first minister

The Royal Palace, in a courtyard to the west.

Emperor Dongfang Bai of Great Xia opened the door and walked in under the personal protection of Jin Zhong and Shang Zhicheng.

In the yard, a boy who was much bigger than Dongfang Bai was playing with some wooden knives and sticks with some small yellow doorknobs. When he saw Dongfang Bai come in, people in the yard immediately knelt on the ground. Only the boy stood proudly, silently. Don't look away.

Confinement has also worn away his arrogance and arrogance. For example, at first, he would curse, and later he would spit, and then at least he would snort.

Today, there is just silence.

Dongfang Bai walked to the stone table in the yard, and Jin Zhong quickly swept the stone bench clean with his sleeves.

Dongfang Bai sat down and took out a map from his arms, "Seventh brother, choose a place."

The unfolded paper has a topographic map of the entire Zhongjing City. As long as Dongfang Tai chooses a place, Dongfang Bai will give him a mansion with people to raise him, playmates, maids, money, etc. , this is Dongfang Bai’s promise to him.

But this statement has been made for two days in a row, and Dongfangtai has never appreciated it, and this third time is no exception.

He still turned his head and looked at the sky without saying a word.

"Seventh brother, why bother! You are of the Dongfang family. Your mother and concubine and the British male line should not be a burden to you. What's more, Lu Rusong participated in the murder of his father and was treasonous. Your mother and concubine flattered the prince and secretly Tongqu, filthy palace, these should be the reasons for you to abandon them, not the reasons for you to punish yourself and fight against me."

Maybe it was the word "I" that irritated Dongfang Tai, or maybe it was the disrespect for his mother, concubine and mother clan in his words that made Dongfang Tai lose his guard. He turned his head angrily and glared fiercely at the man he had once ridden. The fat and beaten "little brother" underneath.

Dongfang Bai slowly put away the map and put it in his arms, "I will come again tomorrow for the last time. You should think carefully about it."

Walking to the door, he suddenly stopped and turned to look at Dongfang Tai, "Oh, I forgot to tell you that the traitor Lu Rusong led his troops to attack Sishui Pass. He was defeated and captured. He will be taken back to Zhongjing to be tortured tomorrow."

After saying that, he walked away, leaving Dongfang Tai stunned in place as if struck by lightning, his only hope shattered.
-
Changle Palace welcomed an unusual visitor.

"Sister doesn't come to the Ai family often!"

After finishing some government affairs, Concubine De returned to Changle Palace and met Princess Cheng who had been waiting for a while. She smiled and greeted her gently.

Princess Cheng understood the meaning, stood up quickly, and bowed solemnly, "I have not yet paid my respects to the Queen Mother, congratulations to the Queen Mother!"

Concubine De smiled and helped her up, "Between you and me, sisters, there is no need to be so polite."

After finishing the etiquette, Princess Cheng knew that Concubine De was willing to see her and give her a good face, so she didn't dare to complain, and took the initiative to say: "The Queen Mother Mingjian, today I am seduced by someone, and I am trying to... Fortunately, the Empress Dowager and Her Majesty were wise and did not let him endanger the affairs of the government. After returning home, he was so frightened that he fell ill, so I took the initiative to enter the palace and wanted to explain a few words to the Empress Dowager. , please forgive me."

Concubine De had the same smile on her face, "Oh? And for such things, I thought that as a king, I just wanted to serve the country!"

Princess Cheng waved her hand immediately, "My queen must also know that my husband has always been a carefree prince and has never been greedy for the throne. But now that he is already dozens of years old, I didn't expect that he would be bewitched by Marquis Laiyang. He said that this life is about to pass, but now as the emperor's uncle, the right time, place and people are available, and if you don't have a taste of the feeling of having great power, wouldn't it be a waste of life. He actually believed it! "

Princess Cheng's face turned cold, and she snorted, with a look of hatred on her face, "He doesn't even look in the mirror to see if he is the right one. The water in the court is something that a fool like him can mix with." Is that enough? It’s enough to serve His Majesty, be an elder of the clan, and enjoy the glory and wealth brought to him by being born into the Eastern royal family!"

Laiyang Hou. Concubine De silently wrote down the name and looked at the very knowledgeable Princess Cheng. "Sister, you are serious. This trivial matter is of no importance. As the elder of the clan and a prince, Prince Cheng has already dealt with important matters in the court." It’s my duty to give advice, whether it’s right or wrong, it doesn’t matter.”

Princess Cheng secretly breathed a sigh of relief and then heard Concubine De continue: "But since sister has come to the palace today, the Ai family does have a small matter that they want to trouble sister with."

Princess Cheng sighed in her heart, knowing that the Queen Mother's temperament could not be dismissed with a few words. It was obvious that this was an exchange.

She did it for her, she spared the crime for her.

"Your Majesty, just give orders."

Concubine De said slowly: "I learned the news that Lu Rusong was captured today. I should tell Concubine Shu, but you also know that the Ai family has a lot of discord with her. If the Ai family goes to tell her, I'm afraid it will irritate her. Her fragile temperament has completely collapsed, and she will have a bad reputation as a bully. Sister and she are also old acquaintances, would you be willing to do something for the Ai family? "

Princess Cheng looked at Concubine De's elegant and beautiful face and the smile on her face, and sighed in her heart. A woman in the harem has such a decisive and ruthless nature. With her husband's little ability, she should forget it as soon as possible. !

She stood up without hesitation and said, "I am willing to serve you."

Although the word aura has not been invented yet, many people have such a mysterious feeling in their hearts.

When the princess stood in front of Zhaoyang Palace, she felt the so-called aura in her heart.

According to regulations, Changle Palace and Zhaoyang Palace are the residences of first- and superior-grade concubines;

Concubine De, who was promoted to the Queen Mother, did not make a big move against Changle Palace. Therefore, looking at the furnishings, the two palaces were similar, and Zhaoyang Palace was even more luxurious.

But compared to the prosperity and peace in Changle Palace, Zhaoyang Palace now seems to be shrouded in a low-hanging cloud, and being in it makes people feel depressed and gloomy.

The once dazzling and charming Concubine Shu still stubbornly and stubbornly wears the bright clothes, exquisite makeup, and luxurious hair accessories, but the feeling conveyed by this delicate flower , it is no longer the glory of spring, but the stubbornness of holding on to the frost that is about to fall.

Seeing Princess Cheng as the No.1 who came to visit after the incident, Concubine Shu did not get up rashly, but stared at her with caution and vigilance.

This is her cleverness, she figured out that no one in the palace today dares to come except Concubine De’s permission;
This is also her fragility. If she were still as strong as before, she wouldn't care about the secret behind it.

"Mother, you have lost weight!"

Princess Cheng's first words made Concubine Shu successfully break through her defense, and her eyes immediately turned red.

Princess Cheng took the initiative to step forward, sat next to her, and said softly: "It doesn't matter. Prince Linjiang was just bewitched by that traitor Dongfang Ming. The Queen Mother is kind and kind. From now on, the Queen Mother can also enjoy the rest of her life as the Princess. Not too bad.”

Having been relieved by the heart-warming greeting from before, Concubine Shu stepped back and snorted coldly, "Wang Taifei? That's what I deserve! You don't really think that bitch would be so kind, do you?" "

"Empress!" Princess Cheng was startled and looked around, "You'd better restrain your temper! This person is under the eaves!"

Concubine Shu actually knew it in her heart, but she was even more unwilling to show her weakness and helplessness in front of outsiders. She said with her usual arrogant tone: "What if I become the Queen Mother? My Lu family has been a hairpin for generations, and I am the founder of the country. She has a gold medal to avoid death and everything, but she still dares to risk the disapproval of the world and attack me?"

She snorted, "Let's talk about it! Now that my father is leading elite soldiers outside, and there are nobles and nobles in the court, if she wants to take her son to the throne, how dare she do anything bad to me and Shaoer!"

Princess Cheng nodded, "The Queen Mother's family background is certainly very good. It is said that the power behind the Queen Mother is indeed not strong. If you want to secure your position, it seems that you really need to rely on treating the Queen Mother well."

After saying that, she sighed in her heart, she couldn't help but have a good brother!
Originally, Concubine Shu was just pretending to be stern in front of others, but now that Princess Cheng agreed with her, she felt a bit more real belief, and that arrogant and confident temperament seemed to have quietly returned to her body.

Princess Cheng looked at Concubine Shu and said softly: "Then what will happen if the British public raises troops?"

Concubine Shu smiled proudly, "Sister, wait and see what happens. If it comes to pass, just because you come to see me today, I will never forget this kindness." Princess Cheng sighed, "Empress, today I am concubine I came here because I learned some news and wanted to tell you, but now it seems that it is better not to tell you."

Concubine Shu's expression suddenly changed, "What news! Did they do something to Shao'er?"

"Prince Linjiang is very kind. I heard that he has accepted your majesty's reward and will soon move to a mansion outside the palace to continue serving the Eastern Royal Family."

Princess Cheng took out a note from her sleeve and put it on the table. She looked at Concubine Shu who was completely stunned by her son's choice. "If you want to continue dreaming, don't read it. If you want to know the truth, open it and take a look. Concubine." Say goodbye."

After saying that, she stood up and walked out, leaving Concubine Shu behind who was suddenly pulled out of a tender conversation.

She looked at the note on the table, couldn't wait to grab it, and stopped the moment she opened it.

As the princess walked out of the main entrance of Zhaoyang Palace, a shrill scream suddenly came from behind.

She let out a long sigh, the most ruthless emperor's family, the supreme position, the supreme power, how much ambition, how much blood and tears are buried under the throne.
-
In the central courtyard, everyone had just finished a simple discussion in the meeting hall about summoning state pastors from various states to join the court, and what the crime should be for attaching Lu Rusong to the Hebei gentry. When they were about to leave, Xia Jingyun suddenly said: "Wanxiang , Prime Minister Yang, gentlemen, I have one more thing to do."

Everyone subconsciously straightened their sitting postures and turned to look at him. Wan Wenbi took the initiative and smiled kindly, "Everyone here is a colleague. Gao Yang, there is no need to be polite. Just say it."

Xia Jingyun said: "According to the schedule, Xiao Fengshan and Lu Rusong will be escorted to Zhongjing tonight or tomorrow. How to deal with it? Do we need to get a charter?"

After hearing this, many people were a little confused.

What's the charter for this?
After returning to Beijing, wouldn't it be enough to die with a glass of poisonous wine, or be cut in half?
After all, if their crimes of treason and injustice cannot be proven, the legitimacy of His Majesty's accession to the throne will be in doubt.

Is it possible that as His Majesty's uncle, the direct promoter of this coup, you have any other ideas?
Wei Yuanzhi was now implementing Mang Lao Er's strategy and said directly and domineeringly: "Master Xia, if you have any ideas, just tell me. As long as you are reasonable, who can hold you back?"

Everyone's lips twitched, and Xia Jingyun smiled and said: "Master Wei's words are serious. When discussing matters in the Central Committee, discussion should be the most important thing. Only by pooling our wisdom can we move forward steadily."

Everyone couldn't help but nod, feeling that Xia Jingyun was a young prodigy, but he was extremely gentle and courteous. He was worthy of being the number one scholar who won three prizes in a row.

Wan Wenbi, who had seen through the tricks between them, sighed in his heart and took the initiative to answer the conversation, trying to cheer up his power as prime minister, "Gao Yang has something to say, but there is no harm in saying it. There is no need to be polite in the center."

Xia Jingyun glanced at him calmly, and then said: "According to the wishes of the lower officials, Dongfang Ming, Lu Rusong, Xiao Fengshan and others committed regicide and usurped the throne. The crime of regicide and usurping the throne is extremely heinous. Killing them alone is not enough to anger the people. Now that they are captured alive, it is better to have them tried and sentenced in public. Expose the evil in order to reveal the principles of heaven."

After everyone listened, subconscious objections came out casually, but the lesson in the court today was still very fresh, and for a moment, there was no sound in the meeting hall.

Deputy Prime Minister Yang Weiguang considered it carefully and said: "Master Xia, the death of the king must not be discussed with the people!"

Everyone nodded after hearing this. Your court has been preaching every day that the emperor was born according to the destiny of heaven and nurtured all the people on behalf of heaven. Now you have revealed how he was killed and how others planned it. Isn't this undermining the sanctity of monarchy?
Xia Jingyun nodded and said: "This public trial will not be open to the people, but will be attended by court officials, and it can even be further limited to the fifth or fourth grade. Rather than letting these people think wildly and make half-informed guesses, it is better to directly dissect the truth and publish it. To put things in perspective.”

Everyone understood that Xia Jingyun was trying to put a final seal on the legitimacy of His Majesty's accession to the throne. If they tried to stop him, they might be directly touching the most fundamental interests of His Majesty and the Queen Mother, and they would definitely not be able to get any favors from him.

Therefore, when it came to this, no one objected anymore, and Yang Weiguang immediately said: "Of course I have no objection."

"But Gao Yang, it's good to have a public trial, but how can they plead guilty? If they don't plead guilty, and we force them to plead guilty, won't this add a lot of extra words?"

Wan Wenbi still couldn't let Xia Jingyun establish his prestige in the center at this time, so he asked.

Moreover, this sentence is indeed on the point.

Public trials are naturally good. If the prisoner takes the initiative to plead guilty in full view of the public, everything will naturally be concluded. No matter whether it is the public opinion of the government or the public or the descendants of history, there is nothing to say.

But what if someone doesn’t plead guilty?
If people stubbornly resist, or even say some shocking things, wouldn't this make things worse?
If you regret it then, you might as well kill them earlier, then it will be too late!

What's more, Xiao Fengshan and Lu Rusong are all people who have been in high positions for a long time and have firm minds. Even the prince has survived more than ten years of suppression by the late emperor. It is impossible for these people not to know what it means to plead guilty, even if the evidence is ironclad. , I’m afraid I have to lie about it and deny it firmly.

It would be even harder to get them to plead guilty in court!
Xia Jingyun nodded and said: "Right now I'm just discussing with you all to see if we can deny this matter. I've already drafted a few details on how it will progress, but more consideration is needed."

Wan Wenbi was the first to say: "So, there is no objection to the truth."

The rest of the people also expressed their opinions and unanimously agreed to Xia Jingyun's proposal.

In the afternoon of that day, several edicts were sent out from the center.

One letter was for recruiting state pastors from various states to come to Beijing. The names of the remaining state pastors were listed on it, and the difficult problem was thrown out directly in a domineering and fierce manner;
The other letter is to summon meritorious ministers to the capital to receive titles, and to hold a grand celebration ceremony for them;

As for the last letter, the public opinion in both the government and the public, which had already been noisy due to the first two edicts, instantly boiled.

The court decided that three days later, the regicide rebels Dongfang Ming, Lu Rusong, and Xiao Fengshan would be tried publicly in the court hall.
-
There is no prison for the Forbidden Army, but these days, a group of Forbidden Army soldiers who have the most trust and trust from the leader of the Forbidden Army, Shang Zhicheng, are guarding a side hall of the palace.

Dong Shenghu, Shang Zhicheng's trusted lieutenant, was personally in charge and stayed with him day and night.

Because, in this inconspicuous side hall, the prince of the late emperor's dynasty, the regicide rebel, the emperor in January, and Dongfang Ming were imprisoned.

Wang De led two small Huangmen over with a food box and handed it to Dong Shenghu.

Dong Shenghu took out the food, each took a portion from the plate, put it into an empty bowl, and let one of the little Huangmen eat it.

After waiting for half an hour and seeing that Xiao Huangmen was fine, he personally carried the food box and walked into the hall. He glanced at Dongfang Ming, who was leaning against the wall like a zombie, put the food box in front of him, and turned around to walk out. .

"When Lao Liu became the emperor, he couldn't bear to even take a bite of hot rice?"

Dong Shenghu turned to look at him, "Do you want to die or eat hot food?"

"I am the emperor, I can have whatever I want!"

Dongfang Ming suddenly raised his voice, "If you want to kill me, kill me. If you kill me, you will also be regicides! Do you have the courage?"

He looked at Dong Shenghu, and his smile gradually became crazy, "Are you afraid too? You don't dare to kill, and you don't dare to release, so you can only lock me here, and you don't even dare to let me die, because if I die , you will be in trouble! Hahahaha!"

"You must be very proud now, right? My great head is here, do you dare to move it? If you don't dare to move it, get out of here and call me a banquet. I won't suffer this humiliation!"

"His Royal Highness is so smart, how much understanding does he have of the current situation?"

Just when the prince was smiling proudly, Xia Jingyun stepped in and said a light word that instantly made the prince's smile freeze. (End of chapter)