"That day was cold, cloudy, and windy. The slaves distributed blessings to the masters of the various palaces. When they came out of the Caiwei Palace, they met the concubine Mu and drove away, so they avoided the corner of the wall. At that time, the slaves Listening to someone scolding something, I probed and saw that the eunuch in charge of Caiwei Palace was arguing with Aunt Fuling inside."
"Why didn't you mention this during the first trial?"
The hall was silent, only the sound of writing notes. After picking out a few lamps, Kong Qiu, who had been examining all night, had already drank a few pots of tea, and now he clasped his hands and asked Yin Zhu, who was kneeling down.
Yin Zhu's lips twitched: "In reply to the words of the lord, the servants thought that this was an insignificant trivial matter, and because of the windy day, I really didn't hear what they were arguing about, so I was afraid that I would get the wrong answer."
"If that's the case, why did you explain it all of a sudden?" Fu Linye asked.
Yin Zhu twisted the corners of his clothes, swallowed his saliva nervously, and after a lot of effort, he said in a low voice, "I'm afraid that the jailer's grandfather will be beaten... Since I was in prison, I have heard the sound of whipping every night, and the slave's godfather is also called People were beaten half to death, and they explained everything in detail, the slaves were really scared..."
"How can you be so topsy-turvy in a place where criminal investigation is critical!" Fu Linye reprimanded sharply.
Yin Zhu made him terrified, knelt on the ground and said Ai Ai, "Slave... Also, I don't know what she's going to do that is inferior to pigs and dogs!"
"It's easy to be beaten under severe punishment, and this person's words cannot be trusted." Fu Linye said to Kong Qiu, "How can such a confession be handed over to the imperial court?"
"There are written records for the detailed discussions in the third trial. If it is true or false, the emperor will judge by the Sacred Heart," Kong Qiu said.
Fu Linye never imagined that Cheng Yaojin would be killed when the case was here. He can step on Xiao Er's foot because he is sure that Xiao Er can't handle it this time. If Yuan Liu is not clean, then Xiao Er will not be clean. Who knows that the Caiwei Palace has also entered the water. It's good, everyone The children are not clean, can this case continue to be investigated further
Fu Linye sniffed it out immediately. I'm afraid this silver vermilion is not easy. It was not until the third trial that he was willing to say such a thing. Most of the people were buried here and waited!
Fu Linye was very anxious. He was different from Wei Huaixing. Wei Huaixing had the Wei family behind him, and the Wei family was tied to another family. But what can he do? He has no family to rely on!
Seeing that his expression changed a bit, Kong Qiu said, "Caiwei Palace is a harem after all. It's not easy for foreign ministers to investigate. We have to discuss this matter with the royal front. Master Fu, go back and rest for a while. Let's see you in front of the royal."
Fu Linye got up, and even though he was anxious, he could smile on his face, cupped his hand at Kong Qiu, and hurriedly retreated.
It was still dark, and it was freezing cold. Fu Linye urged the groom and rushed to the Ouhualou, crushing the creaky snow. He took off his robe and hurried upstairs.
Xi Hongxuan works in opera, and now he is talking with Shen Zechuan about his new work. Shen Zechuan was fed up with Jin Yiwei's robe, leaning on the chair listening with his big-sleeved shirt on, opening and closing the folding fan in his hand.
When Fu Linye broke in, he didn't expect Shen Zechuan to be there.
Shen Zechuan closed his fan gently, turned a blind eye to his embarrassment, didn't stand up to salute, just smiled: "Master Yushi is late, it's a good time now."
Xi Hongxuan was a little hesitant, waved back the chasing old bustard, and let someone close the door. He didn't get up either, he just let Fu Linye sit by himself and said, "Why is Lin Ye here? Did you call someone in advance to say hello! After a few steps, you have to be in such a hurry and lose your dignity."
Not only is Fu Linye older than Xi Hongxuan, but his rank is also higher than that of Xi Hongxuan. At this moment, Xi Hongxuan blamed him as if he was scolding his younger generation. He was unhappy and hated Xi Hongxuan's arrogance.
"One hundred thousand in a hurry!" Fu Linye didn't seem to hear the blame. He raised his robe and sat down while laughing, and said, "I just came out of the Punishment Department, and I'll rush to the Second Young Master. You said it's urgent!"
Xi Hongxuan then asked, "What's the matter?"
Fu Linye looked at Shen Zechuan.
Shen Zechuan held his fan and said, "I was abrupt."
He made a gesture to get up.
Xi Hongxuan hurriedly said: "Lanzhou, what are you doing? You sit down. We are in the same boat, what is there to say that you can't hear? Lin Ye, what do you say! You don't recognize this Shen Lanzhou? It's the elder of our Xi family. !"
Fu Linye originally only regarded Shen Zechuan as a running dog under the Xi family's family to survive, but Xi Hongxuan valued him so much.
But tonight was indeed the wrong time for Fu Linye. If he had come earlier or later, Xi Hongxuan would not have complimented Shen Zechuan so much. But tonight they finalized the follow-up to suppress Yao Shi. A rope was tied to death. Xi Hongxuan was just trying to give Shen Zechuan some face, so he would no longer be able to call him brothers at will.
Shen Zechuan smiled at Fu Linye, and Fu Linye was also interested, and immediately said, "Sir Zhenfu, sit down."
Xi Hongxuan moved his legs down, stepped on the tiger's skin, and said, "Tell me, what's the urgency?"
Fu Linye said, "I was on the jury at the Criminal Bureau just now, and I heard news that the Fuling who instigated Guisheng's assassination was implicated in the Caiwei Palace. Second Young Master, it's the concubine Mu Concubine who lives in the Caiwei Palace. Submit it, then it won't be just a matter of chasing Xiao Ercha!"
Xi Hongxuan held his leg, was silent for a moment, and said to Shen Zechuan: "You don't know, I forgot to mention it to you before, Namu Ru is connected to us."
I'm afraid it's not that I forgot to mention it, but I didn't want to mention it, and I've been on guard and kept silent.
Shen Zechuan knew it well, and only said, "Isn't Mu Ru from Pan Rugui before? I remember her brother."
"Yeah," Xi Hongxuan refused to tell the truth, only half of what he said, "Pan Rugui is dead, doesn't she have nowhere to go? At that time, the house was raided and she was going to be released as an official prostitute, but the emperor was reluctant, so he asked me to help I took advantage of the friendship with Yanqing to change people and found the two brothers and sisters to hide in a house. Later, the emperor couldn't help but had to bring people into the palace, and Haige also made a scene. You know that too."
Shen Zechuan didn't seem to care, nodded and said, "I have heard of it. Then this is not good. This case should be closed, why are there so many incidents?"
He looked at Fu Linye when he said this, and although he smiled, he always had the meaning of blaming Fu Linye for not paying attention.
Xi Hongxuan also frowned and said, "You are a jury supervisor, can't you just think of a way to keep it down? It's right or wrong to submit it."
Fu Linye was also full of complaints, and he could only say: "Second Young Master, I am a light-hearted man. What about Kong Qiu! He doesn't know much about oil and salt, he is an old man of Haige, how can he listen to me? The most urgent thing is what to do next, Mu Concubine. If Niangniang is also involved, who would dare to continue the investigation? The emperor is afraid that he is reluctant!"
Xi Hongxuan pondered irritably and asked, "Where is Yinzhu?"
Fu Linye immediately understood what he meant, waved his hand quickly, and said, "You can't kill it! Second Young Master, Elder Haige has become vigilant right now. To kill people at this juncture is to confirm that we have a problem!"
"It used to be fine, why did a Caiwei Palace suddenly pop up!" Xi Hongxuan buckled the tea cup and said, "No, this case cannot be investigated further, tomorrow morning in front of the imperial court, we must find a way to get the emperor to thoroughly investigate the idea. "
If Mu Ruo is of great use, it must not be taken away at this time.
Fu Linye was restless and said, "Yeah, it's best to put it on Fuling! It's over as soon as possible, everyone can breathe a sigh of relief. But when I look at Kong Qiu, it's clear that we must investigate thoroughly!"
"The key is still on the old Haige," Shen Zechuan put his finger on the teacup to get the warmth, "Hai Liangyi read Kong Qiu's scientific examination papers, he is half a student promoted by Hai Liangyi, and he has the most respect for Hai Liangyi. ."
"Hai Liangyi just wanted to send him to the cabinet. He handled all cases beautifully, and his age was just right. He was born in a poor family in Chijun, and he liked Hai Liangyi everywhere." Xi Hongxuan said, "It's really bad luck! Let's do it Xiao Er, all of them are secretly having fun, waiting to see Xiao Er suffer a dumb loss, but now that something happens, they think it's cheap and sell well."
"Let's do it," Shen Zechuan said, "Tomorrow morning, when the imperial court submits a statement, Master Fu will not mention the Caiwei Palace, but only say that the Imperial Army has not been cleaned up yet. Has Yuan Liu not pleaded guilty? This is an opportunity, as long as Yuan Liu is still there. , he Xiao Er has received bribes, so he can't clear suspicion."
Fu Linye rubbed his legs and said, "But if I don't mention it, Kong Qiu will also mention it! I can't hide it."
"Fixing the prison," Shen Zechuan pushed aside the fan a little bit, closed it again, and said, "Your Excellency made a statement in front of the imperial court, and it was for the sake of 'Jiangshan Sheji'. Now, if it's because of a confession that hasn't been verified, I've changed it. , I'm afraid the emperor will also question your loyalty, so it's better to bite Xiao Er, but it's a 'righteous' look."
"That's right!" said Xi Hongxuan, "You can't be chaotic at this time. Since you've already appeared, it's not beautiful to want to withdraw now, so go ahead and do it. In other respects, I have my own way. Go back to bathe and change clothes first, and watch the wind change according to the wind.”
Fu Linye came in a hurry, and left in a hurry without taking a sip of the tea. As soon as he walked on his front foot, Xi Hongxuan spat on his back foot.
"If it wasn't for his eagerness for quick success and the fact that he quietly reported Xiao Erquan's Chengsi incident that day, Hai Liangyi might not have noticed!" For the sake of his fame, he dared not to say hello, but what was the result? It was a waste of the chess left by Yanqing! After this time, Xiao Er will definitely guard the account book, and it will be difficult to start from the account book in the future."
"Famous, wealth, wealth, and illness," Shen Zechuan said, "you have to stabilize him now. What's going on with the Eighth Camp?"
"Han Cheng's younger brother took over the position," said Xi Hongxuan, "Xiao Er has set up the eight major camps into a network of strong barriers, which cannot be easily moved. In such a short period of time, he was able to hold all important positions firmly in his hands, and he was able to dismantle them. It's not easy to dismantle."
"Even so, there are children of the Eight Great Families among the sergeants he selects and appoints." Shen Zechuan said with a smile, "There are still opportunities."
Shen Zechuan came out and got on the carriage, and saw a guqin inside.
Qiao Tianya lifted the curtain and said with a disguised big man face, "That qin belongs to me, please don't throw it away, master. It took a lot of effort to deceive it."
"It looks precious," Shen Zechuan didn't touch, "Where did you get the money?"
Qiao Tianya laughed: "The girls rewarded."
But this qin was obviously something that money couldn't buy, Qiao Tianya didn't want to talk about it, most of it had something to do with his family, so Shen Zechuan didn't ask.
The carriage took Shen Zechuan back to the house to clean up as usual, and he changed his robes before entering the palace.
* * *
Li Jianheng left the court, called all the ministers to sit in the Mingli Hall, read the confession by himself, and remained silent for a while.
Hai Liangyi was in good health, and Li Jianheng had someone bring him a bowl of hot goat milk. He took a few sips, but no one in the hall said anything.
Li Jianheng said, "Why is it next to Caiwei Palace again? Yuan Liu hasn't figured it out yet."
Kong Qiu replied, "It's about the harem, and it's up to the emperor to decide."
Li Jianheng immediately became anxious and said, "What is the ruling? She can't even go to Caiwei Palace... She has something to do with Mu Concubine. Who knows whether what he said is true or false?"
Hai Liangyi said in a steady voice, "Of course it's fake."
"Yes, it's fake!" Li Jianheng had Hai Liangyi to rely on, and his voice became louder, "Internal eunuchs are the worst, in order to survive, what words can't be made up? I thought that I could survive by being next to the concubine, but I wanted to cut them off. Got his head spinning!"
"Having said that," Xiao Jiming, who has never spoken about this case, raised his eyes, "but it is related to the safety of the emperor, and some things can't be fooled."
As soon as he opened his mouth, he went straight to the point.
Wei Huaixing said: "Of course you can't be fooled, Yuan Liu hasn't checked it yet..."
"The chief judge of this case is the minister of punishment, and the jury is the imperial censor and Jin Yiwei. It is inappropriate for Lord Wei to intervene many times." Xiao Jiming continued, "This case involves the Imperial Guard and the harem, so it shouldn't be a riot in a grand manner. It's not everyone's face, but the emperor's decency. It has been more than ten days since the incident, and one of the Imperial Guard has stopped the incident. I can't find out, and the testimony of a brothel is unclear, but they are dragged around by the supervision of the censorship court. I think the chief judge is not the chief judge, and the jury is not a jury. ."
Fu Linye remembered what Xi Hongxuan said last night. At this time, he was embarrassed by Xiao Jiming, but he saw that Li Jianheng didn't say a word, and Hai Liangyi didn't say anything to relieve the siege, so he could only maintain his composure and said: "The prince lives in the north for a long time. It's not a frontier, after all, many affairs are handled, the relationship is different, naturally—"
"If there is any violation of power in the military, it will be collectively referred to as the following crimes, and it should be executed according to the law." Zhaohui has a military position, and immediately went out to answer, "This matter should not have been opened by the prince, but it has been so long. No one reminded the emperor, the Censor himself was in a dream, and he did it in a daze! The sign of the Governor of the Imperial Army was hung for more than ten days, and the Censor searched three times, did he find anything? There must be an explanation."
Fu Linye said, "Didn't you find out about Quanchengsi?"
"I'm asking you about the assassination case now!" Li Jianheng threw his confession, "Why are you still talking about something else!"
Fu Linye said in a hurry: "The problem lies with Xiao Chiye, and he can't be separated from left and right. Your Majesty, the assassination case needs to be investigated, but his bribery can't be ignored!"
"What bribe did he take!" Li Jianheng stood up, pointed at Fu Linye and said, "Quanchengsi! Quanchengsi! Do you think I don't know about this? I was still hanging out with him back then! I know this better than you. The assassination has already killed me, you are not in a hurry, you are just thinking about that little thing, and I see that the safety of the emperor is nothing important to you!"
Fu Linye didn't prevent him from scolding Xiao Chiye a few days ago, but he turned his head and scolded himself today. He couldn't help walking on his knees in fear, and said, "Your Majesty! Your Majesty is the father of a minister. It hurts even if you hurt even a hairy minister, Your Majesty!"
"There are priorities. For the assassination, Kong Shangshu worked all night long." Xiao Jiming said, "Ce'an also handed over his badge. In order to avoid suspicion, he didn't even dare to ask about the progress. He was thinking about it all day at home. , where did you find it, and how to check it, it is better to explain it clearly, and my house is ready."
Jiang Xu, the servant of the Ministry of Rites, came out and said: "It is a clear case involving the forbidden army, but it has nothing to do with the Libei Wangfu. Who went to the Libei Wangfu to search? This is not in line with the rites, and if it spreads out, it will be the emperor who wants to investigate. King of the North, what's bad is the friendship between Quedu and the border."
Li Jianheng knew about the search of the palace, but he had to pretend he didn't know. No matter how stupid he is, he understands that Xiao Jiming has taken all these days in his eyes, and if he keeps holding on to Xiao Chiye, he will cause trouble.
Li Jianheng immediately kicked Fu Linye a few times and scolded: "You are so bold! Who allowed you to investigate Li Beiwang's mansion? I asked you to investigate the compound of the Imperial Guard Office!"
Fu Linye was kicked and hurriedly said, "It's not the minister, it's not the minister's investigation! It was sent by Shen Zhen!"
Shen Zechuan was stunned for a moment and said inexplicably, "I was ordered to assist the Lord in the search, and it was the Lord who told me that 'the forbidden army is like an iron barrel, and there are many accounts, I'm afraid that it will be divided into black and white, so I went to the palace to search carefully', so I went. There are a lot of people pouring tea and water, so if you call anyone to ask, you know that it was me who you told me."
Fu Linye gritted his teeth and said, "I clearly only asked you to search carefully, and I didn't mention the word Wangfu!"
Shen Zechuan said sternly: "I am under the order of the emperor, and I will never lie before the emperor. If there is no order from the adults, I will go to the palace alone, where will there be an accompanying censor?"
Seeing that Shen Zechuan's eyes were dark, Fu Linye knew that he had bit the wrong person in a hurry. He looked around and said, "Master Wei, Master Wei is not—"
Wei Huaixing immediately stopped drinking: "Shut up! You dare to slap and bite in front of the emperor for what you are doing! Are you embarrassed? Delaying the case is a small matter, and it is a big deal to damage the relationship between the emperor and Li Bei! This is too serious. !"
By now, Fu Linye knew that he had been kicked out. He was going to take care of Li Jianheng, Wei Huaixing, Xi Hongxuan and everyone else! He can't afford to blame any of these people, the gods fight, and he can only clean up the mess.
Fu Linye immediately kowtowed and said, "It was the minister who was confused for a while!"
"You are confused and dare to argue!" Li Jianheng pointed at him and scolded, "Although Ce'an hangs the sign, he is still the governor of the Imperial Guard before he finds out the matter! If you check him, check him, and dare to show the face of the Imperial Guard? I see that you are not investigating cases at all, you are clearly excluding dissidents!"
Except for scolding Xiao Chiye that day, Li Jianheng never got angry again. At this time, Fu Linye was trembling because of the scolding. He was also sensible.
Xiao Jiming waited until Li Jianheng had scolded enough before he said: "Your Excellency is also eager to investigate the case. Since this case has become like this, it's better to remove Ce'an from his post. I think that all the people who have been impeached by the procuratorate have been in the past few days. Reasonable, he cannot be exempted from the responsibility for negligence, and it is really not suitable for him to act in front of the imperial court."
Then he smiled again.
"The testimonies all point to him. If he really did such a scoundrel, he should punish the nine clans. You are here today. In order to avoid suspicion, even I, Xiao Jiming's Libei soldiers and horse waist cards, have also withdrawn. I have already Shu Cheng left the north, and asked the king to take off his crown and robe, and bring my wife and children to the capital in white clothes to be tried!"
As soon as Xiao Jiming's voice fell, Li Jianheng panicked. He should not be, nor should he be, so he could only look at Hai Liangyi.
Hai Liangyi and Xiao Jiming looked at each other for a moment, and the old man suddenly smiled and said, "The prince is joking, isn't this case already closed? Why bother making fun of the old minister!"
Kong Qiu stabilized his mind and quickly replied, "Yes, Elder Ge is right. Although Yuan Liu has a house on credit in Donglongya, it is his and Fuling's personal affairs, and he will not publicize it. The governor has jurisdiction over 20,000 people, so how can he personally examine everything? Besides, Yuan Liu has always denied the bribery, so he can't just listen to Xiangyun's words. The minister has found out that most of Xiangyun's love for the governor is out of hatred. This statement cannot be true!"
Li Jianheng also stepped forward in person and said, "Since it's over, there's no need to mention it again! The prince, please get up!"
Li Jianheng didn't want to investigate anymore, next to Caiwei Palace, next to Mu Ru. Fu Linye can kick as soon as he can, but Na Muru is nothing to these people. If he really gets involved, Li Jianheng is the real one!
Li Jianheng looked at the few people who were still chatting and laughing, but felt that these were not people. Behind them stood a behemoth that surpassed the throne, like an irreversible torrent and hurricane.
The emperor is not free. His every move affects the situation. Everything he curses and rejoices can become fatal. He cannot be his own master. He is a prisoner on the dragon chair.
terrible.
Li Jianheng hugged himself deep in his heart.
He stood beside them as if on thin ice. If he accidentally fell off one day, he would be like his imperial brother, and in the blink of an eye, he would be trampled into blood by the hooves of the horses competing from all sides.
His life and death don't matter at all, what matters is that he happens to be named Li.
But what if there are still people in the world with the surname Li
Li Jianheng shivered at the thought, and cold sweat broke out in an instant.
impossible.
He muttered gloomily.
Will not.