Prince Zhongshun's Mansion, in the evening, the golden sunset shines on the courtyard with carved beams and painted pillars and cornices and brackets. After the rain, the glazed tiles are as smooth as a mirror, and you can recognize people's silhouettes. A few swallows that have returned early, holding spring mud in their mouths, fly by in pairs.
The ridge of the roof lingers under the eaves, as if looking for a place to build a nest.
Today, the sky is clear and the spring scenery is bright. However, as far as Prince Zhongshun is concerned, there is no joy of rain over sunny weather. On the contrary, there is a melancholy atmosphere of heavy rain.
Because at noon, the imperial edict deposing Prince Zhongshun as a commoner was issued by the cabinet and countersigned by the Sixth Section, and was sent to Prince Zhongshun's palace. It was like a thunderbolt from the blue that struck Prince Zhongshun's palace in a daze.
In the flower hall, there are many figures, surrounded by pearls and emerald green, and birds and birds gather in the hall.
Several concubines of King Zhongshun, Concubine Wu, Concubine Zhang, Concubine Yang and others were sitting together in the hall, looking anxious and confused.
"Can we see the prince?"
Concubine Wu stood up from her seat and asked urgently the young prince Chen Rui who was returning from the outside.
It turned out that Chen Rui went through the backyard, climbed over the wall through a remote path rarely known to anyone, and went to find out the news.
Chen Rui sighed and said: "Mother, I haven't seen anyone. I just heard that my father has been taken to Neichangchang Prison and will be taken to Gongling tomorrow."
When Concubine Wu heard this, her face turned pale. She couldn't help but take a few steps back, sighed, and said, "What can I do?"
Concubine Zhang, Concubine Yang and others also looked sad and sighed.
"Have you sent a letter to Sichuan?" Concubine Wu asked again.
Chen Rui said: "I have already sent a letter to my brother, but Chengdu is far away. I'm afraid it will be a month or two before my brother receives the letter."
Concubine Yang frowned and said anxiously: "Sister, the prince is old. How can his body withstand such heavy work in Gongling?"
"Sister, why don't you go into the palace and ask for help from the Queen Mother and the Empress?" Concubine Zhang said as a light flashed in her heart.
Concubine Wu shook her head and sighed: "The palace is very angry right now. Besides, there are people from Jinyi Mansion outside now. Access is restricted and it is difficult to go out."
Chen Rui can still climb over the wall. How can they, a generation of female prostitutes, climb over the wall?
To be honest, when we arrived in front of the palace gate, the empress and empress dowager were probably missing.
Concubine Yang, with her jade-like face covered with frost, said in a soft voice filled with urgency: "Then what should we do? Do we just have to watch the prince being banished to Gongling?"
Concubine Wu looked gloomy and said: "Now that things have happened, the imperial edict has been issued both at home and abroad. It is a foregone conclusion that the prince will be deposed as a commoner. I can only think of ways to beg for favor and continue the loyal and obedient lineage."
As soon as these words came out, Concubine Zhang and Concubine Yang's expressions changed slightly, and various thoughts could not help but surge up in their hearts.
For example, after being married for many years, one still has undying feelings for King Zhongshun. In fact, that is not the case. It is just the worry that the eggs will not be left intact if the nest is overturned.
A new question is on the table. Will the succession of my son's title be affected?
At this moment, through the bead curtain, Wei Lan looked at the few people coldly, his eyes flashing with coldness, then he put down the curtain and went to look for Qi Guan'er.
Compared with Chen Rui who was just a tool to take revenge on King Zhongshun, Wei Lan found that Qi Guan'er seemed a little different from ordinary men.
Just when all the female relatives of Prince Zhongshun had different thoughts and were worried about the "way out", suddenly, a steward came from outside the hall and said hurriedly: "Your Majesty, it's not good, people from Jinyi Mansion broke in again.
"
People from the Jinyi Mansion came in once when Jia Heng led people to collect evidence. Then, in compliance with the order given by Jia Heng, the Jinyi Colonel closely monitored and guarded the Zhongshun Prince's Mansion and was not allowed to enter the courtyard at will to offend.
"What are they doing here again?" Chen Rui said angrily with a gloomy face.
Concubine Wu raised her eyes and looked out at the courtyard, vaguely guessing something.
However, Concubine Zhang broke the news and said in a trembling voice: "Could it be that they are here to ransack the house?"
Search your home?
A biting cold wind suddenly blew through the hall, making everyone shiver.
Before he could think about it carefully, with a burst of shouting, in the courtyard, a large number of captains wearing flying fish suits and embroidered spring knives came surrounded by a young man in python suit. It was the young man who made everyone in Zhongshun Prince's palace hate him and gnash their teeth.
face.
Jia Heng!
Chen Rui stared at him angrily, wishing he could eat him alive.
Concubine Yang's graceful and beautiful face with the temperament of the misty Jiangnan was also filled with shock and anger. This woman who was born in the Wu region looked at Jia Heng and others who entered the hall, and Wu Nong's soft words, which were originally sweet and sweet, were filled with a bit of emotion.
Trembling, he asked: "What...what are you doing here again?"
Jia Heng said in a deep voice: "According to the order of the Holy One, the family assets of the imperial mausoleum corruption case must be seized and audited to make up for the shortfall. Now the Jinyi Mansion has seized the Ministry of Industry, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and other relevant officials. After interrogation, the Ministry of Industry
, the Ministry of Internal Affairs embezzled at least more than 6 million taels of silver for repairing the mausoleum in more than ten years, and Prince Zhongshun shared at least more than 4 million taels of stolen goods."
"This..." The people present couldn't help but feel awe-inspiring after hearing this.
It’s really a copycat!
Concubine Wu was so angry that her body was trembling, and she scolded: "Jia Ziyu, this is the palace of the prince. Even if the house is confiscated, there are directors of the clan palace and the internal affairs palace. Don't bully others too much!"
Jia Heng looked indifferent and said in a deep voice: "What Concubine Wu said is wrong. This is the Holy Sage's command. We are ordered to run errands, how can we deceive others? Besides, King Zhongshun has been deposed as a commoner, and this is not the palace!"
"Come here, seize the treasury, count the silver, silk, antiques, calligraphy and paintings and other property, and register them in a book for inspection!" Ignoring the horrified and frightened female family members of the Zhongshun Prince, Jia Heng shouted,
He ordered the guards in brocade clothes behind him.
"Yes, sir!"
Immediately, a group of captains in golden uniforms responded to the order loudly, uniformly inside and outside. The sound shook the roof tiles, and made the three concubines and other female family members in the hall choke back their quarreling words on their lips.
He watched as a group of captains in golden uniforms dispersed to search their belongings.
Chen Rui was furious, his eyes were bloodshot, and he said angrily: "Jia Heng, I will fight with you!"
However, before he could get close to Jia Heng, he saw two large-bodied, round-waisted and indifferent-looking captains in front of him, blocking his way and knocking him to the ground.
Jia Heng looked coldly at Concubine Wu, who was pale in beauty, and asked: "Concubine Wu, is Chen Rui going to disobey the order and attack and kill the imperial envoy?"
Concubine Wu's face changed suddenly and she argued hurriedly: "No, Rui'er was just reckless for a moment and did not intend to resist the order."
The other Concubines Zhang and Yang all had a look of fear on their faces.
It was only at this moment that these ladies who were pampering themselves in the backyard realized that with the fall of King Zhongshun, they no longer had the confidence to challenge and resist when faced with the questioning of a governor in imperial robes.
Jia Heng sat on a chair nearby and said: "Concubine Wu, I don't have to worry about this time, but I will never tolerate you if you resist the Holy Will again!"
Following this, a group of military officers in royal robes began to blockade and search the Zhongshun Palace. The entire female family members of the Zhongshun Palace were also driven into several houses in the backyard and were not allowed to move rashly.
As time passed, the royal family's property was concentrated in the treasury and several courtyards. Liu Jixian, a member of a thousand households in brocade robes, came in and reported: "Sir, all the silk, silk, and current silver in the treasury have been sealed and are being registered.
"
Jia Heng said in a deep voice: "Keep a tight watch until people from the Ministry of Internal Affairs come to take stock."
Liu Jixian clasped his fists and responded to the order.
Jia Heng turned to look at Concubine Wu and others, and said: "Concubine Wu, Prince Zhongshun has been in charge of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for many years, and he is still greedy and ignorant of the ordinary people in the House of Internal Affairs. When the Ministry of Internal Affairs completes the audit of the relevant shortfalls, how much is missing will be required by Prince Zhongshun."
No matter how much you make up, Concubine Wu can rest assured that the palace was originally built by the Ministry of Revenue. Without an imperial edict, it will not be taken away, and the concubine and her family will not be left sleeping on the streets without food and clothing."
Although King Zhongshun was deposed as a commoner, he was the emperor's brother after all, so it was impossible to take over the mansion and let all of King Zhongshun's family members roam the streets, damaging the dignity of the Tian family.
At this moment, except for General Chen Rui who looked at him angrily, Concubine Wu and others all looked at Jia Heng with horrified expressions after hearing this. They were shocked beyond words.
Seeing all the female relatives of Prince Zhongshun who were as frightened as quails, Jia Heng lost interest. He stood up and told Liu Jixian to handle the rest of the matter properly, and was about to leave for Jinyi Mansion.
However, at this moment, a palace guard from outside reported: "Master Governor, the eldest princess of Jinyang has come to the front hall of the mansion and said she is here to receive the account books."
When Jia Heng heard this, his expression was startled.
He thought to himself, Jinyang didn't come too slowly, but he just sent his subordinates, so why come here in person?
Well, maybe it's the same as him.
When Concubine Wu heard that the eldest princess Jinyang had arrived, she was undoubtedly shocked, and her eyes once again had a look of hope.
Concubine Yang said anxiously: "I want to see the eldest princess."
Jia Heng glanced at Concubine Yang and others, and said in a cold voice: "Concubine Yang, please be patient for a moment. Her Royal Highness, the eldest princess, will come here right away. If you have anything to say later."
Not long after, the eldest princess of Jinyang, accompanied by the female officials Xishuang, Lianxue and other female officials, entered the hall, followed not far away by Yuan Chun, a female official wearing a robe of praise.
The eldest princess of Jinyang wears a red pleated skirt and a light blue cloak. Her temples are pulled high, her hair is delicately swayed in a golden bun, her face is as jade as snow, her pearls are as beautiful as pearls, and her eyebrows are as green as moths.
The beautiful eyes passed by several people, and finally landed on Jia Heng's face, asking: "Why is Governor Jia here too?"
Jia Heng came closer, cupped his hands and said, "I have met with Your Highness. I have been ordered by the Holy One to seize the family assets of the imperial convicts related to the corruption case involving the imperial mausoleum. They have been sealed up in the treasury of Prince Zhongshun for inventory by the Ministry of Internal Affairs."
At this moment, the young man clasped his fists in his hands and held a very respectful salute. The emerald button in the center of the wingless crown was slightly tilted. The black string that bound the crown was extended from both sides of the cheeks and tied under the chin. The collar of the round-necked python robe was
, the snow-white body is spotless, the sharp eyebrows are clear, and the voice is solemn.
When this scene fell in the eyes of Yuan Chun behind him, Liu Ye's thin eyebrows raised, and a layer of shame and anger appeared in his beautiful eyes.
She secretly thought that these two people looked alike and pretended to be alike. She had clearly seen Hengdi letting His Highness pout that day...
Well, at this time, what did she do when she suddenly remembered this?
The eldest princess of Jinyang looked at the young man, and there was something strange in her heart. Her jade face was as cold as frost jade, and she said: "Commander Jia is still alive. He is actually doing errands for the emperor brother."
At this time, Concubine Wu approached, her eyes could not be separated from the eldest princess of Jinyang, and she called out with urgency: "Sister Jinyang, Jinyi searched the palace and sealed the treasury wantonly. Is this the Holy Father's order?"
The eldest princess of Jinyang frowned her beautiful eyebrows, turned a rich peach-colored Li Yurong, looked at Concubine Wu, and said: "Sister-in-law, we are all under the orders of the emperor, and now we have someone check the account books of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
, I found that Brother Zhongshun has been greedy and misappropriated money from the internal funds in recent years. The provinces pay tribute to the treasures and utensils in the palace. If there is a share in the palace, Brother Zhongshun also has a share. I heard that Brother Wang is in Xishan
Xiaoluyuan, which is about to be completed... is a gathering of skilled craftsmen from the south of the Yangtze River. It is extremely luxurious and luxurious. Brother Zhongshun is so extravagant and greedy to amass money. The emperor can still tolerate it, but he should not do it.
Tampering with the emperor’s mausoleum!”
At this point, his face paused and he said in a clear voice: "Sister-in-law is a sensible person. The emperor's brother has been worrying about the treasury all day long. The loyal and obedient brother is so ignorant. Not only does the father and the emperor
Brother, I am disappointed. I am afraid that when the people of the world hear this, they will also be disappointed with the Heavenly Family."
After saying this, even Jia Heng took a peek at Princess Jinyang.
Although Li'er is as greedy as a wolf and a tiger, she is not a lustful nymphomaniac, and her knowledge is not comparable to that of ordinary women.
The reason why he was favored in the first place was... because of his talent.
If the Tian family cannot lead by example, and the son has no sense of loyalty and filial piety when building his father's tomb, and is greedy and embezzling, what should the people of the world think?
This is the case, what goes up is effective, and people's hearts are in confusion!
After hearing this, Concubine Wu's expression changed, and she sighed and said: "Sister Jinyang, the prince has always been strong and always speaks the truth. Even if we women in the inner house try to persuade us, we can't do it. Sister Jinyang, I don't know what's going on in the palace."
, what does the emperor stand for? Have you calmed down?"
As Concubine Wu was the first concubine to visit King Zhongshun, she called the Supreme Emperor "Father", so she naturally followed the etiquette.
The eldest princess of Jinyang sighed: "My father was so angry this time that he fainted. Most of the cases were handled by my father. It turned out that the emperor wanted to be given a lighter sentence, but this was all because of the emperor's actions."
On the mausoleum, sister-in-law, your loyal and obedient brother is really too much."
When Concubine Wu heard this, she was also a little absent-minded, her eyes were reddish, and she was secretly resentful.
How could the prince be so confused by tampering with the imperial mausoleum?
The eldest princess of Jinyang advised: "Sister-in-law, okay, wait two more years, wait until the emperor brother and father are relieved, then think of ways to ask for grace, and enjoy your old age in peace, but you can't harbor resentment, now you still have to use the Ministry of Internal Affairs' deficit
It has been filled up, and at least in the eyes of the emperor's brother and father, it can be regarded as sincere repentance, what do you think, sister-in-law?"
Gongling Mausoleum must be rebuilt, and it will eventually be funded from the stolen money from these prisoners, otherwise the state treasury will have no money.
Concubine Wu looked sad, her eyes were red, and she said "yes" and agreed.
Jia Heng watched this scene quietly, looked at the eldest princess of Jinyang, and thought to himself, it was you who hurt you at first, now you are the one comforting her with gentle words?
Of course, if the family members of King Zhongshun cooperated, the inspection would undoubtedly be smoother. For example, the property hidden by King Zhongshun may not have been recorded at all, or even transferred to the names of others. These property clues can be provided by people in Prince Zhongshun's palace.
Don't miss a lot.
After the eldest princess of Jinyang calmed down the female relatives of Prince Zhongshun, she turned to look at Jia Heng, waved her hand and said, "Dudu Jia."
"Your Highness." Jia Heng said, cupping his hands.
This Li'er looks like she's still in high spirits?
"The family assets of Prince Zhongshun have been carefully audited, but you must not be rude to the palace, and you must not disturb the female family members. The imperial brother has not ordered a confinement. In addition to protecting some family members, normal access to the palace should be allowed, and they should be gradually released in the future.
"The eldest princess of Jinyang said with a cold voice and a serious look.
As soon as these words were spoken, Concubine Wu, Concubine Yang and others behind her showed gratitude and secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
Concubine Wu looked at the beauty and even felt a sense of guilt. The prince had made things difficult for Jinyang back then, and she didn't want her to retaliate with kindness today.
Jia Heng said: "Since Wei Chen came here personally to seal it, he was on guard against such things. Now that the princess is here to take charge, Wei Chen can feel relieved."
The eldest princess of Jinyang nodded, then turned her beautiful eyes to Concubine Wu, and asked: "Sister-in-law, where is the treasury? Let me bring the accountant later to do an inventory. How much is the deficit?
By writing off the account, I can make up for the shortfall as soon as possible."
At this time, Concubine Wu told the eldest princess of Jinyang that she also wanted to fill the deficit of the Ministry of Internal Affairs as soon as possible so that King Zhongshun could atone for his sins as soon as possible. She quickly said: "Sister Jinyang, follow me."
With that said, he led Princess Jinyang to the treasury.
Jia Heng looked at this scene and secretly shook his head.
This is just like ordinary people, if a relative is in jail, if someone says there is a way inside and can get the person out, it is actually just a lie.
However, Jinyang did not lie. The shortfall would be made up earlier, and there would be time to ask for grace in the future. After all, in the original work, the Jia family finally returned some houses.
After dispelling some of the absurd feelings in his heart, Jia Heng sat in the flower hall, drinking tea and waiting.
After King Zhongshun inspected it, he needed to plan the affairs of the Ministry of Industry.
The two ministers of the Ministry of Industry are currently vacant, and there is also the Ministry of Hubu. Today, Jinyi Mansion has sent a letter to Yangzhou to arrest Liang Yuan, the minister of the Ministry of Hubu.
The court meeting the day after tomorrow will inevitably discuss this case.
Like this, until night falls and the lanterns are first turned on, the main gate of Prince Zhongshun's palace, the Yimen, the front hall and the backyard are all lit with lanterns, the lights are brilliant and bright.
Carloads of gold, silver, and goods were also loaded into carriages at night and sent to the treasury of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, while the deficient accounts were also quickly written off.
Although King Zhongshun has enjoyed himself excessively in these years, he also has a lot of gold, silver, jewels, land deeds and house deeds, shops and villages. Judging from the current wealth, he has gained a lot, and it is impossible to say that there is still a surplus.
"Your Highness, it's almost evening. You might as well come here today and do the inventory tomorrow." Jia Heng entered the hall and asked Princess Jinyang who was sitting at a small table talking to Concubine Wu and watching the accounting books.
.
Princess Jinyang raised her eyes to look at the sky and said softly: "Yes, it looks like it's getting dark now, so it's time to have dinner."
As he said that, his eyes moved, he looked at Concubine Wu, and asked softly: "Sister-in-law, how about we come here today?"
Concubine Wu sighed and said hurriedly: "Sister Jinyang, if you can make up for the shortcomings earlier, you will feel at ease. If you are tired, sister Jinyang, you can go back first and leave a trustworthy person to check."
"That's fine." The eldest princess of Jinyang nodded and said to the female official Xishuang on the side: "You stay here and watch, I will go back first."
"Yes, Your Highness." Xishuang saluted and responded.
The eldest princess of Jinyang stood up and led a group of female officials out of Prince Zhongshun's mansion.
Jia Heng also handed over the errand to Liu Jixian, and then escorted Princess Jinyang back.