After listening to the government, the emperor drove the Xinuan Pavilion of the Qianqing Palace and summoned Chen Tingjing and Gao Shiqi. The emperor held a fold in his hand and asked, "Chen Tingjing, this is a case that should be managed by Shuntian Mansion, why did you come here all the way?" ”

Chen Tingjing listened to the emperor's tone, and knew that he really shouldn't report Zhu Qi's case to the emperor. But at this point, we have to do it. He and Gao Shiqi also tore their faces, so they no longer had many scruples, and only said: "Gao Shiqi knows the ins and outs!" ”

Gao Shiqi had long been terrified, guessing that the emperor summoned him and Chen Tingjing at the same time, it must be for his house. But after thinking about it in a blink of an eye, the emperor was only afraid that it was towards himself, so he asked Chen Tingjing in front of him. Unexpectedly, Chen Tingjing opened his mouth to make it clear, and Gao Shiqi's face changed in fright.

The emperor asked Gao Shiqi: "Tell me, what's going on?" ”

Gao Shiqi prostrated on the ground: "The minister is guilty!" In his early years, he was poor, and he was a master in Beijing, looking for a living and selling words to make a living. Later, he was favored by the emperor, enshrined in the inner court, and waited for the emperor to study. But the ministers were lowly, had no money to buy a house, and had nowhere to live. I happened to meet Yu Ziyi, a fellow Qiantang villager who was doing business in the capital, and borrowed it from his house. Later, Yu Ziyi said that he bought someone else's house, remembered the friendship of his fellow villagers, and sold it to his ministers at the original price. The minister coveted this cheapness. ”

The emperor asked again: "How big is the mansion?" ”

Gao Shiqi replied: "The house is not small, with four courtyards, and there are more than 50 houses, but they are already very dilapidated. ”

The emperor said: "According to your current status, it is not too much to live in such a big house. How much is silver worth? ”

Gao Shiqi replied: "Three thousand taels of silver." ”

The emperor said, "It's not expensive. ”

Gao Shiqi said: "Although it is not expensive, the minister can't take out so much silver." The minister had to live half-borrowed and half-credited, and did not pay off Yu Ziyi's debts until the year before last. ”

The emperor wondered: "So, why do you say that you are guilty?" ”

Gao Shiqi suddenly burst into tears and said: "The emperor once strictly ordered the court officials not to associate with merchants, and anyone who borrowed 1,000 taels of silver from a large gentry would be punished for the crime of accepting bribes!" Your Majesty, the minister's head should be cut off three times! Your Majesty, the ministers live up to the emperor's grace, and the crime deserves death! ”

Gao Shiqi knocked his head on the ground and burst into tears. The emperor sighed, and even became sad: "Being an official of the dynasty is a little harder." Shiqi, you are guilty, but I can't bear to punish you! You come from a humble background, you are constantly striving for self-improvement, neither humble nor arrogant, and you have the wind of returning to the face. That's what I value about you. ”

Gao Shiqi said: "Yan Hui is a saint's disciple, how dare Shiqi!" ”

The emperor was very emotional, and said: "The officials of the national dynasty are indeed a little low, but the officials of the national dynasty are all reading the books of sages and sages, and they are the parents of the people, not for the sake of making a fortune." Whoever wants to get rich, just like Yu Ziyi, it's better to go and do business. If you are an official, you are not allowed to get rich! ”

Gao Shiqi kowtowed again and said, "Remember the emperor's teachings!" ”

The emperor looked at Gao Shiqi on the ground with compassion and said, "However, I am also a little uneasy when I see you so miserable!" Shiqi, I forgive you for your innocence! ”

Gao Shiqi thanked him: "Thank you to the emperor for your grace!" ”

Chen Tingjing never expected the emperor to ask a few words so hastily, and then pardoned Gao Shiqi's sins, and said: "Your Majesty, the officials of the dynasty are indeed not high, but some officials are rich more than 10,000 gold!" ”

When the emperor heard Chen Tingjing's words, he was a little displeased, and asked, "Chen Tingjing, how big is your house?" ”

Chen Tingjing replied: "Back to the emperor, the minister does not have a house in the capital, and the minister lives in his father-in-law's house!" ”

The emperor sighed and said: "Chen Tingjing, since I was the emperor, I have always been lenient to people, and I hope you will behave like this. I've always felt that you're lenient and old-fashioned, but you've always been a little harsh on Shiqi. ”

Gao Shiqi hurriedly said: "Your Majesty, Chen Tingjing is stricter with his ministers, but he is good for his ministers in his heart, and the ministers don't blame him!" ”

The emperor looked at Gao Shiqi and was very satisfied: "Shiqi is an honest man. ”

Chen Tingjing said: "Emperor Qiqi, the minister and Gao Shiqi have no personal grievances, but they just feel that what should be done, what should be done." ”

The emperor asked: "Yu Ziyi's lawsuit with Zhu Qi was originally managed by the Shuntian Mansion, what do you say should I do?" Do you want me to approve it to the Criminal Department? ”

Chen Tingjing said: "Your Majesty, Zhu Qi has been imprisoned by Shuntianfu for more than ten years because of the complaint, and this time it was Shuntianfu who asked him to make a letter of guarantee and no longer sue him, so he was released." Therefore, the minister thought that it was inappropriate for this case to be handled by Shuntianfu! ”

The emperor's face darkened: "Chen Tingjing, do you mean that all the successive Shuntian Mansion Yin have been dumb officials?" From Xiang Bingdao to the current Yuan Yongcai, there have been four Fu Yin, and three of them were ordered by me. Did I use it all wrong? ”

No matter how Chen Tingjing replied, he would cause trouble, but he couldn't maneuver, so he had to go along with the reason: "The minister just talks about things, and he has no such intention." ”

Gao Shiqi was very good at ingratiating, and said: "Your Majesty, the minister bought Yu Ziyi's house cheaply, but I really don't know that the origin of his house is unknown. Chen Tingjing thought that this case should be handed over to the Criminal Department for trial, which was also out of public interest. The minister also thought that it was not appropriate for Shuntianfu to retry the case. ”

The emperor said coldly: "You probably forgot that Xiang Bingdao, the current secretary of the Criminal Department, is the Shuntian Mansion Yin back then." ”

Gao Shiqi became more and more like an honest man, and Qi played the emperor: "The minister thinks that since this case was taken by Chen Tingjing, it may be fairer to let Chen Tingjing and Xiang Bingdao try it together." ”

The emperor nodded and said: "In this case, Gao Shiqi also participated, and tried this case with Chen Tingjing and Xiang Bingdao!" ”

Chen Tingjing heard that the emperor called Gao Shiqi to also come to try the case, and he knew that he should not pay attention to this lawsuit. Gao Shiqi arched his hand and said: "Your Majesty, it is better for the minister to avoid it, after all, Yu Ziyi and the minister are fellow villagers and have personal relations, and I bought this house from him." ”

The emperor agreed: "Okay, you won't participate." It can be seen that Gao Shiqi is a public heart. ”

After the summons, Chen Tingjing and Gao Shiqi went out of the Qianqing Palace together. Gao Shiqi gave up his hand again and again, and respectfully asked Chen Tingjing to enforce the law impartially, if Yu Ziyi really forcibly occupied other people's houses, he must ask Yu Ziyi to return his silver, and he could buy a few more houses to live in. Chen Tingjing knew that he was tricked by Gao Shiqi, but he couldn't say anything, so he just nodded again and again.

As soon as it was dark, Gao Shiqi went out. He planned to visit the two people, and first went to the Shangshu Xiang Bingdao Mansion of the Criminal Department. As usual, the porter was sent first, and then he had to report in. Xiang Bingdao did not come out, but only waited in the guest hall. Gao Shiqi took a seat, and without a few polite words, he told Chen Tingjing about taking over Zhu Qi's case, and said: "Lord Xiang, the emperor originally intended to hand over this case to Shuntianfu, but Chen Tingjing insisted on putting it in the criminal department!" I don't know what his intentions are! ”

Xiang Bingdao said: "Lord Chen's fairness and integrity are well known to the world. The old man couldn't guess what selfishness he had! ”

Gao Shiqi shook his head and said, "I don't know anything about Lord Xiang!" Chen Tingjing kept saying that it was not appropriate for Shuntianfu to handle this case again, and the Criminal Department needed to interrogate it. On the surface, he trusts the Criminal Department, but in fact, he wants to embarrass you! ”

Xiang Bingdao was puzzled and asked, "Where do you start with this?" ”

Gao Shiqi pretended to be mysterious and said: "This case was exactly what you did when you were appointed in Shuntian Mansion!" ”

Xiang Bingdao was taken aback at this time, and he didn't know what to say for a while. Gao Shiqi said with a smile: "Xiang, let the subordinate say a bold word. Xia Guan pondered at this moment, Zhu Qijia's case is likely to be an unjust case, Lord Xiang, you were probably deceived by the people below back then! ”

Xiang Bingdao couldn't sit still, so he stood up anxiously: "Huh? Even if the official was negligent, the successive governors also asked, didn't they have long eyes? ”

Gao Shiqi said: "Lord Xiang, you are a prosperous official, soaring, and now you are a scholar of the Criminal Department and a member of the Cabinet, who dares to turn over the cases you have handled?" ”

Xiang Bingdao slumped into the chair and sighed: "Change when you know your mistakes, this is what I do!" Am I overpowering others? ”

Gao Shiqi said: "Xiang Adult's character and official character are admired by the world, and no one will criticize him." It's just that Zhu Qijia's case is now retried, not only is it not good for you, but the next few governors will be to blame! I think even the emperor's face is not good. ”

Xiang Bingdao bowed his head and thought for a long time, and asked, "What is Shiqi's opinion?" ”

Gao Shiqi sighed: "The matter has reached the emperor, what other high opinion can I have?" The suspect involved in the case, Yu Ziyi, although he is my hometown, I dare not cover it up at all. I only feel that Chen Tingjing's intentions are a little sinister. The ministers of the dynasty are all corrupt officials and mediocre officials, only he Chen Tingjing is Bao Zheng and Hai Rui! ”

Xiang Bingdao shook his head and stopped talking. Gao Shiqi accompanied Xiang Bingdao and sighed for a long time, and also shook his head and said goodbye.

Gao Shiqi went out of Xiangfu, got into a sedan chair, and ordered to go home. Chang Sui asked, "Master, didn't you say that you still want to go to Shuntian Mansion?" ”

Gao Shiqi smiled: "Master, I changed my mind and won't go." I'm thinking, Shuntian Mansion Yin Yuan will come to me. Wait for him to come to the door. ”

Gao Shiqi returned to Shimo'er Hutong, before anyone entered the door, Gao Daman greeted him and said, "Master, Yin Yuan of Shuntian Mansion has come to the house to meet you, and I have been waiting for a long time." Gao Shiqi nodded, and only looked back at Changsui. The entourage also nodded and smiled, secretly admiring Gao Shiqi for being like a god.

Gao Shiqi entered the guest hall, hurriedly bowed his hand to Yuan Yongcai, and said nonsense: "The emperor summoned me into the palace at night, but I didn't know that Lord Yuan was here, and I was disrespectful and disrespectful!" ”

Yuan Yongcai didn't have time to be polite, and said anxiously: "Lord Gao, your fellow villager Yu Ziyi has committed a crime, do you know?" ”

Gao Shiqi pretended to be surprised: "Huh? What crime did he commit? ”

Yuan Yongcai told Yu Ziyi that he was accused of killing people by Kuang Xiaomao, and Gao Shiqi was so shocked that he couldn't speak.

Yuan Yongcai said: "Yu Ziyi kept saying that Master Gao could testify for him, so I had to come to the door to disturb him." ”

Gao Shiqi looked very sad and said: "I, Gao Shiqi, have been favored by the emperor, but I know how to serve the court, and I have no selfishness. Yu Ziyi is my fellow villager and friend, but he violated the royal law, please don't be appeased by Lord Yuan. Don't say it's my friend who broke the law, even if my family and myself break the law, you have to act according to the law! ”

Yuan Yongcai supported me for a long time and said: "Yuan asked about the case, it seems that I heard about Yu Ziyi's murder case, and it has something to do with the house where you live, Lord Gao. ”

Gao Shiqi said: "I recently heard that this house was forcibly occupied by Yu Ziyi, and then sold it to me. Lord Yuan, please rest assured, even if it involves me Gao himself, you don't have any scruples! Yu Ziyi's murder case will be strictly interrogated and handled by Lord Yuan! ”

Yuan Yongcai heard this, and the thousand catties of stones fell to the ground: "Tall man Gao Feng Liang Festival, Yuan admires!" Okay, I'll stop bothering! ”

On the second day, Yuan Yongcai was promoted to the court to ask about the case, and after a burst of sticks, Yu Ziyi had to admit his guilt. He thought that Gao Shiqi would stand out for him anyway, so why not eat less sticks first? Unexpectedly, he had just drawn a charge on his confession, and Kuang Xiaomao accused him in court, saying that he killed Zhu Qi's son Zhu Dafu in the eighteenth year of Shunzhi. Yu Ziyi was blinded now, knowing that his head must move.

Xiang Bingdao didn't know that Yu Ziyi had already been taken by Shuntianfu, so he ordered the following to look for someone early, and invited Chen Tingjing to discuss the case. Xiang Bingdao originally respected Chen Tingjing very much, but after listening to Gao Shiqi's words last night, he felt a little unhappy, so he said to Chen Tingjing: "Lord Chen, even if I am deceived by my subordinates, others have eyes!" You can't doubt that all the officials in the imperial court are wine bags and rice bags! ”

Chen Tingjing hurriedly apologized: "Wan Wang's understanding to adults!" Let's discuss the facts of the case first, and then open the court to hear the case at a later date. ”

Xiang Bingdao shook his head and said: "The old man has always been vigorous and resolute, I have already passed on the people, and I can be promoted immediately!" ”

At this time, the head of the Criminal Department hurriedly came, looking a little nervous: "Lord Xiang, Lord Chen, Yu Ziyi has committed the crime of murder and has been arrested by Shuntianfu!" The case is closed! ”

After the director said that, he presented the case file of Shuntianfu to Xiang Bingdao. Xiang Bingdao took the file and hurriedly flipped through it. Chen Tingjing asked on the side: "Who was killed?" ”

Xiang Bingdao handed the file to Chen Tingjing and said, "It is Zhu Qi who sued Yu Ziyi!" ”

Chen Tingjing sighed, his face turned pale. He guessed that Zhu Qi's death must be related to Yu Ziyi, and maybe Gao Shiqi was involved. But he has no evidence in his hands, how dare he speculate? only sighed repeatedly, shook his head and shouted: "Oh my God, I hurt Zhu Qi!" If I hadn't taken his example, he wouldn't have been killed! ”

Xiang Bingdao also shook his head and said, "I didn't expect Yu Ziyi to be really a wicked person who seeks money and kills!" Master Chen, I really missed the inspection! This case doesn't need you and me to retry it, let's play the emperor quickly! ”

Chen Tingjing couldn't say anything in his stomach, so he had to agree to play the emperor.

The emperor summoned Xiang Bingdao and Chen Tingjing in the afternoon of the same day, and Yuan Yongcai and Gao Shiqi were also called. Xiang Bingdao, Yuan Yongcai, and Gao Shiqi pleaded guilty, but Chen Tingjing bowed his head and was silent. The emperor was relieved one by one, and did not blame anyone. Gao Shiqi still pleaded guilty, saying that he really didn't know that Yu Ziyi's mansion was unknown, and he bought it cheaply, and was willing to bring the mansion into the official.

Yuan Yongcai said: "It is a fact that Yu Ziyi killed Zhu Qi's father and son successively, but it is also a fact that Zhu Dafu owes Yu Ziyi 6,000 taels of silver. Yu Ziyi killed people to offset his life, and the Zhu family's debts were offset by the house. In accordance with the law and feelings, it should be so. Therefore, Gao Shiqi bought the house from Yu Ziyi and did not commit any crimes. ”

When the emperor heard this, he felt that Yuan Yongcai's words were reasonable.

Things turned out like this inexplicably, and Chen Tingjing was puzzled. He stubbornly played: "Your Majesty, the minister thinks that Yu Ziyi's murder case is strange and should be retried!" ”

Yuan Yongcai hurriedly knelt down and played: "Your Majesty, Yu Ziyi confessed, the human and material evidence is there, the plaintiff has also been killed, Chen Tingjing has made a difference!" ”

The emperor's face was gloomy: "Chen Tingjing! I just saw that all the ministers have repentance, and you are the only one! Are you really a saint? Do you want me to treat Xiang Bingdao, Yuan Yongcai, Gao Shiqi and several Shuntianfu Yin before you can feel at ease? ”

Chen Tingjing kowtowed and apologized: "Back to the emperor, the ministers have no such intentions!" ”

The emperor said: "I often warn you that it is important for the resident officials to be quiet. Calm things down, the world is peaceful! Don't make a fuss! ”

The ministers all lowered their heads, and they didn't dare to come out. The emperor looked at Gao Shiqi and was very kind: "Your mansion is still yours, don't say it again." However, your house is only afraid of some ferocity, and I feel uneasy when I think about it. I have temporary things on weekdays, and it is not convenient to summon you. There is a courtyard in Xi'an Gate, you can move in and live! ”

Hearing that the emperor gave Gao Shiqi a mansion, several ministers couldn't help but be secretly surprised. Gao Shiqi almost couldn't believe his ears, and was stunned for a while before kneeling down and worshiping: "Your Majesty, the minister has given the forbidden city, there is no precedent since ancient times, Shiqi is unarmed, and he dare not accept this favor!" I implore the emperor to take back his order! ”

The emperor shook his head and said, "Shiqi, you have served the inner court for many years, and you have worked hard, and I know it in my heart. You don't have to excuse yourself. There is a saying among the people that the family moves three times to be poor. I will give you ten pieces of satin and five hundred taels of silver for your removal. Just move in. ”

Gao Shiqi was so grateful that he cried bitterly: "Although the ministers are full of liver and brains, being a cow and a horse is not enough to serve the emperor!" ”

The emperor said: "I wrote two words yesterday: peace. Today I give you these two words. ”

While speaking, Zhang Shande took out the emperor's ink treasure. Gao Shiqi knelt down to take it, and thanked him more than once.

After the summons, several ministers withdrew from the Qianqing Palace, and inevitably congratulated Gao Shiqi.

Yuan Yongcai arched his hand and said: "Lord Gao, the emperor gave the minister's mansion in the forbidden city, but it is an example for the ages!" Congratulations! ”

Gao Shiqi said with a smile: "My Emperor Shengming, there are many things that his old man has set precedents!" At the age of fourteen, he ascended the throne and shook the world, which has never been seen since ancient times; At the age of sixteen, he cut off the Ao worship, and the world returned to the heart, which has not been seen since ancient times; Cutting the feudal domain and quelling the chaos, stabilizing the Liuhe, has not been seen since ancient times; The "Sixteen Articles of the Holy Message" educates the people, and the people's customs are getting stronger and stronger, which has never been seen since ancient times! ”

At this time, Zhang Shande chased after him and whispered: "Lord Chen, the emperor asked you to go in and say something!" ”

Chen Tingjing couldn't help but be shocked. The emperor is very displeased with him today, what is the matter at this time? Chen Tingjing walked back with Zhang Shande and asked carefully: "Chief, what did the emperor call me for?" ”

Zhang Shande said: "Where do you know the little one, I can only hear the emperor sigh constantly." ”

Chen Tingjing didn't ask any more questions, and bowed his head and entered the Qianqing Palace. The emperor was pacing with his back in the Xinuan Pavilion, Chen Tingjing stepped forward and knelt down, and before he finished his polite words of thanks, the emperor asked him to get up. Chen Tingjing got up and stood with his hands down.

The emperor stood still, looked at Chen Tingjing for a long time, and then said, "I know that you are holding your breath in your heart!" Human life is at stake, and it is not a trivial matter. But the plaintiff is dead, and the murderer is killed! Do you really want me to deal with so many ministers for this matter? ”

Chen Tingjing said: "The minister has always been kind to people, and he has not borrowed the whole person!" ”

The emperor sat down and said: "Gao Shiqi is just a six-grade middle school, you are from the second grade, you want adults not to care about villains!" Gao Shiqi came from a poor background and was honest, and I did have a lot of pity for him. He is also doing his best when he is on errands, so don't worry about him! ”

Chen Tingjing said: "The minister will not worry about him!" ”

The emperor sighed, as if he had infinite emotion: "Since ancient times, officialdom has been compared to the sea of eunuchs. The so-called sea has no wind and three feet of waves. But I thought that governing the country was to be quiet and peaceful, and I thought it was inappropriate to make the officialdom turbulent. Employing people is like a tool, making use of strengths and avoiding weaknesses. You have your strengths, and Gaoshiqi has Gaoshiqi's strengths. To err is human? Seek full reproach, and there will be no one to use. ”

The emperor's words are naturally reasonable, but now the case is reversed in black and white. Chen Tingjing still had a lot to say in his heart, and he didn't dare to say anything more, so he had to give up his hand and say: "The emperor is generous in employing people, the officials are clear, and the ministers are happy and convinced!" ”

Gao Shiqi sat cross-legged on the kang and smoked a hookah. The lady happily played with the silk given by the emperor and asked, "Master, the queen mother and those concubines use these materials, right?" ”

Gao Shiqi smoked the hookah and said, "In the future, you can also use the materials used by the queen's mother!" These are all made by Jiangning officials and are exclusively for Ouchi. ”

The lady was overjoyed and said: "Master, our emperor is really a living Bodhisattva, I have to burn high incense for him every day, and bless him Long live the old man!" ”

Gao Shiqi snorted and said, "Aren't you worried that Chen Tingjing will bring me down?" Have you seen them all? How's it going? Chen Tingjing sarcastically mocked me to my face, saying that I only had one in 3,000 years! He's right! ”

Mrs. regarded her man as a baby, and said: "I have to hurry up and make a few clothes, and hurry Ming'er to live in the Forbidden City, and don't let people look at the cold!" ”

At this time, Gao Daman came in and said that Kuang Xiaomao was here, Gao Shiqi's face darkened, and he only asked him to wait in the study first. Gao Shiqi deliberately smoked and drank tea for a long time before going to the study.

Kuang Xiaomao saw Gao Shiqi and hurriedly knelt down: "Thank you for your life-saving grace, He Gao is overjoyed!" ”

Gao Shiqi deliberately held the shelf and said lightly: "What do I have to like?" Get up and speak! ”

Kuang Xiaomao stood up and said: "Lord Gao was favored by the emperor and gave a house in the Forbidden City, which is a great joy!" ”

Gao Shiqi didn't take it seriously, and said: "I have been with the emperor for more than 20 years, and this kind of grace is often there, but others think it is rare. ”

Kuang Xiaomao bowed his head and said: "Master Gao, thanks to your recreation, the little one will be a cow and a horse in front of you from now on!" ”

Gao Shiqi said: "Xiaomao, I know your loyalty. I'm a man of righteousness and friends. I originally planned for the 300,000 gold, I eight, you two! Now I'm thinking about it, I can't make you rich all of a sudden. Yu Ziyi is a lesson! ”

Kuang Xiaomao was stunned and asked, "What do you mean, Lord Gao?" ”

Gao Shiqi smiled: "You have to be rich and rich slowly, otherwise you can't afford it, just like Yu Ziyi, you have to die for yourself." The 300,000 gold was originally mine, and Yu Ziyi was just doing it for me. Yu Ziyi originally gave you a monthly salary of five taels of silver, but I will add it to ten taels for you! ”

Kuang Xiaomao couldn't imagine that Gao Shiqi would be so rebellious, and scolded his mother in his heart, but he had to kneel down again: "Lord Gao, how dare the little one be loved like this?" If the small ones have two hearts in the future, the heavens and the earth will be destroyed, and the nine clans will die! ”

Gao Shiqi laughed and said, "Why did Xiao Mao swear this poisonous oath? I know you'll be faithful to me! ”

At this time, the maid Chunmei came in and said, "Master, Mrs. said, the master will get up early tomorrow, please rest early." ”

Kuang Xiaomao heard this, and hurriedly got up and said goodbye. Gao Shiqi walked into the bedroom, yawned heavily, and said to his wife: "Outside, we only know that we are powerful and good as officials, but how do you know that we also have to get up early and be greedy for darkness?" If Ming'er lives in the palace, he doesn't have to get up so early. ”