It's a September morning and the sun is shining brightly.
Early in the morning, the streets of Beijing were already crowded with people.
Xia Tiannong, Tian Zhuang and other officials were escorted by soldiers and gradually walked towards the execution ground outside the Meridian Gate of Beijing.
"Beat Xia Tiannong to death, beat Xia Tiannong to death. It was Xia Tiannong who protected the wealthy thugs and blocked the way to appeal, causing my family to be destroyed. My poor wife did not want to be arrested and committed suicide violently. Martyrdom, God has eyes, Xia Tiannong, a dog official, finally got the punishment he deserved."
"Tian Zhuang, you son of a bitch, I didn't expect you to be where you are today. Back then, under the protection of the thief Xia Tiannong, you were so arrogant and domineering, robbing women everywhere. I didn't expect it, I didn't expect things to change like this. Quick, hahaha... retribution comes so quickly, so good, so good."
"Execute Xia Tiannong, execute Tian Zhuang,."
"Execute Xia Tiannong, execute Tian Zhuang,."
…
On both sides of the streets, countless people shouted loudly, with happy faces on their faces. They rushed to tell each other, conveying the news that Xia Tiannong, Tian Zhuang and other major officials in Beijing were about to be executed.
Crack, crackle,.
At the same time, the sound of firecrackers was heard on both sides of the street.
If there were not soldiers on both sides of the street to clear the way and protect Xia Tiannong and the criminal officials, the excited people would have rushed in front of Xia Tiannong and beat him up.
In the middle of the street, Xia Tiannong's hands were tied behind his back, and the three characters "Xia Tiannong" were hung on his chest.
His hair was disheveled and his face was haggard. His wrinkled face had already become familiar with the old tree bark. His eyelids were lowered and he lowered his head as he advanced surrounded by soldiers. Last night, Xia Tiannong had already received the news that he was about to be executed from Zhao Liewen. When he heard The moment he arrived, Xia Tiannong still had a survival mentality in his heart and wanted to beg Zhao Liewen for leniency. No matter what, as long as he could save his life.
Unfortunately, Zhao Liewen said that Li Zhen issued an order for severe punishment.
With Li Zhen's words, Xia Tiannong was in despair. Xia Tiannong was also a shrewd person. After a little thought, he realized that he had become a leader and was set up as a model.
Obviously, he must die.
"Dean Zhao, I have been corrupt and harmed the people. I also acted as a protective umbrella for the drunkards. I only tried to take down the mayor of Beijing in a crooked way. I committed a heinous crime. I am willing to die. However, at the beginning of the founding of the country, I also actively worked for the country. I have made contributions to the country through my stabilizing efforts. To this end, I have a request. After my death, I ask the President and Dean Zhao to take care of my four sons on my behalf, so that the Xia family will not be cut off from my lineage. , This is my only request, please help Dean Zhao to clarify that I have committed a crime, but the child is innocent."
"I can make the decision regarding your children. You were once a hero of the country and made contributions to the country. After your death, the country will distribute a certain amount of money every month to ensure that your four sons grow up safely."
"It is enough to ensure that my four sons survive. I have nothing to say to use me as a model of corrupt officials to ensure the long-term stability of the country and to guard against officials across the country falling into corruption."
"Don't worry, the country will protect your children. This is the only thing I can do."
"In the early years of my life, I have been a slave of the Manchu Qing Dynasty. Later, when the president overthrew the Manchu Qing Dynasty and established the country, I stopped being a slave. Instead, I treated the people as slaves, which led to today's results. Alas, things have developed so far. …”
Xia Tiannong was thinking blankly as he walked.
The conversation from last night appeared in his mind. He walked forward slowly like a zombie, and murmured to himself: "Son, you must live well. Dad is sorry for you."
It is true that Zhao Liewen promised to let Xia Tiannong's four sons grow up, but Xia Tiannong, as a negative example, as the deputy mayor of Beijing who was blocked after the founding of the People's Republic of China, is definitely the first case, and this matter was publicized overwhelmingly. Later, Xia Tiannong's son was inevitably affected.
In addition, Xia Tiannong, as the first deputy mayor to be publicly executed, has foreseen that he will not leave his name in history, but will be infamous for thousands of years. The first high-ranking Beijing official to be dismissed was Xia Tiannong.
Tian Zhuang followed Xia Tiannong, feeling chilled in his heart.
For a moment, he felt extremely regretful.
He had already confessed everything, but he was still sentenced to death. This made Tian Zhuang feel extremely uncomfortable. He hated Xia Tiannong for being useless, and also hated the people below for being ignorant and going to arrest Li Zhen's woman. , but even if it is regret, Tian Zhuang has no regret medicine and can only swallow the bitter pill.
"I don't want to die."
Tian Zhuang roared unwillingly in his heart, and there was still despair on his haggard face.
No one wants to die.
But the done deal is irreversible.
Behind Tian Zhuang, there were a series of officials and some dissatisfied leaders who were slowly advancing. These people were all pulled out and shot. It was this lineup that made the celebrating people's hearts towards the government and towards Li. Zhen is more trusting.
As far as the country is concerned, there is definitely more than one corrupt official like Xia Tiannong. There must be other officials, even many, many. It is just that Xia Tiannong was caught as a model, but for the simple and kind people , after they suffered great harm and saw these officials being punished, they were still willing to believe in Li Zhen and the government.
The team gradually advanced and arrived at the execution ground outside the Meridian Gate. All prisoners were asked to stand with their backs to the soldiers who fired, and the soldiers with guns immediately took their positions. At this time, Zhao Liewen, the president of the Supreme Court, followed. Read the trial in person and summarize the crimes of Xia Tiannong and Tian Zhuang, as well as the crimes committed by the officials who were dragged into the trap by Xia Tiannong.
It took more than half an hour for a series of crimes to be read out. Every official who was mentioned had a pale face with endless regret on his face. When the people listened to Zhao Liewen's sentence, they were even more disappointed with Xia Tiannong and others. I hate it to the core of my being.
Such officials should be killed. The government is good.
The people cheered in their hearts and had suppressed the hurt in their hearts.
"Prepare."
After Zhao Liewen finished reading, he shouted.
"Crack, click,."
The soldier who executed the execution held a gun in his hand, loaded the bullets, and was all ready.
"shot."
"Pah, pah, pah,,."
A series of gunshots were heard, and Xia Tiannong, Tian Zhuang, Tian Wei and others all fell down. Every soldier who executed the execution was a person with superb marksmanship. After a bullet flew out, he was immediately shot in the head. , will not fire the second shot. After the first batch of people who were shot were killed, the second batch started again, and batches of officials fell on the execution ground.
On this day, blood flowed into a river outside the Meridian Gate.
On this day, countless people clapped their hands and celebrated.
On this day, officials of all sizes in Beijing were frightened. It can be predicted that when this trend spreads outside, it will cause huge official turmoil. Countless officials will be frightened and will not dare to cross the line at will.
…
At the Presidential Palace, Zhao Liewen reported the news to Li Zhen face to face.
After listening to this, Li Zhen pondered for a while, and then said slowly: "Xia Tiannong's matter was discovered by me accidentally, but corruption will inevitably breed innumerable. It is necessary to sound the alarm to officials across the country, inform the country, and Let court officials across the country take active action. This is an opportunity for you to start immediately and strengthen your control over the country."
Zhao Liewen nodded and said: "Okay, I understand."
After a pause, Zhao Liewen put forward Xia Tiannong's request before he died.
Li Zhen nodded without any hesitation and said: "This matter is indeed important. You should handle it well and protect the safety of Xia Tiannong's children. Although Xia Tiannong is guilty, his son is innocent, so as to reduce the impact."
"Dong, dong,."
Outside the study, there was a knock on the door.
"Come in." Li Zhen said.
The door opened, and the guard strode in. He saluted respectfully and said: "President, a negotiation team composed of Britain, France, Tsarist Russia and other countries has entered Beijing and gathered together."
"The negotiation team is here."
Li Zhen raised his eyebrows, and a smile appeared in his eyes.
Things in Hong Kong have long come to an end. Commanders and envoys from various countries have been brought to Beijing. Now, various countries have finally reacted. Li Zhen raised the corner of his mouth, thinking that this time he would gain huge benefits from each country and make them feel heartache. .
It's just different when you have a trump card in your hand.
Li Zhen sighed in his heart and said: "Put aside the envoys from various countries for the time being and ignore them."
"yes."
The guard nodded and immediately carried out the order.
Zhao Liewen stood up and left, leaving Li Zhen alone in the study.
…
The British Embassy in Beijing and a negotiation team composed of officials from various countries gathered together to discuss how to get their own officials back from Li Zhen. The failure of the Hong Kong War, whether it was the United Kingdom, France or the United States, all suffered huge consequences. He was seriously injured, so they rushed to find Li Zhen.
The man sent by the Queen of England is named Henry Temple. He is over seventy years old, with gray hair and an old face, but his eyes are clear and deep, and he is energetic. He is the current Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and has a prominent position. This man has served in the British royal family for many years. For more than 50 years, he has served as Foreign Secretary, Military Affairs Secretary, Home Secretary, Prime Minister and other positions. He has served as the British Prime Minister twice and has strong qualifications.
The United States sent Secretary of State Seward. This old guy had dealt with Li Zhen many times and was very familiar with Li Zhen.
The man sent by France was named Philip Napoleon Bonaparte. He was a member of the Napoleonic royal family of France. He came to China this time and was entrusted by Napoleon III to take Frankfort, Russell and others back.
The person sent by Russia was Li Zhen's old rival, the former governor of Eastern Siberia Muravyov. Initially, Muravyov was defeated by Li Zhen in Vladivostok and then returned to Petersburg. Although Muravyov failed , but this does not mean that Muravyov is a complete waste. On the contrary, the tsar did not alienate Muravyov, but instead valued him more and more.
In addition, important ministers from Italy, the Austro-Hungarian Empire and other countries came.
Countries have formed negotiating groups and want to bring everyone back at the lowest cost.
Henry Temple glanced at the people present and said with a smile: "Everyone, we are all here with a heavy responsibility this time. The matter is important and there is no room for failure. For this reason, I call on everyone to cooperate sincerely and not to undermine each other."
ps: When I go home at night, there is only one more bird, so I call it a day;