Rule the Ming Dynasty Alone

There is no airtight wall in the world, and news spreads like wildfire.

Wu Yu, the new left minister of the Ministry of Revenue, had just come out of Xiyuan to report the news. After learning about Concubine Shu's latest investigation results, he brought the news back to the Yamen of the Ministry of Revenue.

No one thought that the person who poisoned Concubine Shu was Chang Feng of Jinwu Guard.

Originally, not many people would believe such an unconclusive thing, but everyone knew that Chang Feng and Queen Chang were siblings, and it was indeed very possible for him to take risks to keep his sister's position as queen.

He can't really be Queen Chang's brother, right?

Now all the evidence points to Chang Feng!

If Chang Feng had no problem, how could he disappear?

…

The Hubu Yamen is the six-bu Yamen with the largest number of establishments. Now that they heard the news brought back by Wu Yu, the Minister of Hubu, they couldn't help but express their opinions one after another.

I told you it was a fight for favor within the inner palace!

This isn't a fight for favor, it's already murder!

Haha... To put it aside, how do you think His Majesty's biological mother died?

You even dare to discuss this kind of thing. Do you really not want to live anymore?

Slap mouth! I just said the wrong thing, but I have to say that it must be Chang Feng who did it this time!

…

After such fermentation in the Hubu Yamen, the news quickly spread throughout the Six Bu Yamen in the capital, and everyone's attention focused on Chang Feng, the leader of the Jinwu Guards who disappeared.

From ancient times to the present, it is not uncommon for people to die in harem fights, so many officials did not appear too shocked.

Xiyuan, Yangxin Hall.

After Zhu Youtang handed Concubine Shu's case to Song Cheng, he has been focusing on the work at hand and naturally will not pay too much attention to the latest developments of the case.

In this confrontation with the powerful people headed by Li Jin, the Marquis of Xiangcheng, it can be said that he won a crushing victory.

They originally thought that they would have to push Li Jin to the guillotine so that these powerful people would wake up. Only by kneeling and licking themselves was their only way out. Unexpectedly, the political consciousness of these powerful people increased much faster than expected.

Zhu Youtang saw the memorials being sent continuously and saw that these powerful people were already engaged in a dog-eat-dog situation.

Not only did they directly disclose the list of all the people who were hoarding rice, but they also testified about the inappropriate words and deeds of others, and even their guilty pleas.

Zhu Youtang saw that this group of powerful people were like fish on a chopping board, but he knew that this battle with the Beijing Wuxun Group had achieved a fundamental victory.

In fact, he didn't really want to kill all the people like the Marquis of Xiangcheng. After all, many martial arts heroes were the founding heroes and they were people who made great contributions to the country and the nation.

Many people think that they are a ruthless emperor, but they don't know that they have always cared about the Wuxun Group.

From initially encouraging them to plant cotton, to encouraging them to open cotton cloth factories, they were also encouraged to subscribe to national bonds, and even now they are encouraged to engage in industrial operations.

It's just that the Wuxun Group has been intoxicated in the good days of loan sharking and appropriating people's property. It neither looks down on the small profits of growing cotton nor the hard work of opening a cotton factory. In the end, it only thinks of speculating on houses in the capital and hoarding rice. profit.

Zhu Youtang knew that the biggest problem of this group of people was that they were thinking of cheating their own people. Since they were the biggest beneficiary group in the feudal era, they had already lost their enterprising spirit.

That's why he decided to strike hard at the Wuxun Group this time, letting them understand that if they want to harm their compatriots, they will only die, and they may even lose all their glory and wealth.

Your Majesty, I will live up to your divine grace and will definitely handle this matter well! Prince Jian Xin Xin Bo Wang Hua was a frequent visitor here, and he saluted with great respect.

Although Zhu Youtang was attacking the Wuxun Group with a heavy blow, he still understood the principle of giving a candied date to a stick, so he asked Wang Hua to identify talents among Wuxun's children and send them to the Northeast Palace and the East China Sea Governor's Palace.

The Northeast Palace borders the Jurchen savages, and now it has become the biggest landmine. Therefore, the Northeast Palace and the East China Sea Governor's Palace need more talent reserves.

As soon as Wang Hua left, an eunuch came in to report to Song Cheng for an audience.

Your Majesty, I request that Chang Feng and Jin Wufeng be immediately suspended from their position as commanders, and that Shuntian Mansion bring Chang Feng back to the Shuntian Mansion Office for trial! Song Cheng came in and immediately made his request.

Zhu Youtang's brows furrowed slightly, and he looked unhappy and said: Why?

I just checked that Chang Feng had contact with the pastry that poisoned Concubine Shu yesterday, so he has certain suspicions. Now Chang Feng is missing. As a minister of the Ming Dynasty, I cannot tolerate this person holding such an important position, so please ask Your Majesty, please investigate and deal with this person first before appointing him! Song Cheng felt Zhu Youtang's dissatisfaction, but he raised his head very calmly and said.

Although he knew that this matter was essentially a family matter, once it involved someone the emperor cared about, he was afraid that the emperor would cover up the truth. It's just that what he pursues in this life is justice, but he insists on his own position and principles.

The reason why he is targeting Chang Feng now is not because he is suspicious of Chang Feng, but because he knows that Zhu Youtang is a rare wise king in a century, and naturally he cannot tolerate a suspect occupying the position of commander of the Jinwu Guard.

Zhu Youtang knew that Song Cheng's request was a sign of loyalty, so he asked calmly: Song Cheng, do you think Chang Feng is the real murderer of Concubine Shu?

Liu Jin happened to serve Zhu Youtang new tea, and he was also very concerned about this case. He couldn't help but look curiously at Song Qingtian, who was known as the God of Judgment.

I never make subjective judgments when investigating a case, I only judge people and evidence! Judging from the current investigation, although Chang Feng's motive for killing is not strong, it involves touching arsenic cake, so I need to verify it! But today Chang Feng disappeared inexplicably and did not return home last night, making his suspicion even more serious. I thought it was prudent, so His Majesty suspended Chang Feng from his post to prevent the loss of the holy body, and handed it over to Shuntian Prefecture to take him back to Shuntian Prefecture for questioning and to find out the truth. ! Song Cheng shook his head gently, but insisted on his position.

Although Shuntianfu Yamen is a third-grade Yamen and is known as the Small Punishment Department, it has no power to arrest the leader of the Jinwu Guard. Now if Chang Feng is wanted to be interrogated, only the emperor will remove him from his position.

As for whether Chang Feng is the real murderer, it is natural to investigate step by step. It cannot be ignored just because he is the queen's brother, nor can it be concluded that he is the real murderer just because he touched the cake.

Zhu Youtang picked up the tea cup that had just been delivered and asked curiously: Why is Chang Feng not very motivated in order to keep Queen Chang's position?

Huh?

Li Jin found out that this was indeed the case and couldn't help but look at Song Cheng in confusion. After all, everyone's first reaction was that Chang Feng killed Concubine Shu in order to keep the position of the queen.

There are two reasons why I made this conclusion! First, Your Majesty is a wise king, and he will definitely not listen to the rumors of the world and do anything to abolish the Queen. If Your Majesty really wants to abolish the Queen, it will not be delayed until today. Song Cheng Xiang expressed his first judgment as if everyone in the world was drunk and I was awake alone.

Zhu Youtang knew that this reason was suspected of flattery, but the words came from Song Cheng's mouth, but he did not suspect that the other party was flattery at all, but he felt very comfortable in his heart.

Whether it was Song Cheng's flattery, or whether he had really seen through his own mind, he had indeed never thought of canonizing Zhang Yujiao as his queen, let alone abolishing her.

If Chang Feng can really see through this, there is really no reason to kill Concubine Shu to keep his sister's position as queen.

Secondly, if the issue of the emperor's heirs is really as Jianghu said, Chang Feng should not kill Concubine Shu, but should protect Concubine Shu. Song Cheng looked at Zhu Youtang seriously, and seemed to say something shockingly second. a judgment.

As soon as these words came out, not to mention Liu Jin, even Zhu Youtang showed a surprised expression.

Concubine Bao Shu?

Your Majesty, if I make any mistakes in what I say next, please don't punish me! Song Cheng was no longer the completely stupid young man he was back then, and he said as if he had some taboos.

Zhu Youtang took a sip of tea to steady himself, then nodded gently: Say it!

Empress Dowager Zhang was honored as a queen in the Chenghua Dynasty, but where is the palace? Song Cheng asked a question.

Zhu Youtang didn't know what kind of medicine Song Cheng was selling in his gourd, so he looked thoughtful and said: The late emperor did not like Empress Dowager Zhang. Although Empress Dowager Zhang was the queen back then, she was the master of the harem in name only!

Wan Gui was only a concubine in the Chenghua Dynasty, so what about Wan Gui? Song Cheng asked another question.

Zhu Youtang already roughly knew what Song Cheng wanted to express, and seemed to be very cooperative: The late emperor loved Concubine Wan so much. Although it is only the home of a noble concubine, Wanfu must be reused!

As a queen, if she is not favored, her name is not real. Although she is a noble concubine, she is favored and her kindness is as great as a mountain. Chang Feng is the queen's closest relative, and the glory and wealth belong to your majesty. How can she be entangled in the position of the queen? How can she hope? Does your Majesty have no descendants? Song Cheng said his conclusion.

Zhu Youtang held the lid of the tea and poured the tea lightly. He seemed to have some insights and said: You mean that the Chang family's interests are consistent with my interests?

This is what I mean! If Chang Feng really believes in the rumors of Jianghu, then he hopes that Concubine Shu can be canonized to ensure that His Majesty's heirs will be his. This is the most correct way to protect the prosperity and wealth of the Wang family! Song Cheng said very firmly and authentically! .

Although the case is complicated and confusing, and the current evidence points to Chang Feng, the leader of the Jinwu Guard, he does not actually believe that Chang Feng is the murderer.

After all, killing requires a motive, and Chang Feng's motive seems sufficient, but in fact, Chang Feng would not kill Concubine Shu.

Even taking a step back, if the next emperor had to choose between Concubine Shu's son and Prince Xing, Chang Feng would definitely choose Concubine Shu's son without hesitation.

Only Concubine Shu's son, who is now Hongzhi's heir, and his Chang family are orthodox relatives, instead of being completely reduced to a family of helpless relatives.

Zhu Youtang took a sip of tea with satisfaction, but asked lightly: Song Qing, why are you so entangled with Chang Feng?

Liu Jin glanced at Zhu Youtang with complicated eyes. Just now he clearly called him Song Cheng, but now he changed to Song Qing in the blink of an eye.

Although I don't doubt that Chang Feng is the real culprit, I want to know why Chang Feng touched the cakes? In fact, it's not just Commander Chang. No matter who touched the cakes, I will inquire carefully! Song Cheng's eyes were confused. With a hint of impurity, it seems to express one's demands very clearly.

Zhu Youtang discovered that Song Cheng was indeed like a lamp in the fog. No matter how colorful the fog around him was, he could move forward on his own path.

Liu Jin suddenly noticed Zhu Youtang's gaze, and immediately nodded understandingly.

ah?

Song Cheng couldn't help but feel slightly stunned when he saw Chang Feng appearing here.

Chang Feng was arranged to stay in the Imperial Study Room today. He had actually heard everything outside just now and seemed to be polite.

Commander Chang, please clarify my doubts. Why did you touch that box of cakes yesterday? I'm afraid it's not just as simple as fulfilling your duties, right? Song Cheng asked his doubts when he saw Chang Feng appearing. road.

Chang Feng knew that the matter was unavoidable, so he nodded gently and said: Master Song guessed it right, my commander did not just perform his duties yesterday, he indeed took the opportunity to change his position!

Although the matter has nothing to do with the position of queen, it is actually related.

Since he learned about Concubine Shu's conspiracy from his spy, he was worried that his sister would be framed by Concubine Shu, so he decided to replace the pastry containing walnuts.

But he didn't know it was a trick. When he replaced Zhang Yujiao's pastries, Zhang Yujiao was indeed not allergic, but she died of the poison.

Fortunately, he did the most correct thing, that is, after doing this thing, he immediately reported the whole story to Zhu Youtang in advance.

Commander Chang, I wonder who helped you change the cakes? Song Cheng believed Chang Feng's words and asked seriously.

Chang Feng faced Song Cheng's cross-examination and said honestly: One of my subordinates!

Where is this person? Song Cheng had a vague feeling that this person was the key.

Chang Feng sighed secretly, but said very bitterly: The person is already dead! It was because I saw the person dead that I just lay down yesterday and came to the emperor to confess my sin today!

Dead? Song Cheng frowned, realizing that this kind of thing seemed familiar.

Chang Feng nodded seriously, looked at Song Cheng with complicated eyes and said, He committed suicide by hanging from a beam, but his feet were only a foot away from the table. He must have been silenced!

Zhu Youtang had already received accurate information from Jinyiwei. He knew that Jinwuwei had owed loan sharks in his early years, probably because of the influence of the powerful people in the capital: I'm afraid this case will be another headless case!

Your Majesty, the death of the guard was not a silence, but a frame-up, so I think the breakthrough point in the case is still in Zhang's house! Song Cheng had his own thoughts, but he expressed his speculation.

Chang Feng looked at Song Cheng in confusion: Bringing trouble to me?

If Commander Chang didn't have a sufficient motive to poison Concubine Shu and explained the reason to His Majesty early, then Commander Chang's men died, and the matter of pastries containing arsenic was pointed at you, Commander Chang would be hard to argue with! Song Cheng There is no influence from other interference items, but it is very sure and authentic.

Of course, there are other factors that lead to his being able to make this kind of judgment, which is also the mystery why he can repeatedly solve cases.

Chang Feng frowned slightly, but said with absolute certainty: No, even though I was deliberately looking for trouble, I saw him replace the top cake with my own eyes!

Commander Chang, this matter can be an eyesore, and it doesn't necessarily mean that Concubine Shu ate the top piece! If we want to find out this case, I'm afraid the answer lies with the Zhang family, and Xiao Zi is also very suspicious! Song Cheng did not change his opinion.

Chang Feng glanced at Zhu Youtang cautiously, and finally shook her head gently at Song Cheng: To be honest with Mr. Song, Xiao Zi has been bribed by me, and it was she who secretly passed it on to me about Concubine Shu's frame-up!

Zhu Youtang glanced at Chang Feng indifferently, but understood that people are bound to have selfish motives.

Your Majesty, when I just interrogated the cook of the Zhang family, she mentioned that the idea of ​​using walnut allergy to trap the queen was the idea of ​​the palace maid Xiao Zi. Can I take Xiao Zi back to the Shuntian Mansion Yamen for questioning? Song Cheng did not give up. Suspicious of Xiao Zi, he immediately made a request.

But as soon as he finished speaking, Liu Jin scolded: How can you! Xiao Zi is from our palace, how can you bring him to Shuntian Mansion for interrogation?

Zhu Youtang knew that this approach was indeed inappropriate, so he immediately ordered: Inform Tan Conggui, I want to know who Xiaozi is instructing!

By now, he knew that this case was not only against him, but also wanted to frame Queen Chang, and even regarded his concubine as a pawn.

I was afraid before, but now that my position is secure, it is really time to find out all those who want to share power with me.

Song Cheng was not too frustrated. It was indeed inappropriate to interrogate Xiao Zi by himself, and it would be difficult for him to use torture on a little girl.

Zhu Youtang knew that the matter was sorted out so quickly thanks to Song Cheng, so he said with a gentle face: Song Qing, leave the people in the palace to me, and I will find out who is behind Xiao Zi. But since the pastry comes from Zhang Mansion , I will trouble you to make another trip, and we must find out the real culprit who killed Concubine Shu!

I accept the order! Song Cheng said without complaining, appearing to accept the arrangement in a decent manner.

After going around the palace, things finally circled back to Zhang Mansion.

Now that the emperor's decree is in place, the small Zhang Mansion can naturally be turned upside down, and the Zhangs and his wife are astonished.

The cook was taken to the Shuntian Mansion Office and confessed that the pastry was not placed on the top floor, but was marked and placed on the bottom floor. Therefore, the replacement of Jin Wuwei was actually to drag Chang Feng and Queen Chang into the water.

At the same time, be careful within the department.

Xiao Zi is facing Tan Conggui. Tan Conggui and Xiao Zi are actually old friends from the East Palace.

It was said that the two people were friends, but after learning the whole story, Qin Conggui personally helped Xiao Zi cover her face with warm paper and watched Xiao Zi's breathing become more and more rapid as she lay on the execution bed.

The Za family is only loyal to His Majesty!

You're not Concubine Shu's from the beginning, right?

Your Majesty will hand you over to Dongchang. Either you speak, or I have someone carry you out!

It was you who came up with the idea, and it was you who asked Commander Chang to change pastries. You said you didn't know about it. Do you believe it?

…

Tan Conggui ignored Xiao Zi's emotional cards. After years of twists and turns, he had already become a competent factory supervisor, but he methodically added more paper to Xiao Zi's face.

Xiao Zi found that she couldn't breathe, and her throat was already sore. Finally, her voice was hoarse and she said: I'll do it! I... I'll do it all!

Just when Dongchang made a breakthrough, Shuntian Mansion also made an unexpected discovery.

I didn't know that piece of arsenic was arsenic. I was held hostage by Butler Zhang! The cook couldn't bear the torment of her conscience and finally chose to confess. (End of chapter)