In just a few days, the military supply scandal in Qi County became a commotion. At first, everyone only discussed it privately, but as Hong Qing was escorted for questioning, it soon became known in the streets.
Since the founding of the new dynasty, the prince has never appeared in people's discourse so frequently as now. Unexpectedly, the first time he became the center of public opinion was such a scandal.
Early in the morning, Qi Han and her husband went to Changle House to drink tea.
They specially asked for a private seat, which not only blocked the sight of outsiders, but also allowed them to clearly hear all the comments in the lobby.
"It's really unreasonable. The King of Jin is out on the battlefield, going through life and death, and these villains are actually behind the scenes! When the military supplies go wrong, it is the soldiers on the front line who are harmed! They did not die in the hands of the enemy, but were killed by themselves.
Is there any justice?"
"Hey, there's no need to be so excited. Although the incident happened, wasn't it resolved later? It's not as serious as this."
"That's because there are many talented people in Prince Jin's sect. If we solve it in time, we can't erase the evil sins of those people."
"This is also true..."
Then the topic turned around.
"Who is this Hong Sima? He dares to do such a thing. He has a lot of backers, right?"
"I heard that my elder was a Qingke of the Xie family. He grew up in the Xie family and went to school with the Xie family's children. Later, when he became successful, he became an official in Qi County."
"In this way, he is half a son of the Xie family."
It's not bad to say that people at that time were born again, especially those like Hong Qing who had been attached to the Xie family since the previous generation. They would never be able to escape from the relationship in this life.
"Humph, there is a war on the front line. He only cares about his own interests and takes advantage of the court behind his back. How is he different from Shuo Shu? To teach such a person, the Xie family has lost its way!"
There were more radical people who said: "You don't have to beat around the bush. Without Mr. Xie's instructions, would Hong Sima dare to do such a thing? It's not that Mr. Xie has lost his way in the family, it's just the instructions from above!"
"Hey...you said that..."
"What are you afraid of? Someone has done it, but we can't say it? Your Majesty's edict allows us to talk about it, why should we cover our mouths for a mere military supply?"
"Yes, we need to find out whether the prince did this or not. The king of Jin fought hard, how could he stab his brother in the back? The world has not yet been unified, so it is too early to kill the donkey?"
"I think I'm afraid. When Jiang Zemin died, King Jin made great contributions. In comparison..."
"If he has the ability, he will go to war! King Jin narrowly escaped death on the front line, how can he have the dignity to enjoy the blessings in the rear?"
"That's the advantage of being born early, otherwise..."
In the private seats, Qi Han and Du Ming listened with solemn expressions.
Seeing that the sun was getting higher and the people drinking morning tea in the building slowly dispersed, Qi Han winked and the couple got up and left the teahouse.
The two of them returned to the mansion in silence, and Qi Han just spoke: "Something's wrong. Why is the public opinion so extreme? It seems like they want to directly accuse the prince."
Du Ming nodded: "Based on the relationship between Hong Qing and Xie, it's not surprising for others to make this association, but he is the prince after all..."
The brothers in the Tian family are not getting along, and some are talking privately. It is a bit abnormal to be so unscrupulous in public - Your Majesty does not condemn with words, but also depends on what happened, openly criticizing the prince, aren't you afraid of death?
"Then I should go into the palace and tell the princess?"
Du Ming shook his head: "Ask someone to pass the message, don't go there in person. Everyone knows that you are the princess's confidant, and it would be too conspicuous to enter the palace now."
Qi Han thought about it and said, "Then I will continue to investigate that matter."
Du Ming nodded, and couldn't help but worry in his heart: "The princess is about to give birth, but it is an eventful time. I only hope that the princess will give birth smoothly and your highness will return safely."
…
Xu Yin was eating snacks when he received the message.
She nodded, indicating that she understood.
After the others left, Xiao Man asked: "Princess, didn't the Duke of the Kingdom say that we won't get involved? Why..."
Xu Yin looked at her and joked: "Hey, Xiaoman realized something was wrong too?"
"I'm not a fool!" Xiao Mandu said, "These words are all directed at the prince. No matter how you think about it, they are wrong."
Xu Yin laughed and said: "Don't worry, this is just an outpost, I think the method has not been revealed yet!"
Xiao Sang echoed: "I once heard someone say that there is a saying called "shaking the baggage". First, the baggage is tied up layer by layer and let the guests' thoughts follow. When it is all laid out, it is shaken out at once, and then the whole room bursts into laughter.
Effect."
Xu Yin praised: "What you said is very true. To pack such a powerful medicine into a bag shows that the plan is not trivial."
Sure enough, amid rumors, the next day came the news that the prince was kneeling in front of the Mingguang Hall to plead guilty.
All the courtiers saw this with their own eyes, and those with connections would naturally be able to find out about it.
Then the prince entered the Mingguang Palace and stayed there for most of the day. Outsiders don't know what happened, but it is said that the prince fell ill after returning to the East Palace.
At this time, another voice came up.
"The prince and the King of Jin have always been brothers, so it is unlikely that they would do such a thing, right? Furthermore, the prince was born with a weak body and a meek temper. He has never heard of any bad deeds in the past."
"Actually, the crown prince's contribution is not small. Your Majesty and the King of Jin are fighting outside, and everything inside depends on the crown prince's single-handed control. Do you think it is easy to preside over the government and ensure military supplies?"
"Yes, and there is no evidence. We have to look again."
"I heard that Mr. Xie also sent someone here. He knelt at the palace gate for a long time and even defended himself."
"Hey, don't you think this is too obvious? The prince also has many capable people, why would he use Hong Qing, who is closely related to the Xie family?"
The matter involved the prince, and Dali Temple investigated quickly, and the news was released within a few days. Hong Qing had already confessed, and the so-called fire was caused by him misappropriating military supplies. The reason was that his son had gambled excessively and misappropriated public funds to fill the hole.
He originally planned to borrow a sum of money from his old owner to cover it later, but he was suddenly investigated and made a hasty decision.
Mr. Hong's IOU and witnesses were all available, including the whereabouts of the money. There was no doubt about the matter, and Dali Temple quickly issued a verdict.
After the announcement was posted, the trend finally changed.
"It turns out that it was Hong Sima's own problem. The prince cannot be blamed for this."
"Yes, the prince has never been to Qi County. Even if he is a member of the Xie family, he cannot fully recognize it, right? So what does Hong Qing's matter have to do with him?"
"What an unforeseen disaster. I knelt down for a long time and fell ill."
"Yeah, I've been sick for several days, it's been a lot of suffering..."
In the palace, Xu Yin got the news, rubbed his belly and said with a smile: "So this is the purpose. Also, if we don't make such a fuss, who will remember that there is a His Highness in the East Palace?"
Xiao Man asked in confusion: "Is that it? What's the use of it?"
"It's not over yet!" Xu Yindan said calmly, "Keep watching, the killer move comes from behind."
Within a few days, a piece of news secretly spread.
In fact, someone deliberately targeted the prince.