease and died. Remember to clean the cells in time to prevent the disease from spreading. "
Wei Suizhong was stunned for a moment before he reacted. He hurriedly replied, "Yes, I understand!"
The corner of Lai Junchen's mouth revealed a faint smile. Gently stroking his beard, he muttered, "Zhu Bin contracted an acute disease and died. Yang Fan was in the same cell as him. If he also contracted an acute disease and died, don't you think this is … Haha, it's really flawless!"
Wei Suizhong smiled and said, "Lieutenant Minister is wise. With a light touch, you've solved two major problems in one go!"
Slap!
A heavy slap landed on Wei Suizhong's face. Wei Suizhong covered his face and stood there in a daze. Lai Junchen's face darkened. He sternly scolded, "What a waste! How did you arrange it? Why did you let Zhu Bin take the medicine? "
Wei Suizhong stammered, "Lieutenant Minister, I've arranged everything well. I really don't know why … I'll call them over and ask them in a moment!"
Lai Junchen coldly snorted, "Zhu Bin didn't die earlier or later. He only died after three days in prison. It's too far-fetched to say that he committed suicide by poison. I had no choice but to make him suffer an acute disease. I've already arranged for those two offenders. They'll be fine. However, you're not allowed to be late on business anymore! "
Wei Suizhong repeatedly said, "Yes, yes, yes! This time, I'll make the proper arrangements. Your humble servant will immediately investigate this matter! "
Lai Junchen coldly waved his hand and shouted, "Scram!"
…
He wants to kill me!
The moment the cell door closed, this thought flashed across Yang Fan's mind like lightning.
His recent life might have been too peaceful and comfortable, but the vigilance that Yang Fan had developed over the years hadn't disappeared. When he heard what happened outside the door and saw Wei Suizhong's startled, surprised, and slightly doubtful eyes, he immediately understood Wei Suizhong's thoughts.
When he thought of this, Yang Fan immediately broke out in a cold sweat from shock. Being in prison, it would be too easy for them to kill him quietly. Even the dignified border general Blacktooth Changzhi could muddleheadedly "commit suicide" in prison. What was so great about him, Yang Fan, dying?
"What should I do?"
Yang Fan struggled with all his might. The ox tendons that bound his body hadn't been untied yet. Now that he was firmly tied to a pillar with iron chains, he probably wouldn't be able to break free even if his hands and feet were all tied up. The current Yang Fan was like the monkey under the Five Elements Mountain. Even if he had the ability to transcend the heavens, he couldn't curse anymore.
"Oh my God! I, Yang Fan, have been through great rivers and waves. Am I going to die today in the gutter of Yijing Gate? "
Yang Fan struggled a few times and knew that it was impossible for him to break free. He couldn't help but raise his head and hit the pillar with the back of his head a few times. For a moment, he felt as if he was immersed in a cold cellar, and his heart was as cold as ice!
After a night of heavy rain, Xiao Man was very worried that some shops would be flooded and the things stored there would be flooded. This year's rainstorm was really too heavy, and it was rare. Thinking about this matter, she took an umbrella early in the morning and was ready to go out after eating. Xiao Man held an embroidered umbrella with the words "Fish Playing with Lotus" in one hand and leisurely walked to the second door. Suddenly, she remembered that the market place was not open in the morning. She couldn't help but smile bitterly, shook her head, and said in a self-deprecating manner, "Look at my memory!"
Xiao Man turned around and was about to go back when she suddenly heard a shout from behind, "Sister-in-law!"
Xiao Man turned around and saw Maqiao and Chu Kuangge rushing over with big strides. The rain was not heavy, but there was a lot of water on the ground. Water splashed everywhere as they stepped. Chen Shou, the doorman, was running behind them.
When Yang Fan got married, Ma Qiao and Chu Kuangge had been busy with the wedding. The gatekeeper, Chen Shou, recognized them, so he directly led them in. Xiao Man remembered them. Her bright eyes turned and she said in surprise, "Brother Chu, Brother Ma, why are you two brothers here? My Langjun is not at home."
Maqiao stamped his feet and said, "Hey! Of course I know that Xiao Fan is not at home. Sister-in-law, something has happened to Xiao Fan. Something big has happened. Don't you know? "
Xiao Mang was a little surprised. She looked at the serious faces of the two. Although she didn't know what had happened, her heart gradually sank. She forced a smile and asked nervously, "What happened to my Langjun?"
Maqiao said angrily, "The censorate said that Xiao Fan participated in the rebellion and arrested him! I only heard it last night. At that time, I couldn't leave the camp gate, and even if I did, I couldn't enter the city, so I asked for leave early in the morning. I didn't dare to tell Langjun that something had happened to Xiao Fan. I only said that there was something urgent at home. Otherwise, it would be hard to say whether he would give me leave or not. "
"Clatter!"
The embroidered umbrella in Xiao Man's hand suddenly fell into the rain. Xiao Man's pretty face was pale. She muttered to herself, "How could this be, Langjun … How could he be a rebel?" Before she said a word, tears were already rolling in her eyes. As soon as her voice fell, tears also flowed down.
Maqiao was so anxious that he repeatedly rubbed his hands and said loudly, "This is bad. That is a crime of rebellion! It's going to be beheaded, what should we do … "
Hearing this, Xiao Man became even more afraid. Her body was like a flower that couldn't stand the wind and rain, and she couldn't help but tremble.
"Pah!"
Chu Kuangge slapped Maqiao's shoulder. This palm was not light at all, causing Maqiao's shoulder to sink. He couldn't help but shut his mouth and turn his head in confusion. Chu Kuangge ignored him and said to Xiao Man, "Sister-in-law, now is not the time to cry. We rushed over because we wanted to discuss with you and see if there is any way we can save Brother Fan. Do you think we should go to the hall and talk about it in detail? "
"Ah!" Good, good! "When Xiao Man heard the word" save ", she suddenly came to her senses. She quickly wiped her tears and let the two of them into the guest hall. The two of them didn't stand on ceremony. They entered the guest hall and recounted the news they had heard from the beginning. After Chu Kuangge finished speaking, he frowned and said, "Sister-in-law, this Council is not a good place. I heard that place …"
Xiao Man smiled miserably and said, "Big Brother Chu, I know even if you don't tell me. When I was working in the palace, the Council was not far from where I lived. I know very well what kind of place it is. "
Chu Kuangge nodded his head heavily and said, "Alright, I won't say any more nonsense. This is the situation right now. To be honest, with our ability, it would be nonsense to say that we can fish people out of the gate! It's hard to say if we can fish people out or not. According to the method there, I'm afraid that before we can fish them out, they will be beaten to death or crippled. "
Maqiao blurted out, "That's right!" I heard that the general of the Zuo Yu Imperial Guard was chopped to death, and a chief eunuch had his tongue cut out! "Say, although Xiao Fan is a general and is considered a high official in our eyes, she can't compare to this general. Even the general was chopped to death, Xiao Fan, he …"
When he said this, Xiao Man was so scared that her heart tightened. Her tears couldn't help but flow out like spring water.
Chu Kuangge unhappily glared at Maqiao and said rudely, "Can you shut up!"
Maqiao shut his mouth and blinked at Chu Kuangge. He didn't know why Chu Kuangge was angry at him.
Chu Kuangge sighed and said to Xiao Man, "Sister-in-law! On the way here, I have thought about it carefully. Now I have a plan in mind. What do you think? "
…
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