In the men's prison.

Having just been tortured, Lian Guoyong lay on the wet ground like a dead dog, motionless.

He stared at the dilapidated roof with empty eyes.

Because they had offended a powerful tyrant, at this time, no one, no family, extended a helping hand to the second branch of the Lian family. No one had the courage to do such a stupid thing and risk offending the royal family.

Even though Lian Guoyong was usually very good at networking, with the titles of Lord Protector and Duke of the State, and had made friends with many dignitaries and forces from all sides, they usually praised him, fawned on him, and licked his stinky feet.

The moment he was imprisoned, everything was like a wisp of smoke, disappearing into thin air.

In the first half of his life, although his biological parents died early, he was adopted by an old marquis and enjoyed wealth and glory.

The old marquis was kind and had always loved him, taking care of him like his own son. The eldest brother had also been very kind to him since he was young, and they had a very close relationship.

But since when did he start to plot against and be wary of his eldest brother?

Since he was eighteen years old! When his elder brother inherited the title of Duke of the Guardian, he began to feel unbalanced and was no longer content to be the second son of the Lian Mansion.

From then on, the seeds of jealousy were planted, took root, sprouted, and grew rapidly. Within a few years, they grew into towering trees.

From then on, he couldn't stop. He began to constantly calculate and care about gains and losses. As he calculated day by day, his ambition continued to grow.

When his brother died in battle, he should have been extremely heartbroken, but deep down he was secretly delighted.

Finally, step by step, he and his family have come to where they are today, in prison, suffering and unable to save themselves.

In the early morning, there were the sounds of panicked footsteps, loud cries of people, and low curses from the jailers.

Then he saw a jailer pulling a woman slowly past his cell door.

He saw the man with a sticking tongue and purple lips. His body was dirty and his exposed skin was blue and purple.

"Child! Yufang! My child!..." he murmured.

His old eyes were wide open with horror.

In just a few days, two of the three concubines' daughters were tortured to death. Now the legitimate daughter is gone, and the son is about to die.

Today, his family is broken up and his loved ones are dead. He regrets it, but it's too late.

He had a good life, but he tasted the consequences of constant struggle and calculation. It was bitter, painful, and heartbreaking.

He trembled and cried, "Father! I was wrong; Mother! I was wrong; elder brother and sister-in-law! I was wrong; children! I was wrong! I was wrong! Hahahaha... I was wrong... It's all my fault! God, please punish me!"

"Father! Brother! I'm going to apologize to you right now!" After saying that, he slammed his head against the wall of the cell.

Blood and brain matter splattered, and he died with his eyes open.

***

In the court room,

The majestic emperor sat on the dragon throne, looking coldly at Minister Shen below, and remained silent for a long time.

Minister Shen knelt on the ground, trembling with fear.

He knew that what he had done had been reported to the Emperor, and now the Emperor was displeased.

"My dear Minister Shen! What's wrong with you?" The emperor's voice sounded faintly in the hall.

Minister Shen is a staunch royalist.

In recent years, relying on the achievements and influence of his brothers, as well as his eloquence and his ability to flatter others, he has done quite well.

Over the years, he has been deeply trusted and favored by the emperor.

Now, it has been revealed that he has monopolized his brothers' achievements and rewards and abused his brothers' orphans.

He didn't dare to defend himself and could only admit his mistake, hoping that the emperor would let him go because of their old friendship.

"Your Majesty! It's all my fault! I trusted the woman in the inner house, thinking she could take good care of my brothers' orphans. I didn't expect that she said one thing on the surface and another behind the scenes. I was negligent! I was wrong! ......"

"Is it really so? Is it just that the woman was careless?"

"Yes! How dare I deceive Your Majesty! Please forgive me!"

Censor Liu stood out from among the ministers, "Your Majesty! I have something to report!"

"speak!"

"Yesterday, I happened to go to Jingzhao Prefecture and saw the confrontation between Minister Shen, Mr. Shen, and Princess Anping. Mr. Shen was examined by a nanny in Jingzhao Prefecture. After the examination, the nanny cried and said that his body was covered with scars, new and old, countless, and it was really pitiful!"

Another imperial censor came out, "I also learned that Minister Shen's family not only beat Mr. Shen, but also didn't give him food. He was starving to death. In addition, Minister Shen's daughter robbed her of her marriage. His daughter Shen Ling and her fiancé Qin An often go out together, but Minister Shen turns a blind eye."

"Also, the loyal and brave orphan of the third branch of the Shen family was driven to the farm by Minister Shen..."

After several people reported the incident, Minister Shen felt increasingly heavy-hearted.

It really feels like everyone is pushing down the wall when it falls. He is usually a smooth person and never offends people easily. But today so many people came out one after another to step on him. Why is this?

He was very confused!

Although I realized my mistake yesterday, I didn’t take it too seriously.

He thought that Shen Jun was just a little girl, and that if he coaxed her, deceived her, gave her some sweet treats, and asked her to withdraw the complaint in a couple of days, nothing would happen, and it would not affect his official career.

However, the situation is getting worse.

Censor Liu took out a petition from Shen Susu and a thick stack of confessions from the servants of the other manor from his sleeve, and held them up with both hands. "This old minister has another petition here, written by Shen Susu, the loyal and brave orphan of the third branch of the Shen family. It tells that in order to embezzle the property of the general's mansion, Minister Shen drove him to the manor when he was still young, and ordered people to torture and abuse him for a long time."

After a pause, he continued, "Your Majesty, the contents are too bloody and tragic. Please, Your Majesty, seek justice and restore peace to the world!"

The chief eunuch, Eunuch Wang, presented the petition and confession on the imperial desk and stood solemnly to one side.

The emperor flipped through the petition and testimony carefully, and his face became increasingly gloomy, like a violent storm about to hit him.

In the hall, one could hear a pin drop, and the ministers dared not even breathe.

Finally, the emperor raised his piercing eyes and looked at Minister Shen sternly. He ordered in a deep voice: "Take it to Minister Shen and the ministers for review!"

Minister Shen took the complaint and testimony in horror, and when he saw the lines of neat, bloody handwriting, he was almost pale with fright.

He simply ordered people to send Shen Susu far away to the farm and ignored her.

But his wife and children could be so cruel that they even set up a torture chamber for their own enjoyment.

What's more, his daughter often goes to watch and insult him.

Beasts! These ignorant people! Are they trying to kill the whole family? Even if he was highly favored and respected by the emperor, he would never be forgiven for doing such a bastard thing that was worse than pigs and dogs.

His reputation as an official was ruined, his career was over, and his entire family was ruined.

After reading it, Minister Shen was so frightened that he burst into tears.

It was not regret, nor was it crying for Shen Susu, but crying for his career and his future.

He burst into tears and sobbed, "I am guilty! I failed to supervise! I am guilty! Please forgive me, Your Majesty!..."

After many ministers circulated it, they were filled with indignation and contempt.

A group of military generals stepped forward and said in a resounding voice, "Your Majesty is wise! Please give justice to the orphans of the deceased heroes! To comfort their souls in heaven!..."

They all knelt on the ground, their clothes wet with tears. These strong men were not afraid of bloodshed and sacrifice, but after reading these tearful words, they couldn't stop crying.

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