After giving the order, about a quarter of an hour later, Yantuo returned to the palace and paid homage to Emperor Liu who was already in high spirits: "The official, the drummer is waiting for the edict outside the palace!"
"Xuan!" Emperor Liu instructed with a calm expression.
Soon, under the guidance of the visitor, the young man walked in. In this splendid hall, it was really difficult to hold his nerve. He acted particularly awkward, his face was nervous, and his eyes were hesitant.
Before entering the palace, the visitor urgently explained some precautions, but when His Majesty waited, all he remembered was that he knelt down.
Emperor Liu looked at this person, and he had to say that he didn't like the dark color on his face just from his appearance. Seeing his trembling look, Emperor Liu couldn't help but think to himself, how dare he come to complain? Not even as good as that old farmer back then.
"Who are you? Where are you from? Where are you from?" Emperor Liu asked calmly.
Facing these three questions in a row, the man seemed to have come back to his senses and buried his head in reply: "Your Majesty, my name is Xue Che. I am a member of the Dunqiu family in Kaifeng Prefecture, and my family is engaged in business."
"What are you suing for? Who are you suing?" Emperor Liu's tone gradually became harsh.
After hearing the question, Xue Che was obviously a little nervous, but after a brief hesitation, he gritted his teeth and said, "Return to your majesty, the people do have grievances to complain about! The people sued Zhang Jinjie, the inspector of the Imperial City Department, for killing people. , destroying families and seizing wealth. The whole family of the common people has been harmed by it. They only escaped with their own lives and have no way to appeal. Now I risk my life to appeal, and I sincerely ask Your Majesty to make the decision for the common people to avenge their injustice!"
When the Imperial City Secretary mentioned Zhang Jinjie, Emperor Liu's heart moved. He narrowed his eyes slightly, and his gaze seemed to be condensed into sharp blades, pointing directly at Xue Che, who was kneeling down: "Oh? Make it clearer, that Zhang Jinjie How did Jie ruin your family?"
After hearing the question, Xue Che's eyes suddenly turned redder, bursting out with strong hatred. Even this look in his eyes could add a bit of conviction. Xue Che said: "This small private family originally did some jade business. After three generations, it can be considered a small business." Achievements and no worries about food and clothing. My father, Xue Xian, purchased a piece of Hetian jade more than 20 years ago. It was of excellent quality. He asked a skilled craftsman to carve it into a jade Buddha according to its shape and enshrine it at home as a family heirloom.
However, last year, I don't know where Zhang Jinjie learned about the Jade Buddha, so he went to my father and asked for the Jade Buddha. At that time, my father loved this thing very much, so he politely refused, and then discussed it with the common people, but he still couldn't feel at ease.
The Imperial City Administrator was famous, and Zhang Jinjie was the son of the Imperial City Envoy. The father and son thought carefully about the possibility of disaster and decided to sacrifice the Jade Buddha. However, the next day, the Dunqiu County Government sent arresters to surround them. The family's house was raided, everyone was locked up, and the shop they ran was also sealed. The villain just escaped after hearing the news because he was outside.
He wanted to try to rescue him, but within three days his parents and brothers were sentenced to death, his family and servants were all sent to Anxi, and the common people were wanted and hunted down, and they fled everywhere.
The common man wanted to go far away and hide his name in order to save himself. However, every time he thought about his parents and brothers who were murdered, he felt so sad that he couldn't bear to live. Therefore, he had the courage to sneak to Luoyang and risked his life to appeal. Please give your Majesty a clear warning."
As he said that, Xue Che took out a blood sample from his arms and held it in his hands. His description was very emotional and inevitably made people feel pity, but Emperor Liu listened with an expressionless face.
He took the stained blood picture from Yan Tuo's hand, browsed it for a while, put it down, thought about it for a while, and then asked: "Is what you said true?"
"Everything that the common people said is true! Don't you dare to deceive His Majesty the Emperor!" Seeing that the Emperor seemed suspicious, Xue Che panicked and immediately kowtowed heavily to show his certainty.
"In what name did the Imperial City Division and Dunqiu County use to confiscate homes and lock people up? What charges were ultimately used to sentence your family to death?" Emperor Liu asked again.
Xue Che cried and said: "A small family member was falsely accused of being involved with the Kang family, and was sentenced to death for treason! The Kang family was originally a wealthy family, with great wealth and power. How could it be that the small Xue family could cling to it? It was the only one that had something to offer. The implication is that he sold a piece of jade to a member of the Kang clan in the early years."
Emperor Liu finally frowned a little, pondered a little, stared at Xue Che and said: "What you said is only one side of the story. Is there any evidence?"
Xue Che knelt and said: "The tragedy of the Xue family has been spread by the neighbors in the county. Zhang Jinjie is acting rampantly. With a little investigation, the truth will be revealed!"
After looking at this person calmly for a long time, Emperor Liu sighed softly: "Just for a jade Buddha, is it worth going to such great lengths of war to destroy your family?"
"The common people dare to appeal to Your Majesty. It is not just the Xue family. As far as the common people know, there are dozens of good businessmen and good people in Gyeonggi Province who have lost their families and fortunes due to the Kang family's crimes. The Imperial City Secretary is interested in , there is only one jade Buddha, and it is the wealth of the Xue family!"
"Is there such a thing?" Emperor Liu squinted at Yantuo.
Noticing the expressionless look on Emperor Liu's face, Yantuo thought about it quickly and said, "I don't know. However, because of the Kang family case, many merchant families have been implicated. As for whether there are any injustices, it still needs to be determined. It depends on the specific investigation situation..."
At the bottom, Xue Che seemed to have thought of something else, and continued: "In addition, I also heard a piece of news that Zhang Jin wanted to offer my Jade Buddha as a birthday gift to His Majesty..."
After saying this, Emperor Liu's old eyes narrowed again, with a slightly dangerous light. However, his suspicious gaze fell directly on Xue Che. So far, he had a basic judgment about this person. .
Staring at Xue Che, Emperor Liu's old face was frighteningly serious, and he said in a deep voice: "Raise your head!"
Xue Che slowly raised his head, revealing his haggard young face full of storytelling.
"Tell me honestly, who ordered you to beat the drum and complain?" Emperor Liu asked slowly.
Hearing this question, Xue Che looked shocked, a flash of panic flashed across his face, and then he bowed: "The common people bear deep hatred and have been wronged. I would rather die with the evil thief."
"Answer me head-on!" Emperor Liu said coldly: "When you are in front of the emperor, you still dare to make false promises. I don't care whether your case is unjust or not. If you dare to evade your words, I will first punish you for deceiving the emperor!"
"Your Majesty, I am a humble citizen." Seeing Emperor Liu getting angry, Xue Che's face suddenly turned pale again and he hesitated.
"Speak!" Emperor Liu's face already showed a little murderous intent.
Seeing this, Xue Che no longer dared to hesitate and kowtowed: "I dare not deceive Your Majesty. Before the common people complained to the emperor, they went to Luoyang Mansion. The common people heard that the Yin of Lu Mansion in Luoyang was fair and impartial and not afraid of the powerful, so he came to visit him." Go and clear up your grievances.
Lu Fuyin said that the case was of great importance. The Imperial City Department belonged to the imperial government, and the Luoyang Prefecture had no power to enforce the law. If the common people wanted to clear their grievances, they could only go to the Wen Yu to report their grievances. Only your Majesty in the world can repay them.
Xiaomin’s parents and brothers are innocent and fair.”
Lu Mengzheng appeared again! Emperor Liu's heart gradually stirred up, and this matter seemed to be becoming more and more "interesting".
"More than that!" Looking down at Xue Che, Emperor Liu still had the same penetrating expression and said coldly: "I'm afraid a fugitive wanted for arrest cannot find out the situation you detailed! Even Lu Mengzheng can't find the details of the Kaifeng case.
Everyone knows how you sneaked into Xijing and how you managed to meet Lu Mengzheng!"
At this point, Xue Che naturally couldn't hide anything anymore, so he just poured out the beans and told what he knew: "Your Majesty, it is true that the report came from Lu Fu Yin, and some of what the common people said came from Lu Fu.
Yin.
As for the common people who were able to escape capture and successfully go to Luoyang to file a complaint, it was because of the guidance and help of a righteous man."
"There is also a righteous man who is quite capable!" Emperor Liu chuckled: "Who is this so-called righteous man?"
"The common people don't know, they only know that their surname is Zheng. They heard about my family's injustice, so they came to help."
"Keep a secret, you little brat!"
After asking this, Emperor Liu had no other interest in Xue Che. He waved his hand and ordered to Yantuo: "Take this person down and keep a good guard on him!"
Soon, the Chui Gong Palace became quiet. Emperor Liu's old waist could not bear to sit upright for a long time, and his whole body soon tilted down, leaning on the throne, but his expression remained calm, obviously thinking about what Xue Che said.
After a while, Yantuo called out tentatively in a low voice: "The officials have doubts about this person's accusation?"
"Why, are you also interested in this case?" Emperor Liu's words shocked Yantuo.
Yan Tuo quickly shook his head and said: "I just think that if the little man said, the plot is really serious. He actually harmed people and made money under the pretense of preparing birthday gifts for officials. It is really shocking and crazy."
"Haha" Emperor Liu laughed twice, and then said to Yan: "Go to the Imperial City Department and inform Zhang Dejun about Xue Che's complaint. I want to see how he reacts!"
"Yes!" Yan Tuo's heart moved slightly, and he accepted the order with his hands raised.
Looking at Yantuo's flexible and somewhat comical back from behind, Emperor Liu's eyes also revealed a trace of suspicion.
Obviously, the old emperor has noticed that a big net is being woven towards the Imperial City. This is a trivial matter, but it is insignificant. The real target is probably the Imperial City Envoy Wang Jien.
The exposure of Lu Mengzheng of Luoyang Prefecture and the so-called "righteous man" named Zheng is probably just the tip of the iceberg. Emperor Liu may be more concerned about who else and what forces are behind it.
As for Emperor Liu, what he is more concerned about right now is not how many evil things the Imperial City Division has done that are outraged by both humans and gods, but who targeted Wang Jien, Emperor Liu's most trusted eunuch.
Emperor Liu didn't believe it.
The first object of suspicion was Yantuo. After all, Emperor Liu had only expressed his dissatisfaction with Wang Jien in front of him.
If he thought about this, Emperor Liu's heart became even colder. Yantuo was his personal eunuch and the head of his inner chamber. If he had any connections with foreign ministers, the consequences could be imagined.
This was something Emperor Liu couldn't tolerate, and what he resented even more was that there were always people who liked to guess his thoughts and attitudes, and judge and act according to the holy will. The older Emperor Liu got, the more he hated those who tried to figure out the emperor's will without authorization. , or even the act of self-righteously using "superior intention" to achieve personal goals.
The Imperial City Secretary, the Grand Eunuch, and the Imperial City Envoy Wang Jien all stared with cold eyes at the back of Yan Tuo who left triumphantly. In the hall, only two of Wang Jien's "Four King Kongs" arrived, except for the resident Si Yamen who assisted Wang Jien in handling matters. In addition to Wang Shouzhong, who was in charge of the general affairs, it was Zhang Jinjie who was the "right leader".
Among the four names, Zhang Jinjie is the youngest and has the best image. He has a dignified appearance and a mustache that shows his maturity. From the outside, it is difficult to imagine that he is a ruthless eagle and dog leader.
Of course, on weekdays, Zhang Jinjie is also the most arrogant and brutal in his behavior. However, at this moment, he can no longer be arrogant. He is kneeling there with his head drooped, like an eggplant beaten by frost. Zhang Junwei's There was even some fear on his face.
On the side, both Wang Jien and Wang Shouzhong had expressions as dark as water. Wang Shouzhong lowered his head, frowning in deep thought, while Wang Jien kept pacing, and then turned around for a long time, venting his anger towards Zhang Jinjie: "Look at you What a good thing you did! It’s okay to eat and look so ugly, but you still can’t clean up your hands and feet, so you have people report it to the officials!”
Faced with Wang Jien's accusation, Zhang Jinjie also looked annoyed, not because of anything else but because of his negligence and failure to clean up the trouble.
Taking a deep breath, Zhang Jinjie said solemnly: "Father, please rest assured that the trouble was caused by my son. I will shoulder the responsibility with all my strength and will never harm you!"
However, this statement only received a more severe scolding from Wang Jien: "Still talking stupid things! Now that things have happened, do you think this is directed at you? Have you never heard the story about Xiang Zhuang dancing with his sword and intending to target Pei Gong? You haven't See how proud that old dog Yantuo is? This is for me!"
Wang Jien's words shocked both brothers Wang and Zhang. Zhang Jinjie even blurted out, "They dare!"
"Father, is the situation so serious?" Wang Shouzhong couldn't help but asked anxiously.
Wang Jien's old face twitched a few times, he clenched his fist with his right hand and said in a deep voice: "Whether it's serious or not depends on how the officials will treat it!"
Wang Shouzhong immediately answered: "Your Majesty asked the old thief Yantuo to send a message. What does this mean?"
After hearing the question, Wang Jien walked a few more steps, suddenly stopped and looked at Zhang Jinjie, and said slowly: "This time, I have alarmed the officials, and I am afraid I won't be able to protect you. Jinjie, if you are punished by Ming Zhengdian, Now, you won’t blame me!”
Hearing what Wang Jien said, Zhang Jinjie couldn't help but change his expression. Facing Wang Jien's cold and serious gaze, sweat broke out on his forehead. After a certain amount of mental activity, he kowtowed and said, "My father is as kind as a mountain to my son. I can't thank you enough." , how can we have any grudges? If I can avoid involving my father, I will die without any regrets!"
After saying that, Zhang Jinjie laughed twice and continued: "I have enjoyed all the glory and wealth in these years, that's enough!"
Wang Jien carefully observed Zhang Jinjie's performance and refused to let go of any detail. After a long time, he took two steps forward and touched his head gently: "I know your filial piety! Don't worry, as long as you can go through being a father smoothly.
At this level, I will definitely keep your family small and make your family happy!"
"Thank you, father!" Zhang Jinjie heard this and kowtowed with tears.
"Come here! Put this traitor into a cell!" Wang Jien turned around and immediately changed his face, and ordered to the guard outside.
Zhang Jinjie took the initiative to go down to the prison cell without being escorted. However, for Wang Jien, such treatment not only did not relax him at all, but made him even more worried.
"Father, what can we do next?" Seeing Wang Jien's composure, Wang Shouzhong asked proactively.
"Tell me to go down and send all the people out. Also, send a message to Shouyi and Jinren to inform me of this matter. Let me investigate. Keep an eye on the relevant people and wait for investigation!" Wang Jien said coldly: "I would like to take a look.
, who wants to have trouble with me, Wang!"
"Yes!" Wang Shouzhong agreed and reminded: "Your Majesty, do you want to go there?"
After thinking for a moment, Wang Jien said solemnly: "This is natural, I will enter the palace immediately! Didn't someone call me a castrated dog? I beat the dog without even looking at the owner?"
When he said this, Wang Jien's old face was almost twisted together. He had never looked so ugly. The anger on his face would probably be difficult to wash away even with the water of the Yellow River.