On the sixteenth day of the first lunar month, the first big court meeting of the new year.
The emperor issued two very important imperial decrees at the grand court meeting on this day.
The first imperial decree was to punish the three clans of the Chen family, with Chen Concubine as the first offender, beheaded and abandoned the city.
In the second imperial decree, Princess Huyang was demoted from a princess to a princess, and she was fined for three years.
As soon as the two imperial decrees came out, all the officials were silent.
Chen's son-in-law privately minted coins and robbed tombs. The Chen family are all accomplices. It's just that it's too harsh to punish the three clans.
Moreover, Chen Consort is still the son-in-law of the emperor, and he treats his son-in-law as a half-cut and abandons the market, so is it necessary to divide the body into pieces when treating other people
All officials were startled.
What shocked everyone even more was that Princess Huyang was the emperor's own daughter, but she couldn't escape punishment.
Nobles, fines, and the emperor's stingy nature of bestowing royal family members, unless the new emperor ascends the throne, the title of Princess Huyang will never return to the title of princess when the emperor is alive.
The two decrees made all the officials terrified.
The emperor is getting stricter and more irritable.
Moreover, the emperor can't wait for the autumn to be executed.
On the third day after the decree was issued, the vegetable market in the eastern suburbs was crowded with people.
On this day, all members of the Chen family will be executed here.
Many people came to the Dongjiao wet market in disguise to watch the torture.
Gu Jiu didn't go anywhere.
The weather was uncomfortably warm and the sun was out.
She sat at the desk and wrote a mood essay.
A cold wind came in from the window, blowing the pages of the book and blowing away the melancholy on Gu Jiu's brows.
Xiaocui came back from the outside, her face pale.
Huangmen Baizhong said: "I told you not to watch it, but you still watch it."
Xiao Cui waved her hand, impatiently talking to Bai Zhong.
Gu Jiu stopped writing and asked, "What's the matter? You and Bai Zhong went out together, have you finished watching the excitement?"
Xiaocui's expression turned ugly, "Ma'am, the Chen family is miserable."
Early this morning, Xiao Cui went out with Bai Zhong to watch the execution. Unexpectedly, I was stimulated, and my whole body, inside and out, was terribly uncomfortable.
"The first person to be executed was Prince Chen, His Majesty sentenced him to be cut in the waist and abandoned the market. He was supposed to die happily, but he didn't want to execute him. His hands were blunt, and the knife was blunt. It took him three times to cut off his waist.
Chen Consort didn't die immediately, he dragged half of his body and crawled forward three steps.
He looked towards the west, towards the direction of the Princess Mansion, and finally swallowed his last breath unwillingly. "
"The rest of the Chen family died simply. The man was beheaded, and the woman was given poison. It's just that the child is poor. The youngest is under two years old, and he was also..."
Xiaocui couldn't continue talking, watching the scene of Chen Consort's being cut in half today will leave a shadow on her for the rest of her life.
horrible!
Too bloody, too brutal.
"This is still a son-in-law, and this is the end. If I were an ordinary official, I really can't imagine what the consequences will be."
After Gu Jiu heard this, her expression was not very good.
She asked Xiaocui to go down and rest for a few days, to make adjustments. Try not to think about the bloody scene.
After that, she called Bai Zhong to her side, "What did you see?"
Bai Zhong bowed and said: "The prison officer is the servant of the Ministry of Punishment and the prison minister of the Shaofu. The other sons-in-law all appeared in disguise in disguise. The Master Ling of Huyang County Lord's Mansion was also at the execution ground, saying that he was going to replace Chen The family collected the corpse. Some other officials are also watching the execution."
Gu Jiu nodded and asked, "Has Your Majesty sent a servant to watch the sentence?"
Bai Zhong shook his head, "No one from the palace has ever appeared in the Dongjiao vegetable market."
Gu Jiu sighed and stood up, "Follow me to see Princess Huyang."
The original Huyang Princess Mansion has become the Huyang Princess Mansion. The Jinwu Guard has also withdrawn.
However, Princess Huyang did not move back, she still lives in the palace.
Gu Jiu brought people to the guest house.
The master of Huyang County was wearing court clothes and sitting on the throne.
Her two children had tears on their faces and fear in their eyes.
When Gu Jiu walked in, Princess Huyang's stiff face finally responded.
She opened her mouth and asked softly, "Is the execution over?"
Gu Jiu nodded, "It's over."
"He, he was really cut off from the market?"
"Yes, Consort Chen was chopped up at the waist and abandoned in the market, and the body can only be collected for him three days later."
"Is it painful when you die?"
Princess Huyang looked at Gu Jiu eagerly, her eyes were filled with too much emotion at this moment, was it regret or hatred
Gu Jiu hesitated for a moment, then said in a slightly heavy tone: "He will not die with peace in his eyes."
The princess of Huyang let out a wow and burst into tears.
"It was Ben Gong who harmed him, and it was all Ben Gong's fault. Why wasn't I the one who died?"
The princess of Huyang cried out of breath.
Brother and sister Chen Min and Chen Lu also started crying.
The two brothers and sisters are about half a year old, and they have been well-clothed and well-fed since childhood. After going through this series of changes, the brother and sister have grown up rapidly in a short period of time, and are much more sensible than before.
Even though they were crying bitterly, they didn't say a word of resentment.
According to the law, the two brothers and sisters are also in the Zhu family, and they deserve to die.
Just like that little cousin who is not yet two years old, before he has time to see the world clearly, he will die under the sword and axe.
But because their mother was a princess and their grandfather was the emperor, they were able to save their lives.
Gu Jiu sighed, "Auntie's condolences."
Princess Huyang cried uncontrollably, "I didn't expect such consequences. I didn't expect that father would be so cruel."
Gu Jiu remained expressionless, listening to the crying of Princess Huyang.
She is complaining, but also looking for comfort.
She was also afraid in her heart.
It was the first time she experienced the cruelty of imperial power, which made her tremble all over.
These days, she lives in fear, how afraid she is that one day, she will also get a glass of poisoned wine.
Gu Jiu told his servants to take good care of their mother and child, and then left the guest house.
The sky is as blue as washing, but the mood is full of haze.
Qingmei said: "Madam, don't think too much, everything will be fine."
Gu Jiu shook her head.
She doesn't even know where the prince and Liu Zhao are now.
The case of the prince's poisoning was complicated and confusing.
The Prisoner of the Shaofu, when investigating the case, did not forget to stir up the pool of water more and more muddy.
I really don't know how many people will be involved in the prince poisoning case.
There is good news, though.
The Jinwu guards at the gate of the Wangfu withdrew early in the morning.
Everyone in the palace is no longer restricted from entering and leaving.
Walking in the mansion, the atmosphere in the palace is very strange.
On the one hand, everyone was cautious and panicked. At the same time, they were very excited because Chen Yuma was cut down and abandoned the market, and they gathered together to whisper.
Seeing Gu Jiu coming, they all scattered like birds and beasts.
Qingmei said: "These people are too outrageous, they dare to say anything."
Gu Jiu said: "Don't pay attention to those people. Follow me to Chunhe Hall."
The palace is still headed by the Pei family.
It's just that Mrs. Pei has no mind to do things recently.
Throughout the New Year period, it has been miserable, depressed, and took medicine for a long time.
When Gu Jiu came to Chunhe Hall, Xiao Qin'er and Ouyang Fu were doing their filial piety in front of Mrs. Pei.
Mrs. Pei was lying crookedly on the bed, not energetic.
"Daughter-in-law pays respects to Concubine Mother. Is Concubine Mother feeling better today?"
Mrs. Pei hummed first, "You are interested, sit down and talk."
Gu Jiu nodded, and sat on the floor in front of the desk.
Mrs. Pei asked straight to the point: "Have you sent someone to look at it?"
Gu Jiu nodded, "Go. After the execution is over, the family order of the princess' mansion is leading people to collect the corpses of the Chen family."
Mrs. Pei sighed, "Chen Concubine died really badly."
Abandoning the city at the waist, and killing the corpse for three days, this is probably the most serious punishment in this dynasty.
"It's a good thing it's over."
The atmosphere in the hall changed abruptly, and a needle could be heard.
Xiao Qin'er looked innocent and bewildered. She said uneasily, "Did I say something wrong?"
Gu Jiu said indifferently: "Has the fourth sibling forgotten the safety of the lord and the young master?"
Xiao Qin'er looked at Mrs. Pei, "Concubine Mu, I'm talking about the case of the Chen family, and I have no other thoughts."
Pei waved his hand, "Okay, you don't need to say it, my princess knows it all."
After speaking, Pei sighed again.
From the initial anxiety and uneasiness to the present calmness, Mrs. Pei has also experienced a lot of mental journeys.
Gu Jiu thought, maybe she should do something to prevent Liu Zhao from getting involved in the Prince poisoning case for no apparent reason.
It's just that it's really hard to know how to do it.
The son of heaven is suspicious, has a bad temper, and kills people at every turn.
If she stood up, it was very likely that no one would be saved, and she would be trapped instead.
"Ma'am, the prince is back."
Just at this time, the servants reported that King Ning had returned.
Pei suddenly sat up, "What did you say? The prince really came back?"
The servant said with certainty: "The prince is really back and has already entered the gate."
Pei quickly got up and walked outside.
Gu Jiu fell behind and stopped the servant who reported the message, "Is the eldest son back?"
The servant shook his head, "I didn't see the eldest son."
Gu Jiu frowned, hurriedly followed Pei, and went out to meet King Ning.
King Ning really came back.
His complexion was fine, and he didn't look thinner. It was obvious that King Ning hadn't suffered during these days.
"My lord!"
When Pei Shi saw King Ning, she burst into tears.
The prince helped Pei Shi up with his own hands, "Why are you crying, isn't this king back?"
Pei's tears fell like rain, and she looked at King Ning affectionately, "The prince is suffering."
King Ning said indifferently: "I didn't suffer much, but I was not free. Fortunately, I finally came back, and the palace is still comfortable."
King Ning took Pei Shi and sat down on the main seat.
Concubine Shen and others rushed to the Bixi Pavilion when they heard that King Ning had returned.
For a while, the hall was full of King Ning and his wives and concubines, how to cry, how to appease and so on.
Gu Jiu coughed lightly, attracting everyone's attention.
Gu Jiu cut to the chase and asked directly, "Father, where is your son? Why didn't he come back with Father?"
"He..."
King Ning looked a little sad, "He has suffered for this king, and now he is locked up in Zongzheng Temple."
The Pei family suddenly became nervous, "What's going on? The prince is back, why is Zhao'er still locked up? The prince's matter cannot be related to Zhao'er. How can Your Majesty be so confused."
"Be careful!"
King Ning rarely reminded Pei to be careful.
Pei's face was pale, and the muscles on his face trembled, "My lord, are you still hiding something? Tell me, why Zhao'er was locked up?"
King Ning frowned, "He was locked up for a reason, so don't ask too many questions."
Pei was embarrassed, but really didn't ask any more questions.
Gu Jiu refused to accept this kind of vague answer.
"Father, is it His Majesty's intention to imprison the eldest son?"
King Ning nodded, "Of course the old man meant it."
Gu Jiu asked again: "Is it because of Chen Consort's case, or because of the Prince's poisoning case?"
King Ning stared at Gu Jiu, "You are well informed."
Gu Jiu remained expressionless, "Please tell my father the truth."
King Ning said perfunctorily, "There are all of them."
Gu Jiu frowned, "So, is the Eldest Young Master taking the blame for the father?"
"Presumptuous! How do you talk." Ning Wang was displeased, and rarely reprimanded Gu Jiu.
Gu Jiu put on a straight face, "My daughter-in-law is still a bride, and my daughter-in-law doesn't want to be a widow, so please tell my father the truth."
King Ning snorted, "Don't worry, Zhao'er is the emperor's grandson anyway, and he won't die, so he won't make you a widow. You can stay in the mansion and wait patiently for Zhao'er to come back."
"Excuse me, father, when will the eldest son return?"
King Ning bared his teeth, how would he answer this question.
He could only say: "I don't know."
Gu Jiu's face was full of cloud, "May I ask my father, besides the young master, who else is being imprisoned?"
King Ning said, "There are thirteen princes and fifteen princes."
"So, the emperor's grandson is only the son?"
"Exactly."
Gu Jiu smiled coldly, "Daughter-in-law often hears people say that His Majesty is extremely loving to the emperor's grandson, and hardly criticizes the emperor's grandson too much. It's really strange that the eldest son was imprisoned as the emperor's grandson. Think carefully, could it be true? Are you taking the blame for your father?"
King Ning stared at Gu Jiu, "Daughter-in-law, you have to consider the consequences of what you say."
Gu Jiu lowered his head and smiled.
She remembered the second uncle's reminder.
The second uncle reminded her that in the palace, she must not offend King Ning.
King Ning is ruthless to himself and even more ruthless to others.
Offended the princess, it was amazing and uncomfortable for a while. He angered King Ning, but he might lose his life.
The sudden death of Wu Meiren is a living example.
Gu Jiu already got the answer he wanted, so he didn't bother.
She bowed slightly, "My father wants to rest, and my daughter-in-law will leave now."
After finishing speaking, Gu Jiu led the people and left straight away.
No one stopped.
King Ning didn't make a sound.
He just narrowed his eyes slightly, looking at Gu Jiu's back with complicated eyes.
In the hall, it was eerily quiet.
Mrs. Pei looked at King Ning, "My lord, Zhao'er will be fine, right?"
King Ning said angrily: "What could be the matter? Could it be that you are also suspicious of me?"
Mrs. Pei confessed, "The concubine has never doubted the prince."
King Ning snorted coldly, "Don't bring up this matter again."
After speaking, he shook his sleeves and left.
Gu Jiu returned to the east courtyard with a gloomy face.
Qingmei and Nanny Fang persuaded her together.
"Ma'am, don't be angry. Angry hurts the liver."
"Fortunately, the madam left in time. The servants are watching, if the madam continues to press on, the prince will punish the madam on the spot."
Gu Jiu put on a cold face, "Of course the lord can punish me. He is a prince and a father-in-law. No matter what his status is, he can make me go around. Do it rationally and avoid his edge, that's why I am a madam. I will leave resolutely. Go, call Shiqin and Shiqi. Mrs. Ben has something to ask them."
After a while, the eight maidservants were called to the upper room.
Although Gu Jiu was angry with King Ning, she was not overwhelmed by anger. On the contrary, he arranged various affairs very rationally.
Her eyes swept over everyone's faces, and then she said: "You must have heard that the prince has returned, but the young master has not.
The prince said that the son is currently being locked up in Zongzheng Temple, and this matter was personally ordered by His Majesty.
No one can tell how long the young master will be imprisoned. It may be three to five months, or three to five years, or even ten or eight years.
Mrs. Ben asks you, who is willing to go to Zongzheng Temple to serve the young master? "
The eight maidservants looked at each other, their expressions all changed.
Shi Qin asked cautiously: "Madam, is the young master really locked up?"
Gu Jiu's face was serious, "How can I joke with you about such a big matter. If you want to serve the young master, please tell me. In the morning, I will send someone to take you there."
The eight servant girls all lowered their heads and no one spoke.
Gu Jiu sneered, "It seems that none of you are willing to go to Zongzheng Temple to serve the young master."
"Madam, please forgive me. Maybe the servant in Zongzheng Temple is more suitable."
No excuses, if you don't want to go, you just don't want to go.
As a servant girl, she always favors the easy and shy of the heavy, and she is more respectable than the ladies of ordinary officials and eunuchs.
I don't even think about who gave this dignity.
Sure enough, the rich life in the palace made the maids forget their duty.
Gu Jiu laughed mockingly.
Liu Zhao also failed, once he was in trouble, none of the maids around him were willing to serve him.
Gu Jiu didn't take the opportunity to make trouble, she ordered: "Get your son's bedding and clothes ready, someone will bring them over tomorrow. You all step back."
"Mrs. Xie."
Several maidservants filed out.
"Pooh!"
Qingmei said with contempt: "Everyone is not a good thing. The young master is in trouble, and they don't even go to serve. Madam is too kind, how can I let them go so easily."
Gu Jiu said: "Now is not the time to worry about these things. Prepare a few more sets of books, pens, inks, paper and inkstones, utensils commonly used by young masters, and follow me to Zongzheng Temple tomorrow morning."