Solemnly drinking alone by the window, raised his glass towards the empty seat opposite, "Brother Yuan, have a good journey."
After all, I drank it all in one gulp.
People cannot be brought back to life after death, even if the murderer is found, he can no longer see that hearty smiling face, nor can he hear the voice of his dispute with Jiang Xun, so the Tai Academy became even more dull. Zhuang Zhong has been in the forensic profession for so many years, and he has come across quite a few corpses, but he couldn't adapt to the fresh life and just disappeared.
"Taste my wine." Feng Huan came uninvited and put a jug of wine on the table.
Zhuang Zhong knew who it was without looking up when he heard the voice, and Wang Ruowei continued to drink the cheap wine he ordered glass after glass.
Feng Huan directly snatched the cup from Zhuang Zhong's hand, "I can drink this kind of astringent wine with such vigor."
"A gentleman doesn't take what others like, that's how I taste it." Zhuang Zhong snatched the cup again, and poured himself another cup after drinking.
Feng Huan: "Boy, how dare you argue with me."
Zhuang Zhong didn't dare to offend the evil star directly, and cupped his hands perfunctorily, "I still have something to do, let's take a step ahead, and the prince will drink slowly."
Just about to stand up and leave, Feng Huan sternly said, "Sit down for me!"
Zhuang Zhong pursed his lips, no matter how upset he was, he had to sit down obediently, he almost forgot that the person opposite him was not the leader above him before. In the past, no matter how violent the other party was, it was nothing more than wearing small shoes on you at work and making you lose your job. No matter how severe you were, it would never be like the guy on the other side who could pick off your head and still not receive any punishment. Although the law stipulates that the emperor commits the same crime as the common people, even if the emperor kills someone, he must obey the law, but in fact it is just a matter of lip service that makes you move your head, and there is no way to pay for it with blood. What an evil feudal society!
"I don't know what advice the lord has to offer?" The solemn tone was very bad. The solemn temper is very good most of the time, but when he is irritable, he is like a powder keg, which is completely different from usual. In this strange world, he became more restrained, but now he couldn't bear it anymore. It would be good if he didn't fight this King Si Zhao on the spot.
At first, he thought that King Si Zhao was quite righteous, but he didn't know that Zhao Xiong didn't know what he brought out yesterday to let Xu Meiniang escape the punishment of the law, which made him really chill. Although it was Zhao Xiong who killed Yuan Liangjun with his own hands, Xu Meiniang was the one who made the plan. Such a person did not get the punishment he deserved, and he was let go like a normal person, which made him feel that the law of heaven is unfair and very angry.
"How can you do great things after being so impatient?" Feng Huan said lightly, poured out the wine in Zhuang Zhong's glass, and refilled the fine wine he brought. Not only did he not forget the solemnity, but he also handed it to him.
If someone else was treated like this, I don't know how excited he would be, but Zhuang Zhuang didn't even glance at it, picked up his own can of wine and drank it, disdainful to be with the other party.
Zhuang Zhong said sullenly: "I am not a person who does big things."
Feng Huan ignored him, picked up the wine glass and sniffed it in front of his nose, before he drank it all in one gulp, "It's really good wine! You can't buy this fragrant wine outside, it's priceless, if anyone dares to sell it, Once discovered, it was assassinated and assigned to the prison city of the Yuanhe Prefecture Army. It’s so rare, you really don’t want to try it?”
Feng Huan waved the wine glass to lure him, the wine was indeed as rich in fragrance as its name, you don't need to taste it to know that it is a very good wine. Even for people who are not good at drinking, the wine worms in their stomachs are hooked out.
Zhuang Zhong tilted his head abruptly, but the wine in his mouth became dull. I can't help but despise myself, it's not that I haven't seen the world, there are so many modern wine varieties, and the brewing technology is more advanced than now, why am I still greedy. But thinking that I am a dick, I have never seen such high-end products as special wine, and my heart is relieved. It's just a little wine, he's not so shallow-sighted.
"Drink quickly!" Feng Huan yelled loudly, Zhuang Zhong was taken aback, and drooped his head to drink up the wine that Feng Huan had poured earlier.
Feng Huan snorted coldly, "I don't listen to nice words, I want people to scare me."
Zhuang Zhong also felt that such a child's awkward behavior was too childish, and it was because he had drunk too much and his brain was not functioning well. If he didn't even have the courage to question him, his father would definitely not recognize him as his son after he died. After thinking about it, he opened his mouth and asked: "My lord, is it possible to let Xu Meiniang go like this?"
Feng Huan raised his eyebrows and jokingly said: "You can do it with such a beautiful girl?"
Solemnly and coldly said: "When a person dies not long ago, no matter how beautiful she is, she will turn into a disgusting carrion. In my opinion, it is the same regardless of beauty or ugliness. It doesn't matter how beautiful the woman's skin is, when she was born With such a vicious mind, she would put others to death for her own selfishness. From the moment Yuan Liangjun died, she did not deserve sympathy. I don't know what Zhao Xiong handed over to the prince, although I know it must be important, so Only the prince would agree to such a transaction, but one yard counts for one yard, and no matter what, there can be no punishment at all.
Yuan Liangjun was so innocent. He died in his prime. He should have a bright future, but now he can only lie on the ground cold. How hard it is for his family to raise him so big, but now he can only be sent by a white-haired person to a black-haired person. However, the person who killed him was still alive and well. The students could understand the prince's behavior intellectually, but they couldn't accept it emotionally. Your lord has a high position and authority, I dare not question your decision, but I really feel very uncomfortable in my heart. Not only did the two not meet each other, but I also asked the prince to let me be an ostrich. "
Yuan Liangjun's family members rushed to the capital after hearing the news, and are now packing his things. Zhuang Zhong was afraid of seeing such a scene, so he hid in a small wine shop to drink.
He was already bored, but now that Feng Huan didn't take it seriously, he became even more angry.
Feng Huan suppressed his smile, "Do you know what Zhao Xiong gave me?"
Solemn didn't say anything, he knew it must be very important, so he couldn't get jealous, but it didn't mean he could accept it calmly.
"I'm afraid there will be another bloodbath in the court." Feng Huan drank a glass of wine fiercely, and said quietly.
Zhuang Zhong's heart skipped a beat. Although he didn't explain it, he could guess a thing or two. Zhao Xiong's previous owner was a wealthy businessman, and Feng Huan would pay attention to any important things that a businessman could do, and it was nothing more than money. And Feng Huan's saying this confirmed that the object was probably evidence of collusion between the government and businessmen.
But, why did Feng Huan tell him this? Feng Huan has a high position and power, acts perversely, never cares about other people's opinions on what he wants to do, so how can he tell him these things specially
Zhuang Zhong almost thought that Feng Huan had a crush on him.
Han Chuan's hometown is located in Lu County, Gyeongju, at the junction of Unju and Gyeongju. Extending in all directions, although it is only a middle county, it is very rich. Yunzhou is the former territory of King Zhennan, the last vassal king of Dayou. Later, because Feng Huan's father was inexplicably killed when he was sent to Yunzhou as an envoy, the first emperor completely wiped him out in a rage, and never established a vassal king.
Although Yunzhou is located on the border, far away from the capital city, but because of its rich products, it is directly connected to Li country. When Dayou founded the country, the first king of Zhennan was the younger brother of Taizu. The two brothers conquered the world together. Yunzhou has been an important place for Dayou since ancient times, and it is the most important line of defense against the Li country. If the entire Dayou is lost, it will be in danger. The Taizu's trust in Zhengnan is self-evident. The King of Zhennan has also been sticking to Yunzhou, and resolved many crises for Dayou.
But after many years, the descendants of King Zhennan began to have their own thoughts, and they no longer devoted themselves to assisting Emperor Dayou like their ancestors, and even wanted to leave Dayou. Feng Huan's father Xianwang went to Yunzhou in person to ease the relationship, but he never thought that he would die in Yunzhou two months later. The first emperor no longer ignored the edict of the king of Zhennan that must not be revoked in the ancestral precepts, and the current emperor led an army of 300,000 to go straight to Yunzhou and defeat the king of Zhennan.
However, there are rumors that the king of Zhennan still has a remnant who has escaped from the Li country, and has been plotting to return to Dayou to regain the throne. If the first Zhennan King hadn't abdicated, it would be hard to say who the Taizu Emperor was. King Zhennan was no less powerful than Taizu at that time, and even had more supporters than Taizu. In this way, it is justifiable to capture Dayou.
The reason why Zhao Xiong and Xu Meiniang chose the capital was because it was a royal power, and it was expected that those people would not dare to do anything wrong in the capital. It is not accidental that Zhao Xiong was able to steal this account book, he had participated in some corner cases before. So when he learned that the rich businessman had something very important, he ordered Xu Meiniang to steal it. After Tuo wrote a copy, he deliberately lost it on the way, hoping that the rich businessman would not chase after him. This thing in hand is also a life-saving talisman. I never thought that I couldn't hold my breath after all, and still didn't end up with a good result.
When Feng Huan said this, Zhuang Zhong thought more and more deeply, and frowned, "Could it be..."
"Don't ask if you shouldn't." Feng Huan interrupted, and said with deep meaning: "Xu Meiniang doesn't need to be convicted, but it doesn't mean she won't die unexpectedly."
Zhuang Zhong opened his eyes wide, "You, you don't mean to..."
Feng Huan smiled noncommittal, he didn't need to do anything at all. This case has spread all over the capital, and it is well known that Zhao Xiong gave him an important item in exchange for Xu Meiniang's life and freedom. The man in the dark will definitely not make this woman feel better, the reason why he agreed to this condition is just to follow the clues.
What Zhao Xiong and Xu Meiniang stole was an account book, but it was not complete, and many places were code words, but it also let Feng Huan know that some people in Yunzhou and Qingzhou now think that their life is too long. Emperor Qianxing was very angry when he learned that the rumors among the people were not fake. The remnants of the King of Zhennan had not been paid up, and he had been doing a lot of activities, and many people in the court were involved in it.
The ledger is just the tip of the iceberg, and what can be deduced from it are all small soldiers, but it can be seen in a small way. If it weren't for the fear of scaring the snake, a group of officials would have lost their heads by now.
This deviates from the law-abiding and solemn world view, but it is easier for him to accept than letting the real culprit go. Zhuang Zhong sighed, "If she still has some value, she didn't let brother Yuan die in vain, at least she contributed indirectly to the country."
Yuan Liangjun is a person with a strong sense of justice. Although he likes to joke on weekdays, he is very similar to his solemn father in his heart. He can't rub his eyes and is an old revolutionary type. If you know that you can sacrifice your life to serve the motherland, it is also incumbent. Unlike ordinary literati at all, scholars failed to rebel for three years. If he knew that his death had caused these follow-ups, maybe he wouldn't be so depressed, and died when he didn't have any ambitions.
Although Zhuang Zhong's heart was still heavy, he was much more comfortable than before, and he was not so disgusted when he saw Feng Huan. Standing up solemnly, pouring wine for Feng Huan respectfully, "My lord, I did something wrong just now, please don't take it to heart."
Feng Huan didn't make things difficult, and drank the glass of wine directly, "Although you are young, it is a big taboo to be so unsteady, and the scriptures you have read for so many years are in vain."
Zhuang Zong smiled and said: "It's not for nothing, I broke the precepts long ago for eating meat and drinking. If I marry another daughter-in-law in the future, everything will be complete."
Feng Huan glanced at Zhuang Zhong, shook his head and said, "I don't even have long hair, so I miss women."
In Dayou, most women get married around 17-8 years old, while men get married around 20 years old. Because of the complicated and cumbersome matters of marriage, women start discussing marriage at the age of fifteen and men at the age of seventeen or eight, and it takes at least one or two years of preparation before finally getting married.
"I shaved it myself! My hair grows fast, and it will reach my waist soon." Zhuang Zhong now has a hedgehog head, and no longer needs to light the lamp at night like before. It is very annoying to think of long hair in the future, how difficult it is to wash your hair. There is no hair dryer yet, and it will be terrible in winter.
Feng Huan looked out the window, holding the wine glass in his hand, "What's the point of getting married, it's just getting what you need, it's boring."
After all, drink it up.
Zhuang Zhong felt that he seemed to know some great gossip, that Dayou's first rich son-in-law didn't want to get married? Such an arrogant person is so helpless in marriage? It turns out that no matter how insane a person is, he can't escape the orders of his parents and the words of the matchmaker in marriage.
Zhuang Zhong smiled and said: "Even the prince can't control the marriage, wouldn't the others be more sad?"
Feng Huan slapped the table and called the waiter to order some jars of the best wine in the shop, "Drink!"
Zhuang Zhong didn't know whether to laugh or cry, "My lord, does it mean that I look good drinking?"
Feng Huan also laughed, but he didn't hide it, "When I met you a few times, I pretended to be a dog. I just want to see what you look like when you are crazy."
The corner of Zhuang Zhuang's mouth twitched, "You are really boring, why don't you take down a scum like Guan Dawei if you have the energy."
The atmosphere was just right, and solemnly and unceremoniously took the opportunity to give Guan Dawei eye drops. Since Feng Huan is interested in him, he has a big mountain to rely on, and he doesn't know how to cherish resources, so he was given so much alcohol for nothing.
Feng Huanruo's deep pool-like eyes stared at Zhuang Zhuang, and the atmosphere instantly cooled down.
Solemn but not backing down, his voice was low and low, "I don't think he is worthy of being an official. He only cares about his merits and doesn't care about the facts. As long as he finds a scapegoat, the case will be considered closed. Is this behavior different from those criminals who carelessly ignore human life? Even It's even more abominable! Those criminals only violated the interests of a few people, and such an official not only violated the interests of many people, but also damaged the court's signboard, which is tantamount to destroying the country and society step by step."
The corners of Feng Huan's mouth twitched slightly, "Why do you think this king is here today?"
Zhuang Zhong was stunned, could he say it was because of a brain convulsion
Feng Huan flicked Zhuang Zhuang's forehead with his finger, and his fair skin flushed instantly. Zhuang Zhong took a deep breath, what a fucking pain, he is a little fresh meat now, his skin is so tender that water can be squeezed out, I am afraid that it is already red and swollen to the point of shame.
Feng Huan said nonchalantly, "Report to Dali Temple tomorrow, whether you can pull Guan Dawei off the horse depends on whether you have such abilities."
Solemnly stunned, "What do you mean?"
Feng Huan raised his chin slightly, "You said he dismissed human lives recklessly, and judged foolish cases, then prove to everyone whether he is such a person. Dali Temple has all the files of his previous judgments, as long as you can find out his mistakes , you can pull him off the horse. The more you find, the more people will be pulled down, and the less foolish officials will be."
"Wait, then how can I still have my life?" Zhuang Zhong admitted that he is not a person who regards death as his home, only a little higher than the state of greed for life and fear of death.
Feng Huan's eyes were sharp, "You dare to provoke the ministers of the court if you are afraid of death?"
Solemnly and confidently, "I am afraid that I will die before I leave the teacher."
Feng Huan snorted coldly, "Who dares to touch you when I am here! Besides, you are the eldest son of Marquis Wen Yuan, and you are not a little monk with no name and surname in the countryside. It is not so easy to die."
The most important thing is this sentence, but—
"But I only know how to do autopsies, I'm not capable of criminal investigation and judging cases, and I've only studied law for a few days..."
Feng Huan became impatient and scolded: "Get out of here!"
Zhuang Zhong hurriedly said: "Go! You must go! Even if you risk your life, you have to go! I can't do it, don't I still have the prince."
Feng Huan looked contemptuous, this person really deserves to be scolded.
"You can't miss the legal homework. You only need to take one out of three days at Dali Temple. You are not alone in reviewing the files, and Sun Chaoyang, a doctor of laws, is also among them. You will learn faster by checking with him. "
Zhuang Zhong finally breathed a sigh of relief, he is only a forensic doctor, although he often participated in criminal investigation and solving cases because of his father. But after all, he didn't really join, and he didn't know about Dayou's law, and he didn't have many equipment as a coroner, so he was actually very worried about taking this task. If it wasn't for relying on this mountain, he wouldn't dare to be so overreaching. Now that there are other people, and it seems that he is just a pawn, he feels much more relaxed.
It has been heard for a long time that Feng Huan has weird habits, and sometimes he will recruit some strange people, even at the expense of his identity, and now it seems that this is indeed the case. Zhuang Zhong felt that he still had some talent, and besides, he was only fourteen years old now, autopsy techniques were not considered mainstream in Dayou, so it was not surprising that Feng Huan was willing to treat him like this. The talents that Feng Huan likes are all very weird. If they say it is ugly, they will not be able to appear on the stage, so they are not taken seriously. They only think that he is messing around again. Zhuang Zhong felt that in Feng Huan's eyes, those he knew were probably rare arts.
Drinking with Feng Huan this time was very enjoyable, unlike last time when they were completely confused. It's just that Feng Huan still didn't know how to pay the bills. He had just found a job for himself, so Zhuang Zhong was too embarrassed to open his mouth, and his wallet was flattened a lot. I don't know how to go to Dali Temple to help, but is there a salary
Prince Sizhao's mansion.
As soon as Feng Huan returned to the palace, he was summoned by Concubine Song. Passing through the courtyard, the gorgeous and majestic house stood in front of him, Feng Huan felt that the door was like a big mouth for some reason.
"Mother and concubine." Feng Huan approached and saluted, he did not seem to be arrogant and flamboyant outside, but restrained all his sharp edges, with a humble attitude.
A strong smell of alcohol rushed towards me, but Concubine Song frowned, "Did you go to drink just now?"
"Go out and have a drink or two."
Concubine Song frowned, "Drinking during the day is too self-disciplined."
"Baby has a sense of proportion."
Concubine Song was still displeased, "You are almost at the peak of weakness, don't be so self-willed and arrogant. If you are not calm in doing things, how can others trust you from the bottom of their hearts. In the past, you were still young, so I didn't restrain you too much. I will understand. But how to act now is becoming more and more perverse and unrestrained, is it true that you really want to be that dandy?"
"My child will always remember the teachings of my mother and concubine."
Feng Huan's attitude was extremely obedient, but Concubine Song knew that her son never took her words to heart, and he still acted according to his own temperament when he went out. The two of them, mother and son, don't get along as well as they seem. Although Feng Huan has never disobeyed her, and his attitude is extremely respectful, he lacks the usual intimacy between mother and son, and under the respectful attitude, he always feels that there is a layer of separation.
A gloomy glint flashed in Concubine Song's eyes. If the couple hadn't done it on purpose, how could their mother and son be so strange!
Concubine Song controlled her temper, she was getting more and more impatient now. Although he tried his best to ease it, his words still couldn't hide the coldness, which seemed very domineering.
"These picture scrolls are all the most outstanding women in Beijing. You can see who is the most satisfactory."
Only then did Feng Huan's face change slightly, he was not interested in the picture scroll on the table, and he didn't even give him a look, "Mother Concubine, my son is not in a hurry for this right now."
Concubine Song was annoyed, "If you are not in a hurry now, when will you wait? You are close to being a weak crown, and other clan children are as old as you, and they have already had three wives and four concubines and children. But you have never even had a single person in the house. You want others How do I see you?"
Feng Huan sighed, "Mother Concubine, Master said that when children practice martial arts, it's best not to let go of your yang energy before becoming weak..."
Snapped-
Concubine Song slapped the table vigorously, her nails painted with delicate Danko actually broke, causing Concubine Song to gasp. The servants around hurriedly stepped forward to check, but Concubine Song waved them off and made them all retreat.
When the door was closed, Concubine Song reprimanded: "Being a mother and concubine is an ignorant woman who can't fool you! As long as you don't indulge yourself, you won't be discouraged, otherwise, who would want to practice martial arts!" Thinking of something, Concubine Song resented her pretty face, "The martial artist was sent to you by him. What kind of mind is there to teach like this?! Could it be that his son can't be born, so let my son have no offspring."
Feng Huanjun frowned slightly, "Concubine Mother, be careful with your words."
Concubine Song snorted coldly, "Since he can do it, I, Song Pingting, dare to say it."
"My concubine is worrying too much, because my son doesn't want to be disturbed by these things." Feng Huan looked at the picture scroll on the table, "Since my concubine thinks the time has come, I will ask my concubine to make the decision."
Only then did Concubine Song restrain her hostility, and spread out the scroll, "These two women are the best I see, let's see which one you like more."
The women on the picture scroll are very outstanding in appearance, but they are different from each other. One is generous and smiling, and the other is gentle and restrained. In terms of appearance, the former is even more outstanding, crowning all others. It's just too sharp and lacks the softness of the latter. One is a peony in full bloom, and the other is an indifferent autumn chrysanthemum. Looking at the introduction of the characters on the picture scroll, the former is Fang Yingying, the daughter of the Minister of Rites, and the latter is Yu Yunge, the daughter of Hushan Academy. The former family is prominent and holds heavy fists, while the latter has a clear style and a great reputation, and is a model for scholars all over the world.
The two daughters are both extraordinary, whether it is their reputation in Beijing or their family.
Feng Huanduo glanced at Yu Yunge, and he could feel Song Taifei's unfriendly eyes.
Feng Huan felt helpless in his heart, saying that he had to choose, if he really chose, he didn't know what would happen. Even after so many years, Concubine Mu still likes to compare and care so much. Women are really narrow-minded, even people like Concubine Mu are unavoidable. It was optional, but it would be better to please the concubine mother, pointing at Fang Yingying, "It must be her."
Concubine Song really looked good, but she said in her mouth: "It seems too outstanding, I'm afraid it's hard to handle."
Feng Huan laughed, "No matter how outstanding you are, how can you overwhelm the concubine mother."
Concubine Song was even more comfortable hearing this, and asked again: "Why didn't you choose Yuyunge? I think she is also a good girl, and she is somewhat similar to the empress. Don't you like the empress the most? When I was a child, I couldn't think of going to the palace with her. Now It is also because of her that I, my biological mother, are separated from each other."
Concubine Song couldn't hide the sourness in her mouth, her expression seemed to be indifferent, but her eyes revealed her true thoughts.
"No one can replace the mother concubine's position in the child's heart. Fang Yingying is like the mother concubine, and she is more in my heart."
Concubine Song is like the most magnificent peony in full bloom at this time. Although she is already a middle-aged lady, time has not left traces on her face. Still looking like a flower, her face is exquisite and gorgeous, outstanding and eye-catching. She wears a fringed bun on her head, and wears a women's gown with narrow sleeves trimmed in purple gray crepe. Although there is not much jewelry on her body and it is very simple, it still cannot hide its dazzling light, and it looks lighter and younger. Feng Huan stood with him, not like mother and son, more like siblings.
Concubine Song was very proud, "Huan'er is more and more able to make mother and concubine happy."
"My boy is just telling the truth. In my eyes, mother is the most important thing." Feng Huan said seriously.
"I gave birth to you in ten months of pregnancy, of course your heart will be biased towards me." Although Concubine Song was extremely happy when she heard this, she didn't care too much.
"I heard that he arranged for you to go to Dali Temple again?"
Feng Huan was a little helpless, if the conversation between the two of them got out, what bloody storm would be caused. But it's been like this since childhood, Feng Huan is also used to his mother's verbal audacity.
"It's the boy who thinks it's interesting to settle the case."
Concubine Song seemed to be spitting poison in her eyes, "Who doesn't know the filth in Dali Temple, and he uses you as a swordsman! If you do well, you will benefit from his descendants, but if you don't do well, it will also put you at a disadvantage. He is roasting you on the fire! After so many years, we have been playing this trick, do you really think we have no temper?!"
Feng Huan didn't take it seriously, "The fire on the child has never been extinguished, so I don't care about adding a little more. As long as the child lives happily, why bother with others."
Concubine Song closed her eyes, with a sad face, "If, if your father is still here, why would you bother making wedding dresses for others..."
"Concubine Mother!" Feng Huan interrupted sharply, "There are some things that cannot be said, and some things that cannot be thought about. Besides, I have never been wronged. They also love me from the bottom of their hearts. It is myself..."
"Huan'er!" Concubine Song was furious, "Are you trying to make your father's soul rest in peace in heaven! They took everything from you and your father, and now because of some small favors, you forget your big hatred Is it? I knew that this couple was uneasy and kind, one gave you power and made you squint your eyes, and the other was hypocritical and soft, which made you soften your heart. What is her gentleness, she was just an inconspicuous little girl by my side in the past, If it wasn't for me, she wouldn't be the queen at all!"
Feng Huan sighed deeply, "Mother Concubine, don't mention the past again, children are not stupid, they know what is true and what is false. Just because I don't say something doesn't mean I don't know, Mother Concubine, don't be too obsessed Some things are yours, they are yours, and you can't grab them if you don't. Besides, we are now rich and powerful, and we have great power, and no one can do anything to us, that's enough."
Concubine Song was almost heartbroken, "Huan'er, don't forget the lessons learned by King Zhennan."
Feng Huan lowered his eyes, "I haven't forgotten, so I won't think about it."
Dali Temple Internship Letter