"Weichen Chang'an County Commander Miao Zheng, meet Your Majesty!" Lift your robe and kneel on your knees, your left hand on top and your right hand on the bottom, support the ground in front, and slowly kowtow behind, and you can't afford to keep it. Miao Zhengze's etiquette and actions were impeccable, because he knew that he was 'picky' when he suddenly summoned the imperial front this time.

"Flat."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

"Miao County Order, what official business is being done in Chang'an County today?" Li Erlang's tone was flat, without the slightest emotion, so that people couldn't hear his joy and anger. The ministers were tired of arguing before, and they didn't immediately start to criticize Miao Zhengze, and quietly listened to His Majesty's questioning.

Miao Zhengze stared at the five inches in front of him, his eyes did not dare to move slightly, and when he heard the question, he immediately leaned over and replied honestly: "Back to Your Majesty, Chang'an County has been mainly doing the review of autumn grain warehouses in various places recently. Due to the vacancy of the county lord, the county lieutenant and Cangcao are both new, so the progress is slow, please atone for your sins. ”

"Well, what else?"

"Back to Your Majesty, there are several houses and bridges in the county that were damaged by mobs during the previous drought, and there are also poor people's houses collapsed, and there is no surplus food in the kettle. After the record joined the army and visited, it was reported that there was also a situation in Wannian County, and the minister wanted to discuss cooperation and mutual assistance between the two counties, but due to the vacancy of the chief official of Wannian County, this discussion could not be coordinated......"

"Well, that's a good idea. There is no one in Wannian County, and you can report to Jingzhao Mansion for implementation. Li Erlang's tone was slightly high, and there was a hint of appreciation in his eyes. glanced at the eldest grandson Wuji, and thought to himself that his brother-in-law had really chosen a capable official.

"No, when the minister goes back to sort out the strips, he will submit it to Jing Zhaoyin for review." Miao Zhengze heard that His Majesty had made his proposal, and he was secretly happy in his heart, but he didn't dare to show anything on his face, and still saluted respectfully.

"Ahem! Chang'an Order. Seeing that the emperor's impression of Miao Zhengze, including some ministers, had changed drastically, the imperial historian, who was the first to report, couldn't sit still, and interjected: "This official heard that the night before yesterday, there were prisoners in the Ruxian Yada Prison who tried to escape, and you waited until the next day to find out that the window bars of the prison were destroyed. In the important land of Gyeonggi, Chang'an Prison is so negligent in supervision, how can the dignity of this county be in charge of one side! ”

Rao is Miao Zhengze has been sitting like a monk, and he couldn't help sweating behind his back under the fierce questioning of the imperial doctor, and he didn't immediately open his mouth to refute under the nervousness in his heart, and the appearance of kneeling down seemed to the ministers as if he was questioned about his shortcomings and did not dare to refute. The eldest grandson Wuji squinted his eyes and asked leisurely: "Chang'an Order, is what Doctor Yu Shi said true?" In front of His Majesty, the truth has not yet been explained in detail. If there is deception, this official will strip you of your official body now! ”

Miao Zhengze heard the voice of the eldest grandson Wuji, his heart was a little calm, and after listening to his words, his mind immediately had a countermeasure, calmly kowtowed to thank him, got up and said: "Your Majesty, what the doctor said is true. But ......"

"Hmph, what else do you have to say?"

"How dare the lower officials quibble, the matter controlled by the doctor was indeed the day before yesterday in this county. The negligence of this official's management is unshirkable, and I ask Your Majesty to condemn the crime. ”

Li Erlang let out an 'oh', and asked in a flat and cooperative tone: "Since you confessed, do you still have something to say?" ”

"The minister has something to say." Miao Zhengze kowtowed and thanked him, secretly relieved in his heart, what he expected was good, the eldest grandson and the emperor didn't want to embarrass him. "This case is not as simple as the doctor said! Before the minister was summoned to enter the palace, he was inquiring about the situation with Captain Jin Wuwei Cheng, and before he could find out, he entered the palace to see the driver. ”

This was unexpected, Li Erlang and the eldest grandson Wuji both frowned, and before the eldest grandson Wuji could speak, the imperial doctor sneered and asked: "Strange, someone in Ruxian County has escaped from prison, you ran to Jin Wuwei to inquire, is it still that the Jin Wuwei soldiers patrolling the city are still responsible for guarding the door in Chang'an County!" ”

Miao Zhengze already had an answer in his heart, so he replied unhurriedly at this time: "Back to my lord, it's not that the subordinate officials shirk their responsibilities." Instead, yesterday, the officials interrogated the three murderers who escaped from prison, and after questioning, it was found that these three people were not prisoners arrested by our Chang'an County. Instead, the night before yesterday, the Jinwuwei guards patrolling the city were charged with violating the curfew, and were not punished with a rod, saying that they had nowhere to be detained at night and were handed over to Chang'an County for one day. The night guard in the prison was speechless and took him into custody. However, in the early hours of the second day, the three broke the cell in an attempt to escape. ”

Wei Zheng heard this with a gloomy face, and opened his mouth to reply: "This official has not heard what Miao County Decree said has anything to do with your lack of governance and the lack of strictness of your majesty. ”

Miao Zhengze raised his eyes and peeked at the person who spoke, and saw that it was a purple robe, so he didn't dare to look at it, and replied with lowered eyes: "My lord doesn't know anything." The three criminals were imprisoned, and it was even more unusual to escape from prison overnight. It is important to know that if it is only a curfew, it is just a meal. Jin Wuwei did not take the cane and was imprisoned. At most, they will be released in a day. There was no need for the three to escape from prison unless they were fugitives themselves, or...... They went to prison for a purpose! ”

"Oh, did you interrogate it then? Are they fugitives or do they have other plans? The eldest grandson Wuji answered at the right time and asked Miao Zhengze to continue. He is really getting more and more satisfied with this small county order, but unfortunately he is a little older and his background is a little worse.

Miao Zhengze has already entered the state, without the trembling when he first entered the palace, he knows how his future career will be, it depends on today! couldn't help but shake his spirits, and said in a slight voice: "Back to Lord Changsun, according to the interrogation of the lower officials yesterday, these three people are from the Chang'an clan, and they are well-known green-skinned rangers. The day before yesterday, he was deliberately arrested and put in prison at the instigation of someone in order to teach a lesson to a suspect in the prison. I never thought that the three of them would act unexpectedly after being imprisoned, and they felt remorseful, but later found that the prison window was in disrepair, so they broke the window and wanted to escape. It happened that the county lieutenant of Lin County passed by and was arrested, so the three of them did not escape. After Miao Zhengze finished speaking, he hung his head and stood by. He knew that there was still something in his words that was difficult to justify, but even they couldn't explain the fact that the three people were knocked out and thrown out of the cell, so how could others explain it for him? Fortunately, yesterday he negotiated with Lieutenant Lin on this matter, so that Lieutenant Lin not only had no fault, but had merit, and he also took the opportunity to win over the people's hearts, so why not do it.

"If what the Miao County Order said is true, does this official want to know who instructed the three murderers to go to prison to commit murder?" Wei Zheng was still expressionless, and no one could guess what he was thinking. The Emperor glanced at him and let him ask questions.

"This ...... The lower officials have not yet ascertained. The lower official went to Jin Wuwei today to inquire about the matter, and a lieutenant of Jin Wuwei said that he did not know, and he did not want to tell the official who was on duty that day. ”

Li Erlang raised his eyebrows, twisted his beard and asked, "Captain Cheng?" Which Cheng Lieutenant? ”

"It's the captain of the prison gate, Cheng Chumo." Miao Zhengze replied with his head down, not seeing the eldest grandson Wuji and the emperor's faces change greatly.

Li Erlang exchanged a look with the eldest grandson Wuji, thinking that if the Lu Guogong Mansion had already participated in this matter the day before yesterday, then Cheng Zhijie's performance in front of the emperor yesterday was too real, the key is what was the purpose of his performance yesterday? Li Erlang didn't believe that Cheng Zhijie was lying to him, but how to explain the matter in front of him? If it has nothing to do with Cheng Chumo, why did he conceal and cover up the case in Chang'an County?

The matter suddenly involved a prince of the state, or a general who was a close associate of His Majesty, no matter which side the ministers were on, they did not speak for a while, and they all peeked at the emperor's face. There was silence in the hall for a while, Miao Zhengze didn't know if he had said something wrong, his heart was flustered, and beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.

Doctor Yu Shi swept left and right, and saw that the ministers were silent, thinking that he couldn't let this county order divert his attention, so he opened his mouth and asked: "Even if there are other reasons for this case, it can't cover up the fact that you have been negligent under your rule!" If it weren't for the county lieutenant who happened to find out, wouldn't it be a big joke. But even if you are dead at this time, you will cover up the past. But a few days ago, the beasts of Pingkangfang injured people, the door of the workshop was sealed, dozens of people were injured, and even your subordinate officials also suffered heavy casualties. As a result, rumors spread everywhere, and the city was full of wind and rain! Such a sensational incident occurred under his rule, and so far there has not been a satisfactory answer to the people and the wounded. The official said that you mishandled it, the ministry had no way, and the guard was wrong. Are you not convinced? ”

"This case ......" Miao Zhengze looked up at the eldest grandson Wuji's expression, not wanting the eldest grandson to be twisting his eyebrows and lowering his eyes, and didn't see his eyes asking for help. Miao Zhengze was helpless, gritted his teeth and protested: "The official has something to say in this case!" ”

"Say!" Li Erlang suddenly spoke, and the ministers were stunned, and they also blocked the words from the mouth of the imperial doctor.

Miao Zhengze bowed his head and thanked him, got up and said: "This case happened in Pingkangfang, which is under the rule of Wannian County. It is not under the rule of my Chang'an County. After the case, Fang Ling first reported that no one in Wannian County was reasonable, and in a panic, he ordered the door to be closed, and then sent people to Jin Wuwei and Jingzhao Mansion to report the case. Jin Wuwei didn't pay attention to the trivial matter at first, and Jingzhao Mansion handed over the case to Chang'an County. Such a tossing and delay, causing Pingkangfang to be closed for a long time, and then rumors spread, it is not the responsibility of my Chang'an County! Your Majesty, please be wise! ”

"Humph! Who was the Kingo Guard officer on duty that day? Also surnamed Cheng? Li Erlang's tone was stern, and the ministers could hear the displeasure in the emperor's heart, and they couldn't help but sweat for Cheng Zhijie.

"This ...... The lower officials don't know. ”

"Then tell me what else you know! Say it all at once! ”

"No. After the lower official accepted the case, he investigated and questioned the injured in many ways, and found that the case was not complicated. It's just a simple case of two groups of people making trouble in a restaurant. The reason why there are rumors is only because one party who hurts people is a tiger! When the people heard that the wild beast was around, they were panicked. Subsequently, the lower officials cooperated with Jin Wuwei, and the Dali Temple passed down the wanted document to find the fugitive. But...... Just the day before yesterday, the fugitive had already surrendered himself in Chang'an County, and he was willing to surrender to the law, and the case can be said to be closed! ”

As soon as these words came out, the hall was full of rumors, only those with ghosts in their hearts frowned and remained silent, and things were a little out of plan.

"If the case is closed!" Wei Zheng opened his mouth loudly, overwhelmed the whispers of the full hall, and asked, "Who is the culprit?" How did you pronounce the sentence and how did you deal with it? ”

"This ...... Returning to the Lordship...... The criminal, the criminal is a rural teenager in Zhouzhi County. has always been honest and responsible, and this time it was not intentional to make trouble. At the beginning of the trouble, the criminal was afraid, but because the other party was from an official eunuch, he was afraid of retaliation for protecting the officials, so he fled. Later, he learned that the official was ordered to investigate the case in Chang'an County, so he came to the county government to surrender again. ”

"Oh? In this way, the criminal and Miao County Ling knew each other? ”

"I don't know each other. It's just that Xia Guan had dealt with his father and ancestors before Zhou Zhi, and he had some official reputation. Therefore, he has more trust in his own officials. ”

As the Miao County Order said, he is still a good official who is trusted by the people. It is unheard of for a prisoner to turn himself in. ”

"Didn't Miao County Ling feel that he was a little boastful?"

"Xia Guan is just telling the truth." The number of interrogators gradually increased, and Miao Zhengze couldn't recognize who this full hall of Zhu Zi was. Now I can only defend to the end, and there is no way back from the official road.

Seeing that today was about to become this small county order council, Doctor Yushi was angry in his heart, and shouted coldly: "Chang'an Lingxiu should take care of him!" I ask you! What about the criminals?! ”

Miao Zhengze thought to himself that yesterday the envoy in the palace came to pick up people, passed through the city, and did not hide his whereabouts, so he didn't believe that these people didn't know. At the moment, I can only tell the truth, he can't resist a small county order, it's time for the eldest grandson to appear, right? "The criminal Li Luoyun was summoned to the palace yesterday and returned in order to return, and the rest of the officials are unknown." After speaking, he bowed his head and listened to the holy command.

Whether the ministers knew it or not, they all suddenly looked at the emperor on the throne at this time. It turns out that today's play is aimed at His Majesty!

Li Erlang's expression was calm, and he didn't know when he opened a bamboo book and read it, looking focused. What Miao Zhengze said was unheard.

Wei Zheng also realized that something was wrong with today's events at this time. The frowns swept back and forth on the faces of His Majesty, the eldest grandson Wuji and Fang Xuanling, wanting to see some clues. He was pulled by several imperial historians to say a few words before going to court, thinking that he understood why he was fighting today. But at the moment, it seems that the Imperial Doctor obviously has another purpose, he is just a helper who has been brought in.

"Chang'an County." Li Erlang's eyes did not leave the bamboo book, as if he opened his mouth casually.

"The lower official is here."

"According to the law, how to deal with the crimes committed by Li Luoyun."

"This ......" Miao Zhengze was a little confused. There are many people in this court who know the criminal law, not to mention the Dali Temple, where the officials of the criminal department are all sitting, and His Majesty just asked him what he meant?

"You are in charge of this case, tell the truth!"

"No. Back to Your Majesty, in Ruo Yichen's opinion, Li Luoyun's crime is not big. He was not alone in making trouble in the restaurant, and he learned about it from his visit. Li Luoyun was forced to fight back. Those who took the initiative to provoke the incident were Wei Yi and others who were injured at home. And there were no fatalities in this incident, only a few people were seriously injured, but there was no fear of life. If the sentence is made by the minister, Li Luoyun should be sentenced to 10 days in prison and compensate the injured for the loss of the decoction. As for the compensation for the damage to the property of the restaurant, it shall be borne by both parties. What Miao Zhengze said was also what he originally thought, because in his opinion, the only trouble in this matter is whether Wei Jiazi gives up, otherwise as long as the compensation is enough to satisfy the injured, the case will not be difficult to resolve at all.

"Well, that's fair." Li Erlang casually put down the bamboo book and expressed satisfaction with Miao Zhengze's statement.

"I don't think it's appropriate!" Doctor Yu Shi opened his mouth to object, "This matter is full of storms in the city, how to explain to the people with such a painless punishment." The minister thought that the criminal Li Luoyun should be handed over to Dali Temple for strict trial and a heavy sentence! To reassure the people! ”

"What the doctor said, the official did not dare to agree. Only in troubled times can we use heavy codes. Now that the disaster has just passed, some small things have made such a stir, which shows that the people's hearts have not yet been completely settled. At this time, it is time to be gentle. Only by dealing with this matter in a peaceful and tolerant manner can the people's attention to this matter be reduced and the impact of the previous closure of the door can be quickly diluted. Li Erlang followed the sound and saw that the person who spoke was Fang Xuanling, and he was comforted in his heart, Fang Aiqing probably didn't know the cause and effect of this matter at all. What he said is just a matter of facts, but it is the most sincere.

"What Xuan Ling said is good. The closure of the door caused rumors that the workshop was being mishandled. Such mediocre people should be removed from their posts and investigated, and told the people that the matter was nothing more than a rumor and quickly reassured the people. Instead of making the case a storm in the city again. Li Erlang opened his mouth to affirm Fang Xuanling's opinion. However, the other party refused to give up.

"I don't think it's appropriate!"

"The minister is against!"

"The minister is also against it."

Li Erlang squinted his eyes and swept over the ministers who were leaning over in protest. Imperial Doctor, Dali Temple, Minbu Shilang and so on...... Also, Shangshu Youcheng...... Li Erlang stared at Wei Ting and asked with a smile, "What is Wei Youcheng's opinion?" ”

Wei Ting didn't expect the emperor to single out his name, and was stunned for a moment before getting up and replying: "The minister agrees with Zuo Servant's words." At present, it is important to appease the people. But the offender cannot be given a light sentence! Punish them severely, and set an example. The minister thought that the sentence of the Chang'an Order was too light! ”

"Oh? Is Wei Qing thinking so? ”

"Yes."

"Then how does Wei Qing think he should be severely punished?"

"This ......" Wei Ting thought for a while and said, "In addition to making trouble and hurting people, you should attack officials and officials to fight against the charges of the imperial court." ”

Li Erlang frowned, and the eldest grandson Wuji immediately spoke: "What You Cheng said is a bit heavy, right?" ”

Wei Ting looked back proudly and did not give in: "Isn't what this official said the truth?" Chang'an County was injured by more than 20 errand soldiers, so won't it be investigated? ”

The eldest grandson Wuji was speechless and couldn't refute it, turned his head and saw Miao Zhengzhi, and threw the question back with a move in his mind: "Miao County Order, how do you think this matter should be investigated?" ”

Miao Zhengze thought that he had nothing to do, but he didn't expect to ask himself again. What could he think? If he dares to say that he doesn't pursue it, those officials will be able to sue him in front of the emperor when he turns around! No matter how much you give, it's useless. Who knows who is standing behind these officials? After a little hesitation, Miao Zhengze decided to push this question out again, but this time it was not to push it to others.

"Returning to my lordship, it is inevitable that officials will be injured when handling cases, and when ministers are thoughtful, sometimes dealing with disputes among the people, they will inevitably be injured by the excited people. In this case, the county's errand officer was injured, and the subordinate should seek justice for his subordinates. And when Li Luoyun turned himself in, he also promised to give enough compensation to the injured. But the crime of wounding should be investigated...... My lord, you must know that the one who hurt people is not that Li Luoyun. It's a tiger it raises! According to Li Luoyun's confession, he had already disposed of the tiger afterwards. So...... It's also an explanation for the injured, right? ”

"If feeding a tiger hurts people, its owner is not responsible!"

"Of course there is responsibility. Therefore, Li Luoyun came to surrender and accept punishment. ”

The ministers were speechless for a while, and Miao Zhengze breathed a sigh of relief, he didn't dare to say that Li Luoyun's 'disposal' was to put the tiger back in the mountains...... And the tiger probably ran back on its own......

Li Erlang didn't want to ask the ministers for their opinions anymore, and the family forces led by Wei would not give any unanimous opinions this time. "In that case, Miao County ordered you to go back and prepare. Open the court to hear the case, interrogate the relevant personnel, and close the case as soon as possible! ”

"No! When the minister returned, he immediately summoned all parties to the court to start the trial. Just ......"

"What's the difficulty, speak!"

"Then Li Luoyun ......" Miao Zhengze looked up at the emperor, thinking to himself I don't know where Li Luoyun is dead or alive now, how will this case be tried?

Li Erlang's eyes narrowed to catch the reactions of the ministers, and sure enough, they were concerned about Li Luoyun's situation. "Li Luoyun did not seek to be motivated, and was punished by me as a miscellaneous servant in the West Inner Garden. Didn't he like to raise fish, birds, birds and beasts, so I asked him to go to the West Inner Garden to clean the beast garden for me. Although you open the court, I will send someone to escort Li Luoyun to the county government for trial. ”

"No. Commanded. The minister retired. Miao Zhengze kowtowed and got up to leave.

"Wait!" Li Erlang opened his mouth to call Miao Zhengze, and said to him leisurely: "I am barely Li Luoyun's uncle, Li Luoyun is not filial, and he is ashamed of his parents' reputation. I'm the one for the discipline! Therefore, no matter what your punishment is, Li Luoyun has to continue to go back to the West Inner Garden as his handyman! This is my punishment for him! Rest assured, the drudgery of Nishienen is no more comfortable than going to jail. All you have to do in the court is to pronounce the verdict and give an account to the people. ”

Miao Zhengze was really frightened this time, he never expected that Li Luoyun would become a relative of the emperor! Confused and obedient, the ministers exploded again.

Wei Zheng was the first to jump out and shout: "Your Majesty's move is unfair, and the minister thinks it is inappropriate!" ”

"Your Majesty, this move is difficult to convince the public!"

"Your Majesty......"

Miao Zhengze raised his eyes to meet the eyes of the ministers who denounced the middle eldest Sun Wuji, and signaled him to leave quickly. Miao Zhengze was stunned, and seeing that no one was paying attention to him, he hurriedly bowed down and walked out of the hall. It wasn't until the sound fell behind him that he breathed a sigh of relief and raised his sleeves to wipe away the cold sweat on his forehead. Looking down, he suddenly saw the green-robed official kneeling beside the temple door glaring at him angrily. Miao Zhengze didn't know Wei Shenming, and he didn't notice it when he entered the hall first, and the hostility of the other party was undisguised at this time, which was even more inexplicable. A salute is considered a greeting, but who knows that the other party turned his head with disdain.

After a boring conversation, Miao Zhengze touched his nose and left. I can't figure out when I offended the other person. Wei Shenming stared at Miao Zhengzheng who was leaving, listening to the quarrel from the hall, his teeth itched with hatred, he should have been in the limelight today! But it was all ruined by this county order! The Imperial Doctor didn't have time to take out the pleadings he had carefully prepared!

"Li Luoyun! It's still up to you who wins or loses! I don't believe you'll get through this! ”