Chapter 177 Li Huan: I said you were a rebel, so you are!
When the eyes of all the civil and military officials fell on the two small sedans, the sedans stopped, and then they saw Li Dongyang, Yang Ting, and two people walking down from the sedans respectively.
Several ministers of the court, such as Qiao Ping, the imperial censor of the Ducha Yuan, and Cui Long, the minister of Dali Temple, all strode towards the two of them.
They saluted Li Dongyang and Yang Tinghe.
After a riot, important officials in the court such as Liu Zhong, Fei Hong, Mao Ji, and Liang Chu were killed and imprisoned. In addition, most of the core officials of the eunuch party headed by Liu Jin were also in Jinyiwei.
He is being held in jail pending trial.
Therefore, at first glance, it is obvious that there are many fewer officials coming to this court meeting, including those of second rank and above.
However, there are not many officials of the second and first grades. After all, among the officials who have taken refuge with Liu Jin, there are only a few important ministers such as Jiao Fang, Zhang Cai, and Liu Yu. There are not many middle-level and high-level officials. At most, there are only a few
An official of the sixth or seventh rank in the imperial court.
Nowadays, all civil and military officials have gathered together, and the momentum is still not small.
As the censor of the right capital of the Metropolitan Procuratorate, Qiao Ping had a good relationship with Song Jing, the censor of the left capital. He was still looking for Song Jing just now, but he couldn't find him after searching for a long time.
At this time, Qiao Ping saluted Li Dongyang and Yang Tinghe and said: "Two pavilion elders, what happened in the palace yesterday? I am not talking about your majesty..."
As Qiao Ping, he still knew that the emperor was unconscious and might not be able to survive for a few days.
The three bureaus each sent officials to try the case of Liu Jin's rebellion. The Metropolitan Procuratorate was personally led by Song Jing, while Qiao Ping, as the censor of Youdu, sat in charge of the yamen of the Metropolitan Procuratorate.
It was just a short night, and everything seemed to have changed.
When Qiao Ping learned that the emperor was going to convene all civil and military officials to hold a court meeting in Qianqing Palace, he was a little confused.
Isn't the emperor almost unable to hold on anymore? Why did he suddenly hold a great meeting? However, in a short period of time, the royal guards and cavalry appeared in all directions, and even a mutiny broke out. Even if they wanted to find out the news, they couldn't.
.
Therefore, almost most of the civil and military personnel present were like Qiao Ping, their minds were full of confusion and they had no idea what was going on.
Yang Tinghe coughed slightly and signaled Qiao Ping to pay attention to his words.
If the emperor was really about to die, it would be fine for Qiao Ping to say it privately, but now that the emperor has woken up, if he still dares to say that in front of so many people, he is inviting disaster for himself.
Qiao Ping was stunned for a moment and glanced at Yang Tinghe and Li Dongyang in confusion.
Li Dongyang just said calmly: "Li Huan is back and has revived His Majesty. When we wait for the next court meeting, everyone should be careful not to offend His Majesty, otherwise..."
When everyone heard this, some of them had expressions of understanding, while others had expressions of astonishment and shock.
It is said that such a big thing as Li Huan marched down the street and led the royal guards to kill the soldiers and horsemen of the five cities. It was supposed to have spread, but after all, the time was so short that many officials still knew nothing about it.
Looking at the time, he saw that the time for the court meeting was coming soon. Li Dongyang coughed lightly and said, "Everyone, the time is coming soon. Don't keep His Majesty waiting for too long."
Although the road ahead was very difficult and the blood on the ground was extremely dazzling, Li Dongyang and Yang Tinghe walked towards the Forbidden City with firm steps.
Behind the two men, a group of civil and military personnel also hurriedly followed.
Not long after, the palace gate was in sight. Compared with the long street that had not yet been cleaned up, the traces of the battle at the palace gate had already been cleaned up, and even the blood stains had been cleaned up early. If it hadn't been for the traces on the palace wall,
There are some remaining traces, and I think nothing happened.
At this time, the palace gate opened wide, and hundreds of officials slowly entered from the palace gate and entered the imperial city.
When the officials entered the palace, there was a creaking sound behind them, and the heavy palace door slammed shut.
Hearing the movement coming from behind, the officials didn't feel anything. After all, the rules of the great court meetings in the past were like this. After the officials entered, the palace door was naturally closed.
Li Dongyang, Yang Ting, and other officials have been ups and downs for decades, and they have participated in countless imperial gatherings.
They had heard the sound of the palace door closing countless times, but this time, the slamming sound of the door closing sounded in their ears, but it seemed to have a slightly different feeling.
The two looked at each other, their eyes full of worry.
While walking, Cui Long, the minister of Dali Temple, suddenly said in surprise: "Hey, have you noticed that all the guards in the palace have disappeared, and the ones on duty are soldiers from the Tengxiang Fourth Guard Camp?
"
When Cui Long said this, many officials naturally heard it clearly and subconsciously looked at the guards around the imperial city.
At first glance, many officials also had a look of astonishment on their faces.
The safety of the Imperial City has always been guarded by the Imperial City Guards. To be honest, this is the first time that soldiers and horses from any battalion are directly guarded like this.
Some officials couldn't help but shudder when they saw the soldiers and horses of the Fourth Guards Camp of Tengxiang who were full of evil spirits, and felt bad in their hearts.
Could it be that the fighting sounds they heard last night and the rumored mutiny were really successful? Otherwise, why were there so many soldiers and horses in the imperial city?
Of course, only a handful of people had such thoughts, and most officials understood that seeing the soldiers and horses of the Tengxiang Fourth Guard Camp here could only mean that the emperor had suppressed the rebels.
The Tengxiang Four Guards Camp was originally part of the emperor's personal army. If all the Tengxiang Four Guards Camps could rebel, then it can only be said that the emperor deserved to be killed.
However, Li Dongyang and Yang Tinghe understood in their hearts why there was no trace of the Imperial City Guards in the Imperial City.
On the one hand, the emperor has some doubts about the imperial city's guards. On the other hand, during a turmoil last night, all the imperial guards were killed and injured. If there is no need for the soldiers and horses from the Tengxiang Fourth Guard Camp to guard the imperial city, I am afraid that
In a short while, the safety was in danger and no suitable people could be found to protect it.
Of course, there is another possibility of using soldiers and horses from the Tengxiang Four Guards Battalion to guard the imperial city, which Li Dongyang and Yang Tinghe don't want to think about.
If that is really the case, then today's meeting is probably full of danger and even murderous intent.
Soon the civil and military officials arrived at the large square in front of the Qianqing Palace. This square was extremely wide, and it was more than enough to accommodate thousands of people.
Hundreds of civil and military officials lined up quietly according to their respective ranks, and then lined up on both sides, waiting for the Emperor's arrival.
After almost a while, the emperor's chariot came slowly from the royal road in the distance.
But at this moment, the emperor's chariot attracted the attention of many officials.
I saw a group of soldiers and horses filled with evil spirits surrounding the Emperor Luanjia on both sides, giving the impression that they were guarding the Emperor.
Especially the evil spirit exuding from that group of soldiers, many officials couldn't help but think of the soldiers collecting corpses they saw on the long street not long ago when they first saw these soldiers.
These soldiers must have just experienced a fight, and their murderous intent has not dissipated yet.
Gu Da's sharp voice sounded in the empty square: "Your Majesty has arrived, and all the officials will kneel to welcome you!"
When Zhu Houzhao came down from Luanjia, all the civil and military officials bowed down and shouted long live.
Zhu Houzhao was followed by Gu Dayong, Qiu Ju, Gao Feng and other close attendants, while the group of soldiers walked to both sides with neat steps and stood a few feet away behind the officials.
These soldiers stood behind a group of officials, but many officials felt a chill on their necks. They always felt that something was wrong with the way the soldiers behind them looked at them.
This was the first time a situation like this had happened, and many officials suddenly felt a little bad in their hearts.
What exactly does the emperor want to do? He doesn't really want to kill people.
This is a court meeting. Even if someone wants to kill someone, he should be sent to jail first and then tried by the third division before he is convicted and executed.
While some officials were having random thoughts in their minds, Zhu Houzhao had already sat down on the dragon chair, looked down at the officials, and then slowly said: "You will be excused from the ceremony."
Gu Dayong took a step forward and said in a sharp voice: "His Majesty has spoken, and all the ministers will be exempted from the courtesy!"
At this time, all the civil and military officials shouted long live and slowly stood up.
Originally, according to the usual practice of the imperial meeting, this time should be presided over by the emperor, and the chief officials of the six yamen, under the leadership of the cabinet, would report to the emperor some major matters that require the emperor to make decisions personally, or that require the consultation of all officials before they can be finalized.
But at this moment, as the emperor, Zhu Houzhao nodded to Gu Dayong on the side and said: "Gu Dayong."
Hearing this, Gu Dayong stepped forward and said in a sharp voice: "If there is something going on, we will start to fight. If there is nothing going on, we will retreat!"
Officials, you look at me and I look at you. For a moment, I don’t know what happened in the past two days at all, and no one dares to show up at this time.
Zhu Houzhao sat there with a solemn expression, his eyes sweeping over the officials below. I don't know why, but all the officials who were swept by the emperor's gaze felt like they had been seen through.
At this moment, a burst of footsteps came from the distance, breaking the oppressive atmosphere. Many officials looked subconsciously. When they saw the person coming, many people opened their eyes wide, with faces on their faces.
A look of disbelief.
"Li Huan, why is he here?"
This was because they knew about Li Huan's return, but some officials looked surprised, obviously not knowing about Li Huan's return.
Many officials were filled with righteous indignation when they saw Li Huan. You must know that not long ago, they had frantically impeached Li Huan. When they saw Li Huan now, they couldn't help but think of what Li Huan had done in Fujian and rolled their eyes.
All turned red.
For example, Qiao Ping, the censor of Youdu of the Metropolitan Procuratorate, looked at Li Huan as if he had seen some sworn enemy. He actually stood up and yelled at Li Huan: "You treacherous villain, you came back just in time.
Today, I will send a petition to Your Majesty to capture you and cut you into pieces with a thousand swords to rectify the king's law."
Li Huan was a little confused and looked at Qiao Ping like he was a fool.
I thought to myself, this person is not crazy, or is he deaf to what is going on outside the window. There are so many things happening in the capital in the past two days. If he knew a little bit, he would not jump out to target him at this time. .
In fact, it's normal to think about it. It was only a short day. What happened in the imperial city was already blocked, and Feng Hai's rebellion happened in the middle of the night. By the time the rebellion was put down, it was already dawn.
Before anyone could be sent out to find out what happened, he was summoned to Qianqing Palace to attend the court meeting.
Not just Qiao Ping, many officials are still confused about what happened.
Why did the emperor wake up suddenly, and why did a rebellion break out in the capital in the middle of the night? It can be said that he was full of puzzles.
As Qiao Ping walked out of the ranks of officials, he didn't care about anything else. He wanted to impeach Li Huan, the traitor, first.
It would be fine if Li Huan didn't come back. Since he dared to come back, if he didn't capture Li Huan, wouldn't he be living up to his reputation as the censor of the right capital of the capital procuratorate.
"His Majesty……"
Before Qiao Ping could speak, Li Huan bowed his hands to the emperor and said, "Your Majesty, I have just captured the traitors Song Jing, Xue Yi, Peng Guang, Geng Li and other officials, and sent them to the Jinyi Guard Prison. It's a little late, please forgive me, Your Majesty."
As soon as Li Huan said these words, many officials looked surprised.
Song Jing, Geng Li, Peng Guang, Xue Yi, aren't these people from the Sansi Yamen, the people responsible for trying Liu Jin's rebellion case? According to Li Huan, Song Jing and others were also involved in the rebellion. This major case has even been taken down by Jin Yiwei.
But with such big news, why didn't they hear anything about it beforehand?
Qiao Ping was stunned for a moment, then realized what he was doing. He looked at Li Huan in disbelief and suddenly said to Zhu Houzhao: "Your Majesty, have you seen that the Jin Yiwei framed Zhongliang..."
Li Huan glanced at Qiao Ping indifferently and sneered: "Your Majesty, I suspect that Qiao Ping, the censor of the right capital of the Metropolitan Procuratorate, has close contacts with Song Jing and is suspected of being a party member. I ask your majesty to allow me to capture Qiao Ping." , strict investigation and interrogation.”
Hearing this, Qiao Ping couldn't help but open his eyes wide, pointed at Li Huan and said tremblingly: "You...you are so slanderous!"
In fact, when Qiao Ping jumped out to impeach Li Huan, Zhu Houzhao couldn't help but feel disgusted with him. This man was the censor of the Metropolitan Procuratorate, and his duty was to impeach others and supervise the integrity of all officials.
However, Qiao Ping did not impeach those officials who clearly had ulterior motives, but instead stared at Li Huan like mad dogs. Liu Jin and others refused to let him go. It was better not to have such an inspector-general.
After listening to Li Huan's words, Zhu Houzhao waved his hand and said: "I have said that regarding the major case of rebellion against me, I will leave it to your Jin Yiwei to handle it. No one involved needs to ask me for permission, from the princes to the common people. Li Qing can behead him first and then play."
Li Huan bowed to Zhu Houzhao and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty."
The officials around him just realized what they were doing. They all looked at Li Huan, who was wearing a flying fish robe, with frightened eyes. From what the emperor said, it seemed that the case of the emperor's assassination had been handed over to Li Huan for strict investigation. How could this not let some people know? People are afraid.
Especially the emperor actually gave Li Huan the right to kill first and report later. Li Huan, who was as lawless as a madman, had such power, how could they survive?
One of the officers stood up and said loudly, almost instinctively: "Your Majesty, this is not allowed..."
Li Huan glanced at the other party lightly and said with a smile: "I think this gentleman is also Song Jing's ally!"
Seeing Li Huan so blatantly accusing himself of treason, Na Ge almost went crazy and loudly said to Zhu Houzhao: "Your Majesty, have you seen it? Li Huan framed Zhongliang..."
Li Huan was seen bowing to Zhu Houzhao, and suddenly shouted loudly: "Here comes someone!"
The next moment, a team of Jin Yiwei appeared around. Chen Yao, dressed in the robe of Jin Yiwei Baihu, strode up and bowed to the emperor first, and then said to Li Huan: "Master Commander, my subordinates are here!"
Li Huan pointed at Qiao Ping and that man and said, "These two are all associates of Song Jing. Take them to the imperial prison and interrogate them strictly."
Hearing this, Chen Yao waved his hand and saw several Jinyi guardsmen stepping forward with excitement on their faces. They picked up Qiao Ping and the soldier and dragged them outside.
Qiao Ping couldn't help shouting loudly: "Your Majesty, I am wronged, I am wronged..."
As for the man, he was so frightened that he didn't react until he was dragged several feet away. However, the man was not begging for mercy, but was yelling at Li Huan.
"Li Huan, traitor, you have to die..."
All civil and military officials were dumbfounded as they watched such a ridiculous scene unfold in front of them.
Qiao Ping and the accomplice who were involved in the incident could not guarantee whether they were Song Jing's accomplices, but the attitude Li Huan showed at the meeting made many officials' hearts sink.
Especially since the emperor allowed Li Huan to do whatever he wanted, couldn't it be said that the emperor was not afraid of provoking resistance from the officials?
Mr. Chief Assistant, Mr. Yang Ge, why didn’t the Chief Assistant and Mr. Yang Ge speak?
Suddenly, many officials thought of Yang Tinghe and Li Dongyang, and couldn't help but cast their eyes on Yang Tinghe and Li Dongyang.
However, the two of them seemed to turn a blind eye to what Li Huan did, and did not even react at all.
Zhu Houzhao watched with cold eyes, seeing the reactions of all the officials in his eyes, with a sneer on his lips.
When his eyes fell on Li Huan, he couldn't help but smile a little, and said slowly: "Since Li Qing is here, let's join the queue."
Li Huan nodded and immediately stood in the front row of the military ministers, standing with the group of nobles.
When they saw Li Huan, Zhang Lun, Zhu Fu, Chen Jizu, Xu Guangzha and others, they all nodded towards Li Huan and showed kind smiles.
They had personally experienced the rebellion last night, and they knew better than anyone else Li Huan's status in the emperor's mind.
Anyone who is not a fool knows that what they have to do at this time is to do everything possible to build a good relationship with Li Huan, instead of trying to impeach Li Huan like Qiao Ping, the censor of Youdu just now, and ended up getting themselves involved.
If he is involved in a treason case, he will die if he doesn't die. What's more, in such a major treason case, he would rather kill the wrong person than let it go, even if Qiao Ping is really not involved, but if Li Huan is willing, he can do whatever he wants.
You can put a crime on him.
Not to mention a censor of Youdu, at this time, Li Huan accused a prince of treason, and the other party had no choice but to confiscate his family and exterminate his clan.
After Li Huan made such a fuss, many officials felt anxious and looked at the emperor on the imperial steps in shock and fear, as well as Li Huan, who was standing among the nobles and talking in low voices with several nobles.
They knew that the emperor valued Li Huan, but when Li Huan became the commander of the Imperial Guard, the emperor's trust and attitude towards Li Huan must have been too abnormal.
And those nobles, didn't they always keep things unrelated to themselves in the court, just like decorations? Why were they so close to Li Huan, and even their closeness had a hint of flattery?
A skinny camel is bigger than a horse. The power of these nobles is gone, and only a little bit of arrogance is left. They usually hug each other to keep warm. Even when facing a few pavilion elders, they don't have a good look. Even if Li Huan becomes
The commander of the Jinyi Guards, these nobles would not put down their arrogance to please Li Huan.
Zhu Houzhao looked around at the ministers and said, "Don't you have anything to report?"
No one dared to come forward before, but Li Huan made such a fuss that it became even more unclear about the emperor's attitude. Who dared to come out at this time?
It was at this time that Li Huan, who had just entered the queue of courtiers, suddenly stood up and bowed to Zhu Houzhao with a solemn expression: "Your Majesty, I have something to report!"
Zhu Houzhao nodded when he heard this and said, "What's the matter with Li Qing?"
Li Huan strode forward and walked to the imperial steps. Then he turned around and his eyes fell on the courtiers.
Seeing Li Huan's actions, many officials felt something bad in their hearts.
Especially some officials who knew exactly what happened could not help showing a bit of bitterness on their faces.
Li Huan said in a deep voice: "Your Majesty, I have interrogated Feng Hai, Mao Ji, Geng Li, Peng Guang, Chen Ju and others overnight. Based on the accounts of these people, it has been determined that dozens of officials are involved in the major case of murdering Your Majesty."
With such a bang, all the civil and military officials present felt that their heads almost exploded.
A major treason case involving dozens of officials.
For a moment, even those with an open mind feel chilled all over. Even though the bright sunshine is shining on them, they still feel like they have fallen into an ice cave.
That was a major treason case. Even though Li Huan said that there were dozens of officials confirmed, many officials knew that this was just the beginning. Maybe it would be an unprecedented major case.
Think about it when Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang was in power, the Hu Weiyong case and the Lan Yu case were all handled as major treason cases. Each case involved tens of thousands of people, and I don’t know how many.
An important minister was killed in a major rebellion.
That's all for other cases, but if it involves a major treason case, especially a major case like assassination of the emperor, it would be strange if it didn't kill everyone with their heads rolling and blood flowing like rivers.
When Zhu Houzhao heard Li Huan say that there were dozens of officials who had been interrogated alone, his eyes immediately turned red. He took a deep breath and forced himself to suppress the anger in his heart so that he would not lose his composure. Even so, his voice was still a bit hysterical.
He said: "Who is there?"
Li Huan glanced at everyone, and almost everyone shrank their necks in fear, fearing that their names would be called by Li Huan.
If anyone's name comes out of Li Huan's mouth at this moment, it is equivalent to being on the list of the Lord of Hell, and it is the kind where all nine clans in the family are on it.
Then I heard Li Huan say slowly: "Kang Ren, Minister of the Ministry of War, let me ask you, Li, who approved the troop transfer document from the Ministry of War that Fei Hong brought to Feng Hai, and who stamped it with the seal of the Ministry of War?"
Kang Ren fell to the ground with a pop, his forehead covered with cold sweat, and he kowtowed: "Your Majesty, please forgive me, Your Majesty, please forgive me, I really don't know how the traitor Fei Hong obtained the troop deployment documents."
Just looking at Kang Ren's reaction, even if the Ministry of War deployment document was not written by him, he, Kang Ren, was the Minister of the Ministry of War. It was obvious that Kang Ren could not escape the blame for such a major treason case.
Seeing Kang Ren's appearance, Zhu Houzhao felt inexplicably angry. He flicked his sleeves and shouted at the Jinyi guards around him: "Take Kang Ren down for me."
Immediately, Kangren was dragged out by two royal guards. The officials were trembling, and Kangren's shrill pleading voice was still echoing in their ears.
Li Huan's eyes were patrolling among the ministers. Suddenly, Li Huan's eyes fell on one of them and said: "Wuding Bohou Sheng..."
After Li Huan finished speaking, he saw a figure among the nobles suddenly pounce on Li Huan. To be precise, it should be pounce on the emperor Zhu Houzhao.
Naturally, many officials were stunned when they saw this sudden change. It was obvious that the person who made the sudden revolt was none other than Wuding Bohou Sheng, whose name was named by Li Huan.
Upon seeing this, Zhang Lun, Zhu Fu and other nobles could not help but change their expressions, and almost instinctively shouted to protect them.
But Zhu Houzhao stood on the imperial steps and looked at Hou Sheng who was rushing towards him. There was no worry or fear in his eyes, only deep disdain and pity.
Hou Sheng's reputation among the nobles is quite high, especially because his cultivation is not bad. Among many nobles who have almost forgotten the family knowledge passed down by their ancestors, he can definitely be regarded as one.
Outstanding.
It's a pity that although his strength looks good, it still depends on who he is compared with.
Li Huan was standing under the imperial steps in front of Zhu Houzhao. If he wanted to get close to the emperor, he had to go through Li Huan first.
Seeing Hou Sheng pounce on the emperor, Li Huan punched him directly.
Hou Sheng had never seen Li Huan take action, so he certainly didn't know Li Huan's details. It could even be said that he didn't take Li Huan into consideration at all.
His attention was almost all on the emperor. Seeing that the emperor didn't even have the intention to dodge, Hou Sheng's eyes flashed with joy.
If he could capture the emperor, he might not be able to take the emperor hostage and escape from the capital.
But the next moment, a strong wind came, and Hou Sheng subconsciously waved his fist towards Li Huan.
With a click, a sound of broken bones was heard, and then Hou Sheng was punched out by Li Huan and fell heavily to the ground, with a shrill scream coming from his mouth.
Two Jinyi guards immediately stepped forward and locked Hou Sheng up with shackles.
From Li Huan calling Hou Sheng's name, to Hou Sheng violently trying to attack the emperor, to being severely injured by Li Huan's punch and being captured, all of this was just a dozen breaths away.
By the time the officials reacted, Hou Sheng had even been neatly dragged away by the Jin Yiwei.
Zhu Houzhao couldn't help but smile and said: "Okay, okay, you are really a good minister of the Ming Dynasty. My dear uncle actually participated in the conspiracy and his deeds were exposed. He did not want to repent, and even wanted to attack me. His heart is so vicious.
"
As he spoke, Zhu Houzhao glanced at the civil and military officials coldly and then said to Gu Dayong on the side: "Gu Dayong, you have written it down for me. Wuding Bohou Sheng has a very vicious heart and has a special purpose to punish his ten clans.
Serve as a warning to others!”
For example, Bohou Sheng of Wuding dared to challenge the emperor in front of hundreds of officials. There was no need to go to trial and he could be convicted directly.
At this time, Li Huan waved his hand and saw dozens of imperial guards rushing towards each official like tigers and wolves.
Obviously, Li Huan was not going to call the names one by one, and directly asked the Jin Yiwei to arrest them.
Even if Li Huan, a madman like Hou Sheng, comes out and makes a desperate attempt, he will not be afraid, but that will make him, the commander of the Imperial Guard, too incompetent.
"Spare your life, Your Majesty, I was wronged!"
There are also people who don’t know whether they are really being wronged or falsely being wronged, so they shout that they are wronged.
After being caught, some people obviously knew that they would die, and actually laughed and cursed at the emperor.
"Hunjun, Hunjun, God has no eyes to accept you. You, Hunjun, will not die well, you will not die well..."
Upon seeing this, the arrested Jin Yiwei quickly took off the opponent's official boots, took off the opponent's socks, and blocked his mouth.
Of course, some officials yelled at Li Huan directly.
Some of them fainted immediately on the spot.
It can be said that in one moment, all aspects of life are unfolding.
After dozens of officials were taken away by the royal guards, the chaotic scene gradually calmed down.
At this time, some officials still looked frightened. Thinking that they had just watched their colleagues around them being taken away by the Jin Yiwei, it would be an absolute lie to say that they were not afraid.
Li Huan just now bowed to Zhu Houzhao and said: "Your Majesty, the prisoner has been captured, and I will strictly examine it to ensure that no fish slips through the net."
Zhu Houzhao nodded and said, "Although Li Qing lets you go, I will grant your request."
Li Huan thanked the emperor and slowly retreated to the ranks of courtiers.
Seeing Li Huan retreating, all the civil and military officials felt a little relieved. Of course, only these officials themselves knew whether there were still fish that slipped through the net.
With a sigh, Li Dongyang, who had been silent all this time, slowly walked out, then bowed to Zhu Houzhao, took off his official hat with both hands, put it respectfully in front of him and said to Zhu Houzhao: "Your Majesty, I, Li Dongyang, have failed your Majesty.
Your Majesty, during the period when I was in charge of the cabinet, such a heinous disaster happened. I am guilty of an unpardonable crime. Please forgive me, Your Majesty."
Yang Tinghe also stood up with Li Dongyang, also took off his official hat, and then worshiped in front of Zhu Houzhao to pray for the emperor to punish him.
The cabinet originally consisted of Li Dongyang, Yang Tinghe, Jiao Fang, and Liu Yu, but they were attacked by the civil service group. Jiao Fang and Liu Yu were imprisoned, and only Li Dongyang and Yang Tinghe were left in the cabinet to maintain the situation.
.
At this moment, the two pavilion elders took the initiative to plead guilty. If the emperor deposed them and punished them, there would be no pavilion elders in the Ming Dynasty.
Zhu Houzhao's eyes fell on Li Dongyang and Yang Tinghe. His expressions were extremely calm, as if he was not surprised or surprised by their actions.
Yang Tinghe and Li Dongyang knelt there, kowtowed to the ground, waiting for the emperor's decision.
Zhu Houzhao slowly walked down the imperial steps, stretched out his hand to help Li Dongyang and Yang Tinghe up, and looked at them, as if he wanted to see through them.
Suddenly, Zhu Houzhao said: "The two pavilion elders want to become officials, but we will wait until this major conspiracy case is completely resolved."
Li Dongyang was stunned for a moment, and said subconsciously: "I am no longer worthy of leading the ministers to assist His Majesty in governing the government. I would like to ask Your Majesty to allow me to resign from the position of Chief Assistant of the Cabinet. I am willing to stay in the palace and listen to Your Majesty's wishes."
Zhu Houzhao looked at Li Dongyang and said slowly: "I do not suspect that the first assistant is involved in the treason case, but I hope that the first assistant can stabilize the situation for me before he takes office. When the situation stabilizes, if the first assistant wants to take office, I will never
stop."
Seeing Li Dongyang's hesitant look, Zhu Houzhao sighed: "Did the chief minister forget his father's dying instructions and intend to abandon me?"
Hearing the emperor mention the late emperor, Li Dongyang couldn't help bursting into tears. He prostrated himself on the ground and sobbed: "I am so stupid that I didn't check that there were people with ulterior motives among the courtiers. I almost harmed your majesty. I betrayed the late emperor.
What a disgrace to Your Majesty!"
Zhu Houzhao looked at Li Dongyang and sighed softly, while his eyes fell on Yang Tinghe beside him.
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