Love Affairs in Chang'an - Chapter 234

Chapter 234 One-size-fits-all
A few days later, Li Ke finally decided to open the trial of the Water Ghost case. The secretariat of the manor opened the list, the entire state stirred, the streets and alleys exploded, the people ran to tell each other-for disaster Xiang Province for decades of water ghost, was finally defeated in one fell swoop!

On the day of the trial, Li Ke strongly invited Qin Mubai, a military attach é, to come from the side of the hall to interrogate him. In order to show justice, Li Ke allowed 100 representatives of the gentry and the people to attend the trial. However, tens of thousands of other people surrounded the secretariat of the manor, decorated with lanterns and colorful cheers like a tide. As a last resort, he had to dispatch more than a thousand palace guards to maintain law and order.

Two hours before the opening of the hall, Qin Mubai brought Pang Fei and a group of Baiji guards to the Secretariat Manor to discuss some details with Li Ke in private and prepare for the opening of the trial.

Li Ke thought of a question and privately said to Qin Mubai, “Mubai, Zhang Tong doesn’t need to hear it together, right?”

Qin Mubai knew what he meant. Zhang Tong, who was also one of the Hundred Cavalry, had followed Qin Mubai to Xiang Prefecture, but the water ghost had formed an inner echelon. If the trial were to be held in public, it would definitely ruin the reputation of the Hundred Cavalry. It would affect Qin Mubai somewhat, but the biggest problem was that it would affect the reputation of the Imperial Court.

“I’ll leave it up to you!” Qin Mubai said.

‘”Ah” Li Ke closed his eyes with a headache and gently tapped his forehead with his fist. “Previously, I had dreamed of killing this group of people in one piece. Now that I’ve captured the leader and destroyed Dang Yu, I feel that it’s more troublesome and troublesome than before. Zhang Tong doesn’t care about me anymore and will leave it to you to deal with.”

“I understand your difficulties.” Qin Mubai nodded and said, “There are too many people involved. Not to mention the others, Wei Xiaochen and Du Chengyuan were the top officials in Xiangzhou. In this part of Xiangzhou, their Dang Yu disciples could be said to be scattered in every corner. What a drag! –Your Highness, I suggest that we follow the Emperor’s method of dealing with the aftermath of the Jiangzhou case and strike down the leaders. The rest will not be blamed. As the saying goes, the law does not mean the crowd. There is still some truth to it. If we really want to arrest and hold accountable all those involved in this case, I estimate that there will be no fewer officials left in the counties and prefectures under the rule of Xiang Province. ”

“Yes, that’s what I think.” Li Ke frowned heavily and said with a serious expression, “There is no need to cut the entire snake into meat sauce. After destroying the leader and breaking through the inner faction, the water ghosts will not be able to break themselves. But now, the leader doesn’t seem to be easy to deal with.”

“What’s the matter?” Qin Mubai asked alertly, “Could it be that news has come from Chang’an?”

“As you expected.” Li Ke took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. He seemed to be a little depressed as he said, “Last night, a secret envoy came from Chang’an. Guess who sent him?”

“I can’t guess. It’s better for you to say it!”

“King Wei.” After Li Ke finished speaking, he looked at Qin Mubai with a serious expression, “I didn’t expect that, did I?”

“Indeed.” Qin Mubai nodded, “What does this have to do with King Wei?”

“Originally, it was none of King Wei’s business. However, if it was the Crown Prince’s business, then it would have something to do with King Wei.” Li Ke said.

His words were a bit tongue-tied, but Qin Mubai could hear the meaning behind his words. The Crown Prince and the King of Wei were at odds, and they fought fiercely for the storage. Whenever the Crown Prince wanted to support it, King Wei would oppose it. And vice versa.

Chang’an Weidu, go five feet into the sky. Nowadays, there was a woman from the Wei Clan in Chang’an. She was accompanied by the famous Consort Wei in the palace. Madam Du needless to say, Fang Mou, Du Duan, and Du Ruhui had always been one of Li Shimin’s right and left arms. Although Du Ruhui had died young, this did not hinder the Chang’an Du Clan, which was still one of the leading sects in the Great Tang Dynasty. There were countless famous officials in the clan. Du Ruhui’s son, Du He, married Li Shimin’s daughter, Princess Chengyang.

Don’t underestimate a princess. In a sense, Princess Chengyang’s status was even more noble than Li Ke’s. At the royal family banquet, this royal sister was ranked higher than Li Ke, the third prince. Perhaps Du He, the prince’s son-in-law, did not have any real power, was rather mediocre and incompetent, and did not make any achievements in politics. However, once she launched a favor offensive, Princess Chengyang still held a lot of weight in Li Shimin’s eyes.

As a result, if the people from the Weidu and Chang’an clans started to move together to protect Du Chengyuan and Wei Aochen, Li Ke would surely be under a lot of pressure. Moreover, Du He had always had a good relationship with the Crown Prince, Li Chengqian. He must have followed Li Chengqian’s path and wanted to use him to exert pressure on Li Ke or plead for mercy. It was even possible that Princess Chengyang had come forward and wanted to join hands with the Crown Prince to protect his husband’s younger brother, Du Chengyuan.

“What did the emissary say?” Qin Mubai asked.

“Fourth is always cunning. He won’t say anything else to leave his mouth open.” Li Ke said, “He only sent people to inform me that the Crown Prince is currently in Chang’an. He wants to unite a group of ministers from the Wei and Du Families with his own accomplices and invite Imperial Consort Wei to plead with His Majesty for amnesty for Wei Xiaochen and Du Chengyuan.”

“What’s the result?” Qin Mubai asked.

“No results.” Li Ke frowned and said, “Fourth Brother is cunning here. If there is a result, he won’t come to report it. Just when the Crown Prince and Consort Wei are still active, he gets there first. Guess what he wants to do.”

“Two levels of meaning!” Qin Mubai sneered and said, “First of all, he sent a letter to your third brother in advance. On the surface, it was for your own good. At that time, you will still have to eat a debt of gratitude from him.” Secondly, he informed you in advance and deliberately made things difficult for you. If you retreat in the face of difficulties and let the two of them off lightly, it would be a dereliction of duty and a violation of the law, and you would have a big handle on him. If you know that the Crown Prince and the others are working hard to save them, and still act in advance to enforce the law impartially in the face of difficulties, then you will undoubtedly become enemies with the Crown Prince, Consort Wei, and the Chang’an-Weidu clan. Two dogs fight for a bone, and a third runs away with it. This is probably what King Wei wants the most. ”

“You’re right. However, there’s another meaning. That’s where his most sinister intentions lie.” Li Ke’s face revealed a trace of anger, and he gritted his teeth in hatred.

“What is it?” Qin Mubai asked.

“He’s provoking me.” Li Ke gritted his teeth and said, “The Weidu and Chang’an Clans have been important arms of our Li Clan ever since our Imperial Grandfather arose. There were many ministers and generals in the clan, so it was only at the Zhenguan Dynasty that they became so glorious. Throughout the years, even his father and emperor had a new look at the people of the Weidu Clan. Du Ruhui was once one of the prime ministers that Father Emperor trusted and relied on the most. For example, if the imperial clan was a big tree, then the rich clan would be the land where the tree was planted. Think about it, I’m going to touch the people of the Wei-Du Clan now. Isn’t that shoveling the roots of my Li Clan, shaking the foundations of my Great Tang Empire, and hurting my father’s heart meridians? So, Fourth challenged me. He came to inform us on the surface, but in fact, he was thinking of watching from afar and enjoying the calamity. ”

“I understand what you mean.” Qin Mubai nodded, “Perhaps His Majesty the Emperor already knew about this matter. It is very likely that it was the Wei King himself who reported it. He has detected some thoughts of His Majesty the Emperor, so he intentionally came to provoke you.”

“Smart! That’s what I think.” Li Ke nodded heavily and said, “We can imagine from Fourth’s provocation that after His Majesty Father learned of this case, he was also in a difficult situation and had a headache.” Firstly, the rule of law had always been insisted on by his father. It was almost impossible for him to personally ask for an amnesty for Wei Taochen and Du Chengyuan. Secondly, because the nephews of the Wei-Du Clan have committed a crime, they are going to be taken down by me for punishment or even annihilated. This is very likely to hurt the relationship between Father Emperor and the Wei-Du Clan officials. This was something he didn’t want to see. Father Emperor’s difficulties, fourth elder saw them and was happy in his heart. Because if even Father Emperor is in trouble, can I not make things difficult? Therefore, no matter how I judge this case, I will still offend people. ”

“Let’s analyze it more clearly.” Qin Mubai said, “If you impartially punish Wei Du and his family, offend the Wei Du Clan, Imperial Consort Wei, Crown Prince Du He and the others. If you pardon them out of the law, you will have violated the law, offending the law of the Great Tang. This crime is not something you can afford.”

Li Ke’s eyes lit up, “So you mean to say, judging according to the law?”

“Not all right.” Qin Mubai shook his head and said, “There are some things that should be killed. You, like Zhao Chong, as well as the rebellious backbones and underlings, must be killed in one slash. The local people of Xiang Province will be fair and straightforward, and will be able to establish your benevolence and prestige in Xiang Province.” However, for sensitive people like Du Chengyuan and Wei Taochen, you must be vague. You can deprive them of their official title, but you cannot sentence them to severe punishment right now. Aren’t they all rank five and above officials? According to the law, if an official of the fifth rank or above commits a crime, he or she must submit it to the Imperial Historical Terrace in conjunction with the Dali Temple for trial under the supervision of the Ministry of Justice. Thus, you can throw these two hot arrows to those people in Chang’an! “Who wants to kill and who wants to save, what does it have to do with you?”

Li Ke’s eyes widened in surprise, “That’s right!” Why didn’t I expect that? This sentence is neither true nor false. Why don’t I give you both a verdict and not a verdict? However, this would be contrary to Emperor Father’s principle of fairness and righteousness, that the prince would break the law and commoners would be guilty of the same crime. Although the old man wouldn’t have any definite reason to punish me, it was hard to guarantee that he wouldn’t write me down in his heart! He’ll think I’m a coward, a coward, a cunning man, and afraid to offend. ”

Qin Mubai smiled and said, “Your Highness, don’t blame me for speaking frankly.” It is not a bad thing to be considered a little cowardly. Haven’t you always been too sharp? According to your usual habits, no matter what, Coldface Frost will enforce the law impartially and chop off this group of people. Yes, in this way, you will gain a reputation for being clean, rigorous, smart, and capable. But is it really what you want to set up enemies everywhere because of this? Using a more satisfactory solution, His Majesty the Emperor will also think that you are smart and capable. At the same time, you will also think that you are tactful and skillful in dealing with complicated relationships. Isn’t this the place where His Majesty valued King Wei the most? ”

Li Ke’s eyes lit up, and his expression was filled with excitement. He understood the meaning behind Qin Mubai’s words. King Wei was a bit sinister and vicious, but his tactfulness and sophistication were probably the things that moved Li Shimin the most. Because, to choose a Savage Monarch, ability was important, but character was also an important aspect. A strong and capable person and a smooth-skinned person. The former was respected by others, while the latter would be despised and disgusted by those familiar with him, but he was even more qualified to become a high-ranking person!

No one would say this clearly, because no one dared to say that the reason why the Emperor was so successful was because he was black-bellied and shrewd enough. But in Li Shimin’s heart, there was bound to be such an account!

In terms of ability, Li Ke was definitely not inferior to King Wei, and he was more enterprising than King Wei. He was very similar to his father, Li Shimin, and possessed the qualifications to become a hero of the generation. In contrast, what he lacked might be some smoothness and darkness!

This is like, xiang yu and liu bang difference!

“Then tell me, what should I do exactly?” Li Ke gritted his teeth and suppressed the excitement in his heart, saying, “Tell me the truth! We’ve been working together for more than a day or two, so what’s wrong with me not obeying you?”

“Then I’ll tell you.” Qin Mubai nodded and said, “Today is the day to ride a tiger. It is necessary to open a public trial.” There was no need for the court to say anything, because the evidence of catching the thief and stolen goods was conclusive, so he directly stated the case and pronounced the verdict. Zhao Chong and a group of water ghosts were beheaded. As for Wei Aochen and Du Chengyuan, they were handed over to the Chang’an Imperial Historical Stage and the Dali Temple for trial. In other words, the Ministry of Justice has already made the following statement: Sona is a major criminal. In this way, the people would not say anything. As for Duan Rongji, the owner of the Zhengchang Grain Ship, and Ouyang Jun, the owner of the Yongye Salt Square, because they were close relatives of Wei Taochen and Du Chengyuan, and had great influence among the wealthy merchants of the local gentry, there was no need for them to be sentenced on the spot, so they could be thrown to Chang’an together. As for whether they will live or die in the future, it’s none of your business. “Most importantly, the person who escorted him is none other than Quan Wanji!”

“Miao, miao!” Li Ke excitedly clapped his hands, “Quan Wanji has always been rigorous, with the demeanor of Wei Zheng, he even dared to go against the dragon scale.” I sent him to escort the prisoners to the capital, no doubt to show my father that I wanted to impose heavy sentences according to the law, but under the heavy pressure, I had no choice but to make some compromises. In this way, the head of the Fuehrer will be punished wickedly, and the local officials and people will applaud him. The hot arrow was thrown away, whether it was the Wei Du Clan, the Crown Prince, or the Consort, they all had nothing to say to me. In the end, even Father Emperor would understand that I wanted to impose a heavier sentence, but I had no choice but to make a concession. As a result, he would not think that I was weak or incompetent, but that I was more sophisticated and shrewd and mature. “Three in one move, what an unparalleled brilliant plan!”

Qin Mubai smiled and said, “Originally, I thought that I would be able to escape from the disputes in the Imperial Court after escaping to Xiang Zhou. I didn’t expect that I would still be unable to do so!”

“Fortunately, you are here.” Li Ke grinned and heaved a sigh of relief. He nodded gratefully and said, “I’ve been thinking about these questions for several days, but I haven’t come up with a perfect solution. Today’s conversation with Jun made me feel better. Mubai, you really are my brains and a lucky star!”

“Haha!” Qin Mubai smiled and said, “I’m just a bystander. I only warn His Highness once in a while. Actually, you’ve already thought about it. Otherwise, how can you get along with me in one hit? Alright, it’s about time. It’s time for you to go to court!”

“Let’s go together! I really want to see how that Zhao Chong looks when he kneels down and sees you in the hall! Haha!”

At this moment, Li Ke’s laughter was exceptionally hearty.

The Prefecture of Governors has opened a trial. The officials, the county magistrates, the local squire, and the people’s representatives entered the hall to hear or observe. Outside the mansion, there were thousands of people surrounded, and their momentum was spectacular.

Li Ke walked onto the stage in his official uniform. After the yamen attendants shouted, a shocking sound echoed–“Bring, man offend Zhao Chong!” “Bring, man offend Zhao Chong!”

Under everyone’s gaze, Zhao Chong, who was dressed in prison shackles and cuffs, was brought up. His expression was calm, without the slightest bit of panic or fear. He glanced coldly at everyone in the hall and finally fixed his gaze on Qin Mubai.

“Kneel down!” The warden shouted loudly and pressed him to his knees.

Zhao Chong slammed his knee heavily onto the stone floor. The people listening to the sound felt their hearts tremble in pain, but Zhao Chong’s eyelids didn’t even blink as he stared fixedly at Qin Mubai.

“Who is kneeling in the hall? Tell me your name!” Li Ke said loudly.

Zhao Chong ignored him and stared at Qin Mubai, seemingly angry and resentful, but not saying a word.

Everyone looked at him suspiciously and wondered, “Where have we seen such a criminal?” When he was tried in court, he was neither afraid nor spoke, but instead stared at an officer who was standing beside him.

“Prefecture Monarch, can I have a word with the criminal before the trial starts?” Qin Mubai stood up and said.

“Correct.” Li Ke said.

“Thank you, Manor Lord.” Qin Mubai stood up and left his seat, walking towards Zhao Chong.

“Zhao Chong, do you have something to say to me?” Qin Mubai said.

“Yes.” Zhao Chong raised his head and stared fixedly at Qin Mubai as before.

“Then you can say it. If you don’t say it now, there won’t be a chance in the future.” Qin Mubai said with a smile as if she was chatting.

“I’m not willing.” Zhao Chong gritted his teeth. The veins on his forehead burst out. He widened his eyes and said word by word, “I have never lied to you like this. Impossible! Someone from our mole must have betrayed me. Otherwise, you wouldn’t know that I am Cao Master Song!”

Qin Mubai smiled and said, “It’s you who betrayed you. You’re too smart, but you’re mistaken. You think you’re flawless, but being too perfect is a mistake in itself. There’s no such thing as absolute beauty in the world. Your strategy is so exquisite that you’re almost going to deceive yourself. Unfortunately, a few small flaws betray you.”

“I don’t believe it.” Zhao Chong stubbornly shook his head. “From the beginning, you had no reason to doubt me. Didn’t you still want to alienate me and make me surrender to you? Logically speaking, you should suspect Du Chengyuan!”

“That’s right! At the beginning, you were the least suspicious. Because no matter how you looked at it, you were just a small potato. A small potato who was obedient to Du Chengyuan and lifted his nose. You really concealed it well. Your intelligence is beyond my imagination. I’ve already fallen for your trap.” Qin Mubai smiled and said, “When I realized that you are Cao Master Song, I came up with a plan to capture all of you in one go.” Actually, before I succeeded in rescuing the princess, Zheng Anshun, and the others, I am not entirely sure whether my guess is correct or not, and whether you are the real Cao Master Song. “But the result confirmed my speculation. The people I sent followed you and successfully rescued the hostages.”

“I underestimated my enemy too much.” Zhao Chong laughed bitterly and desperately. He shook his head and sighed again, “When you chopped at Feng Dao Scar in Yuanmen, I thought that your gaze had already shifted to Du Cheng Yuan. Afterwards, I disappeared with Pang Fei and was kidnapped. I was like this. I didn’t expect that you would still be eyeing me.”

“Alright, I’m afraid we won’t be able to finish talking about the twists and turns in ten days.” Qin Mubai said, “There’s no need to waste everyone’s time. I only want to ask you one question. How can you, a man who picks up feces in Xiangyang City, command such high-ranking officials as Wei Taochen and Du Chengyuan, as well as Duan Rongji and Ouyang Jun?”

‘”Humph!” Zhao Chong sneered. “Always, flies don’t stare at seamless eggs. As long as you have something, you will be manipulated into a puppet. Isn’t there only a small gap between you and the one sitting in the hall? I was picking up feces, but once I was born, I was Cao Zhou Song. There’s nothing I can do about it.”

Qin Mubai frowned slightly, “Does that mean that you are a son of a father?”

“That’s right.” Zhao Chong grinned indifferently and said, “From the Sui Dynasty onwards, my father and ancestor have been running around the waterways around Jingxiang, Jianghan. They are at least heroes in the green forest.” Later on, when the world was under control, we could not live as we used to, so we had to find another way to survive. Smuggling salt and selling grain and rice were all done before, but it was all just a small fight that could not create a good climate, and they were even being pursued by the government fiercely. Later on, we gradually became water ghosts, earning our living under the water. Who gave you officials the opportunity to take advantage of your lack of greed? As time went on, we grew stronger and stronger. Wei Aochen and Du Chengyuan were just like you when they first arrived. They were arrogant and wanted to cure the water ghost quickly. In the end, wouldn’t they become our claws and hawks? “Haha, Guan, you only wore a hat and had two mouthfuls. Under coercion and temptation, you have no backbone compared to a bandit!”

Zhao Chong’s words sounded like a hero who had just died, and everyone in the hall could hear every word in their ears. Many people blushed at hearing this, but none of them retorted.

“Everyone, I’m sure you heard it very clearly, so there’s no need for this manor to be so verbose.” Li Ke said in the hall, “The dignified officials of the Great Tang have become the accomplices of the bandits.” Violation of the law is a great shame, not to mention sin. After returning to the manor, all of your colleagues began to reflect on how they should be officials and how they should behave in the future. Zhao Chong, I hate your sins, but I have to admire your ability and wit. If you use this wisdom on the right path, you will have boundless prospects. Unfortunately, you chose to go against the heavens and the law. ”

“There’s no need to say such nice sarcastic words, Monarch Secretariat, His Highness Prince King Wu.” Zhao Chong smiled coldly and said indifferently, “Ever since I was born, I have no choice.” It’s like throwing yourself into the Emperor’s Embryo, destined to be a prince from birth, and having no choice. Do you think I don’t want to live a good life? When hundreds of lives and livelihoods of thousands of brothers are at stake on your body, there are some things that you can’t care about and consider. I knew that this day would come sooner or later, but this was my destiny, so I wasn’t surprised or afraid at all. Instead, I felt relieved. “Alright, there’s no need for nonsense. Start the trial and pronounce the verdict. Give me a good time!”

“Fate …” Everyone in the hall began to chew on the word in their hearts.

Did everyone have a destiny destined by heaven from the moment they were born? Can’t choose, can’t change? For example, Li Kesheng was smart and capable, but he was a concubine prince. He was also carrying the shadow of the former Sui royal family, so his fate and ending were determined?

Qin Mubai thought of this and shook his head. He sighed, “Zhao Chong, if you weren’t a thief, I would be willing to make friends with you.”

“Thank you, General Qin, for your respect. In your next life!” Zhao Chong smiled indifferently and nodded.

Qin Mubai shook his head and walked back to his seat.

“Fate? Everyone has a destiny! … So what if I, Qin Mubai, am destined to do so? Perhaps, only on the day when the coffin was closed would the truth be revealed. At that time, I will definitely be the same as Zhao Chong. On the contrary, it doesn’t matter anymore. Whether or not I will also feel relieved and see through it. This was a person who was destined to be fooled by fate for the rest of his life. When you see it clearly, it is already the end of your life … “