I served as an admonisher in the Song Dynasty

Chapter 392 Explosion! Tears! Su Jingming’s “Criticism” Conference (Part )
It's nearly noon on the third day of October.

Su Liang and his party finally arrived in Bianjing.

Zhang Mao, the Secretary of the Imperial City of Activities, personally welcomed Su Liang outside the city and would be the first to take Su Liang into the ban to meet the saint.

Su Liang knew that half of the people in Bianjing City were discussing him, so he changed his horse into a carriage and entered the city in a low-key manner.

However, some people had discovered Su Liang at the Bianhe Wharf.

As soon as Su Liang entered the city.

People were crowding on both sides of the street, and some even kept following the carriage.

Sun Sheng and Du Lei were riding at the forefront, and the surrounding Forbidden Army guards were also alert.

To prevent someone from causing trouble.

At this moment, a voice suddenly came from the crowd.

"I support Su Zhongcheng. I think Su Zhongcheng is preparing for a rainy day. What he did was right!"

Some people scolded Su Liang, some wanted to use Su Liang to become famous, and some were just watching the fun.

……

"Su Liang, you are seeking fame and killing innocent people indiscriminately. The court will definitely punish you with death!"

If it were the former Su Liang, he would definitely refute it.

Those who protected Su Liang and those who scolded Su Liang quarreled again on the street.

……

The Kaifeng government officials on both sides of the street have long been accustomed to this kind of scene. In the face of this "national quarrel", the measures they took were very simple and straightforward.

The Song Dynasty has always claimed to be the orthodoxy of the world.

Failure to punish severely would be a disregard for the laws and etiquette of the Song Dynasty.

"When Su Zhongcheng ambushed the Jiaozhi soldiers, he forgot himself and served the public good. You have forgotten that he made the Xixia Prime Minister admit his mistake in the northwest. You have forgotten that he discarded the coins we gave to the Liao State at Baigou River. You have forgotten that over the years, His contribution to the reform of the entire Song Dynasty..."

Jiaozhi was already a vassal state of the Song Dynasty, and Emperor Taizong recognized its independence and conferred the titles of successive kings of Jiaozhi as county kings.

"Su Liang, you have tarnished your status as a scholar-bureaucrat. You...you should resign immediately!"

"Su Liang, if you feel like it, come down and explain. If you don't, just stay in the carriage and don't come out!"

This crime is heinous.

But in the Song Dynasty, this was a big deal.

Hear this.

Without any evidence, Su Liang entered the Jiaozhi territory to ambush and massacre the Jiaozhi soldiers.

Of course, there are also those who protect Su Liang.

But now the official's words seemed to give him a reassurance, and he did not need to let these words affect his mood.

The people in Bianjing City also quarreled.

A hard fist means a strong principle.

There were more and more sounds outside the carriage.

Such ambushes were not considered a big deal in Liao, Xixia, Goryeo and other countries.

In the eyes of some opponents.

Such evil deeds.

Su Liang was quarreling with his family over family matters. When a neighbor glanced at his home, Su Liang picked up a knife and brutally killed him.

Su Liang in the carriage smiled slightly and didn't care.

As long as you don't make a move, you can make any noise, and whoever makes a move will be arrested.

"Su Liang, you are a disgrace to the scholar-officials of our court!"

……

Just like——

Only by severely punishing Su Liang can the dignity of the ritual system of the great Song Dynasty be maintained.

Gradually.

in fact.

This is evil, illegal, like a barbarian, and an insult to the state and etiquette of the Song Dynasty.

It was with this "Mother's mentality" and "justice logic" that they attacked Su Liang.

Sun Sheng and Du Lei's expressions darkened instantly. As long as Su Liang spoke up, they would immediately take someone away.

"Old achievements cannot offset new mistakes. If you make a mistake, it is a mistake. The court must punish Su Liang severely. Otherwise, where is the dignity of the Song Dynasty and where is the etiquette and morality of the scholar-bureaucrats in the world? From now on, can we kill anyone we don't like? ? What’s the difference between that and barbarians?”

"Su Liang, do you dare to get out of the car and argue with me? If you don't have the courage, you are not worthy of being an admonishing officer!"

One by one, they have louder voices, more vocabulary, and sufficient arguments, but they never take action.

of course.

There were many people who wanted to pull Su Liang down from the height of the court, so they were so enthusiastic and angry.

Five days ago.

Di Qing and his troops have camped on the outskirts of Bianjing City, waiting to receive the reward.

But looking at the current situation, if Su Liang's problem is not solved first, the reward cannot be given.

……

An hour later.

Su Liang came to Chui Gong Hall.

Zhao Zhen stood up from the throne and looked at Su Liang with a smile.

"Su Qing, you have lost weight and become darker!"

Su Liang touched his face and said with a smile: "Then I have to take good care of myself from now on!"

As soon as these words came out, Zhao Zhen immediately became happy.

He admired Su Liang, except for Su Liang's extraordinary abilities.

And Su Liang’s temperament.

If other ministers saw Zhao Zhen asking this question, they would definitely say some heroic words such as "I will devote myself to death and die for the Song Dynasty without regrets."

But what Su Liang said was very true.

"Give me a seat!"

Zhao Zhen looked at Su Liang and said, "I have prepared chicken soup wontons for you. Let's talk after dinner."

"Thank you, Guanjia!"

Su Liang cupped his hands and sat down.

In order to rush on the road, he had eaten breakfast before dawn, but it was already afternoon, and he was already ravenous.

soon.

A bowl of steaming chicken soup wontons, a plate of fried bones, a plate of crispy bone fish, two plates of exquisite snacks, and a small pot of lamb wine were brought to Su Liang.

They are all Su Liang's daily favorites.

Su Liang was not polite either.

He immediately rolled up his sleeves and started eating without any trace of a scholar-bureaucrat's demeanor.

Zhao Zhen was very happy to see Su Liang gobbling up the food.

A thought suddenly came to my mind: It would be great to have a son like Su Liang.

But then I thought about it.

He is only less than ten years older than Su Liang, which is not very suitable.

Su Liang ate.

Looking up, he found Zhao Zhen looking at him with a very warm look, and he couldn't help but feel moved in his heart.

He feels that the official family is like his elder brother, who understands him and cares about him.

These two people.

One regards the other as his son, and the other as his brother.

The mood is very happy.

Less than a moment.

Su Liang ate everything like a wind and a cloud.

Zhao Zhen looked at Su Liang and said, "Are you full?"

"I'm full!" Su Liang rubbed his belly with satisfaction.

at this time.

Two chamberlains walked into the Chui Gong Hall carrying two large stacks of memorials.

Don't look.

It turned out that these memorials were all for impeaching Su Liang.

Zhao Zhen looked at Su Liang and said, "Now, do you regret entering the Jiaozhi ambush?"

Su Liang shook his head firmly.

"I don't regret it, I think it was worth it!"

Zhao Zhen smiled fondly and said: "Since King Li Dezheng of Jiaozhi submitted the document about the attack on Jiaozhi soldiers, I have been thinking about how to deal with this matter with all the ministers."

"I understand you, and all the ministers understand you, but I am afraid that the whole world will find it difficult to understand you. In order to give the world an explanation, and in order to safeguard the Song Dynasty, I can only aggrieve you, but I will minimize this grievance."

"For up to two years, you will still be the imperial censor Zhongcheng. Even if you fail to make meritorious deeds, I will still lift you up."

"In the past, when you were wronged, you had to rely on yourself to argue. This time, you don't have to work hard or argue with anyone. Everything will be done according to my arrangements. The wrongs you suffered this time, I will do the same in the future. I’ll make up for it for you.”

……

Zhao Zhen's words made Su Liang's head warm. Zhao Zhen almost regarded him as a family member.

"I will obey the official arrangements for everything!" Su Liang handed over his hand heavily.

……

Half an hour later.

Su Liang left the ban and returned to Su's house.

Tang Ze, Tang Wanmei, Su Zimu, Su Qinyi, Uncle Ji and Aunt Ji, as well as the guards and servants of the Su residence were all waiting for Su Liang in the courtyard.

these days.

Countless people were scolding Su Liang, and even said that Su Liang should be sentenced to death.

But none of Su Zhai's escort servants left.

They believed in Su Liang's character.

As soon as Su Liang entered the door.

Su Zimu and Su Qin rushed into Su Liang's arms and burst into tears.

Su Liang had been gone for more than four months, so they naturally missed him.

Su Liang picked up Su Qinyi, held Su Zimu's hand, then looked around and said with a smile: "It's okay, everything will be fine when I come back. Let's have a good meal tonight!"

As soon as these words came out.

Everyone felt relaxed.

Tang Wanmei's eyes were wet, she walked up to Su Liang, passed her white palm across Su Liang's face, and said, "Lose weight!"

Su Liang let go of Su Zimu, hugged Tang Wanmei's waist, and said against her fair face, "Lovesickness makes you thin!"

Tang Ze, who was beside him, blushed and said, "Come in, come in!"

Suddenly.

Uncle Ji, Aunt Ji and others couldn't help laughing.

As soon as Su Liang returned to Su's house, Su's house immediately became cheerful.

……

At dusk that day.

Zhao Zhen issued an edict that a court meeting will be held in the Daqing Hall tomorrow morning. All Beijing officials above the seventh rank must participate to discuss matters in the southern border.

In addition to Di Qing's great victory, the matter in the southern border was naturally Su Liang's ambush of Jiaozhi soldiers.

……

late at night.

Su Zhai, in the bedroom.

Tang Wanmei's legs were wrapped around Su Liang, her arms were wrapped around Su Liang, her pretty face was pressed tightly against Su Liang's, and she didn't want to be separated for a moment.

"I have thought about it these past few days. If you are demoted to a commoner, we will return to Yangzhou. From then on, we will live our own lives and no longer care about the political affairs of the court."

"If you... you are really sentenced to death, I... I will... pay someone to rob the prison, rescue you, and then our family will go to sea. If you are really caught, I will die with you. Leave our father, Zimu, and Qinyi to Uncle Cao, and he will definitely take good care of them."

Su Liang was stunned.

I didn’t expect that my daughter-in-law would be so wild and dare to hire someone to rob a prison.

"Don't say stupid things. If something happens to me, our family's money will be enough for you. Just live a good life. Jie Jing, you are crazy!"

Su Liang just finished speaking.

Tang Wanmei pushed Su Liang down, then touched the tip of Su Liang's nose with her nose, and said very seriously: "If you die, I will never live alone!"

Su Liang hugged Tang Wanmei tightly, put his lips against her ear, and whispered: "After this crisis is over, I will never let you worry so much in the future." "Keep your word!"

Tang Wanmei suddenly bit Su Liang's lower lip with a naughty expression on his face.

Su Liang instantly understood what to do next.

……

The next day.

The sky was slightly bright, and all the ministers gathered in Daqing Hall.

And this moment.

The two most eye-catching people in Daqing Hall are Su Liang and Di Qing.

Di Qing successfully quelled the rebellion and became the most popular person in the current court.

During Di Qing's rebellion, Su Liang went to Jiaozhi.

Many officials believed that the suppression of the rebellion in the southern border had nothing to do with Su Liang. Su Liang only killed five magistrates under the guise of "acting cheaply."

The credit is negligible.

Di Qing entered the palace.

Many officials greeted him with smiles on their faces, but when Su Liang entered the palace, some officials had expressions of disdain on their faces.

But they underestimated Su Liang's personality charm.

When Di Qing saw Su Liang entering the palace, he took the lead in giving Su Liang a big hug.

He can best understand Su Liang's difficulties, and he also expressed his support for Su Liang in public.

Followed by.

Ouyang Xiu, Fan Zhen, Bao Zheng, Zhou Yuan, Lu Jie, Wang Anshi and others all gave Su Liang a big hug.

They believed in Su Liang's character.

He even thought that Su Liang had done something unprecedented that was detrimental to himself and the country.

After a while.

All the ministers entered the palace, and all the ministers took their places.

Immediately afterwards, Zhao Zhen walked into the hall with a smile on his face.

After all the ministers bowed their hands.

Zhao Zhen was the first to speak: "What we are discussing today is about the southern border."

"Di Hanchen led the Western Army to put down the rebellion, and all the soldiers who participated in the fight should be generously rewarded. Zhongshu is already counting the names, and it is expected that the rewards will be given on the tenth day of October."

"However, before this, there is one more important matter that needs to be resolved."

"This is what happened when Su Liang, the imperial censor, entered Jiaozhi and ambushed him, causing 8,000 casualties among Jiaozhi soldiers."

"The city of Bianjing is noisy. Discussions have been going on for more than half a month. The same is true in the court. The memorials I have received can fill half the room. This matter must be resolved quickly, otherwise it will seriously affect the process of the national reform. !”

Zhao Zhen calmed down.

"This matter is very controversial. In order to resolve it completely, I decided to put the matter to public trial in front of Xuande Building, where officials and people can supervise. Anyone who is not satisfied with the result can raise questions on the spot, but if the matter is over, no one can If someone has objections and then gossips afterwards and then submits a memorial for impeachment, he will be punished for undermining the reform!"

"I am going to dispatch two supervisors and two chief judges. Can anyone recommend themselves?"

At this time.

Just when Wen Yanbo, Bao Zheng, and Ouyang Xiu raised their feet, ready to stand up.

An official from the Academy of Sciences walked to the middle of the hall first.

"In the official family, I believe that Su Zhongcheng has many close friends in the court. Prime Minister Wen, Prime Minister Zhang, Prime Minister Fu, Prime Minister Zeng, Prime Minister Wang Ji, Privy Envoy Liang, Bao Xueshi, and all the admonishing officials should all avoid suspicion."

These words.

At once, most of the officials with higher positions than Su Liang in the court were rejected.

Zhao Zhen looked at the official and said, "What you said makes sense. Then who do you think should supervise the trial? Who should preside over the trial?"

The official was stunned, not expecting that the official would ask him a question.

He looked behind him.

Almost all officials who wanted to punish Su Liang severely lowered their heads.

They are typical conformists.

People in the crowd cheered happily, but they didn't dare to stand alone.

They know.

No matter who is presiding over the case, whichever side the result favors will be criticized.

The official rolled his eyes and quickly raised his hands and said, "I...I...I think it should be decided by the officials."

"Humph!"

Zhao Zhen snorted coldly.

What he dislikes most are officials who like to ask questions but are completely unable to solve them.

"Is it up to me to decide? If I designate someone close to Su Liang, such as the Minister of Literature, the Prime Minister, or the Third Secretary of State, to preside over the case, I'm afraid you will stand up and oppose it again!"

"Besides them, are there any self-recommendations?"

At this time, Wang Anshi strode out.

As soon as he took half a step, he saw a dozen officials turning their faces to look at him, and then prepared to line up and bow their hands.

These officials will naturally object.

In Bianjing City.

No one knows that Wang Anshi called Su Liang a saint of his time.

If Wang Anshi were to preside over the trial, Su Liang might not only be found not guilty at the end of the trial, but would actually be found guilty.

Wang Anshi looked at the sharp eyes of the officials in front and put his feet back again.

It's not that he didn't dare.

But he realized that if he came to trial, the officials would probably target Su Liang even more.

In addition, his official position is too small and he is not qualified to preside over the trial.

After leaning a little, Zhao Zhen stood up.

"I will appoint you!"

"I would like to order Wu Yu and Song Xiang, the political counselors, to supervise the trial, and Zhao Gai, the minister of Dali Temple, and Zuo Youding, the minister of Honglu Temple, to preside over the trial. At that time, all officials can be present and can raise objections. Do the ministers have any objections? "

"I am willing to go!" Wu Yu and Song Xiang said at the same time. The two of them had long known that they would be the supervisors.

Zhao Gai, the minister of Dali Temple, and Zuo Youding, the minister of Honglu Temple, both wanted to cry but had no tears.

Both of them have the character to play both sides and don't want to offend anyone.

But at present, in the court, apart from Kaifeng Mansion and Yushitai, the one who is good at judging cases is Dali Temple.

This matter also involves national etiquette, and Honglu Temple is also responsible for hearing it.

Although Zhao Gai and Zuo Youding were extremely reluctant, seeing that the two deputy prime ministers agreed, how could they dare to object.

Immediately, the two of them raised their hands at the same time and said: "I accept your order!"

"Who has any objections?" Zhao Zhen asked again.

The officials thought for a while and could no longer raise any objections.

This case is a public trial.

Among all the ministers, those who were relatively distant from Su Liang were Song Xiang and Wu Yu.

Zhao Gai and Zuo Youding are also within their responsibilities and are indeed the best candidates.

"I have no objection!"

"I have no objection!"

"I have no objection!"

……

All the officials bowed their hands.

Immediately, Zhao Zhen made a decision and said: "Okay, then in three days, there will be a public trial in front of Xuande Gate. I will also monitor it from the Xuande Tower until everyone is satisfied."

"In addition, we are all questioning the censor, Su Liang, and the generals under his command. No one should be treated as a prisoner!"

"I obey!" All the ministers raised their hands in unison.

……

soon.

The news that the court would hold a public trial in front of Xuande Gate on the seventh day of October for Su Liang's ambush of Jiaozhi soldiers spread to the streets of Bianjing.

This time.

The court intended to allow all the people to supervise the case, and all onlookers could raise objections to the verdict of the case.

Some scholars felt that their opportunity to stand out had come.

Each one of them is like a litigator participating in the case.

Some were thinking about how to help Su Liang reduce the punishment, and some were thinking about how to make Su Liang get more guilty.

Most of Bianjing City was discussing Su Liang's affairs.

Officials also gathered together to discuss the matter.

Su Liang was in the reform period of the Song Dynasty.

He made many friends and offended many officials.

Some officials gritted their teeth and looked at Su Liang, wishing that Su Liang would die, but Su Liang didn't know what kind of hatred he had against them.

……

Some people are busy saving Su Liang, while others are busy harming Su Liang.

Su Liang, on the other hand, was lying comfortably at home.

The son beat his legs, the daughter fed him dried fruits, the wife cooked delicious food for him in various ways, and the father-in-law drank tea with Su Liang and chatted about some interesting folk stories.

This is the most relaxing time for Su Liang.

He does not have to rack his brains to explain or defend those who oppose him.

Everything has been arranged by the officials.

To describe it in the official words——

"Since the Reform of the Song Dynasty, Su Jingming has shielded the court from wind and rain many times. This time, it is us who shield him from wind and rain!"

……

Early morning on the seventh day of October.

In front of Xuande Gate, a large wooden platform was built.

At dawn, people rushed around the wooden platform to grab seats.

And this moment.

Wen Yanbo, Fu Bi, Zhang Fangping, Wang Yaochen, Zeng Gongliang and other ministers, admonishers, officials from the pavilion, academy of academicians, and privy council all arrived.

This time, they were all in plain clothes.

During the public trial.

They can raise questions and find evidence, but all results are determined by the supervisor and presiding officer.

at the same time.

Zhao Zhen also came to the Xuandemen Gate Tower.

Sitting on it, he could clearly hear the sounds below, but he would not interfere with the normal progress of the public trial.

Unless special circumstances arise.

And this moment.

In a corner outside a wooden platform.

A group of scholars huddled together.

Some were flipping through several volumes of "Song Xingtong", intending to find Su Liang's charges.

Some closed their eyes and memorized the words silently, hoping to change the situation and become famous in one fell swoop through their own eloquent speeches.

After all, the official family is sitting in front of Xuande Tower, so this is a rare opportunity to show their face.

not far away.

Wang Anshi glanced at them with disdain and said: "If you people can reach high school, our Song Dynasty will have to go downhill. At present, among the wise men in the world, the only one who can be called a saint is Su Jingming. You rotten people, what? Don’t even understand!”

Not long after.

Supervising officers Wu Yu and Song Xiang, and presiding officers Zhao Gai and Zuo Youding all wore official uniforms and sat in their seats.

After a while.

Su Liang was wearing official uniform and appeared on the wooden platform with Yang Wenguang, Du Lei and Sun Sheng, the generals who participated in the ambush of Jiaozhi and wore armor.

Since the four of them were not sinners, seats were arranged for them.

Lean slightly.

It became quiet in front of Xuande Tower.

Everyone is looking forward to how this matter will end.

(End of this chapter)