A powerful minister of the Song Dynasty

Chapter 187 There is a loophole in the case
Song Xuan didn't take these high-sounding words seriously.

After all, Gu Zimo just admitted it but couldn't even produce any evidence.

The Dou family will quickly cut ties with him.

It was all done by Gu Zimo alone, but when something went wrong he wanted to blame it on the Dou family.

How are you going to explain this to me in such official terms?

Unless someone in the imperial court wants to overthrow the Dou family, this is just a formality, and that can be considered as an explanation for taking advantage of the favorable conditions.

Otherwise, why would the judge of heaven redress your grievances?

Seeking justice for you is nothing more than one side wanting to defeat the other side, and they are using your case as an excuse to let you take advantage of it.

Otherwise, why is there only one Bao Heizi in the world?

Fan Zhongyan, the president of Yingtian Academy, and Yang Huaimin, the eunuch.

They all sat not far behind Song Xuan and listened quietly.

Even though Yang Huaimin was the Empress Dowager's chosen foil, Pang Ji and Han Yi had already discussed it.

Minister Cao was just a figurehead, and the two of them would investigate thoroughly and then report to him as a matter of routine.

Yang Huaimin came with his ears, so he didn't need to speak.

As for Fan Zhongyan, as Song Xuan's teacher, he could listen from the side to prevent anything from happening that Song Xuan could not deal with.

The eunuch Yang Huaimin started serving Emperor Zhenzong and was also Liu E's confidant.

Having lived in the palace with caution for many years, he felt that the student in front of him was telling the truth when he heard Song Xuan's answer.

But not much!
Just now, Song Xuan even dared to criticize Pang Ji in a sarcastic tone, which shows that he is quite eloquent.

He is indeed a student who can drive the annoying Dou Chou to death.

There will probably be some good shows to watch in the court from now on!
Fan Zhongyan looked solemn.

He really didn't expect that Song Xuan would encounter such an unexpected event.

Pang Ji asked this question, does it mean that a victim must not make any mistakes in order to be called a victim?

At this time, Song Xuan responded calmly and retorted firmly, which made Fan Zhongyan unable to speak up and remind him.

Fortunately, this student of mine is not an easy person to deal with.

Han Yi asked Gu Zimo again about what he said about being saved by you.

Song Xuan naturally blamed it on his dead master.

He had long ago told Doctor Wang not to exaggerate his role, and that he was only helping to provide Doctor Wang with ideas for treatment.

Han Yi didn't think that Song Xuan, an ordinary student, could play a big role in saving people.

This kind of medical skill requires a lot of experience.

The Gu family was also reminded by Doctor Wang that this method would consume their good karma and they should not spread it.

You don’t want to live your whole life with the reputation of harming others, do you?

This is also one of the reasons why the Gu family happily gave Zhen Guannan a concubine and a dowry.

Han Yi felt that he had finished asking questions, and the main reason was all with the Dou family.

Gu Zimo acted as an accomplice, but was killed to silence him because the matter was leaked.

It would be difficult for the Dou family to admit it simply based on Gu Zimo's testimony without any other evidence.

Or why should he admit it?

Pang Ji gave his notes to Han Yi for review, and then asked:

"Song Twelve, I want to ask you one last question to end this conversation."

"Can I refuse?"

Pang Ji naturally did not give him room to refuse:

"What do you think of Gu Zimo, the magistrate of Yingtian Prefecture?"

Song Xuan clicked his tongue twice:

"Pang Sicheng, how can a mere student like me evaluate the Tongpan of Yingtian Prefecture?"

"nature."

Song Xuan put his hands on the table and asked:

"Is this relevant to the case?"

"Dispensable."

Pang Ji also leaned forward:
"I would rather you answer."

"Ah."

Song Xuan glanced at Pang Ji, then burst out laughing again:
"I knew he wasn't a good person, but I didn't expect he wasn't even a bad person."

Pang Ji's eyes suddenly lit up.

Gu Zimo did such a thing, which shows that he has bad character and cannot be considered a good person.

But Song Xuan thinks he is not even a bad guy.

Pang Ji understood that Song Xuan was extremely disappointed with this person. He believed that Gu Zimo had no advantages and did not even have the basic characteristics of a bad person.

He is a complete corrupt scholar!
"He's a wonderful man."

Eunuch Yang Huaimin secretly commented in his heart.

"I just don't know how far such a sharp-tongued student can go in the imperial examination."

Pang Ji nodded: "I understand, you look down on him."

"So you didn't take his attempt to murder you seriously at all. Otherwise, why would you be so magnanimous as to save him?"

"Hey, Pang Sicheng, you misunderstood. I didn't save him out of magnanimity."

Song Xuan snorted and laughed:
"Some people want him dead so they can put the blame on me. So I have to find a way to save him. Saving others is saving myself."

"Don't think I'm so upright. Actually, I'm a very petty person."

"Hey hey hey."

Eunuch Yang Huaimin couldn't help but slap his thigh and laugh out loud.

Pang Ji and Han Yi both glanced at him.

Because eunuchs abused their power in the late Tang Dynasty and even deposed and enthroned emperors, Emperor Taizu of Song stipulated at the founding of the country that eunuchs were not allowed to interfere in government affairs.

This big, black, fat man was deeply aware of the harm posed by the eunuchs in the Tang Dynasty. There were less than fifty eunuchs in the palace, but he was still not at ease and even refined the punishment system for eunuchs.

But Zhao Kuangyi did not abandon them. He would send eunuchs as military supervisors, officially called the General Manager of Various Routes, who was in charge of official affairs, or simply called Zouma Chengshou.

This position was usually held by military officials or eunuchs. During the reign of Emperor Zhenzong of Song Dynasty, the dual-member system was implemented, that is, both military officials and eunuchs held the position concurrently.

However, Emperor Taizong purposefully placed eunuchs in the political, military, judicial and other fields in order to further strengthen centralization of power and control over all officials.

They are the most loyal tools to maintain imperial power.

The head of the Imperial City Bureau is a eunuch!

Yang Huaimin's job at this time was to try cases.

The reason he was sent abroad was that he participated in the court struggle and played a role in defeating Ding Wei, a man who abused his power. He was deeply trusted by Liu E.

Song Xuan turned around and took a look at the man. His voice sounded a little strange, and he had a pale face and no beard.

"May I ask if this person is a eunuch in the palace?"

"Hey, Shi Er Lang has a good eye."

Yang Huaimin was not unhappy.

Because eunuch is the name for high-ranking eunuchs.

Not everyone who has been hit in the balls is qualified to be called that.

"My family serves the Empress Dowager. My last name is Yang."

Yang Huaimin said slowly:

"The Empress Dowager is also very concerned about this case. She specifically asked me to bring my ears with me. When I return, I will tell her every word."

"I see."

Song Xuan nodded, and then said:

"I heard that the Empress Dowager is very concerned about us students and has allocated some funds to Yingtian Academy. We can now study by candlelight at night. My classmates all remember the Empress Dowager's kindness."

"Oh, that's it!"

Yang Huaimin was naturally a little surprised.

After all, the civil servants in the court looked down on eunuchs and were even more dissatisfied with the empress dowager's rule.

It would be interesting if these future Jinshi supported the Empress Dowager.

You can even see the new and old scholars quarreling with each other.

Pang Ji saw that Yang Huaimin deliberately made strange noises just to attract the attention of the cunning Song Xuan.

This guy really took advantage of the situation and actually started chatting with the eunuch.

But Pang Ji did not say anything to stop him. He had just said that this was the last question, but he wanted to signal Han Yi.

Han Yi did not receive it, but was recording the conversation between Yang Huaimin and Song Xuan.

Eunuch Yang Huaimin was not afraid of this kind of record at all, but asked on his own:

"Is this true, or are you deliberately saying these flattering words?"

"If Eunuch Yang doesn't believe me, you can ask Dean Fan, who works for you. He used all the money allocated by the court to buy extra meals and candles for the students. This has never happened before in the academy."

Yang Huaimin nodded, thinking that no one would dare to deceive the court about such a thing.

If the Empress Dowager had not ordered the allocation of funds to the academy, Fan Zhongyan would not have been so generous.

"Shi Erlang, let me ask you, do you hate the Dou family?"

No one present expected Yang Huaimin to ask such a question.

Fan Zhongyan actually hoped that Song Xuan could answer honestly and there was no need to pretend to be magnanimous.

Pang Ji was also very interested and he thought Yang Huaimin's question was also very good.

"Ah."

Song Xuan shook his head indifferently:
"I simply look down on them. They only have this little ability. Just now, Han Sizheng said that the court should give me an explanation, but there is no evidence. I am afraid it will be difficult." "However, the Dou family has many students and old friends. Gu Zimo is treated as a discarded child for working for the Dou family!"

"If this gets out, those students and old friends will have to think twice about working for the Dou family, or they might become the next abandoned child!"

"That's why I say that the Dou family's children are short-sighted, just like their father, and are not to be feared."

Yang Huaimin's eyes became brighter.

This kid is really becoming more and more likable.

If he were a eunuch in the palace, he would definitely be able to make a name for himself.

This group of people cannot have children, but in order to avoid being too miserable in old age, they always adopt children, raise them and help them forward at critical moments.

"Hahaha, Shi Er Lang is quite quick-witted."

Yang Huaimin quickly withdrew his thoughts. A capable person like Song Xuan would only choose to stir up trouble during the imperial examination.

How could I be willing to go to the palace and be a worthless person!

Song Xuan did not respond, and then heard Yang Huaimin say:

"Don't worry, Twelve Lang. The Queen Mother will definitely give you an explanation. Otherwise, she wouldn't have sent us here to listen and prevent them from protecting each other."

Yang Huaimin openly tried to win over Song Xuan for the Empress Dowager.

The saying that officials protect each other is very well said.

The Dou family has quite a few relatives and students in the court.

In addition to enjoying finding a son-in-law through the list of candidates, officials in the Northern Song Dynasty would also marry into the families of other officials, thereby weaving their own network of relationships.

Things like what Song Xuan said will also happen.

"Hahaha, the emperor's grace is great, and this student will remember it in his heart."

Song Xuan just laughed but didn't say anything.

Yang Huaimin naturally understood that Song Xuan understood, but Song Xuan did not show that he understood.

This guy is really a master at pretending to be confused!

Yang Huaimin even had some doubts.

The Dou family's current situation was all due to his advance planning and his taking advantage of the situation.

But this idea was immediately overturned by Yang Huaimin.

Even though Song Xuan was a child prodigy, with the child prodigy Yan Shu before him, he did not perform well in handling interpersonal relationships and some other matters.

Yang Huaimin also didn't think that Song Xuan, the fallen prodigy, could be better than Yan Shu!
Probably just good luck.

This child is not loved by his father and his mother, but he has developed the good habit of being meticulous since he was young, which is why he has grown up safely to this day.

Maybe he will be a talented person in the future.

However, Yang Huaimin did not take it too seriously. What the Song Dynasty lacked the least was talent.

Although there are hundreds of people who pass the imperial examination every year, the number is still very small compared to the entire group of scholars.

It is more important to make a name for yourself in the imperial examination first.

"Since the case is almost complete, let's go see Minister Cao. After all, he is the chief officer of this case."

Pang Ji and Han Yi naturally agreed and conducted the necessary investigations.

What Song Xuan said just now was an open conspiracy. Whether the Dou family admits it or not, the ones who will suffer the loss are their own network of relationships.

"Everyone, take care."

Song Xuan and Fan Zhongyan politely escorted these court envoys out.

Fan Zhongyan watched them go away and said softly:

"Shi Er Lang, you didn't tell me the whole story just now, did you?"

"Is it so obvious?"

Listening to Song Xuan's question, Fan Zhongyan sighed:
"Twelfth brother, two of these three people are local officials with rich experience in handling cases and were transferred to Kaifeng Prefecture."

"The other eunuch has extensive experience in political struggles and is very cunning. Otherwise, he wouldn't have become the Empress Dowager's confidant."

"Everyone can easily tell from your words that they are not comprehensive and that you are hiding something."

"I didn't mean to deceive them, and what I answered was all true, I just omitted some details."

Song Xuan spread his hands and said, "This has nothing to do with solving the case. I can't implicate the people who helped me."

"Then I won't ask any more questions about this matter, but you must remember to use the same excuse today at all times."

"Don't make any mistakes. Pang Ji has written them all down in your little notebook."

Fan Zhongyan was not afraid that his student would do something wrong, he was just worried about his safety.

Fan Zhongyan was even more worried because Song Xuan's words just now affected his performance in the examination.

What a great candidate for the top prize!

I was influenced by the damn Dou family!
These people have such dirty hearts!

"Twelfth brother, if you didn't do well in the exam this time, we still have another chance next year. The Fajie exam can be held twice every three years, so there are plenty of opportunities."

Fan Zhongyan encouraged Song Xuan again.

"Dean Fan, don't worry. Even if I don't make the top ranking, I still have a chance of making the list, right?"

Fan Zhongyan remained silent.

He felt that if Song Xuan failed to get the top prize, he would definitely be deliberately dismissed by Yan Shu.

Now in the entire Yingtian Academy, it is not that Fan Zhongyan looks up to Song Xuan, but in fact Song Xuan has the best chance of achieving the highest dream of every student, which is to win the top three places in the imperial examination.

Han Qi and Wang Yaochen both have the potential to be the top scholar, but the three of them must not take part in the same palace examination.

Otherwise, with two strong opponents, only one top scorer can emerge.

But Fan Zhongyan couldn't say this to Song Xuan.

Because since ancient times, whether it is the imperial examination or the officialdom, it has been common to hone people with potential.

In other words, repressive education has been practiced since ancient times.

“How can I let go?”

Fan Zhongyan patted Song Xuan's arm:

"Just rest at home. We'll start school after the results come out."

"The court will take care of this matter for you. In short, you will be fine. Maybe someone will use this incident to start another factional dispute, but it has nothing to do with you."

"I understand. Now that something has happened, the power of the Dou family will further disintegrate. Once I become an official, I will sweep all of these famous descendants of the Dou family into the garbage heap of history."

Fan Zhongyan did not persuade his students to give up. Since they did not perform well in this exam, he should settle the score with them.

"I will find a way to get your test paper from Prefect Yan, analyze it carefully, and help you overcome your weaknesses."

If candidates have doubts about their scores, there are channels for them to review them, but there are few successful examples.

"Thank you, Dean."

Fan Zhongyan nodded and left.

Yang Huaimin used the excuse that the gate of the Imperial Examination Hall had not yet opened, so he had to go back to the post station to rest and wait until Minister Cao came out before making any further comments.

In fact, he had a bad relationship with Cao Liyong, and Empress Dowager Liu often used Cao Liyong as a knife to scold these eunuchs.

Empress Dowager Liu then talked about making decisions for them and so on, trying to win people's hearts.

She naturally wanted to rely on eunuchs to monitor the officials, and did not want them to be in the same mind as the civil and military ministers.

Even if there is no contradiction, they will create it out of thin air.

Because even if Wang Qinruo is on her side, he won't listen to her in everything.

The Empress Dowager is in charge of government affairs, so more checks and balances are needed.

Or perhaps Yang Huaimin realized that the Queen Mother did not want the eunuchs to collude with the military generals, so he began to attack Cao Liyong.

In recent years, the two sides have started to fight each other from a performative nature to a real fight.

The most important thing is that Cao Liyong looked down on these eunuchs and scolded them without any regard for their dignity, making them lose face.

Yang Huaimin wanted to go back to the post station to find out whether the people from the Imperial City Bureau had found out any news.

After the eunuch left, Pang Ji immediately put forward his opinion. He thought Song Xuan was really cunning and this case was not simple at all.

Han Yi was puzzled: "Why do you always want to find out what's wrong with Song Xuan?"

"Because he wasn't telling the truth."

"So you think what he said is false?"

Pang Ji was silent. He couldn't tell whether the words were false.

Because what Song Xuan said was so flawless and well-founded.

"Does that mean he didn't tell any lies at all? He told the truth."

Han Yi disagrees with Pang Ji's targeting of a victim:
"If Song Xuan hadn't been on guard because of the booming business, then Gu Zimo and the Dou family would have succeeded."

"The murder wouldn't have happened, and you and I wouldn't be here questioning him, and you wouldn't have the chance to doubt his motives."

A student who had not yet achieved success died in an accident.

Once you die, you die. How can there be no dead?

Most of them will only spread the message of "God is jealous of talented people" in a small circle, which is a pity.

Then there would be no such thing as the imperial court intervening and sending special envoys.

Pang Ji thought for a moment and said, "The court has asked you and me to uncover the truth. If we don't get to the bottom of it, how can we live up to the court's trust?"

"Do you think there is anything suspicious about this case?"

Han Yi had to ask another question. After all, Pang Ji brought up the imperial court and expressed a different attitude.

"That Fire-Eyed Suanni escaped too easily. Unless he is exposed, there is no need to kill Yingtian Prefecture's Tongpan Gu Zimo."

"Just as Song Xuan said, he felt his shop was very prosperous and he had to be on guard against these people trying to sabotage it."

"Gu Zimo can definitely blame this on this. If he fails the first time, he can still plan a second assassination!"

"How could the Dou brothers have let the Fiery Eyed Suanni, seeing their plan had failed, turn against him and kill his accomplice Gu Zimo to silence him?"

"That doesn't make sense!"

(End of this chapter)