The Red Chamber begins with a bastard

Chapter 425 Prince Yizhong ruined things

On the 20th day of the winter month in the seventh year of the Qiansheng reign of the Great Jin Dynasty, the morning court was held. At this time, the atmosphere in the inner hall of Youshun Gate was as desolate as the northwest wind whistling outside the hall. The Qiansheng Emperor, who had reigned for seven years, sat high on the throne with an expressionless face that was hard to understand. The civil and military ministers stood on his left and right, all with solemn expressions.

The court meetings of the Jin Dynasty were divided into grand court meetings and regular court meetings, and regular court meetings were further divided into morning court meetings and noon court meetings. Grand court meetings were usually held only on major festivals and were ceremonial court meetings held at Fengtian Gate, and all Beijing officials had to attend.

The morning court session was usually held at Youshunmen, and the afternoon court session was held at Zuoshunmen. Only officials of the fifth rank and above were eligible to attend. Jia Zheng was originally only a sixth-rank official in the Ministry of Works. After Jia Yuanchun was canonized as the imperial concubine, he was promoted to a fifth-rank official in the Ministry of Works, which was just enough to qualify for the regular court session.

Because the fifth rank was the threshold for attending the morning court, Jia Zheng was now standing almost at the end of the line of civil servants. He was almost at the palace gate, and the cold wind blew in from outside. Even though he was wearing thick clothes, his back was still chilly. It was a really sour feeling.

However, Jia Zheng himself is very satisfied with this position because it is not conspicuous. Just as poor students like to sit at the back of the class, away from the teacher's sight, Jia Zheng, a poor student in officialdom, also has the same mentality. From this we can see that Father Zheng is still self-aware. Although he likes to pretend at home, he is very low-key in the court. His mediocre political talent does not allow him to be high-profile.

Let's get back to the point. The eunuch from the Imperial Household Department walked to the front of the hall with a whip in his hand. He swung the whip vigorously, making a loud snapping sound. Then he shouted in his unique shrill voice: "I have a petition to report. If there is nothing else, I will dismiss the court!"

There was silence in the hall, and no one came forward, but everyone looked at the Minister of Justice Guo Da at the same time, obviously knowing what the highlight of the day was.

The Minister of Justice Guo Da stepped forward cautiously, and at the same time, the Minister of the Supreme Court and the Left and Right Censors of the Censorate also stepped out and said in unison: "Your Highness has something to report."

Emperor Qiansheng on the throne nodded and said, "Play it!"

The Minister of Justice Guo Da bowed his head and said, "Your subjects have been ordered to investigate the Yangzhou smuggling salt case. After the investigation by our Ministry of Justice, the Censorate, and the Dali Temple, it has been found that Ji Jinxiao, the purchasing eunuch stationed in Jinling by Prince Yi Zhong's mansion, was indeed involved in the case of Yangzhou salt merchant Kang Lingcheng selling smuggled salt for profit. The evidence is irrefutable. In addition, this case involves many officials, both civil and military, especially those under the jurisdiction of Yangzhou Prefecture. As many as five or six out of ten officials were killed, which is like a landslide, with mud and sand all falling down. It is really shocking. Yangzhou Prefect Hong Wenxuan, Yangzhou Salt Transport Bureau Transport Envoy Zhang Yidong, and Yangzhou Guard Commander Dai Lijun were all accomplices and masterminds in this case, but now they are all dead..."

Emperor Qiansheng interrupted coldly, "Wait a minute, how much profit did the eunuch Ji Jinxiao make by selling illegal salt? Did he do anything else illegal? Was Prince Yizhong involved?"

The Minister of Justice Guo Da wiped the sweat from his forehead with his sleeve and reported: "Your Majesty, during his stay in Jiangnan, Ji Jinxiao sold private salt through the big salt merchant Kang Lingcheng and earned more than 9 million taels. In addition, Ji Jinxiao also made nearly 1 million taels by reselling salt permits. According to investigation, he also engaged in illegal activities such as forced buying and selling, bullying and monopolizing the market, and occupying people's land. He was involved in more than 200 cases in total."

Emperor Qiansheng was furious, slammed the imperial desk, and shouted angrily: "It is simply lawless, shocking, and outrageous. The tax silver paid by the Ministry of Revenue is only 40 million taels a year, but he alone has made more than 10 million taels, which makes him richer than me. Does this eunuch have other illegal things? Tell me one by one, I want to see how much evil he has done."

The Minister of Justice Guo Da was already sweating profusely at this moment. It turned out that he was from the faction of Emperor Kangping, the retired emperor. Naturally, he was extremely nervous at this moment. He originally wanted to avoid the main issue, but unexpectedly, Emperor Qiansheng kept asking him questions.

"And...and..." The Minister of Justice Guo Da hesitated for a long time and did not continue.

Emperor Qiansheng's face gradually became gloomy, as if a thundercloud was gathering and a devastating storm could be set off at any time. The civil and military officials present all lowered their heads in awe.

At this time, the Left Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate bowed and said, "Your Majesty, Ji Jinxiao is also suspected of raising assassins, killing people to silence them, and plotting to murder court officials. The poisoning of Lin Ruhai, the Censor-in-Chief of Yangzhou Salt Inspection, is also related to Ji Jinxiao.

In addition, Ji Jinxiao secretly instructed the pirate Gu Sanmazi to attack Lord Lin. After the failure, he sent assassins to assassinate Kang Lingcheng and his son, trying to silence them. This attracted Kang Lingcheng's second son Kang Dayong to seek revenge. He led the pirates to invade the coastal areas of Yangzhou Prefecture, burning, killing, looting, and destroying the salt fields, causing immeasurable losses and extremely bad consequences.

In addition, the Jinyiwei investigation found that Ji Jinxiao also colluded with Dai Li, the commander of the Yangzhou Guard, to privately mobilize troops to attack friendly forces, trying to help the pirate Kang Dayong escape. In order to escape the crime, he even besieged the Salt Inspector's Office and wanted to kill Lin Ruhai, the governor of Yingtian. "

"His crime is so heinous that he deserves death!" Emperor Qiansheng slammed the imperial desk in anger again, filled with murderous intent.

At this time, the Left Censor-in-Chief of the Metropolitan Censorate said cautiously: "Prince Yi Zhong knew all of Ji Jinxiao's actions, and most of what Ji Jinxiao robbed went into Prince Yi Zhong's mansion's storehouse. In addition, the Prince's mansion also secretly raised 300 assassins."

The civil and military officials present all gasped, knowing that Prince Yizhong was finished this time. You might be willing to make some money, but what's the point of raising three hundred assassins? Moreover, you sent assassins to kill people, murder court officials, collude with bandits, and collude with the army. Which emperor can tolerate this?

Jia Zheng's legs were shaking with fear at this moment, because the Jia family was quite close to Prince Yi Zhong's mansion. What would he do if some connection was discovered?

Last time, because Wang Ren injured the seventh prince, the Jinyiwei dug up the old accounts with Jia Zhen, and directly stripped him of his title and exiled him three thousand miles away. Although he has been pardoned thanks to Concubine Yuan, his title has not been restored. If he offends the emperor again this time, I am afraid that Concubine Yuan will not be able to save herself!

The wind outside the hall was getting stronger. Fine snowflakes fell from the sky and rolled in, hitting the cheek like a knife. All the officials present held their breath!
Because everyone knows that the power struggle between the emperor and the emperor emeritus, after several years of competition, will finally come to an end today. Once Prince Yizhong falls, the old imperial faction that supports the emperor emeritus will be defeated and will eventually be hunted down and even bloodily purged by the new imperial faction!
"Present the memorial!" Emperor Qiansheng said calmly, suppressing his inner ecstasy. He had been living under the shadow of Emperor Kangping, the retired emperor, for seven years since he ascended the throne, and now he finally had the opportunity to get rid of him completely.

The Minister of Justice Guo Da knelt on the ground and held up the case files and memorials after the joint trial by the three judicial departments above his head. The eunuchs of the Imperial Household Department took them and presented them to the emperor.

Emperor Qiansheng took it and read it, then said, "Zhao Qing's family!"

Walking into the Southern Study, Hanlin scholar Zhao Mingcheng immediately stepped out of his class and said respectfully, "I'm here!"

"You come and read it out in public!" Emperor Qiansheng said calmly.

"I obey your order!" Zhao Mingcheng stepped forward, respectfully took the memorial and the file, and then read them aloud in a rhythmic manner.

This file was extremely detailed, clearly listing all the crimes committed by Prince Yi Zhong. It included testimony from witnesses, as well as evidence of stolen money and property. Even a group of assassins kept by Prince Yi Zhong's mansion were captured by the Embroidered Uniform Guard. This meant that the evidence was irrefutable and irrefutable.

Emperor Qiansheng waited for Zhao Mingcheng to finish reading, then asked in a gloomy manner, "What do you think the Zhao family should do?"

Zhao Mingcheng bowed respectfully and said, "The country has its own laws, and the family has its own rules. Naturally, we should deal with it according to the national laws and family rules!"

"What about national laws? What about family rules?" Emperor Qiansheng said coldly.

Zhao Mingcheng's eyes were sharp, and he said in a loud voice: "Prince Yi Zhong is a member of the royal family, but he did not think about serving the country and being loyal. Instead, he illegally amassed a huge amount of money and condoned his servants to commit crimes. His crimes are too numerous to list. He raised assassins, made friends with the army, and colluded with thieves. This is tantamount to treason. According to the national law, his family should be exterminated and executed, and according to the royal family law, he should be demoted to a commoner!"

As soon as these words came out, all the officials present changed color, especially those nobles, who were all terrified. Prince Yizhong is the leader of the noble group and the money bag of the emperor. If he falls, the situation will be in danger! Emperor Qiansheng nodded, looked at the five cabinet ministers coldly, and said calmly: "What do you think, gentlemen?"

"I second the proposal!"

"I second the proposal!"

Among the five cabinet ministers, two of them stepped forward to second the motion, and they were obviously from the new emperor faction on the side of Emperor Qiansheng. Among the remaining three cabinet ministers, except for the chief minister Shi Fengyi, the other two were from the old emperor faction who supported the retired emperor.

Speaking of which, Shi Fengyi is already over seventy years old. The reason why he can sit in the top chair of the cabinet is not because of his great ability in governing, but because he has the longest seniority and is the oldest. He has experienced three dynasties and can be said to be an evergreen in the political arena.

Generally speaking, there are only two types of people who can stand firm in the court. One is a political strongman with great skills, such as Xu Jie and Zhang Juzheng, and the other is a flexible old fox who is used to taking advantage of the situation.

The chief minister of the cabinet, Shi Fengyi, was the second type of person. Although his ability in governing was average, he was smooth and worldly-wise, and a well-known good guy. He had been an official in the court for more than 40 years and had never had a quarrel with anyone. He adhered to the doctrine of the mean and did not seek to achieve anything but to avoid making mistakes.

Normally it would be very difficult for such a person to hold a high position, but he had a long life and was able to endure. After a long time of enduring, he finally entered the cabinet. After a long time of enduring, the cabinet ministers before him either died or fell, so Lord Shi took the position of Prime Minister without any struggle or dispute.

However, this time Lord Shi might not be able to escape, because two of the five cabinet ministers have already expressed their opinions, and Emperor Qiansheng is staring at him coldly. The eyes of all the civil and military officials in the court are also on him. The pressure is enormous!

After hesitating and weighing things over and over again, Shi Fengyi finally made up his mind and made the last decision of his career - his eyes rolled back and he fainted!

"Master Shi!"

The ministers around the "Prime Minister" came forward one after another, pinching the Ren Zhong point and pinching the Tai Xue point on the temples.

Emperor Qiansheng, however, had a calm expression and watched coldly, as if he was not surprised at all.

After everyone's frantic rescue, Lord Shi finally woke up and struggled to stand up, gasping for breath and saying, "This old minister... my heartache suddenly came back. I was disrespectful in front of you, please forgive me, Your Majesty!"

Emperor Qiansheng said with a warm expression: "Mr. Shi is old, and it is normal for him to feel unwell. Come, help Mr. Shi go down to rest."

Two palace guards immediately came in and helped Shi Fengyi up. The latter hurriedly said, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your consideration. I will take my leave now!"

Emperor Qiansheng nodded and said, "Mr. Shi, you can rest at home and recuperate from now on. You don't have to attend court unless ordered to do so."

Shi Fengyi's trembling body stiffened slightly, and then trembled even more violently. He covered his chest and said in a trembling voice: "Your Majesty... obeys your order!" Then he left the hall tremblingly with the help of two guards.

All the ministers watched Shi Fengyi walk out of the hall, and they all understood that the career of this veteran of three dynasties and evergreen in the political arena had come to an end.

Wait... once Shi Fengyi leaves, won't the position of Prime Minister of the Cabinet be vacant?
The ministers who realized this all looked at the second assistant Li Biao, who was a member of the old imperial faction.

However, amid the stunned eyes of the crowd, Li Biao, the deputy minister, stood up and said respectfully, "I think what Mr. Zhao said is absolutely right. As the saying goes, if a prince breaks the law, he is guilty of the same crime as the common people. Prince Yi Zhong is guilty of treason and should be executed. His family should be confiscated and his descendants should be demoted to common people, and Prince Yi Zhong's family should be expelled from the royal family."

Hiss——

All the ministers of the old emperor's faction secretly gasped. It was obvious that at this critical juncture, the last assistant Li Biao had turned against him and submitted his letter of allegiance to Emperor Qiansheng. So, in this case, was the position of the Prime Minister secure?

The wind outside the palace was getting stronger, and the scattered snowflakes turned into fluttering snowflakes. Jia Zheng followed the crowd and walked out of Youshun Gate in a daze. The north wind was as sharp as a knife, and the snowflakes were all over the sky. He couldn't help shivering and subconsciously wrapped his cloak tightly.

Prince Yoshitada is finished. Next, the new imperial faction, which is mainly composed of civil servants, will definitely take advantage of the victory and pursue the old imperial faction, which is mainly composed of the noble group. Who will be the next unlucky one?
Minister of War Wang Ziteng?
Jia Zheng suddenly felt even colder and quickened his pace towards the Ministry of Works' office. Although the morning court was over, he still had to work at the office.

…………

Snow fell heavily all night, and when he woke up the next morning, the Grand View Garden had become a glass world. Jia Huan drank hot millet porridge while reading today's official newspaper.

The foreign maid Mandarin came up and hugged Jia Huan's neck from behind, cheek to cheek, and asked curiously while looking at the court newspaper: "Jia, is there any big event today?"

Jia Huan nodded and said, "Yes, Prince Yi Zhong has passed away!"

"What do you mean?"

"He's dead!"

Mandarin suddenly realized, "It's better to die. Then you don't have to worry about being retaliated. That's a good thing, isn't it?"

It is indeed a good thing that Prince Yizhong has finally ruined things.

(End of this chapter)