“Unjust!!”

"Unjust??"

When the officials in the court heard that Zhang Xingcheng had actually been convicted of an unjust crime, they were extremely surprised.

Unjust sin, one of the ten evil sins.

The Ten Unforgivable Crimes, these ten crimes are unforgivable. The Minister of Justice Zhang Xingcheng has quite profound meaning in this judgment.

When he heard the word "injustice", even Li Shimin was stunned. Wasn't this crime too serious?

He will also be exiled two thousand miles away.

Crown Prince Li Chengqian was also frowning on the side. This crime was indeed too serious.

"Minister Zhang, do you have any basis for your judgment?"

Li Chengqian asked.

"Your Highness, the Zhenguan Code has Article 312, and the punishment for insulting an official is reduced to three levels of beating, which is 90 strokes of the cane.

He beat an imperial official, causing him injury, and was exiled 2,000 miles away.

He beat an official of the imperial court and caused his death, and was sentenced to death by hanging.

Disrespect and disloyalty to officials or elders, such as beating or killing officials, or not mourning after the husband's death and remarrying, are considered unrighteous.

Moreover, the law also states that beating an imperial official can be considered as treason and high treason, punishable by hanging or beheading.

Zhang Xingcheng explained calmly that the Tang law was strict and any sight of blood was considered a wound. Anyone who beat their grandparents, grandparents-in-law, or parents would be executed immediately.

Officials appointed by the imperial court are regarded as parents, so they are like parents.

After hearing Zhang Xingcheng's explanation, Li Chengqian had nothing to say. Since the judgment was based on Tang law, then what Tang law said was the truth.

Li Shimin also frowned at this time. He just said to act according to the law. He didn't expect that beating someone would be such a serious crime.

His words were golden and could not be changed. He looked at Li Shen, wanting to know what other tricks Li Shen had.

Li Shen smiled and waited until everyone had finished talking before he calmly took out a book from his arms.

"Everyone, this is a book of Zhenguan Law. Although I haven't read many books, I always remember that our Tang Dynasty governs the country according to law.

As a member of the royal family, I must set an example, so I always carry it with me, for fear of breaking the law and bringing disgrace to the royal reputation.

Fortunately, I have acted prudently and uprightly over the years, and have handled everything impartially and in compliance with laws and regulations.

This is all thanks to your Majesty's constant encouragement and guidance."

"Your Highness, Prince Ji, since you are familiar with the law, you should also know that my judgment should be fair and that what I say is recorded in the law."

Zhang Xingcheng bowed to Li Shen and said.

"Minister Zhang, since you say the verdict is fair, I would like to debate with you. I wonder if Your Majesty would allow it."

Li Shen suddenly became serious.

"Lord Zhang, it seems that Prince Ji is dissatisfied with your judgment, so you can debate with Prince Ji so that he will be convinced.

If he loses, he will act according to the law.”

When Li Shimin saw Li Shen take out the Zhenguan Law, he knew that this rebellious son must have a backup plan.

He was also very curious about how the Minister of Justice could evade the law when judging a case.

Li Shimin suddenly had an idea: Could it be that there was a loophole in the Zhenguan Law?

"I obey your order, Your Highness Prince Ji. Since you have objections to my judgment, you may as well speak out."

Zhang Xingcheng bowed. He felt that he had a sure win. Since he took the position of Minister of Justice, he could be said to have read the Zhenguan Law every day.

It is not an exaggeration to describe it as being able to recite it by heart.

He wanted to see what other tricks Prince Ji had besides cheating.

A prince who stopped going to the Imperial Academy to study at the age of nine is just a little clever.

"Okay, then I will first tell you about the unjust crime among the ten crimes you have sentenced me to.

What you said just now is indeed roughly correct, but you missed two words. "

Li Shen smiled slightly and turned to a page that had already been folded.

"Did you miss two words? I hope Your Highness Prince Ji can enlighten me."

Zhang Xingcheng recalled it and found that it seemed not to be the case.

"Minister Zhang, what you just said was unjust.

Disrespect and disloyalty to officials or elders, such as beating or killing officials, or not mourning after the husband's death and remarrying, are considered unrighteous.

Is what the King said correct?"

"That's true." Zhang Xingcheng nodded, and everyone heard it.

"That's good, let me read to you what the Zhenguan Law is written about.

Disrespect and disloyalty to superiors or elders, such as beating or killing officials, or not mourning after the husband's death and remarrying, are considered unrighteous.

Li Shen took the Zhenguan Code and read it.

"Isn't this... the same?" Zhang Xingcheng didn't react.

He felt that what King Ji read was no different from what he said.

"Superior!" Ma Zhou said at this time.

"Yes, it seems like he is really a superior."

“That’s how I feel.”

After Ma Zhou's reminder, other officials realized that this was set up to safeguard the interests of imperial power and senior aristocratic officials.

"Did you hear me? You missed two words, 'Superior'. I am the Prince Ji, personally appointed by His Majesty. I am a prince of the first rank.

The two of them are assistant ministers, only of the fourth rank, and the difference between us is one, two, three, four..."

Li Shen started to count the grades with his fingers. After a long time, he still couldn't figure it out. He could only look up and continue:

"There is a difference of several grades, probably seven or eight grades, so beating the superior officer is not established.

As for parents and elders, Minister Zhang, do you think he is established?"

"Of course not."

Zhang Xingcheng was so frightened by Li Shen's question that sweat broke out on his forehead, and His Majesty was still sitting here.

He didn't dare to hesitate even for a moment.

If you hesitate for a moment, you may lose your life. Isn't Prince Ji's father His Majesty?

Not only Zhang Xingcheng was sweating, but Wang Ruide and Wang Ruipeng were also frightened when they heard what King Ji said.

This Prince Ji is indeed the same Prince Ji from the past. He dares to say anything and threatens people's lives at any time. No wonder Wang Gui, the Minister of Rites, was scared half to death by Prince Ji.

Li Chengqian tried to hold back his laughter when he heard Li Shen's words. His younger brother was indeed eloquent and could leave everyone speechless with just one sentence.

Who would dare to answer such a question? Didn’t he see that the old man next to him had a dark face?

"Look, Minister Zhang also agrees with what I said. That is to say, the injustice that Minister Zhang just mentioned is wrong, or it can be said that it was a wrong judgment and a false accusation."

"Your Majesty, please forgive me. I was not thoughtful enough." Zhang Xingcheng quickly apologized.

“Your Majesty, Minister Zhang also forgot for a moment, but it is probably true that His Royal Highness Prince Ji beat up an official appointed by the imperial court.

Injustice is one of the ten evils and is punishable by death, but there are records of beating imperial officials, and the injured were exiled.

Zuo Shuzi Gao Luxing stepped forward and spoke.

"Then don't forget that I am not an ordinary person. Not to mention my title of prince, I am also the Junior Minister of the Zongzheng Temple, a fourth-rank official.

This king is also an official. Ordinary people are exiled if they are injured, but being an official is different, not to mention that this king is a prince.

Although I recognized the wrong person and it was wrong to beat the two ministers, you can't treat me, a prince, as a commoner.

What? Is the prince of the Tang Dynasty so worthless? "


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