Done! Your Majesty is going to prostitute me for free!

In mid-July, the sky was blue, and the sun shone through the sparse clouds, shining on every corner of the capital, covering this ancient city with a golden coat. Outside the Shuntianfu government office in the capital, the crowd was bustling and crowded, and everyone stretched their necks to see what was going on in today's interrogation.

This day was indeed a big day. The case to be tried was that Yangwu Hou Xue Lian had occupied the common people's land and oppressed the common people. When the news came out, the capital was in an uproar. Common people, officials, and even royal relatives came to join in the fun, wanting to see what was going on. Some of them wore coarse cloth clothes, and some wore gorgeous official uniforms, but at this moment they all stood in the same sunlight, waiting for the trial to begin.

In the government office, Shuntian prefect Wang Tingmei was busy setting up the court. He was wearing a dark blue official uniform and a black gauze hat, and his face was serious and solemn. He directed his subordinates: "There are four people from the three judicial officials and the Jinyiwei. How can one chair be enough? Hurry up and bring three more!" He also ordered his subordinates: "The tea must be prepared, and the water temperature must be just right, not too hot or too cold. How can the chairs be comfortable without cushions? Also, the chairs must be placed neatly, this is the rule."

After everything was arranged, Wang Tingmei looked at the bustling crowd outside the door. The officials were wearing bright official uniforms, and their expressions were different. Some were happy, some were sad, some were sneering, and some were worried. The onlookers stretched their necks to see how the lawsuit would end. Their eyes were full of expectation and curiosity, as if this was a drama that concerned their vital interests.

Under the gaze of the crowd, the four adults sat down one by one. Meng Zhaoxiang was actually not very happy to sit in the main judge's seat in the middle, but he sighed and sat down anyway. This case is difficult to handle. If it is handled well, it will offend the powerful, and if it is not handled well, it will offend the people, officials and even the emperor. It is really a dilemma. He thought secretly, and a helpless look appeared on his face. He looked at the receipt in his hand, and his heart couldn't help but skip a beat, a little confused. Jiang You had clearly confessed before, and even identified Yangwu Hou Xue Lian, why did he suddenly change his confession? This caught Zhaoxiang off guard.

He first carefully looked at the indictment on the table. It was a yellowed piece of paper with Jiang You's confession written on it. Every word seemed to tell of his sins. Then, he turned and stared at Jiang You, his eyes revealing a stern and questioning look: "You have already confessed your guilt and signed it before, why are you suddenly changing your words now?"

Jiang You knelt on the ground, his body trembling slightly, tears streaming down his face, and cried, "Sir, I was tortured into confessing. Please see clearly and clear me of the injustice!" There was a hint of tears in his voice, which seemed extremely miserable.

The hall suddenly became quiet, and even the air seemed to freeze. It was no small matter to torture someone into confessing in a joint trial. Everyone present held their breath, waiting for Meng Zhaoxiang's next move.

As the vice minister of the Ministry of Justice, Meng Zhaoxiang quickly sorted out his thoughts. He stared at Jiang You, his eyes revealing an unquestionable majesty: "Who tortured you into confessing?" His voice was low and powerful, as if he was torturing Jiang You's soul.

Jiang You knelt on the ground, too frightened to say a word. He was torn in his heart: if he spoke, he was afraid of implicating his family, but if he didn't speak, he would be blamed. He looked up at Meng Zhaoxiang's stern eyes, then quickly lowered his head, not daring to look him in the eye.

Seeing this, Zhaoxiang asked again: "In the court, were all the things you said true?" His voice revealed an unquestionable majesty, as if he was torturing Jiang You's conscience.

"Every word is true. If there is even a single lie, I am willing to accept any punishment!" Jiang You said firmly. His eyes revealed a kind of firmness and determination, as if he was telling a true story.

"Well! If what you said is true, then aren't those people who accuse you falsely accusing you?" Zhao Xiang asked. His eyes revealed a sharp and keen look, as if he was trying to uncover the truth.

"Yes! They are falsely accusing me!" Jiang You insisted. His voice revealed a firmness and confidence, as if he was stating an indisputable fact.

"Then how did their land come into your hands?" Zhao Xiang continued to ask. His eyes revealed a stern and questioning look, as if he was interrogating every detail of Jiang You.

"I bought it with my own money." Jiang You answered straightforwardly. His eyes revealed a calm and confident look, as if he was describing a perfectly normal transaction.

"Is there any forced buying or selling?" Zhao Xiang asked. His eyes revealed a sharp and keen look, as if he was trying to uncover the truth.

"Absolutely not!" Jiang You answered fluently. His eyes revealed a kind of firmness and confidence, as if he was telling an indisputable fact.

"How much did it cost to buy these fields?" Zhaoxiang asked. His eyes revealed a meticulous and subtle concern, as if he was trying to understand every detail.

"The price of low-quality land is three taels of silver per mu, the price of medium-quality land is five taels, and the price of high-quality land is twelve taels." Jiang You answered fluently. His eyes revealed a calm and self-assured expression, as if he was describing a perfectly normal transaction price.

"Who asked you to buy it?" Zhao Xiang suddenly changed the subject. His eyes revealed a sharpness and keenness, as if he was trying to uncover the truth. This question made Jiang You's face turn pale as paper in an instant. He hesitated for a moment, then said: "Yangwu..." However, he just said two words and hurriedly changed his words and said: "No, I wanted to buy it myself." His eyes revealed a kind of panic and uneasiness, as if he was hiding something.

Zhaoxiang smiled slightly. The previous questions were just foreshadowing. This time he suddenly asked the key question, and Jiang You really revealed his flaws. He turned to his colleagues on both sides and said, "Look, this Jiang You is obviously not honest. What should we do?" His voice revealed a sense of helplessness and ridicule.

"Torture him!" the official next to him said without hesitation. His eyes revealed a stern and resolute meaning. Under torture, Jiang You finally couldn't stand it anymore and admitted that it was Xue Lian who ordered him to forcibly buy the people's land. There was a trace of trembling and fear in his voice, as if he was telling an unbearable fact.

When Xue Lian heard Jiang You testify against him, he immediately retorted, "I know nothing about this!" There was a hint of anger and dissatisfaction in his voice, as if he was telling the voice of an innocent person. He looked at Jiang You angrily, as if he was blaming him for betraying him.

"The father and son of the Jiang family used my name to force the sale, they deserve to die!" Xue Lian continued. His eyes revealed a sense of anger and dissatisfaction, as if he was telling the voice of a wronged person. However, during the retrial, Xue Lian still insisted that he did not know about this matter and put all the responsibility on Jiang You. There was a hint of firmness and determination in his voice, as if he was telling an indisputable fact.

However, Xue Lian was a nobleman and could not be tortured to extract a confession. The court was in a stalemate. Meng Zhaoxiang's heart skipped a beat and he was a little confused. He did not expect that this case would be so difficult and he still had no clue after the trial. He turned around and looked at his colleagues next to him, only to see that they were also in a dilemma and were obviously at a loss.

At this moment, Ling Yiqu, the Dali Temple Minister, coughed lightly, breaking the silence. He asked Xue Lian, "Marquis Yangwu, do you really not know about this?" There was a hint of doubt and interrogation in his voice.

"I don't know!" Xue Lian denied again. There was a hint of anger and dissatisfaction in his voice, as if he was speaking the voice of an innocent person. He shook his head vigorously, trying to prove his innocence.

"Did the Jiangs really use your name to force the sale?" Ling Yiqu asked. His eyes revealed a sharp and perceptive meaning, as if he was trying to uncover the truth.

"Yes!" Xue Lian nodded vigorously. His eyes revealed a firm and resolute meaning, as if he was telling an indisputable fact. However, his heart was filled with fear and anxiety. He knew that he had been forced into a desperate situation and could not extricate himself.

"Okay!" Ling Yiqu also smiled, "Since it has been confirmed that they forced the purchase and sale, how come these fields became your granted fields?" There was a hint of ridicule and doubt in his voice. This question made Xue Lian sweat on his forehead. He hesitated, feeling that there was a trap in this question. When he asked for the decree, he said it was wasteland, but now he said it was not wasteland. Isn't this a contradiction? He looked at Ling Yiqu's half-smile expression, and felt even more uncertain.

In fact, the one who is really scary is Meng Zhaoxiang. He deliberately interrogated Xue Lian about the occupation of civilian land, induced Xue Lian to refute Jiang You's words, and thus proved that Xue Lian knew that those fields were good fields. Then he asked Xue Lian why he asked for an order to turn the wasteland into granted land, so that Xue Lian would reveal his true colors. Xue Lian boasted that he was smart, but he didn't expect to be calculated by Meng Zhaoxiang right from the start. His heart was full of anger and helplessness, but he couldn't vent it.

"I... I heard that it was a wasteland, so I asked for it to be granted to me." Xue Lian said incoherently. There was a hint of trembling and fear in his voice, as if he was telling an unbearable fact. He knew that he could no longer quibble, so he had to confess the truth.

"Whether it is wasteland or not is not up to you to decide." Ling Yiqu said with a smile, "The land recorded in the Fish Scale Book is the real wasteland. Did you check before asking for the permission to grant the land?" There was a hint of doubt and torture in his voice. This question made Xue Lian's face paler. He knew that he could no longer escape, so he had to answer truthfully: "I checked! The Fish Scale Book says it is wasteland!" There was a hint of trembling and panic in his voice.

However, Wang Aoyong was standing nearby, almost vomiting blood in anger. He and Xue Lian were originally an offensive and defensive alliance, but he did not expect Xue Lian to betray him in order to protect himself. He now wanted to use Wang Aoyong's power to mitigate his crime, but Wang Aoyong
In the back hall of Shuntian Prefecture, the dim candlelight flickered, casting mottled shadows on the wall. Guo Tianyang hurried in, his footsteps echoing in the empty hall, and seemed particularly clear. He bent down, holding a sealed letter in both hands, and respectfully reported: "Your Majesty, the secret letter from the Pacification Office has arrived."

Lin Xiaofeng was sitting beside an ancient desk, holding a brush in his hand, about to write down the memorial. Upon hearing this, he said without hesitation: "Read it." The prefect Wang Tingmei, who was standing nearby, straightened his body suddenly when he heard this, like a bird suddenly disturbed, trying to avoid the storm that was about to startle, but the emperor just smiled and waved his hand, his eyes revealing an unquestionable majesty: "No, you just listen here."

Guo Tianyang opened the envelope, cleared his throat, and read aloud: "After a secret investigation, it was discovered that Yangwu Hou Xue Lian not only had financial dealings with Tongzhou Governor Wang Aoyong, but also had financial entanglements with the Left Commander of the Front Army Commander's Office Wang Xiantong, the Left Commander of the Central Army Commander's Office Jiang Taiwei, and the deceased Zhu Chunchen. This matter has been going on for several years, and it is still unclear what they did with the money."

After listening to this, Lin Xiaofeng's face changed slightly, and the brush in his hand unconsciously paused in the air, and the ink dripped on the rice paper, smudged an irregular ink mark. Wang Xiantong, Jiang Taiwei, and Zhu Chunchen, these three names stirred up ripples in his heart. These three people are all figures who hold the power of the defense of the capital! When Zhu Chunchen was alive, he was in charge of the army of the capital. Before the prince moved south, Jiang Taiwei was in charge of one-fifth of the army in the capital. Although Wang Xiantong is not well-known, his ancestor Wang Shouren is a great Confucian scholar of the time, deeply respected by scholars. Wang Xiantong inherited the title in the thirteenth year of Lin Xiaofeng's reign. He was in charge of the personal army of the three guards of Tongzhou and was also responsible for the defense of the capital. The importance of his position is self-evident.

"Xue Lian is actually colluding with them... This matter may not be that simple." Lin Xiaofeng said to himself, frowning, his eyes revealing deep worry. Guo Tianyang nodded, not daring to disturb his thoughts, but just stood aside quietly, waiting for further instructions from the emperor. Wang Tingmei stood there, feeling anxious, not knowing whether to advance or retreat, and her heart was tormented, as if she was being roasted on the fire.

At this time, the trial was going on in the front hall. Wang Aoyong insisted that Xue Lian had ordered him to massacre the people, and his voice was so loud that it could almost penetrate the thick wall. Xue Lian denied it, and the two argued in the hall, almost fighting. Fortunately, the officers stepped forward in time to stop them, so that the situation did not deteriorate further. The case became more and more complicated, and the faces of the three chief judges became more and more solemn, as if they were suffocated by an invisible burden.

After reviewing the case for a while, the three chief judges gathered together and discussed in a low voice. Meng Zhaoxiang, the assistant minister of the Ministry of Justice, stood up and announced: "Let's stop here today. The case is too complicated. We will try it another day." The people outside the gate wanted to continue watching, but were driven away by the officers with weapons: "Go away, go away, come back tomorrow." The people had no choice but to disperse, talking about it and speculating on the direction of the case. The government office also closed the gate, isolating all the noise outside.

The three chief judges breathed a sigh of relief. The first day of the three-court trial finally passed peacefully. Meng Zhaoxiang looked at his two colleagues on his left and right and said, "My Lords, we have all seen how complicated this case is. Do we plan to just brush it off? Or do we want to investigate further?" Ling Yiqu, the Minister of the Dali Temple, shook his head and said, "Wang Aoyong said that Xue Lian has something on him. There must be something shameful behind this. We have to find out before we can report to the emperor." However, Shi Bangyao, the Left Censor-in-Chief, had a different opinion: "The emperor only asked us to investigate Xue Lian's occupation of civilian land and massacre of civilians. He doesn't care about anything else."

"Why?" Ling Yiqu asked with a frown, his eyes revealing confusion and doubt. Shi Bangyao said seriously: "The deeper we investigate, the more people will be involved. If we find someone we shouldn't investigate, we will be in danger." As he spoke, he tapped the table lightly with his fingers, making a "dong dong" sound, as if to emphasize his words.

Meng Zhaoxiang said disapprovingly: "Not necessarily? Maybe the emperor has already written a memorial impeaching us." He said with a wry smile, his eyes revealing helplessness and fatigue. Shi Bangyao said confidently: "Let's not talk about impeachment first, we will judge the case as we should. There is solid evidence that Xue Lian occupied the people's land, so we will deal with it according to the law."

When Ling Yiqiu heard this, he nodded in agreement, but then brought up the case of the massacre of civilians: "There is no dispute about this matter, but the mastermind has not been identified. I personally think that Xue Lian had no need to do this, and it may have nothing to do with him." As he spoke, his eyes revealed a deep doubt and uneasiness.

Meng Zhaoxiang retorted: "How can it not be related? He told Gu Chaosheng that he wanted to kill the civilians, and Wang Aoyong sent troops right after. If this is not a coincidence, what is it?" As he spoke, his voice unconsciously rose a few decibels, obviously dissatisfied with Ling Yiqu's opinion.

Ling Yiqiu explained: "Although Xue Lian is arrogant, he is not stupid enough to leak the secret to Gu Chaosheng first, right? There must be something fishy about this matter." As he spoke, his brows were furrowed, as if he was trying hard to find the truth of the case.

Shi Bangyao couldn't stand it anymore, so he stood up and interrupted them, saying, "Maybe Xue Lian really asked Wang Aoyong to commit the crime, but deliberately leaked the news to Gu Chaosheng? This way he can stay out of it and take this opportunity to get rid of Wang Aoyong." As he spoke, his eyes revealed a deep insight and wisdom.

Meng Zhaoxiang asked with a puzzled look on his face: "Why does he do this? Does Wang Aoyong pose any threat to him?" As he spoke, he was obviously puzzled by Shi Bangyao's speculation.

Shi Bangyao guessed: "Perhaps it's because Wang Aoyong knows some secret of Xue Lian, or Xue Lian wants to monopolize power, so he wants to get rid of Wang Aoyong as a stumbling block." As he spoke, his tone revealed a deep speculation and conjecture.

Meng Zhaoxiang asked again: "Do Xue Lian and Wang Aoyong have a grudge against each other?" As he spoke, he obviously wanted to understand the background and motives of the case more deeply.

Shi Bangyao shook his head and said: "Whether there is a grudge or not, Wang Aoyong's crime of allowing his soldiers to massacre civilians is unforgivable! We cannot ignore this fact because of personal grudges." As he spoke, his tone revealed a deep sense of justice and determination.

……

In the Palace of Heavenly Purity, Lin Xiaofeng received a letter from Zhu Fenghui after returning from Shuntian Prefecture. He opened the envelope and read the contents of the letter carefully. After reading it, he said happily: "Zhu Fenghui's transaction with Mongolia was successful. He has exchanged 4,000 horses, 1,000 cows, more than 2,000 sheep, and a pile of cow and sheep skins, which will be shipped to the capital soon." As he spoke, a satisfied smile appeared on his face, as if he saw the stability and prosperity of the border.

So he personally drafted the decree and awarded Zhu Fenghui the Feiyu Suit as a reward. He picked up the brush, dipped it in ink, and then wrote freely on the rice paper. His handwriting was vigorous and powerful, revealing a deep majesty and solemnity. After finishing, he looked at his work with satisfaction, and then handed it to the attendant beside him to announce the decree.

Not long after, Gongsun Yuchun also arrived. He reported to Lin Xiaofeng with a serious face: "The Jinyiwei found several letters in the secret compartment of the study in Yangwuhou Mansion, and the content involved Wang Xiantong, Jiang Taiwei and the late Zhu Chunchen." As he said, he handed the letter to Lin Xiaofeng.

Lin Xiaofeng raised his eyebrows, took the letter and read it carefully. His eyes revealed a deep keenness and insight, as if he could see through the back of the paper to see the truth behind it. He asked, "Is it a handle?" His tone revealed a deep expectation and concern.

Gongsun Yuchun was surprised at the emperor's sharpness and replied, "That's right. The content of the letter is very unfavorable to them." As he spoke, his tone revealed a deep worry and concern.

"Where is the letter now?" Lin Xiaofeng asked, his eyes revealing a deep sense of urgency and urgency. He wanted to grasp the whole truth of the case as soon as possible so as to make the right decision.

Gongsun Yuchun replied: "I did not take any action after I found it. I just took a peek and then put it back to its original place. The person and the letter are still in the mansion of Yangwu Marquis." As he spoke, his tone revealed a deep sense of caution and steadiness. He knew the importance of this case, so he did not dare to be careless or careless.

Lin Xiaofeng pondered for a while, then smiled and said, "Xue Lian wants to play a conspiracy with me, but he is still a little naive!" As he spoke, his eyes revealed a deep confidence and calmness. He knew that there must be a bigger conspiracy and secrets behind this case, but he had the confidence and ability to uncover them one by one and bring true peace and prosperity to the country and the people.

Overt conspiracy? This thing is really weird! Gongsun Yuchun lowered his head, frowning, and was full of doubts about the "overt conspiracy" mentioned by Lin Xiaofeng. He raised his eyes and stole a glance at Xiaofeng, only to see that His Majesty the Emperor was sitting on the dragon chair, tapping the armrests with his fingers, his eyes deep, and seemed to be immersed in his own thoughts. Yuchun did not dare to disturb him, so he could only wait patiently.

As for Xiaofeng, he was not in a hurry to explain, and was calculating in his mind. Xue Lian, this guy, had the handles of Wang Aoyong, Li Wenyao, and Wang Xiantong in his hands. He first let Wang Aoyong massacre the people, and then deliberately revealed this matter to Gu Chaosheng. He had a very good plan. If Gu Chaosheng didn't tell anyone, he would kill two birds with one stone. He would win over Gu Chaosheng and let Gu Chaosheng know how powerful he was, and he would not dare to report him; if Gu Chaosheng really reported him, he would put all the blame on Wang Aoyong and stay out of it.

Xiaofeng was so conflicted, this conspiracy was clearly aimed at him! Xue Lian had laid everything out, betting that Xiaofeng would not dare to touch him, because if he did, there would be endless trouble. In this world, whether it was the common people or the royal family, they had to calculate between gains and losses. This was the first time that Xiaofeng had been threatened so openly since he came here. He squinted his eyes, looking through the layers of palaces, as if he could see Xue Lian's arrogant face.

"Your Majesty, the letter and the people who have read it are all in Yangwuhou Mansion. You have to make a decision." Yuchun saw that Xiaofeng hadn't spoken for a long time and was anxious to urge him. This matter couldn't be delayed. If it was too late, something might change. He knew in his heart that this letter was of great importance. Once it was leaked, the consequences would be disastrous.

Xiaofeng squinted his eyes and thought for a while, as if recalling something: "What letter?" His voice was low and powerful, revealing an unquestionable majesty.

Yuchun realized that he had not made himself clear, and quickly bowed again, then left to do his business. As soon as he left the imperial city, he rode out on horseback, followed by several confidants. They changed into casual clothes, traveled through the streets and alleys of the capital, and finally came to a secret mansion. The mansion was very simply decorated, with only a few rooms and a few servants. After Yuchun whispered a few words to his confidant, a man in cloth clothes and a bamboo hat came in a short while later.

"Sir, the person is here." The confidant introduced, "This is Li, the commander of the Jinyiwei." There was a hint of awe and caution in his voice. The man took off his bamboo hat, coughed twice, and said, "Greetings, Commander Li." He looked not very well, quite haggard, and his eyes revealed a kind of fatigue and helplessness. Yuchun knew that this person must be one of the innocent people implicated in Xue Lian's affairs.

"What's your name?" Yuchun asked very directly.

"Wang Wu." The man answered with his head down.

"Have you said everything you need to say?" Yuchun continued to ask.

"I've already told you to buy my life for two hundred taels of silver." Wang Wu lowered his head in a humble manner. He knew that his life was now in Yuchun's hands.

Yuchun nodded and took out a stack of banknotes from his pocket and handed it to Wang Wu: "Is it too little?" There was a hint of unquestionable majesty in his voice.

Wang Wu kowtowed repeatedly: "Don't mind, don't mind. My body is almost failing. Twenty taels is enough." He said with tears of gratitude. He knew Yuchun was saving his life.

Yuchun told him to stay home for half an hour and say anything as long as he didn't tell the truth. Wang Wuqian thanked him profusely and left the mansion. Yuchun sat at the table and began to think about the next plan.

Half an hour later, Wang Wu came back. This time he was wearing the uniform of the Jinyiwei and looked very majestic. He followed Yuchun and went straight to the Yangwuhou Mansion. The mansion was already surrounded by the Jinyiwei. Yuchun entered the study room without any obstruction.

The atmosphere in the study was extremely tense. One person was sitting and two were standing. Yuchun asked the standing people to leave and only left Wang Shide sitting. Wang Shide was an officer in the Jinyiwei who was on duty to investigate the case. He looked pale and very nervous.

"Wang Shide, do you know what the consequences of prying into secrets are?" Yuchun asked sternly. His voice was like a sharp sword piercing Wang Shide's heart.

Wang Shide replied tremblingly: "You know I'm on duty as a Jinyiwei investigating a case. Unfortunately, I ran into this incident. Sir Li, I have no regrets." There was a hint of despair and helplessness in his voice.

Yuchun smiled bitterly and patted Wang Shide on the shoulder: "You are a hero of the country! You followed Jiang Taiwei to fight against the bandits when protecting the prince from migration south; later you also made great contributions in getting rid of Liu Zeqing and defending the king. How can I watch you die?" His voice revealed a deep helplessness and regret.

After saying that, he pointed at Wang Wu and said, "This is your substitute." There was a hint of determination and firmness in his voice.

Wang Shide was stunned and then became panic-stricken: "Master Li, this cannot happen! I will be dead if this gets out!" There was a hint of crying and despair in his voice.

Yuchun seemed very calm: "Your Majesty has ordered that those who work for the country should not be disheartened. You have made contributions to the country, so naturally I will make plans for you." His voice revealed an unquestionable majesty and determination.

"The study will catch fire in a while and everything will be burned to ashes. Wang Wu will die in your place and you will be disfigured and become Wang Wu. There will no longer be any Wang Shide in the world. The court will take good care of your family." Yuchun's voice was low and powerful, as if it was an irresistible order.

Wang Shide burst into tears when he heard Yuchun's words. He knew this was his only way out. He looked at Yuchun gratefully and nodded in agreement. Yuchun also nodded and turned to leave the study. He knew that what happened next would be up to fate!
……

"It's on fire! Put it out!" Suddenly, a burst of urgent cries for help broke the silence of the night. The study room of Yangwuhou Mansion suddenly caught fire, and the flames shot up into the sky, illuminating half of the sky red.

"It's bad! A Jinyiwei was killed in the fire!" Another round of exclamations came. People were talking about the sudden fire and the unfortunate Jinyiwei. However, none of them knew that this was actually a carefully planned conspiracy and that the Jinyiwei who "died in the fire" had already changed his identity...

The study room of Yangwuhou Mansion was reduced to ashes in a sudden burst of fire, and the raging flames illuminated the night sky, like an angry beast devouring everything. The news of Jinyiwei Wang Shide's death spread quickly through the streets and alleys of the capital, as if it had wings, triggering all kinds of reactions.

Some people showed joy on their faces, including Xinjian Earl Wang Xiantong and Zuo Dudu Jiang Taiwei. They knew clearly that the real driving force behind the fire was the emperor, whose purpose was to burn all the evidence in Xue Lian's hands. Jiang Taiwei raised his wine glass and smiled at the air: "From now on, we don't have to be manipulated by others anymore!" There was a sense of relief and joy in his voice.

However, some people were sad about this. Xue Lian was undoubtedly feeling mixed emotions, and he was probably hiding in a corner, secretly wiping away tears. Wang Shide's family was crying heartbreakingly, especially his wife, who collapsed on the ground, crying so hard that she couldn't even speak clearly: "How could a good Jinyiwei end up like this?" Her voice was full of helplessness and despair.

The Jinyiwei handed over a silver bag, trying to comfort her: "This is the pension given by the court, which is paid every month. As long as you don't get married, you won't have to worry about your life." When Wang heard this, her tears stopped immediately. She took the silver with trembling hands and staggered back home. In this troubled world, reality is so cruel, but family affection is always the warmest support.

In a teahouse in the capital, Duke Dingguo Xu Yunzhen shook his head and sighed, "All the evidence has been burned. Xue Lian is completely helpless now." Xu Xideng, Marquis of Yongkang, also quietly changed his clothes to join in the fun. He sighed, "The emperor's fire is just right." The other marquises looked at each other, not knowing what to do. Xu Xideng asked Xu Yunzhen what to do. After a moment's silence, Xu Yunzhen said, "The three judicial officials have not yet convicted the criminal, and the emperor has not issued an order. We can still wait. Let's talk about it after the Jian Nu comes out of the pass." When everyone heard this, they all thought it made sense, so they nodded in agreement.

As soon as the officials in charge of the case heard the news of the fire, they reached a tacit understanding: delay! How to delay? Just wait for the emperor's order to urge. The emperor did as they wished. Except for a trip to Shuntian Prefecture on the first day, he never asked again. He didn't even look at Xue Lian's confession. They all knew that the case would be closed when the Jiannu came out of the pass. Although everyone still had some disagreements about the mastermind, it did not prevent them from continuing to delay. So, everything in the capital slowly returned to peace.

In the Qianqing Palace, Lin Xiaofeng's face suddenly became serious after hearing Gongsun Yuchun's report: "Has the method of making fine salt been leaked?" Yuchun nodded: "That's what I think. So many nobles, officials, and wealthy businessmen in the capital eat fine salt, but sales have not increased, so I have this doubt." He also said that the Jinyiwei were secretly observing the merchants in Zhoudi, but they only asked about the changes in sales and did not ask about the specific amounts.

Xiaofeng understood Yuchun's meaning. He frowned and said, "This is hard to check." As soon as the fine salt came out, people in the capital rushed to buy it. The supply was in short supply, so the price naturally went up. However, the price of the merchants in Zhoudi was fixed, and the price of second-hand salt would change. Some buyers ate it themselves, some gave it to others, and some resold it to make money. Those who sold it only recognized second-hand salt. As for where the fine salt came from, they could not find out at all.

After dinner, Xiaofeng basked in the sun in the yard and exercised. He knew that the body was the capital of the revolution, so he paid special attention to it. While doing stretching exercises, he thought about the reasons why the emperors of the Ming Dynasty were short-lived. He suddenly thought, is it related to the cinnabar used in the palace? Cinnabar contains mercury sulfide, which is poisonous. If you live there for a long time, your body will definitely be damaged. He recalled the emperors of the Ming Dynasty. Taizu lived in Nanjing more often, so he was not affected; Chengzu also lived in Nanjing often, and the impact was not great; but when it came to emperors such as Renzong, Xuanzong, and Yingzong, they died early one after another. Thinking of this, he couldn't help but sigh.

Suddenly, an idea flashed through his mind: "Send an order to summon Zhou Kui, the Earl of Jiading, to the palace to see me." He immediately gave the order, but his heart was full of expectations and curiosity about Zhou Kui.

At this time, Jiading Earl Zhou Kui was counting money at home. Because of the interests of Shanxi merchants and the help of Li Banghua, his wealth was increasing. While counting the money, he smiled proudly: "The royal family is different. Money is pouring into the house like spring water, haha!" He was immersed in his pride, when suddenly a servant came to report in a hurry: "The emperor summoned you!" Zhou Kui was stunned, then quickly tidied his clothes and hurried to the palace. He didn't know why the emperor suddenly summoned him, but his heart was full of uneasiness and expectation.

"My Lord, long time no see, how are you?" Lin Xiaofeng stood in the open space outside the Palace of Heavenly Purity, the sun shining on his dragon robe, shining brightly. He smiled and greeted Zhou Kui who was walking slowly towards him. When Zhou Kui heard the emperor's voice, he was immediately excited. He quickly quickened his pace, with a smile on his face, and wanted to salute: "Old minister Zhou Kui, I pay my respects to your majesty."

"Hey, it's just the two of us here, so let's skip the red tape." Lin Xiaofeng personally stepped forward and helped Zhou Kui up. His actions seemed friendly and easy-going.

Zhou Kui was so moved that he almost cried. His body trembled slightly and his eyes were red. "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your consideration. I am grateful." He secretly felt fortunate that his identity as the father-in-law of the emperor was really useful and that the emperor valued him so much.

"Come, move a chair for Lord Jiading to sit on." Lin Xiaofeng ordered, his voice gentle but powerful.

Zhou Kui refused repeatedly, but Lin Xiaofeng insisted, so he sat down reluctantly. This time he felt more at ease, after all, he had Lin Xiaofeng's support, and the money he earned in the past few months was almost catching up with his savings of ten years. He sat on the chair, feeling the warmth of the sun, and felt very happy.

After a few pleasantries, Lin Xiaofeng lowered his voice and said, "Father-in-law, the border has been in turmoil recently. Did you take advantage of the opportunity to make a lot of money?" There was a hint of amusement in his voice, but his eyes were as sharp as an eagle.

When Zhou Kui heard this, his heart skipped a beat, but he still pretended to be innocent: "Your Majesty, this old minister's small business is all hard-earned money." He pretended to be calm, but there was a hint of panic in his eyes.

Lin Xiaofeng smiled slightly, his mind was as clear as a mirror, he knew the power and money transactions behind this very well. He thought, if the power is gone, the money will be gone too. There are only two ways for the officials and gentry of the Ming Dynasty to make money: either squeeze the businessmen or exploit the people. As for the businessmen, if you are obedient, you will be allowed to live, and if you are disobedient, you will be punished. In the final analysis, it is all for profit. And the profit must be squeezed from the people in the end. The longer the dynasty lasts, the more privileges there are, and the more severe the exploitation. The growth rate of the people cannot keep up with the growth of the privileged class, so there are naturally more contradictions, just like there are more wolves and fewer sheep, and there is not enough meat to go around, so they have to fight. But the fundamental solution to the problem should be to reduce the number of wolves, not to increase the number of sheep. Unfortunately, reality often goes the other way...

"Oh, by the way, father-in-law, do you know why I asked you to come?" Lin Xiaofeng asked Zhou Kui when he saw his bewildered face. There was a hint of mystery in his voice, which made Zhou Kui curious.

"Your Majesty, I am an old and stupid minister and I really don't know." Zhou Kui answered cautiously. He was very nervous and had no idea what the emperor was up to.

Lin Xiaofeng came back to his senses and asked mysteriously, "Did you know that the Queen was not feeling well a few days ago?" There was a trace of concern in his eyes, which touched Zhou Kui.

"I know, I even sent someone to invite a famous doctor from Shanxi. But by the time the doctor arrived, the Queen had already recovered." Zhou Kui replied quickly. He was secretly glad in his heart that he, the father-in-law of the emperor, was really useful because even the Queen had to worry about her health.

"Oh? What's the name of that famous doctor?" Lin Xiaofeng became interested, and a hint of curiosity flashed in his eyes.

The sudden death of the eunuch who served the queen made Lin Xiaofeng realize that the palace might not be so safe and that there might be something fishy going on in the Imperial Hospital. Although Zhou Kui was not an enemy, his honor and disgrace were closely linked to the queen, and the queen's honor and disgrace were closely linked to Lin Xiaofeng. He had to make sure everything was under his control.

"The man's surname is Fu, his given name is Shan, and his courtesy name is Qingzhu. He is from Taiyuan, Shanxi." Zhou Kui replied. He secretly wondered in his heart who this Fu Qingzhu was that could have attracted such interest from the emperor.

"Fu Shan... Fu Qingzhu?" Lin Xiaofeng squinted his eyes under the scorching sun and repeated the name. He remembered that this person was a famous person in martial arts novels. Although he didn't know martial arts, he had superb medical skills and was a master in traditional Chinese medicine. He thought that if he could win over Fu Qingzhu, it would undoubtedly be of great benefit to his rule.

"Father-in-law, please write down his name and address. I will send someone from the Imperial Hospital to test his medical skills." Lin Xiaofeng ordered, with a hint of unquestionable majesty in his voice.

Zhou Kui did not dare to neglect it, and quickly asked Guo Tianyang for pen, ink, paper and inkstone to write down Fu Qingzhu's information. While he was writing, he secretly wondered what kind of person this Fu Qingzhu was? How could he be so valued by the emperor?

After finishing writing, Lin Xiaofeng asked again: "Father-in-law, do you know why the queen is sick?" A trace of concern and confusion flashed in his eyes.

"I am an old minister who is stupid and doesn't know." Zhou Kui shook his head, his heart was also confused.

"It's because of overwork. The production of fine salt was supervised by the queen herself." Lin Xiaofeng explained, with a hint of helplessness and heartache in his eyes. He knew that the queen had sacrificed too much for this family.

Zhou Kui listened and sat silently, not knowing what to say. He was secretly glad that he didn't have such a job, otherwise he would be overworked like the queen.

Lin Xiaofeng saw what he was thinking and changed the subject: "Is there any fine salt in the father-in-law's house?" There was a hint of amusement in his voice, which made Zhou Kui feel a little nervous.

"Yes... No... Not much left!" Zhou Kui hesitated, feeling uneasy, not knowing what the emperor meant. Was he going to check his fine salt?

"How is the profit of fine salt?" Lin Xiaofeng asked him. There was a trace of greed in his eyes, which made Zhou Kui a little frightened. He knew that the emperor valued money very much.

"It's really popular!" Zhou Kui spoke the truth and secretly felt lucky that he had invested in this fine salt business, otherwise he would not be able to make so much money now.

Lin Xiaofeng was delighted but still pretended to be hurt on his face: "After the Queen fell ill, she was no longer able to take care of the fine salt. But the profit is too great and I don't want to give up." There was a hint of helplessness and regret in his voice which moved Zhou Kui.

"So I would like to ask you, the father-in-law, to help take care of it." Lin Xiaofeng said directly. There was a flash of expectation and trust in his eyes, which made Zhou Kui feel a little flattered. He knew that the emperor would never trust others easily.

When Zhou Kui heard this, he was so excited but he pretended to be reserved on the surface: "Your Majesty, this is probably not appropriate?" There was a hint of hesitation and refusal in his voice but a hint of expectation and desire in his eyes.

"We are all family members, so we should keep the wealth within the family." Lin Xiaofeng said with a smile. There was a hint of kindness and casualness in his voice, which made Zhou Kui relax a little. He knew that the emperor would never be so kind to others easily.

"But..." Zhou Kui wanted to say something, but his heart was already filled with great joy and anticipation. He knew that this opportunity was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! If he missed it, he would regret it for the rest of his life!
"Don't say but. If you are willing to pay 500,000 taels of silver, I will teach you how to make fine salt and let the Ministry of Revenue issue you a salt permit." Lin Xiaofeng interrupted Zhou Kui. There was an unquestionable majesty in his voice, which made Zhou Kui a little frightened. But he knew that this opportunity was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! If he missed it, he would regret it for the rest of his life!
Zhou Kui was shocked at first but soon he was delighted. Although he didn't know the specific method, he knew that fine salt was made from refined sea salt. This is definitely a highly profitable industry! It will pay back in two or three months! He thought to himself: This emperor is really generous! He is willing to hand over such a profitable business to me! I must do a good job! I must not let him down!
But Zhou Kui didn't rush to agree, instead he pretended to be very embarrassed. He thought: I can't be too eager or the emperor will see my thoughts. I have to be more reserved so that he will think I am a person of measure.

Lin Xiaofeng didn't expose him and let him continue. After several rounds of probing, the two finally reached a deal. Lin Xiaofeng thought: This Zhou Kui is really an old fox! But it doesn't matter, as long as he can help me make money, I am not afraid of his tricks!
In order to prevent Zhou Kui from going back on his word, Lin Xiaofeng also asked Guo Tianyang to sign a contract with him, and if he violated the contract, he would have to pay ten times the amount of money. Zhou Kui felt a little pain when he heard it, but he still agreed readily. He knew that this contract was a guarantee! As long as there was this contract, the emperor could not easily go back on his word!
"Give me two days to prepare the money." Zhou Kui finally said with a hint of expectation and desire in his voice. He knew that this opportunity was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! If he missed it, he would regret it for the rest of his life!
"Okay, I'll wait for you." Lin Xiaofeng agreed readily. He was also very happy in his heart. He knew that this deal was a good opportunity to make a lot of money!

"Thank you, Your Majesty! I'll take my leave!" Zhou Kui happily went back to his house to raise money. His heart was full of anticipation and excitement. He knew that this opportunity was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! If he seized it, he would be rich and prosperous for the rest of his life!
Lin Xiaofeng almost couldn't help laughing as he looked at Zhou Kui's back. All the money he had accumulated over the past few months went into his pocket. But then again, this was not money obtained through fraud but a voluntary transaction between the two parties. As for whether Zhou Kui could make money after taking over, that would depend on his ability.

The sun was setting and Lin Xiaofeng got up and headed for Kunning Palace. He walked on the road covered with golden sunlight and felt the warmth of the breeze on his cheeks. He was secretly thinking about his next plan. He knew that this country still needed him to continue to protect and fight for it. He must make this country more prosperous! Let the people live a happier life!
When he was halfway there, he met a young eunuch who hurried over to report: "Your Majesty! Urgent news from Yanzhou Prefecture! Yanzhou has fallen! Prince Lu has been captured! And the Jiannu sent a secret letter! The Ministry of War is checking if there is any poison in the letter!" Lin Xiaofeng's heart tightened when he heard this. He knew that this news was not good news! Yanzhou fell and Prince Lu was captured. This is a big deal! He must go back and deal with this matter! So he quickened his pace and hurried to Kunning Palace... (End of this chapter)