The Imperial Palace, in a courtyard to the west.

Emperor Dongfang Bai of Great Xia, under the personal protection of Jin Zhong and Shang Zhicheng, pushed the door and walked in.

In the courtyard, a boy who was bigger than Dongfang Bai was originally playing with some wooden knives and sticks with a few small yellow doorknobs, and when he saw Dongfang Bai coming in, the yard instantly knelt on the ground, only the boy stood proudly and silently turned his head.

The confinement also smoothed out his arrogance and arrogance, for example, at the beginning, there would be swearing, then spitting, and then at least, at least a cold snort.

Today, there is only silence.

Dongfang Bai walked to the stone table in the courtyard, and Jin Zhong hurriedly swept the stone bench with his sleeves.

Dongfang Bai sat down and took out a map from his arms, "Seventh brother, choose a place." ”

On the spread out paper, a topographical map of the entire Zhongjing City was drawn, as long as Dongfang Tai chose a place, Dongfang Bai would give him a mansion, with people who raised him to grow up, playmates, maidservants, silver money, etc., this was Dongfang Bai's promise to him.

But this statement has been put forward for two consecutive days, and Dongfang Tai has never appreciated it, and this third time is no exception.

He still turned his head to look at the sky, not saying a word.

"Seventh brother, why bother! You are the bloodline of the Dongfang clan, and your mother and the British princess should not be a burden to you. What's more, Lu Rusong's participation in the murder of his father and the emperor, the great rebellion, your mother's concubine's welcome to the prince, the secret trick, and the filthy palace should be the reason for you to abandon them, not the reason why you used to punish yourself and confront me. ”

Maybe it was the word "I" that stimulated Dongfang Tai, or maybe it was the disrespect for his mother and mother in his words, which made Dongfang Tai break his defense a little, he turned his head angrily, and stared at this "little brother" who had been fattened by himself under his own riding.

Dongfang Bai slowly put away the map and put it in his arms, "I will come again tomorrow, you think clearly." ”

Walking to the door, he suddenly stopped, turned his head to look at Dongfang Tai, "Oh, I forgot to tell you, the traitor Lu Rusong led his troops to attack Bishui Pass, and he has been defeated and captured, and he will be escorted back to Zhongjing tomorrow to be punished." ”

After speaking, he walked away, leaving Dongfang Tai, who had been struck by lightning and whose only hope was shattered, stunned in place.

——

In the Changle Palace, an unusual visitor was ushered in.

"Sister doesn't come to mourn the house often!"

After dealing with some government affairs, Concubine De returned to Changle Palace, saw Princess Cheng who had been waiting for a while, and greeted her with a smile and gentleness.

Princess Cheng understood the meaning, quickly stood up, and bowed solemnly, "The concubine has not yet met the Queen Mother, congratulations to the Queen Mother!" ”

Concubine De helped her up with a smile, "Between you and my sisters, there is no need to be so polite. ”

After the etiquette was over, Princess Cheng knew that Concubine De was willing to see her and was willing to give her a good face to give her a chance, so she didn't dare to grind, and took the initiative to speak: "Queen Mother Mingjian, today the concubine and husband were bewitched, trying to make ideas on the major affairs of the court, fortunately the Queen Mother and His Majesty were wise, and did not let him endanger the major affairs of the court, after returning home, he was so scared that he was sick, and the concubine took the initiative to enter the palace, and wanted to explain a few words to the Queen Mother, and begged for forgiveness. ”

Concubine De had the same smile on her face, "Oh? And these things, I still think that I am a king and just want to speak for the country! ”

Princess Cheng immediately waved her hand, "Niangniang must also know that the concubine husband has always been a free prince, and he has never been greedy for the big position, but now he is also dozens of years old, but he didn't expect to be bewitched by the Marquis of Laiyang, saying that this life is about to pass, and now as an imperial uncle, the time and place are favorable, and if you don't taste the taste of power, wouldn't you live a life in vain." He actually believed it! ”

Princess Cheng's face turned cold, and she snorted, looking like she hated iron but not steel, "He doesn't look in the mirror to see if he is the material, the water in the court, is it something that a stupid person like him can mix?" It is enough to serve His Majesty, be an elder of the clan, and enjoy the glory and wealth brought to him by being born in the Eastern Imperial Family! ”

LAI Yang Hou. Concubine De silently wrote down the name, and looked at Princess Cheng, who was very knowledgeable, "Sister is serious, this little thing, why worry about it, King Cheng is an elder of the clan and a prince, and he has the duty to make suggestions and suggestions on major matters in the court, and it doesn't matter if he says right or wrong." ”

Princess Cheng secretly breathed a sigh of relief, and heard Concubine De continue: "But since my sister has entered the palace today, the mourning family does have a small matter that wants to bother my sister." ”

Princess Cheng sighed in her heart, knowing that the Queen Mother's temperament was really not something she could pass away in a few words, and it was obvious that this was an exchange.

She did it for her, and she forgave her the sin.

"Mother, just ask."

Concubine De said slowly: "When I learned the news of Lu Rusong's arrest today, I should have told Concubine Shu, but you also know that the mourning family has a lot of discord with her, if the mourning family goes to inform her, I am afraid that it will stimulate her already fragile heart to completely collapse, and then she will end up with a bad reputation of bullying." My sister and her are also old acquaintances, but are you willing to do some work for the mourning family? ”

Princess Cheng looked at Concubine De's elegant and beautiful face, and the smile on her face, and sighed in her heart, a harem woman is so decisive and ruthless, her husband's ability, it's better to forget it as soon as possible!

She didn't hesitate and stood up, "I am willing to serve my mother." ”

Although the word aura has not been invented at the moment, many people will have such mysterious feelings in their hearts.

Princess Cheng stood in front of Zhaoyang Palace, and felt the existence of the so-called aura in her heart.

According to the regulations, Changle Palace and Zhaoyang Palace are the residences of the concubines of the first and super grades;

Concubine De, who was promoted to the queen mother, did not make a big move on Changle Palace, so, looking at the furnishings, the two palaces are similar, and even Zhaoyang Palace is much more luxurious.

But compared with the prosperity and peace in Changle Palace, today's Zhaoyang Palace seems to be shrouded in a low-hanging cloud, which makes people feel depressed and obscure in their hearts.

The once glamorous and beautiful concubine, although she is still stubbornly and stubbornly wearing those bright clothes, painting delicate makeup, and pulling up luxurious hair accessories, the feeling revealed by this delicate flower is no longer the glory of spring blooming, but the stubbornness that is about to frost and support unthanks.

Seeing Princess Cheng, the first person to visit after the incident, Concubine Shu did not get up rashly, but stared at each other with defensiveness and vigilance.

This is her cleverness, and she understands that no one in the palace dares to come except for Concubine De's permission;

This is also her vulnerability, if she is still as strong as ever, she will not care about the doorway behind this.

"Mother, you've lost weight!"

Princess Cheng's first sentence made Concubine Shu successfully break the defense, and her eyes turned red.

Princess Cheng took the initiative to step forward, sat beside her, and said softly: "It's okay, the king of Linjiang County was just bewitched by Dongfang Ming's traitor, the queen mother is benevolent, and the mother can enjoy the rest of her life as the princess in the future, which is not too bad." ”

was relieved of her guard by the previous warm greeting, and when Concubine Shu heard this, she retreated and snorted coldly, "Princess? That's what Hongu deserves! You don't really think that slut would be so kind, would you? ”

"!" Princess Cheng was taken aback, and looked left and right, "You better restrain your temper!" This man is under the roof! ”

Concubine Shu actually knew it in her heart, but she was even more reluctant to show her weakness and helplessness in front of outsiders, so she said in a consistently arrogant tone: "What if you become the queen mother?" My Lu family has been hairpins for generations, the founding father, the gold medal for avoiding death, everything, and she dares to risk the disapproval of the world to do something to this palace? ”

She snorted, "Say it again! Now that there is a father leading elite soldiers outside, and there are nobles and nobles inside, if she wants to take her son to sit on the throne, she dares to be unfavorable to the palace and Shao'er! ”

Princess Cheng nodded, "Niangniang's family background is excellent, it is said that the power behind the Queen Mother is indeed not strong, if you want to sit firmly in the big position, it seems that you really rely on treating Niangniang a lot." ”

After saying that, she sighed in her heart, she couldn't stand that someone else had a good brother!

Originally, Concubine Shu was just pretending to be in front of people, but now that she is so echoed by Princess Cheng, she also has a little bit of real belief, and that arrogant and confident temperament seems to have quietly returned to her body.

Princess Cheng looked at Concubine Shu and said softly: "Then if the British raise troops, this situation?" ”

Concubine Shu smiled proudly, "Sister wait and see what happens, if it happens, it is up to you to come to see the affairs of this palace today, and this palace will not forget this kindness." ”

Princess Cheng sighed, "Niangniang, the concubine came today because she learned a piece of news and wanted to tell you, but now it seems that it is better not to tell you." ”

Concubine Shu's face changed suddenly, "What news!" Did they do to Shao'er? ”

"The king of Linjiang County is very good, I heard that he has accepted His Majesty's reward and is about to move to a mansion outside the palace to continue to serve the Eastern Imperial Family."

Princess Cheng took out a note from her sleeve, put it on the table, and looked at Concubine Shu, who was completely blinded by her son's choice, "Don't look at it if you want to continue dreaming, if you want to know the truth, open it and take a look, and the concubine will leave." ”

As she spoke, she got up and walked out, leaving behind the concubine who was suddenly dragged out of a warm conversation.

She looked at the note on the table, grabbed it in her hand, and stopped the moment she opened it.

Princess Cheng walked out of the main gate of Zhaoyang Palace, and a terrible scream suddenly came from behind her.

She sighed for a long time, the most ruthless emperor family, the supreme position, the supreme power, under the throne, how many ambitions are buried, and how many blood and tears are buried.

——

In the small courtyard of the central government, everyone had just finished a simple discussion in the council hall about summoning the governors of various states to join the court, and what should be the crime of attaching Lu Rusong for the Hebei scholars, and when they were about to leave, Xia Jingyun suddenly said: "Wan Xiang, Yang Xiang, my lords, there is still one thing for the lower officials." ”

Everyone's sitting posture subconsciously straightened up, turned their heads to look at him, Wan Wenbi took the initiative to smile kindly, "Everyone here is colleagues, Gao Yang doesn't have to be polite, just say it." ”

Xia Jingyun opened his mouth and said: "According to the distance, tonight or tomorrow, Xiao Fengshan and Lu Rusong will be escorted to Zhongjing, how to deal with it, do we need to get a charter?" ”

Hearing this, many people have some doubts in their hearts.

What are the statutes for this?

After returning to Beijing, wouldn't it be okay to die with a glass of poisoned wine, or be cut in half in the city?

After all, if they can't be convicted of their great treachery, the legitimacy of His Majesty's accession to the throne will be questionable.

Could it be that you, as Your Majesty's uncle and the direct promoter of this coup, have any other ideas?

Wei Yuanzhi is now implementing the strategy of the second man, and said directly domineeringly: "What does Lord Xia think, to put it bluntly, but if it is reasonable, who can still hold you back?" ”

The corners of everyone's mouths twitched, and Xia Jingyun smiled: "Lord Wei is serious, and the central deliberation should be the most important." Brainstorming is the only way to achieve steady and far-reaching results. ”

Everyone couldn't help but bow their heads, thinking that Xia Jingyun was a young genius, but it was rare to be really gentle and polite, and he deserved to be the champion of Lianzhong Sanyuan.

And Wan Wenbi, who had seen through the trick between them, sighed in his heart, took the initiative to answer, and tried to cheer up his prestige as prime minister, "Gao Yang has something to say, but it doesn't hurt to say it, within the center, there is no need to be formal." ”

Xia Jingyun glanced at him calmly, and then said: "According to the intention of the lower officials, Dongfang Ming, Lu Rusong, Xiao Fengshan and others, the crime of killing the monarch and usurping the throne is extremely evil, and killing them alone is not enough to make the people angry. ”

When everyone heard this, their subconscious objections were about to come out casually, but the lessons above the court today were still very vivid, and for a while, there was no sound in the hall.

Deputy Prime Minister Yang Weiguang pondered and said: "Lord Xia, the death of the king must not be spoken to the people!" ”

Everyone nodded when they heard this, your court advertises every day that the Son of Heaven was born by the mandate of Heaven and raised all the people on behalf of Heaven, and now how he was killed and how others planned it is laid out, isn't this damaging the sacredness of the monarchy!

Xia Jingyun nodded and said: "This public trial is not open to the people, but is attended by courtiers, and it can even be further limited to five or more grades." Instead of letting these people think wildly and guess half-understood, it is better to directly dissect and publish the truth to set the record straight. ”

Everyone understood that Xia Jingyun wanted to completely seal the coffin for the rationality of His Majesty's accession to the throne and succession, if they wanted to stop in front of them, they might directly touch the most fundamental interests of His Majesty and the Queen Mother, and they would definitely not be able to please him next.

Therefore, when it comes to this, no one objected, and Yang Weiguang immediately said: "Such an old man naturally has no opinion." ”

"But Gao Yang, the public trial is good, how can they admit their guilt? If they don't admit their sins, and we force them to confess their sins, isn't that an extra lot of tongues? ”

Wan Wenbi still couldn't let Xia Jingyun establish his prestige in the center at this time, and asked.

Moreover, this sentence is indeed on the point.

The public trial is naturally good, and the prisoner takes the initiative to admit his guilt in front of everyone's eyes, and everything will naturally be decided, and there is nothing to say whether it is the public opinion of the government and the opposition or the descendants of history.

But what if people don't admit their guilt?

If people resist stubbornly, or even say something shocking, doesn't that make things worse?

When the time comes, it's better to kill them directly sooner, then it's too late!

What's more, Xiao Fengshan and Lu Rusong are all people who have been in the top positions for a long time, and they have a firm mind, even the crown prince has survived more than ten years of suppression by the first emperor and stood firm, it is impossible for these people not to know what it means to confess, even if the evidence is ironclad, I am afraid they will have to be believed and resolutely denied.

If you want them to confess their guilt in court, it is even more difficult than ascending to heaven!

Xia Jingyun nodded and said: "At present, I am just discussing with you to see if this matter can be decided, and how to make the specific progress has already been drafted, but it still needs to be considered." ”

Wan Wenbi took the lead and said: "In this way, there is no objection to this appearance." ”

The rest of the people also expressed their positions and unanimously agreed to Xia Jingyun's proposal.

In the afternoon of the same day, several edicts were sent from the center.

One is to recruit the state pastors into Beijing, and the names of the remaining state pastors are named on it, and the problem is directly thrown out in a domineering and fierce attitude;

the other is to summon meritorious ministers to Beijing to receive the title and hold a celebration ceremony for the meritorious heroes;

As for the last letter, it was the public opinion of the government and the opposition, which had already been uproared by the first two edicts, boiled instantly.

The court decided that three days later, above the court, the public trial of the traitors Dongfang Ming, Lu Rusong, and Xiao Fengshan killed the monarch and rebels.

——

The forbidden army does not have a prison, but these days, the leader of the forbidden army, Shang Zhicheng, is the most trusted group of forbidden troops, guarding a side hall in the palace layer by layer.

Shang Zhicheng's confidant Dong Shenghu personally sat in charge, day and night.

Because, in this inconspicuous side hall, the prince of the first emperor dynasty, the king and the thief, the son of heaven, Dongfang Ming, are imprisoned.

Wang De led two small yellow doors over with a food box and handed it to Dong Shenghu.

Dong Shenghu took out one of the meals, took out a part of each from the plate, put it into an empty bowl, and let one of the little yellow doors eat it.

Then he waited for half an hour, and saw that Xiao Huangmen was fine, so he personally walked into the hall with the food box, glanced at Dongfang Ming, who was leaning against the wall like a walking corpse, put the food box in front of him, and wanted to turn around and walk out.

"The sixth child became the emperor, can't you even give up a bite of hot rice?"

Dong Shenghu turned his head to look at him, "Do you want to die or do you want to eat hot rice?" ”

"I am the Son of Heaven, I can have anything I want!"

Dongfang Ming's voice suddenly raised his voice, "If you want to kill, you will kill, kill me, you are also the one who kills the king!" Do you have the guts? ”

He looked at Dong Shenghu, and his smile gradually went crazy, "You're also scared, right?" I didn't dare to kill them, and I didn't dare to let them go, so I could only lock me up here, and I didn't even dare to let me die, because if I died, you would be in trouble! Hahahaha! ”

"You should be proud now, right? My great head is here, do you dare to move? If you don't dare to move, get out of here and call a table for me to have a banquet, and I will not be affected by this humiliating day! ”

"His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is so smart, I don't know how much understanding he has about the current situation?"

Just when the prince was smiling proudly, Xia Jingyun stepped in, and his fluttering words instantly made the prince's smile stagnate. (End of chapter)