Northern Dynasties

Chapter 1300: Enemies and Close Relatives

While His Majesty the Emperor was still painting big pictures and encouraging the old fighter in the Imperial Palace, the scene in the Jingzhao prison was quite different.

Gao Cheng's son Gao Yanzong avenged his father by killing Cui Jishu, who had watched his father die, in the street. After being arrested, he has been imprisoned in Jingzhao Prefecture. Due to the serious and sensitive nature of the case, Jingzhao Prefecture also has to consider many factors, so no final judgment has been made.

After Gao Yanzong was arrested, his brothers were also anxious. They ran around and asked for favors. After a lot of thought and effort, they were finally allowed to visit him in the Jingzhao prison.

"Ah Wu, you are so impulsive! Why didn't you discuss such an important matter with the brothers? You made the decision on your own and ended up with such a mess!"

When the brothers saw Gao Yanzong in prison wearing prison clothes and looking haggard, they couldn't hold back their tears. Gao Xiaowan couldn't help but stamp his feet and scolded him.

Although Gao Cheng died early, his disciples were close to each other. Except for Gao Changgong, who died in Hebei during the war between the two countries, and his youngest son Gao Shaoxin, who was killed by soldiers in the south city of Jinyang when the royal army captured Jinyang, the other four sons all moved to Chang'an.

This time the brothers were finally allowed to visit Gao Yanzong. Even Gao Xiaoheng, who had been bedridden since arriving in Guanzhong, came along. Seeing Gao Yanzong's haggard appearance, Gao Xiaoheng couldn't help but shed tears and said, "A fallen prince is as worthless as a pig or a dog. Ah Wu, if you are willing to discuss this with the brothers, wouldn't it be just right for me, a disabled person, to take the blame..."

Gao Yanzong couldn't help but burst into tears when he saw his brothers. After hearing what Gao Xiaoheng said, he wiped his tears and sighed, "Since we knew that our father was killed by the thieves, you brothers have been worrying and cursing at home all day long. If it was really a plan, I would not be able to stop it. But now it has been done, there is no point in regretting it.

I am actually worried that you are hesitant and thus cannot accomplish anything. No matter who steps forward, at least we can kill Cui Jishu, the bastard, and avenge our father, and my brothers won't become the laughing stock of the world. As my second brother said, the princes who have lost their power are the most humble. I don't expect to achieve anything great in this life. If I can accomplish this, I have no regrets and can die with a smile on my face! "

Hearing Gao Yanzong's words, Gao Xiaowan and the others all looked ashamed. Indeed, when the brothers learned the truth about their father's assassination, they were extremely angry and cursed Cui Jishu and others at home all day long, and repeatedly vowed to avenge their father, but they did not take action.

After all, things are no longer the same as they were in the past. It is already very difficult for them to maintain a stable life in Chang'an as slaves of a conquered country. If they really do something illegal, their families may be destroyed and their lives may be in danger.

So they just vented their anger verbally, but they didn't expect that the youngest Gao Yanzong was the most daring and decisive, and directly turned their anger into reality, killing Cui Jishu in the street. So during this period of time, in addition to worry and anxiety, they also felt guilty and embarrassed.

"Cui Jishu is a treacherous villain, despised by the people of the time! Ah Wu, you avenged your father, which is an act of human justice, and you really should not be punished with the death penalty. My brothers and I will do our best to rescue you from the cage. Even if it means sacrificing our official titles..."

Gao Xiaowan looked at Gao Yanzong and said seriously, but Gao Yanzong shook his head and said, "Brother, your official title is a favor bestowed by the Tang Emperor. How can it exempt you from any crime? If you really have a plan, I have been imprisoned in this cage for half a month before you can come here to see me. It shows that there is no good plan. I don't blame you for not being able to save me. You can live peacefully outside, pass on this bloodline, and give me a son as my heir. I will be very satisfied."

This kid was open-minded and resigned to his fate, but his words made his brothers even more ashamed. Gao Xiaoheng, who was already suffering from illness, covered his face and burst into tears. The fact was indeed as Gao Yanzong said, and his brothers really had no good plan to save him. After all, Gao Yanzong killed people in the street, which was a bad nature and the evidence was conclusive. The reason why the case has not been finalized yet is mainly because Cui Jishu is surrounded by controversy.

If they wanted to seek a leniency outside the law, they would have to start with filial piety and try to get the support and intercession of the great figures of the dynasty. However, their connections were nothing more than those old friends in Northern Qi, but few of them were in high positions and willing to help.

"Awu, you don't have to be so depressed. After visiting you today, I will go to my father-in-law's house and ask him to introduce me to Lord Wuxiang. Lord Wuxiang Li Quji is a close confidant of the current Supreme Yuancong. If I can get his support and plead for mercy, I will surely give him a lighter sentence."

Although he had no idea, Gao Xiaoyu still forced himself to speak.

Not long ago, Wuxiang Gong Li Quji married the daughter of Fanyang Lu family Lu Zhengsi, and his father-in-law Lu Zhengshan and Lu Zhengsi were brothers, so they were considered to be relatives. This time, the brothers were able to visit Gao Yanzong in Jingzhao prison, and it was Li Quji who spoke up for them.

Gao Xiaowan at the side also said: "Yes, although my family has lost power, it was once prominent for many years. Recently, Cui Qian of Boling was demoted and exiled from the capital, which shows that the current supreme ruler is not particularly close to this family. As long as the right connections are found, I think there will be room for leniency.

Not only did my brothers work hard to rescue him, but our Tenth Uncle was also not idle. He has gone to the Duke of Qi's mansion to ask for an audience. If we can persuade the Duke of Qi to speak up for help, then things will be much easier!"

"Duke Qi? Whose family is this? How is he related to my family?"

Although Gao Yanzong was open-minded and accepted his fate, he would certainly be happy if he could avoid punishment. When he heard his brothers propose another method, he immediately became curious.

But after hearing this question, Gao Xiaowan and his brothers all looked a little unnatural. When Gao Yanzong asked again, they whispered, "The Duke of Qi was given the title by Yuwen Heita, and now his son Yuwen Pu has inherited the title. But, but the birth mother of this Duke of Qi is, is also the birth mother of our tenth uncle..."

"How could this actually happen? My family is actually related to Yuwen Heita's family? Are you guys trying to deceive me? This is really, really unbelievable!"

Even though this matter was related to his own life, when Gao Yanzong heard the explanation from Gao Xiaowan and others, he couldn't help but widen his eyes for a moment with an expression of disbelief.

Their tenth uncle Gao Xi was now conferred the title of Duke of Linzhang County. He was the adopted son of their grandfather Gao Huan, but he was actually a brother of Yuwen Heita's adopted son from the same mother? This was really hard to accept. Their two clans had fought for so many years, but in the end they became one family?