Zhao Defang's road to the virtuous king

"I heard that Wang Huai is the younger brother of the counselor Wang Mian. It is not the first time that Wang Mian has protected his younger brother. So Gu Wang is very concerned about this matter. I hope Master He will also pay attention to this matter."

He Zhikai nodded, "I understand what the lord means. If the evidence is sufficient, I will deal with it fairly and live up to the lord's actions."

"The lonely king also believes in Master He's official rank, otherwise he would not have recommended Master He to the Ministry of Punishment."

"I don't dare to forget the great kindness of the lord, and I will definitely investigate and handle this case. Please rest assured, the lord." He Zhikai cupped his hands and said

"Okay, then the lonely king will not bother Mr. He with his official duties." De Fang got up and said goodbye with her hands, and returned to Nanqing Palace.

Defang went back to the study to read some books when Concubine Di walked in.

"Ma'am, what's the matter?" Defang asked

"My lord went to the Ministry of Punishment?"

"Well, I just came back." Defang took a book and flipped through it

"Why does the prince care about this matter?" Concubine Di asked

Defang looked at Concubine Di, put down her book and sat on a chair without saying a word

Concubine Di walked up to Defang, "Isn't the prince afraid of getting into trouble?"

Defang sighed and said, "I understand Madam's concern, but how can I ignore the officials' corruption to protect their weaknesses?"

"My lord once said that this matter will be handled by the Ministry of Punishment. Why do you still have to go to the Ministry of Punishment to see Mr. He?"

"Ma'am, it was Kou Zhun who told me about it, so I can't stand still"

"Why can't you stand still when Master Kou told you?" Concubine Di was puzzled.

"This Kou Zhun has an upright personality and is not afraid of power. He is highly appreciated by His Majesty. The year before last, he had a discussion with His Majesty and had a different view. He was so angry that His Majesty left his seat. He even pulled on His Majesty's sleeve and insisted on letting His Majesty listen to him. Therefore, the emperor Zeng Yukou must be Wei Zheng of the Song Dynasty, who dared to speak out and remonstrate."

"If that's the case, he can tell the emperor, why did he come to the prince?"

"Ma'am, Kou Zhun's current position has nothing to do with investigating and dealing with officials, but he insists on taking this case seriously. I believe there must be a reason for it." Defang sighed and said, "Now that he is looking for the lonely king, he also hopes that this matter can be resolved sooner." If it is not possible, he will definitely go to His Majesty to explain it, but, although His Majesty is a sage, it is inevitable that there will be times when he is unwise, and if he is convicted because of this, the lonely king will not bear it."

"I understand the prince's worries." Concubine Di nodded.

Defang supported Concubine Di and said, "Madam, don't worry. I just wanted to let Mr. He attach importance to this matter and didn't intervene. Whether it can be done fairly or not depends on the final result."

"That's good, I just hope the prince is fine." Concubine Di looked at Defang

"Thank you ma'am" Defang said while holding Concubine Di's hand

The case dragged on for several months, but in the end it turned out that Wang Huai was punished a hundred times and demoted from office; while Zu Ji, who was in the same case, was sentenced to be beheaded. When the news came, Defang sighed, "Unexpectedly, If it was expected by Kou Zhun, this matter would end up like this, which makes people sad."

"My lord, this matter is already like this, there must be no room for maneuver," Concubine Di said.

"Yes, the lonely king is just worried that Kou Zhun will be unable to hold back," Defang said worriedly

At this time, the gatekeeper will report, "Report to the lord and empress, Mr. He, the servant of the Ministry of punishment, asks to see you."

"Please!" Defang said

He Zhikai came to the hall and "see the prince and empress for a thousand years"

"Your Excellency, please sit down."

"Thank you for your seat." He Zhikai said after taking his seat, "My lord, I am here this time for the case of Wang Huai and Zu Ji."

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