I, the queen and the father, start with a deer as a horse

Chapter 252 Rumors are spreading, and the prime minister is defeated?

The voice fell.

Cheng Zhengdao's gesture of saluting froze, his expression froze.

Looking at the empress who seemed to be smiling but not smiling.

His complexion turned extremely ugly, and he said in a deep voice, "The rumor about the minister is just a trivial matter, so there is no need to go to war."

The implication is that it is unnecessary to announce it to the world.

After a pause, he added: "As long as the person who spread the rumors can be severely punished and the minister is innocent, the minister will be satisfied."

Hearing this, Wu Mingkong said solemnly:
"Cheng Jijiu is a great Confucian of mine, and he is in charge of the supervision of the Imperial College, representing the face of the imperial court. How can I turn a blind eye to being insulted like this now!

Announcing it to the world is not only to quell the rumors, but also to restore Cheng Jijiu's innocence, but also to save the face of the Imperial College and even the imperial court! "

These words are eloquent, well-founded and convincing.

When Cheng Zhengdao heard this, his heart sank.

Although it is said that the Qing Dynasty is self-clearing, but in the eyes of the people all over the world, the announcement of the document to refute the rumors at this time is tantamount to having no silver 300 taels here.

Furthermore.

This matter is only circulated in the Chang'an mansion now, after it is announced to the world, the people all over the world will know that Guozijian sacrifices wine, a great Confucian and righteous way, and has such an unusual hobby.

that time.

He is the real faceless!

Thinking of this.

Cheng Zhengdao showed despair, raised his eyes to look at the Empress, his lips trembled slightly.

"Sir."

After stammering for a long time, I couldn't say a word.

Seeing this scene, Wu Mingkong showed concern on his exquisite face, and said, "What's wrong with Cheng Jijiu, do you want me to call the imperial doctor to take a look for you?"

"No need"

Cheng Zhengdao took a deep breath, calmed himself down, and waved his hands.

Seeing this, Wu Mingkong looked sympathetic, sighed, and cursed: "Cheng Jijiu worked hard all his life to study the classics of sages and cultivate talents for the court. Rumormongers are nothing!"

"."

When Cheng Zhengdao heard this, his expression became strange.

this moment.

He actually had some doubts whether the person who spread the rumors was His Majesty.

Just when he was about to thank him, the empress' voice sounded again.

"Cheng Jijiu, don't worry, those who spread rumors will definitely be severely punished! I have ordered the Ministry of Rites to strictly review the major newspapers in the capital, and a similar situation must never happen again!"

The voice fell.

Cheng Zhengdao was slightly taken aback.

Strictly scrutinize major newspapers.

So from now on, wouldn't he be able to print the documents admonishing His Majesty in newspapers like before?

after all.

Such an article will never be allowed after being read by the Ministry of Rites.

Thinking of this.

Cheng Zhengdao wanted to dissuade him.

However, before he could speak, he thought of everything that happened to him today.

The words I wanted to say were instantly stuck in my throat and I couldn't spit them out.

at this time.

The Queen's voice sounded again.

"I suddenly remembered that a bookstore named Jinghua Pavilion in the capital had the audacity to publish an article criticizing the imperial court under the name of Cheng Jijiu. Does Cheng Jijiu know about this?"

Wu Mingkong sat on the dragon chair, staring at Cheng Zhengdao with peach blossom eyes.

Cheng Zhengdao noticed the empress' eyes, understood everything instantly, and fell silent.

this moment.

He had a lot going on in his head.

The wise words of the sages.

That persuasive article.

and what happened today.

long silence.

His expression gradually became firmer, looked at the empress, bowed his hands and saluted, and said seriously: "Return to your majesty, the article in Jinghua Pavilion is not a false name of a minister."

Wu Mingkong's expression sank when he heard this, and he said calmly, "What does Cheng Jijiu mean by that?"

Cheng Zhengdao said word by word: "What I mean is that the article was indeed written by me. Apart from that, I have gained new insights in the past two days. I think that"

Not finished yet.

The Empress interrupted him: "Why is that so?"

The endless words made Cheng Zhengdao's expression extremely serious.

At this moment, facing the calm empress.

His heart also gradually calmed down, and he said seriously: "First of all, the holy words say that riches and honors cannot be promiscuous, poverty and lowliness cannot be moved, and might cannot be subdued. This is called a man, and I deeply agree with it."

Hearing this, Wu Mingkong opened his mouth, wanting to say something.

However, when he noticed Cheng Zhengdao's firm expression, he felt that it was meaningless.

After a few moments of silence, a cold light burst out of his eyes, and he said coldly: "Guozijian Jijiu Cheng Zhengdao secretly liaised with the Yan Kingdom, and plotted to endanger the country... come here! Take him to the prison for interrogation by the three divisions! "

The voice fell.

Cheng Zhengdao, who had been extremely calm before, froze in place.

In any case, he never expected that His Majesty would accuse him of fornicating Yan.

His Majesty treated him like this just because he spoke bluntly and offered advice.

It is shameless to slander him for having the goodness of Longyang first, and then convict him of an unfounded crime!
Fortunately, he thought at the beginning that the new emperor would be different from the previous emperor when he ascended the throne.

Who would have thought that the new emperor would be even worse than the previous emperor!

Relying on traitors and sycophants, suppressing virtuous ministers, allowing all officials to form cliques for personal gain, and bribing the common people in order to benefit the common people, such a foolish monarch has never been seen in the past and present, and the country is in danger!

Think of this.

Cheng Zhengdao's face showed grief and indignation, he stared at the empress with wide eyes, and said angrily: "Just because the minister speaks up and admonishes, he convicts the minister with unfounded reasons! Such behavior is no different from a foolish emperor!"

In the face of Cheng Zhengdao's indignant accusation.

Wu Mingkong looked extremely calm, waved his hands and said: "Press it!"

The voice fell.

Then someone stepped forward, held down Cheng Zhengdao, and dragged him out of the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

Seeing this, Cheng Zhengdao finally realized that His Majesty wanted to be serious.

Even though he was dragged out of the Hall of Mental Cultivation, he was still yelling at each other with "faint lord".

He didn't calm down until his mouth was covered.

Behind the Empress.

Seeing this scene, Lin Wan'er showed hesitation, and asked, "Your Majesty, do you really want to ask Cheng Cheng about offering wine?"

Although Cheng Zhengdao, the Guozijian Jijiu, has no real power, his disciples and old officials are all over the world, and he is the only few great Confucians in Daqian, so he has a great reputation.

If he was charged with the crime of collaborating with the enemy country, it would inevitably provoke a lot of criticism.

Hearing this, Wu Mingkong turned his head to look at Lin Wan'er, and said coldly: "The Duke violated the law, and even if he is punished, let alone offering wine to the Imperial College."

"However, the status of the Duke of the State and Jijiu in the hearts of scholars is different after all, and although Cheng Zhengdao is a bit annoying, he does do his best for the court on weekdays. It is too much for the three divisions to interrogate him." Harsh"

Lin Wan'er thought so in her heart, but she didn't say it out of her mouth, she just responded:
"Your Majesty is wise, it's the servant who is talking too much."

Facing Lin Wan'er's flattery, Wu Mingkong said calmly:

"I know what you think, I just think that Cheng Zhengdao's crime is not so serious, but let me tell you, he is a Confucian scholar who knows nothing about government affairs, and he talks about the government in such a way, and the consequences are far beyond your imagination.

Otherwise, Yan Guo's detailed work, why would he have to publish that article at the risk of being exposed.

In normal times, I can indulge him in making irresponsible remarks on government affairs, but I just turn a blind eye to his advice.

However, the imperial court is now in a critical moment, and the 20 Yan State army is watching, and they may come to the city in a few days.

How dare he arrange me, Fang Xiang, and the court at this time. If I don't punish him severely, there will only be more similar things!

The imperial court will inevitably fall into turmoil! "

Hearing this, Lin Wan'er's face showed guilt, she lowered her head, and said, "Your Majesty is wise, it's my servant who is short-sighted."

Wu Mingkong didn't blame her, he raised his eyes to look at her, and ordered:

"According to my will, order the Ministry of Rites to draft a document and publish it in major newspapers to quell the rumors that have been circulating before."

"Let the third division hold a secret trial again, and don't let too many people know about Cheng Zhengdao's collaboration with the enemy."

Speaking of this, he paused and added:
"Send someone to tell Sun Zhengying, Shangshu of the Ministry of Criminal Justice, that I don't intend to kill Cheng Zhengdao and let him do things cheaply."

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

Lin Wan'er saluted solemnly and solemnly.

"Go!"

"The slaves retire!"

Lin Wan'er saluted again, turned and left.

As soon as she left, Shangguan Haitang came to the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

"See Your Majesty!"

He heard Shangguan Haitang's cold voice.

The empress was slightly startled, obviously she did not expect her to enter the palace, she was silent for a while, before asking: "What's the matter?"

Shangguan Haitang said: "Your Majesty, the No. [-] Village captured a batch of secret works of Yan Kingdom yesterday, and these are the letters found from them."

After speaking, he took out a letter from his arms and presented it with both hands.

When Wu Mingkong heard this, his heart rose instantly.

To know.

Before this, Shangguan Haitang had never taken the initiative to find her.

Now that he entered the palace for a letter, it shows that this letter is extraordinary!

Wu Mingkong took the letter from the maid, opened it, and browsed it from top to bottom.

The more she looked, the uglier her face became.

At the end, she could no longer control her emotions, her delicate face was full of worry, she raised her eyes to Shangguan Haitang, and asked a little hurriedly: "Is this serious?"

The content of the letter is not much.

In short, Emperor Yan decided to send more troops to attack Dagan.

In just three days, an additional 30 troops were dispatched.

Today, these 30 troops are besieging Wochuan City day and night.

The army in Wochuan City is about to be unable to resist.

In addition, it is to make the secret workers who are ambushing in Chang'an get ready to welcome Ban Hongfei, the chief general of the Yan army!

In at most ten days, Ban Hongfei will lead an army of 20 soldiers to Chang'an!
Shangguan Haitang replied: "Judging by the grassroots, it is very likely that it is just a trick by Yan Guoxie to confuse the court."

Wu Mingkong fell into deep thought when he heard this.

Just now, because I was concerned about Fang Xiu's safety, my mind was a little confused.

At this moment, after calming down, I realized that the contents of the letter could not withstand scrutiny at all.

Let's not talk about whether the 30 Yan army can capture Wochuan Mansion.

Let's say that Chang'an is separated from Yongzhou by two vast prefectures. Even if Ban Hongfei marches on the road, he may not be able to reach Chang'an within ten days.

Furthermore, there was no clear message in the letter.

There is no point in sending such a letter.

It may also expose Yan Jun's plan.

Since it is a trick to confuse.

Why should I show it to her?

Thinking of this.

Wu Mingkong looked at Shangguan Haitang, frowned slightly, and asked his own doubts.

"In that case, why did you show me?"

Shangguan Haitang explained: "Such letters have been found all over Chang'an, and many of them have been seen by the common people. In addition, there are also letters of persuasion and bribery, which were sent to the mansions of Baiguan by Yan Guo."

"The grassroots thought that within three days, there must be rumors spreading in the capital, so they went to the palace to face the saint, and told His Majesty about it, and hoped that His Majesty would make preparations early!"

When Wu Mingkong heard this, he also realized the seriousness of the problem.

The content of the letter could not stand up to scrutiny at all, and a little thought would tell it was fake.

but.

The vast majority of the people do not have the ability to think. When they see the contents of the letter, they will believe it with a high probability.

As the saying goes, three people make a tiger.

Once the rumor spreads, the common people will believe it.

At that time, the city of Chang'an will inevitably fall into turmoil.

In addition, civil and military officials are also troublesome.

Although under Fang Xiu's cleansing, all important positions in the imperial court are now officials who are in charge of the battle.

But no one knows these guys better than the empress, and they are all fools. Once they find something is wrong, they will immediately change their attitudes.

Even the members of the Fang Party will inevitably murmur when they see the news of Fang Xiu's retreat.

Once someone asks for peace, without Fang Dang's support, she may not be able to control the situation with her power in the court.

Thinking of this.

Wu Mingkong's face became more solemn, he looked at Shangguan Haitang, and asked, "Do you have a way to deal with it?"

Shangguan Haitang shook her head, said in a deep voice: "The matter has reached this point, we can only remedy it."

When Wu Mingkong heard this, he wanted to accuse her, why did he only now find out that Chang'an was ambush so many secret agents of Yan State.

However, noticing her slightly guilty eyes, the words came to her lips, but she couldn't say them.

Since the establishment of the first village, Shangguan Haitang has never been idle for a moment.

Everything is personally experienced.

She has done as much as she can.

It would be too harsh for her to focus on Yan Guo, who had little contact with the imperial court.

Furthermore.

She is Fang Xiu's right-hand man, but not his own.

I have no right to blame her.

Think of this.

Wu Mingkong sighed in his heart, looked at Shangguan Haitang, and said in a calm tone: "Zhenhui will issue an order to dispatch personnel from the Imperial Palace, the Ministry of Criminal Justice and the Metropolitan Procuratorate, and you will dispatch them to completely eliminate the secret operations of the Yan Kingdom in Chang'an."

Shangguan Haitang stood upright, saluted and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Wu Mingkong nodded, and said again: "I will take this matter to heart, you can go down."

"Caomin retire!"

Shangguan Haitang saluted again, turned and left.

Wu Mingkong sat on the dragon chair, pondered for a long time, and ordered: "Let the minister of punishment, Sun Zhengying, the censor of Zuodu, Hai Rui, and the shopkeeper of Zhufengxuan come to see me."

On the side, the maid hurriedly said:

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

The next day.

It was just dawn.

Scattered diners walked towards Yirenju.

It is already June.

The weather is getting hotter and hotter.

Only early morning and evening can enjoy some coolness.

Breeze blows.

The diners walked into Yirenju in twos and threes, found a place to sit down, and began to chat.

Did not chat for a while.

Suddenly someone lowered his voice and asked mysteriously, "Have you heard?"

At the same table, the other two looked blank and asked, "What did you hear?"

The diner replied in a deep voice:

"The imperial court has lost the battle!"

(End of this chapter)