Chapter 313: Debate
Dark gold visor... bronze visor... Is there some connection between the two?
Zhao Duan couldn't help but fall into deep thought. Although it was difficult to imagine that a little-known gold medal guard would be connected with Taizu Dayu's "circle of friends".
But... such things as cultivation and inheritance are real.
"If the armored sorceress is indeed a real master of a certain inheritance in history, then it would be logical for the descendants of the same inheritance to retain similar characteristics and traditions."
Zhao Duan rubbed his chin, a little ready to make a move.
Just like in a game, when you are stuck at a level and can't pass it, you will habitually look for a guide.
Although there was a lack of vigilance, the fact that he was defeated as soon as he came out showed that the gap between him and the sorceress was a bit big.
And being abused unilaterally is not good for cultivation. At this time, if we can find the sorceress's inheritance based on this clue, find out it, and then fight, we will be much more confident...
"Well, there's no rush. I'll go to the Yamen tomorrow and ask Xiao Ma. He has experience."
Zhao Duan made up his mind, but couldn't help but feel a little resentful: "Old Xu's design is completely unreasonable. There is no reason to encounter such a powerful opponent just after entering the divine chapter. It is simply hellish difficulty."
Shaking his head, Zhao Duan felt exhausted and fell asleep.
…
There was nothing to say all night, but it was bright the next day.
At dawn, the ministers who had come to attend court had gathered in the Meridian Gate Square outside the Hall of Supreme Harmony.
In the past, ministers would arrive early and then take a nap, or gather in groups to talk.
But the atmosphere today was obviously a little strange. Many eyes were on Chen Hong, the censor of the Metropolitan Procuratorate, accompanied by whispers.
It seems that after yesterday's afternoon and evening fermentation, the news about Taicang Mansion has spread.
"When His Majesty inquires, just respond truthfully. If something happens, don't talk nonsense." Yuan Li stood beside Chen Hong with his sleeves rolled up, and whispered in a low voice without looking away.
Chen Yushi nodded hurriedly, expressing his understanding. Being appointed as Zhao Duan's deputy, he naturally knew the importance of today's morning meeting.
Yuan Li nodded and turned to look outside the Meridian Gate.
At this time, Ma Yan, the "King of Hell" with a large frame, cold and violent temper, also walked in.
The relationship between Zhao Yamen and other major Yamen was like fire and water. Ma Yan usually went to court alone and few people came close to him, and today was no exception.
At this moment, the two sides looked at each other, nodded to each other, and continued to wait.
After a while, Li Yanfu arrived late.
The old Prime Minister Yu had an expressionless face. Different from his usual sleepy appearance, his back seemed to be straightened a bit today.
Behind him were several members of the Li Party, all with serious expressions. After seeing the people from the Metropolitan Procuratorate, their eyes rubbed together in the air, as if sparks were flying out of them.
"When——"
The bell rang and hundreds of officials entered the court.
When the ministers stood firm in the Golden Palace, wearing a dragon robe and a bead curtain crown, the empress, who was becoming more and more majestic, stepped onto the dragon throne.
The eunuch next to him went through the process and asked if someone could start the performance.
The imperial censor Chen Hong walked out sideways, stepped forward, held the memorial in his hand, and said loudly: "Your Majesty, the case of embezzlement of ink in the Taicang Silver Mine has been investigated. The prisoner was appointed as the chief envoy Gao Lianyu Escorted to Beijing yesterday..."
As a deputy envoy, he represents Zhao Duan in court today.
Although the news had already spread, the ministers were still shocked when they heard Chen Hong's complete version of the story, and there was some commotion in the palace.
Xu Zhenguan, who was sitting upright as the Dragonborn, looked indifferent:
"The envoy who was appointed as the chief minister dared to commit numerous crimes and regarded the majesty of the imperial court as if it were nothing. What do you think?"
The first sentence sets the tone, the second sentence asks.
If it were an ordinary case, and the empress said these words, the ministers should follow the tone she set and offer severe punishment, and the empress would nod.
However, as soon as she finished speaking, Li Yanfu stepped forward, cleared his throat and said:
"I believe that this matter is very serious and that the chief minister involved is innocent. We should carefully check it, or transfer Taicang officials to Beijing again, and then make a decision after confirming that it is correct."
Did you take action personally?
The officials present were surprised. Generally speaking, when it comes to disputes, it is arranged to send the internal spokesperson to speak first. The spokesperson can ask questions, which is justified and has room for maneuver.
But this time, Li Yanfu was the first to express his stance, which already showed a certain attitude.
"Haha, the Prime Minister is mature and prudent, so the idea of a retrial is not wrong, but the word 'innocent' is a bit inappropriate," Yuan Li walked out with a smile, faced his old opponent, and talked:
"This time Zhao sent you to Taicang to solve this major case. The witnesses and evidence are all available, so there is no suspense. Gao Lian is already a criminal, and he cannot bear the word.
As for the verification, our Metropolitan Procuratorate carefully examined the evidence yesterday, and it is indeed as stated in the memorial. It is the same. In this case, there is no need to delay it any longer. He should be punished as soon as possible. The majesty of the national law has been declared to the world. "You want to check and re-examine?"
No problem, I've already checked it for you.
Li Yanfu raised his eyes to look at Yuan Qingyi and said: "We should avoid suspicion when investigating the case. This trip to Taicang was attended by Chen Yushi, and the Metropolitan Procuratorate came to verify it, so how can it count? What's more, in this so-called evidence, , is there a high-ranking confession? If not, there is doubt. How can a dignified minister be convicted without allowing him to defend himself? "
You said you checked it, and that’s it? Do you understand how to avoid suspicion?
Yuan Li sneered and said:
“The Prime Minister’s words are wrong. During the trip to Taicang, Chen Hong was just his deputy, so what can we do to avoid suspicion? Yes, I heard that the Prime Minister and Zhao Du were not on good terms. There are many personal vendettas. Could it be that the Prime Minister questioned this case because it was Zhao Duan who solved it?
After all, it was impossible. It was because Gao Lian was from the Jiangnan gentry and was from the same hometown, so he was protecting him, right? "
This is too harsh.
Before Li Yanfu could say anything, a member of the Li party behind him jumped out and began to scold Yuan Lixin for speaking nonsense and falsely accusing the courtiers.
On the side of the Metropolitan Procuratorate, some censors also jumped out and fought back fiercely, criticizing Li Yanfu for seeking personal revenge and preventing Zhao Duan from performing meritorious services.
For a time, the Jinluan Palace was noisy.
The two camps are clearly divided.
Party Li's strategy is to "delay". If he wants to prolong the case trial process, it is best to go to Taicang a few more times to collect evidence, first to gain enough time for activities, and then to think of ways to recruit people.
The Metropolitan Procuratorate advocated execution as soon as possible, highlighting the importance of soldiers and speed.
In the end, the empress reconciled the opinions of both sides and ordered lightly: "This case will be handed over to the three departments for trial, and the matter will be investigated within ten days at the latest."
…
…
Zhaoyamen, Governor's Hall.
"So the result of the early dispute was that the person was first escorted to the prison of the Ministry of Justice? Then the three divisions will interrogate him?" Zhao Duan asked in surprise, holding a piece of pastry in his hand.
In the "conference room" where Jiutang used to hold meetings.
After going down to the court, the governor Ma Yan Duan returned to the Yamen and sat on the throne.
In the hall, in addition to Zhao Duan, there were also Zhang Han and Haitang who came to inquire.
Zhao Duan rushed to the Yamen early this morning to briefly deal with the backlog of trivial matters in Lihuatang during this period.
When he learned that Ma Yan had returned from Sanchao, he ran over to inquire about the news.
"Well, if you want to convict the chief envoy, even if you get the evidence back, according to national law, a retrial in Beijing is necessary. Otherwise, it will be too easy for any imperial envoy to create an unjust, false or wrong case."
Ma Yan explained: "Therefore, Mr. Yuan's purpose is not to prevent a retrial, nor to avoid a joint trial by the three agencies, but to avoid delays in the process. Otherwise, it is not unprecedented for a case to be tried for half a year or a year."
Brother Xun said something similar, to the effect that Chinese people like to be harmonious. If you want to open a window, you have to break down the house... Zhao Duan nodded to express his understanding.
Next to him, Haitang couldn't help but said:
"So, what will Li Yanfu do? Will he still find ways to delay, or what? Pei Kaizhi of the Ministry of Punishment was removed, and Zhou Cheng of Dali Temple was also removed...They It’s no longer possible to lead a joint trial.”
Ma Yan nodded, shook his head, and said:
"It is indeed difficult for Li Yanfu to take the lead. It is almost impossible, but this does not mean that they cannot do things. Never underestimate the heritage of the 'Li Party' .
When His Majesty removed Pei and Zhou, Li Yanfu did not have the strength to save them. This was not only a retreat on his own initiative, but also a retreat for advancement, sacrificing the big ones, but also protecting the foundation...
Don’t think that the so-called Li Party relies on those pillar-like ministers. The reason why the Li Party makes His Majesty fearful is not that there are a few high-ranking officials, but that the middle and lower levels are intertwined with many officials from the Jiangnan gentry!
For example, in the Ministry of Punishment, Pei Kaizhi fell, but there are still a large number of officials from the Li Party. They may seem inconspicuous, but it is this group of people who really do the work. "
Therefore, the subtext is that Party Li seems to have lost several important members, and its vitality is seriously damaged. It is true that its vitality is seriously damaged... but the background is still there...
The reason why Li Yanfu acquiesced in abandoning his son showed that the fall of Pei Kaizhi and Zhou Cheng was not fatal.
Zhao Duan felt a shiver in his heart and took note of this.
Several consecutive victories made him disenchanted with Li Yanfu, and even looked down upon him... This was probably an illusion.
Never underestimate the enemy at any time!
"Okay, you go back first. If anything happens, I will look for you again." Ma Yan said.
"Yes." Zhang Han and Haitang stood up to say goodbye.
However, Zhao Duan stayed, smiled and rubbed his hands: "That...senior brother..."
Ma Yan glanced at him and said calmly: "If you fart, let it go."
Tsk, he is really a lonely minister with a bad character. Even though I have been favored more and more, he still treats me unpretentiously... He has character... Zhao Duan smiled and said:
"I want to ask you about my spiritual practice. , well, I finally entered the "Six Chapters Sutra" recently, and then I met the ancient sorceress in red clothes who smashed people's skulls with a scale beam... You are also practicing the path of the Martial God, so you must have encountered it before. So I just want to ask, how to deal with it?”
Ma Yan listened quite seriously at first and was about to give some practice advice, but after hearing this, he couldn't help but be stunned for a moment:
"The sorceress in red? What sorceress?"
(End of chapter)