Chapter 234 Yuanchun

The next day, the snow had just stopped. People were always out sweeping snow in the streets and alleys of the capital. There were few places to have fun in winter, so after cleaning up the snow at the door, the people gathered together to chat about the recent trivial matters.

The morning sun was warm, and people felt lazy. Everyone was enjoying the ordinary morning, and they saw pedestrians walking in front of them. They saw a mother and son leading the way, wearing mourning clothes, crying as they walked. Some people who were curious couldn't help but ask the reason.

"You don't know this. A few days ago, an old man was beaten to death in Beixiaoshikou. The mother and son were his family members. It was also the old man's bad luck that he went to Beixiaoshikou to set up a stall that day. It was really the King of Hell who came to collect debts. He was so busy all his life, but he died in a muddle. It was all his bad luck."

"What are you saying? A good person was beaten to death innocently. How could it be his bad luck?" Some people felt uncomfortable when they heard this.

"Otherwise, there are so many people setting up stalls, why did he die? If this is not a bad fate, then what else can it be."

"I won't talk nonsense with you." The two people parted unhappily, and someone came out to ask. "Then what are they going to do?"

"I heard that the Shuntian Prefecture will hold a trial today. These neighbors are all going to support the mother and son and seek justice."

"What is there to support? Officials protect each other. I heard that the boy who beat people to death is from the Duke's Mansion. How can we ordinary people fight against them?"

"That won't work. I have to go and see." The person asking the question showed indignation.

"What are you going to see? What does it have to do with you." Someone sneered disdainfully.

"I...I...I don't know, I just want to go and see." The man became more and more determined as he spoke, and he didn't even bother to take the cold-proof clothes. He just followed the footsteps of the people in front of him with his hands in his pockets.

They rushed to the gate of the government office in such a noisy manner. Liu Liangcai had just changed his clothes and was thinking about going to court. He was in a good mood and could chat with the master about Chen Heng's behavior last night.

"So, he didn't sleep all night?"

"That's right. Sir, it's cold today, you should put on another piece of clothes and don't freeze your body."

Liu Liangcai took the clothes brought by the master and said coldly: "You don't know how high the sky is and how deep the earth is. You still think you can turn the world upside down by yourself. Let's go and see what these arrogant scholars can do today."

After dressing up, the prefectural master in scarlet official robes led the master to rush all the way. After a while, they arrived at the court. Chen Heng had been waiting here for a long time. The two did not even meet, but just looked at each other. Liu Liangcai sat in the court, picked up the gavel and slapped it, and shouted: "Bring the prisoner."

The officers on both sides smashed the killing sticks together and shouted in unison. After Chen Heng packed up his official robes and sat at the table and chairs under the court, Xue Pan, who had been frightened all night, had been dragged into the court.

Then, of course, Wang Bo's family appeared. Under the gaze of the onlookers, the case was tried very smoothly. This was not a complicated case in itself. Although Xue Pan was arrogant on weekdays, he was now a prisoner. He did not wait for the police to torture him, and explained the matter clearly in a few words.

Xue Pan was smart. He pushed all the blame for the action on the servants who accompanied him. It was dark at the time, and no one could see clearly whether Xue Pan had taken action. Liu Liangcai invited the vendors who set up stalls together that night, but these people could not explain it clearly. Only one person said with certainty that Xue Pan had probably used three punches and two kicks.

The lawyers hired by the Jia and Xue families for Xue Pan were quite talented in sophistry. He pushed the matter aside, using Xue Pan's weak body as an excuse, and asked the prefect Liu Liangcai how he could be sure that it was Xue Pan who beat Wang Bo to death with three punches and two kicks.

This argument made the onlookers very angry. Although they did not dare to roar in the court, they stared at the lawyer.

Liu Liangcai did not care. He did not care whether Xue Pan was guilty or not. He just ordered people to go to Lixiangyuan to arrest him first. After a long time, the officials who went and returned escorted the servants of the Xue family into the court. These people knelt down and rushed to confess. They took all the blame for beating Wang Bo to death on themselves. Some said that they hit him on the head, and some said that they kicked him with their feet.

Wang Bo's daughter cried even more bitterly when she heard about her old father's experience. Chen Heng watched silently from beginning to end, and the pen in his hand did not stop from beginning to end. Li Zhi arranged for him to assist in handling the case, so naturally all these things had to be recorded for reporting back.

Now that the course of events had been clarified, Liu Liangcai brought the topic back to the cause of the incident. He asked Xue Pan what caused the fight at Beixiaoshikou.

Xue Pan used his few smart talents, and he glanced at Chen Heng cautiously, hesitating whether he should say it out. Liu Liangcai noticed his actions, picked up the gavel and slammed it heavily on the table, and was about to threaten him.

Suddenly someone in the hall shouted: "Sir, I know why the eldest son of the Xue family is angry with others."

The onlookers heard that the voice came from their side, and hurriedly moved around to both sides. I saw Liu Xianglian, who had arrived at some point, was holding his fist towards the prefect.

Liu Liangcai was not surprised by his arrival. He still sneered and asked the official to lead him into the hall. Liu Xianglian had specially asked for leave to come here today. He is now a palace guard, so it is acceptable for him to call himself a humble official.

Xue Pan immediately showed panic at the appearance of Liu Xianglian. He was still kneeling on the ground, looking at Chen Heng with a look of shattered hope.

Chen, didn’t I promise you yesterday that I wouldn’t tell Liu Xianglian? Do you really want me to die? ah? I had no grudges with you in the past, and we have no grudges today! ! !

In fact, Chen Heng stayed in the prison last night and had no chance to ventilate with the outside world. He guessed that Liu Xianglian would come, but he didn't know whether he would be caught by the guards or come on his own initiative.

After Liu Xianglian finished explaining the cause of the conflict between herself and Xue Pan, Liu Liangcai was also very interested in this question and asked: "Okay, okay, young man from the Liu family. I would like to know, did you come here on your own, or was someone directed you to come here?"

Different from the kneeling Xue Pan, the servants of the Xue family, and the mother and son of the Wang family. Liu Xianglian stood on the spot, straightening her body stubbornly, and said: "No one told me anything, I came here on my own."

"Why?!" This was strange, and Liu Liangcai couldn't help but ask.

"It's harder to deceive people than to deceive nature. When one person does something, one person is responsible for it." Liu Xianglian said such righteous words that the people watching cheered, and even Liu Liangcai beamed.

"Okay, okay." Liu Liangcai clapped his hands and laughed, "The case has been cleared up. Mr. Chen, how about we take a break and discuss how to conclude the case and convict him?"

"Follow the order of Master Futai." Chen Heng just put away his pen and stood up after hearing the words.

The court hall is temporarily resting, but the prisoners in the hall cannot kneel in a daze. Officers came forward, captured Xue Pan and the Xue family servants, and imprisoned them separately. As the plaintiffs, the Wang family's mother and daughter also got a side room in the government office to rest. Only Liu Xianglian himself stood there like a javelin, unmoved by anyone who tried to persuade him to go down.

Chen Heng followed Liu Liangcai back to the back hall and immediately received an unexpected cold reception. Liu Liangcai said that he was tired and wanted to eat something first. Leaving his master to accompany him, he turned around and disappeared.

Chen Heng knew that Liu Liangcai was going to go to Gu Zaiyong for follow-up instructions based on what happened in court. He was not in a hurry. There was no clear news from Lin Ruhai so far.

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"What are we in a hurry for?" Gu Zaiyong didn't even read it after getting the paper. He said directly to the errand boy, "Go, go, take it and send it to the palace."

He already knew the reasons behind Xue Pan's incident. Why waste the effort to take another look? The person who really should take a look is Wang Ziteng.

The servant in front of him got the order and immediately turned around and ran out of the mansion. After he left, the Minister of Civil Affairs put down his teacup and let out a light laugh.

Yan Hu took a half-day leave today. He was sitting in the Gu family's study and couldn't help but wonder: "We waited all night yesterday, but Wang Ziteng still hasn't come to us. Tell me, what on earth is he thinking?"

"No rush, no rush." ​​Gu Zaiyong was very patient and said with a smile, "Anyway, this case doesn't need to be a headache for us. Go tell Mr. Liu and let Mr. Chen decide how he wants to be sentenced."

"Hahahahaha." Yan Hu laughed and stretched out his hand to point at Gu Zaiyong, "Lao Gu, Lao Gu, you are not merciless at all when you attack young people."

"He should have to suffer some hardships before he realizes how difficult it is to become an official in the court." Gu Zaiyong shook his head and sighed, "It's a pity. When it comes to doing things on errands, his talents are rare and outstanding. Such a talented person cannot serve for a long time." It’s a pity that I was used by the Holy One.”

"That's true." Yan Hu also agreed, "Looking at the court for decades, there are only a handful of people with his talent."

The two men looked at each other and smiled, seeming to be looking forward to Chen Heng's next move.

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The servants of the Gu family just ran into the palace. The documents from the government office were sent to Wang Ziteng's study. The Wang family is also busy today, except for the group of people who go to court every day. Even Jia He and Jia Zhen from the Jia family were also present.

Wang Ziteng was surrounded by everyone. When I saw Xue Pan complaining about Li Zhi's unfair rewards and punishments in a restaurant. Already annoyed, he slapped his palm on the table and said angrily: "You are stupid, you dare to talk about your Majesty's affairs in such a way in public."

Thinking of Aunt Xue rushing home last night, she hugged her and cried uncontrollably. Wang Ziteng couldn't help but said: "What a loving mother but a loser. She should have disciplined him well."

Niu Jizong, the current first-class uncle, saw that Wang Ziteng was still angry. He said hurriedly: "Brother Wang, how long has it been now and you are still worried about this kind of thing? If you want to teach incompetent children, there will be plenty of time in the future."

Liu Fang, a first-class son who came forward on behalf of his grandfather Liu Biao, did not expect that his distant relative Liu Xianglian was also involved after reading the documents. He immediately said angrily: "It's all this evil beast's fault. If I had known this, I should have driven him back to his hometown after his parents passed away."

"It's too late to talk about this." Chen Ruiwen, the grandson of Qi Guogong, said anxiously, "Master Wang, how are we going to do this? You should also come up with a plan for everyone to discuss."

"What other rules are there?" Niu Jizong has the biggest temper and the most impatient temper. Before Wang Ziteng could speak, he had already contradicted him, "They dare to make trouble for people named Xue today. Who knows if they will use us to scare the monkeys in the future?"

"Outsiders don't know. Who among our families doesn't know who? Do you really think that everyone relies on the salary from the court? Which of our families doesn't keep interest in private and do things that are not on the table?"

He is truly a martial artist, and the words he uses make people blush.

Niu Jizong said it without any shame, but he saw the other people had incomprehensible expressions. He sneered again, "With the few farms and fields we have, how can everyone really live like this? Apart from other things, Brother Jia, every boy or girl in your family has eight or nine slaves. The maid is waiting..."

"These servants don't want to eat? Don't want to wear clothes? If we really expose our private affairs, it would be a light punishment to confiscate our property." Niu Jizong said as he stood in front of Wang Ziteng, with his strong arms resting on the other's table, and asked, "Brother Wang, do you really think that His Majesty, who is determined to work hard to govern the country, can forgive us? Can he allow us to continue to live such a fairy-like life?"

Niu Jizong's words were well-reasoned and made the eight gentlemen in the room speechless. The former was right. Everyone did things similar to the Tiekan Temple in private. Otherwise, where would this respectability and wealth come from? Relying on the salary of Dayong, which is just a few silver coins?

If it weren't for the filial piety of his subordinates day and night, and if he didn't rely on them to exploit the people, would money fall from the sky or grow from the ground? Without these people and relationships, we can't go back to live frugally, right? Our ancestors fought on the battlefield, not just for their children and grandchildren to live a good life and enjoy wealth and glory?

Besides, the Li family conquered the country, what does it have to do with the common people? The emperor of Dayong is their emperor. Do you really think it is what the sages say, the father of all people?

Before Li Zhi ascended the throne, he clearly said that he would protect their wealth and glory. Why is it that now, he starts to make things difficult for people everywhere?

"Since your majesty is not trustworthy, do we still have to sit and wait for death?" Niu Jizong saw that Wang Ziteng was hesitant to speak, and raised his hand in anger and pounded it directly on the table.

How could Wang Ziteng not know what these people were thinking? When the emperor was in power, everyone was well fed and well-drinking, and lived a carefree life. Seeing that others had the idea, Wang Ziteng still hesitated. He knew that once he took this step, there would be no turning back.

Seeing him hesitate, Liu Fang said directly: "Brother Wang, have you forgotten Prince Yi Zhong, whose property was confiscated a few years ago? The coffin he left for himself was given to Brother Jia's daughter-in-law. Look at their family, they are still mining in the southern Xinjiang mines."

Why did you mention my Keqing? Jia Zhen was a little embarrassed and just glared at the impolite Liu Fang. But Liu Fang's words were just right. Wang Ziteng immediately woke up and nodded and said, "I know."

Seeing that he finally had an idea, everyone was happy. However, Wang Ziteng did not make a decision immediately, but just comforted everyone, "Don't worry, I'll go see Gu Zaiyong, the old fox, first. There are some things I have to understand clearly."

He was still curious about what Gu Zaiyong had in his hand. What method could make Gu Zaiyong so sure?

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The Wang family and the Gu family were both in the inner city, not far away. When Wang Ziteng, in disguise, secretly took a car to Gu's house, he was immediately welcomed into the study by Gu Zaiyong and Yan Hu. The three of them finally met, and the scene was extremely harmonious.

After several attempts and tugs of war, Gu Zaiyong repeatedly mentioned that he had the intention to save Xue Pan, but it was a pity that His Majesty was interfering. This statement can only deceive the common people who know nothing. Wang Ziteng sneered in his heart. He and Gu Zaiyong knew each other.

It is said that kindness cannot command an army. As things have developed to this point, the prince does not care about Xue Pan's life or death, and will not let the political enemies who are about to cooperate with him hold his weak points because of a useless nephew.

Seeing that he refused to give in, Gu Zaiyong finally decided to use his own means. He pulled Yan Hu up and said with a smile: "Today is a chance. There is an old friend in my house who has not seen Lord Wang for a long time. It just so happens that I will lend this place to Lord Wang today so that Lord Wang can meet this old friend and reminisce about the past."

It is finally coming, Wang Ziteng immediately cheered up. Just after Gu and Yan left, a person slowly walked out of the inner hall. When Wang Ziteng saw the person clearly, he stood up with an exclamation and greeted him respectfully: "Lord Dai, I didn't expect you to be here too."

Dai Quan smiled without comment, "Lord Wang is resourceful and may not be able to guess that I am waiting for you." The two laughed tacitly, waiting for each other to speak first. Dai Quan was ordered by the emperor to ask for help, so he had to speak first: "Lord Wang, how long has it been since you last saw the queen."

Who else in the palace is worth worrying about? Isn't it Jia's Yuanchun?

"After returning to the capital, I was busy with official business." Wang Ziteng showed some distress and pretended to be distressed, "I didn't have any chance to visit the palace. How is the queen now?"

"Lord Wang is devoted to the country, and I admire you very much." Dai Quan adjusted his sleeves slowly and smiled, "Today, I just happened to borrow the precious place of Prime Minister Gu, and I have good news to tell Lord Wang."

"What is it?!" Wang Ziteng felt his heart pounding, and he vaguely guessed what Dai Quan would say next.

"Last month, the queen suddenly felt unwell. The emperor was worried and ordered the imperial physician to come for consultation." Dai Quan deliberately whetted Wang Ziteng's appetite. Seeing Wang Ziteng's anxious face, he smiled and said, "Who knew that the imperial physician said that the queen is already two months pregnant. I really want to congratulate Lord Wang. Congratulations to Lord Wang. When the emperor learned of this good news, he immediately asked someone to keep it secret and planned to pick an auspicious day to inform Your Majesty and Lord Wang." (Note 1)

This... this... this, Wang Ziteng only felt a roar in his head. Yuanchun was finally pregnant with a dragon seed.

Hahahaha, good, good, hahahaha.

Seeing Wang Ziteng's ecstatic expression, Dai Quan smiled slightly. He knew that this matter was settled for the emperor.

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Inside the Linjing Palace, there are naturally their own news channels. What happened in the Shuntian government office was passed to Li Zhi and the New Party without missing a word.

There was a difference in the time when the news was delivered. The people who secretly monitored the Wang family did not realize that Wang Ziteng had disguised himself and sneaked out of his house. At this moment, everyone in Linjing Hall was still arguing about the punishment for Xue Pan's case.

Lin Ruhai was thinking the most and most hoped that Li Zhi would be patient for the overall situation. It’s not easy for everyone to work hard to get to this day, how can we let all our efforts go to waste?

Wei Yinghong's meaning is similar, and he can be persuaded the least. Like his son-in-law Du, he has some hatred and hatred. I always felt that I could let Xue Pan off with just one word. I am really ashamed of the teachings of the sages and the common people.

Li Zhi's mood was even more tangled. One moment he wanted to stabilize the four princes and eight princes, and the next moment he was unwilling to lower his head. Li Xian's temperament was the most stable and appropriate, and he, the prince, was most in favor of Lin Ruhai's idea.

Li Jun hadn't had the chance to take the stage yet, but Li Zhi suddenly asked him what he meant. Although he didn't know if Grandpa Huang took the opportunity to test himself, Li Jun thought for a moment and decided to find a way out and replied: "I think Mr. Chen is an upright man and has always been smart. It's better to just let him figure it out." "

It was okay if he didn't say this, but when he said it, Lin Ruhai secretly screamed, "It's terrible." How could he not understand that as a student of his, Chen Heng's character could actually be bad at this moment.

He was about to refute, but Li Zhi had already nodded in agreement. The latter said: "Xia Shouzhong, just pass it on according to Taisun's wishes."

"yes."

Seeing that Lin Ruhai still objected, Wei Yinghong hurriedly pulled his friend's sleeve secretly. The latter lowered his head helplessly and watched Xia Shouzhong leave Linjing Hall.

Li Zhi made a decision and waved everyone to leave, saying that he wanted to be alone in the palace for a while.

After everyone walked out of Linjing Hall, Wei Yinghong persuaded Lin Ruhai on the corridor: "You, you, you usually boast that you will act after making a decision. Ruhai, can't you see what His Majesty means? Your Majesty is already very high-spirited. How can I bow my head again?" Wei Yinghong said the last two words in a low voice before continuing, "Why bother if you have to mess with His Majesty?"

"Hey, how come I don't know." Lin Ruhai sighed, looking at the bright and sunny sky outside the corridor, and said, "But fighting back and forth in the hall is of no use to the people. The people all over the world are suffering."

Wei Yinghong heard this silently, and there was really no argument to be made. Just as a new sun peeked out from the clouds, it shone on the two cold people.

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The means of spreading news in the palace are really wonderful and interesting. Chen Heng was sitting in a side room with his eyes closed and concentrating. Suddenly, a servant who came up to serve tea whispered to Chen Heng's ear what Li Zhi meant.

Chen Heng opened his eyes suddenly and saw that the other party had already bowed down and exited. He looked across again and saw that the master of the government office was nowhere to be seen. I was the only one left in the whole house.

Do you have to figure it out yourself? ? When Chen Heng heard this, his first reaction was to consider whether the news was true or false. Is this what Li Zhi meant? Or is it a false rumor from the old party members?

Note 1: There is no information about Yuanchun’s pregnancy in the original text. But when I thought about Wang Xifeng’s pregnancy and miscarriage, I felt that there should be a metaphor here. What's more, Yuanchun has been in the palace for a long time, so it's normal to have a child.

PS: I have foreshadowed Li Zhi’s reaction in the previous article. Pei Huaizhen said that after the palace change, he still wanted to return to his hometown in the North and continue to be his own border prince. There are some flaws in his decision-making.

But they all eat whole grains, and heroes like Emperor Qin and Emperor Wu of Han are the few in the world.