"That Lin Ruo is stupid."
Li Yuanji narrowed his eyes.
Beneath him were several layers of soft, snow-white fox skin. Lying on it was like lying on clouds.
A wind blew across the lake.
The boat swayed slightly like a baby's cradle. He felt that he was about to fall asleep comfortably.
But his heart was not enough.
He thought that if there was a young man surnamed Lin by his side to play the zither for him or drink a few cups of wine with him, perhaps he would really have nothing else to ask for.
Thinking like this,
He could not help but look up at the window, and then retract his gaze in boredom.
Someone was playing the zither outside the window.
A young man with a cold temperament in a scholarly robe had his back to the cabin. He lowered his head and raised his wrist.
His fingers stroked lightly, but they brushed across the zither strings half an inch high.
There was not the slightest sound.
Drinking a cup of wine with the beauty's soft hands, Li Yuanji continued, "He thought that he was invincible just because he could set up an unparalleled killing trap? But he did not know.
The most powerful thing in the world was always power. Even if he was extremely smart and had unparalleled martial arts, in front of power,
Wasn't he still unable to withstand a single blow?
"He acted as if fame and wealth were like floating clouds.
But he forgot.
He was just struggling at death's door under the pity of Father Emperor. "
The person sitting opposite him.
It was a middle-aged scholar. He was also lying comfortably in the embrace of the beauty. He smiled and said, "Your Highness is right."
"He's already in a precarious situation, and he still doesn't know how to live his life peacefully." Li Yuanji sneered and said, "He could have provoked anyone, but he actually provoked Yin Hongfei. Who doesn't know that Father Emperor is easily swayed, even more so on the bed. Because of Consort Yin De, there are more people currying favor with Yin Hongfei than with this Prince. He had enough power that day, and now the retribution has come. "
The middle-aged scholar smiled and said, "If that Lin Ruo heard it, he would cry out for injustice. He only wanted to listen to Mu Ke Er play the guqin in name. Who would have thought that Your Highness would 'coincidentally' invite Young Master Yin to tour the lake, and 'coincidentally' someone saw Ke Er and a young man in a Hu robe being lovey-dovey on the pleasure boat and 'accidentally' told Young Master Yin about it?"
Li Yuanji laughed heartily. His laughter was filled with pride as he said, "He doesn't even think about how many people want to make him suffer now. He actually dares to go out and show off. Even without this prince, I'm afraid that he would 'coincidentally' meet Yin Hongfei that day."
"Yes, yes." The middle-aged scholar laughed for a while and said, "I wonder what the situation in the main hall is like now."
Li Yuanji said lazily, "What else can they do? They'll just kneel for a long time, kowtow until their foreheads bleed, and threaten to die! Let's see how important Lin Ruo is in Father's heart. Even if Pei Ji isn't important enough, with so many court officials, it should be enough, right? But it doesn't matter if it doesn't happen today. With that Lin Ruo's temper, it's only a matter of time before he angers Father again. When the time comes and we mention this matter again, I'm afraid that his head won't roll to the ground. "
After he finished speaking, he sighed again, "Such a beautiful head … It's really a pity. If he was a little more obedient, not to mention Father and Second Brother, even Big Brother and I would treat him like the apple of our eye … "
He was already a little drunk, "Chen Jia, you don't know. I thought that as long as he was willing to play the guqin for me, so what if he threw a little tantrum? What's the big deal about killing Pei Ji? I can even pluck the stars from the sky for him … I really thought that he didn't know what was good for him! He played the guqin for his dead servant and refused to play for me. He even kicked me … At that time, I couldn't wait to dig up that damn servant from the ground and grind his bones to dust! "
"Forget it! It's good that he's dead. It's a clean death! Nobody needs to think about him if he's dead! " Li Yuanji waved his hand disinterestedly and said, "Make a fuss, make a fuss. In the end, it has nothing to do with me. Isn't I still 'grounded'? Nothing has to do with me! Come, drink, drink! "
After drinking a few cups, Li Yuanji pulled himself together and said, "But I'm curious. Who was the one who dug the boat? What kind of painting was that person looking for?"
Everyone knew that there was such a painting, but no one knew what kind of painting it was.
Chen Jia said, "Who knows? Even the Head Steward of the Pei Family was confused. Among the things that Lord Pei hid, there were many words and paintings. Apart from Lord Pei, even the Head Steward didn't see them all. Who knows which one they were talking about? Moreover, that person only said that it wasn't framed or signed. There was nothing else. In my opinion, someone must have left something to Lord Pei. Seeing that Lord Pei was gone, they wanted to take the opportunity to get it back. Who knew that they would accidentally make a big deal out of it and could only be a coward. "
After drinking a cup of wine, he suddenly laughed and said, "But speaking of a painting that wasn't framed or signed, there really was such a painting."
"Oh?"
Chen Jia said, "Your Highness, have you forgotten? On the day Pei Ji died, didn't Lin Ruo draw a painting in the teahouse? After he left, Lord Pei got someone to take the painting away … Isn't it just that it wasn't framed or signed? "
Li Yuanji laughed and scolded, "Damn it, why does everything have to do with him!"
Chen Jia also laughed. No one took the words just now to heart. What value did that painting have to be stolen? At most, it could be exchanged for some money with Lin Ruo's reputation as the capital's number one talent.
*****
Outside, the wind was gentle and the sun was bright. There were no clouds in the blue sky for thousands of miles. However, inside Taiji Palace, it was as if dark clouds were pressing down on the city. It was as if in the next moment, an earth-shattering storm would sweep over the city. Even breathing was labored.
The Minister of Rites, Zhao Huaide, knelt on the ground. His forehead was stained with blood. His expression was agitated and his words were fierce, full of solemnity. "Your Majesty, Lin Ruo's evil deeds are appalling! Your Majesty! If he can't be brought to justice after killing an important founding minister in front of everyone, what justice is there in this world to speak of? Isn't the law of the Tang Empire just a piece of paper? Your Majesty, we all know that Your Majesty loves this talented person. However, the more talented he is, the more evil he is … Your Majesty! "
"Your Majesty!"
"Your Majesty!"
Hearing the loud voices around him, Zhao Huaide's expression became more agitated. However, his heart was certain. He wasn't the only one kneeling here. The Emperor wouldn't insist on shielding that kid under such circumstances, right?
Even the Emperor was well aware of what the dead had said. Therefore, they were right and righteous, not to mention that they didn't believe it. That kid who didn't know his place deserved to die!
Thinking of the letter from the Yin Family and the day when he came back from the lake tour with Yin Hongfei, his grandson was so scared that he didn't dare to go out for a few days. Zhao Huaide was beyond furious!
They had either risked their lives on the battlefield or studied hard for decades regardless of weather. They had worked hard to achieve their current status. They had power and influence. They were above the masses and could look down on the common people.
That kid was nothing. He was just a commoner, an ant-like existence. How dare he try to shake their authority! If he got an official position with the Emperor's favor and bullied others with his power, they wouldn't say anything. However, that kid obviously didn't want anything. He had nothing!
Before him, there was Pei Ji. Behind him, there was Yin Hongfei. They were both people that they looked up to and wanted to please. However, one was killed and the other was threatened.
Reality made it impossible for him to turn a blind eye to Lin Ruo's existence. He killed Pei Ji because of personal grudges. After all, Pei Ji wanted to kill him first. However, what about Yin Hongfei?
Yin Hongfei, who was insufferably arrogant in Chang 'an, was scared out of his wits by his words … He couldn't help but be afraid. Even if he had great power and wealth, he only had one life. If he lost his life, everything would vanish. How could he not be afraid?
Yin Hongfei was afraid. What about them?
They also only had one life. They were only flesh and blood. Therefore, they couldn't bear it!
They lived in a hierarchical world where status was divided by power. It was not easy for them to climb to the top of the tower, but they had to be careful and humble in front of the boy who had no power and should have been trampled under their feet.
Then what would all their hard work be counted as?
In the future, would anyone who held a knife be able to bare their fangs and brandish their claws at them?
Lin Ruo must die!
Zhao Huaide kowtowed heavily again. "Your Majesty, I beg Your Majesty to prioritize national affairs and righteousness!"
Li Yuan did not speak. It had already been a long time since he spoke. His eyes were heavy as he looked at the group of people kneeling below. He watched as they kowtowed until their foreheads were dripping with blood. There was even an old official who fainted with tears streaming down his face. He did not speak.
Li Jiancheng didn't speak either. He lowered his head and stood a few steps higher than the officials. His expression was cold, but there was a faint expectation in his heart. He didn't expect these people to be so determined this time. They rushed forward recklessly as if they had been injected with chicken blood … He originally believed that Li Yuan wouldn't be willing to kill Lin Ruo. However, he wasn't so sure now … With so many people remonstrating to death, perhaps the Emperor wasn't so determined?
Put in more effort! Kowtow a few more times! It would be best if one or two of them died. That way, the Emperor might kill him?
Kill him! Yes, kill him.
He had hinted to the Supreme Court Chancellor to make him suffer a little and let him slander Li Shimin. However, he also personally went to the Supreme Court to find water for him. He also rode a horse and personally went outside the city to see his page boy off … As the Crown Prince, hadn't he done enough? As the family of his vassal, what was a little grievance? What was a page boy's death? However, he didn't know what was good for him and didn't let it go. He turned a blind eye to his good intentions. He caused the death of the Supreme Court Chancellor and killed Pei Ji!
Such a heartless and unscrupulous brat, he deserved to die!
According to Wei Zheng's plan, at this time, he should kneel down and say a few words of "justice" for Lin Ruo and give Li Yuan a way out. However, he didn't utter a sound. Wei Zheng was very good, but he was Lin Boyuan's good friend. He regarded Lin Ruo as his nephew. Naturally, he would side with them! Moreover, previously, they didn't know that the situation would develop like this. They didn't expect that these ministers would remonstrate together … If they really gave the Emperor a way out and missed the best opportunity to kill Lin Ruo, wouldn't it be a pity?
If Lin Ruo was someone who knew how to be grateful, he wouldn't mind saving his little life at this time. After all, Pei Ji was already dead. If that brat stood on his side, he could be more than half of Pei Ji, right? However, he was clearly an ungrateful wretch. Why would he save him?
Li Shimin also stood a little taller than the others. He and Li Jiancheng stood opposite each other on the left and right. He looked at the ministers who were still kneeling down and shouting excitedly. He secretly sighed. These people were destined to fail.
Not counting the things he sent to Li Yuan last night according to Lin Ruo's request, just based on their attitude at this moment, it was impossible to succeed.
He knew about Yin Hongfei's matter. He understood why these people were so agitated … They were influential officials. They competed in power, influence, and favor. They roped in, framed, and pulled at people's weak points … These were the rules of the game between them. However, Lin Ruo ignored the existence of these rules and directly threatened their lives. More importantly, Lin Ruo had no power or influence. He was a commoner who should be trampled under their feet!
Therefore, they united as one and wanted to completely eradicate the person who broke the rules. Unfortunately, their thoughts were not understood by the Emperor. They believed that they were nobler than Lin Ruo, so they couldn't tolerate Lin Ruo's existence. However, in the Emperor's eyes, other than the imperial family, no one was nobler than anyone else. Even Lin Ruo, who he admired and liked, was much more important than them. Therefore, Lin Ruo bullying them … there was nothing wrong with it! Moreover, Li Yuan believed that he understood Lin Ruo. That pure and harmless young man would at most bite someone when he was forced into a corner. Why would he bully others?
Sitting on the dragon throne, Li Yuan's expression became more and more unsightly. He didn't understand. Not to mention that there was no solid evidence, even if there was solid evidence, so what? He was the Emperor of the Tang Empire. Even if he made it clear that he was shielding someone, so what? They spoke as if the Tang Empire would perish if he let Lin Ruo go! Back then, when Pei Ji encountered the enemy and fled, he lost the Tang Empire's prosperous land. He even pardoned the crime of exterminating his family. Why didn't he see these people remonstrate with him?
Why couldn't these people tolerate Lin Ruo?
Such a beautiful child. As long as he thought about it, he would smile, his heart would soften, and his heart would ache for the child … Why couldn't they tolerate him?
Originally, he was also very shocked and angry that Lin Ruo killed Pei Ji. But now, this anger had long been tormented by these people.
An indignant voice echoed in his mind again, "Sirs, you want to kill Lin Ruo. Is it because of personal resentment, or because of national law?" That was Lin Boyuan's question to them ten days ago.
Is it because of personal resentment, or because of national law?
Personal resentment, or because of national law?
Glancing at the box that Li Shimin had just presented last night, which was placed in the corner of the dragon table, Li Yuan sneered. He originally thought that since Pei Ji was dead, those things should be over. But now, it seemed that the person who wanted to be relentless was not him at all.
Dou Chengji was also kneeling, but he was not in the group of people who asked for orders. His expression was somewhat anxious. The painting was in his sleeve, but he did not find a chance to speak. Li Jiancheng, who was supposed to speak at this moment, remained silent, so he could only continue to wait.
"Imperial Father." Finally, a different voice sounded. Li Shimin strode in front of Li Yuan and knelt down a few steps closer to the others. "This son thinks that since this case has not yet been solved, it is too early to talk about punishing the real culprit."
It was the exact same speech as Lin Boyuan! Zhao Huaide's expression became solemn. Before he could speak his impassioned words, he heard Li Shimin speak again. "I know that all of you think that Lin Ruo is the culprit. Actually … I also think that he is more like the culprit."
Everyone stared blankly. This King Of Qin, whose side was he actually standing on?
However, they could not be happy. Back then, Lin Boyuan was also like this. When he opened his mouth, he seemed weak, but when he changed his tone, he blocked everyone until they were speechless. Sure enough, this King Of Qin, His Highness, paused for a moment before he opened his mouth again. His voice was sonorous and powerful. "However, no matter how similar it is, there is no irrefutable evidence. Similar is similar, not 'yes'! Our Tang Empire's laws are like a mountain. If even for such a shocking case, just because the culprit is more likely to be the culprit, what is the use of laws? If in the future this trend spreads, officials will do as they please. Our Tang Empire's rivers and mountains will be in danger! "
He cupped his fists and said, "This son is willing to ask Imperial Father to choose another capable official to thoroughly investigate this case. We must find the real culprit and uphold national law! We must not be careless in this matter, or else it will lead to endless disaster. "
Li Yuan still did not speak.
Li Shimin used "Tang Empire's rivers and mountains" as a pretense. For a moment, no one dared to answer. Li Shentong coldly snorted and said, "Since the King Of Qin also thinks that Lin Ruo is the culprit, then according to the law, shouldn't he be detained in the Imperial Prison for interrogation?"
Li Shimin asked in reply, "When did Imperial Father say that Lin Ruo is not to be interrogated? In these ten days, did Lord Dou not ask any questions? Or is it that the interrogation that Imperial Uncle is talking about refers to torture? If so, then there is no need to deliberately catch Lin Ruo. We might as well just lock up a few officials in this hall. After a few rounds of torture, perhaps everyone will fall over each other to confess that he was the one who killed Lord Pei. "
Li Shentong coldly snorted and said, "How can we interrogate without torture? If His Highness the King Of Qin thinks that this official is the culprit, then you can arrest this official for interrogation! "
Zhao Huaide could not help but sigh inwardly. This Li Shentong is good at war, but in other aspects … Last time, he lost because of his mouth. He is really a pig teammate. This time, he is being led to the interrogation! If this goes on, the result will be exactly the same as last time. It will be left unsettled!
In fact, even His Majesty believes that Lin Ruo is the culprit. Interrogation my ass! What we need is the first degree of justice, the first degree of justice!
What do you mean there is no ironclad evidence? As long as we put aside the damned dream, just based on the fact that Lin Ruo knew that Pei Ji was killed by a hemp rope and that he held a memorial ceremony at the place where Pei Ji died before anyone knew what happened, he could be convicted!
The King Of Qin could use "Tang Empire's rivers and mountains" as a pretense. He could also do the same. If in the future, whoever killed someone pushed the blame onto the dead, then the world would really be in chaos!
Zhao Huaide prepared his words and was about to speak when he saw Dou Chengji take two steps forward and kneel beside Li Shimin. He said, "Your Majesty, this official has something to say."
Li Yuan's gaze turned to him and finally said, "Speak."
Dou Chengji kowtowed and said, "This official is incompetent. I was unable to see through the mystery of Lord Pei's death. However, there is already an outline of the case of the dock robbery." He could not wait any longer. If he waited any longer, it would be time for him to abdicate and 'choose another capable official'.
Zhao Huaide's heart thumped. He had an ominous premonition in his heart. Everyone knew where the key to the robbery was. Now that Dou Chengji mentioned this matter, could it be that he wanted to cut off all means of retreat?
*****
Taiji Palace was at daggers drawn, but other places were peaceful.
Although the Lin family's courtyard was not large and did not have running water, there was still a small artificial mountain pavilion. Lin Ruo sat in the pavilion and threw copper coins. There were many thin ropes tied to a tree three zhang away from the pavilion. A copper coin hung from the bottom of each string. The long thin ropes fluttered in the wind like willow branches. Lin Ruo's goal was these thin ropes. Unfortunately, his skills were not up to par. Although he was accurate, it was still too early for him to use ordinary copper coins to cut the thin ropes. Using a sawtooth would be fine.
"Young Master," Lin Chuan's sawtooth copper coins had made a contribution, but he had something on his mind. He did not even have the mood to be proud of himself. "How about this subordinate go and investigate again?"
Lin Ruo shook his head and said, "How can it be so easy to find out news from the palace? Just wait until it disperses and then ask again."
If it disperses, he might even lose his little life! Lin Chuan did not dare to say this. He could only sigh. "Young Master, don't tell me you're not concerned?"
"I'm concerned!" Lin Ruo threw out a copper coin and said, "Actually, I'm really curious. Is Dou Chengji's story interesting or not?"
Lin Chuan was stunned. "Story?"
Lin Chuan was at a loss. Was he and his Young Master talking about the same thing?
"Yes," Lin Ruo said. "If he didn't tell the story, would he tell the Emperor that this painting was given to him by the Crown Prince? If he really did say that, the Crown Prince would be the first to kill him. "
"But actually, there's nothing to look forward to. As a minister of the Ministry of Justice, the story he tells must be very boring. It's so boring that it's as if it really happened." Lin Ruo laughed. "Of course, this is also the reason why I let him make up the story!"
You've already exceeded your reading limit for today. If you want to read more, please log in.
Login
Select text and click 'Report' to let us know about any bad translation.
