I served as an admonisher in the Song Dynasty

Chapter 159 Empress Cao VS Zhang Meiren, who is the wife and who is the minister?

Di Qing's establishment of regulations in the market soon spread throughout the Song-Xia border.

The Xixia people were wrong first.

In addition, he was afraid that the Song Dynasty would close down the market, so he did not dare to defend himself.

The Xixia Prime Minister did not hide Pang's fraud and wrote a letter of apology to Fan Zhongyan, solemnly promising that similar fraud would never happen in the future.

Although this matter is not big, its significance is extraordinary.

In the past, the Song Dynasty court was not tough, and the signals it sent out were that peace was the most important thing.

The soldiers and people on the border were afraid of causing war, so they chose to endure many things.

But now the official attitude has become tougher.

Naturally, the backbone of the officers and people of the Song Dynasty became hardened.

The Xixia people also gradually understood that today was different from the past, and they no longer had any qualifications to show off their power in front of the Song people.

The border market has gradually returned to normal.

Although there was friction, neither party wanted to make matters worse.

……

Leap month, 23rd.

As soon as Su Liang arrived at the Yushitai, he heard a huge thing.

Last night, the forbidden soldiers rebelled, broke into Queen Cao's palace, set fire to the house, and killed several maids in an attempt to assassinate Zhao Zhen, Queen Cao, and the prince.

Fortunately, Queen Cao, who was born as a general, remained calm in the face of danger and handled the situation appropriately. She ordered all the palaces to stay behind closed doors, and organized the maids to meet the enemy and fight against the rebels.

Finally, Su Wei's imperial army arrived and killed three rebels. Another rebel was hacked to death near dawn.

There were four mutineers.

They are all close officials of Chongzheng Palace, namely: Yan Xiu, Guo Kui, Wang Sheng and Sun Li.

The fact that such an assassination occurred within the palace confinement was actually due to the failure of the Imperial City Department responsible for the palace garrison.

At the moment, Zhang Mao was ordered to go to Jiangnan.

The person in charge of the Imperial City Department is Yang Jingzong, the cousin of Zhao Zhen's empress, Empress Dowager Yang, a well-connected person who has little ability but is favored by Zhao Zhen.

Among them, Yang Huaimin and Deng Baoji, the deputy capital officials, also seriously neglected their duties.

All three of them rushed to the prison to plead guilty.

But the protagonist last night was not Queen Cao who turned the tide.

But Zhang Meiren.

When Zhang Meiren heard that Zhao Zhen was attacked in Queen Cao's dormitory, she braved the huge fire outside Funing Palace and the risk of being killed by the rebels to come to Zhao Zhen's side.

Zhang Meiren said that she was willing to protect Zhao Zhen with her own body, and she would die in front of Zhao Zhen.

Zhao Zhen was moved to tears and took Meiren Zhang into his arms.

In front of Empress Cao and the young prince, she said: "My beloved concubine came here unexpectedly. She is indeed my favorite."

At that time, Queen Cao's face turned dark, but the two of them did not notice it at all.

……

In Yushitai.

Tang Jie, the imperial censor, Tang Jie, the imperial censor, Fan Zhen, the imperial censor, Xing Lujie, the supervisory censor, and Su Liang were sitting around a tea table.

Fan Zhen, the imperial censor in the palace, couldn't help but sigh: "Zhang Meiren and the official family are truly in love, and they will probably be promoted this time!"

"I guess the first one to be rewarded will be Zhang Yaozuo. He will most likely return to Beijing, and Zhang Meiren's promotion will definitely happen after she gives birth. Regardless of whether she gives birth to a princess or a prince, she will be promoted to a noble concubine." Lu Hui said with a smile.

Su Liang also nodded.

Zhao Zhen had long wanted to promote Zhang Mei as a concubine, but he just lacked a reason.

As for Zhang Yaozuo.

When the harem is promoted, the relatives generally prosper together, and there is a high probability that they will take up a job in Beijing again.

immediately.

Su Liang looked at Tang Jie who had been silent.

"Tang Zhongcheng, if Zhang Yaozuo returns to Beijing and asks for office, should we impeach him?"

As soon as this word comes out.

Fan Zhen and Lu Hui were immediately amused.

Tang Jie was the number one opponent of Zhang Yaozuo's promotion.

If the official gave Zhang Yaozuo a false position, the courtiers actually didn't mind.

However, Zhang Meiren's pillow wind was a little too much. She always wanted Zhang Yaozuo to lead a powerful person, and she had the idea of ​​​​making Zhang Yaozuo the husband-in-law.

Tang Jie was a little dumbfounded and waved his hand.

"No, I'm tired too. As long as the officials don't promote Zhang Yaozuo as prime minister, I won't impeach him any more. Zhang Meiren is about to give birth, so it's useless to impeach her again."

Fan Zhen, Su Liang, and Lu Jie couldn't help but laugh out loud, and Zhongcheng, the censor of the dynasty, couldn't help but bow to the love of the official family.

At this moment, Su Liang also admired this beauty Zhang.

This forbidden assassination had nothing to do with her.

However, she staged a drama of "sacrifice her own life to save others" and turned herself into the protagonist.

This kind of woman is really terrible.

Once it becomes popular, those who offend her will inevitably suffer a devastating blow.

That is to say, Queen Cao is generous.

If he were less ambitious, the current strength and influence of the Cao family would be enough to ruin Zhang Yaozuo's reputation.

There is simply no room for such a "beauty" to be rampant.

at this time.

Jian Yuan Zuo Si Jian He Tan walked over quickly.

"Why do you four still have the leisure to drink tea? Come with me to Chui Gong Hall!"

"Prime Minister Xia wants to hand over the assassination matter to the Ministry of Internal Affairs. He believes that the matter will be spread too widely and will cause panic among the people in Bianjing. Vice Prime Minister Wu wants to order Dali Temple, Kaifeng Mansion and Yushitai to jointly investigate. They are just gang members. They have been quarreling with each other in front of the officials for a long time!"

Tang Jie, Fan Zhen, Su Liang, and Lu Hui all stood up immediately.

Who will judge this matter is completely different in nature.

When the four of them heard this, they knew that Xia Song wanted to show favoritism.

The deputy generals who entered the palace knew that Yang Huaimin and Deng Baoji, two people who had seriously neglected their duties, were both friends with Xia Song.

If Dali Temple, Kaifeng Mansion, and Yushitai were ordered to conduct strict investigations, it would be absolutely impossible for these two people to stay in the palace again.

If the chamberlain were asked to investigate, the result would be different.

……

After a while.

Tang Jie and other Taiwan admonishers rushed to Chui Gong Hall.

In the hall, Chen Zhizhong, Wu Yu, Zhang Fangping, Wen Yanbo, Xia Song, and Ouyang Xiu were all there.

And it was so noisy.

"Officials and veterans are thinking about the overall situation. The rebellion of the military thief Wang Ze has just been put down, and the remnants of the demon party have not been completely eliminated. If this matter spreads, more people will definitely try to sneak into the forbidden area and plot evil. And this matter only When it comes to the harem, it is definitely more convenient for the Ministry of Internal Affairs to investigate than it is for Yushitai, Dali Temple and Kaifeng Mansion to investigate." Xia Song said in a loud voice.

"What do you mean it only involves the harem? The official family is the master of the world, the queen is the mother of the world, and the prince is among them. This matter is related to the stability of our Song Dynasty. There are a few in the Ministry of Internal Affairs who are really good at investigating cases!" Ouyang Xiu said in a deep voice.

"Whether this matter can be investigated does not depend on whether the investigator is good at investigating, but whether it is convenient for the investigation and whether the risk of being banned can be minimized!" Xia Song retorted.

"I'm speechless. I don't believe that anyone will be able to break into the palace in the future. Prime Minister Xia insists on a thorough investigation by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. He doesn't want to do anything for personal gain!" Wu Yu, the political advisor, said loudly.

……

Xia Song, Ouyang Xiu, and Wu Yu were arguing when Tang Jie and five others strode over.

"Okay, okay, stop arguing!" Zhao Zhen said impatiently.

Tang Jie was about to speak.

Zhao Zhen waved his hand and said, "I already know the meaning of Tai's remonstrance, so there is no need to say anything more."

Tang Jie and others naturally supported Ouyang Xiu and Wu Yu.

at this time.

A small yellow door hurried over.

"Guan family, Zhang Meiren is going to Chui Gong Hall soon. She...she claims to sue the queen, and the queen is also coming with her!"

"Nonsense! How can things in the harem reach the front court and let them all go back?"

Zhao Zhen just finished speaking.

A beautiful woman with a graceful figure quickly walked into the Chui Gong Hall.It was Zhang Meiren with a big belly.

If you want to talk, tears will flow first.

Zhang Meiren was sobbing, holding her stomach and loudly shouting: "Guan family, you have to make the decision for me! The queen... the queen... is going to force me to death!"

Zhang Meiren's voice was very charming.

As soon as he finished speaking, Zhao Zhen couldn't help but stand up and said: "Quick, quick, give me a seat!"

At this moment, Queen Cao also arrived outside Chui Gong Hall.

Queen Cao is more familiar with etiquette.

She stood outside the palace gate, waiting for the call.

Chen Zhizhong had a very eye-catching look.

He immediately turned his face and waved his hands to everyone, and then everyone slowly withdrew.

At the door, the ministers and Empress Cao saluted each other.

In this aspect alone, Queen Cao is much better than this beauty Zhang.

"Queen, come in!" Zhao Zhen said.

Immediately, the hall was closed and the door was closed.

There are only three people left in the palace: Zhao Zhen, Queen Cao, and Zhang Meiren.

Chen Zhizhong and his ministers all stood outside.

They can still stay out of official affairs.

In the vertical arch hall.

Zhao Zhen looked at Zhang Meiren and said, "How did the queen force you?"

"Just a moment ago, the Queen...called me...I disobeyed the Queen's order last night and left the palace without authorization and rushed to Funing Palace. I broke the rules and...wanted to punish me with a month's salary. I...I... It’s for the sake of the official family, why should she punish me?”

At this moment, Su Liang and others suddenly discovered that the window not far away was open.

In addition, Zhang Meiren's voice is sharper.

They heard it clearly.

At this time.

Empress Cao stood up and said: "The officials ordered me to be in charge of the harem, and I should have clear rewards and punishments. Zhang Meiren disobeyed orders and left the palace against orders. If something happened on the way last night and hurt the child in her belly, I'm afraid we will all be together." regret but too late!"

"You...you cursed my child to have problems, you...you vicious woman, I...I did it all for the sake of the official family!"

Zhang Meiren looked at Queen Cao with a look of resentment.

"You...you are afraid that I will also give birth to a prince, you are afraid that I will steal your position as queen, and you are envious of the favor shown to me by the officials..."

"There was civil strife in the palace last night. As the master of the harem, you have an unshirkable responsibility. You might have planned it to show your importance..."

……

Zhang Meiren speaks aggressively and freely.

After hearing this, Su Liang and others felt that Zhang Meiren had gone too far.

Zhang Meiren is proud of her favor.

And she always felt that her children died young because of Empress Cao, so she lost her mind when she saw Empress Cao.

Queen Cao did not defend herself.

Perhaps because she had experienced too much, she looked directly at Zhao Zhen.

Zhao Zhen thought for a while and said: "Danshu (Queen Cao's name), don't be on the same level as Han'er (Zhang Mei's name). She is pregnant, so forget the punishment!"

Queen Cao took a step forward with a hint of anger on her face.

"If the official feels that the concubine cannot manage the harem, he will remove the concubine from the post of queen and replace her with someone else."

On weekdays, Empress Cao was very tolerant of Zhang Meiren.

But what happened yesterday involved the rules of the harem. If she tolerated it any longer, the queen would lose her dignity.

In the past, Empress Cao was bullied by Zhang Meiren, so she just tolerated it and got over it.

But now that she has a prince, she has to think about her son.

We must fight for what needs to be fought.

"Queen, don't be ungrateful. We are all a family. Isn't it just one month's salary? There's no need to worry about it. Let's just let it go!" Zhao Zhen also lost his temper.

Queen Cao's eyes were filled with tears, and she said, "I obey my orders," and then left the Chui Gong Hall while wiping away her tears.

Zhao Zhen was a little surprised. This was the first time that Empress Cao had shamed her like this.

He couldn't help but feel that he had gone too far.

It is absolutely impossible to abolish the queen.

At present, Empress Cao has an excellent reputation among officials and people. If he talks about abolishing the empress, some people may call him a coward.

Zhao Zhen looked at Zhang Meiren.

"Han'er, the Queen is not at fault for this matter, and you must not be too willful. I will not punish you, but you must apologize to the Queen!"

"Do I apologize? Guanjia, you...you...you actually think she is right. Was it wrong for me to come to you last night? Just let me...me and the fetus in my belly die!"

Say it.

Zhang Meiren also wiped away tears and left Chui Gong Hall angrily.

Zhao Zhen looked depressed and couldn't figure out why he offended both of them.

But the courtiers outside the palace heard it clearly.

Su Liang smiled helplessly.

Zhao Zhen's mistake was that he regarded Empress Cao as his minister and Meiren Zhang as his wife, yet he treated Empress Cao with family ties and treated Zhang Meiren with rules.

Therefore, everyone was offended.

……

After a while, Su Liang and other ministers entered the Chui Gong Hall again.

At this time, Zhao Zhen was already in low spirits.

After thinking for a while, he said directly: "The matter of banning rebels in the palace should be investigated by the internal servants first. If nothing is found, it will be handed over to Yushitai, Dali Temple and Kaifeng Mansion. That's it!"

All the ministers knew that Zhao Zhen was in a very bad mood at this moment, so they stopped saying anything and pretended to have left.

Empress Cao wiped away tears and returned to the palace. How could such an important matter be hidden from the Cao family.

There are more than ten children of the Cao family on duty in the ban.

As the natal family of Queen Cao, the Cao family was naturally dissatisfied when they knew that Queen Cao had been wronged so much.

Over the years, Zhao Zhen pampered Zhang Meiren excessively.

Queen Cao has been asking them to endure it, but now Queen Cao has given birth to the prince, and she made a great contribution yesterday.

However, the officials did not show affection and made Empress Cao cry for Zhang Meiren.

The Cao family can't bear it anymore!
In the afternoon of that day, Cao Yi entered the palace as a representative of the Cao family.

Cao Yi had no official position and was the younger brother of Empress Cao, so it was best for him to cry out his grievances to Zhao Zhen.

After Cao Yi met Zhao Zhen.

Without saying a word, he started crying when he opened his mouth.

After crying for a while, he began to tell about the grievances Empress Cao had suffered over the years.

After all, Zhao Zhen was at fault.

In recent years, I have felt guilty towards Empress Cao.

He could only continue to persuade Cao Yi. After he assured Cao Yi that he would apologize to Queen Cao, Cao Yi left the palace with satisfaction.

After Cao Yi left, Zhao Zhen sat at the imperial table with a depressed look on his face.

He knew that Queen Cao was easy to coax.

Because Queen Cao understands the truth and will definitely make concessions.

But this will also make Zhao Zhen feel even more guilty.

He also has a way to coax Zhang Meiren.

That is to transfer Zhang Yaozuo to Bianjing City and entrust him with important tasks.

But when he thought of the spitting objections from Tang Jie, Ouyang Xiu and others, he couldn't help but shake his head.

"Oh, it's so difficult to be an emperor!" Zhao Zhen sighed sincerely.

　Something unexpected happened today, I got home late, so I can only add one more chapter!

　　
　
(End of this chapter)