The Bookish Scholar of the Red Mansion

The next day, the snow stopped for the first time. In the streets and alleys of the capital, there are indispensable people who go out to clear snow. There are few places to have fun in winter. After clearing away the snow at the door, people inevitably gather together to chat about recent trivial matters.

The morning sun is warm and makes people feel lazy. Everyone was enjoying the ordinary morning, and inadvertently saw pedestrians walking in front of them. I saw the leading pair of mother and son, wearing sackcloth and mourning, crying as they walked. Those who do good things cannot help but inquire about the reasons.

You don't even know this. An old man was beaten to death in Beixiaoshikou a few days ago. The mother and son were his family members. It was also the old man's own unlucky fate. He went to Beixiaoshikou to set up a stall that day. It's really true. The king of hell came to collect debts, and he stayed tight all his life, and then he died in a muddle-headed manner. It was all because of his bad fate.

That's what I'm saying. A man was innocently beaten to death, so why is his life bad? Some people felt uncomfortable when they heard this.

Otherwise there were so many people setting up stalls, why would he be the only one to die? This is not a bad fate, so what?

I won't talk nonsense to you. The two people parted unhappily, and someone came out to ask questions. Then what are they going to do?

I heard that the Shuntian government office will hold a court session today to hear the case. These neighborhood people used to support the mother and son and seek justice.

What's the purpose of this? Officials are protecting each other. I heard that the boy who beat the man to death is from the Duke's Mansion. How can we commoners defeat them?

That can't be done. I have to go and have a look. The person who asked the question showed a look of indignation.

What are you going to see and what does it have to do with you. Someone sneered dismissively.

I...I...I don't know, I just want to have a look. The man became more and more determined as he spoke. He didn't even bother to take the cold-proof clothes. He just put his hands in his hands and followed the footsteps of the people in front of him.

They rushed to the gate of the government office in such a noisy manner. Liu Liang had just changed his clothes and was thinking about going to court. He was in a good mood and could chat with his master about Chen Heng's actions last night.

So, he didn't sleep all night?

Exactly. Sir, it's cold today. Please wear some clothes and don't freeze your body.

Liu Liangcai took the clothes brought by his master and said in a cold voice: I don't know how high the world is, but I thought I could change the world by myself. Come on, let's see what these arrogant scholars can do today.

After finishing dressing up, the prefect, wearing a crimson official robe, led the master on a hasty journey. After a while, we arrived at the court. Chen Heng has been waiting here for a long time. The two of them didn't even look at each other, they just looked at each other. Liu Liangcai sat down in the courtroom, picked up the gavel, slapped it, and shouted: Bring someone to commit the crime.

The officers on both sides smashed their killing sticks and shouted in unison. After Chen Heng packed up his official robes, he sat on the table and chairs under the court hall. Xue Pan, who had been frightened all night, had been raped and slipped into the court.

Then, of course, Uncle Wang's family appeared. Under the watchful eyes of the people watching, the case was heard smoothly. This is not a complicated case in itself. Although Xue Pan is usually arrogant, now that he is a prisoner, he explains the matter clearly in a few words without waiting for the guards to be tortured.

Xue Pan was smart. He put all the blame for the attack on the servants who were accompanying him. At that time, it was all in the dark, and no one could see clearly whether Xue Pan took action or not. Liu Liangcai called the vendors who set up stalls that night, but these people couldn't explain clearly. There was only one person who spoke with certainty, and Xue Pan punched and kicked about three times.

The lawyers hired by the Jia family and the Xue family for Xue Pan were quite sophistical. He pushed the matter aside, using Xue Pan's weak body as an excuse, and asked the prefect Liu Liangcai how he could be sure that it was Xue Pan's three punches and two kicks that killed Uncle Wang.

This argument made the people watching furious. Although they did not dare to roar in court, they stared at the litigant with both eyes.

Liu Liangcai didn't care either. He didn't care whether Xue Pan was guilty or not. He just ordered people to go to Lixiangyuan to get him first. After a long time, the officials who came back escorted the Xue family servants into the hall. This group of people knelt down and rushed to confess their sins. The blame for beating Uncle Wang to death was entirely placed on himself. Some people said they hit their heads, others said they kicked them.

Uncle Wang's daughter cried bitterly when she heard what happened to her old father. Chen Heng watched silently from beginning to end, and the pen in his hand never stopped. Li Zhi arranged for him to assist in the case, so naturally he had to write down all these experiences for reporting purposes.

Now that he had figured out what happened, Liu Liangcai brought the topic back to the cause of the incident. He asked Xue Pan what happened, which caused him to fight at Beixiaoshikou.

Xue Pan used his few ingenuity and carefully glanced sideways at Chen Heng, hesitating whether he should say it or not. But Liu Liangcai noticed his actions, picked up the gavel and slapped it on the case, and was about to threaten him.

Suddenly someone in the hall said loudly: Sir, I know why Xue's eldest son is angry at others.

The people who were watching heard that the sound was coming from their side and quickly moved around to both sides. Liu Xianglian, who had arrived at an unknown time, was seen reaching out and clasping fists at the prefect.

Liu Liangcai was not surprised by his arrival. Still sneering, he asked the official to lead him into the hall. Liu Xianglian came here specifically on leave today. He is now a palace guard, so he can claim to be a low-ranking official.

Xue Pan immediately panicked at Liu Xianglian's appearance. He was still kneeling on the ground, looking at Chen Heng with disillusioned eyes.

Chen, didn’t I promise you yesterday that I wouldn’t tell Liu Xianglian? Do you really want me to die? ah? I had no grudges with you in the past, and we have no grudges today! ! !

In fact, Chen Heng stayed in the prison last night and had no chance to ventilate with the outside world. He guessed that Liu Xianglian would come, but he didn't know whether he would be caught by the guards or come on his own initiative.

After Liu Xianglian finished explaining the cause of the conflict between herself and Xue Pan, Liu Liangcai was also very interested in this question and asked: Okay, okay, young man from the Liu family. I would like to know, did you come here on your own, or was someone directed you to come here?

Different from the kneeling Xue Pan, the servants of the Xue family, and the mother and son of the Wang family. Liu Xianglian stood there, straightening her body stubbornly, and said: No one told me anything, I came here on my own.

Why?! This was strange, and Liu Liangcai couldn't help but ask.

It's harder to deceive people than to deceive nature. When one person does something, one person is responsible for it. Liu Xianglian said such righteous words that the people watching cheered, and even Liu Liangcai beamed.

Okay, okay. Liu Liangcai clapped his hands and laughed, The case has been cleared up. Mr. Chen, how about we take a break and discuss how to conclude the case and convict him?

Follow the order of Lord Futai. Chen Heng just put away his pen and stood up after hearing the words.

The court hall is temporarily resting, but the prisoners in the hall cannot kneel in a daze. Officers came forward, captured Xue Pan and the Xue family servants, and imprisoned them separately. As the plaintiffs, the Wang family's mother and daughter also got a side room in the government office to rest. Only Liu Xianglian stood there like a javelin, unmoved by anyone who tried to persuade him to go down.

Chen Heng followed Liu Liangcai back to the back hall and immediately received an unexpected cold reception. Liu Liangcai said that he was tired and wanted to eat something first. Leaving his master to accompany him, he turned around and disappeared.

Chen Heng knew that Liu Liangcai was going to go to Gu Zaiyong for follow-up instructions based on what happened in court. He was not in a hurry. There was no clear news from Lin Ruhai so far.

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What are we in a hurry for? Gu Zaiyong didn't even read it after getting the paper. He said directly to the errand boy, Go, go, take it and take it to the palace.

He already knew the reasons behind Xue Pan's incident. Why waste the effort to take another look? The person who really should take a look is Wang Ziteng.

The servant in front of him got the order and immediately turned around and ran out of the mansion. After he left, the Minister of Civil Affairs put down his teacup and let out a light laugh.

Yan Hu took a half-day leave today. He was sitting in the Gu family's study and couldn't help but wonder: We waited all night yesterday, but Wang Ziteng still hasn't come to us. Tell me, what on earth is he thinking?

No rush, no rush. ​​Gu Zaiyong was very patient and said with a smile, Anyway, this case doesn't need to be a headache for us. Go tell Mr. Liu and let Mr. Chen decide how he wants to be sentenced.

Hahahahaha. Yan Hu laughed and stretched out his hand to point at Gu Zaiyong, Lao Gu, Lao Gu, you are not merciless at all when you attack young people.

He should have to endure some hardships before he realizes how difficult it is to become an official in the court. Gu Zaiyong shook his head and sighed, It's a pity. When it comes to doing things on errands, his talents are rarely outstanding. Such a talented person cannot be It’s really a pity that I am used by the Holy One.”

That's true. Yan Hu also agreed, Looking at the court for decades, there are only a handful of people with his talent.

The two men looked at each other and smiled, seeming to be looking forward to Chen Heng's next move.

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The servants of the Gu family ran into the palace. The documents from the government office were sent to Wang Ziteng's study. The Wang family is also busy today, except for the group of people who go to court every day. Even Jia He and Jia Zhen from the Jia family were also present.

Wang Ziteng was surrounded by everyone. When I saw Xue Pan complaining about Li Zhi's unfair rewards and punishments in a restaurant. Already annoyed, he slapped his palm on the table and said angrily: You are stupid, you dare to talk about your Majesty's affairs in such a way in public.

Thinking of Aunt Xue rushing home last night, she hugged her and cried non-stop. Wang Ziteng couldn't help but said: What a loving mother but a loser. She should have disciplined him well.

Niu Jizong, the current first-class uncle, saw that Wang Ziteng was still angry. He said hurriedly: Brother Wang, how long has it been now and you are still worried about this kind of thing? If you want to teach incompetent children, there will be plenty of time in the future.

Liu Fang, a first-class son who came forward on behalf of his grandfather Liu Biao, did not expect that his distant relative Liu Xianglian was also involved after reading the documents. He immediately said angrily: It's all the trouble caused by this evil beast. If I had known this, I should have driven him back to his hometown after his parents passed away.

It's too late to talk about this. Chen Ruiwen, the grandson of Qi Guogong, said anxiously, Master Wang, how are we going to do this? You should also come up with a plan for everyone to discuss.

What other rules are there? Niu Jizong has the biggest temper and the most impatient temper. Before Wang Ziteng could say anything, he had already contradicted him, They dare to make trouble for people named Xue today. Who knows if they will use us to scare the monkeys in the future?

Outsiders don't know. Who among our families doesn't know who? Do you really think that everyone depends on the salary from the court? Which of our families doesn't keep interest in private and do things that are not on the table?

He is truly a martial artist, and the words he uses make people blush.

Niu Jizong said it without any shame, and saw the other people showing incomprehensible expressions. He sneered again, With the few farms and fields we have, how can everyone really live like this? Apart from other things, Brother Jia, every boy or girl in your family has eight or nine slaves. The maid is waiting...

Don't these servants want to eat? Don't want to wear them? If you really expose the private affairs of our family, it's a light thing to confiscate the house. Niu Jizong said, standing in front of Wang Ziteng, with his thick arms He leaned on the opponent's table and asked, Brother Wang, do you really think that His Majesty, who is so determined to govern, can spare us? Can we continue to live such a fairy life?

What Niu Jizong said was so reasonable that Hachigong in the room was speechless. The former is right, everyone has done things like Tieksuan Temple in private. Otherwise, where would this dignity and wealth come from? Do you rely on Dayong's salary? It's only a few dollars?

If not for the filial piety of his subordinates day and night, and for relying on them to feed the people, money would still fall from the sky and grow from the ground. Without these people and connections, we can’t go back and live frugally, right? Ancestors fight on the battlefield, don't they want their children and grandchildren to live a good life and enjoy glory and wealth?

Besides, the Li family's empire was conquered by them, so what does it have to do with the common people? The emperor of Dayong is their emperor. I really thought it was said in the book of sages, what kind of bullshit is the father of all peoples?

Before Li Zhi ascended the throne, he made it clear that he would protect their prosperity. Why are you now making things difficult for others?

Since His Majesty broke his word, should we still sit back and wait for death? Niu Jizong raised his hand angrily when he saw that Wang Ziteng was still silent and pounded the table directly.

How could Wang Ziteng not know what these people were thinking? When the Supreme Emperor was in power, everyone had enough to eat and drink, and lived happily. Seeing that everyone else was interested, Wang Ziteng still hesitated. He knew that if he took this step, there would be no turning back.

Seeing his hesitation, Liu Fang said directly: Brother Wang, have you forgotten that Prince Yizhong's house was confiscated a few years ago? The coffin he left for himself was given to Brother Jia's daughter-in-law. If you look at their family, they are still mining in the mines of southern Xinjiang.

Why are you doing so well? Are you talking about my beloved? Jia Zhen was a little embarrassed and just glared at the rude Liu Fang. But what Liu Fang said was just right. Wang Ziteng immediately woke up and nodded: I understand.

Seeing that he finally had an idea, everyone showed joy. However, Wang Ziteng did not make a decision right away. He only reassured everyone, Don't be anxious, everyone. I'm going to meet this old fox Gu Zaiyong first. There are some things I need to find out clearly.

He was still curious about what Gu Zaiyong had in his hands. What method could make Gu Zaiyong so confident?

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The Wang family and the Gu family are both in the inner city, not far apart. When Wang Ziteng, in disguise, secretly arrived at Gu's house in a car, he was immediately welcomed into the study by Gu Zaiyong and Yan Hu. The three of them finally met, and the scene was even more harmonious.

After several trials and tug-of-wars, Gu Zaiyong repeatedly mentioned that he had the intention to save Xue Pan, but it was a pity that His Majesty interfered. This is just to deceive the common people who don’t understand anything. Wang Ziteng sneered in his heart, he and Gu Zaiyong didn't know each other.

It is said that kindness cannot control the army. As things have developed now, the prince does not care about Xue Pan's life or death at all, and he will not let his political opponents who are about to cooperate with him get a hold of him because of an incompetent nephew.

Seeing that he refused to let go, Gu Zaiyong finally decided to use his own methods. I saw him pulling Yan Hu to stand up, and said with a pleasant expression: It's fate today that there is an old friend in my house. He has not seen Mr. Wang for a long time. It just so happens that I will lend you this place today so that Mr. Wang can meet this old friend and talk about it. Reminiscing about old times.”

It was finally coming, and Wang Ziteng immediately cheered up. Just waiting for Gu and Yan to leave, someone slowly walked out of the inner hall. When Wang Ziteng saw the person clearly, he stood up in surprise and greeted him respectfully: Master Dai, I didn't expect you to be here.

Dai Quan smiled noncommittally, Master Wang is so resourceful that you may not have guessed that I am waiting for you. The two of them laughed tacitly, waiting for each other to speak first. Dai Quan, under the orders of the Supreme Emperor, had something to ask for, so he had no choice but to speak first: Master Wang, how long has it been since I last saw your empress?

Among the empresses in the palace, who else is worth worrying about? Isn't it the Jia family's Yuanchun?

After returning to the capital, I have been busy with official matters. Wang Ziteng showed some distress and pretended to be distressed, But I didn't have much chance to visit the palace. How is the empress doing now?

Master Wang is dedicated to serving the country, and I admire him very much. Dai Quan adjusted his sleeves unhurriedly and said with a smile, Today, I happened to be borrowing the precious land of Prime Minister Gu, and I have good news to tell Master Wang.

What?! Wang Ziteng felt his heart pounding. He had vaguely guessed Dai Quan's next words.

Last month, the empress suddenly felt unwell. The Emperor was worried and ordered the imperial physician to come over for consultation. Dai Quan deliberately whetted his appetite. Seeing the eagerness on Wang Ziteng's face, he smiled and said, Who knows the imperial physician? He said that the empress is already two months pregnant. I really want to congratulate and congratulate Mr. Wang. When the Supreme Emperor learned of the good news, he immediately asked someone to hide it and planned to choose an auspicious day to inform His Majesty and Mr. Wang. ( Note 1)

This... this... this, Wang Ziteng felt a roar in the sky. The child Yuanchun was finally pregnant with dragon seed.

Hahahaha, okay, okay, hahahaha.

Seeing Wang Ziteng's ecstatic expression, Dai Quan smiled slightly. He knew that the matter had been settled for the Supreme Emperor.

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Linjing Hall naturally has its own news channels. What happened in the Shuntian government office was reported to Li Zhi and the New Party word for word.

There was a difference in the time when the news was delivered. The people who secretly monitored the Wang family did not realize that Wang Ziteng had disguised himself and sneaked out of his house. At this moment, everyone in Linjing Hall was still arguing about the punishment for Xue Pan's case.

Lin Ruhai was thinking the most and most hoped that Li Zhi would be patient for the overall situation. It’s not easy for everyone to work hard to get to this day, how can we let all our efforts go to waste?

Wei Yinghong's meaning is similar, and he can be persuaded the least. Like his son-in-law Du, he has some hatred and hatred. I always felt that I could let Xue Pan off with just one word. I am really ashamed of the teachings of the sages and the common people.

Li Zhi's mood was even more tangled. One moment he wanted to stabilize the four princes and eight princes, and the next moment he was unwilling to lower his head. Li Xian's temperament was the most stable and appropriate, and he, the prince, was most in favor of Lin Ruhai's idea.

Li Jun hadn't had the chance to take the stage yet, but Li Zhi suddenly asked him what he meant. Although he didn't know if Grandpa Huang took the opportunity to test himself, Li Jun thought for a moment and decided to find a way out and replied: I think Mr. Chen is an upright man and has always been smart. It's better to just let him figure it out.

It was okay if he didn't say this, but when he said it, Lin Ruhai secretly screamed that it was terrible. How could he not understand that as a student of his, Chen Heng's character could actually be bad at this moment.

He was about to refute, but Li Zhi had already nodded in agreement. The latter said: Xia Shouzhong, just pass it on according to Taisun's wishes.

yes.

Seeing that Lin Ruhai still objected, Wei Yinghong hurriedly pulled his friend's sleeve secretly. The latter lowered his head helplessly and watched Xia Shouzhong leave Linjing Hall.

Li Zhi made a decision and waved everyone to leave, saying that he wanted to be alone in the palace for a while.

After everyone walked out of Linjing Hall, Wei Yinghong persuaded Lin Ruhai on the corridor: You, you, you usually boast that you will act after making a decision. Ruhai, can't you see what His Majesty means? Your Majesty is already very high-spirited. How can I bow my head again? The last two words were spoken in a low voice before Wei Yinghong continued, If you have to mess with His Majesty's temper, why bother?

Hey, how come I don't know. Lin Ruhai sighed, looking at the bright and sunny sky outside the corridor, and said, But fighting back and forth in the hall is of no use to the people. The people all over the world are suffering.

Wei Yinghong heard this silently, and there was really no argument to be made. Just as a new sun peeked out from the clouds, it shone on the two cold people.

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The means of spreading news in the palace are really wonderful and interesting. Chen Heng was sitting in a side room with his eyes closed and concentrating. Suddenly, a servant who came up to serve tea whispered into Chen Heng's ear what Li Zhi meant.

Chen Heng opened his eyes suddenly and saw that the other party had already bowed down and exited. He looked across again and saw that the master of the government office was nowhere to be seen. I was the only one left in the whole house.

Do you have to figure it out yourself? ? When Chen Heng heard this, his first reaction was to consider whether the news was true or false. Is this what Li Zhi meant? Or is it a false rumor from the old party members?

Note 1: There is no information about Yuanchun’s pregnancy in the original text. But when I thought about Wang Xifeng’s pregnancy and miscarriage, I felt that there should be a metaphor here. What's more, Yuanchun has been in the palace for a long time, so it's normal to be pregnant with a child.

PS: I have foreshadowed Li Zhi’s reaction in the previous article. Pei Huaizhen said that after the palace change, he still wanted to return to his hometown in the North and continue to be his own border prince. There are some flaws in his decision-making.

But they all eat whole grains, and heroes like Emperor Qin and Emperor Wu of Han are the few in the world.