The snow on the distant hillside has long melted. This past winter was the coldest in the past ten years. However, no matter how cold the winter is, it will eventually pass. A few spring breezes blow, the spring rain patters, and the grass buds bloom. Tupi, looking green from a distance.
The climate continues to warm up, and the ice in the upper reaches of the Yellow River has completely melted. The galloping river water is like thousands of horses galloping down the river. When it passes through the mouth of the Hukou, it rolls and roars, shaking the earth. Then it turns eastward at Tongguan without losing momentum, and flows through Sanmenxia was even more broken through mountains and rocks, and gods and ghosts made changes. Since then, the river has become wider and the flow rate has slowed down, but it is still mixed with yellow sand and is running endlessly and mightily.
At this time of year, the water level of the Yellow River surges, and the dams along the river are subjected to a cruel baptism. Flood control is intensively implemented in various places. A slight negligence may cause the river banks to collapse and the Yellow River to burst. This mother river that gave birth to Chinese civilization is not a good one. A person with a bad temper will rush thousands of miles once the embankment breaks. Countless fertile farmland and houses will be submerged, and people and livestock will float with the waves. The flood will make the ocean a hell on earth.
Outside Luoyang City, Wei Wang Li Tai looked at the Luoshui River in front of him, and turned to ask Jia Dunyi, the governor of Luozhou, with a solemn expression: "The water level of the Yellow River has risen sharply during the spring floods, and the water level of Luoshui River has also risen a lot. Can the embankments along the way be repaired?" Send someone to inspect and see if the damaged areas have been repaired. Can there be specialized personnel to monitor the river embankments along the way and formulate emergency response measures?”
The water level of the Yellow River rose sharply, and the river water poured back into the Luo River estuary, causing the water level of the entire Luo River to rise. The river was rolling and flowing, and the original stone bridge had been annihilated. A pontoon bridge built overnight was floating on the water.
Luoyang is the most important city in the world, with fertile land and wealth. Once the river breaks its banks, the consequences will be disastrous.
Jia Dunyi said hurriedly: "Your Highness, don't worry. Luoyang's hydrology is serious and meticulous. There has been no large-scale dyke breach in the more than ten years since Pei Fuyin took office. He has his own set of strategies to deal with emergencies to ensure that nothing goes wrong."
Li Tai looked at Pei Huaijie and nodded: "Pei Fuyin is indeed an official, and the people of Luoyang have benefited a lot."
Regardless of his position, he also admitted that Pei Huaijie was a "capable official" and had remarkable political achievements and high prestige during his tenure as "Henan Yin".
But who says the two sides have different positions?
If Li Tai were the current His Majesty, he would naturally want to keep such a capable minister and official, but he is just a prince, and he does not need and cannot have such a love for talents...
Pei Huaijie turned a deaf ear to Li Tai's praise and was unwilling to pay attention to His Highness the King of Wei. The two sides had different positions. It was natural to fight for power and gain. There was no complaint about whoever won and who lost. However, the dignified prince used such despicable means to frame him. It made him angry.
Wicked!
Li Tai ignored Pei Huaijie's indifference and said with a smile: "A fault is a fault and a merit is a merit. Although Pei Fuyin made a big mistake, it cannot erase his past achievements. There is no need to feel guilty and belittle oneself."
Pei Huaijie gritted his teeth with hatred: "How can your Highness be so ridiculous? I have been an upright person all my life, but now I have to bear such a despicable charge and be reviled by the world. Don't you feel the slightest bit of guilt?"
Li Tai said quietly: "Since Pei Fuyin knows that doing this is disgusting, why can't he restrain himself? You are reviled by the world, but I have to bear the ridicule of the world... Such words are reserved for the 'Three Laws Division' Please tell me, the palm seal officials..."
As he spoke, he pursed his lips forward: "...it's coming soon."
On the other side of the Luoshui River, a group of cavalry came galloping towards them, and it didn't take long before they crossed the pontoon bridge and arrived in front of them.
The cavalry stopped, and the knights dismounted one after another. The four leaders strode to Li Tai, bowed their hands to the ground, and said respectfully: "I have met your highness."
It was Xu Jingzong, Liu Xiangdao, Dai Zhou, and Zhang Liang, one was the Minister of Rites, and the other three were the bosses of the "Three Laws Division".
That's all. Xu Jingzong has long been known as a "sycophant" in both the government and the public, but the arrival of the "Three Law Division" bosses suddenly made the atmosphere tense.
Li Tai waved his hand and said: "Hurry up and forgive me!"
He stepped forward to help each one up, patted Xu Jingzong's arm, and sighed: "Thank you for your hard work on this long journey through mountains and rivers!"
Liu, Dai, and Zhang all forced out smiles and thanked His Highness repeatedly for his thoughtfulness, but they didn't agree in their hearts. If you hadn't caused trouble here, we would have had to ride horses for several days at a loss of our age. The bones almost fell apart?
Then, Pei Huaijie, Jia Dunyi and other Luoyang officials came forward to pay tribute.
This time, the four of them straightened their backs, with the majesty of central ministers. Their faces were unsmiling, and they only nodded slightly in response.
After all, I am not visiting relatives when I come to Luoyang this time, so I must maintain pressure...
Even though Pei Huaijie has deep qualifications, outstanding prestige and is clean, he can't help but feel nervous when facing these old faces.
Because he knows that his future has nothing to do with "insulting the prince's concubine". The real "crime" is blocking His Majesty's way, which is a game between imperial power and the clan. His future depends on His Majesty's attitude towards the clan clan in Luoyang. The boss of the "Three Law Division" just gave him, the honorable minister of Zhenguan, some dignity...
After the farewell ceremony was completed, Li Tai asked: "Will you go to the city to stay first, or will the case be heard immediately?"
The four of them were speechless. In the end, they continued to stroke their beards and said with a wry smile: "To be honest, I am getting older and my health is not as good as it used to be. I almost fell apart while traveling so fast. It is better to rest for a day before starting the trial." Well, otherwise I really can’t support it.”
Jia Dunyi said: "The official has ordered people to pack up the post. You can stay after entering the city."
Li Tai waved his hand: "There are many people in the Guanyi. I'm afraid you won't be able to get a good rest. I have already arranged a residence in the official residence. You can just follow me to the official residence in Shangshanfang to have a rest tomorrow." We can also discuss the details of the case nearby.”
Liu, Dai and Zhang looked at Li Tai and then at Pei Huaijie, wondering why His Highness was so eager to capture Pei Huaijie?
But before they left, they were all entrusted by His Majesty to save some face for Pei Huaijie...
Xu Jingzong cupped his hands and said: "So, thank you Your Highness."
……
The group of people returned to the city in a mighty manner, and when they arrived at Shangshanfang, Xu Jingzong and others were surprised by the guards standing in helmets and armor at the gate of the square. Although the King of Wei's safety must not be slacked off, he could be so openly protected by the army. Is the current situation in Luoyang already so tense?
They couldn't help but look at Pei Huaijie on the side with an inquiring look in their eyes.
Pei Huaijie was suffocating. These guards were transferred by Fang Jun. What did they have to do with him? Looking at the meaning of these central ministers, do you think that he wants to harm the King of Wei, so the King of Wei is so defensive?
"Insulting the prince's concubine" was enough to ruin his reputation. Was he going to be charged with "murdering the prince"?
However, this was not the time for a dispute. When Liu, Dai, and Zhang were interrogating the case, he would naturally make his case and defend himself.
The visitor from Chang'an had already entered the square gate. Pei Huaijie followed with a group of Luoyang officials. When he reached the square gate, he was stopped.
"His Royal Highness the King of Wei entertained Chang'an officials, but did not allow you to enter, please stop!"
Pei Huaijie: "..."
I am Henan Yin, but now I can’t even enter Shangshanfang? !
That's too much!
No matter how well-mannered Pei Huaijie was, he couldn't stand the humiliation. His face turned red, his head was filled with anger and his eyes were wide-eyed. After a moment of luck, he finally turned his horse's head and walked away.
All Luoyang officials were at a loss and looked at each other.
What's going on at the court?
A person was sent to rectify the salt affairs, but now the salt works have gone on strike and stopped production, and public opinion is fierce;
He sent a man to build the Eastern Capital, but now he is at loggerheads with Henan Yin, fighting to the death...
By the way, there is also Xu Jingzong who came to measure the land... I wonder if this "sycophant" will continue the tough stance of King Wei and Fang Jun and cause another turmoil?
*****
Shangshanfang.
In the official residence, Li Tai held a banquet in honor of four important ministers. Since they had traveled a long distance and were exhausted, it was just a simple banquet. Everyone drank three to five glasses of wine and finished the meal. Remove and replace with tea.
Li Tai drank tea and said with great momentum: "These few are giants in the imperial judicial department. Now that we are here together, I am deeply gratified. Don't worry, this case requires witnesses and physical evidence. The evidence is conclusive." , there is no room for denial! As long as they follow the procedures, Pei Huaijie will never escape.”
"This..."
Liu, Dai, and Zhang looked at each other, and finally Dai Zhou came forward, smiled awkwardly, and whispered: "Your Highness Mingjian, we are coming to Luoyang this time. Before leaving, your Majesty has something to explain."< br>
Li Tai raised his eyebrows: "What explanation?"
Dai Zhou said: "Your Majesty has said that Pei Huaijie is a minister of Emperor Taizong's latent residence, and he has made great contributions to Zhenguan. Even if he did something wrong while drunk, it is not easy to convict him for it. After all, he has to worry about the decency of the court as well as the Emperor Taizong’s face..."
This is actually easy to understand. For the most powerful person in charge of the empire's judiciary, they know that the purpose of the judiciary is definitely not to punish evil and promote good, or to support justice, but to be a tool of rule.
It is easy to convict Pei Huaijie, and it is even easier to promote judicial fairness, but what happens next?
The dignified "Henan Yin" actually "humiliated the prince's concubine". Where is the dignity of the court?
A meritorious minister who was trusted and valued by Emperor Taizong at that time actually committed such a despicable crime. Where is Emperor Taizong's face?
Compared with the dignity of the court and the face of Emperor Taizong, the so-called "insulting the prince and his concubine" is nothing at all...
Li Tai looked ugly and said in a displeased tone: "In that case, why do you need to come with such a big fanfare?"
Zhang Liang hurriedly poured tea for Li Tai and said: "Your Majesty can't bear the humiliation of His Highness. Although it is not suitable to convict Pei Huaijie, it must not be condoned. As long as Pei Huaijie understands the current affairs and takes the initiative to resign and become an official, then this matter will be settled. , His Highness can be freed from humiliation and can preserve the dignity of the court, which is the best thing.” (End of Chapter)